South Africa - Featured Trips

Limpopo is a land of beautiful and contrasting landscapes, a rich natural and cultural heritage and abundance of wildlife. The Greater Kruger private game reserves, home to the Big Five, offer exceptional game viewing without the distraction of large tourist buses on the busy tarred routes within the Park itself. Venture deeper into Limpopo to the Soutpansberg region, a magical place steeped in Venda mythology and legend. Explore the area's community art & craft routes and visit the Mapungubwe World Heritage Site at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers, a landmark in the area. Experience more wildlife safari in the Tuli region (Southern Botswana) and you have a most incredible Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa tour.

This itinerary is ideal for the discerning, adventurous traveller who enjoys exploring distant lands and indigenous cultures. The route is simple to navigate and roads are fairly good and well signposted, but you will need to be willing to explore some of the sites independently, which requires a sense of adventure. Accommodation in the first part of the itinerary is rustic, but comfortable, exclusive and intimate. This safari is suitable for both couples and families with older children (preferably 12 years and older).

On arrival at OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg you will catch a connecting flight to Hoedspruit in the Limpopo Province. Hoedspruit is the nearest airport to the Timbavati Private Game Reserve, which form part of the Greater Kruger Conservancy. Collect your rental car (based on Group B - Toyota Yaris 1.4 Sedan or similar with Super Cover) and make your way to the Timbavati and Umlani Bush Camp, where you will spend the night. Depending on your arrival time you might be in time for a late afternoon game drive. Overnight at Umlani Bush Camp on FB basis plus daily two guided game drives and optional bush walks.

Spend 2 full days on organised game drives and walks in the Timbavati soaking up the tranquillity of this perfect setting. All game activities are included in your itinerary price. Umlani is also able to arrange special children's safari activities on request. Overnight at Umlani Bush Camp on FB basis plus daily two guided game drives and optional bush walks.

Depart after the early morning activity & breakfast and head for the sacred lakes region of Limpopo. Shiluvari is set in 60 hectares of natural vegetation and offers you the opportunity to walk through the estate where you may see some of the game species that frequent the area, waterbuck, kudu, bushbuck and duiker are often seen grazing and browsing in the lodge grounds. Overnight at Shiluvari Lakeside Lodge on HB basis.

Shiluvari is situated in the heart of rich diverse Venda and Shangaan culture famous for their multi talented arts and crafts. Today you will be taken on a half day guided tour exploring the arts & crafts of the region. Overnight at Shiluvari Lakeside Lodge on HB basis plus HD guided Arts & Craft tour.

Your next destination is the privately owned and family-run lodge in the Lesheba Wilderness situated in a hidden valley in the Soutpansberg Mountains with impressive views over the surrounding countryside. Visit ancient rock art sites, walk along the marked trails through indigenous forest and rocky gorges or join a guided game drive. The lodge is a tribute to the rich culture and heritage of the Venda in both its architecture and art. Accommodation is provided in the Venda Village Lodge, a re-creation of a traditional village with beautiful sculptures by renowned artist Noria Mabasa. Overnight at Leshiba Wilderness Lodge on HB basis plus one guided activity per day.

Full day in this rugged landscape and home to amongst others white rhino, giraffe, the rare brown hyena, porcupines, pangolins and the elusive leopard, on foot or by 4x4. It is also rich in birdlife and even has a minor rock art site. Overnight at Leshiba Wilderness Lodge on HB basis plus one guided activity per day.

A short drive takes you to the Mapungubwe area and your next destination, a Bush Retreat located in the Mapesu Nature Reserve. The area was once home to the pre-Shona Kingdom and is today a World Heritage site. Enjoy the Reserve's activities like game viewing, walking, cycling, birding and a sunset drive to Mapungubwe. Overnight at Mopani Bush Lodge on FB basis plus all activites on the Mapesu Nature Reserve and sunset drive to Mapungubwe.

Let researchers teach you about the endangered wild dogs while experiencing the thrill of tracking and watching a free ranging pack of these truly amazing social carnivores. Overnight at Mopani Bush Lodge on FB basis plus all activites on the Mapesu Nature Reserve and Wild dog tracking.

Continue north towards Pont Drift Border Post, where you will cross into Botswana. You leave your car in SA and are met by a representative from Mashatu on the other side. Transfer to your accommodation. Overnight at Mashatu Main Camp on FB basis plus all scheduled game activities.

Explore the 'Land of Giants' on horse-back, by mountain bike or on foot & relax in luxury at Mashatu Main Camp. Full days on safari in the Tuli Block (Botswana) and enjoy a special late afternoon predator drive (leopard tracking). Overnight at Mashatu Main Camp on FB basis plus all scheduled game activities.

After an early morning game drive & breakfast, depart with a representative from Mashatu for a transfer back to Pont's Drift Border Post. Collect your vehicle again and make your way to the Magoebaskloof region situated at the northern tip of the Drakensberg. This scenic area is often referred to as the 'Land of the Silver Mists'. Step back in time for your overnight at the Coach House hotel, built on the foundation of the original Strachen Hotel, in an attempt to bring back the magic and romance of those early days when the coach route between Pietersburg and Buluwayo was still in use. Relax at the charming spa and lush gardens or visit the on site Nougat Kitchen and indulge in their great South African wine collection. A perfect way to finish this fabulous Limpopo Wildlife, Myths and Legends tour. Overnight at the Coach House on a B&B basis

After breakfast depart for Johannesburg International Airport to arrive in time for your international flight home

As with all our itineraries, this trip can be fully tailored to suit your own unique requirements and interests. We can add and/or change destinations and activities to include for example The Baobabwe Peace Trail, a one- or two-day walking trail. The Baobab is one of Limpopo's icons and is revered in African culture for many reasons. Learn more about this gigantic species by following this route by foot or mountain bike.

If you would like to get to know the real South Africa and enjoy some more off-the-beaten track experiences, please check out our Stay Another Day - Limpopo suggestions. All of these options create jobs & social upliftment and are as environmentally friendly as possible. They are also carefully chosen for their sustainability and many are FTTSA accredited.

£2,550 (£3,250*) per person sharing, all year round
Upgrade to 4x4 vehicle supplement from £460 per person

Prices based on min of 2 people travelling and Peak Season supplements may apply.
* Includes international flight on British Airways

Rates for the 2010 World Cup period may vary from the above prices - rates on request.

Terms and Conditions apply. Price is subject to availability and subject to change due to currency fluctuation.

12 Nights accommodation on mixed board basis
13 Days Car Hire Group B (Toyota Yaris 1.4 or similar) with Super Cover (nil excess). 4x4 upgrade based on Group F (Nissan X-Trail or similar)
All activities and safari as per itinerary
Internal flight and airport taxes
* International flight ex UK on British Airways, including airport taxes and fuel surcharges

Meals and activities not stated in itinerary
Items of a personal nature
Tips and gratuities
Travel insurance
Visa cost