Big Five, Leopard Research and Beach Safari

Big Five, Leopard Safari and Beach Relaxation - From £3,280 per Person, Excluding International Flights

Day 1
On arrival into Johannesburg you will be met by one of our representatives who will help you with your check in for your onward flight to Skukuza, close to the famous Kruger National Park. Your guide from the Rhino Post Lodge will meet you at the airport and transfer you to their private concession inside the National Park. The afternoon is yours at to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the African bush. 
Overnight: Rhino Post Lodge – Each suite is raised off the ground offering views of the river. The suites have en-suite facilities and a private veranda (D)

Days 2, 3, 4
Your African safari continues with early morning game drives or bush walks to view the abundant wildlife in the area including lion, leopard, cheetah, rhino, elephant and buffalo. After an afternoon rest you will head out again as the temperature cools and the cats start to hunt. The Rhino Post lodge is a great place to do a walking safaris; their sister camp in the concession specialises in the walking safaris. One of the highlights of this is the “sleep out” in the bush. The “sleep out” involves an afternoon walk to the raised platform where you have a netted tent setup. This allows you to see, hear and smell the animals whilst on your South African safari.
Overnight: Rhino Post, Plains Camp or Sleep out (B/L/D)

Day 5
After an exciting first few days sleeping the African bush, it’s now time for some beach relaxation. You will be transferred back to Skukuza Airport for a short flight to the east coast of South Africa. Thonga Beach is a perfect place to unwind and relax during your African Safari. The Maputoland coast is ideal for snorkelling, fishing, turtle tracking, scuba diving and boat excursions.
Overnight: Thonga Beach Lodge – Each en-suite room is raised off the dunes offering sea views from the private balcony (B/L/D)

Days 6, 7
Enjoy two full days canoeing on Lake Sibaya, snorkelling in the Indian Ocean or simply relaxing on the beach and reflecting on your African Safari.
Overnight: Thonga Beach Lodge (B/L/D)

Day 8
Half an hour away, by light aircraft, is the privately owned Phinda Game Reserve and this is where your South African safari will continue. Phinda is home to the “Big Five” as well as cheetah and wild dog. There are a variety of safari activities which will take you through the park in search of the wildlife, both on foot and in your safari vehicle.
Overnight: Phinda Forest Lodge – Each of the suites has floor to ceiling glass walls but are set in a thick forest providing complete privacy. Each suite has en-suite facilities and a private balcony (B/L/D)

Day 9
Leopards are one of the most elusive big cats to see in the wild, but we have arranged for the research team based at Phinda to take you out on two research trips with them. You will accompany the team as they track each of the collared leopards and take notes of what they are up to. This excursion consists of a night drive, as this is when the cats are at their most active. The following morning you will head out on another drive to see the difference in their behaviour. This is a unique experience offering you one of the best chances to see these beautiful animals thriving in their natural environment.
Overnight: Phinda Forest Lodge (B/L/D) 

Day 10
Following your early morning game drive with the research team in search of the elusive leopards you will head back to the lodge where you will be able to relax. Later in the afternoon you will out again on either a game drive or bush walk. Phinda is one of the best places to see cheetah so keep your eyes peeled for these incredible animals.
Overnight: Phinda Forest Lodge (B/L/D)

Day 11
After breakfast you will head to the airstrip, with a game drive en route, for your flight back to Johannesburg and your international flight back home. (B)