Pride of the North

Day 1

JOHANNESBURG – KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA (HAZYVIEW) (3 NIGHTS)

Leaving Johannesburg behind, we'll travel north past Pretoria's imposing Voortrekker Monument, Kruger House and Church Square before making a stop at the Union Buildings, the official seat of South Africa's Government. The impressive buildings, which also house the offices of the South African president, are located on top of Meintjieskop - offering sweeping views over the city. Take a stroll through the beautiful terraced gardens and enjoy the first few moments of your proudly South African adventure. Back on the road, we'll stop to stretch our legs in the quaint village of Dullstroom, the fly-fishing capital of South Africa. Perched 2,100 metres above sea level on Mpumalanga's eastern escarpment, Dullstroom is officially South Africa's highest town. The altitude, fresh air, and, at times, swirling mist means that the area is often compared to the Scottish Highlands. Support Dullstroom's local businesses as you visit its craft-beer brewery, creative arts community and potter around its coffee shops and village stores. Later this afternoon we'll arrive in Hazyview and settle into our accommodation overlooking the banks of the Sabie River, our home for the next three nights.

Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Hippo Hollow Country Estate

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Welcome Reception

Day 2

PANORAMA ROUTE EXCURSION

Today the iconic natural wonders of South Africa's Panorama Route await. Admire the spectacular Three Rondawels, gaze out of God's Window and stroll the walkways at Bourke's Luck Potholes to see these unique geological formations, carved by centuries of swirling water as the Treur River meets the Blyde River at the start of Mpumalanga's spectacular Blyde River Canyon. Later, we'll Dive into Culture in the historic town of Pilgrim's Rest. Such is its significance as a living memory of the early gold rush days in South Africa during the late 1800s, that the whole town was declared a National Monument in the 1980s. Wander through the town's museums and historic buildings, taking a fascinating peek into the lives of South Africa's gold prospectors. After a day on one of South Africa's most scenic, historic and celebrated routes we'll return to Hazyview for dinner and the chance to relax in this beautiful corner of the world.

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Wake up early and set off for an incredibly special morning in South Africa's oldest and most iconic national park. Connect with nature and uncover the secrets of the bushveld aboard an open safari vehicle in the company of a Local Specialist. This morning our game viewing will take place around the Satara Rest Camp. Satara is a busy camp in the northern part of Kruger. It is situated in an excellent game viewing area, with the bush relatively open and the animals plentiful and diverse. Look out for red-billed Buffalo Weavers, Honey Badgers and Lion in this region. Round off the morning with an unforgettable bush breakfast, enjoying freshly-brewed coffee as the birds and animals of the Kruger National Park start their day. We'll return to our country estate in Hazyview in the early afternoon, where you'll have the rest of the day to stroll around its sprawling indigenous gardens or relax by the pool.

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK AREA - MDLULI SAFARI LODGE (2 NIGHTS)

After breakfast, depart for your lodge situated on a private concession near the Numbi Gate in the Kruger National Park arriving in time for lunch. Based in the south western region of KNP and is renowned for its eco-friendly tented camp, infinity pool and guided game walks, Mdluli Safari Lodge also offers a wonderful sundowner open vehicle game drive which you will enjoy after a relaxing afternoon. Keep a look out for Africa's Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo), the Little 5 (elephant shrew, ant lion, rhinoceros beetle, buffalo weaver and leopard tortoise) and everything in between. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight at this 'Stays With Stories' property.

Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Mdluli Safari Lodge

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

It's an early morning start as we head back into Kruger- this time in the southern region near the Lower Sabie Rest Camp. Lower Sabie graces the banks of the Sabie River, one of the few perennial rivers to flow through the Kruger National Park. See the glistening yellow golden-orb spider waiting on her web, smell the damp scent of acacia trees in the early morning and keep your head down in search of animal spoor. You're almost sure to find bloat of hippos being so close to the mighty Sabie River, but also be on the lookout for the Goliath Heron and Giant Kingfisher before returning to the Lodge for lunch. After lunch, join an afternoon open vehicle game drive in the Kruger National Park. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK – JOHANNESBURG

Our unforgettable South African safari at an end, we begin our journey back to Johannesburg. But first, we'll make a stop in White River for a Connect With Locals experience at Sabie Valley Coffee. This proudly South African roastery has been the Buckland family's focus and passion for over three decades. Join a tour of the roastery, learning about the family's unique technique of coffee roasting. Sample their bushveld blend, medium roast or stronger, darker offerings, before joining the family for a Be My Guest light lunch in their espresso bar and café. We'll soon be back in Johannesburg, but before we go, support the Sabie Valley Coffee team by leaving with a bag of their legendary beans as a small memento of your trip. We'll arrive in Johannesburg in the early evening and bid a fond farewell to new friends and local adventures.

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest