7 days
|From £4,795 pp
South Africa offers an incredible mix of culture, history and wildlife, and this journey is designed to showcase some of its most rewarding highlights. You’ll explore Johannesburg’s powerful historical landmarks before travelling north to Madikwe Game Reserve, one of the country’s finest safari destinations.
In Johannesburg, uncover the story of South Africa’s past and present with guided visits to Soweto, the Hector Pieterson Memorial and the Apartheid Museum.
Then fly to Madikwe, where early-morning and late-afternoon game drives allows you to have up-close encounters with elephants, lions, leopards and the endangered African wild dog. Between safaris, relax at your lodge and enjoy the quiet rhythm of the bush, surrounded by open savannah and big African skies.
Arrive in Johannesburg, where a local representative will greet you upon arrival and assist with a smooth transfer to your hotel. Check in at The Peech Hotel, a boutique retreat tucked away in a leafy suburb of the city. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or exploring the nearby cafes and galleries. The evening is yours to rest or dine at the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant.
Today offers a powerful introduction to South Africa’s history and resilience. With your private guide, begin in Soweto, the township that became the heart of the anti-apartheid movement.
Visit Mandela House Museum, the former home of Nelson Mandela, and the Hector Pieterson Memorial, which commemorates the student uprisings of 1976. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the Apartheid Museum, where interactive exhibits trace the nation’s journey from segregation to democracy. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon for an evening at leisure.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a short charter flight to Madikwe Game Reserve. This malaria-free reserve, bordering Botswana, is one of South Africa’s conservation success stories. On arrival, you’ll be welcomed at Jaci’s Safari Lodge, a stylish retreat with a relaxed bush atmosphere. That afternoon, set out on your first game drive with your ranger, exploring open savannahs and riverine forests in search of Africa’s Big Five. Return to camp for dinner under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the night.
Rise early for a morning game drive as the bush awakens. Watch herds of elephants move through the plains, lions bask in the first light, and antelope graze in the cool morning air. After brunch, the rest of the day is yours to unwind – perhaps with a dip in the pool, a massage, or a quiet moment on your private deck overlooking the river. In the late afternoon, head out again for another game drive, finishing the day with sundowners and a candlelit dinner around the boma fire.
Venture deeper into Madikwe with your guide, learning about the reserve’s unique ecosystem and conservation projects. This area is home to the African wild dog, one of the continent’s most endangered predators, as well as black rhinos, cheetahs, and over 300 bird species. Between drives, take time to relax and enjoy the lodge’s warm hospitality. In the evening, share stories with your guide over a luxurious dinner.
Your final full day in Madikwe is yours to enjoy a safari drive one last time. Perhaps you’ll revisit a favourite area of the reserve or spend time tracking a particular species with your ranger. For those interested in photography, the morning light offers exceptional conditions for capturing wildlife up close. Later, celebrate your final night in the bush with a special farewell dinner beneath the stars.
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before boarding your return charter flight to Johannesburg. A private transfer will connect you to your onward journey, marking the end of your South African adventure.
A private Cape Peninsula tour for families, combining African penguins, coastal drives, and a relaxed pancake stop before the crowds arrive.
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Brad • Ireland Adventure
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