South Africa Safaris & Tours / Exclusive Encounters

Duration:	7 days / 6 nights
Min/Max:	One / Four Guests
Departure:	Daily
Vehicle:	Deluxe Sedan or Executive Minivan
Visa:	Multiple entry visas for South Africa where applicable. For Swaziland entry, passport and visa conditions apply.
Languages:	English - German. Various language guides available on request.
Rates from:	On Request

ITINERARY:

Day 1

Depart Johannesburg via the historic towns of Pretoria and Belfast to Dullstroom, arriving at a delightful country retreat. Choose from a variety of activities including nature walks, trout fishing, bird watching, horse riding, hiking or merely relaxing around the pool. In the evening enjoy an elegant candle-lit dinner with exquisite cuisine complemented by a fine selection of wines around a crackling fire.

Accommodation: Walkersons (Suites) - dinner, bed and breakfast basis


Day 2

Enjoy breakfast in the breakfast area or garden served by your publican donned in traditional Scottish highland attire. Travel via Pilgrim's Rest and head for the breathtaking Panorama Route featuring the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes, God's Window and Lisbon Waterfalls. Then proceed to an exclusive private game lodge resting among the rocky geometry of the Sabi Sand Reserve, where rough-hewn timber, leather and stone meet thatch and wild views. Late afternoon game drive in an open vehicle with an experienced ranger and tracker who will endeavour to spoil you with sightings of the 'Big Five'. Upon returning to the lodge enjoy a safari style bush dinner under the stars (weather permitting).

Accommodation: Singita Private Game Reserve - dinner, bed and breakfast basis including 2 game viewing activities


Day 3

An early morning bush walk or game drive is on offer. For ultimate indulgence, make use of masseuse offering treatments from the more conventional European massages to Ayurvedic treatments and acupuncture, reflexology, manicures, facials and aromatherapy. For the health fanatic, gaze across the endless wonders of the African bush while working out in the modern fitness centre. After high tea, set out for an evening game drive with a stop to admire the African sunset complemented by refreshments. Whilst viewing nocturnal animals, return to the lodge for traditional culinary delights under an African sky.

Accommodation: Singita Private Game Reserve - full board basis including 2 game viewing activities

Recommended optional helicopter adventure: Experience it all in real style with an exhilarating helicopter trip - Cascades & Canyon Spectacular. Linger above roaring rivers and cascading waterfalls, allowing for magnificent photographic opportunities and awesome panoramic views of the bushveld below. Enjoy a delicious picnic accompanied by South African sparkling wine on top of the majestic Pinnacle.


Day 4

An early morning bush walk or game drive. After a sumptuous brunch, we depart and explore the world famous Kruger National Park. Established in 1898, this National Park at over 2 million hectares is unrivalled in its diversity of flora and fauna. After exiting the park, arrive at your safari hotel. The luxury, thatched suite is spread out in lush, indigenous gardens, with private patio and pool, bringing the bush right to your doorstep. At dinnertime indulge in an assortment of eclectic African cuisine.

Accommodation: Malelane Sun Hotel (Presidential Suites) - dinner, bed and breakfast basis


Day 5

Set off on an early game drive in 'Big Five' country. Spend the heat of the day relaxing and enjoying the hospitality of this unique wilderness wonderscape. At sunset, depart on a safari where an entirely different world of nocturnal bird and animal species unfolds. Return to the lodge for a dinner feast.

Accommodation: Phinda Private Game Reserve (Vlei or Rock Lodge) - full board basis including 2 game viewing activities

Recommended optional coastal flight: This exceptional air safari is a unique and thrilling way to discover the extent of Maputaland's remarkable ecological diversity, from the freshwater lakes to the most tightly forested coastal dunes in the world. The highlight of the flight is the ascent over these high dunes to the unspoilt coastline and clear blue Indian Ocean.


Day 6

After a hearty South African breakfast, journey to the next exclusive private game lodge. Travelling through Nelspruit, we enter the Kingdom of Swaziland at Jeppe's Reef boder post. Driving through the eastern Lebombo Mountains we leave Swaziland at Golela border post and continue via the town of Hluhluwe to Phinda Private Game Reserve. Enjoy a leisurely safari on the Mzinene River where late afternoon sundowners and snacks are served. The boat winds its way along the reedlined river, there is an abundance of wildlife and birds to see. Return to the lodge for dinner served in an African Boma (weather permitting).

Accommodation: Phinda Private Game Reserve (Vlei or Rock Lodge) - dinner, bed and breakfast basis including game viewing activities


Day 7

Start the day with a leisurely breakfast river safari. After departing the lodge, our journey concludes as we travel through sugar cane plantations along the Indian Ocean seaboard toward the bustling city of Durban for drop off at your hotel or Durban International Airport.