South Africa 8 days

Hoedspruit

Resting at the foot of the Klein Drakensberg, in the beautiful Limpopo Province, the town of Hoedspruit is surrounded by the largest privately owned conservation area in the world. It is sandwiched between the world famous Kruger National Park and the breathtaking Blyde River Canyon. Hoedspruit serves as a great base from which to explore the surrounding game reserves and natural attractions. This spectacular landscape features towering cliffs shadowing over enormous stretches of bushveld that give way to marula, acacia and mopane woodlands. Within this wilderness paradise, some of Africa’s most captivating wildlife can be spotted. Visitors can enjoy a number of activities including: Big 5 game drives, whitewater rafting, horse riding safaris, visiting the Khamai Reptile Park as well as the Daktari Wildlife Orphanage.

Overnight: Blyde River Canyon Lodge
The lodge is situated along the majestic Panoramic Route of Mpumalanga/Limpopo Province, just a 40-minute drive to the Kruger National Parks Orpen Gate.

Nestled between the breath-taking Drakensberg Mountains and the tranquil Blyde River, Blyde River Canyon Lodge offers travellers a unique bush experience whilst soaking up the beauty of the natural surrounds.

All rooms are tastefully furnished, fully air-conditioned and are equipped with satellite TV, Internet as well as tea and coffee making facilities.  Each room leads out onto the tranquil gardens where zebra and wildebeest wander by.

A blend of Victorian and African decor compliments the beauty and majesty of 900 year old Jackelberry trees, whose shade cascades over the pristine lawn areas.

Full English breakfasts are served daily and delicious country cuisine is available on request for lunch and dinner.

Rated 4-Star Superior by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, Blyde River Canyon Lodge prides itself in delectable cuisine, quality accommodation and world-class service.

Thornybush Game Reserve

Neighbouring the Timbavati Game Reserve near South Africa’s northeastern border, the Thornybush Game Reserve boasts over 12 000 hectares of pristine wilderness. Lying adjacent to the world-renowned Kruger National Park, Thornybush is home to the Big Five and an array of other African wildlife. The landscape is characterised by open savannah and woodlands interspersed with shrublands and thorny scrub. Visitors have a wonderful choice of upmarket accommodation to choose from and can look forward to an array of activities including: enjoying day and night safaris offering excellent game viewing opportunities, luxury spa pampering, and sampling delicious cuisine.

Overnight: KwaMbili Game Lodge  

KwaMbili Game Lodge provides an authentic safari experience at an affordable price. KwaMbili is situated in the Thornybush Game Reserve near Hoedspruit, within the Greater Kruger area. The reserve is home to the Big Five as well as an abundance of other game and bird species. This means good sightings, either while out on game drive or on foot during bush walks. KwaMbili means ”Place of Two” in the local Shangaan language.

Our knowledgeable rangers will introduce you to the tracks, movements, sights and sounds which give you a window into the secrets of the African bush. Back at the lodge, view wildlife from the safety and comfort of our well-positioned hide. If all this calls for time to just let the experience sink in… take a dip in the swimming pool, just relax in an armchair or enjoy a cool drink at the bar.

Accommodation at KwaMbili consists of thatched chalets or large Meru style safari tents. All have shower and toilet and electric power, their own patio and mosquito nets over the beds.

The chalets are positioned closer to the main building and are air-conditioned. Two of the chalets have interleading doors and can be used as a family unit.

The safari tents are further from the main building, each under a thatched roof. The flaps can be opened or closed according to the weather. They also have an open air shower and toilet.

Mpumalanga Highlands

Set high on the escarpment, the Mpumalanga Highlands feature endless savannah plains meeting steep mountain passes hugging rugged rocky cliffs. The Highlands of Mpumalanga are a playground for nature and adventure lovers. A number of charming, high-altitude, grassland villages are scattered on a sea of cattle ranches which are interspersed with numerous trout fishing locations and mountain hideaways. Aside from the trout and quaint towns the highland scenery and flora and fauna are also major attractions. Visitors can enjoy a number of wonderful activities including: discovering crystal-clear streams and cascading waterfalls, visiting the Highland’s tourism mecca of Dullstroom, as well as horse riding, whiskey and beer tasting, hiking, fly fishing and much more.

Overnight: Old Joe’s Kaia

Old Joe’s Kaia  is a unique and small family owned and managed Country House situated in the magnificent malaria-free Schoemanskloof Valley – the perfect stopover en route to The Kruger National Park, Mozambique, Swaziland, The Panorama or the Lowveld.

This is a little oasis full of surprises. Expect fresh and unpolluted mountain air, fabulous scenery, prolific birdsong, and a wonderful relaxing, homely atmosphere. A beautiful mountain view and birdsong add to the pleasure of the experience. The kitchen produces creative and nutritious vegan breakfasts, using organically homegrown vegetables and herbs.

Old Joe’s Kaia to OR Tambo International Airport [JNB]

Distance: 274.85 km; Travel Time: 2:40 hours