On our 9 day African Safari tour we travel from Johannesburg to Pilgrim's rest, along the Panarama Route through to the Kruger National Park and back to Johannesburg. The venues that we stay at on the tours are all accessible and offer disabled friendly accommodation. Our tours are tailor made to suite you the traveler so let us know what you want to see in the area and we will build it into the tour where possible.
Below is a sample of the type of itinerary we can put together for you on the 9 day wheelchair friendly Africa Safari.
Day 1: Johannesburg
Our guide will meet you at Johannesburg International Airport. From the airport we drive to a guesthouse where you will overnight and have a chance to recover from the flight.
Overnight: Shonilanga Guest Lodge - SHONILANGA - "the place where the sun sets"
Amidst the bustle and hubbub of the greater Johannesburg suburbs you will find Shonilanga Lodge in an ideal country setting.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 2: Pilgrim's Rest
After breakfast meet up with your guide & make our way to the Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve www.rhinolion.co.za
Soon the hustle and bustle of the Johannesburg metropolis is left far behind as we exchange buildings and traffic for rolling grasslands and farms. This was historically part of one of the largest grassland ecosystems in the world and is still very productive for cattle and crop farming. We pass through the heart of South Africa's trout land on the highest national road in the country and soon the escarpment signals the change from the rolling grasslands to the verdant bush and wildlife of the lowveld.
Nestled in the mountains is the historic village of Pilgrim's Rest where we will overnight and which we will use as a base to explore the region. This village has a colourful and exciting history from the time when gold was first discovered in its streams. We will hear the stories of its people and see how they lived while trying to make it big!
Overnight: Royal Hotel Pilgrims Rest
Proclaimed as a National Monument in 1986, Pilgrims Rest Hotel has succeeded in preserving the quaint atmosphere of yesteryear.
Meals: B & D
Day 3: Panorama Route
Leaving the village, we wind our way along the escarpment stopping to catch spectacular views over the escarpment with names such as 'God's Window'. The geological splendor of the Bourke's Luck Potholes at Blyde River Canyon with its tumbling waters is also a stopping point. The route takes us down spectacular mountain passes to the town of Hazyview surrounded by banana, avocado and mango plantations. Here we will enter the world of the Shangaan people, learning more about the culture and history through colourful dance and singing.
Overnight: Rissington Inn
Rissington Inn offers award-winning, friendly, affordable and unpretentious disabled friendly accommodation in a bush setting just outside Hazyview, the heart of the Lowveld. Stylish but relaxed and informal, the inn is an ideal base from which to explore the Panorama Route and all that Mpumalanga has to offer and a perfect stopover on the way to the game reserves.
Meals: B & D
Day 4: Moholololo And Hoedspruit Animal Rehabilitation Centres
A leisurely day trip is planned taking in 2 of the most well-known and successful centres for the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned wildlife and the breeding of endangered species. Moholoholo Rehabilitation centre specialises in birds of prey but has a large number and variety of mammal species.
The Hoedspruit Centre specialises in Cheetah breeding and also has project for Cape Hunting Dogs, Barbary Lions, African black-footed cat and various species. Together these 2 facilities provide an encouraging insight into what is being done to ensure that injured, orphaned and endangered species have the best chance possible of surviving.
Overnight: Rissington Inn
Meals: B & D
Days 5 - 7: Kruger National Park
At the turn of the century, the area around Hazyview towards Mozambique was riddled with malaria and tsetse flies. This didn't deter hunters from decimating the game to the point where there was very little wildlife left. Far-sighted men of influence formed a wildlife sanctuary that became the Kruger National Park where Africa's big game was free to flourish and proliferate to the point where there is now a larger number and diversity of animals than 100 years ago.
The Kruger National Park is now a huge internationally known national park with large numbers of wildlife in a pristine home. Thrill to the sounds and sights that have mesmerised people for decades in this wonderful kaleidoscope of antelope, elephant, lions, buffalo and all the animals that you have come to associate with Africa.
Wildlife safaris are an adventure with a new sighting around each corner. Thrill to the sight of elusive nocturnal species in the light of a powerful spotlight as we join ranger on a night drive or just relax around the embers of a fire listening to the sounds of Africa. This is a wildlife enthusiast's paradise with all the elements of the magical bushveld!
Overnight: Kruger Park
Meals: B & D
Day 8: Stone Cutters Lodge
After a leisurely start a full morning in the Park enjoying a final game drive before exiting the park. The rest of the day is spent slowly making our way back up the escarpment via section of the Panorama Route to the highlands and onto our overnight accommodation at Stone Cutters Lodge.
Overnight: Stone Cutters Lodge - Trout House
Stonecutters Lodge (graded 4-stars) is situated between Dullstroom and Lydenburg. This 63 hectare estate lies in the heart of fly-fishing in Mpumalanga. The Trout House is wheelchair friendly.
Meals: B & D
Day 9: Return to JHB
After breakfast we pack up and slowly wind our way back to the civilisation of Johannesburg with memories that will last for a lifetime. We arrive at the airport with adequate time to check in for your return flight.
Meals: B
Pricing:
Price Based on 4 PAX:
Pricing will be supplied based on the tailor made itinerary - enquire now
INCLUDES:
- Transfers in air-conditioned adapted vehicle
- Accommodation
- Meals as per itinerary
- Unlimited daytime game viewing in Kruger National Park
- Local excursions with an African Insight guide
- All entrance fees and levies
EXCLUDES:
- Items of a personal nature
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel and medical insurance
- Drinks not supplied
- All Flights
NOTES:
- The tariff quoted is subject to the availability of all services at current rates and is subject to availability of accommodation & services quoted on receipt of confirmation
- Adjustments to the tariff quoted may be necessary should unexpected increases in costs of accommodations and serviced occur
- Once a provisional booking has been made, a 25% deposit will be required to confirm the booking and the balance of payment will be due 45 days prior to departure.
- Payment may be made by bank transfer or credit card
- Provisional and confirmed booking are subject to Terms of Business
