Safari Sojourn
Safari Sojourn
Safari Sojourn
Safari Sojourn
Safari Sojourn
Safari Sojourn
Safari Sojourn
Safari Sojourn
Safari Sojourn
Safari Sojourn
Safari Sojourn

Safari Sojourn

From: 
Regular price
$28,875.00
Sale price
$28,875.00

Single Room, Solo Traveller, Children and Cross-Season pricing is available on request
Surcharges may apply during Easter, Christmas and New Year periods
 
The published itinerary is based on the Deluxe Category (Silver). The itinerary is also available in both First Class (Bronze) and Super Deluxe Class (Gold) - itinerary/price available on request (itineraries in other categories may vary slightly from that published below).
Bespoke Holiday
9 Days Johannesburg to Johannesburg
Departs: Daily, year round
 
Madikwe Game Reserve (2) | Timbavati Private Nature Reserve (3) | Sabi Sand Nature Reserve (3)
 
Experience the thrill of an 9-day Africa Safari through South Africa’s premier reserves. Begin in Madikwe, where expert guides help you track the Big Five and other wildlife. Journey to the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve for exhilarating game drives and up-close animal encounters. Then, immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, where luxury meets wilderness. Enjoy fine dining in stunning bush settings and unforgettable sightings guided by seasoned experts. Each day brings new adventures, breathtaking landscapes, and intimate moments with Africa’s most iconic wildlife.
 
Highlights:
  • Explore the Madikwe Reserve with your guide looking for the Big 5 and numerous other game in the reserve
  • Uncover the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve’s incredible wildlife on thrilling game drives with expert guides
  • Immerse yourself in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve’s rich biodiversity and pristine landscapes, all while experiencing expertly led game drives and fine dining experiences, with delectable meals served in enchanting bush settings

Day 1: Johannesburg - Madikwe (D)

Welcome to South Africa. On arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport, our local representative will meet you planeside and assist you through to the Arrivals Hall for your onward transfer to the Federal Air Lounge for your onward flight to Madikwe.

Depart Johannesburg by Federal Air shared light aircraft flight to Madikwe (flying time approx. one hour). On arrival you will be met by a lodge representative and transferred to your lodge for a two-night stay. Remainder of the day at leisure to take part in the game activities on offer.

Bordering Botswana in South Africa’s Northwest Province, Madikwe Game Reserve is the fifth-largest reserve in the country and is home to a great number of animal species. It contains a wild dog reserve, and is inhabited by the world-renowned Big Five, as well as Brown Hyenas, Cheetahs, Aardwolf and over 300 bird species, including vulture, ostrich, and the large kori bustard. The landscape is characterised by vast grasslands, woodlands, and the rugged Tshwene Tshwene hills - creating enthralling scenes that often attract photographers and artists. Madikwe Game Reserve is one of the only reserves in South Africa that is malaria free.

Day 2: Madikwe Game Reserve (BLD)

Today immerse yourself in the heart of the African wilderness with a variety of exciting safari experiences in an open-air Land Cruiser at Tuningi Safari Lodge. Set out on morning and afternoon game drives in search of iconic wildlife, watch animals up close from the unique sunken hide, or discover the reserve’s rich birdlife alongside knowledgeable guides.
Lion, elephant, buffalo, white and black rhino, leopard and the rare and endangered wild dog are just some of the unique sightings you may experience in the 75,000 hectare Big 5 Safari Reserve.

Day 3: Madikwe Game Reserve – Timbavati Private Nature Reserve (BLD)

This morning you will be transferred to the airstrip. Depart Madikwe Game Reserve by Federal Air shuttle flight to Johannesburg. (flying time approximately 1 hour).

On arrival in Johannesburg connect with your Federal Air shared light aircraft flight to the Timbavati (flying time approx. 1 hour 30 minutes). On arrival at the airstrip, you are met by a Tanda Tula Safari Camp representative and transferred to your camp. Remainder of the day at leisure to experience a game viewing activity.

Located in the Mpumalanga Province, the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve shares a fenceless border with the world-renowned Kruger National Park. This magnificent 60,000-hectare reserve is best known for its two very rare white lions discovered here in the 1970s, which gave this destination its name. Meaning 'the place where something sacred came down to earth from the heavens', the park lives up to the hype with its enthralling African savannah, abundant wildlife, and friendly people. The Nature Reserve provides an opportunity to see 40 mammal species, 360 bird species and the famous Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo

Day 4 & Day 5: Timbavati Private Nature Reserve (BLD) 

Two days to experience the game viewing activities on offer at Tanda Tula Safari Camp.

Each day begins and ends with a 3–4 hour game drive that immerses you in the ever-changing rhythm of the bush - from the vibrant energy of daytime activity to the quiet mysteries that awaken after dark. Guiding each journey are Tanda Tula’s outstanding guides and trackers, whose unique mix of expertise, instinct, and passion ensures a highly personalized experience. Whether you're travelling as a family, chasing the perfect wildlife photograph, or seeking rare bird sightings, every drive is thoughtfully crafted to suit your interests. And while encountering big game is undeniably exhilarating, it’s often the quieter, unexpected moments—like a chorus of birds at dusk, a sky full of stars, or a lion’s steady gaze—that linger longest in memory.

Day 6: Timbavati Private Nature Reserve – Sabi Sand Nature Reserve (BLD)

This morning you will be transferred to the airstrip for your light aircraft flight to Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve. (flying time approximately 25 minutes).

Upon arrival at the airstrip, you are met by a lodge representative and transferred to your lodge. Remainder of the day free to experience a game viewing activity.

Adjacent to the Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve is a private premier viewing destination. It was the first-ever private nature reserve established in South Africa. The landscape features 65,000 hectares of savannah-covered land interspersed with watering holes, dry riverbeds, Lowveld woodlands, and the perennial Sabi and Sand rivers. This spectacular reserve offers exceptional game viewing opportunities with frequent sightings of the renowned Big Five as well as cheetah, zebra, giraffe, and a variety of antelope.

Day 7 & Day 8: Sabi Sand Nature Reserve (BLD) 

Two days to experience the game viewing activities on offer at Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve.

Safaris are meticulously crafted to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities. Expert rangers lead early morning and late afternoon/evening game drives to seek out Africa's magnificent wildlife. State-of-the-art open game drive vehicles, custom-designed for Leopard Hills, feature individual bucket seats and center consoles for unparalleled safety and comfort. Each day offers the opportunity for unique encounters, from leopards stalking their prey to lions roaring at dusk, crocodiles sunning on sandy banks and hippos basking in rivers.

Day 9: Sabi Sand Nature Reserve - Johannesburg (B) 

This morning you will be transferred to the airstripfor your shared light aircraft flight to Johannesburg. (flying time approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes).

Upon arrival at the Federal Air Lounge you will be met by our representative for your transfer to O.R. Tambo International Airport. (transfer time approximately 15 minutes). On arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport, our representative will meet you and assist you with your ongoing flight arrangements.

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

  • Private airport/hotel return transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle with English speaking driver / driver guides
  • 8-nghts' accommodation as specified (or similar)
  • Meals and drinks as specified
  • Shared game viewing activities with English-speaking driver-guide
  • Laundry at safari lodges/camps
  • Seat in charter flights between Airports and Camps/Lodges as specified: Johannesburg/Tuningi Safari Lodge; Tuningi Safari Lodge/Johannesburg; Johannesburg/Tanda Tula Safari Camp; Tanda Tula Safari Camp/Leopard Hills Private Game Lodge; Leopard Hills Private Game Lodge/Johannesburg
  • VAT
  • Tourism levy at 1%
  • 24/7 service and full local backup throughout South Africa
  • South Africa Travel Notes - issued by Innovative Travel

TOUR EXCLUSIONS:

  • International and regional scheduled flights
  • Transfers not specified in itinerary
  • Any local/domestic flights not mentioned under inclusions
  • Meals and drinks not specified in itinerary
  • Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Visas Fees (where applicable)
  • Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above
Accommodation based on the following (or similar):
The hotel selection may change – please use this as a guideline only.

Madikwe Game Reserve

Tuningi Safari Lodge - Luxury Suite
Fully Inclusive: Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
All Drinks (excl. premium Brands) included
Set in the 75 000-hectare malaria-free Big 5 Madikwe Game Reserve, Tuningi Safari Lodge offers a 5-star African Safari enhanced by personalized service in a friendly relaxed environment. The newly refurbished lodge accommodates 16 guests in four Luxury Suites and two double Family Suites, with breathtaking views of the bush from private wrap-around decks with plunge pools.

Without compromising on luxury, Tuningi Safari Lodge caters for specific needs of families and children from the age of six are welcome. The Family Suites are made up of two en-suite double bedrooms and are joined by a dining area and a living room with an expansive timber deck with a plunge pool where guests can soak up the surrounding beauty.

The spacious Luxury Suites boast expansive private timbers decks with plunge pools as well as indoor & outdoor showers.

The main thatched lodge offers beautiful indoor and outdoor lounges, an elegant dining room and a magnificent rim flow pool that overlooks a waterhole.

Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

Tanda Tula Safari Camp – Safari Suite
Fully Inclusive: Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
All Drinks (excl. premium Brands) included
Located in the heart of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Tanda Tula Safari Camp offers an intimate and luxurious safari experience. With just nine hybrid canvas-and-glass suites, including two family suites, guests can experience exclusivity and a deep connection to the wilderness. Each suite features sliding glass doors, canvas walls, and a private deck with a plunge pool, seamlessly blending contemporary elegance with nature.

Tanda Tula safaris are immersive and unhurried. With 55,626 hectares of exclusive traversing, guests experience wildlife encounters in a vast and untamed landscape. Dining is a celebration of heritage and creativity, with dishes inspired by childhood recipes and reimagined with an elegant twist. Bush walks, birding, and stargazing complement the safari experience, offering deeper connections to nature.

Sabi Sand Nature Reserve

Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve – Luxury Suite
Fully Inclusive: Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
All Drinks (excl. premium Brands) included
5 Star Luxury Lodge with fine dining, outstanding cuisine and extensive wine cellar The main lodge (dining & bar area) is situated on a rocky outcrop overlooking a natural waterhole. Each of the 8 glass-fronted, air-conditioned suites, with own private plunge pool and sundeck have spectacular views of the African bushveld beyond. Elements of nature have been incorporated into your suite, to provide the ultimate in luxury while experiencing Africa at its best.

An inviting lounge with breathtaking views over the bush creates the ideal setting to relax with a book or while away the afternoon with a pair of binoculars. The professional and friendly staff await your arrival and look forward to taking you on a safari experience of a lifetime.

Luggage on internal flights
Luggage on internal flights is restricted to 15kg per person (including hand luggage) and it is a requirement that bags are soft-sided. This is due to compartments in light aircraft being small and of an irregular shape, making soft-side/flexible luggage essential.
 
Entry Requirements - South Africa
Travellers may be required to obtain a visa prior to arrival depending on nationality.
Please note visas are not available on arrival.
Visa and entry requirements can change without prior notice and it is the traveller's responsibility to secure necessary visas for all countries travelling to. Prior to travel, ensure you verify the latest entry requirements for each country on your itinerary by consulting with your local embassy/consulate, or your travel agent/broker.  

Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers may be subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are available in some destinations for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.

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