14 Days South Africa Explorer Safari Holiday
14 Days South Africa Explorer safari holiday
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is a vast wildlife preserve in the Kalahari Desert region of Botswana and South Africa, bordering Namibia to the west. It’s characterized by red dunes and dry rivers. Wildlife includes migrating herds of wildebeest and springbok, plus predators like raptors and black-maned Kalahari lions.
Kruger National Park which attracts over one million visitors a year is one of the oldest and largest national parks in Africa. The original Sabie Game Reserve was proclaimed by President Paul Kruger in 1898 and later extended to its present size of approximately 19,000 square kilometers or 8,000 square miles. It extends from the Limpopo River in the north to the Crocodile River in the south, a distance of nearly 380 kilometers. To the east it borders with Mozambique and on the west it joins many of our private game reserves.
Safari highlights
- Kgalagadi transfrontier park
- Kruger national park
- Cape Town
Detailed safari itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Johannesburg and transfer to your hotel for overnight
Upon arrival in Johannesburg you will be received and transferred to your lodge for relaxation and overnight.
Day 2: Domestic flight from Johannesburg to Upington town
After morning breakfast, depending on the departure time of your flight you will be transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to Upington city, on arrival you will be received by our representative and transfer to your lodge for overnight.
Day 3: Full day game drives in Kgalagadi Transfrontier national park
We leave Upington at 8H30 from your guesthouse to drive to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Stop en route at the Norokei Salt Pans (natural salt mine) and the Khomani San Bushmen to view their art. Arrival at Twee Rivieren (12H30) Move into our lodge for a short rest. We depart on a game drive (speed limit 50km/h) in this 38 000 square km park until the gates close. Approximate predator numbers: Lions – 450, Leopards – 150, Cheetah – 200, Spotted hyenas – 370. Bird species are 264, of which 20 raptor species are present. Antelope such as Gemsbok, Hartebeest, Springbok and Wildebeest are well represented.
Day 4: Transfer from Twee Rivieren – Nossob (167km)
Wake up one hour before gates open. Breakfast, then pack for Game drives in the dry river bed. We do stalk driving (direction North-East) for 5 – 6 hours to reach Nossob. This is the day we try to learn more of the Kalahari and its secrets. Afternoon arrival. Check into lodge and short rest. Depart on a game drive until gates close. Special feature Nossob: Game hide with spotlight to watch animals coming to drink. Optional sunset drive with Rangers after gates closed.
Day 5: Explore Nossob
Wake up one hour before gate open and game drive direction north. We visit the various waterholes along this route. We learn from the animal tracks in the sand roads what happened in the night. It is a good idea to wait at a waterhole to view the incredible animal and birdlife. We do various game drives according to game reports/sightings.
Day 6: Transfer from Nossob – Mata Mata (152km)
Wake up an hour before gates open. Pack up and game drive towards Mata Mata, using the 70km long Dune road to cross from Botswana to Namibia. Today we search for the famous Kalahari Lion, as well as the smaller inhabitants of the desert, like the Meerkat. Afternoon arrival at Mata Mata. Check in and short rest before we depart on another game drive to explore this area. Special feature Mata Mata: Game hide with spotlight, sunset drive with Rangers after gates closed.
Day 7: Drive from Mata Mata to Upington via Twee Rivieren (405km)
Wake up one hour before gates open, pack up and depart direction south. Today we learn more of the Kalahari and her secrets. After 4 – 5 hours of stalk driving we reach Twee Rivieren (12h00) Depart for Upington arriving late afternoon arrival at your hotel.
Day 8: Flight from Upington to Johannesburg
After morning breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg, on arrival our drive will receive you and transfer you to your hotel for relaxation and overnight.
Day 9: Drive from Johannesburg to Kruger national park
You will be picked up from Johannesburg and transfer to your accommodation that’s situated in Hazyview, only a short drive away from the iconic Kruger National Park (drive takes approximately 4-5 Hrs) with stops along the way to buy some refreshments and to stretch your legs.
Arrive in the afternoon, settle in and relax until it’s time to go on your first open vehicle, Kruger Game starts around 16:00, which extends into the night later return to your Lodge/Hotel afterwards and enjoy a tasty dinner at the Lodge’s Restaurant.
Day 10: Full day game drives in Kruger national park
Receive a packed breakfast as this exciting day starts early with a 05h00 departure on a full day Kruger National.
You will have the whole day to explore one of the largest wildlife conservation areas in Africa (Kruger National Park) and try to spot Africa’s Big 5, this classic safari will give you chance to see elephant, black and white Rhino, Lions, Leopard, Wilddogs, hippopotamus, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, warthog and many antelope species after break for lunch and later continue your Kruger Park Adventure in the afternoon and later return to your accommodation late afternoon, where you can relax until dinnertime.
Day 11: Flight from Kruger Park to Cape Town
Receive a packed breakfast and transfer to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport from where you will fly to Cape Town. Arrive in Cape Town. Settle in and relax at your comfortable accommodation or enjoy your afternoon at own leisure with a lot of choices of things to do like a visit to the V&A Waterfront, a visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium, The Castle Museum, many restaurants, coffee shops if time allows.
Day 12: Cape Peninsula Tour
After you have enjoyed breakfast, you will be picked up around 09h00 for a spectacular Peninsula tour. This scenic drive around the Cape Peninsula showcases the beautiful sights and sounds of one of the most beautiful cities in the world, visit Cape Point/Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, experience the natural fauna & Flora of the Cape and visit Boulders Beach where you can view the African Penguin. Return to your hotel in the afternoon, settle in and relax until you are ready to go and enjoy dinner at one of many of Cape Town’s restaurants.
Day 13: Visit Table Mountain and Cape Town City Tour
This is an exciting full day tour which includes the Table Mountain Cableway, the SA Museum and the Castle, the City and the District 6 Museum after you will return to your hotel in the afternoon, settle in and relax until you go for dinner.
Day 14: Flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg
Enjoy a tasty breakfast and relax until you transfer to Cape Town International airport from where you will take a domestic flight back to Johannesburg/ OR Tambo International Airport upon arrival you will connect to your onward Journey.
Trip includes
- Accommodation
- Game drives
- Park entrance
- Domestic flights
- En route meals
- Cape Town city tour and Table Mountain
Trip excludes
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- South African Visa
- Tips for guides and hotels
- Alcoholic drinks
When to book this safari package
We recommend booking this trip 9 months to 1 year in advance.
Best time to visit Kgalagadi transfrontier for a South African safari
Wildlife viewing is always good in Kgalagadi but at its best at the end of the rains (March to May) when animals congregate around the riverbeds, the lifelines of the park.
