Untouched Limpopo

ABOUT THIS TRIP

Limpopo is the northernmost province of South Africa and is characterized by untouched nature and authentic wildlife in various vegetation zones. The Waterberg is home to unique Big Five game reserves with an exciting mountain range in the background. The Soutpansberg Mountains are the northernmost mountain range in the country and are famous for their baobab trees. The steppe-like Mapungubwe region with the national park of the same name in the border triangle with Zimbabwe and Botswana offers a great diversity of species and cultures. In the subtropical Letaba district near Tzaneen, there is still a large population of the rare palm fern trees. Of course, the two highlights of the province, the Blyde River Canyon and the Kruger Park, should not be missed.

We are happy to change this tour itinerary or the rental car category according to your individual wishes. Please contact us for your personal offer. Note: A four-wheel drive vehicle is not absolutely necessary for this trip. However, a car with a higher wheelbase will serve you well on some overland routes.

OVERNIGHT STATIONS

• 2x Waterberg
• 2x Louis Trichardt
• 2x Musina
• 1x Tzaneen
• 2x Hoedspruit
• 2x Blyde River Canyon

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• 11x overnight stay in the Superior Plus category ****/*****
• 11 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 10 dinners
• Rental car class R (Toyota Corolla Cross SUV Automatic or similar)
• Four game drives in the private Big Five Welgevonden Game Reserve
• two guided activities in the Leshiba Wilderness Area
• Two guided activities in the Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape
• four game drives in the private Big Five Karongwe Game Reserve
• 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
• Additional costs for rental car (conditions see below)

DAY 1 TO DAY 3 (APPROX. 260 KM):

WATERBERG

Upon arrival at Johannesburg Airport or the agreed-upon pick-up point, you will receive your rental car. Located in the malaria-free Waterberg region, about a three-hour drive north of Johannesburg, is the 35,000-hectare Welgevonden Game Reserve, home to the Big Five as well as many other wild animals. The region captivates visitors with its unique landscapes and diverse natural scenery. Mountains, gorges, grasslands, and lakes offer a microcosm of many pristine African areas within a compact space. The Waterberg region is still considered an insider’s tip in South Africa.

The luxurious Clifftop Exclusive Safari Hideaway is situated in the Welgevonden Game Reserve in a breathtaking hillside location with unique views. The lodge offers an infinity pool overlooking the gorge, a large outdoor deck with a fire pit, a fireplace lounge, a restaurant and a spa area (for a fee). The eight luxurious and detached suites are furnished in a modern African style and have a shower/WC with separate bathtub, air conditioning, minibar, tea/coffee maker, safe, lounge area, private veranda with outdoor shower and plunge pool.

Per night, you will take part in two guided game drives in an open off-road vehicle, which take place in the afternoon before dinner and in the morning before breakfast (in English, may be conducted with other guests). The conservation fees for the reserve are payable on site.

CLIFFTOP EXCLUSIVE SAFARI HIDEAWAY (LUXURY SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 1 TO DAY 3 (APPROX. 260 KM):

WATERBERG

OPTIONAL UPGRADE STARTING AT €1,595 PER PERSON

The malaria-free Marakele National Park was established in 1994 and covers an area of 670 square kilometers. It is located around three hours' drive northwest of Johannesburg, in the heart of the Waterberg Mountains, a region that is still quite untouched and scenically beautiful. You can even find the now rare yellowwood trees, mighty cedars, fever trees and cycad palm fern trees up to 5 meters high. The park is home to the Big Five and almost all other African wildlife species. The endangered Cape vultures are spectacular. More than 800 breeding pairs live in the park, the largest population of this vulture species in South Africa.

The luxurious Marataba Mountain Lodge, one of only two lodges in the area, is located in a 23,000-hectare private concession within Marakele National Park. Exclusive wildlife viewing is therefore guaranteed. The lodge consists of just five modern, detached chalet suites, each with a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, safe, tea/coffee making facilities, minibar, fireplace, and terrace. The lodge offers free Wi-Fi, a restaurant, a bar, an outdoor deck with a pool and fire pit, a spa area (for a fee), and a treehouse for overnight stays under the open sky (weather permitting, subject to availability).

For each overnight stay, you will 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. Optionally, you can take part in bush walks and river safaris.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

MARATABA MOUNTAIN LODGE (LUXURY ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND DRINKS AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 3 TO DAY 5 (APPROX. 400 KM):

LOUIS TRICHARDT

Between the Waterberg Mountains near Polokwane and the border with Zimbabwe, the Soutpansberg form the northernmost mountain range in South Africa. The region is part of the UNESCO Vhembe Biosphere Reserve and offers pristine, untouched nature with a rich flora and fauna. Here you will discover rugged rocks and mighty baobab trees as well as giraffes, zebras and various species of antelope. Birdwatchers will also get their money's worth.

Venta Art Lodge is the flagship of the private Leshiba Wilderness Reserve in the middle of the Southpansberg Mountains, about 35km outside the town of Louis Trichardt. Hikes, visits to cave paintings, mountain biking and game drives are just some of the possibilities on offer here. The lodge consists of ten detached rustic chalets. The Standard Rooms open onto a shared courtyard with a pool, fire pit and seating area. The Luxury Suites are set slightly apart and have a lounge area and a private terrace with plunge pool and outdoor shower. The Lavish Suites also offer more privacy and have a lounge area with fireplace and a terrace with plunge pool and outdoor shower. The lodge offers a restaurant, a bar and free Wi-Fi.

The price includes one guided activity per night from the lodge's offer (English-speaking, carried out with other people. The lodge is only accessible with a four-wheel drive vehicle, so a return transfer to a nearby parking lot is included.

LESHIBA VENTA ART LODGE (LAVISH SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND 2 ACTIVITIES

DAY 5 TO DAY 7 (APPROX. 160 KM):

MUSINA

The Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site near South Africa's northern border with Zimbabwe and Botswana. It is an open, extensive savannah landscape at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers. Mapungubwe developed into the largest kingdom on the subcontinent before it was abandoned in the 14th century. The remains of the palace complexes and the entire settlement area dependent on them as well as two former capitals have been preserved, reflecting the development of social and political structures over a period of more than 400 years. Part of this cultural landscape is the Mapungubwe National Park, which is home to four of the Big Five as well as impressive birdlife.

Rustic luxury in the northernmost tip of South Africa is the best way to describe Mopane Bush Lodge. It is located about 60 km outside Musina, right next to the Mapungubwe National Park. The 15 detached chalets have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker and a private garden with an outdoor shower. The Signature Rooms also have a private plunge pool. The lodge offers a restaurant, a bar, a pool and free WLAN.

The price includes one activity per night from the accommodation's offer, e.g. game drives, bush walks, visits to museums or cave paintings. The activities are in English and are carried out with other people. Conservation fees for Mapungubwe National Park are payable on site if required.

MOPANE BUSH LODGE (SIGNATURE ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND 2 ACTIVITIES

DAY 7 TO DAY 8 (APPROX. 290 KM):

TZANEEN

Tzaneen lies 724 meters above sea level and is the largest town in the Letaba District. This attractive garden city, nestled amid subtropical vegetation, offers a full range of amenities and serves as an ideal base for exploring the region. A drive through the Magoebaskloof Mountains—with their dense green rainforests, crystal-clear mountain streams, and thundering waterfalls—is well worth the trip. The Debengeni Falls are particularly popular, offering wonderful opportunities for swimming, picnicking, and hiking. The Magoebaskloof Mountains are also home to the picturesque gold-mining town of Haenertsburg, founded as early as 1887 during the gold rush. The Modjadji Nature Reserve is home to over 15,000 specimens of the prehistoric Encephalartos transvenosus, forming a rainforest of cycads that spans over 500 hectares and is unique in the world. The Tzaneen Dam impounds the Groot Letaba River over an area of more than 1,000 hectares. A small nature reserve can be visited on the shores of the reservoir.

The upscale Kings Walden Garden Manor is a lavishly renovated country house located just outside Tzaneen in a subtropical setting. The six luxurious rooms all open onto the large garden and feature a bathroom with a shower and separate bathtub, air conditioning, a tea and coffee station, a lounge area, a fireplace, and a veranda. The property offers a beautiful garden with a swimming pool, a bar, a restaurant, and free Wi-Fi.

KINGS WALDEN GARDEN MANOR (EXECUTIVE ROOM)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 8 TO DAY 10 (APPROX. 60 KM):

HOEDSPRUIT

Your destination is the private Karongwe Game Reserve in Kruger National Park, which is home to the Big Five as well as all other African wildlife. In contrast to the state-run Kruger Park, only overnight guests have access to the private reserves. These are 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 exclusive Becks Safari Lodge is the flagship of the Karongwe Game Reserve and consists of only ten spacious and detached safari suites, which combine luxury with modern design and face the Makhutswi River or a waterhole. The suites have a shower/WC with separate bathtub, air conditioning, tea/coffee making facilities, a minibar, a mosquito net over the bed, a safe and a veranda with an outdoor shower and seating. The lodge offers an oversized infinity pool with viewing deck, a lounge, 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.

BECKS SAFARI LODGE (DELUXE SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 8 TO DAY 10 (APPROX. 60 KM):

HOEDSPRUIT

OPTIONALLY UPGRADEABLE FROM 840 € PER PERSON

Your destination is the almost 13,000-hectare Kapama Private Game Reserve in Kruger Park, which is home to the Big Five as well as many other African wild animals. In contrast to the state-run Kruger Park, only overnight guests have access to the private reserves. The small lodges have a very personal atmosphere. For a short stay, the private reserves are much better suited for impressive game viewing. Specially trained rangers ensure a first-class nature experience.

With just ten luxury tented suites, Buffalo Camp is the smallest camp in Kapama Private Game Reserve and offers an exclusive five-star experience with an Out Of Africa feel. The free-standing suites are set on raised wooden decks in the natural surroundings and have a shower/WC with free-standing bath, tea/coffee making facilities, a minibar, air conditioning, a veranda and a safe. The camp offers a pool, a boma (traditional campfire dining area), a bar, a restaurant and free Wi-Fi. The Kapama SPA & Wellness Center can be used for a fee. Nature lovers have the option of sleeping under the open sky. Local drinks and airport transfers from/to Hoedspruit Airport are included in the accommodation price.

For each overnight stay, you will 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. The game drives can also be swapped for guided bush walks.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

KAPAMA BUFFALO CAMP (LUXURY TENT)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND DRINKS AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 10 TO DAY 12 (APPROX. 40 KM):

BLYDE RIVER CANYON

The northern foothills of the Drakensberg offer a multitude of breathtaking views. On a round trip you will experience the highlights of the Panorama Route: God's Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon, the Three Rondavels, the famous Long Tom Pass, the Horseshoe and Lone Creek waterfalls, the former gold mining town of Pilgrims Rest and the Mac Mac Pools.

The Kruger Park is home to more than 150 different mammals including the so-called "Big Five", i.e. lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. Over 500 different bird species as well as many reptiles and amphibians make the Kruger Park the ultimate wildlife experience.

This luxurious guest lodge is situated in the lower part of the Blyde River Canyon in an 85-hectare nature reserve. It is just a few minutes' drive to the jetty for boat trips into the canyon. The viewpoint of the canyon is about an hour's drive away. The seven rooms have air conditioning, a bathroom/WC, a TV, a coffee and tea station, a minibar and a veranda. The king and queen rooms are about 35 square meters in size and look out onto nature. The In-House Rooms are about 40 square meters in size and overlook the mountains. The detached Mountain View Suites are approximately 75sqm in size and also overlook the mountains. The lodge offers a pool, a large garden, a bar, a restaurant and free Wi-Fi.

UMVANGATI HOUSE (MOUNTAIN VIEW SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD

DAY 12 (APPROX. 50 KM): HOEDSPRUIT

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.

Please return your rental car to Hoedspruit Airport or the agreed location at least two hours before departure.

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.

Left-hand traffic prevails on the roads of southern Africa.

EUROPCAR/TEMPEST RENTAL CAR TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The following services are included in the price: unlimited free mileage, accident/theft insurance without excess (incl. damage to tires, roof, glass, underbody, oil pan, clutch), liability insurance up to 10 million euros, towing costs in the event of an accident, an additional driver, contract fee, local taxes and fees.

The following services are not included in the price and must be paid for on site: gasoline, tolls, deposit, one-way fee for South Africa 1947 ZAR, Premium Package: ZAR.

The following services are not included in the price and must be paid for locally if required: additional equipment e.g. navigation device, additional driver, young driver surcharge, traffic fines.

You will need a valid credit card issued to the main driver, an international driver's license and a passport to rent the vehicle. Each driver must be at least 21 years old and have held a driver's license for one year. The deposit is paid by credit card and will not be charged if the vehicle is returned with a full tank of fuel.

The local car rental company reserves the right to provide models of equal or higher value. The rental car mentioned is only an example of the confirmed vehicle class. The costs to be paid locally in ZAR are determined by the local car rental company and are subject to change without notice.

This is an excerpt from the car rental conditions of the local car rental company, which you will receive when booking, or in advance if you wish. You will conclude a contract in English for the use of the rental car on site.

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.

One liter of fuel (gasoline or diesel) costs about 1 EUR. Budget about 151 EUR for fuel on this trip. Some roads have tolls. Budget about 11 EUR for tolls on this trip.

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.