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
• 2x Tzaneen
• 2x Hoedspruit
• 2x Blyde River Canyon
• 1x Johannesburg

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• 13x overnight stay in the Comfort ***/**** category
• 13x breakfast, 8x lunch, 8x dinner
• Rental car class M (Toyota Urban Cruiser SUV Automatic or similar)
• four game drives in the private Big Five Entabeni 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 Balule Game Reserve
• 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. 240 KM):

WATERBERG

On arrival at Johannesburg Airport or at the agreed station, you will receive your rental car. In the malaria-free Waterberg region lies the 22000ha Entabeni Safari Conservancy, which is home to the Big Five as well as many other wild animals. The region impresses with its unique landscapes and varied nature. Mountains, gorges, steppes and lakes offer a reflection of many original African areas in a small space. The Waterberg region is still considered an insider tip in South Africa. The special thing about Entabeni is the division into a high plateau (Upper Escarpment) and a low plateau (Lower Escarpment), which cannot be found in any other game reserve in South Africa.

The Honeyguide Ranger Camp is a comfortable, rustic tented camp located in the Lower Escarpment of the reserve. The 15 freestanding tent suites feature a bathroom/toilet, a fan, a mosquito net, a safe, and a private veranda with seating. The Standard Tents are approximately 23 square meters in size. The Family Tents are approximately 43 square meters in size and feature two separate bedrooms that share a bathroom/toilet. The lodge offers a restaurant, a lounge, a pool, a gift shop, a boma (traditional dining area around a campfire), and free Wi-Fi in the main building.

Each night, you will take part in two guided game drives in an open-top 4x4 vehicle; these are conducted in English and shared with other guests. These activities take place in the afternoon before dinner and in the morning before breakfast. Conservation fees are not included in the price and must be paid on site.

HONEYGUIDE RANGER CAMP (STANDARD TENT)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 1 TO DAY 3 (APPROX. 240 KM):

WATERBERG

OPTIONALLY UPGRADEABLE FROM 240 € PER PERSON

In the malaria-free Waterberg region lies the 22000ha Entabeni Safari Conservancy, which is home to the Big Five as well as many other wild animals. The region impresses with its unique landscapes and varied nature. Mountains, gorges, steppes and lakes offer a reflection of many original African areas in a small space. The Waterberg region is still considered an insider tip in South Africa. The special thing about Entabeni is the division into a high plateau (Upper Escarpment) and a low plateau (Lower Escarpment), which cannot be found in any other game reserve in South Africa.

The modern Honeyguide Conservation Lodge is situated in the Lower Escarpment of the Entabeni Reserve with magnificent views of the bushveld, a lake and the mountains in the background. The ten detached chalets have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a minibar, a safe and a veranda from which you can enjoy an impressive view of the landscape. The lodge's amenities include a restaurant, a bar and an infinity pool, which invites you to cool off on hot days. WLAN is available in the main building.

You take part in two guided game drives in an open off-road vehicle per overnight stay, which are conducted in English with other participants. These activities take place in the afternoon before dinner and in the morning before breakfast. For an additional charge and subject to availability, you can book guided bush walks on site. Conservation fees are not included in the price and are paid on site.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

HONEYGUIDE CONSERVATION LODGE (CHALET)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 3 TO DAY 5 (APPROX. 240 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 (STANDARD ROOM)

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 (STANDARD ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND 2 ACTIVITIES

DAY 7 TO DAY 9 (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 (LUXURY ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 9 TO DAY 11 (APPROX. 130 KM):

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 authentic and unfenced Baluleni Safari Lodge is situated in the unique nature of the Balule Game Reserve overlooking the Olifants River. You can make your first game sightings directly from the viewing deck. All eight detached accommodation units have a bathroom/WC, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker, air conditioning (except Luxury Safari Tent), mosquito nets, a veranda and free WLAN. The spacious Luxury Bushveld Chalet also has a free-standing bathtub in the bathroom as well as a hot tub and an outdoor shower on the veranda. The Luxury Safari Tent has four single beds. The four Riverside Suites overlook the Olifants River. The two Garden Cottages overlook the surrounding nature. The lodge offers a pool, a bar, a restaurant, a boma (traditional campfire dining area) and a bush spa (for a fee).

You take part in two guided game drives per night in an open off-road vehicle (English-speaking, participation with other persons), which are conducted in the afternoon before dinner and in the morning before breakfast. The entrance fees to the Balule Game Reserve must be paid on site.

BALULENI SAFARI LODGE (RIVERSIDE SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 9 TO DAY 11 (APPROX. 130 KM):

HOEDSPRUIT

OPTIONALLY UPGRADEABLE FROM 235 € PER PERSON

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.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

GREENFIRE GAME LODGE (CHALET SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 11 TO DAY 13 (APPROX. 70 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 and 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.

The Blyde River Canyon Lodge is situated in the lower part of the Blyde River Canyon in an 85-hectare nature reserve. It is only 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 eight rooms have air conditioning, a bathroom/WC, a TV, a coffee and tea station, a minibar and a veranda. The Honeymoon Suite is slightly more spacious than the Luxury Rooms. The Luxury Cottage has two separate bedrooms, each with its own bathroom/WC. The lodge offers a pool, a large garden, a restaurant, a bar, a lounge and free Wi-Fi.

BLYDE RIVER CANYON LODGE (LUXURY ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 11 TO DAY 13 (APPROX. 70 KM):

BLYDE RIVER CANYON

OPTIONALLY UPGRADEABLE FROM 385 € PER PERSON

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.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

UMVANGATI HOUSE (KING ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD

DAY 13 TO DAY 14 (APPROX. 430 KM):

JOHANNESBURG

Johannesburg or "Joburg", as the City of Gold is usually simply called, is the largest metropolis in South Africa and the entire African continent. With a population of around 4 million, the city on the Witwatersrand is the pre-eminent economic center and the economic engine of the Republic of South Africa. The metropolis offers a wide range of cultural activities that combine African and European components.

This comfortable guesthouse is located in the Kempton Park neighborhood, just a five-minute drive from the international airport, in a safe residential area. The 27 rooms feature a bathroom with a toilet, a fan, a TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, a terrace or balcony with seating, and free Wi-Fi. The Family Rooms feature either two double beds or one double bed and two single beds. The Two-Bedroom Unit has two separate bedrooms. The guesthouse offers a restaurant, a bar, a garden with a pool, a fitness room, and a gift shop. A complimentary airport shuttle is available for guests without a car.

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

SUNROCK GUESTHOUSE (DOUBLE ROOM)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

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 locally: Petrol, toll, deposit, Prem. 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. You should budget about 168 EUR for fuel on this trip. Some roads have tolls. You should budget about 24 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.