A journey designed to guarantee you breathtaking sightings of BIG Five, elusive nocturnal animals and many predators that you will be able to see from a close distance for unique photographic shots. In addition to safaris, the trip allows you to admire canyons, waterfalls and bring you into contact with the culture of the Venda people. On this last visit you will be accompanied by a local guide. You will visit remote places, exclusive reserves, accompanied by very experienced rangers and trackers. The small and very comfortable structures are perfectly integrated into the natural environment.

Travel idea to customize

This travel idea is fully customizable

This itinerary was imagined by our local agent with only one idea in mind: to inspire you . Each element can be adapted to your needs and interests, from the duration to the type of accommodation and activities.

Day 1: Arrival in Johannesburg and departure for the Panorama route

Arrival at Johannesburg airport in the morning. Welcome to our representative who will help you collect the Toyota RAV SUV car. Departure for the panorama route. Visit the Lone Creek and Bridal Veil waterfalls before reaching your hotel.

Day 2: Panorama route attractions

Free day to visit the panorama route. We advise you to start with the new Graskop lift that takes you to the heart of the forest at the foot of a gorge. Continue with the visit of the Pinnacle, God’s Window, the Lisbon and Berlin waterfalls to conclude with the magnificent Blayde River Canyon.

Day 3: Safari to the Thornybush reserve

Departure to Thornybush Game Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger National Park. Along the way, visit Bourke’s Luck Pot Holes, a succession of gorges and potholes carved by water erosion. Arrival at the Thornybush reserve for lunch time that you will enjoy at the lodge. You will leave for the first safari in open 4×4 vehicles at 3.30pm. The safaris are well rewarded by the cooperation between rangers and trackers who, following the tracks, are able to guarantee you always special sightings! The private reserve gives vehicles the chance to get out of the marked trails and admire the animals from a very close distance. This is not possible within the Kruger. After the aperitif enjoyed at sunset in the savannah, you will return to the lodge. With the help of strong lights you will look for genets, galaghi, pangolins, leopards and hyenas.

Day 4: Safari to the Thornybush reserve

Wake up very early for a coffee and departure for the photo safari in search of felines, particularly active at this time of day. Return to the lodge for brunch and some relaxation. For those who wish it is possible and included in the price, take an excursion on foot guided by armed rangers. This is an opportunity to take interesting macro photos, learn to recognize traces and recognize medicinal plants still widely used by the Shangaan people. After lunch you will leave for a new safari in the afternoon and go in search of species not spotted. The possibility of admiring leopards, the rare black rhino and cheetahs is excellent in this reserve. The aperitif will be served in the bush and you will return after sunset.

Day 5: Safari and cruise on the Olifant river

A final safari at Thornybush in the morning could give new surprises! Brunch at the lodge and departure to Phalaborwa, a village on the border with Kruger Park. Settle in to the guest house before leaving mid-afternoon for the boat station located on the Olifant river. At 15:00 you will leave for the two-hour boat trip on the Olifant river.

Day 6: Safari at the Kruger National Park

Spend the day on a safari with your car at Kruger Park. You will be able to admire many animals at your own pace.

The area is also excellent for seeing large specimens of male elephants. Relax in the hottest hours of the day in one of the park’s various rest camps.

Day 7: Safari to the Kruger National Park and transfer to Louis Trickard

Morning at leisure for a new safari in the park before heading north-west. You will reach the village of Louis Trickard in the afternoon. Visit the museum dedicated to the Venda culture that is located on the lodge’s property and be tempted by the beautiful creations of costume jewelery and items of ethnic design for the home, all strictly created by local artists.

Day 8: Cultural visit Sell to local artists

Meeting with your guide at 08:45 and departure with your vehicle together with Musa who will talk to you about the Venda culture still influenced by ancient superstitions and beliefs.
Musa will bring you into contact with local artists who work with wood, create beautiful vases of clay and typical handicrafts of this area. It will be a very interesting day.

Day 9: Safari in Botswana in the Mashatu Reserve

Today you will have time to birdwatch at the lodge and enjoy breakfast before leaving for the Mashatu Reserve in Botswana. Arrival at the border at 12:00. Here you will meet the ranger with whom you will leave in 4×4 for Mashatu. The adventure begins immediately with a ford in the Limpopo river. If the water level does not allow the car to cross the river, you will have to make the transition with a small cable car on the river. This magnificent reserve is the largest privately owned in all of Southern Africa. It is located north of the Tuli Block, on the border between South Africa, Zimbabwe and boasts a very diverse flora including gigantic acacia trees and mashatu trees. The fauna is surprising with large herds of elephants, giraffes, antelope of different kinds, lions, cheetahs and leopards in large quantities. Upon arrival you will take possession of the tented rooms, have lunch and leave for the first safari in open vehicles, accompanied by expert rangers and trakers. Return to the lodge after enjoying the sunset aperitif in the bush.

Day 10: Safari to Mashatu in 4×4

This day will take place in the following way: wake up at dawn for a coffee and leave for the safari in search of new situations. It is in fact early morning that you have more chances to observe predators in action. Return for brunch and free time.

The afternoon safari will make you discover new landscapes of this land called “Dei Giganti” because of the size of its attractions. Dinner at the lodge under the starry sky of Africa!

Day 11: Safari with a photographic workshop in hide

Today will begin with the photographic workshop in the underground hide located in front of a pool of water frequented by many animals and prolific birdlife. The shots from Mashatu’s hide are spectacular due to its underground location. The sight of herds of elephants that drink at your eyes is breathtaking. In the afternoon you will continue with a 4×4 safari with dinner at the lodge as the day before.