Southern Africa Travel - World leaders in tailor-made African travel.
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the World Travel Awards Leading Luxury Tour Operator for South Africa
36 YearsTailor-made
Choose the legendary Kruger National Park region for a luxury safari adventure of a lifetime. The National Park and the surrounding private game reserves combine to form the Greater Kruger Park, renowned for wildlife, nature experiences and luxury vacation options. There are no limits to your game experience here just as there are no fences restricting the movement of game between the Kruger National Park and the adjacent reserves.
You, of course, want to get up close to Africa’s Big Five, the lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant and you will in this region as there is an abundance of these animals to be spotted roaming wild through the bush and gathering at the waterholes at sunset and sunrise to drink their fill.
Choose from luxury safari accommodation options in this area all offering a bespoke experience to discerning guests. Rise with the African sun and head into the bush on morning game drives, you will spot many animals up and about in the cooler part of the day. These early morning bush excursions normally end with a picnic in the wild or a scrumptious breakfast back at your luxury lodge.
As the day heats up, follow the lead of the animals in the park, by finding a shady spot around the pool or on the deck and relax into the tranquillity of the African bush. This is also a great time to indulge in luxury spa treatments or retreat to your room with a good book. Nearing the end of the afternoon, take another trip on one of the many well laid out roads to remote waterholes to find lions, hippos and buck just waiting for the day to end.
All of the luxury lodges in the Greater Kruger Park will spoil you with fine dining cuisine, great wines and superlative service promising that your African safari will go down as an all time favourite vacation memory. The combination of wildness and luxury ensure that this prime safari destination is a favoured destination for honeymooners and those looking to create romantic moments; it is also a great family destination offering the opportunity to get back to nature and learn more about the magnificent animal kingdom on display here.
We recommend that you extend your stay be exploring the other attractions of the beautiful Mpumalanga province. Head through mountain passes, through lush valleys, over broad rivers and into forests in your quest for authentic African experiences. The Panorama Route, through the rugged mountain range of the northern Drakensberg and down onto the open plains of the Lowveld, is a great way of seeing the region. Stop off in the charming historic towns of Pilgrim’s Rest and Sabie before heading to the Mac Mac Falls for a swim in crystal-clear rock pools. Discover the 33km long Blyde River Canyon in the Blyderivierspoort Nature Reserve, this ancient gorge is filled with bizarre rock formations shaped by erosive forces over millions of years.
The Big Five experience, luxury accommodation, scenic wonders and African adventure all add up to an irresistible invitation to the Greater Kruger Park region of South Africa, contact Southern Africa Travel today.
The Big Five
The first sighting of one of Africa’s mighty predators will stay with you forever. The lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard all strut their stuff in the Greater Kruger Park as do hundreds of species of birds, reptiles and amphibians. You will be awestruck by these beautiful creatures of the wild.
The Panorama Route
Take the Panorama Route to view the dramatic landscapes of Mpumalanga, not only does this route wind its way through the heritage towns of the region and take you through breathtaking passes, close to exquisite waterfalls and unusual rock formations in the Blyde River Canyon, it also offers some of the best outdoor adventures in this part of the world.
Take to the air in a Hot Air Balloon
View the majestic animals of the Greater Kruger Park from the air in a luxury hot air balloon trip. Float silently over the bush beneath for a different perspective on the region before gently landing for a picnic in the bush.
Head underground
Venture into the Sudwala Caves, the oldest known caves in the world, in the Drakensberg escarpment. The dolomite rocks prove that a warm shallow in-land sea once covered this area and fossils of the first types of oxygen producing plants on earth were discovered here.
Track wildlife on foot
Head into the Kruger National Park on foot for closer contact with the wilderness and the game. You will be accompanied by an experienced and armed game ranger for your safety but this experience will top all others. Look out for Bushman paintings, lion prides, birds, black and white rhino and other small game that are often overlooked when on a game drive.
“The Kruger National Park is a must see for first time visitors. We like to select the lodge based on each customer’s individual preferences. Are you looking for an ‘authentic’ bush experience in which case you may want to choose to stay in luxury tented accommodation, or would you prefer to have everything at your fingertips and are looking to be pampered in a private family villa. We will tailor make your bush experience to your unique needs.”
The whimsically-named Hazyview was so called because of the haze that envelopes the land in summer. It is the closest Mpumalanga town to the Kruger National Park, with the Phabeni, Numbi and Kruger gates all being close by.
It has beautiful, green rolling valleys and hills that give way to spectacular water features.
Hazyview is said to have the best climate in the world for bananas and huge plantations of these tropical fruits can be seen as you drive through the area. It enjoys warm weather all year round, with a summer rainfall.
There is quite a variety of restaurants and pubs available in the town, including eateries serving authentic South African cuisine and a la carte menus as well as a grill house with “the best spare ribs in town”.
Local wines are readily available (one restaurant has its own cellar), while locally-produced Hazyview beers are up for tasting and purchase at Perry’s Bridge Brewery.
Hazyview offers a wealth of accommodation establishments, including a number of renowned, luxury properties. Many visitors prefer to stay in Hazyview en-route to the Kruger National Park because of its charming, small-town feel and safari buzz.
There are tons of things to do in Hazyview including microlighting, helicopter flips, hot-air ballooning, mountain biking, horse trails, kloofing (mountain climbing), hiking, paddling down the Sabi River, abseiling and of course, visiting the Kruger National Park.
If it’s culture you’re after, a stop off at the Shangana Cultural Village is a must, where genuine Shangaan traditions can be experienced. Local arts, crafts and curios can also be bought here.
The Panorama tourist route also includes a visit to Hazyview. Ask your Giltedge Travel advisor for more information if you wish to do this route.
The story goes that it got its name after a pioneer – tired from hiking over the mountains and drained from the lowveld heat – threw his hat into the Sandspruit River where he was cooling off. And hence, hat creek or in the local Afrikaans language, Hoedspruit.
This rural town offers beautiful views over the Drakensberg escarpment and is surrounded by game-rich bush, filled with mopane, marula and acacia trees that stretch as far the eye can see.
Because of its perfect bush location and close proximity to a number of top private reserves, Hoedspruit is geared specifically towards the wildlife and African safari experiences.
It is home to the famous Hoedspruit Research and Breeding Centre at Kapama Reserve – a renowned research and breeding facility for endangered species. Guided tours take visitors through the centre, allowing them an intimate experience with some of the Big Five as well as several species of wild cat and the endangered wild dog.
Similarly, the Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre allows tours of its grounds where injured wild animals and birds – specifically raptors – are rehabilitated before being released back into the wild.
It is picture-perfect, with many mountain passes, spectacular waterfalls cascading down rocky hillsides and pockets of green indigenous forests; complete with crystal-clear streams.
Its mountain grasslands host a rich diversity of plant life, many of which are protected species. During the rainy, summer months, the grasslands come to life with huge expanses of wild flowers.
This habitat sustains a number of wild animals including the illusive and legendary black leopard, which has only been seen by a few people.
Although this small town doesn’t have even one parking metre or traffic light, it offers a number of restaurants, pubs, coffee shops and specialist eateries.
It has a full range of accommodation available, including a luxury boutique hotel with stunning views of Sabie’s surrounding natural beauty.
There’s plenty to do in the area, including mountain biking, horse trails, walks, hikes and fishing. The area is perfect for picnics and scenic drives through the passes.
6 Nights | 7 Days
On this memorable tour we effortlessly combine the thrill of a Big Five safari adventure in the Kruger National Park, together with the mystery of the incredible Victoria Falls, and a magical river safari onboard a luxury houseboat on Botswana’s renowned Chobe River.
12 Nights | 13 Days
Taking you from the cosmopolitan Mother City, Cape Town, to the world famous Kruger National Park, the renowned Sabi Sands Reserve and finishing at the magnificent Victoria Falls in Zambia, this journey explores all of Africa's best!
8 Nights | 9 Days
From exploring vibrant Cape Town, visiting historical Cape Winelands and enjoying the bygone era at Royal Malewane in the Greater Kruger National Park, this luxury South African safari offers it all!
9 Nights | 10 Days
A unique and unrivaled experience of a lifetime! Join us on a magnificent and luxurious journey to South Africa. For the person who enjoys the finer things in life, relax and explore Cape Town, visit the gourmet capital Franschhoek, before heading to the Greater Kruger National Park for an exceptional safari experience.
15 Nights | 16 Days
The ultimate 16 day luxury tour of Southern Africa. You'll visit Cape Town, the Garden Route, the Kruger National Park, Victoria Falls & the Okavango Delta, taking in the best boutique hotels and lodges the African sub-continent has to offer along the way. This itinerary is ideal for fist time visitors to the region.
From $289 USD Per Person Sharing
Escape to a magical forest and the five star luxury lodge set within it when choosing the Cybele Forest Lodge & Health Spa. Spend your days at the world-class spa, on forest walks, horse-riding or on game drives and your nights in individually decorated luxury rooms after a gourmet meal in the classic dining room.
From $454 USD Per Person Sharing
Choose Little Jock for an intimate safari experience in the heart of Big Five game country; superlative service, sumptuous comforts and outstanding wilderness experiences await you at this upmarket lodge.
From $481 USD Per Person Sharing
Jock Safari Lodge epitomises the casual elegance of bygone days. Stay in supreme comfort in the African wilderness that is the Kruger National Park for a safari experience that you will never forget.
From $721 USD Per Person Sharing
For an exclusive and extraordinary safari experience head to the luxury Lukimbi Safari Lodge in the famous Kruger National Park. Set in the heart of Big Five country, this upmarket lodge offers fantastic accommodation in luxury suites with private pools and the chance to get up close to Africa’s exotic and exciting wildlife.
From $172 USD Per Person Sharing
Stay in classic style in romantic and luxury ‘tents’ when on safari in the Nkomazi Game Reserve; you will be immersing yourself in a dramatic landscape amongst some of Earth’s oldest fossils and an abundance of wildlife. Your safari tents come complete with king-sized bed and private deck and plunge pool.
From $106 USD Per Person Sharing
Set just outside Hazyview at the colonial Perry’s Bridge Trading Post in Mpumalanga, Perry’s Bridge Hollow Boutique Hotel is a luxury accommodation venue and the ideal base from which to explore the attractions of South Africa’s Lowveld.
From $1387 USD Per Person Sharing
Feel like royalty when staying at this exclusive safari destination; you will be staying in luxury suites with their own deck and swimming pool, indulging in classic spa treatments, dining on gourmet treats and experiencing some of the richest game viewing, including the Big Five, possible in Africa.
Price On Request
Set within a unique forest biome, the only one of its kind in South Africa, the luxury Serenity Forest Eco Lodge offers just nine suites set in the forest overlooking a mountain stream. An outstanding retreat from the world, you have the rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the untouched natural landscape of this unique region.
From $1410 USD Per Person Sharing
You will be staying in the most game-rich part of the Kruger National Park when opting for contemporary luxury Singita Lebombo Lodge. The loft-style suites are set on a sheer cliff offering fantastic views over the stunning landscape. Between game drives, relax around the cliff-side pool and swop game-viewing stories.
From $1410 USD Per Person Sharing
Intimate and very exclusive, the luxury Singita Sweni Lodge will accommodate you in luxury suites tucked away amongst trees on the banks of the Sweni River. The ultimate in romantic getaways, this luxury lodge promises exciting game viewing, outstanding cuisine and an atmosphere that is conducive to the perfect vacation.
From $768 USD Per Person Sharing
Luxury, exclusivity and a five-star wildlife experience combine to offer the initimate Kruger safari at Tinga Private Game Lodge.
From $551 USD Per Person Sharing
Set on a Big Five game concession in South Africa’s Mpumalanga province, the luxury Tintswalo Safari Lodge with its seven spacious suites is a fabulous base from which to set off on game encounters in neighbouring reserves, enjoy soothing spa treatments and indulge in gorgeous cuisine and wines.
What a holiday— Anne Hand
The Pepper Club was an exquisite way to end our trip— Dr. Valenti
Thank you again— Matthew Davidoff, USA
