Highlights
- Stay in 5-star game lodges and explore lesser-known private nature reserves
- Embark on morning and afternoon game drives to spot lions and rhinos
- Tour the historic Soweto Township in Johannesburg and marvel at street art
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive at Palala Game Reserve | Palala Game Reserve |
| Day 2 | Palala Game Reserve Activities | Palala Game Reserve |
| Day 3 | Drive to Welgevonden Reserve & Mhondoro Safari Lodge | Welgevonden Game Reserve |
| Day 4 | Mhondoro Safari Lodge Activities | Welgevonden Game Reserve |
| Day 5 | Drive to Johannesburg, Soweto Tour, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Palala Game Reserve
Welcome to South Africa! Depending on your activities beforehand, you'll likely already have a rental car and have no trouble arriving at today's destination. Throughout this itinerary, you'll explore Limpopo, a province in northeastern South Africa along the borders of Botswana and Zimbabwe. Despite being well off the tourist trail, this bushveld area, which is denoted by its arid and shrubby landscapes, is filled with some of the finest private nature reserves and game lodges in the country.
You'll be staying at one such flagship accommodation: the Palala Boutique Game Lodge & Spa. Enjoy first-class treatment at this 5-star bush resort, which offers the perfect mix of exciting outdoor activities and luxurious amenities. When you arrive, you'll check into your lavish suite; then, you can spend the rest of the day recharging your batteries.
The best place for this is at the hotel spa, where you can choose premium treatments like a Himalayan salt massage, a relaxing hammam session, and a Cleopatra milk and honey bath for two. Then perhaps spend a good chunk of the afternoon relaxing on a sunbed by the infinity pool, cocktail in hand. Dinner will be a white tablecloth affair in a private dining area. Here, with native bush trees looming overhead, you'll enjoy a gourmet feast prepared by award-winning chefs featuring locally sourced ingredients. Fine wines and cigars will also be available.
Day 2: Palala Game Reserve Activities
You've spent a day relaxing amid the natural splendor of the African bush—now it's time to venture out into the wild. Palala can arrange various activities, including morning, afternoon, or nighttime game drives. For these trips, you'll meet up with a local ranger, board your safari vehicle, and set off in search of the Big Five game animals (lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards).
Another popular option is a cruise on the nearby Limpopo River. During this two-hour excursion, you'll snack on canapés on the deck while watching for riverine animals like hippos and crocodiles. You can complement the experience with a picnic lunch and/or embark on a guided walk (or bicycle safari) around the 34,594 acres (14,000 ha) of bushveld landscapes surrounding the resort.
Day 3: Drive to Welgevonden Reserve & Mhondoro Safari Lodge
Say goodbye to Palala this morning as you drive roughly 100 miles (160 km) south to another marvel of Limpopo province: Welgevonden Game Reserve. This private conservation area covers 138 square miles (360 sq km) of diverse terrain, including rolling hills, grassy savannas, and wooded valleys. Besides the Big Five animals, plenty of other wildlife call this area home, including zebras, hippos, cheetahs, and antelope. It's also a birder's paradise, as there are around 300 avian species here, ranging from raptors to waterbirds and more.
Not incidentally, this private reserve is also known for its many 4/5-star accommodations, including swank wilderness lodges and luxury bush camps. You'll be staying at one such option: Mhondoro, a 5-star private safari lodge and villa. It fuses African chic with opulent European influences to offer the utmost in comfort and amenities while surrounded by the beauty of the African wilderness.
You'll have all day tomorrow to enjoy more outdoor adventures—for now, perhaps spend the rest of the afternoon in your villa, complete with a private plunge pool. Or, if you can't wait to explore, set off on an afternoon game drive through the park. Return to the lodge for dinner and a relaxing nightcap around the outdoor fire.
Day 4: Mhondoro Safari Lodge Activities
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Today is packed with bush activities in and around Welgevonden. You can embark on a total of two game drives (morning and afternoon) to spot the more than 50 mammals, hundreds of bird species, and thousands of types of plants in the reserve. Also included in the itinerary are bush walks led by park rangers who will point out the reserve's exotic flora and fauna as you go.
Optional activities include a dedicated excursion in search of the rare white rhino, as well as a trip to view ancient rock art. Cap the day with dinner back at the lodge, followed by fireside chats and maybe even a little stargazing. This remote and vast region is mostly free of light pollution, meaning you'll be treated to dazzling views of the vivid constellations above.
Day 5: Drive to Johannesburg, Soweto Tour, Depart
It's been a whirlwind trip during which you've packed in some memorable safari experiences. But there's one more adventure to be had, and this one's of the urban variety. After an early breakfast, you'll make the four-hour drive south to Johannesburg.
South Africa's largest city, known as "Joberg" or "Jozi," may not be filled with exotic wildlife, but it does have history and culture to spare. The city was deeply affected by the country's apartheid system and was the site of many key events in that struggle, such as the uprising in the Soweto Township.
Once in the city, you'll transfer to Soweto for a tour by tuk-tuk (auto rickshaw). You'll travel around the township to meet residents and sample local cuisine (try the bunny chow). Part of the tour even includes stops to marvel at colorful street art. Afterward, you'll resume your exploration of South Africa on your own, or continue your onward journey. Safe travels!
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