South Africa, Wildlife Tours

South Africa’s Whales, Wildflowers and Wildlife

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Tailor-Made Tour
11 Days
From 8546
Big Cat Safari
Luxury

Tour Introduction

11 Days from  8546 per adult. All trip details below can be tailored just for you

In this high quality itinerary utilising private transfers and charter flights for the ultimate in convenience, start with the truly exceptional Grootbos Private Nature Reserve and its native fynbos habitat, part of the Cape Floral Kingdom. Grootbos is a short distance from Walker Bay with its unspoilt 14 kilometre-long beach and offshore waters frequented by southern right whales (between June and October). Briefly visit the sights of Cape Town before taking a charter flight directly to your lodge in the remote northern tip of Kruger National Park, a stunning wilderness with excellent safari and birding opportunities as well as great cultural and archaeological interest. Then fly by charter aircraft to safari in the outstanding Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, a concession on the western boundary of famous Kruger National Park with different scenery and greater game density than the north. Finally, leave reluctantly for home having had numerous privileged encounters with the wondrous wildlife that inhabits the spectacular South African wilderness.

Full Itinerary

Price from  8546 per adult. Based on sharing double / twin rooms
Day 1
Arrive in Cape Town

Arrive Cape Town. Met on arrival and transfer to Grootbos Private Nature Reserve.

Staying at Grootbos Forest Lodge. Includes All Meals.

Day 2
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

The Grootbos reserve protects miles of pristine coastline and sandy beaches, and is a great example of the fynbos or low bush habitat. Included activities on offer in the reserve: guided walks and drives to explore the fynbos and milk wood forest in Grootbos Private Nature Reserve and coast at Walker Bay and De Kelders; cliff top whale watching; horse riding; township visit; Klipgat Caves archaeological site; or simply relax at the beach. Optional activities include whale watching by boat to Dyer Island.

Staying at Grootbos Forest Lodge. Includes All Meals.

Day 3
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

At leisure in Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. Included activities and optional (not included) whale watching available.

Staying at Grootbos Forest Lodge. Includes All Meals.

Day 4
Cape Town

Transfer to Cape Town. Enjoy a city tour of the sights. Take the cable car up Table Mountain for a sensational view over the city and sea (weather-dependent and small entrance fee payable direct).

Staying at Kensington Place. Includes Breakfast.

Day 5
Kruger National Park

Early transfer to Cape Town airport and fly to Jo'burg, then connect with private charter aircraft direct to Pafuri. Enjoy the wilderness of the Makuleke Concession in the far northern Kruger National Park.

Staying at Pafuri Camp. Includes All Meals.

Day 6
Kruger National Park

Enjoy game drives and bush walks in this scenic northern area of Kruger National Park where there is an abundance of game and sightings of elephants and lions are common. The area is also rewarding for the ancient Thulamela, Stone Age and current Makuleke civilisations.

Staying at Pafuri Camp. Includes All Meals.

Day 7
Kruger National Park

Safari excursions in northern Kruger National Park. The typical lowveld bush habitat supports lions, leopards, white rhinos, elephants, hippopotamus and large herds of game including eland, kudu, nyala and Cape buffalo.

Staying at Pafuri Camp. Includes All Meals.

Day 8
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

After a final morning excursion, transfer to the airstrip and fly direct by private charter aircraft to Timbavati Private Nature Reserve and transfer to the lodge.

Staying at Kings Camp. Includes All Meals.

Day 9
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

Safari activities in the wildlife-rich Timbavati Private Game Reserve, unfenced to the Kruger. Every outing is likely to produce some memorable wildlife encounters and there is a good chance of seeing white rhinos, elephants, lions and even an elusive leopard or cheetah. You may also encounter Timbavati’s famous white lions.

Staying at Kings Camp. Includes All Meals.

Day 10
Timbavati Private Game Reserve

Safari activities in Timbavati Private Game Reserve.

Staying at Kings Camp. Includes All Meals.

Day 11
Depart Johannesburg

Transfer to Hoedspruit. Fly to Jo'burg. Connect with your international flight home.

Includes In-flight Meals.

Tour Accommodation

South Africa Western Cape

Grootbos Forest Lodge

Overview

Grootbos Forest Lodge is situated in the 1750-hectare Grootbos Private Nature Reserve in the Gansbaai area, just 160km from Cape Town. This multi-award winning reserve is home to protected fynbos habitat and milkwood forests and has won worldwide acclaim for its conservation and social responsibility programmes. The lodge is set within the fynbos and forest-clad hills which overlook the whale-watching haven of Walker Bay.

The 16 detached one-bedroom suites are set in tranquil surroundings, connected by winding pathways through the ancient milkwood forest. Some of them are air-conditioned and the living areas are large enough to convert comfortably to an extra sleeping area. Decorated in modern contemporary style using earthy tones, the suites comprise a lounge with fireplace, tea and coffee making facilities and minibars. The spacious bedrooms have extra length beds, 100% down duvets and cotton linen, and the finely appointed en-suite bathrooms boast double showers and oversized bathtubs, all with captivating views.

A comprehensive programme of eco-friendly activities are available, including nature drives and hikes to explore the plants and archaeological caves, birding, whale watching and even spotting the rare African penguin. Most stays at the lodge are fully inclusive and include all meals, a fresh fruit basket, horse riding, guided walks, nature drive as well as marine and coastal drives.

From June to October, southern right whales can be watched from the shore and closer on boat trips: great white sharks, dolphins, Cape fur seals and African jackass penguins can also be seen.

Swimming Pool
No
Air Conditioning
Yes
Rooms
16
Facilities

Private bathrooms, restaurant, bar, lounge, mini-bar, tea and coffee facilities, TV and DVD player, 24 hour security, Wi-Fi and laundry service.

Local Wildlife

From June to October southern right whales can watched from the shore and closer from boat trips, great white sharks, dolphins, Cape fur seals and African jackass penguins can also be seen. The fragile fynbos ecosystem and the ancient milkwood forest are fascinating habitats to explore and the area is particularly good for birds and reptiles.

Optional Activities

Whale watching, wildlife boat trips, birdwatching, wildlife safaris, nature walks, horse riding and mountain-biking.

South Africa Western Cape

Kensington Place

Overview

Kensington Place is a small, intimate award-winning Cape Town boutique hotel in a quiet residential district at the foot of iconic Table Mountain. The luxurious hotel has just eight individually designed rooms all with private modern bathrooms and balconies. The air-conditioned rooms have a mix of European and African art and decoration, each with satellite TV, DVD player, telephone, safety deposit box, fan, well stocked mini-bar, central heating and iPod dock. There is also free WiFi available throughout the property. A hearty complimentary breakfast can be taken outside on the patio in nice weather. Outside is a relaxing sun deck and loungers and an inviting little plunge pool for cooling off after a day of sightseeing. Other facilities include a lounge, rooftop terrace, conference room and gift shop, and laundry and luggage storage are available. The hotel is a perfect base for those looking for a quiet, relaxing and intimate base from which to explore Cape Town.

Swimming Pool
No
Air Conditioning
Yes
Rooms
8
Facilities

Private bathroom, lounge, bar, all day breakfast, patio, plunge pool, sun loungers, free WiFi, satellite TV, DVD player, telephone, safety deposit box, fan, mini-bar, central heating iPod dock, luggage storage, gift shop and laundry service.

Optional Activities

City tours of Cape Town, excursions to Robben Island and Table Mountain.

South Africa Limpopo

Pafuri Camp

Overview

The Pafuri Camp sits under enormous nyala berry and jackal trees overlooking the Luvuvhu River in the extreme northern corner of the world famous Kruger National Park. The camp is actually within the 24 000 hectare Makuleke Private Concession and comprises of 19 en-suite traditional safari style including 6 special family units. Each tent is built on a platform two metres off the ground, allowing animals to move more freely to and from the river where they come to drink.

The spacious tents have attached private bathrooms, comfortable double and twin beds, seating, and outside decking. The tents are joined to the main camp by a raised walkway. The main building has an open walled lounge, dining room, large deck and swimming pool. The colourful fabrics reflect the culture of the Makuleke community with whom the camp owners have partnered.

Activities at the camp are many and varied. The Makuleke Concession is explored on game drives in open vehicles, on walks along trails. The Pafuri Walking Trail Exploration is the ideal way to experience this spectacular, private concession. It is perhaps the best area for walking in the entire Park and is blessed not only with exceptional biodiversity but also spectacular scenery, seasonally high densities of many large mammal species, a feeling of wilderness and remoteness, and a sense of history. Using one campsite as a base, each day is spent in different parts of the 24,000-hectare concession, walking along animal pathways following their tracks. This is undoubtedly the most remote and wild walking experience in South Africa, with a huge diversity of habitat, wildlife and bird life. Experienced, knowledgeable and passionate guides walk with the guests throughout. There is private access to the concession with no impact of vehicles. Access is also possible to the legendary Lanner Gorge basin and the mystic Limpopo fever tree forest.

Swimming Pool
No
Air Conditioning
No
Rooms
19
Facilities

19 en-suite traditional safari style tents including 6 special family units.

Local Wildlife

The area is home to the big five as well as large concentrations of more common herbivores and has a particularly high density of nyala and kudu. The delicate klipspringer and yellow spotted hyrax are frequently observed in the rocky areas. Night drives often reveal some of the more secretive species of the area such as aardvark, African civet, large and small spotted genet, thick tailed bushbaby, Cape porcupine, African wildcat and serval.

South Africa Limpopo

Kings Camp

Overview

The luxurious Kings Camp sits in shady scrub on the edge of an open plain in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, which adjoins Sabi Sand and the much greater Kruger National Park.

There are only nine large suites, beautifully designed with elegant colonial decor, a four-poster double bed and private bathroom featuring both indoor and outdoor double showers and a Victorian-style claw foot bathtub. All the huge rooms have air-conditioning, well stocked minibar, safety deposit box, telephone, hair dryer, bathrobes, umbrella and a private verandah overlooking the bush. There are also two even larger deluxe honeymoon suites available which include an outdoor dining table and private plunge pool on the patio with complimentary WiFi, iPod dock and a Nespresso coffee machine.

The main lodge at Kings Camp consists of an elegant open plan lounge and well stocked bar, and a large thatched roof dining room with open sides to maintain a breeze. Meals are always freshly prepared and consist mainly of typical South African dishes. Outside there is a garden with sun loungers and small swimming pool plus a thatched viewing platform which overlooks the waterhole, ideal for viewing the local wildlife. Other facilities include a massage and spa treatment room, gym, library with computers, WiFi and satellite TV. There is also a curio shop selling a good range of local crafts, souvenirs and useful safari equipment.

The game drives in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve benefit from being very exclusive as there are few other vehicles present. Kings Camp also offers bush walks and Out of Africa-style al fresco dining and camping under the stars.

Swimming Pool
Yes
Air Conditioning
Yes
Rooms
11
Facilities

Private bathrooms, restaurant, lounge, bar, swimming pool, viewing deck, air-conditioning, minibar, safety deposit box, telephone, hair dryer, umbrella, laundry service, WiFi, satellite TV, gym, massage and treatment room, curio shop and computer library.

Local Wildlife

Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is a healthy bushveld ecosystem with large areas of open savannah and supports a great diversity of large mammals. It is an excellent reserve for seeing all of the Big Five. Elephant, buffalo, lion and white rhino are frequently seen and even the notoriously elusive leopard can be seen with a little luck. The commoner species of herbivore can be seen in abundance and spotted hyena, black-backed jackal, several mongoose species and African civet are occasionally seen. Some of the rarer species sometimes seen in the reserve include African wild dog, cheetah, black rhino and roan antelope. The birdlife is equally exciting with over 360 species recorded. There is also an impressive 79 species of reptile present including some huge Nile crocodiles.

Optional Activities

Game drives and bush walks.

Route Map

Departure Dates

This tour has no set departure date and can be tailored to suit your travel requirements. Contact us for more details.

Travel Information

Are International Flights Included?

No. Please contact us for a quote if required.

Flight Info:

Fly from London to Cape Town, return from Jo’burg.

Best Visited:

January to January

Are you ATOL Registered?

Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.

Alan Godwin

Area Specialist

If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965

We thoroughly enjoyed the holiday. Leopard View was fantastic. The guide did his upmost for us and the rest of the game viewing was great. We saw everything that we wanted to see.

Mr RA - Basingstoke