South Africa Safari & Mother City Sojourn

Just a short walk from the baggage carousel at O.R. Tambo International Airport is the InterContinental Johannesburg, your brief stopover enroute to the Kruger National Park. With its plush family-friendly rooms, this African-themed five-star hotel is sure to set the mood for your safari escape. Make use of the hotel’s facilities which include a heated swimming pool, health spa and fully equipped gym. If there’s time to explore Johannesburg’s city centre with its art galleries, museums and shops, then a taxi is always just a call away.

Three epic days of adventure await you in the Makuleke Nature Reserve in northern Kruger National Park where your family will be lavishly accommodated at Pafuri Tented Camp. Nestled in the shade of a fever tree forest on the banks of the Luvuvhu River are 19 chic tented suites including some family-sized units, all dramatically overlooking the water. Situated between the Limpopo and Luvuvhu Rivers, you find yourself at the meeting point of several natural habitats and a place of immense biodiversity. Nearly three-quarters of Kruger Park’s flora and fauna can be found near Pafuri in this unique ecosystem which is begging to be explored. Get out in the early morning and late afternoon for game drives with local trackers and guides who are ready to share their extensive knowledge about this ecologically diverse habitat. You may encounter large elephant herds or even a predatory leopard stalking its prey across the golden savanna. Aside from the big game here, Makuleke is also a world-class destination for birdwatchers with possible sightings of rare species like the Pel’s Fishing Owl. Guided bush walks are an exciting way for families to discover nature up close, especially the smaller fauna and flora which are easily missed from a vehicle.

You’ll then fly south to spend three nights unwinding in the lap of luxury at Tanda Tula Camp in Timbavati Private Game Reserve with the stunning backdrop of sweeping plains. Nkarthi Homestead is your new family residence, where each luxury suite is equipped with all manner of wonderful amenities, including a private plunge pool for leisurely afternoon dips. This wildlife-diverse private game reserve, inhabited by 40 mammals and 360 bird species, shares an unfenced border with Kruger National Park. Expert guides and trackers will take you on thrilling game drives into different biomes of this exclusive Big Five reserve. Your thrillingly remote location in Timbavati means that stargazing at night is also an enchanting part of your luxury safari at Tanda Tula.

Conclude your South African family safari at a five-star lodge in the small coastal village of Simon’s Town. Each luxury sea-facing suite at Tintswalo is individually stylized taking decorative inspiration from the surrounding harbour and marina. With the Big Five game animals already checked off your list, now is the chance to see South Africa’s Marine Big Five, including whales, sharks, seals, dolphins and a resident breeding colony of endangered African penguins at Boulder’s Beach. If you can tear yourself away from your lavish accommodation and its captivating sea vistas, take a stroll through the town to peruse the landmarks, antique shops and bookstores that define the character of this historic naval town.