Highlights
Johannesburg
Makalali Private Game Reserve
Hazyview
+7 destinations
South Africa – 13-Day Best of South Africa – Group Accommodated
From $3,295
Includes
Excludes
Itinerary
Johannesburg, South Africa
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Protea Hotel Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton
Day 1 - 2
Protea Hotel Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton offers country-style comfort nestled in the bustle of Sandton. The hotel rooms are comfortably furnished and equipped with modern amenities, including air conditioning, Wi-Fi access, a TV, a mini fridge, tea and coffee-making facilities, and a private bathroom. Guests can enjoy a variety of food at one of the onsite restaurants and enjoy a drink at the bar. Additional facilities and services include a fitness centre and a swimming pool.
Day 1
Day Notes:
On arrival, you will be welcomed at the O.R. Tambo International Airport. The moment you step into the arrivals area, you will become part of South Africa’s colour and buzz. It’s a short highway drive from the airport to your hotel in Sandton, where you’ll get a glimpse of the iconic Johannesburg skyline. Spend the afternoon relaxing after your flight, or explore the sleek Sandton City complex.
Walk through Sandton Square with its giant statue of Mandela. Wander down the Diamond Walk with its designer stores and trendy boutiques, making it the most expensive shopping hub in South Africa. Sandton City is more than boutiques; it’s a large, modern complex offering a wide range of shopping options and several unique curio shops. Find your way back to the hotel for a relaxed dinner (at your own expense) and prepare yourself for the adventure ahead.
Driving Time: ~60 kilometres/30 minutes
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Transfer from OR Tambo International Airport [JNB] to Protea Hotel Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton
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Check-in to Protea Hotel Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton
Makalali Private Game Reserve, South Africa
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aha Makalali Main Lodge
Day 2 - 3
Makalali Main Lodge is a newly built 5 star lodge, It’s central area is strikingly designed with rustic structures that effortlessly redirect the outside elements indoors. It also features a chic library; a quiet space to reflect or retreat with a book.
Day 2
Day Notes:
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and board your touring vehicle for the drive to the Makalali Private Game Reserve. We will stop en route in Dullstroom, a quaint country town known for its trout fishing and tranquillity. From Dullstroom, we wind through the grasslands and hills of the Limpopo Province to the private game reserve.
Your open safari vehicle and expert guide will be waiting to take you into the 25,000 hectares of reserve. Have your binoculars and cameras ready – this is ‘Big 5’ territory and we’ll be looking for lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard. There is plenty of other wildlife, including hyena and the elusive cheetah. As you adjust to the rhythm of the bush, you will see animals of all sizes.
A delicious dinner will be served at the lodge as the star-studded southern sky makes its appearance. It’s another beautiful evening in Africa.
Driving Time: ~456 kilometres/5 hours
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Check-out from Protea Hotel Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton
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Transfer from Protea Hotel Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton to aha Makalali Main Lodge
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Check-in to aha Makalali Main Lodge
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Shared afternoon game drive
Hazyview, South Africa
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ANEW Resort Hazyview
Day 3 - 4
Surrounded by breathtaking vegetation, ANEW Resort Hazyview is a luxurious base from which to explore the iconic Kruger National Park and the picturesque Lowveld region. The guest rooms and suites are bright, modern and well-appointed, equipped with Wi-Fi, TVs, tea/coffee facilities, hairdryers, private bathrooms and patios. The suites boast generous floor space and elegantly furnished living rooms. Guests can enjoy dining at the on-site restaurant serving delicious local and international dishes or relax with a refreshing drink while enjoying the scenery. Additional amenities and services include beautiful gardens, expansive outdoor sitting areas, outdoor dining, a swimming pool, tennis courts, on-site parking and a reception. Nearby activities and attractions include the Kruger National Park, Elephant Whispers Elephant Sanctuary, Perry’s Bridge Reptile Park and Sabi River Golf Course.
Day 3
Day Notes:
Early morning in the bush is extraordinary. Be part of the wilderness on a guided walk through the bush, or head out on an open vehicle game drive.
After a lodge breakfast, we drive the Panorama Route where the road enters a scenic wonderland. Blyde River Canyon, the world’s largest green canyon, filled with waterfalls and ancient geological formations, will take your breath away. Spot the Three Rondawels – three conical peaks resembling African huts. Stand on the bridges over the Bourke’s Luck Potholes, where millennia of swirling water have carved giant holes into the sandstone. Be ready for the vistas from God’s Window, the highest point of the day.
We stop in an old mining town for a late lunch (at your own expense). Savour a pancake bar and browse for curios. The scenic drive to Hazyview winds through rolling hills and forests. Soak in the outstanding natural beauty of the Mpumalanga Province as we head for your hotel.
Driving Time: ~180 kilometres/2 hours
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Shared morning bush walk or open safari vehicle game drive (included)
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Check-out from aha Makalali Main Lodge
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Transfer from aha Makalali Main Lodge to ANEW Resort Hazyview
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Blyde River Canyon and Three Rondavels (included)
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Bourke’s Luck Potholes (included)
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God’s Window (included)
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Check-in to ANEW Resort Hazyview
Lobamba, eSwatini
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Mantenga Lodge
Day 4 - 5
Situated among natural surroundings at the foot of Sheba’s Breasts Mountains, Mantenga Lodge is located in the beautiful Ezulwini Valley. All rooms are comfortably designed with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, TVs, and tea/coffee-making facilities. After a relaxing night, guests can start each morning with a full breakfast. Other services and facilities include a swimming pool, a restaurant, conference facilities, room service, parking, a bar, laundry services, and Wi-Fi. For leisure, guests can explore all that the Kingdom of Swaziland has to offer.
Day 4
Day Notes:
After an early breakfast, we enter the Kruger National Park, the world’s premier wildlife destination, through the Phabeni Gate, for a game viewing journey to Malelane Gate in your touring vehicle, immersing you in the world of the ‘Big 5’.
We stop for lunch at a bush picnic spot (at your own expense). Listen for the laughing call of a hyena or the unforgettable, full-throated roar of a lion. At a water hole, look for crocodiles or a hippo suddenly surfacing for air. We exit the Park via the Malelane Gate.
After the excitement of the morning, we make our way to the misty mountains of Eswatini, entering through Jeppes Reef Border Post in the late afternoon, leaving time to relax and enjoy dinner at the lodge.
NOTE: When entering the Kingdom of Eswatini, guests must ensure they have a valid passport and for nationals of applicable countries, multi-entry visa regulations apply (own expense).
Driving Time: ~285 kilometres/3 hours
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Check-out from ANEW Resort Hazyview
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Game viewing in the Kruger National Park in a closed vehicle
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Transfer from ANEW Resort Hazyview to Mantenga Lodge
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Check-in to Mantenga Lodge
St Lucia, South Africa
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Forest Lodge
Day 5 - 6
Forest Lodge is an upmarket lodge in the town of St Lucia, iSimangaliso world heritage site.
Day 5
Day Notes:
Enjoy a hearty breakfast before visiting the Swazi Candle Factory. The candles, handmade in a music-filled workshop, are not ordinary. A special wax is used to create distinctive and colourful designs.
Visit the Yebo Art Gallery to view the work of talented local artists. Sample local specialties, such as Buganu, a marula fruit drink or enjoy tea and cake at the Sambane Tea Garden. For something fiery, try the Black Mamba chilli sauce, a local delicacy.
After a fascinating morning, we re-enter South Africa through the Lavumisa Border Post. We will enjoy lunch on the way to St Lucia. The landscape changes dramatically as we approach the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We travel through lush wetlands and dense forests in this paradise on the pristine shores of the Indian Ocean on the way to your lodge and a delicious dinner (at your own expense).
Driving Time: ~335 kilometres/4 hours
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Check-out from Mantenga Lodge
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Visit Swazi Candle Factory and Crafts Market
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Transfer from Mantenga Lodge to Forest Lodge
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Check-in to Forest Lodge
Umhlanga, South Africa
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The Capital Pearls
Day 6 - 7
Talk about a view from the top. The Capital Pearls overlooks the silver coastlines of Umhlanga as far as the eye can see. Step out, and you step into the luxury of our private mall, the Umhlanga Pier & Lighthouse, and the many other local restaurants at the shores of the coastline.We understand that those who play hard, earn it by working hard, which is why The Capital Pearls comes with all the facilities to make that important deal happen. Whether it's boardrooms and conference spaces, or the ideal space to meet your clients.
Day 6
Day Notes:
Start your morning on an open safari vehicle, driving through wetlands teeming with wildlife and enjoy coffee with rusks on the beach. Keep your cameras ready for buffalo, elephant, and the elusive leopard.
After breakfast, take a boat cruise on the St Lucia Estuary. The Estuary, with its island-like setting, is home to a mind-boggling 2,180 plant species, over 1, 000 Nile crocodiles, more than 800 hippopotami and many prehistoric-looking monitor lizards. Enjoy lunch (at your own expense) on the banks of the lake listening to the sweet song of an Oriole or the chatter of the vibrantly plumed St Lucia Parrot.
You will be loath to leave St Lucia, but more adventure awaits. We depart for a late afternoon arrival in Umhlanga, where you will bid farewell to your tour guide on the Northern portion of your tour. Dine at a restaurant at the hotel or in town (at your own expense).
NOTE: Tour guide services end
Driving Time: ~225 kilometres/3 hours
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Shared morning game drive (included)
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Short forest walk in iSimangaliso Wetlands Park (included)
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Check-out from Forest Lodge
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Boat cruise on the St Lucia Estuary (included)
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Transfer from Forest Lodge to The Capital Pearls
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Check-in to The Capital Pearls
Hermanus, South Africa
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The Marine
Day 7 - 8
The Marine, a member of The Liz McGrath Collection, is one of South Africa's most spectacular seaside hotels. Located on Hermanus’ famous cliff path, overlooking the breathtaking Walker Bay, the Small Luxury Hotels of the World property offers visitors the unique opportunity to experience the finest land-based whale watching in the world from June to November each year. Guests are even able to view these majestic creatures from their own sea-view bedroom. The Overberg region is also a must for adventure sport seekers, offering a host of activities – including hiking, mountain biking and marine sports. Back at the hotel, guests can indulge in exceptional culinary delights.
Day 7
Day Notes:
After breakfast at the hotel, take a stroll along the promenade that stretches along 3km of shoreline. If you’re an early bird, sit on a bench and watch the sunrise over the Indian Ocean.
Be ready for your transfer to King Shaka International Airport and a flight (at your own expense and arrangement) to Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha). You will soon find yourself in a beachfront hotel in what is affectionately known by the locals as the “Windy City”. Settle into your hotel and then go for a walk along King’s Beach, swim or relax on the white sands and enjoy the ocean view, watching daredevil surfers making the most of the excellent waves. Once back at your hotel, enjoy an unhurried dinner (at your own expense) and take time to relax before your Garden Route exploration.
Driving Time: ~24 kilometres/25 minutes
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Check-out from The Capital Pearls
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Transfer from The Capital Pearls to King Shaka International Airport [DUR]
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Charter Flight from King Shaka International Airport [DUR] to Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport [PLZ]
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Transfer from Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport [PLZ] to The Marine
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Check-in to The Marine
Knysna, South Africa
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Protea Hotel by Marriott Knysna Quays
Day 8 - 10
Renowned as the perfect holiday destination, the hotel is set on the Knysna Quays Waterfront with the lagoon at your doorstep. This stylish property is suited to both leisure and business travelers alike with sheer comfort assured. Facing the warm Indian Ocean through the Knysna Heads, the hotel offers a tranquil stay in spacious rooms overlooking the magical Knysna lagoon, historical train station and the Knysna town.
Day 8
Day Notes:
After breakfast, be ready to meet your local tour guide for the Garden Route journey to Cape Town. The road takes us to Knysna along the Garden Route, famous for its outstanding natural beauty. We enter the Storms River section of the Garden Route National Park for a walk across the unique Storms River Suspension Bridge and experience the thrill of standing high above the vast rocky chasm below you. There are a series of 3 bridges with stable wooden paths and stairs. This hour-long walk offers spectacular views of the gorge and ocean.
After enjoying lunch in the forest (at your own expense), the afternoon brings us to Knysna. End a perfect day with a sunset oyster cruise on the lagoon. Watch for dolphins at the river mouth and enjoy the abundant birdlife. After your cruise, dine (at your own expense) at a restaurant on the shores of the Estuary.
NOTE: Tour guide services start
Driving Time: ~285 kilometres/3 hours 30 minutes
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Check-out from The Marine
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Storms River Suspension Bridge walk (included)
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Transfer from The Marine to Protea Hotel by Marriott Knysna Quays
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Check-in to Protea Hotel by Marriott Knysna Quays
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Sunset Knysna oyster cruise (included – weather permitting)
Day 9
Day Notes:
After breakfast at the hotel, it’s a short drive to Plettenberg Bay. This little town, with its blue flag beaches and sweeping bay is a premier tourist destination and one of the best whale spotting areas in the world. Your marine adventure starts at Central Beach, from which the boats are launched. These waters are home to large schools of dolphins and there are often great white sharks cutting through the waves. The protected beaches of the Robberg Nature Reserve are home to large seal colonies.
Back on dry land, we visit Qolweni Township, a vibrant Xhosa community. A representative of the Qolweni Community Development Trust will share insight into the project and how your contribution is utilized to pay teachers’ salaries and towards the maintenance of the Qolweni crèche and its 188 children. Visit a spaza shop or have a traditional drink in a shebeen. We head back to Knysna for dinner (at your own expense) at the Waterfront.
Driving Time: ~60 kilometres/30 minutes
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Marine excursion in Plettenberg Bay (included – weather permitting)
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Qolweni Township visit (included)
Oudtshoorn, South Africa
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Surval Boutique Olive Estate
Day 10 - 11
Situated at the foot of the majestic Swartberg Mountain range (a UNESCO World Heritage site) in the Klein Karoo, Surval Boutique Olive Estate offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Schoemanshoek Valley.
Day 10
Day Notes:
After breakfast, we continue along the Garden Route past lakes and wooded mountains to the town of Wilderness. We turn inland and climb the Outeniqua Pass. The Pass takes us to the semi-desert of the Klein Karoo and Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world. You will have travelled through game parks, up mountain passes and across estuaries, but the Cango Caves Heritage Tour will take you into an astounding subterranean world.
We will have lunch (at your own expense) before arriving at your lodge in Oudtshoorn in the late afternoon. The dry climate here is ideal for olive growing. The estates in the region produce award-winning handpicked olives, which create exceptional quality extra virgin olive oil. Enjoy an olive tasting, paired with a Protea Rosé or fruit juice, while taking in spectacular views of the Swartberg Mountains. With leisure time in the evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Driving Time: ~125 kilometres/2 hours
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Check-out from Protea Hotel by Marriott Knysna Quays
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Outeniqua Mountain Pass
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Cango Caves heritage tour (included)
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Transfer from Protea Hotel by Marriott Knysna Quays to Surval Boutique Olive Estate
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Check-in to Surval Boutique Olive Estate
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Olive tasting, paired with Protea Rose or juice (included)
Cape Town, South Africa
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SunSquare Cape Town City Bowl
Day 11 - 13
Situated on the corner of Buitengracht and Strand, the SunSquare Cape Town City Bowl hotel combines a design edge with modern city hotel amenities, TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awarded accommodation, and affordability in the very heart of Cape Town.
Day 11
Day Notes:
After breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to visit one of the famous ostrich farms. A fun and interactive tractor tour will take you through the farm’s breeder bird camps where you will learn about and see three different species of ostrich. Modern farmers have successfully adapted and now farm mainly for meat, leather, and eggs. Grab some ostrich biltong (dried meat) to enjoy on the drive along Route 62, the world’s longest wine route.
We stop for lunch along the route and you will have an opportunity to taste local wines (all at your own expense). The scenery on the way to Cape Town via Stellenbosch is a canvas of beauty. The road wanders through valleys and past farmhouses with historic Cape Dutch architecture in Stellenbosch. The road into Cape Town presents a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean and of the most beautiful South African city. There’s time to explore the V&A Waterfront to try one of the many restaurants for dinner.
Driving Time: ~440 kilometres/5 hours
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Check-out from Surval Boutique Olive Estate
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Ostrich farm tractor tour (included)
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Transfer from Surval Boutique Olive Estate to SunSquare Cape Town City Bowl
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Wine tasting en route (own expense)
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Check-in to SunSquare Cape Town City Bowl
Day 12
Day Notes:
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and prepare for one more day of adventure as we head to Cape Point. Cape Town is built on a mountainous peninsula. Travel along the Atlantic seaboard with its white beaches and rugged mountains to Hout Bay.
If time permits, there is the option of taking a half hour boat trip to Duiker Island to see a Cape Fur Seal colony (at your own expense). If open, continue on Chapman’s Peak Drive, noted as one of the most stunning roadways in the world.
The return journey to Cape Town takes us along the False Bay coast with the option of visiting the colony of rare African Penguins at Boulders Beach (entrance fee at your expense). We will pass through the naval village of Simon’s Town, Fish Hoek, Kalk Bay and Muizenberg. After a full day, enjoy dinner in town or choose a restaurant at the fabulous and cosmopolitan V&A Waterfront.
Driving Time: ~60 kilometres/30 minutes
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Cape Point full day tour (Bilingual commentary – included)
Day 13
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Check-out from SunSquare Cape Town City Bowl
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Transfer from SunSquare Cape Town City Bowl to Cape Town International Airport [CPT]
End of Itinerary
Destinations
Johannesburg
Makalali Private Game Reserve
Hazyview
Lobamba
St Lucia
Umhlanga
Hermanus
Knysna
Oudtshoorn
Cape Town
Accommodations
Protea Hotel Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton
aha Makalali Main Lodge
ANEW Resort Hazyview
Mantenga Lodge
Forest Lodge
The Capital Pearls
The Marine
Protea Hotel by Marriott Knysna Quays
Surval Boutique Olive Estate
SunSquare Cape Town City Bowl
TOURS DEPART FROM JOHANNESBURG ON SCHEDULED SUNDAYS
7*, 14, 21*, 28 September, 5*, 12, 19*, 26 October, 2*, 9, 16**, 23*, 30* November, 7, 14*, 21**, 28* December 2025
- Per person sharing: EUR 3,299
- Single supplement: EUR 730
- Children, age 7-11 sharing: EUR 1,650
4, 11**, 18*, 25* January, 1, 8*, 15**, 22* February, 1, 8*, 15*, 22*, 29 March, 5*, 12**, 19*, 26 April, 3*, 10*, 17*, 24, 31* May, 7*, 14*, 21, 28** June, 5*, 12*, 19, 26* July, 2**, 9*, 16, 23*, 30* August, 6**, 13, 20*, 27* September, 11, 18**, 25* October, 1, 8*, 15**, 22*, 29* November, 6, 13*, 20**, 27* December 2026
- Per person sharing: EUR 3,399
- Single supplement: EUR 752
- Children, age 7-11 sharing: EUR 1,700
*These tours are German-guided
**These tours French-guided
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Nelia at Indigo Safaris was absolutely fantastic from start to finish. I'm usually the one who plans all of our family trips, so I know firsthand how much work it is. This time, I didn't have to lift a finger! She helped us figure out exactly what we wanted and then handled every detail, booking an incredible trip for us.
Everything worked like clockwork. The three lodges she booked were amazing, and all our transfers were perfectly pre-planned. I didn't need to worry about a thing or confirm a single detail. It was, without a doubt, the most stress-free travel experience I've ever had.
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Shannon went above and beyond for my son and I on our trip of a lifetime!
From the minute I met Shannon, she wanted to make sure we had the best trip. She planned amazing experiences for my son and I. We went to Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa and everything was perfect. Whenever I had any questions, Shannon always got back to me right away! I definitely recommend her to plan this memorable trip.
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Every detail was flawless. We saw the Big Five in Kruger, and then spent five blissful days on Benguerra Island. Thank you for making our dream trip so easy.
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I had a great experience with Indigo Safaris. The team was very professional and responsive in answering all my concerns and ensuring I had a great experience. My trip was implemented by a local partner very professional. It was one of my best trip experiences.
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