South Africa’s North-eastern Culture, Conservation & Safaris

Superior Private Tour in brief

Fly overnight from London (regional connections available) to Johannesburg. (N)

You will be met by our VIP meet and greet service, before collecting your premium package category M rental vehicle and driving north to the Lapalala Wilderness Reserve. Lapalala attracts a variety of different animals to its diverse landscapes, including leopards, baboons, crocodiles, zebras and impalas. The assortment of environments has also made it the ideal location for several conservation projects, resulting in growing populations of vulnerable wildlife such as white and black rhinos and wild dogs. Search for them all on morning and afternoon guided game drives during your full day on the reserve. Stay 2 nights at Tintswalo Lapalala. (D) (B, L, D)

Travel north-east towards the Soutpansberg mountains. Nestled among the verdant slopes is the Madi a Thavha Mountain Lodge where you will stay for 3 nights. Enjoy some of the many scenic hiking trails, do a spot of birdwatching and learn about the community based projects that are at the heart of everything the lodge does. An art and culture tour is also included which introduces you to the colourful homes, markets and workshops of the surrounding villages known for their beautiful woodwork, pottery, textiles and sculptures. (B, D)

Drive close to South Africa’s northernmost border to the Mapesu Game Reserve. The reserve is another conservation project in action with cheetahs, rhinos, elephants and buffaloes just some of the species to have been released there in recent years. The nearby Mapungubwe National Park is home to many other animals, including lions. You will have the chance to join included safari activities and/or landscape and cultural drives. Stay 2 nights at Mopane Bush Lodge. (B, L, D)

Follow the border east to the northern section of Kruger National Park. The Makuleke Concession offers fantastic game viewing with animals often crossing the Limpopo and Luvuvhu rivers that converge here. The region is also of geological interest, with dinosaur hunters finding a wealth of riches within the ancient rocks. Activities here include game drives and bush walks as well as visits to the Lanner Gorge and Fever Tree Forest. Stay 2 nights at Pafuri Camp. (B, L, D)

Trace a path southwards to the Khaya Ndlovu Game Reserve. No activities are included here, but you can use the safari skills learned earlier in the journey to enjoy self-driven game drives in the reserve and nearby Kruger National Park. You may also want to explore the Panorama Route, offering sumptuous vistas across the surrounding Lowveld escarpment and canyons. Stay 3 nights at the Khaya Ndlovu Manor House. (B, D)

Return your rental vehicle at Hoedspruit Airport before flying to Johannesburg and onwards to London, arriving the following day. (B) (N)

As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.

This tour is based in 4- and 5-star accommodation.

For a price quote based on alternative accommodation standards, to discuss flight options or to tailor this itinerary, please call to speak with a Cox & Kings consultant or enquire online.