This is one of our most popular safari experiences and is truly hard to beat. The variety of species and habitats, from cheetah and black rhino to lion and leopards, along with many others big and small, in a setting of coastal forest, open plains and wooded savannah create a fabulous game viewing expereince. That, combined with convenient flights and two award-winning lodges adds up to a marvellous experience.

Day 1 - 4 - Phinda Private Game Reserve, Kwazulu Natal

You will be met upon arrival and transferred by complimentary shuttle from OR Tambo International Airport to Federal Air Bateleur Lounge (5 mins drive) befor boarding your scheduled flight directly to Phinda Forest Lodge situated in Phinda Private Game Reserve. This Reserve comprises seven distinct habitats – from dry sand forest to wetland systems and mountain ranges. Catch a glimpse of the shy suni antelope, track rhino in the bushveld, observe breeding herds of elephant in fever tree forests, hold your breath as a cheetah teaches her cubs to hunt, glide past hippo on the Mzinene River and marvel at the gracious nyala. Phinda is home to more than 3 000 of these rare antelope.

A typical day on safari begins as dawn breaks over the African bush, a gentle tap on your door will wake you to the delights of a new day. Your ranger will discuss what you hope to see that day over fragrant tea or coffee and morning biscuits or rusks. Phinda Private Game Reserve is home to all of the Big Five, but is particularly well known for its cheetah and rhino. Venture out in search of big cats and large mammals. Return to your lodge for a delicious breakfast. If you wish, you can walk off your breakfast on a short walk near your lodge, accompanied by your ranger, who will share his insight into the smaller animals and vegetation in the area, before returning in time for lunch. Your evening drive begins in the late afternoon and lasts until after dark, when spotlights are used for a glimpse into the nocturnal bush life. Drive down to one of the reserve's dams to watch the animals drink and bathe or watch out for predators getting ready for the hunt. Enjoy sundowners in a scenic location as the sun slowly sinks beneath the horizon. Return to your lodge for a mouthwatering dinner beneath the magnificent African sky.

Phinda Forest Lodge (BLD)

Day 5 - 8 - Kruger Private Reserves, Mpumalanga

After your morning drive and breakfast you will be Transfer to lodge airstrip and fly directly to Ngala Safari Lodge, Kruger Private Reserves. All along the world renowned Kruger National Park’s western boundary are private game reserves which combine with the Kruger to create one of the world’s largest game reserves and a truly remarkable destination. A trip to the Kruger is an unforgettable and potentially life changing experience. 

Located on the boundary of Kruger National Park,Ngala Private Game Reserve is well known for its high densities of elephant, buffalo and rhino, as well as for its African wild dogs. Ngala was the first private game reserve to be incorporated into the Kruger National Park and has exclusive traversing rights on almost 15 000 hectares (37 100 acres) of one of the richest wildlife regions on the African continent. A spectacular diversity of wildlife moves through this immense wilderness, including elephant, spotted hyena, giraffe, buffalo and white rhino. Ngala means “lion” in Shangaan and the Reserve lives up to its name, supporting several prides of these powerful cats. However, it is even better known for excellent viewing of a more elusive cat, offering regular sightings of leopard, particularly females with their young. Your days at Ngala are very much the same as at Phinda, morning and afternoon game drives with the option of walks.

Ngala Safari Lodge (BLD)

Day 9 - Departure 

After your morning drive and breakfast you will be Transfer to lodge airstrip and fly directly back to Johannesburg International Airport.