South Africa: Kruger, Sabi Sands & Kariega Safari

Our 11-Day Kruger, Sabi Sands and Kariega Safari is a gently paced of some of South Africa's best national parks, culturally rich areas and top Big 5 tracking territories. You will stay in five of the best hotels and lodges in Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Sabi Sand, Port Elizabeth and Kariega Game Reserve. Transfers are by bus, private vehicle and air.

• Day 1 Arrival – Johannesburg

  On arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport you will take the shuttle bus to the elegant Emporers Palace complex only 10 minutes away. Here you will stay in a superior room at the 4-star Peermont Mondior Hotel for one night as you get ready for tomorrow’s journey into the luxurious wild.

  Peermont Mondior Hotel
  Meals Included: None

• Day 2 Johannesburg – Kruger

  After an early breakfast you will transfer back to the Johannesburg Airport by bus for an internal flight to Skukuza Airport. You will be met here by a representative of Jock Safari Lodge who will transfer you for approximately 30 minutes by road to the lodge.

  Once settled in at this 5-star lodge and after a spot of lunch it will be time for the first safari adventure of the trip.

  One of the unique highlights of the visit to this part of Kruger National Park is the opportunity to see the rock art of ancient tribes travelling through this area. The art depicts the spiritual beliefs and lives of the San. The various sites that were chosen for the art were very symbolic. Rock was the medium where three worlds met: the world as we know it, the world above and the world below.

  In the evening you can relax in the Victorian claw-foot bath or have a night cap under the stars in your personal ‘sala’ (thatched viewing deck).

  Jock Safari Lodge
  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• Day 3 Kruger

  A walking safari is encouraged, after breakfast, moving through the bush enjoying views of unsurpassed beauty. The diversity of fauna and flora in this area truly comes alive when viewed on foot.

  At dusk, a vantage point can be chosen overlooking one of the many breathtaking vistas of the Kruger National Park. Sundowners can be enjoyed while tales of the bush are told and a glimpse of what this wilderness has to offer is seen while watching the beautiful sunset. En route back to the lodge, nocturnal animals such as leopard, hyena and lion are often seen.

  Jock Safari Lodge
  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• Day 4 Kruger – Sabi Sand

  Day 4 of the South Africa Explorer takes us to Sabi Sand Game Reserve, on the border of Kruger National Park. After a 3 and a half hour (approx) journey by road we will reach Savanna Private Game Reserve where we will spend three nights. Friendly staff will make you feel right at home with their personalised service and each guest regarded as a valued friend.

  Savanna Private Game Lodge
  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• Day 5 Sabi Sand

  Wake up under 5-star canvas, nestled amid beautiful indigenous trees that attract a variety of birds.

  We will enjoy two safari activities each full day we are here at Savanna. The best trained and most experienced team of game rangers and trackers have been assembled to ensure the most diverse and complete safari experience available.

  Savanna Private Game Lodge
  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• Day 6 Sabi Sand

  The trackers and rangers have a lifetime of knowledge of the African bush and have all undergone extensive training in the art of tracking Africa’s wildlife, ensuring that Savanna provides its guests with a comprehensive check list of sightings.

  Reflect on paths well-trodden as we spend our last night here. The library adjoining the public lounge provides wifi, and allows for the transferring of digital photo memories of the days so far.

  Savanna Private Game Lodge
  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• Day 7 Sabi Sand – Johannesburg – Port Elizabeth

  On day 7 we will transfer by private vehicle to Skukuza Airport to take internal flights to Johannesburg and then Port Elizabeth Airport. You will arrive in the evening at Port Elizabeth and be met and transferred to The Windermere.

  The Windermere
  Meals Included: Breakfast

• Day 8 Port Elizabeth – Kariega

  After staying for one night at The Windermere on a bed and breakfast basis we will transfer you by private vehicle to the Kariega Game Reserve on the Eastern Cape. This will take approximately 2 hours.

  Kariega Settlers Drift
  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• Day 9 Kariega

  We spend three nights at Settlers Drift in a tented suite. Gazing down from the decks overlooking the Bushman’s River, it feels as if time has stood still since the last feet to have touched this remote valley were those of the 1820 settlers as they guided their wagons across the river. The luxuriously appointed and perfectly positioned tented lodge delivers the ultimate guest experience. 

  Kariega Game Reserve is a private game reserve in South Africa stretching across 9,000 hectares of pristine wilderness in the Eastern Cape. This malaria-free game park is home to some of the richest biodiversity in Southern Africa, as well as two abundant rivers – the picturesque Kariega and Bushman’s Rivers.

  Kariega Settler’s Drift
  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• Day 10 Kariega

  The 5-star lodge has a spa, library, a boma and a swimming pool. If you can peel yourself away from all this you can enjoy another two safari activities venturing into the bush. 

  As recently as 20 years ago, the existing Kariega Game Reserve was owned by 20 different farmers and in those years it has been minimally developed to complement the surroundings and provide luxury accommodation and experiences for guests to the area.

  Kariega Settlers Drift
  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• Day 11 Kariega – Johannesburg – Out

  After breakfast at Settlers Drift we will transfer by road to Port Elizabeth Airport where you will take a flight to Johannesburg for your onward flight connections.

  Meals Included: Breakfast

• Peermont Mondior Hotel

  A contemporary 4-star hotel in Johannesburg, conveniently close O.T. Tambo Airport. You will stay here for one night after arriving into South Africa.

  World Class

  Peermont Mondior boasts 150 spacious rooms and suites, all fitted with cutting-edge technology and furnished in an elegant and contemporary African style. You will be based here for one night in a superior room on a bed and breakfast basis. The chic Oriana restaurant offers breakfast and light meals and guests can enjoy a delectable cocktail at the Silver Moon Bar.

  

  Excellent Facilities

  Hotel guests have access to the casino, dining, entertainment, convention and relaxation facilities at the Emperors Palace Hotel, Casino and Convention Resort.

   

• Jock Safari Lodge

  Steeped in history, Jock Safari Lodge is located amongst some of Africa’s most scenic untamed wilderness.

  

  Luxury Lodge

  The lodge accommodates a maximum of 24 people in its 12 luxury thatched rooms, each air-conditioned and featuring a private plunge pool as well as an outdoor day bed overlooking the river. It takes a unique twist on the old colonial look, incorporating the style of the indigenous Zulu and Shangaan cultures. The concept of the lodge originated with the descendants of the Fitzpatrick and Niven Family. They used the funds of the trust of Sir Fitzpatrick, to build the lodge in the area close to where the history of Sir Percy Fitzpatrick & his dog Jock, took place. 

  

  Activities in Nature

  Activities available from Jock include game drives and walks, The Pilgrim’s Rest Spa, personally guided flora and fauna explorations, bird watching, rock art site visits and star gazing, as well as complementary transfers to The Leopard Creek Golf Club for enthusiasts. The lodge is nestled where the Mitomeni and Biyamiti rivers flow as one and is situated in an area noted for its diversity in game, particularly the Big 5.

   

• Savanna Private Game Lodge

  This 5-star lodge is situated within the western sector of Sabi Sand Game Reserve, within the southern quarter of the Kruger National Park conservation area. It is the perfect location for seeing a variety of big game in their natural environment.

  Five Star Luxury

  The accommodation comprises nine luxuriously appointed spacious suites, seven of which have tented roofs giving them the feel of a by-gone colonial era but with modern conveniences. The decor also provides a good mix of colonial with a modern twist. The luxury suites have their very own plunge pool and decking, looking out onto waterholes in the bush.

   

  Wildlife Galore

  Specially designed game viewing vehicles with highly trained guides take guests on safari where lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino are frequently seen in a single game drive. Numerous nearby dams and a series of waterholes in front of the lodge attract many species, especially in the dry winter months when elephants are daily visitors. The lodge boasts a well equipped, air-conditioned gym.

   

• Kariega Settlers Drift

  Situated on South Africa’s famous Garden Route from Cape Town to the Sunshine Coast, Settlers Drift is a mere 10 minute drive to the sunny coastal village of Kenton-on-Sea.

  Unique Experience

  Located in a remote and untouched part of the Kariega wilderness, Settlers Drift offers a unique tented safari combined with 5-star luxury. Guests can gaze down onto Bushman’s River from secluded viewing decks outside the suite. Inside, the suites’ features include spacious bedrooms, a wood burning stove and en suite bathroom complete with a contemporary free standing bath.

   

  

  Abundant Wildlife

  Activities from Settlers Drift include early morning and late afternoon game drives, watching the abundant bird and animal life from river cruises, guided safari walks, leisurely canoeing on the Kariega and Bushman’s Rivers and fishing on the Kariega River. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy two different courses within 25 and 40 minutes away for an extra fee. Golden beaches, historic sightseeing and a cultural visit to Port Elizabeth are also on offer.

   

• The Windermere

  The Windermere is a boutique hotel set in the coastal South African city of Port Elizabeth.

  Boutique Style

  The Windermere is a stylish hotel combining elements of contemporary chic with classic comforts. The brief to the architect was to create one of the top boutique hotels in the Southern hemisphere – he appears to have done just that.  There are nine luxury suites, all with air conditioning, heating, telephones, bar fridges, IT ports, CD & DVD players and televisions. One large suite is ideal for families as it has a second interleading bedroom for children.

  Port Elizabeth

  Situated in the prestigious suburb of Humewood it is only a short walk from the city’s beautiful beaches, Mc Arthur’s Pools, and some of the city’s finest restaurants. The famous links at Humewood Golf Club is a mere 5 minute drive and the airport only 4 km away. A swimming pool is also available in the hotel. 

   

• * The price includes and does not include

  The price is per person and is based on a minimum of two people sharing a room. Upgrades to single rooms are available on payment of a supplement. Single travellers are welcome on all of our tours, at an extra charge. Please see below for full inclusions and exclusions.

  The following are included in the main tour price:

  • Meet and greet services on arrival
  • Accommodation, meals and local drinks at all camps and lodges
  • Park entrance and conservation fees
  • Shared wildlife activities at each lodge or camp
  • Private road transfers: Skukuza Airport / Jock’s Safari Lodge / Savanna Private Game Reserve / Skukuza Airport / Port Elizabeth Airport / The Windermere / Kariega Settle’s Drift / Port Elizabeth Airport - all subject to change
  • Scheduled flights: Johannesburg / Skukuza / Johannesburg / Port Elizabeth / Johannesburg – all subject to change

  The following are not included in the main tour price:

  • Visas & Vaccinations – Please check with your local embassy
  • International flight unless otherwise specified
  • Premium imported wines, champagnes, spirits & liqueurs where drinks are included
  • Increases in park fees, government taxes and levies, exchange rate fluctuations and fuel surcharges
  • Meals, beverages and activities not specified above
  • Park fees not specified
  • Personal insurances, personal spending, gratuities
  • All drinks and laundry at Mondior Hotel