Ultimate South Africa

Day 1 - From City to the Mountains 

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This morning marks the beginning of a thrilling adventure. Your guide will pick you up at the hotel, and soon we’ll leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind. The highway will take us toward the vast expanse of the Drakensberg mountains, a serene escape from the urban rhythm.

Our first stop is Golden Gate Highlands National Park, named for the stunning golden glow that bathes the towering sandstone rock formations during sunrise and sunset. These rugged landscapes are a sight to behold, offering a tranquil yet awe-inspiring introduction to the wild beauty of South Africa.

In the afternoon, we’ll head out on a game drive, hoping to spot some unique mammals we won’t encounter again on our journey—species like Red Hartebeest, Black Wildebeest, Springbok, and Blesbok.

The night will be spent in one of eight charming wooden bungalows perched against a mountain slope, 2,300 meters above sea level. As the sun sets, we’ll gather on the veranda, enjoy a sizzling braai, and witness a breathtaking sunset that paints the mountains in warm hues. It’s the perfect way to end the day, surrounded by nature’s grandeur.

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Day 2 - Early Birds and Spectacular Views

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An early start today as one of the many alarms of the trip rouses us from rest. With a steaming cup of coffee in hand, we step outside to greet the day. The towering rock formations of Golden Gate are bathed in the soft light of the sunrise, creating a moment of serenity that feels like the calm before the adventure continues.

After taking in the morning’s peace and colors, we’ll embark on another game drive through the park, hoping to spot any species we missed and relishing the chance to drink in the magnificent vistas one last time.

After breakfast, we’ll hit the road again, heading toward Underberg, our home for the next two nights. Nestled at the foot of the towering Drakensberg Mountains, this charming village is the perfect launchpad for tomorrow’s journey over the iconic Sani Pass.

 

Day 3 – Over the Sani Pass to the Roof of Southern Africa

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This morning, we’re met by a local guide who leads us on a truly unforgettable adventure. Our journey takes us up the legendary Sani Pass, a rugged 9-kilometer gravel road accessible only to 4x4 vehicles. Starting at 1,544 meters above sea level, the pass climbs steeply and dramatically to 2,876 meters, reaching the border of Lesotho—so don’t forget your passport!

As we ascend, we’re treated to breathtaking views of the Drakensberg Mountains, and we keep watch for antelope and a variety of birdlife that thrive in this remote, high-altitude landscape. At the summit, we officially enter Lesotho, a fascinating kingdom perched entirely above 1,500 meters and encircled by South Africa.

Here, we pause for a hearty lunch, freshly prepared by our guide, surrounded by the stark beauty of the highlands. Before descending, we toast to our adventure with a drink at Africa’s highest pub—a truly unique moment at both literal and metaphorical heights.

 

Day 4 - On to St. Lucia: Among Hippos, Dunes, and Crocodiles

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After breakfast, we set off on a scenic drive to St. Lucia, a charming coastal town nestled on South Africa’s east coast. While it’s known for boasting the third-highest vegetated dunes in the world, its real claim to fame comes out after dark—hippos freely roam the streets in search of fresh grass. An incredible sight, but one that requires caution!

St. Lucia is entirely surrounded by the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity and range of activities that vary with the seasons. From November to February, join a night beach safari to witness sea turtles laying their eggs—or cheer on the tiny hatchlings as they make their way to the sea. From June to November, it's whale season: humpback whales glide past the coastline on their migratory route, and playful dolphins often accompany boat excursions just offshore.

 

Day 5 - The First Full Day of Safari: In Search of the Big 5

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Today, we dive into our first full safari experience in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, South Africa’s oldest game reserve and part of the greater iSimangaliso ecosystem. Spanning 96,000 hectares of rolling hills and bushveld, the park is famous for its white rhino conservation efforts and thriving populations of wildlife.

We’ll be on the lookout for the legendary Big 5—elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard, and rhino. Originally a hunter’s term for the most dangerous animals to track on foot, these five now represent the ultimate sightings for safari-goers. Cameras at the ready—we’re on a photo hunt for these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

 

Day 6 - Wildlife & Water: Safari and Boat Cruise in St. Lucia

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Today offers a mix of land and water adventures, starting with an early-morning safari through the Eastern Shores section of iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Unlike Hluhluwe-Imfolozi’s savannahs, this area is a mosaic of coastal grasslands, dune forests, lakes, and beaches.

We head out early in hopes of spotting elusive creatures like leopards or servals before they retreat from the heat of the day. Near Cape Vidal, keep your eyes peeled for Samango Monkeys—mischievous locals with a fondness for unattended trash bins.

In the afternoon, we embark on a boat cruise across the St. Lucia estuary. It’s home to large pods of hippos, basking crocodiles, and—if you’re lucky—bull sharks, which use the lagoon as a nursery. It’s a rare ecosystem where freshwater and marine life coexist, making for a thrilling and unforgettable close to the day.

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Day 7 - From Coast to Savannah: On to Manyoni Private Game Reserve

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This morning, we bid farewell to the coast and journey inland to the Manyoni Private Game Reserve, the largest private reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, covering 23,000 hectares of pristine wilderness. The landscape is a striking mosaic of montane acacia savanna and riverine forest, offering both stunning views and a haven for wildlife.

Manyoni offers another exciting opportunity to spot the Big 5, but it’s also a stronghold for rarer species such as the African wild dog and the cheetah. The reserve is deeply committed to conservation efforts, actively supporting projects aimed at protecting fragile ecosystems and endangered species.

For the next three nights, we’ll call a luxurious private lodge home—exclusively reserved for our group. Each day, we’ll embark on two private game drives, guided by an experienced ranger who knows this landscape intimately.

This afternoon, we head out on our first safari in Manyoni, lasting about three hours. As the sun dips below the horizon, we return to camp for a well-earned drink around the fire—a perfect setting to reflect on the past week’s unforgettable moments and wildlife encounters.

 

Days 8 & 9 - Safari at Its Finest: Two Full Days in Manyoni

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The next two days are dedicated entirely to the ultimate safari experience. We rise with the sun and begin the day in true South African style—with a steaming cup of coffee and a traditional rusk, the crunchy biscuit that’s a breakfast ritual on game drives.

We then set out in our open game viewer vehicle, scanning the bush for early morning activity. The cool air brings the reserve to life—grazing antelope, elephants on the move, and, if we’re lucky, a predator on the hunt.

After the drive, a hearty breakfast awaits us back at the lodge, followed by a peaceful afternoon at your leisure. Whether it’s a refreshing swim, lounging with a book, or sorting through your growing photo collection, the time is yours to unwind.

As late afternoon arrives, we head out once more into the reserve. Bathed in the golden light of sunset, the landscape takes on a new magic. The bush comes alive again, and we get another chance to witness Africa’s wildlife as day gives way to night.

 

Day 10 - Stopover in the Kingdom of Eswatini

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This morning, we embark on one last safari in Manyoni — a final opportunity to witness the incredible wildlife of this private reserve before we bid it farewell. After our return to the lodge, it's time to pack our bags while breakfast is being prepared, reflecting on the memories and moments we've captured along the way.

With our hearts full of experiences and memory cards full of photos, we leave South Africa — for the second time this trip — and head toward the Kingdom of Eswatini. Our destination is the Hlane Royal National Park, renowned for its Lions, Rhinos, and rich birdlife.

If time allows, we’ll take the opportunity to explore the park briefly in the afternoon. If not, it will be the perfect moment to relax, unwind, and recharge for the next leg of our adventure: the iconic Kruger National Park.

 

Day 11 - Kruger National Park: The Final Chapter of an Unforgettable Journey

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Today marks the beginning of the final chapter of this unforgettable adventure: the world-renowned Kruger National Park. We'll start our journey early, making our way back into South Africa. Along the way, there will be a chance for some last-minute shopping before entering Kruger through either the Malelane or Crocodile Bridge Gate.

As we cross the Crocodile River, which forms the park’s natural southern boundary, we’ll be greeted by the sight of sunbathing crocodiles and kingfishers darting above the water — our first taste of the magic that Kruger holds.

For the next four nights, we’ll stay in two different rest camps within the park. During the day, we’ll explore Kruger’s vast savannas, keeping our eyes peeled for the extraordinary wildlife that makes this park famous.

For those craving more adventure, an optional night drive awaits. During this thrilling evening safari, we’ll search for nocturnal creatures rarely seen during the day — from Porcupines and Civets to owls and, with a bit of luck, even hunting Lions under the cover of night.

 

Day 12 – 14 - On the Hunt for the Last Species and Enjoying Nature

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Over the next few days, our focus will be on tracking down the species still missing from our checklist. However, we’ll also continue to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of the park, appreciating everything Kruger has to offer. Each morning, we’ll set off early to capture the magic of the morning light — the perfect time for game viewing as nature stirs to life.

For the first two days, we’ll explore the southern reaches of the park, continuing our search for new sightings and capturing the iconic landscapes Kruger is known for. On day 13, we’ll head toward the central part of the park, offering a fresh perspective and a different safari experience.

The warm afternoon hours will be reserved for a much-needed break — a chance to recharge, review your photos, or simply relax. Around 3:00 PM, we’ll head back out to catch the final hours of daylight, filling the evening with more safari adventures. As the soft evening light bathes the landscape, we’ll find ourselves once again mesmerized by the park’s natural beauty.

 

Day 15 - Farewell to the Wildlife: The Last Day of Safari

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Sadly, today marks the final day of this unforgettable safari adventure. We’ll start the day early, embarking on one last drive through Kruger—a final opportunity to say goodbye to the African wildlife and, with a bit of luck, perhaps even make one last exciting sighting.

After returning to camp and enjoying breakfast, it will be time to pack our bags for the last time. We’ll then begin our leisurely drive towards the gate, where we’ll say our farewells to Kruger National Park before heading back to Johannesburg.

The schedule for this final day remains flexible, depending on flight times. If time allows, we’ll take a short stop or have lunch along the way before continuing our journey to the airport for the return flight home.

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​Included: accommodation on a half-board basis, entrance fees, transport, any local guides, and water.

Excluded: airline tickets, drinks, lunch, tip, personal expenses
 

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