It is your responsibility to organise your own flights to Johannesburg. You must arrive in Johannesburg on Day one of the safari no later than 5pm. On arrival you will be met by your safari leader, Wildlife Veterinarian, Dr Sally Armstrong and then checked into your hotel at Johannesburg International airport. You will have time to settle into your room and then be introduced to the group at a lovely welcome dinner before getting a good nights rest.
After a delicious buffet breakfast at the hotel we depart
for a fully guided and private half day tour of the
Soweto, a famous settlement filled with vibrant
contrasts and urban culture. The tour includes many
interesting and historical sights such as the Hector
Pietersen Museum, Orlando towers, Nelson Mandela
House and of course the very colourful township itself.
We finish our tour of the Soweto with a tasty and
traditional African lunch before departing for the town
of Nelspruit. Here we spend the next 2 nights at a
stunning bush retreat known as the Homestead where
many cloven hoofed wildlife roam freely including
wildebeest, giraffe and zebra!
After a delicious breakfast we depart for a chimpanzee rescue sanctuary run by the world famous Jane Goodall Institute. During our visit to the chimpanzee sanctuary we will be taken on a very educational and interesting tour where we meet and learn about the history of the resident chimps each with their own unique stories and personalities. After spending our morning at Chimp Eden we depart for ‘Care for Wild’ rhino orphanage, the largest rhino orphanage in the world. Here we go on a private tour of the property where we will meet and learn all about the resident rhino orphans who have been rescued from the Kruger National Park as victims of poaching and the dedicated conservationists trying to save them! Care for Wild is not generally open to the public however our safari groups have the unique privilege of getting to meet these endearing creatures. After this very special tour we head back to the homestead to enjoy the lovely sunset views and a special bush dinner before bed.
After a delicious home cooked breakfast we depart for ‘Elephant Whispers,’ an elephant rescue sanctuary for a very educational and informative private talk and tour designed to give you an insight into the lives and conservation of African elephants. You will also have a very rare opportunity to share in a very intimate, interactive and unique experience by meeting, feeding and getting up close and personal with these gentle giants. After our morning Elephant tour we enjoy lunch on the deck at Elephant Whispers overlooking the elephants swimming hole. If we are lucky we may even see the elephants swimming and playing in the water.After lunch at Elephant Whispers we travel to Hoedspruit via the very scenic and spectacular Panorama Route stopping at some famous land marks including Graskop Gorge. Here we explore the breath taking forest via an extensive network of elevated walkways and venture across the gorge via a 52 metre long suspension bridge. You will also have the opportunity to take the plunge on the big swing o zip across the gorge on the 120 metre long zipline!
We arrive in Hoedspruit in the late afternoon and settle into our lovely accommodation before dinner and bed.
After a delicious breakfast we depart for a special ‘behind the scene’s tour at Wildlife Rehabilitation and Endangered Species Centre. During our group visit we are privileged to be taken on a private tour which allows us the opportunity to meet many incredible species and learn about the threats and problems they face today. After our tour we have lunch and relax before departing for an evening of traditional African Culture! Our evening begins with our own personal interactive village tour, followed by a vibrant and lively performance by some traditional African Dancers. It is quite a treat to watch and is also very informative as the dancers trace the history and culture of the local Shangaan tribe with the opportunity to experience their music, customs and some traditional African cuisine!
Today we are up early morning for a spectacular balloon ride as we drift in the breeze with a spectacular view over the mountains. Our hot air balloon adventure starts just before sunrise after arriving at the launch site. Here we will enjoy fresh tea and coffee while being provided with a safety briefing and watching the eight – storey balloon being prepped for flight. During the one hour balloon flight we will be treated to breath taking views of the lush scenery below where you may even spot some wildlife! The balloon can fly as high as 2000 feet or low enough to skim the treetops making for a thrilling journey and endless photo opportunities. After landing the ground crew will deflate and pack the balloon while we enjoy Cape sparkling wine or orange juice before being taken to a country lodge for a scrumptious breakfast. After breakfast we will then head back to the lodge for a rest before our afternoon visit to meet 'Jessica,' the world famous hippo! Jessica is a hand-raised hippo and was rescued as a tiny calf after being separated from her mother during a flood. She chooses to spend part of her life living with her adoptive human family while also spending time with the wild hippos down river. Jessica has featured on many TV programs including Animal Planet and the Sunday night show. Unlike wild hippos Jessica is quite sociable with humans so you will also have the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with Jessica and feed her favourite drink and food snack!
After meeting Jessica we have a lovely dinner before retiring to bed ensuring plenty of rest ready for the next days adventure.
Day 7
After breakfast we depart from our lodge and head into the world famous Kruger National Park! While in KNP we will be staying at a beautiful lodge where will enjoy early morning and evening game drives, delicious food and some of the best wildlife sightings Africa has to offer. We will also be participating in some very exciting wildlife veterinary conservation work with an experienced wildlife veterinarian as well as a very knowledgeable ranger to guide us throughout the bush on safari walks and drives in our own private safari vehicle. If you are a keen photographer there will also be many incredible and unique photo opportunities.
On arrival at the lodge we settle in before lunch then depart for a late afternoon/evening game drive. You can expect to see and hear a variety of wildlife as the African bush comes to life with another highlight being our stop for late afternoon drinks (sundowners ) while we watch the sunset. After the evening drive a delicious dinner will be served in the boma and around the fire before bed.
Today we wake for tea, coffee and snacks before an early morning game drive and beautiful sunrise. After the drive breakfast is served and then there is time to relax around the stunning lodge and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the African bush. After lunch we will have the option of a game walk or a game drive. If you choose to experience the thrill and adventure of a safari walk you have the opportunity to track wildlife on foot with one of our experienced guides stopping for drinks and snacks along the way. After your walk or drive you will return to the lodge for some pre-dinner drinks around the fire followed by a delicious dinner before bed
Day 9
After an early morning breakfast we depart the lodge we meet with a wildlife veterinarian to assist with some very exciting hands on veterinary wildlife conservation work. The animals we will be working on will depend on the vet work that needs to be done at the time. It may be darting and de-horning a rhino from a helicopter to protect it from poachers, changing the tracking collar on a lion or darting an elephant to take some blood samples. No veterinary experience is necessary and the wildlife veterinarian will provide the relevant information and a safety briefing before we begin the procedures. You will not be required to have any formal training to assist with the wildlife work and will be given instructions accordingly. The aim of this activity is for you to enjoy the unique opportunity to get hands on and to learn and contribute to the conservation and survival of some of Africa’s most iconic species. You will also have the opportunity to get some very unique and up close and personal photo opportunities with the animal whilst it is asleep! After the veterinary activities are completed we head back to the lodge for lunch and an evening game drive before bed.
After waking for an early morning game drive we return to the lodge for breakfast and then depart for our flight from Hoedspruit to the very scenic and beautiful city of Cape Town. Once we arrive in Cape Town we are transported to our guest house. After settling into our rooms at the guest house we have some pre-dinner drinks and then a lovely meal before settling down for a good nights sleep ready a full and fun day of sight seeing.
After breakfast at the guesthouse we depart for a private and fully guided day tour of the Cape Point Peninsula. Our first stop is the World Famous Boulders Beach Penguin Colony. The pristine beach with its signature granite boulders is part of Table Mountain Nature Reserve and here you will have the opportunity to come within metres of these adorable creatures in a protected natural environment. After a visit to the Penguin Colony we stop at a nearby boat harbour and local crafts market before going to a restaurant in Kalk Bay for a delicious lunch on the water. After lunch we continue our drive via the famous ‘Chapman’s Peak and view some spectacular scenery en- route to the Cape of Good Hope located in the World Famous Table Mountain National Park. Here, weather permitting we will either walk or catch the funicular to Cape Point’s first lighthouse where we can enjoy breath taking views of the Atlantic and Indian ocean and the surrounding coastline and may even see some whales! From the Cape of Good Hope we make our way back along Chapman’s Peak to Hout Bay Harbour where we board a 36ft luxury power catamaran for pre-dinner drinks and snacks while we enjoy a spectacular sunset cruise along Chapman’s peak!
Today we are in for an exciting adventure on the sea as we depart from the harbour in beautiful Hout Bay! After a short briefing we board our private boat and head out to sea in search of whales, dolphins and seals. This is a truly amazing experience as we watch a diverse range of marine life in their natural habitat in one of the most stunning bays in the world. Dolphins often frolic playfully and swim alongside the boat while pods of southern right and humpback whales can also be seen breaching and diving close by. We also visit Duiker island which is home to approx. 7000 Cape fur seals which occur naturally on islands around the southern African coast and are found nowhere else in the world. After our morning on the sea we return to Hout Bay Harbour for a delicious lunch overlooking the beautiful bay and for those who would like to do some curio shopping there is also a lovely crafts market located right on the harbour. After lunch we return to the guesthouse for some relaxation before dinner.
Day 13
After a delicious breakfast we leave the guesthouse for a 2.5 hour drive to Panthera Africa, a lion rescue sanctuary where we will meet some of Africa’s most magnificent big cats all with their very own and unique rescue story! Here we will be taken on a very informative and educational private tour led by the very inspiring and passionate lion conservationists who set up this amazing sanctuary. During our visit we may also get the opportunity to work closely with Panthera Africa’s lions and their veterinarian and assist with the health of the lion’s if there are any procedures that need doing at the time. After our tour we spend some time having a lovely lunch in the picturesque and popular seaside village of Hermanus before travelling back to Cape Town to enjoy some time at the famous Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Here you may choose to do some shopping or relax at one of the lovely cafes or bars before we head to dinner.
A trip to Cape Town would not be complete without a trip to its world famous wineries! So today being our last day on safari we leave the guesthouse to sample some of Cape Town’s finest wines and enjoy a lovely wine and chocolate tasting followed by a delicious lunch. After our visit to the wineries we head into town for an evening of traditional African drumming and a fun farewell dinner at one of Cape Town’s most authentic African restaurants. During dinner we will also watch some very vibrant and interactive performances by dancers, puppets and musicians while embarking on a 14 course African taste safari consisting of a number of Traditional Cape Malay dishes.
Day 15
After 14 days of adventure on this very unique safari and experiencing some very special wildlife encounters, learning all about conservation, meeting some very inspiring animals and people and getting a taste for Africa’s culture, cuisine and countryside unfortunately today this safari comes to an end! However after this once in a life time experience you will be sure to go home with many unforgettable memories that are guaranteed to be cherished forever!
After breakfast a transfer to the Cape Town airport will be arranged in time for your departure flight. However if you decide to stay on longer in Cape Town and would like to continue to enjoy all this amazing city has to offer the African Wildlife Conservation and Adventure Safaris team will be happy to assist you in organising further activities, guided tours and accommodation for the remainder of your stay! Should you choose to stay longer some suggested activities include:
