Safari Highlights

ABOUT THIS TRIP

The wildlife-rich north of South Africa is ideal for authentic safaris deep in the African bush. Discover the Big Five and all other wildlife in two private game reserves near the famous Kruger National Park and the beautiful Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, as well as in the magical iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Near St. Lucia, you can even optionally go on a whale-watching boat tour (depending on the season). You’ll also experience breathtaking landscapes along the Panorama Route and endless beaches on the Indian Ocean, which is warm year-round.

You don't want to drive yourself, but a small group tour doesn't have the right start date for you and a privately guided tour is too expensive? Then our English-speaking chauffeur-driven tours are just the right alternative. Your private chauffeur will take you from place to place, where you will then take part in guided day activities and excursions. However, you do not have the all-round support of a continuous tour guide. All chauffeur-driven tours can start daily and can be adapted to your wishes in advance. The more people take part in your own chauffeur-driven tour, the lower the price per person.

OVERNIGHT STATIONS

• 1x Graskop
• 2x Hoedspruit
• 1x Badplaas
• 2x Hluhluwe
• 2x iSimangaliso Wetland Park
• 2x St. Lucia
• 1x Umhlanga

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• 11x overnight stay in the Superior category ****
• 11 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
• private transfers according to program
• Highlights of the Panorama Route
• four game drives in a private game reserve in Kruger Park
• four game drives in a private game reserve at Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park
• four guided activities in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park
• Access to the airport lounge on the day of departure
• Comprehensive travel documents according to the booked tour itinerary
• Local offices with 24-hour hotline (German/English)
• Travel insurance certificate

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Meals not mentioned
• not mentioned or optional activities
• Flight performance
• Entrance fees and conservation fees not mentioned
• other personal expenses, tips
• personal travel insurance
• Continuous tour guide

DAY 1: JOHANNESBURG

ONE-WAY TRANSFER TO GRASKOP

In the case of a transfer from your accommodation, you will be picked up at the entrance of your guesthouse, lodge or hotel at the agreed time. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation or at the airport.

For transfers from the airport, you will be met personally in the arrivals hall. Please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it. If an explicit pick-up point or meeting point is mentioned in your tour book, please go there. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation.

This private transfer is operated by a qualified English-speaking driver. The vehicle is air-conditioned and corresponds to your private group size, there are no other passengers. The transfer company has all the necessary licenses and insurance for its vehicles and drivers to guarantee legal passenger transportation (no Uber or similar). For long-distance transfers, toilet and catering stops are made as required (catering not included in the price).

For an additional fee, you can also fly from Johannesburg.

DAY 1 TO DAY 2:

GRASKOP

Graskop is centrally located on the famous Panorama Route. The highlight of the town is Graskop Gorge, a deep gorge with a waterfall and adrenaline activities for adventure seekers. Gods Window, the former gold mining town of Pilgrims Rest and the waterfalls Berlin Falls and Lisbon Falls are also within easy reach. You can experience the famous Blyde River Canyon, the Three Rondawels and the Bourkes Luck Potholes either on a round trip or on the way to or from the private game reserves in Kruger Park.

This modern boutique hotel is located not far from the small village of Graskop and therefore very central to the highlights of the Panorama Route. The location directly on the cliffs overlooking the Lowveld provides a breathtaking view. The 34 rooms and suites all have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a TV, a safe, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker and free WLAN. The Superior Rooms are approximately 20 square meters in size. The Luxury Classic Suites, which are furnished to a high standard, are approximately 30 square meters in size. The luxuriously furnished Earth Grotto Suites, measuring around 30 square meters, are located directly on the cliffs and also have a veranda with a view. The hotel offers a restaurant, a bar, a café, two pools, a lounge with a library and a souvenir store.

ANGELS VIEW HOTEL (SUPERIOR ROOM)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 2: HAZYVIEW

HAZYVIEW TO HOEDSPRUIT VIA PANORAMA ROUTE

On the drive from Hazyview to Hoedspruit, you will discover the highlights of the Panorama Route. Of course, God's Window and the world-famous Blyde River Canyon are on the program, including breathtaking views of the Three Rondawels and the Lowveld. In the cozy little town of Graskop, you have the option of visiting the Graskop Gorge (time permitting). The region is known for its countless waterfalls, some of which you will also visit.

You will be picked up in the morning at your Hazyview accommodation (please note the exact pickup time in your tour book). You will arrive at your lodge near Hoedspruit around 2:00 p.m. All admission fees and meals are not included in the price and must be paid by you on site as needed. The tour is conducted in English and may be shared with other participants. The tour takes place in a closed vehicle.

DAY 2 TO DAY 4:

HOEDSPRUIT

Your destination is the almost 50,000-hectare private Balule Game Reserve in Kruger Park. In contrast to the state-run national parks, only overnight guests have access to the private reserves. The small lodges have a very personal atmosphere. Specially trained rangers ensure a first-class nature experience. A private reserve is preferable for a short stay, as it is much easier to observe animals under expert guidance. Balule has had no fences to the national Kruger Park for many years, so the animals, including the Big Five, can move around freely.

The intimate Greenfire Game Lodge with only nine modern chalet suites is beautifully nestled in the unique bush landscape overlooking the Mohlabetsi Riverbed. The detached suites have a bathroom/WC, a safe, air-conditioning and a private veranda with seating and a view of the riverbed. The lodge offers a viewing deck with pool, a bar, a restaurant, a boma (traditional campfire dining area) and free Wi-Fi.

For each overnight stay you take part in two guided game drives in an open off-road vehicle (English-speaking, participation with other people), which take place in the afternoon before dinner and in the morning before breakfast.

GREENFIRE GAME LODGE (CHALET SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 4: HOEDSPRUIT

ONEWAY TRANSFER TO BADPLAAS

In the case of a transfer from your accommodation, you will be picked up at the entrance of your guesthouse, lodge or hotel at the agreed time. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation or at the airport.

For transfers from the airport, you will be met personally in the arrivals hall. Please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it. If an explicit pick-up point or meeting point is mentioned in your tour book, please go there. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation.

This private transfer is operated by a qualified English-speaking driver. The vehicle is air-conditioned and corresponds to your private group size, there are no other passengers. The transfer company has all the necessary licenses and insurance for its vehicles and drivers to guarantee legal passenger transportation (no Uber or similar). For long-distance transfers, toilet and catering stops are made as required (catering not included in the price).

DAY 4 TO DAY 5:

BADPLAAS

The landscape of this region of the Mpumalanga province impresses with mountain ranges, wide river valleys and impressive grasslands. The Highveld and Lowveld meet between Badplaas and Barberton. The climatically temperate Highveld is the high plateau plain that extends as far as Johannesburg. The subtropical Lowveld stretches from northern Zululand-Natal via the Kruger Park to Mozambique. The region is home to Bushman rock paintings and a number of geological features, such as the oldest and largest meteorite impact in the world.

The luxurious Dawsons Game Lodge is situated on the Komati River between Barberton and Badplaas in a private nature reserve in beautiful surroundings. The area offers pure relaxation and recreation. You can fish for trout in the river, go archery or discover the reserve's animals such as giraffes, zebras and antelopes on foot. Bush drives in open off-road vehicles are also offered as an option. The eight spacious rooms offer a bathroom/WC, a fireplace, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker and a private veranda. The lodge has a pool, a restaurant, a bar, a TV lounge and a large garden area.

DAWSON'S GAME LODGE (LUXURY ROOM)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD

DAY 5: BADPLAAS

ONEWAY TRANSFER TO HLUHLUWE

In the case of a transfer from your accommodation, you will be picked up at the entrance of your guesthouse, lodge or hotel at the agreed time. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation or at the airport.

For transfers from the airport, you will be met personally in the arrivals hall. Please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it. If an explicit pick-up point or meeting point is mentioned in your tour book, please go there. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation.

This private transfer is operated by a qualified English-speaking driver. The vehicle is air-conditioned and corresponds to your private group size, there are no other passengers. The transfer company has all the necessary licenses and insurance for its vehicles and drivers to guarantee legal passenger transportation (no Uber or similar). For long-distance transfers, toilet and catering stops are made as required (catering not included in the price).

DAY 5 TO DAY 7:

HLUHLUWE

Your destination is the approximately 30,000ha Munywana Safari Conservancy near Hluhluwe in northern KwaZulu-Natal. The game reserve, which borders the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, was created from the three private reserves of Phinda, Zuka and Bumbeni. It is home to the Big Five and many other African wild animals. In contrast to the state-run Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, only overnight guests have access to the private reserve. This is therefore much better suited to a short stay for unique game viewing. The small lodges also offer a very personal atmosphere. Specially trained rangers ensure a first-class nature experience.

The upscale Makhasa Private Game Lodge consists of only six freestanding suites and thus offers an intimate and unique bush experience. All suites have a shower/WC with separate bathtub, air conditioning, minibar, tea/coffee maker, safe, private veranda with seating and free Wi-Fi. The lodge offers a bar, a restaurant, a pool with sun loungers, a viewing deck overlooking a waterhole and a boma (traditional campfire dining area).

You will take part in two guided game drives per night in an open off-road vehicle (English-speaking, participation with other people), which take place in the afternoon before dinner and in the morning before breakfast. Conservation fees for the reserve are not included in the price and will be paid by you on site.

MAKHASA PRIVATE GAME LODGE (LUXURY SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 7: HLUHLUWE

One-way transfer to Isimangaloso

In the case of a transfer from your accommodation, you will be picked up at the entrance of your guesthouse, lodge or hotel at the agreed time. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation or at the airport.

For transfers from the airport, you will be met personally in the arrivals hall. Please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it. If an explicit pick-up point or meeting point is mentioned in your tour book, please go there. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation.

This private transfer is operated by a qualified English-speaking driver. The vehicle is air-conditioned and corresponds to your private group size, there are no other passengers. The transfer company has all the necessary licenses and insurance for its vehicles and drivers to guarantee legal passenger transportation (no Uber or similar). For long-distance transfers, toilet and catering stops are made as required (catering not included in the price).

DAY 7 TO DAY 9:

ISIMANGALISO WETLAND PARK

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a unique nature park consisting of wetlands and coastal areas, the likes of which cannot be found anywhere else in Africa. The park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. Covering an area of over 13,000 square kilometers, including 850 square kilometers of marine protected areas and a coastline of 220 kilometers, it offers breathtaking insights into various ecosystems and animal worlds. From the clear waters of the Indian Ocean and the largely untouched sandy beaches, there is a transition to forested dune areas and a mosaic of wetlands, grasslands, forests, lakes and savannah. Of the 6,500 animal and plant species most recently recorded, some are found only here or only in South Africa.

This unique lodge is located away from the usual tourist crowds on the KwaNibela Peninsula on Lake St. Lucia and is accessible only by boat transfer from the mainland—ideal for anyone seeking peace and seclusion in nature. The detached chalets face Lake St. Lucia and feature a bathroom/toilet, air conditioning, a minibar, tea/coffee making facilities, a safe, a lounge area, a veranda, and free Wi-Fi. The Deluxe Chalets offer more privacy and also include an outdoor shower and outdoor bathtub. The lodge features a restaurant, a bar, a viewing deck with a fire pit, two pools, and a spa area (for a fee).

Per night, you can participate in two guided activities offered by the lodge (game drives in open off-road vehicles, boat trips on Lake St. Lucia, bush walks), which are conducted in English and with other guests. Boat transfers depart at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. from False Bay Park, where self-drive guests can park their rental cars securely. Boat transfers are included in the price; entrance fees and any parking fees for False Bay Park are to be paid on site.

MALKOHA LAKE, ST. LUCIA (DOUBLE CHALET)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 9: ISIMANGALISO WETLAND PARK

ONEWAY TRANSFER TO ST. LUCIA

In the case of a transfer from your accommodation, you will be picked up at the entrance of your guesthouse, lodge or hotel at the agreed time. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation or at the airport.

For transfers from the airport, you will be met personally in the arrivals hall. Please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it. If an explicit pick-up point or meeting point is mentioned in your tour book, please go there. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation.

This private transfer is operated by a qualified English-speaking driver. The vehicle is air-conditioned and corresponds to your private group size, there are no other passengers. The transfer company has all the necessary licenses and insurance for its vehicles and drivers to guarantee legal passenger transportation (no Uber or similar). For long-distance transfers, toilet and catering stops are made as required (catering not included in the price).

DAY 9 TO DAY 11:

ST. LUCIA

Your destination is the small town of St. Lucia in northern KwaZulu-Natal. This is the ideal starting point for excursions in the surrounding area. Take a boat trip to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover hippos, crocodiles and unique birdlife. The Eastern Shore Section with Cape Vidal is a unique nature retreat with a real bush & beach feeling between the ocean and the evergreen hinterland, which is even home to three of the Big Five. The beautiful beach of St. Lucia with subtropical water temperatures invites you to swim all year round. An excursion to the famous Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, the oldest and perhaps most beautiful game reserve in South Africa with its Big Five, is also an absolute highlight.

Your destination is the beautiful and centrally located Lidiko Lodge in St. Lucia. Restaurants and shops are within walking distance. The beach is just a few minutes away by car or about a 30-minute walk. The 16 rooms feature a bathroom with toilet, air conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities, a minibar, a safe, a veranda, and free Wi-Fi. The Standard Rooms can accommodate an extra bed for children under 12 years of age. The Family Units consist of two Standard Rooms connected by a door. The Manor House Family Units feature two bedrooms, a bathroom/toilet, and a lounge area. The lodge is set in a large subtropical garden with a pool. There is a guest lounge with a bar and a large outdoor terrace.

LIDIKO LODGE (STANDARD ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 10: ST. LUCIA

WHALE WATCHING BOAT TRIP

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 155 € PER PERSON

From June to November, you have the best chance of spotting right whales and humpback whales in St. Lucia. You can get within 50 meters of these gigantic marine mammals by boat. An experience that no one should miss. If you are lucky, you may also spot dolphins, penguins and seals during the trip.

The boat trip on the sea takes about two hours, an additional hour is required for arrival and departure. If it is not possible to start in St. Lucia, the whale watching tour can start in Richards Bay, including the journey and boat trip, the tour takes around 5 hours (English-speaking, with additional people). Please note that this boat trip departs from the beach, which can be quite bumpy in rough seas.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 10: ST. LUCIA

ISIMANGALISO NIGHT DRIVE

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 65 € PER PERSON

Discover the nocturnal animals of St. Lucia and Cape Vidal on a guided night drive in an open off-road vehicle. With a bit of luck, you may even spot a representative of the Big Five, but the focus of a night drive is more on searching for smaller animals such as chameleons or bushbabies. A highlight is of course the grazing hippos, which can usually only be found in the protective waters during the day.

The game drive takes about two and a half hours (English-speaking, conducted with additional persons). You will be picked up and dropped off at your accommodation. Conservation fees are included in the price. Please remember to bring a jacket or sweater, as the game drives can get quite chilly at night - even in the South African summer.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 11: ST. LUCIA

ONE-WAY TRANSFER TO THE DURBAN AREA

In the case of a transfer from your accommodation, you will be picked up at the entrance of your guesthouse, lodge or hotel at the agreed time. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation or at the airport.

For transfers from the airport, you will be met personally in the arrivals hall. Please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it. If an explicit pick-up point or meeting point is mentioned in your tour book, please go there. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation.

This private transfer is operated by a qualified English-speaking driver. The vehicle is air-conditioned and corresponds to your private group size, there are no other passengers. The transfer company has all the necessary licenses and insurance for its vehicles and drivers to guarantee legal passenger transportation (no Uber or similar). For long-distance transfers, toilet and catering stops are made as required (catering not included in the price).

DAY 11 TO DAY 12:

UMHLANGA

Continue to the metropolitan area of the lively metropolis of Durban. Visit the colorful markets or simply relax on one of the many excellent city beaches on the warm Indian Ocean, which invites you to swim here all year round. It is also worth visiting uShaka Marine World, a large aquarium and amusement park with stores and restaurants. The Moses Mabhida Stadium, inaugurated in 2010 for the World Cup, has become a tourist attraction.

At Ocean Vista Boutique Guesthouse in the quiet suburb of Umhlanga, north of Durban, you can expect a stunning view of the Indian Ocean and a modern ambience. The spacious veranda is the perfect place to enjoy the wonderful sea breeze. You will stay in one of seven light-flooded suites, all of which are equipped with bath/WC, air conditioning, some with terrace/balcony and some with sea view, safe, WLAN, satellite TV, minibar and tea/coffee station. The difference in the individual room categories relates only to the size of the room. The guest house offers a veranda with sea view, a lounge, a small pool, an honesty bar and a garden. The beach and La Lucia Shopping Mall with its many stores and restaurants are within walking distance.

OCEAN VISTA BOUTIQUE GUEST HOUSE (LUXURY ROOM)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 12: UMHLANGA

ONE-WAY TRANSFER TO THE DURBAN AREA

In the case of a transfer from your accommodation, you will be picked up at the entrance of your guesthouse, lodge or hotel at the agreed time. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation or at the airport.

For transfers from the airport, you will be met personally in the arrivals hall. Please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it. If an explicit pick-up point or meeting point is mentioned in your tour book, please go there. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation.

This private transfer is operated by a qualified English-speaking driver. The vehicle is air-conditioned and corresponds to your private group size, there are no other passengers. The transfer company has all the necessary licenses and insurance for its vehicles and drivers to guarantee legal passenger transportation (no Uber or similar). For long-distance transfers, toilet and catering stops are made as required (catering not included in the price).

DAY 12: DURBAN

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT LOUNGE

As an SA Travel customer, you are something very special and enjoy the comfort that otherwise only Business or First Class travelers can enjoy. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle at the airport on the day of departure and keep your vacation relaxation going for as long as possible.

You will have access to the airport lounge at your international departure airport in Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban. The lounge offers free drinks, snacks, newspapers, TV, WiFi and washing and shower facilities (facilities may vary depending on the lounge). You can use the lounge at the earliest four hours before your departure. Please note that lounge capacity is limited, especially at smaller airports, and access cannot always be guaranteed or there may be waiting times at the entrance.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TRIP

All prices quoted are subject to availability before booking and are based on the number of participants stated. Errors excepted. Alternative availability, seasonal overlaps or exchange rate fluctuations may lead to price changes. Please request your personal tour offer with your desired travel dates. This tour offer does not include flights.

The child rate applies to one child under the age of 12 staying in their parents' room. One child under the age of two stays free of charge. For children aged 12 and over, the adult rate generally applies. Not all accommodation allows children of all ages.

We recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance and travel health insurance to cover the costs of assistance, including repatriation in the event of accident, illness or death. We can provide a corresponding offer on request.

A passport is required to enter the country. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a visa in advance. Minors under the age of 18 may need to carry additional documents. We will inform you of the exact requirements before you book. Travelers who have stayed in an area at risk of yellow fever must provide proof of a yellow fever vaccination.

The regions around the Kruger Park, the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and eastern Eswatini are malaria endangered areas.

This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Please ask for suitable offers.

The organizer of this trip is South Africa Travel GmbH & Co. KG, Buddestraße 9, 33602 Bielefeld, Germany, Tel +49 521 33676880.

APPROXIMATE ADDITIONAL COSTS THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

Long-haul flights to Southern Africa in Economy Class cost from EUR 900, while prices can be well over EUR 1000 in the high season. Flights in Premium Economy Class are available from 1500 EUR, in Business Class flights cost from 2500 EUR (per person for outward and return flights). All prices are average values depending on the airline and season. The actual prices at a given time depend on the number of bookings and may vary. Early booking is recommended, especially in the high season.

A light lunch costs about 5 EUR (small salad, soup) to 8 EUR (pizza, pasta, burger) per person; dinner costs about 10 EUR (pizza, pasta, burger, large salad) to over 12 EUR (steak, fish) up to 22 EUR (three-course meal) per person. Coffee, tea, beer, or soft drinks cost about 1.70 EUR per cup or glass. Prices may vary up or down depending on the region or type of restaurant.

Entrance fees to national parks cost between EUR 5 and EUR 25 per person per day, depending on the size and popularity of the park. Entrance fees to museums or other attractions cost between EUR 3 and EUR 20 per person. Children under the age of 12 usually pay half price.