Days
10
South Africa, Namibia
Kruger and Mamili are 2 supreme and very diverse wildlife destinations. Kruger is big 5 country by definition. Mamili is one the remotest and least visited wild areas of Southern Africa. While Central Kruger is the land of large predators and huge herds of Buffalos, Mamili is a haven for birdwatching and riverine wildlife.
A wide variety of safari activities, beyond classic game drives: boat, canoe, walking safari.
Manyeleti is the most pristine private reserve open to Kruger.
A variety of accommodation types: bush villa, bush camp and tented lodge.
This journey starts from the South African Lowveld, the region of the spectacular Blyde River Canyon and the Kruger National Park, the most famous national park of South Africa.
This is also a combo of a self-drive safari within the Kruger NP and guided game drives in the Manyeleti Game Reserve, the wildest of the private reserves open to Kruger NP.
Overnight in bush villa (or in a cozy lodge at the outskirts of Kruger) just a stone’s throw from the Blyde river, and in an unfenced bush camp at Manyeleti. A real wilderness experience with no frills nor electricity. Hidden in a thick forest or in an open savannah, in the remotest area of the reserve.
After 5 nights in the Lowveld, flight from Nelspruit to Johannesburg for one night stop-over in a hotel near the airport, before flying to Kasane (Botswana) the following morning. Pick-up and transfer to Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge, at the edge of the remote Mamili National Park, in the Caprivi strip.
The camp is on a river and Mamili is a kind of preview of the Okavango Delta. Safaris are done by boat, open vehicles or on foot. The most intrepid travelers might even try the mokoro, a typical boat of the Delta made in ebony. Amongst optional activities, you can choose also night drives and a visit to local villages.
The Caprivi Strip belongs to Namibia although, as a matter of fact, it is a country on its own. The Namibian desert left here the way to sub-tropical forests crossed by perennial rivers.
On request, a private guide can be provided in South Africa for the self-drive portion of this trip.
Pick-up of your vehicle at the Johannesburg International Airport and start your drive to Hoedspruit. On the way, stop at the main look-up points along the Panorama Route and the Blyde River Canyon. Arrival in Hoedspruit by late afternoon. Overnight in bush villa or lodge, with breakfast included.
Days at leisure to discover the Greater Kruger area. We suggest to spend at least one full day in the Kruger NP.
For the other, you can enjoy the main amenities available in or from Hoedspruit, like a boat trip into the Blyde River Canyon, Jessica the Hippo or the Kinyonga Reptile Centre. You can also book a game drive in one of the private reserves adjacent or open to Kruger NP.
Overnight in bushvilla or lodge, with breakfast included.
Days of Safari in the Manyeleti Game Reserve, the wildest of the private reserves open to Kruger. Manyeleti is know for the abundance of rhinos, buffalos and large predators.
Overnight in bushcamp, with full-board.
Once back to the camp from the morning game drive, breakfast and check-out. Return your vehicle at Mpumalanga International Airport (Nelspruit) and fly to Johannesburg.
Transfer by shuttle to your hotel (Metcourt Suites), a mere 5 minute drive from the airport. Dinner at leisure.
Shuttle transfer to the airport and flight to Kasane (Botswana). Land transfer (4 hours ca.) to Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge, at the edge of Mamili National Park, where you are expected to get by late afternoon. If you are not too tired, you may book a night drive.
Overnight at the lodge, with dinner included.
Days of safari by boat and open vehicle. Overnight at theNkasa Lupala Tented Lodge, in half-board.
After breakfast, transfer to Kasane and flight to Johannesburg. If you have never been to before, you may consider to extend your stay by spending 2-3 nights at Victoria Falls.
The Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon in world. The best look-out point is from Three Rondavels. To change your perspective, try the boat trip in the heart of the canyon, from the Swadini Dam, near Hoedspruit.
Three Rondavels is by all means the best look-out point on the Blyde River Canyon. The rounded peaks of the 3 mountains (up-right in the photo) resemble the circular thatched roofs of the typical African huts.
For a change of perspective, try the boat trip. Also a chance to see the flora and the fauna of the canyon.
Use your imagination and you'll see a scary monkey face, with the mouth fully open and eyes in tears.
Driving down to Graskop, don't miss a stop at Bourke's Luck Potholes. From there, one can walk on hiking trails for hours or days.
God's window, a few km before reaching Graskop, coming from Bourke's Luck Potholes. One of the icons of the Panorama Route.
Probably the best waterfalls (94m of height) of the Panorama Route. Near God's Window.
Near God's Window, the shape of this waterfall of 80m of height resembles that of a candle. The name was given by German prospectors working in the area.
Also near God's Window, they have a fall of 65 meters.