X Go Wild; explore Kruger and so much more!

Summary

This is the ideal tour for wildlife enthusiasts! 14 days are spent in Big-5 Nature Reserves, including Kruger National Park, Pilanesberg National Park, Marakele National Park and Kololo/Welgevonden Game Reserve. You'll also explore the magnificent Panorama Route and the Soutpansberg Mountains. If that’s not enough we add a sprinkle of culture to make this tour a complete South African experience!

TOUR TYPE	Self-drive or guided
PRICE	From R42800 per person
FOCUS	Safari, scenery and culture
NUMBER OF DESTINATIONS	8
MALARIA RISK	Moderate

Key HIghLIGhTs

Go on a bicycle ride in Soweto Township, visit the house of Nelson Mandela and get to meet locals in a ‘Shebeen’
Visit the Apartheid Museum
Enjoy a three-day safari in Pilanesberg National Park
Visit Sun City or choose one of the following activities: quad biking, paintball, Segway riding or enjoy the water and amusement park
Relax in the beautiful Kololo Game Reserve or explore it by mountain bike
Discover the Welgevonden Game Reserve and find the Big-5, completely different from Pilanesberg
Learn more about culture in a local township
Choose some of the activities in Mogalakwana River Lodge; help a biologist with his/her research, go on a scorpion tour, visit baobabs, learn how to do ceramics, try fly fishing or book a guided sunrise or sunset game drive
Visit the Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage and learn about this special kingdom with the golden rhino
Discover Soutpansbergen by hiking or horse riding, enjoy the view or get a massage
Kruger time! Go on game drives, walking safari’s and boat tours through this famous park to look for the Big-5 and more!
Enjoy the hospitality of the fun Sefapane Lodge

Itinerary

Here at Tailor Made Safaris, we will happily adjust the itinerary below should you wish to see any changes. Of course, it is possible to add some days or take some out, and don't forget to take a look at our add-ons! Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about this tour.

LIGHTBOX EXAMPLE

Want to know the differences between the Standard and Luxury tour? Click here

We offer two versions of this tour; A ‘standard’ and a ‘more luxurious’ version. The standard version you can book as a self-drive tour, or as a fully guided tour. The luxury version is only available as a self-drive tour. The luxury tour is of course more expensive. To help you decide which to choose we have included both options below in the text, and have explained the essential differences in a summary at the bottom of this document. So what's the difference: Most days are basically the same. However, in version A (the default), you will stay in in standard park accommodation on some locations. This accommodation is comfortable, but also not really ‘special’. However, if you prefer the comforts of a higher quality accommodation version B (the more luxurious version) would be the one for you to choose. You will also have more guided game drives in open safari vehicles included in version B. With the standard version (A) you will do some self-drive game drives in your rental car, or in one of Tailor Made Safari’s vehicles. In short: The standard A tour is available as a self-drive or guided tour, version B only as a self-drive tour. Version A has several nights staying in parks accommodation, and some of the game drives during the trip you self-drive on your own in your hire car. Should you opt for a fully guided version A the game drives will be conducted in one of Tailor Made Safaris vehicles with one of our guides.The more luxurious version B stays at more luxury accommodation, and has most excursions and guided game drives included. Also, there are more meals included in version B. Close

Version A (Standard)
Version B (Luxury)

Day 1: Arrive in Johannesburg

Upon arrival at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, you will be met by a representative of your guesthouse and taken there. Here you can spend the evening relaxing after your flight.

Day 2: Apartheid museum and soweto township tour

This tour introduces an important era of South African history and is not only hugely interesting, inspiring, and educational, but also FUN! First you will visit the impressive Apartheid Museum for the ‘background information’, and then you will go on an informative bicycle ride through the Soweto Township, to see with your own eyes some of the things that you have learned about at the museum

Day 3: Johannesburg - Pilanesberg National Park

After breakfast your guesthouse representative will drive you back to the airport. At the Avis office you will pick up your rental car. From here you can start your adventure to the Pilanesberg National Park. Pilanesberg National Park is an amazing place located in the ecological transition zone between the Kalahari and the Lowveld. The area is Malaria free, offers a good road network and has several animal hides. So it has lots of places to observe the wildlife. It is a Big-5 game reserve, with other animals including several antelope species, the rare brown hyena, African wild dog and cheetah. Here you will stay in Manyane Resort, this resort lies in the centre of the Pilanesberg. You will be staying in comfortable chalets. This afternoon you can go on your first self-drive safari!

Day 4: Manyane Resort, pilanesberg national Park

Today you can choose how you spend your day. You can go on a self-drive safari and discover the beautiful park while looking for animals. You can also choose to book some activities at the accommodation, such as, a guided game drive or a guided walk (for your own account).

Day 5: Visit Sun City in Pilanesberg

Ready for a change of scenery? Today you may wish to visit Sun City, an amusement park and resort not far from Manyane Resort. There are plenty of activities to do here like archery, paintball, clay pigeon shooting, quad biking, a Segway tour, golfing or swimming in waterpark Valley of the Waves. Activities in Sun City are for your own account. Not keen on going to Sun City? You can also go on another game drive in Pilanesberg and enjoy the beautiful views.

Day 6: pilanesberg national park - kololo game reserve

After breakfast you will make your way to Kololo Game Reserve. This reserve is located in the beautiful Waterberg region and has a completely different eco-system to Pilanesberg. Large plains with many rivers characterize the area, therefore the name Waterberg. In Kololo you can take a walk or go mountain biking between antelopes, zebras and giraffes. On arrival in Kololo you can enjoy a lovely lunch and relax at your accommodation. After having done many game drives focused on spotting the Big-5, you may now go on a guided game drive where the emphasis will be more on ‘normal animals’, their tracks and the interesting vegetation. But of course you can also opt to relax.

Day 7: Kololo Game Reserve, cultural tour & free time

Today you will go on a cultural tour! You will be taken into the rural area and also visit a Cultural Village in Vaalwater to learn more about the local people. After this impressive tour you will return to the Kololo Game Reserve in the afternoon. If time allows and if you want, you can then go for a walk, cycle, or simply relax with a good book. The options are endless!

Day 8: day safari Welgevonden Game Reserve

There is a good chance that after a few ‘non-safari days’ you would like to go spot the Big-5 again, and if possible in a very different environment than Pilanesberg. That is why a full day game drive in an open vehicle to Welgevonden Game Reserve is planned for today. This allows you to go in deep into this stunning park to explore and look for animals in the vast open plains, alternated with forested valleys and countless rivers & wetlands.

Day 9: Kololo Game Reserve - Mogalakwena River Lodge

After a scrumptious breakfast, it is time to leave the Kololo Game Reserve. You will drive north to the Mogalakwena River Lodge where you will stay the next few days. The Mogalakwena River Lodge is situated in the Limpopo River Valley on the banks of the Mogalakwena River where you often see crocodiles and tons of birds. This is a place where you can relax and have time to enjoy all of your memories of the last few days.

Day 10: Mogalakwena river lodge

Today is free to spend as you choose. You can relax by the pool and delve into a good book, whilst enjoying the direct surrounds of the lodge. Alternatively, there are many activities you can do in the area. Nearby the lodge, you’ll find a research center where you can help the researchers with their work. You can choose to visit the impressive baobab trees, go fly-fishing or join a scorpion tour at night.

Another option is visiting the Craft Art Centre. Here you can view the wonderful art, take a walk through the beautiful garden and enjoy a nice cool drink next to the pool. Those of you with a creative flare may choose to take part in a Craft Art workshop here, where you will be taught how to do pottery or how to weave baskets (costs are for your own account). As you can see you will not be bored at Mogalakwena!

Day 11: Daytrip to Mapungubwe National Park

From Mogalakwena it is only an hour drive to the special Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site. This park consists partly of what, from 1075 to 1300, used to be the ‘Mapungubwe Kingdom’. The ‘Mapungubwe Kingdom’ was populated by a relatively advanced population, who became wealthy by trading gold and ivory to countries such as Egypt, India and China. After death, those with a high status in the kingdom were buried with many golden objects; among them is the famous Golden Rhino of Mapungubwe. These, as well as many other objects, can be seen in an interesting interpretation centre and museum in the park. This morning you can take a guided tour and the rest of the day you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes and wildlife, before heading back to Mogalakwena.

Day 12: Mogalakwena - Leshiba Wilderness, Soutpansberg

After breakfast you continue your trip, this time you make the short drive to the Soutpansberg mountain range. The Soutpansberg has a unique environment and an incredible biodiversity. You stay here in luxury self-catering suites in Leshiba Wilderness, situated in a hidden valley on top of the Soutpansberg, which offers unsurpassed scenery, lots of wildlife (such as rhino’s and giraffes) and un-spoilt nature. Tonight it is time for a totally new experience! You are going on a night drive. Some animals are more active at night, such as leopard, hyena and bush baby’s, and this is your chance to see these animals!

Day 13: Enjoying nature in the soutpansberg

Today you can choose what you would like to do. What about going for a hike in the mountains? You may want to make the most of your time here, as there is so much natural beauty to experience, but of course you can also spend your time relaxing at the lodge, or book optional activities. Do as you please, as long as you enjoy yourself!

Day 14: Soutpansberg - Kruger National Park

This morning you leave the Soutpansberg and drive to the world famous Kruger National Park! When you think of South Africa then you think of course of Kruger National Park. It is not only the best known but also the largest park in South Africa. You will be staying in the Sefapane Main Lodge, which is located 1 km from the Phalaborwa gate of the Kruger National Park. It is the ideal base to explore the park and the surrounding region. This afternoon you can relax at your accommodation. Enjoy swimming at the pool or go for a drink at the ‘Tusker Bar’. After a week of non-safari days at Mogalakwena and Soutpansbergen, tomorrow it is time for another real Big-5 safari experience.

Day 15: Game drive Kruger National Park

After a good breakfast you will go on a guided game drive. Your guide knows the best spots of the famous Kruger park, so you have a much higher chance to see the wildlife! Because this is a full day safari, you will enjoy lunch somewhere in the park, allowing you to see a large area of the park.

day 16: Walking safari and boat cruise Kruger National Park

What do you think of a guided bush walk/walking safari looking for the Big-5? That’s the plan for the early morning! During the walk you will enjoy a light breakfast. After you come back you have the rest of the morning and early afternoon to rest at the lodge. In the afternoon you will try a different safari type, a sunset river cruise on the Olifants River! During the cruise you are likely to see hippos, crocodiles, beautiful bird species and many other animals that live in this river.

Day 17: Sefapane Main Lodge - Shindzela Tented Camp, Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

This morning you will drive to Shindzela Tented Camp. Should you leave early enough, there is time to visit the Moholoholo Animal Rehabilitation Centre. Here you can get up close with many species of animals that are being rehabilitated here. Shindzela Tented Safari Camp is located in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, which is a part of the Greater Kruger National Park. It is a beautiful area, home to a large variety of animal species including the Big-5. You will be staying in luxurious canvas tents in the middle of the bush and will be fully taken care of by the lodge’s staff. Everyday during your stay you can join two guided game drives in open vehicles and, because it is a private game reserve, the vehicles are allowed to go off-road to get you even closer to the animals!

Day 18: Shindzela Tented Camp, Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

Today is another day for guided game drives, these take place in the morning and in the late afternoon. You can also choose to spend a night in the animal hide, which is an amazing experience! By doing so you can observe nocturnal animals coming to drink, and fall asleep listening to a chorus of frogs and perhaps the roar of lions. This ‘sleep-out’ in the hide will attract an additional charge, which is at your own expense. Between the game drives you have a chance to relax.

day 19: Shindzela Tented Camp - Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve

Today you will go on one last guided game drive. After this you will continue your trip and drive to your last destination: The Blyde River Canyon. Here you stay at Thaba Tsweni Lodge. The drive to Thaba Tsweni lodge is spectacular, as you will drive through a landscape full of mountains and waterfalls. The lodge is situated in the centre of the Blyde River Canyon Escarpment, from here you can explore the surroundings during the next few days.

Day 20: Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve

After breakfast it is time to drive the famous Panorama route! This journey will take you through a range of spectacular landscapes; impressive waterfalls, large canyons and deep abysses. You will have a chance to stop at several points of special interest along the way, taking in the breath-taking sceneries at God’s Window & Wonder View and Bourke’s Luck Potholes. The Blyde River Canyon is famous for it’s beautiful landscape. Be sure to enjoy your time here as much as you can!

Day 21: Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve - Johannesburg

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your accommodation before you travel to Johannesburg Airport. Here you will hand in your rental car and prepare for your journey home. We wish you a pleasant and safe flight home!

Day 1: Arrive in johannesburg

Upon arrival at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, you will be met by a representative of your guesthouse and taken there. Here you can spend the evening relaxing after your flight.

Day 2: Apartheid museum and soweto township tour

Day 3: Johannesburg - Pilanesberg national park

After breakfast your guesthouse representative will drive you back to the airport. You will pick up your rental car at the Avis office. From here you will begin your journey to Pilanesberg National Park. Pilanesberg National Park is an amazing place located in the ecological transition zone between Kalahari and the Lowveld. This area is malaria free. The park offers many places to observe wildlife, with an excellent road network and several animal hides. It is a Big-5 game reserve with other animals including several antelope species, the rare brown hyena, cheetah and African wild dog. The next few days you stay at the luxury Black Rhino River Lodge, an accommodation located in the North-West of the Greater Pilanesberg National Park. The lodge is built in the Tamboti forest on the edge of an ancient crater. The view from the lodge is incredible; overlooking a waterhole, which is a playground for wildlife. Every day a guide will take you to go on a game guide in an open game viewer. This afternoon you will experience a guided game drive for the first time.

DAy 4: Black rhino Game Lodge, pilanesberg national park

Today you will enjoy two guided game drives through the beautiful Pilanesberg Game Reserve. An added benefit from staying at this luxury lodge is that the guides have access to a huge concession area in the park where self-drive tourists are not allowed to drive. Between the game drives you can relax at the lodge and enjoy the stunning views, or rest in your luxurious suite.

Day 5: Visit Sun City in Pilanesberg

Ready for a change of scenery? Today you may wish to visit Sun City, an amusement park and luxury resort not far from Black Rhino Game Lodge. There are plenty of activities to do here, such as archery, paint balling, clay pigeon shooting, quad biking, a Segway tour, golfing or swimming in the Valley of the Waves waterpark! Activities in Sun City are for your own account. Not keen on going to Sun City? You can also join one of the game drives in Pilanesberg or relax at the lodge.

Day 6: Pilanesberg National Park - Kololo game reserve

Day 7: Kololo Game Reserve, cultural tour & free time

Day 8: day safari Welgevonden Game Reserve

Day 9: Kololo Game Reserve - Mogalakwena River Lodge

Day 10: Mogalakwena River Lodge

Day 11: Daytrip to Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site

Day 12: Mogalakwena - Leshiba Wilderness, Soutpansberg

Day 13: enjoying nature in the soutpansberg

Day 14: Soutpansberg - Kruger National Park

Day 15: Game drive Kruger National Park

Day 16: Walking safari and boat cruise Kruger National Park

What do you think of a guided bush walk / walking safari looking for the Big-5? That’s the plan for the early morning! During the walk you will get a light breakfast. After you come back you have the rest of the morning and early afternoon to rest at the lodge. In the afternoon you will try a different safari type, a sunset river cruise on the Olifants River! During the cruise you are likely see hippos, crocodiles, beautiful bird species and many other animals that live in this river.

Day 17: Drive to elephant plains lodge, sabi sand game reserve

This morning you will drive the 2,5 hour to Sabi Sands. Should you leave early enough, there is time to visit the Moholoholo Animal Rehabilitation Centre. Here you can get up close with many species of animals that are being cared for at the centre. After your visit you will continue to Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve. This game reserve is part of the Greater Kruger National Park. Sabi Sands was founded in 1934 and is the oldest private reserve in South Africa. Renowned as one of the best places in South Africa to spot the elusive leopard, this reserve is home to all of the Big-5 as well as cheetah, hyenas and the beautiful caracal. You will find a few endangered animal species here, such as the wild dog, ground hornbill and many different kinds of bat. You will stay in the luxurious Elephant Plains Lodge. Here you can find two swimming pools, a spa and gym! The lodge has a very welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. Every day you can enjoy two guided game drives and/or a bush walk. This afternoon you will join the guided game drive!

Day 18: Elephant Plains Lodge, Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Today is another day for guided game drives. These take place in the morning and in the late afternoon. You will have chance to spot elephants, leopards and different bird species. You will also have time for relaxing at the lodge and even a chance to visit the spa for a massage.

Day 19: Sabi sand game reserve - blyde river canyon nature reserve

Today you will go on one last guided game drive and enjoy your last scrumptious meal at Elephant Plains Lodge. After brunch, it's time to continue your journey to your last destination: The Blyde River Canyon. Here you stay at the delightful Rissington Inn. The drive to Rissington Inn is spectacular, taking you through a mountainous landscape full of waterfalls and beautiful valleys. The Inn is situated in the centre of the Blyde River Canyon Escarpment, an ideal base from which to explore the incredible surroundings during the next couple of days.

Day 20: Blyde river canyon nature reserve

Day 21: Blyde river canyon nature reserve - Johannesburg

Please note: Accommodation can potentially differ from the establishments mentioned in this itinerary (if fully booked). In such cases we will look for suitable and similar accommodation. Any changes will be discussed with you. We can only book accommodation after you have confirmed your booking with us.

The European ANVR Travel and Booking Terms & Conditions apply to your booking with us. For full details, click here.

Price Overview

Self-drive tour

Price per person:

	With 2 persons	With 4 persons	With 6 persons	With 8 persons
Version A from	R 50475	R 44750	R 44600	R 42800
Version B from	R 62250	R 56950	R 56500	R 55150

For the most recent exchange rate see www.XE.com.
Prices are partly dependent on which type of rental vehicle you choose. For more information about car rentals, click here.

Includes: Car hire, extensive self-drive pack including GPS navigation device & South African cell phone and SIM card, all accommodation, all meals and guided activities as mentioned as included in the quote above/table below, 14% Value Added Tax (VAT).

Excludes: Airfares, travel and cancellation insurances, petrol, road tolls, parking fees, entry fees, meals & activities mentioned under excluded in the table below, snacks and drinks, gratuities for guides and local restaurants.

Included in the car rental is the Super Cover insurance with zero liability and unlimited kilometres. Not included are the following fees though, which will be charged to your credit card upon collecting the vehicle:

AVIS contract fee: ZAR 85 (once off)
Additional driver fee: ZAR 385
Fuel: cost of refuelling if the car is not handed in full
One-way fee (if the car is returned to a different location from where it was picked up): Between ZAR 869-1177 depending on distance)
If the car is handed in late you will be charged an extra day of rent

These costs cannot be paid by us and therefore will be charged on your credit card by AVIS. AVIS also requires a refundable rental deposit (between ZAR 3500-4000). This sum will be taken off your credit card at the beginning of your trip and if all is well it will be deposited back into your account at the end. For renting a vehicle the driver must be over 18 years old and must have had a valid drivers licence for over a year, which must be valid for at least a year at the start of the rental period, and a valid passport and credit card. Please note that without a credit card, you cannot rent a car!

Download the quote overview for this tour: