17-Day South Africa's Best- Hike & Luxury Big 5 Safari

• Clients collect their self-drive vehicle at the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Arrival in Johannesburg

Arriving in Johannesburg at O.R. Tambo International Airport, you'll swiftly collect your baggage and proceed to the rental car counters. Once equipped with your rental car, a scenic drive to AtholPlace House & Villa, your chosen accommodation, awaits, allowing you to immerse in the city's vibe. After smoothly checking in, you'll have time to settle into your room, perhaps taking a dip in the pool or savoring local flavors. As the evening approaches, consider experiencing a delightful dinner at Nelson's Fine Dining in the Sandton area. The day draws to a satisfying close as you unwind at AtholPlace, a tranquil retreat amidst the urban energy.

Main Destination:

Johannesburg (City)

Accommodation:

AtholPlace House & Villa

• Luxury private villa located in Johannesburg (City)

+18 Photos

+17 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Travel to the Spioenkop Nature Reserve

After a rejuvenating morning at Athol Place, you'll enjoy a hearty breakfast before embarking on a scenic drive of around 3 hours from Johannesburg to the Spioenkop Nature Reserve. You'll depart via the M1 South, merge onto the N3 highway towards Durban, and take the R74 towards Bergville/Winterton.

As you journey, the landscapes transition from urban to rural, offering captivating views. Upon reaching the Three Tree Hill Lodge in the Spioenkop Nature Reserve, you will check in seamlessly and settle into your accommodations with stunning reserve views.

The day provides opportunities for guided nature walks, game drives, or relaxation at the lodge. Afterward, you will relish a delectable dinner featuring local flavors. Stargazing in the tranquil reserve sets a serene tone for the night's rest, eagerly anticipating tomorrow's adventures.

Main Destination:

Spioenkop Game Reserve

Best Time To Go Jun-Sep (wildlife), Oct-Apr (lake activities)

High Season Never (The reserve is never busy)

Best Weather October to April (Warm weather)

Accommodation:

Three Tree Hill Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Spioenkop GR

+8 Photos

+7 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)

Full-Day in Spionekop Game Reserve

You'll awaken to the sounds of nature and the serene views surrounding you. After a delightful breakfast, you'll embrace the day's offerings. You'll engage in a guided nature walk, where knowledgeable guides unveil the reserve's secrets, from its diverse flora to its captivating wildlife. Alternatively, you can embark on a game drive to encounter animals in their natural habitat, accompanied by expert insights. Back at the lodge, the afternoon can be spent indulging in relaxation, perhaps taking a refreshing dip in the pool or simply basking in the tranquility. As the sun sets, the lodge's inviting ambiance sets the scene for another delicious dinner, a perfect culmination to a day filled with nature's wonders.

Main Destination:

Spioenkop Game Reserve

Accommodation:

Three Tree Hill Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Spioenkop GR

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)

Travel to the Drakensberg Mountains

Leaving Three Tree Hill Lodge, your day involves a scenic drive to Montusi Mountain Lodge. You will depart via R74 to Bergville, with a possible stop at Thokozisa Lifestyle Centre for coffee. You'll continue via N5 to Kestell, where you can enjoy lunch at Green Lantern Inn. Then, take N5 and R57 to reach Montusi Mountain Lodge. You will check in and unwind amidst the Drakensberg Mountains' beauty. The evening offers relaxation and anticipation for the natural explorations ahead.

Main Destination:

Drakensberg Mountains (Mountain Range)

Accommodation:

Montusi Mountain Lodge

• Luxury lodge located near Royal Natal (Drakensberg Mountains)

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Full-Day in Drakensberg Mountains

At Montusi Mountain Lodge, you will awaken to the stunning Drakensberg Mountains and savor a leisurely breakfast. You will choose between guided hikes, horseback rides, or a relaxing morning by the pool. Lunch at the lodge's restaurant features local flavors. The afternoon offers guided bike rides or serene exploration. As the sun sets, you will enjoy a delicious dinner, reflecting on the day's experiences. The lodge's tranquil atmosphere ensures a restful night, recharging you for the adventures ahead in the Drakensberg Mountains.

Main Destination:

Drakensberg Mountains (Mountain Range)

Accommodation:

Montusi Mountain Lodge

• Luxury lodge located near Royal Natal (Drakensberg Mountains)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Travel to Nambiti Private Game Reserve

Embarking on a new journey, you'll leave Montusi Mountain Lodge and head towards the captivating Nambiti Game Reserve. You will begin by taking the R600 and then the N3 highway, passing through Estcourt. Along the way, you can make a stop at Bierfassl Restaurant & Pub for a delightful meal and a brief respite.

As the day progresses, you'll arrive at the enchanting Nambiti Game Reserve. You will check in at your lodge within the reserve and soak in the anticipation of the wildlife encounters that await. You'll enjoy a leisurely evening within the reserve, where dinner offers a chance to savor the day's experiences and the excitement for the upcoming safari adventures at Nambiti Game Reserve.

Main Destination:

Nambiti Private Game Reserve

Accommodation:

Nambiti Plains Lodge

• Luxury lodge located inside Nambiti GR

+4 Photos

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Full-Day in Nambiti Private Game Reserve

Prepare for an exciting day at Nambiti Game Reserve. After breakfast, you will embark on a guided morning safari, seeking the Big Five and more. You will return for lunch, followed by optional activities like a bush walk or relaxation. In the afternoon, you will enjoy another thrilling game drive. As the day ends, you will relish dinner under the stars, sharing stories. The night at Nambiti is serene, readying you for more wildlife adventures tomorrow.

Main Destination:

Nambiti Private Game Reserve

Accommodation:

Nambiti Plains Lodge

• Luxury lodge located inside Nambiti GR

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Full-Day in Nambiti Private Game Reserve

The next day at Nambiti Private Game Reserve begins with an early safari drive, capturing the magic of the morning. After breakfast, the day unfolds with relaxation at the lodge or a guided bush walk to explore nature up close. Lunch re-energizes you for the afternoon, where a cultural excursion offers insights into local life.

Later, an afternoon game drive brings new wildlife encounters. You will return to the lodge for sundowners and a campfire boma dinner. As night falls, the stars emerge, offering a serene backdrop for a restful sleep, readying you for another exciting day.

Main Destination:

Nambiti Private Game Reserve

Accommodation:

Nambiti Plains Lodge

• Luxury lodge located inside Nambiti GR

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Travel to Mfulawozi Wilderness Private Game Reserve

The next day's adventure begins as you leave Nambiti Game Reserve and head toward Mfulawozi Game Reserve, where Biyela Lodge awaits.
Upon arrival, you will check in at Biyela Lodge, where warm hospitality greets you amidst the wilderness. You'll settle into your accommodations and take in the reserve's tranquility. As the day concludes, you will enjoy a leisurely evening, perhaps taking a nature walk or simply relishing the lodge's serene atmosphere.

Dinner at Biyela Lodge offers a perfect end to the day, allowing you to unwind and reflect on your journey. With the African night enveloping you, rest assured that the experiences and memories gathered so far will pave the way for even more remarkable moments during your stay at Mfulawozi Game Reserve.

Main Destination:

Mfulawozi Wilderness Private Game Reserve

Accommodation:

Biyela Lodge

• Luxury+ lodge located inside mFulaWozi Wilderness GR

+7 Photos

+6 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)

Full-Day in Mfulawozi Wilderness Private Game Reserve

The next day at Mfulawozi Game Reserve promises an immersive wildlife experience. You'll begin with a sunrise safari, venturing into the heart of the reserve's wild landscapes. Guided by expert rangers, you'll have the chance to spot diverse animals, from majestic elephants to elusive predators, and capture the raw beauty of the African savannah.

After a satisfying breakfast, you might opt for a guided bush walk, an opportunity to connect intimately with the environment and learn about its intricacies. Alternatively, you can relax at the lodge, enjoying its serene surroundings.

As the day progresses, consider joining a guided birdwatching excursion to spot the many avian species that inhabit the area. Your knowledgeable guide will help you appreciate the rich birdlife.

The afternoon brings another thrilling game drive, as the wildlife becomes more active in the cooler hours. As the sun sets over the horizon, you'll indulge in a sundowner while reflecting on the day's experiences.

Main Destination:

Mfulawozi Wilderness Private Game Reserve

Accommodation:

Biyela Lodge

• Luxury+ lodge located inside mFulaWozi Wilderness GR

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)

Full-Day in Mfulawozi Wilderness Private Game Reserve

On the third day at Mfulawozi Game Reserve, you'll awaken to the anticipation of wildlife encounters surrounding Biyela Lodge. Following breakfast, you will embark on a guided morning safari to capture the essence of the reserve's inhabitants.

You'll return to the lodge for breakfast and choose between a guided nature walk or serene relaxation. Lunchtime provides an opportunity to share stories with fellow travelers. In the afternoon, a cultural tour of nearby communities offers insights into local traditions.

As the sun sets, you'll set out on another thrilling game drive. Back at Biyela Lodge, you'll unwind with sundowners before a delightful dinner. The lodge itself provides comfortable accommodations, blending modern comforts with the rugged beauty of the bush. The night at Biyela Lodge offers tranquility, recharging you for tomorrow's adventures within Mfulawozi Game Reserve.

Main Destination:

Mfulawozi Wilderness Private Game Reserve

Accommodation:

Biyela Lodge

• Luxury+ lodge located inside mFulaWozi Wilderness GR

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)

Travel to Isimangaliso Wetlands Park

The following day unfolds with a transition from Mfulawozi Game Reserve to the captivating Isimangaliso Wetlands Park, where Makakatana Bay Lodge offers an inviting haven.

Upon your arrival, the ethereal beauty of the wetlands beckons. You'll check in at Makakatana Bay Lodge, where warm hospitality and wilderness intertwine seamlessly.

After settling into your room, the lodge's experienced guides await to lead you on an enthralling afternoon game drive into the wetlands. As you venture into this remarkable ecosystem, be prepared to encounter diverse wildlife and immerse yourself in the intricate beauty of the surroundings.

Upon returning to the lodge, you will indulge in a delicious dinner that captures the flavors of the region. The evening unfolds around a crackling fire, where tales are shared and the vast African stars blanket the sky.

Main Destination:

Isimangaliso Wetland Park

Accommodation:

Makakatana Bay Lodge

• Luxury lodge located inside iSimangaliso Wetland Park

+10 Photos

+9 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)

Full-Day in Isimangaliso Wetlands Park

The second day at Makakatana Lodge in the Isimangaliso Wetlands Park immerses you further in the enchanting surroundings. After a hearty breakfast, prepare for an enriching day of exploration. You'll embark on a guided boat safari through the wetlands' intricate waterways, accompanied by experienced guides who unveil the hidden treasures of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll traverse the estuaries, encountering diverse birdlife, resident hippos, and crocodiles basking in the sun. You'll return to the lodge for a delectable lunch, followed by a leisurely afternoon that could include relaxing at the lodge's facilities or engaging in optional activities like bird watching or nature walks. As the day winds down, a sumptuous dinner awaits, capping off an extraordinary day amidst the untouched beauty of the Isimangaliso Wetlands Park.

Main Destination:

Isimangaliso Wetland Park

Accommodation:

Makakatana Bay Lodge

• Luxury lodge located inside iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)

Full-Day in Isimangaliso Wetlands Park

On the third day at Makakatana Bay Lodge, your adventure takes a new course. After breakfast, brace yourself for an exhilarating 4x4 safari in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, renowned for its conservation efforts and diverse wildlife. Guided by experts, you'll seek out the Big Five and other captivating creatures across the varied landscapes. Alternatively, you can opt for a leisurely safari game drive through the western shores reserve onto the eastern shores to a pristine beach on the Indian Ocean iSimangaliso coastline. Here, you can revel in the highest vegetated sand dunes in Africa, reaching 180m in height, while enjoying a swim, snorkel, and a delightful picnic. After your sun-charged day, you will return to the lodge with salt on your skin and windswept hair. You'll relax and enjoy your dinner in the wilderness of the wetlands.

Main Destination:

Isimangaliso Wetland Park

Accommodation:

Makakatana Bay Lodge

• Luxury lodge located inside iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• All drinks (Premium wines & liquors might be excluded)

Travel to Durban

Leaving the captivating landscapes of Makakatana Bay Lodge behind, your journey continues as you head to Durban, your next destination. You'll embark on a scenic drive, savoring the changing vistas as you approach the vibrant city. Upon reaching Durban, your day's adventures continue as you arrive at Sala Beach House, your haven by the sea. You will check in seamlessly and let the soothing sound of the ocean waves welcome you. The rest of the day is yours to unwind, perhaps taking a stroll along the sandy shores or simply basking in the coastal ambiance. As the day draws to a close, you can choose to eat at Sala Beach house or venture into Ballito to grab a bite. You'll settle down with the sound of the ocean, right on your doorstep.

Main Destination:

Ballito (Town)

Accommodation:

Sala Beach House

• Luxury hotel located in Ballito (Town)

+13 Photos

+12 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Full-Day in Durban

You'll embrace the serenity of a day spent at Sala Beach House in Durban. Awaken to the soothing rhythm of the ocean waves and enjoy a leisurely breakfast with stunning sea views. The day unfolds with relaxation on the sandy shores, taking refreshing dips in the Indian Ocean, and unwinding under the warm sun. The beach house's inviting ambiance invites you to savor moments of tranquility, whether it's a quiet read on the terrace or a stroll along the coast. As the sun sets, you will indulge in a delectable dinner at the beach house's restaurant, savoring flavors that capture the essence of the coastal region. With the sound of the waves as your backdrop, you'll close the day in utter relaxation, a perfect end to a perfect trip.

Main Destination:

Ballito (Town)

Accommodation:

Sala Beach House

• Luxury hotel located in Ballito (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Departure

On the following day, your journey from Sala Beach House to the airport marks the conclusion of your South African escapade. After enjoying a final morning by the sea, you'll bid adieu to the tranquil shores and embark on a seamless drive to the airport, reflecting on the memories and experiences you've gathered throughout your adventure. Upon reaching the airport, you will return your rental car, concluding this chapter of exploration and relaxation. See you soon!

Main Destination:

Durban (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• Clients return their self-drive vehicle at the airport.