Transfrontier Wildlands of Africa

ITINERARY

Day 1 - JOHANNESBURG TO MASHATU GAME RESERVE

Arrive at Johannesburg Airport and transfer to a light aircraft for a short hop to Mashatu. Mashatu Game Reserve is a wilderness in eastern Botswana. The landscapes range from savannah, to forests, and marshland. Accommodation for the next three nights is the Mashatu Tented Camp.

Although rustic in character, every facility is provided; the tents are insect-proofed, have comfortable beds, and each has an en suite shower and toilet. There is an open sided thatch deck where meals are served and a traditional boma for intimate campfire dinners. [D]

Days 2-3 - MASHATU GAME RESERVE

This extraordinary place possesses an wildlife diversity uncommon in other reserves. Complementing three members of the Big Five - leopard, lion and elephant - are more surprising species including the aardwolf, African wild cat, the endangered wild dog and more than 350 bird species.

Take game drives in safari vehicles on the 75,000 acre reserve. Included in our safari is a research drive with elephant and predator researchers. Mountain bikes are available for cycling safaris, and horseback riding and archaeological walks are optional. Overnights Mashatu Tented Camp. [BLD]

Day 4 - PAFURI, KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast transfer to Pafuri Camp in northern South Africa, between the Limpopo and the Luvuvhu Rivers in Kruger National Park. This area is the ancestral home of the Makuleke people and is the most diverse and scenically attractive area in the park. The Makuleke are the landlord for this camp and earn direct financial benefits from every guest stay.

Our base of exploration is at Pafuri Camp on the bank of the Luvuvhu River within lush riverine forest. The camp has twenty luxurious thatched tents on wooden walkways. The rooms are comfortably furnished and an en suite bathroom with hot water. [BLD]

Days 5-6 - PAFURI, KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

The area is home to lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and leopard although the Pafuri is most famous for its big herds of elephants.  Guests choose from game and nature drives in 4x4 vehicles, night drives in the concession, and birding walks and walking safaris.

Traces of every stage of humankind from 1.5 million years ago till today can be seen here. The area is covered in stone-age tools, rock engravings and rock paintings. You can also spend an afternoon visiting the Makuleke Village. Overnights Pafuri Camp. [BLD]

Day 7 - CAPE TOWN

This morning we fly to Johannesburg to catch a flight to Cape Town. Upon arrival, we are met by our guide and embark on a tour of Cape Town including the Malay Quarter, Houses of Parliament, and the old Town Square. Visit the Street Wires shop, a community project where street children make art, toys and trinkets out of beads. Overnight Gingko Guesthouse. [B]

Day 8 - TOWNSHIP TOUR & ROBBEN ISLAND

Our tour into the Guguletu Township today is an eye opening experience of a local African neighbourhood. We enjoy lively music and learn about native theologies which is entirely run by the local community. We have lunch in the township before catching an afternoon ferry to Robben Island to see the prison where Nelson Mandela was held during the Apartheid era. [BL]

Day 9 - TABLE MOUNTAIN & CAPE WINELANDS

Start early this morning with a journey on the Table Mountain Cable Car to the summit. Then descend and drive to the beautiful Cape Winelands where we enjoy a picnic lunch on the lawns and favorite estates before visiting vineyards for wine tasting.

Later we head to the Spier Winery's Cheetah Outreach Program for a first-hand look at how the program rehabilitates eagles, cheetahs, and other animals. A delicious African buffet features local dishes while local performers showcase the Cape African culture through dance, storytelling, drumming, and dramatic performances. Overnight Devon Valley Hotel. [BLD]

Day 10 - DEPART

After a breakfast this morning you will be transferred to the airport for your departing flights. [B]