A Touch of South Africa
8 days, 7 nights
Price Range:
$9,160 – $23,325
(all-inclusive price per person, depending on dates & camps selected)
Legendary Kruger National Park and venerable Sabi Sand Game Reserve are names that are synonymous with some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa. These adjacent reserves, along with vast, wild Mashatu just over the border in Botswana, comprise the heart of South Africa’s extraordinary safari country. It’s genuine wilderness, home to the famous Big Five and multitudes more. You won’t believe how much you can see in a just a week.
Our Expert Says
Big game, that is what South Africa is about. Here, it is not uncommon to see all of the Big Five on one game drive. And, there is so much scenic diversity, from rocky outcrops to sweeping plains to remote and pristine coastlines. This route showcases a multitude of habitats that are home to a great range of wildlife. Combine that with Cape Town and its splendors, and you have a South Africa sampler that highlights the best parts of the country.
– Wendy Klausner
Day 1: Johannesburg
Cosmopolitan Johannesburg is the jumping-off point for most South African safaris. The city of four million is a vibrant mélange of colors and cultures. Food and music are central to life in ‘Joburg,’ and its clubs and pubs are an integral part of the social fabric. Tour Soweto or visit the Apartheid Museum to gain a deeper understanding of Johannesburg’s history, travails and rich multicultural heritage.
Days 2-4: Kruger National Park
World-renowned Kruger National Park in South Africa is a flagship destination for safari-goers, thanks to its dense wildlife populations. Checking off the big cats, major mammals and a host of bird species is a given in this diverse ecosystem. A number of private game reserves dot the greater park area providing exclusive access to the treasures here and allowing a variety of modes to experience them, from wildlife drives in open vehicles to intimate safari walks.
Days 5-7: Sabi Sand Reserve
Sabi Sand is one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife locales. This private 150,000-acre reserve shares a border with Kruger National Park and is named for the two rivers that flow through it. Renowned for its excellent “Big Five” viewing—the elephant, rhino, Cape buffalo, lion and abundant leopard, which were once favorite hunting targets—Sabi Sand has led the way in bringing them back.
Day 8: Johannesburg/Home
Your safari adventure ends today in Johannesburg, South Africa.