Family safari in South Africa & Botswana
| country: | Botswana, South Africa |
| departures: | At any time of the year and can be tailored to fit your own unique requirements, interests and budget |
| price: | From £2085 (13 days) per adult and £975 per child (under 12 yrs) excluding flights, based on 2 adults and 2 children. We can arrange flights from the UK |
the amazing things you'll be doing
Over 100 years ago Rudyard Kipling, in his famous Just So children’s story series, wrote about “the great grey, green greasy Limpopo River all set about with fever trees”.
This tour takes you into the heart of the ‘Land of Legends’ to the site of the one earliest kingdoms established in Southern Africa and the forerunner of Great Zimbabwe. Moving on we dip into the mystical and vibrant culture of the Venda people as we explore the “sacred lake region”. However you will also explore the world-renowned Kruger National Park and the lesser well known Tuli Block in southern Botswana.
This tour takes you into the heart of the ‘Land of Legends’ to the site of the one earliest kingdoms established in Southern Africa and the forerunner of Great Zimbabwe. Moving on we dip into the mystical and vibrant culture of the Venda people as we explore the “sacred lake region”. However you will also explore the world-renowned Kruger National Park and the lesser well known Tuli Block in southern Botswana.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | You will be met on arrival at Johannesburg airport by our representative who will hand you your travel documents & also assist you with a connecting flight to Kruger Mpumalanga airport. On arrival at KMI airport, collect your vehicle hire (Grp V) and make your way towards your accommodation (± 35 min drive), on the border of Kruger National Park. Created by the vision of Chief Mduli, Phumulani Lodge is not an ordinary lodge, it is an experience created by the Mduli Tribe for their people as an extension of their tribal culture. Overnight Phumulani Lodge - FTTSA accredited (dinner only). |
| Day 2: | A full day exploring the Kruger National Park in your own vehicle. A daily conservation fee of R120 per person is payable on entry into the KNP. Optional extras at Phumlani Lodge include bush walks and cultural tours into the Mduli Reserve with local guides. Overnight Phumulani Lodge (half board). |
| Day 3: | Situated on the unfenced western boundary of the Kruger Park is the Timbavati Private Game Reserve, which forms the Greater Kruger Park. Here all the lodges are privately owned and operated. Umlani Bushcamp is a classic African safari camp offering an experience, which successfully blends wilderness and seclusion with simplistic luxury. Accommodating only 16 guests in traditional African reed and thatch huts Umlani’s philosophy is one of 'getting back to nature’, which is enhanced by the romance of operating without electricity. Enjoy the warm atmosphere of candlelight and oil lamps as well as open-air bush showers fuelled by wood fires. When entering the Timbavati Nature Reserve, a Conservation Levy of R100 per person and Vehicle permit of R75 are payable. Overnight Umlani Bushcamp - FTTSA accredited (full board) |
| Day 4-5: | Spend 2 full days on organised game drives and walks in the Timbavati soaking up the tranquillity of this perfect setting. All game activities are included in your itinerary price. Umlani is also able to arrange special children’s safari activities. Overnight Umlani Bushcamp - FTTSA accredited (full board) |
| Day 6: | Depart after the early morning activity & breakfast and head for the sacred lakes region of Limpopo. Shiluvari is set in 60 hectares of natural vegetation and offers you the opportunity to walk through the estate where you may see some of the game species that frequent the area, waterbuck, kudu, bushbuck and duiker are often seen grazing and browsing in the lodge grounds. Overnight Shiluvari Lakeside Lodge - FTTSA accredited (half board) |
| Day 7: | Shiluvari is situated in the heart of rich diverse Venda and Shangaan culture famous for their multi talented arts and crafts. Today you will be taken on a half day guided tour exploring the arts & crafts of the region. Overnight Shiluvari Lakeside Lodge - FTTSA accredited (half board) |
| Day 8: | Your next destination is the privately owned lodge in the Lesheba Wilderness, situated on the summit of the mountain, which commands impressive views over the surrounding countryside. The lodge is a tribute to the rich culture and heritage of the Venda in both its architecture and art. Overnight Lesheba Hamasha Camp (self catering). |
| Day 9: | Full day in this rugged landscape, home to amongst others black & white rhino, wild dogs, elephant and predators, on foot or by 4x4. It is also rich in birdlife and even has a minor rock art site. Overnight Lesheba Hamasha Camp (self catering) |
| Day 10: | Continue north towards Pont Drift Border Post, where you will cross into Botswana. You leave your car in SA and are met by a representative from Mashatu on the other side. Transfer to your accommodation. Overnight Mashatu Main Camp (full board) |
| Day 11-12: | Spend 2 full days on safari in Mashatu Game Reserve in the Tui Block (Botswana). The following special activities at Mashatu are included in your itinerary price: afternoon predator drive and cycling safari (morning or afternoon cycle). Overnight Mashatu Main Camp (full board) |
| Day 13: | After the morning game drive & breakfast, depart with a representative from Mashatu for a transfer back to Pont’s Drift Border Post. Collect your vehicle again and make your way to Johannesburg International Airport in time for your international flight home. |
don't leave it too late!
Please note that due to the nature of tailor-made trips to Sub-Saharan Africa we need at least 14 days between time of booking and departure. This time is essential for you to sort out passport, visa and health requirements and for us to make all the necessary holiday arrangements.how this holiday makes a difference
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This itinerary uses as many Fair Trade in Tourism in South Africa (FTTSA) accredited companies as possible. The FTTSA accreditation is based on fair share, democracy, respect, reliability, transparency and sustainability and is the first of its kind in tourism in the world. Phumulani Lodge (FTTSA accredited) is 100% community owned through the Mdluli Trust ensuring local employment and community development.
Umlani Bushcamp (FTTSA accredited) Umlani Bushcamp (FTTSA accredited) developed a Youth Leadership programme enticing historically disadvantaged learners to visit Umlani, where they gain insight into environmental issues and find out about eco-tourism career opportunities. Umlani has an exemplary staff HIV/Aids programme, featuring awareness workshops and 1-2-1 staff counselling, as well as staff medical care. Shiluvari Lakeside Lodge (FTTSA accredited) most significant achievement is the establishment of the Ribolla Tourism Association in association with numerous artists in the local area, which collectively markets the area’s wide array of tourist attractions. Leshemba Wilderness - Lesheba Wilderness established amongst others a social responsibility programme to preserve Venda traditions including wood carving, story telling and traditional healing. Mashatu Main Camp initiated an on-going research programme incorporating scientists into the operation to study aspects important to the protection & conservation of the area, including Central Limpopo Valley Elephant Research Project, Mashatu Predator Research Program, Mashatu Archaeological and Historical Project, and Botswana Cheetah Conservation Programme. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |