NEW ADVENTURE!
Experience the best wildlife areas of South Africa at 3 exclusive luxury camps!

This exciting wildlife safari combines three of the most unique regions in Southern Africa: we begin in the world-renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve, famous for its leopards and the other "Big Five" game (elephant, rhino, buffalo, and lion) before exploring the incredible landscapes, beauty and unique bird and animal life of the Pafuri area in northern Kruger National Park, then we top it off with a visit to the game-rich Mashatu Game Reserve in southeast Botswana. All three are iconic wilderness destinations with thrilling mammal viewing, ancient civilisations, a variety of different habitats and phenomenal birding.

These are considered the best wildlife reserves in South Africa (and southeast Botswana) and we will experience them through the eyes of our expert private safari guide and enjoy the comforts of three distinctive camps chosen for their superb natural settings.  We will fly between camps when necessary to minimize driving time and maximize our wildlife immersion. This is the consummate safari experience!

Activities

Mostly game driving, with some options for walking safaris and bike safaris

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Experience the "Big Five" and so much more in three of Southern Africa's best private game reserves
• Stay in exclusive luxury safari camps chosen for their superb natural settings and proximity to wildlife

Duration: 11 days Start Location: Johannesburg End Location: Johannesburg

BRIEF Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrive Johannesburg

  Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa, where we gather together for a welcome dinner.

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  Days 2 - 4 : Sabi Sand Game Reserve

  Depart from Johannesburg to Sabi Sand Game Reserve on a scheduled flight.  Spend 3 days at Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp exploring the game reserve, famous for some of the best "Big Five" game-viewing in Africa.  We'll track the famous five (elephant, rhino, Cape buffalo, lion, and leopard) in open vehicles by day and at night accompanied by our expert safari guide and a skilled Shangaan tracker.  At this reserve, we are able to go off-road for exceptionally close wildlife encounters, and leopard sightings in particular are common here.

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  Days 5 - 7 : Pafuri Camp

  Fly from Sabi Sand Game Reserve to Pafuri Camp in the northern sector of Kruger National Park.  We spend 3 days exploring this remote region, the ancestral home of the Makuleke people, and one of the most scenically diverse areas of Kruger.  The game viewing here is known more for the large herds of elephant and buffalo, along with many species not found in the drier southern reaches of the park, including eland, nyala and Sharpe's grysboks.  This area is also rich in human prehistory, boasting ancient fossils, rock paintings, and stone-age tools.  Activities will include morning and night game drives in open vehicles; birding walks and walking safaris; and visiting a local Makuleke community.  Accommodations will be at the luxury tented Pafuri Camp, situated on the northern bank of the Luvuvhu River.

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  Days 8 - 10 : Mashatu Game Reserve

  We transfer by road to Mashatu Game Reserve, crossing the border into Botswana.  This 75,000 acre private reserve lies in the remote eastern corner of Botswana, an unspoiled wilderness of arid savannah, riverine forests, marshland, open plains and beautiful sandstone outcrops.  This reserve is home to no less than seven of Africa’s giants: the African elephant, the lion,
  the giraffe, the baobab tree, the eland, the ostrich and the kori bustard.  The area offers some of the best game viewing in Africa, plus mountain biking, horseback riding and archaeological walks are available as optional extras.  

• Day 11 : Depart Johannesburg

  Fly back to Johannesburg to connect with flights home or continue your South African journey on our Cape Town Extension.

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  Southern Sun O.R. Tambo Airport Hotel

  Johannesburg, South Africa

  This hotel is located within walking distance of Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport and offers a very modern and international ambience.  The hotel has 366 guest rooms, a restaurant, a fitness center and an outdoor swimming pool.  Internet access and other business services are available.

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  Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp

  South Africa

  Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp is situated on the banks of the Msuthlu River in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve which forms part of the greater Kruger National Park. This intimate camp accommodates 12 guests in the luxury of 6 thatched chalets. Each secluded chalet is built into the riverine vegetation and features its own private viewing deck over the riverbed. Facilities include double beds with draped mosquito nets, air conditioning and ceiling fans. There is an en suite bathroom with an indoor and private outdoor shower that overlooks the surrounding lush vegetation.

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  Pafuri Camp

  South Africa

  Pafuri Camp is situated on the northern bank of the Luvuvhu River within lush riverine forest. The camp consists of twenty luxurious thatched tents that are raised off the ground on wooden walkways. The camp has two pools, a main dining, bar and lounge area as well as a smaller thatched boma dining area. The interiors are stylish, with a Makuleke influence. The rooms are comfortably furnished and have 220v lighting and an en-suite bathroom with hot and cold running water and an additional “outside” shower for those who want to enjoy being closer to nature.

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  Mashatu Main Camp

  Botswana

  Mashatu Main Camp is located in the remote northern area of the Mashatu Game Reserve and offers 14 authentically decorated suites. Each suite has an adjoining bathroom and a living area from which you can watch the surrounding bush for game within air-conditioned comfort. There is also a pool, deck, boma, bar, a living area and a dining area.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

photo credits: ©Christopher Bettencourt