Extreme Luxury Safari - Game Viewing in Luxury Camps ULSA03

Personal Highlights:

• A walking safari with a ranger in the Madikwe game reserve
• Africa as it once was with Black rhino roaming freely, Giraffe galloping across the plains at sunset and Zebras calling out in the early morning
• Enjoying superb hospitality at Sabi Sands Private Reserve
• Absorbing the rhythm of the African plain

Day 1 Depart USA

Your adventure begins as you depart the USA bound for South Africa and arrive in Johannesburg the following evening.

Day 2 Arrival in Johannesburg

Upon your afternoon arrival in Johannesburg you will be met by your guide and personally escorted to your hotel which is situated within a short distance of the airport. Fairlawns is a delightful property where all rooms are suites identified by individual names You enjoy a fine dinner in the restaurant before turning in for a good night's rest.

Day 3 Madikwe Game Reserve

After breakfast, your driver will pick you up for the drive north to Madikwe where you will arrive about lunch time. Upon finishing lunch you have a chance to relax before an afternoon game drive followed by dinner.

Day 4 Game Viewing in Madikwe

Madikwe was created in the 1940's in an area that was, at the time, declared the poorest province in South Africa. The 165,000 acre preserve on the Botswana border was created to preserve wildlife and support the local economy. The lodge is located on the edge of the Marico River and consists of eight large luxury suites complete with private plunge pools, fireplaces and great views. Today you have both an early morning and late afternoon game drive. In between you relax and perhaps get a massage.

Day 5 Exploring the Madikwe Game Reserve

This morning you join one of the rangers for a walking safari. The reserve is Africa as it once was with the plains still teeming with game across the acacia savannah. In addition to the "big five", Black Rhino roam freely, Giraffe gallop across the plains at sunset and the zebras call out in the morning to make sure that other members of the herd survived the lions that night. In the afternoon you return to your open vehicle for an evening game drive followed by a dinner by campfire and candlelight in the bush .

Day 6 Kruger and the Sabi Sands Private Reserve

This morning your driver will return you to Johannesburg for the flight to Kruger National Park. Your destination is considered to be one of the best areas in the world to view game, especially in the private game reserves that border the Park. By all estimations, Sabi Sands is considered the best and Sabi Sabi one of its most esteemed elements. You will be staying at Selati Lodge because it combines a feeling of the colonial with the luxury of today. As an example, although the nine suites are air-conditioned, lighting is by hurricane lamp to add to the atmosphere. This evening you enjoy superb cuisine on the wooden terrace of the lodge.

Day 7 Game viewing in Sabi Sabi

A cup of coffee brought to your suite indicates that it is time for an early morning game drive. While it does require a 5AM departure it is justified by experiencing the dawn rising over the savannah and the animals you have a chance to see. It could be a pride of lions or a herd of elephants. Perhaps even an illusive leopard. You return to the lodge for breakfast and the chance to relax and, like the animals, take a nap in the midday heat. An afternoon drive and an elegant meal complete your day.

Day 8 Absorbing the Rhythm of the African Plain

In this, your last day on the plain, you realize that your days on safari have created a subtle shift in how you look at life and how you break up your individual days. Like the animals you have come to know and admire, you rise to greet the sun, rest in the heat of the day and salute the sun as it dips below the horizon. You have met and shared stories with the few others lucky enough to share your lodge and experiences. This is a day to savor Africa and enjoy your farewell meal under the stars as the nocturnal sounds of the savannah surround you.

Day 9 Sabi Sabi/ Johannesburg/Return to USA

You have one more chance to see the sun come up over the plains and perhaps finally see that illusive leopard. After returning from the drive and enjoying a leisurely breakfast you proceed to the airport for the flight to Johannesburg where you connect with your flight to the US.

Day 10 Arrive in the USA

You arrive back in the USA at breakfast time.

Services Included

• All air transportation as part of the program offered including private and charter aircraft. (On those programs requiring private aircraft flights, you will be limited to 33lbs of luggage which can be stored in the safari luggage which we provide to you. Additional luggage will be stored for you for the rest of your trip. In the private camps, daily laundry is available (and, in most cases included).
• Luxury rail travel as indicated
• Superior Rooms at the properties indicated in the accommodations area (We reserve the right to substitute a property of equal quality in advance of departure should the designated hotel be unavailable)
• On Safari, only private camps are used and include all meals and all game viewing in most camps, house beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks (indicated on itinerary)
• Private Transfers to and from the airport at destination
• All meals as indicated on the itinerary by B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner
• Private guides for city explorations and private driver/guide while traveling.
• Baggage handling at all hotels and camps
• All applicable taxes and service fees

Services Not Included

• International airfare (round-trip from hometown departure gateway to destination)
• Beverages with included meals (unless otherwise indicated on itinerary page)
• Any meals not indicated on the Itinerary page
• Items of a personal nature e.g. minibar, film, postcards etc.
• Gratuities to Guides and Driver/Guides (we provide suggested guidelines for your selected destination in your pre-departure material)
• Any passport or visa fees or government departure taxes (It is the traveler’s responsibility to secure the latest information regarding passports and visa requirements)

 

Available Year Round