South Africa encounter with wildlife and memorable game adventure. Transfer by flight from Johannesburg to Mala Mala game reserve and watch big cats hunting, birding, game drives, game walking, and boat rides before heading for Ndumo – the finest birdwatching areas in South Africa and Rocktail Bay near Maputaland Coastal forest reserve. Enjoy South Africa’s beach coastline with SCUBA diving. Visit Uitkyk, Warwick, Paarl Bird sanctuary and Malay Quarter with cultural tour in Cape Town.
Day 1 ARRIVE IN JOHANNESBURG
Upon arrival in Johannesburg, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 2 JOHANNESBURG – MALA MALA
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for the short flight to Mpumalanga Airport where a light aircraft flight transfers you to Mala Mala Private Game Reserve. This evening, a night game drive in open 4×4 vehicles is exhilarating. If you are lucky, you may spot one of the big cats hunting.
Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 MALA MALA
Rise early this morning and experience a pre-dawn game drive. In the early hours of the day, witnessing the various plains game and birdlife begin the day is breathtaking. Just after sunrise, you’ll stop for a hot beverage before continuing on your search for game. Return to the lodge for a hot breakfast and some leisurely time. During the midday hours, you might want to take an optional game walk or just enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Tonight holds more excitement as you head out on an evening game drive. Be on the lookout for the elusive leopard, sometimes more easy to spot at night.
Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 MALA MALA – NDUMO
This morning, a light aircraft flight takes you directly to Ndumo, one of the oldest parks in Africa. At the confluence of the Usutu and Pongola Rivers, Ndumo’s varied habitats include expansive floodplains, dense forest, rolling grasslands and both seasonal and permanent pans. Thanks to the plentiful water supplied by the Usutu and Pongola, birdlife is prolific. In fact, over 60% of South Africa’s bird species have been recorded in this park. Your luxury camp is set in a private area of the park and is built entirely off the ground. Choose from game drives, game walks, boating trips and birding activities.
Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 NDUMO
A full day is this magnificent setting allows time to enjoy a variety of activities. Avid birdwatchers can delight in Ndumo, considered one of South Africa’s finest birdwatching areas. Be on the lookout for the Green Coucal, Georgeous Bush Shrike and Pinkthroated Twinspot. Big game such as black and white rhino can be tracked on foot. Or, just relax around the secluded plunge pool or watch the passing parade of animals and birds from the comfort of the hide.
Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 NDUMO – ROCKTAIL BAY
light aircraft flight takes less than 30 minutes to travel to Rocktail Bay, adjacent to the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park and the Maputaland Coastal Forest Reserve. This private getaway consists of raised chalets all built into the forest – but just feet inland from the warm Indian Ocean. Rocktail Bay offers perhaps some of the most beautiful private beach coastline in South Africa. Relaxation is the order of the day here – why not take a lazy stroll along the beach this afternoon?
Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 ROCKTAIL BAY
The choice of activities at Rocktail are endless and varied. Perhaps a drive in open Land Rovers to Black Rock and the Hippo pools? Or, during season, why not accompany one of the resident experts on a “turtle beach drive” at low tide to monitor the turtle’s nesting movements. Rocktail Bay is also a premier SCUBA diving destination and was the first fully accredited Mares Dive Resort in Southern Africa.
Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 ROCKTAIL BAY – CAPE TOWN
A short light aircraft flight takes you to Mpumalanga Airport where you connect to the direct flight to Cape Town. A short private car transfer takes you to the waterfront area and your luxury hotel. Take time this afternoon to walk around the beautiful waterfront area and enjoy the endless shopping opportunities. Weather permitting, Table Mountain’s (weather permitting) “hat of clouds” will lift to provide a magnificent backdrop.
Meal(s) Included: Breakfast
Day 9 CAPE TOWN
Your private car and driver will take you on a leisurely drive to Cape Point today. Depending on your interests, you may stop at Hout Bay for an optional trip to Seal Island. Continue out to Cape Point and take the cable car to the summit for a peek at the meeting of two oceans. You can almost discern a line between the blue and green waters where the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean meet.
Meal(s) Included: Breakfast
Day 10 CAPE TOWN
Today’s private tour takes you into the winelands around Cape Town. Depending on your interests, your driver-guide will tailor-make your stops. If you prefer red wine, you might visit Uitkyk, Warwick, Moreson or Mont Rochelle. Nature lovers might like to include a visit to the Paarl Bird Sanctuary. Stop at Boschendal to see some of the best-preserved Cape Dutch architecture. A visit to this area would not be complete without a stop in Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in South Africa and a charming university town. Return to Cape Town late this afternoon.
Meal(s) Included: Breakfast
Day 11 CAPE TOWN
Cape Town is one of the world’s most beautiful cities and the full day at leisure gives you time to explore on your own. The waterfront’s hundreds of shops and restaurants provides enough for an entire day of “browsing”. Or, you might like to visit the Malay Quarter or take an optional cultural tour.
Meal(s) Included: Breakfast
Day 12 CAPE TOWN – DEPART
The morning is at leisure until your departure to the airport for your onward flight home.
Meal(s) Included: Breakfast