Big Five, Leopard Research and Beach Safari

Big Five, Leopard Research Safari and Beach Relaxation - From £3,280pp excluding international flights

Day 1

On your arrival into Johannesburg at the start of your South African safari, you will be met and by one of our representatives who will help you with your check in for your onward flight. This will be a short 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 Kruger National Park. The afternoon is yours at leisure to relax and enjoy the sounds and sights of the African bush.

Overnight: Rhino Post Lodge – each suite is raised of the ground offering views of the river. The suites have ensuite facilities and a private veranda (D)

Day 2, 3 and 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 head out again in the afternoon when it is a bit cooler. The Rhino Post lodge is a great place to do a walking safari. They have a sister camp in the concession that specialises in the walking safaris. One of the highlights of this is the “sleep out” in the bush. This 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 or Plains Camp or Sleep out (B/L/D)

Day 5

After your exciting first few days sleeping the African bush, it is 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 of the rooms is raised off the dunes offering sea views from the private balcony. Each room has its own ensuite facilities (B/L/D)

Days 6, 7

You have 2 full days to go canoeing on Lake Sibaya, snorkelling in the Indian Ocean or simply relax on the beach and reflect 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 continues. Phinda is home to the “Big Five” as well as cheetah and wild dog and activities will take you through the park in search of these, whether you are on foot or 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 ensuite 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 with the research team based at Phinda to take you out on 2 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 when they are usually most active and then the following morning 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

Enjoy your early morning game drive in search of the elusive leopards with the research team and then in the afternoon head out for another game drive or game walk. Phinda is one of the best places to see cheetah.

Overnight: Phinda Forest Lodge (B/L/D)

Day 11

After breakfast you have a game drive enroute to the airstrip for your flight to Johannesburg in time to get your international flight home (B)