Exclusive Encounters

Johannesburg to Durban

Day 01
Depart from Johannesburg and travel to the 'Province of the Rising Sun', Mpumalanga, via the historic towns of Witbank, Dullstroom and Lydenburg. Travel over the famous Long Tom Pass on to the small town of Sabie. After a visit to the Lone Creek Waterfalls continue toward White River before arriving at your elegant hideaway described as an 'African Paradise' set in the cool of a living forest. Sip a sundowner on the wide verandah before indulging in the lodge's legendary cuisine.
Cybele Forest Lodge & Health Spa or similar - dinner, bed and breakfast basis

Day 02
Enjoy breakfast looking out over the magnificent gardens, mountains and meadows. Travel via Pilgrim's Rest and head for the breathtaking Panorama Route featuring the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes, God's Window and Lisbon Waterfalls. Then proceed to an exclusive private game lodge resting among the rocky geometry of the Sabi Sand Reserve, where rough-hewn timber, leather and stone meet thatch and wild views. Late afternoon game drive in an open vehicle with an experienced ranger and tracker who will endeavour to spoil you with sightings of the 'Big Five'. Upon returning to the lodge enjoy a safari style bush dinner under the stars (weather permitting).
Singita Private Game Reserve - dinner, bed and breakfast basis + 2 game viewing activities

Day 03
An early morning bush walk or game drive is on offer. For ultimate indulgence, make use of a masseuse offering treatments from the more conventional European massages to Ayurvedic treatments and acupuncture, reflexology, manicures, facials and aromatherapy. Enjoy a work out in the modern fitness centre whilst gazing across the endless wonders of the African bush. After high tea, set out for an evening game drive with a stop to admire the African sunset complemented by refreshments. Whilst viewing nocturnal animals, return to the lodge for traditional culinary delights under an African sky.

Important Note:
Recommended optional helicopter adventure:
Experience it all in real style with an exhilarating helicopter trip - Cascades & Canyon Spectacular. Linger above roaring rivers and cascading waterfalls, allowing for magnificent photographic opportunities and awesome panoramic views of the bushveld below. Enjoy a delicious picnic accompanied by South African sparkling wine on top of the majestic Pinnacle.
Singita Private Game Reserve - full board basis + 2 game viewing activities

Day 04
An early morning bush walk or game drive. After a sumptuous brunch, we depart and explore the world famous Kruger National Park. Established in 1898, this National Park at over two million hectares is unrivalled in its diversity of flora and fauna. After exiting the park, arrive at your safari hotel. The luxury, thatched suite is spread out in lush, indigenous gardens, with private patio and pool, bringing the bush right to your doorstep. At dinnertime indulge in an assortment of eclectic African cuisine.
Malelane Sun (Presidential Suites) - dinner, bed and breakfast basis

Day 05
After a hearty South African breakfast, journey to the next exclusive private game lodge. Travelling through Nelspruit, we enter the Kingdom of Swaziland at Mananga border post. Driving through the eastern Lebombo Mountains we leave Swaziland at Goelela border post and continue via the town of Hluhluwe to Phinda Private Game Reserve. Enjoy a leisurely safari on the Mzinene River where late afternoon sundowners and snacks are served as the boat winds its way along the reed-lined river, there is an abundance of wildlife and birds to see. Return to the lodge for dinner served in an African Boma (weather permitting).
Phinda Private Game Reserve (Vlei or Rock Lodge) - dinner, bed and breakfast basis + 2 game viewing activities

Day 06
Set off on an early game drive in 'Big Five' country. Spend the heat of the day relaxing and enjoying the hospitality of this unique wilderness wonderscape. At sunset, depart on a safari where an entirely different world of nocturnal bird and animal species unfolds. Return to the lodge for a dinner feast.

Important Note:
Recommended optional coastal flight:
This exceptional air safari is a unique and thrilling way to discover the extent of Maputaland's remarkable ecological diversity, from the freshwater lakes to the most tightly forested coastal dunes in the world. The highlight of the flight is the ascent over these high dunes to the unspoilt coastline and clear blue Indian Ocean.
Phinda Private Game Reserve (Vlei or Rock Lodge) - full board basis + 2 game viewing activities

Day 07
Start the day with a leisurely breakfast river safari. After departing the lodge, our journey concludes as we travel through sugar cane plantations along the Indian Ocean seaboard toward the bustling city of Durban for drop off at your hotel or Durban International Airport.

AT A GLANCE

Accommodation
- Exclusive hotels and private game lodges geared for super deluxe 5 star travel
- Wellness treatment opportunities at specified properties

Flights
- No flights

Driver / Guide
- Services of SA Tourism registered driver/guides throughout the tour
- Wildlife viewing with an experienced local guide/ranger and tracker

Main Attractions
- Panorama Route featuring Pilgrim s Rest, Blyde River Canyon, Bourke s Luck Potholes, God s Window, Lisbon Falls and Lone Creek Waterfalls
- World famous Kruger National Park, rich in fauna and flora, with game viewing in open safari vehicles
- Sabi Sand Private Reserve
- Phinda Private Reserve with boat safari on the Mzinene River.