Your daydream of finding cheetah on the hunt or herds clashing at a waterhole comes to life during your 13-day South Africa safari tour of Kruger and Sabi Sands. You can explore the exclusive side of the world-famous Kruger ecosystems as you stay in five different private reserves and conservancies. Each is handpicked for its sublime accommodation, exceptional game viewing, and beautiful range of experiences perfect for a luxury adventure.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Thornybush Nature Reserve – The Opulence of Kruger Safari
Touch down in Thornybush and any of your dreamy preconceptions of an African safari are quick to reveal themselves. You will lounge in a private plunge pool as giraffe and elephant roam below the trees below, a troop of monkeys will swing by as you sip on a welcome glass of bubbly and your suite will exude a modern luxury while the surroundings scream of wild Africa. Yours is one of South Africa's most unashamedly luxurious lodges, with decadent suites that open out onto the wonders of the bush. After your intercontinental flight, this will be a glorious place to rest and relax, especially as you spot so many animals from the comforts of your bed.
Upon your arrival at Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport, you will be greeted by a representative and assisted onto a local flight to the Thornybush airstrip. The afternoon will be yours and at your leisure for a chance to recuperate from your long day of travel. An afternoon game drive will ease you into your wild safari experience and begin to unravel the stunning biodiversity of the greater Kruger area. You will be on the lookout for the Big Five, but there are dozens of other species that fill this landscape, along with over 500 species of birds.
What's Included:
Day 2 - 3
Thornybush Nature Reserve – Luxurious Big Five Safari
Day 4 - 5
Sabi Sands Game Reserve – The Predators' Paradise
Day 6 - 7
Sabi Sands Game Reserve – Exclusive Safari in Lion Sands
Day 8 - 9
Kruger National Park – An Exclusive Private Concession
Day 10 - 12
Mala Mala Game Reserve – Exceptional Intimacy in South Africa's Premier Reserve
Day 13
Mala Mala Game Reserve to Johannesburg – Departure
Trip Highlights
- Explore the Kruger without the crowds as you enjoy exclusive access to an unfenced savannah that is not accessible to general visitors
- Celebrate the untamed luxury of African safari with five handpicked lodges and camps, each combining authentic experiences with contemporary comforts
- Create a private safari itinerary each day, mixing a range of activities and experiences that suit your mood and interests
- Take in the wildlife that roams freely through the Kruger ecosystem as the private reserves usually offer a higher concentration of wild mammals due to the availability of water and lack of tourist traffic
- Enjoy the Thornybush Nature Reserve as it is amongst the most opulent of safari lodges, providing a seamless introduction to the charms of African safari
- Relax for two nights in Sabi Sands, Kruger's most celebrated private reserve with two days spent in a famed paradise for the big cats
- Watch the daily routes of a huge cast of animals while in Lion Sands, as it stands on the unfenced border between Sabi Sands and Kruger National Park
- Explore the unusual and the unknown at private concession in the eastern section of Kruger that provides a safari in a very different habitat and ecosystem
- Complete your safari experience with the idyllic Mala Mala and enjoy its big-game abundance and authentic atmosphere
Starting Price
$17,800 per person (excluding international flights)
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.95 stars based on 1173 reviews.
The trip was the best we have ever had. Africa is a very special place. Zicasso's travel expert did a fantastic job of organizing the itinerary. The only disappointment was that we were not scheduled to see the mass migration across the river.
Reviewed By Andrew K.
Zicasso’s travel agent put together an amazing trip for our family. This travel agent was incredibly responsive.
Reviewed By David W.
We had an amazing trip, planned by Zicasso's travel partner. This is the first time I've ever used a travel agent and I'll admit, I was nervous. She took all of our feedback into consideration while planning. I highly recommend!
Reviewed By Kris C.
This was a well-planned trip that was personally rewarding and fulfilling.
This trip provided a great balance of the diverse locations from both countries (Namibia and South Africa).
I chose Zicasso as, at this stage of life, when taking well-deserved vacations, I just want to pay, pack, show up and have everything (accommodations, transportation, domestic and international flights, tours, attention to safety, and additional recommendations) accounted for. And that is exactly what the Zicasso's travel expert provided via her tour agency.
I was able to share my must-haves/nice-to-haves and she customized a vacation package that tended to every detail. It was a wonderful balance of rustic and luxury. It was also our July “birthdaycation” for my aunt and me, and we were surprised at multiple locations with surprise birthday acknowledgements. Birthdays are very special to me, so this was a major “icing” on the cake for me on this vacation.
Although there was a minor “hiccup” on the day of arrival, the travel specialist's “on-the-ground” (local) staff pivoted and quickly and professionally found another option for us for our airport pickup. This shows the mark of a company interested in ensuring the complete satisfaction of their clients.
For the destinations the travel expert specializes in, they will be my first point of contact when looking to make my next vacation destination.
Well done!
Reviewed By Andrea +.
The trip was carefully planned and we received optimal assistance throughout the trip and constant availability and monitoring during the journey. Our Zicasso travel agent was very professional and always available to respond to our requests and needs. The choice of hotels was excellent and reflected the expectations. The activities offered in the different locations were very well structured and the guides were of high quality, particularly those in Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta.
Reviewed By Roberto B.
Our family had a blast in South Africa, thanks to Zicasso's travel designer. She was meticulous in the planning and gave some good suggestions that worked well for our group. From fast-track tickets up to Table Mountain to food recommendations, she curated an itinerary that made the trip a breeze.
The guide in Cape Town was a wellspring of knowledge. We learned so much about the country from her, from history to economics and culture.
The safari portion of the trip was most memorable. The resort in Hoedspruit was just what the family needed.
We will definitely look up this travel company for future trips.
Reviewed By Lauren L.