Discover the magic of one of South Africa's most diverse provinces - a land of Highlands, Lowveld, and celebrated Big Five wilderness.
Price Per Person Sharing From:
From: POAThe price can be reduced by substituting accommodations
What influences prices?Upon arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport or any other location of their choice, either in Johannesburg or Pretoria, guests will be met. From here, the tour travels east through the Highveld and the rolling hills of Mpumalanga to the village of Dullstroom. The area surrounding Dullstroom is windswept grassland, dominated by the 2,332 m high "Die Berg" (the mountain). It is the highest point between the Limpopo and the Vaal Rivers.
Before reaching town, a visit is made to the Dullstroom Bird Of Prey & Rehabilitation Center, established in 1997, to promote awareness of indigenous raptors and their growing plight as endangered species. Various raptor species can be seen, and their role in the ecosystem is highlighted. After that, we will travel to the overnight destination on a beautiful highland estate where many country pursuits can be enjoyed. Here, the late afternoon is spent relaxing, taking a short hike, or trying your hand at fly-fishing for golden and rainbow trout.
The Mpumalanga Panorama Route is the focus of the day. Here, visits are made to the Blyde River Gorge, dominated by the triplet peaks of the Three Rondavels and Bourke's Luck, where the unique geological features of the potholes can be seen. God's Window is the next stop. It is a viewpoint at the edge of the Drakensberg Escarpment, where magnificent views of the Lowveld can be enjoyed. God's Window is situated in a patch of indigenous forest where many flowering and aromatic plants flourish. A hike of about an hour exposes the beauty of natural vegetation and offers the opportunity to view the Knysna turaco and other bird species.
We descend the escarpment, with subtropical farmland lining the road, to the overnight accommodation, set on a 64-hectare working farm near Hayzieview. The property is renowned for its fine dining and spa treatments. We spend the late afternoon at leisure.
A short trip to the Paul Kruger Gate of the Kruger National Park follows breakfast. Approximately two million hectares in size, the park is internationally renowned as one of the world's foremost conservation areas. Your guide will take you on a leisurely game drive, highlighting interesting facts about the plants, animals, and birds you encounter. The game drive will reach your lodge around lunchtime. It is time to say goodbye to your guide and be welcomed by the lodge staff.
Imbali Safari Lodge is located in prime Kruger territory in the 10,000-hectare unfenced Mluwati Concession, where they have exclusive traversing rights and where 'Big Five' sightings are a regular occurrence. The area is home to herds of buffalo and a significant elephant population and has some of the highest lion populations in the park. After settling in at the lodge and spending some time for lunch and relaxation, you'll depart on your first exciting open-air 4x4 game drive into this vast wilderness area under the guidance of an experienced ranger and tracker.
On this day, you will be awakened early for coffee and snacks before embarking on the morning safari expedition in the surrounding wilderness. Though close encounters with the Big Five will be exhilarating, you will view many common antelope species, such as wildebeest, kudu, impala, and many other species. The focus is on an immersive natural experience where your capable ranger and tracker's insights and knowledge will significantly enhance the experience. The game drive returns to camp for a late breakfast, after which you can relax in camp or your suite or partake in a guided bush walk.
After enjoying snacks and coffee, you will embark on a safari excursion in the late afternoon. Drinks are served in a spot of pristine natural beauty around sunset, and the game drive then extends into the first hour of darkness. Predators are starting to become active as they ready themselves for the night hunt, and you could spot Lions or Leopards.
The last morning's open 4x4 game drive in the Kruger National Park is followed by a late breakfast. After a short but memorable exploration of Mpumalanga, guests are transferred to Skukuza Airport for a flight to Johannesburg.