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Summary

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Southern Africa Safari In Search Of The Big Five

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Duration

23 Days

Starts In

Johannesburg

Route

Pilanesberg National Park, Hwange National Park, Monkey River Town, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Victoria Falls , Cape Town , Hoedspruit, Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Kasane

This grand luxury journey across Southern Africa unfolds in rhythm with the continent’s diverse landscapes and cultures. From Johannesburg’s cosmopolitan pulse to the untamed wilderness of Pilanesberg and Kruger, each day reveals new layers of adventure and indulgence. You’ll witness lions at sunrise, dine under starlit skies, and drift above Victoria Falls in a helicopter’s gentle hum. Hwange’s quiet elephant herds, Chobe’s river safaris, and Cape Town’s vineyards complete a seamless arc of elegance and exploration. Private transfers, fine dining, and expert guides ensure every transition feels effortless. Over three magnificent weeks, this journey captures the essence of Africa—its wild heart, refined hospitality, and timeless beauty—crafted for travelers who seek both discovery and unparalleled comfort.

PRIVATE DEPARTURE – Departs daily 23- day / 22-night journey you will visit Johannesburg, Pilanesburg National Park, Kruger National Park, Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Chobe Region, before finishing in Cape Town, “The Mother City” and its Winelands. This tour includes private arrival and departure transfers, accommodation in luxury hotels and safari lodge activities outlined in the itinerary. This itinerary can be customized to suit your preferences and interests, and the activities may vary depending on the lodge.

Includes

Accommodations as per itinerary
Driver/Guide: Private as per itinerary
Keytours 24-hour emergency assistance
Private arrival and departure transfers as per itinerary
Touring by private vehicle

Excludes

Keytours 24-hour emergency assistance
Travel insurance; please inquire with your Keytours travel consultant
Gratuities for drivers, guides, and escorts

Itinerary

Day
1

Day 1: Welkom in Suid-Afrika!

Deluxe:

or similar accommodations

First Class:

or similar accommodations

Arrive in Johannesburg and meet your private driver for a seamless transfer to your boutique accommodation. After a welcome drink, unwind from your journey beside the pool or in the spa. Later, explore Rosebank’s vibrant restaurants or enjoy a curated dinner featuring contemporary South African cuisine paired with local wines. A short city night drive reveals Johannesburg’s glittering skyline before you retire to restful luxury. The day balances travel recovery with a gentle introduction to the continent’s energy, culture, and warm hospitality—setting the tone for the extraordinary days ahead.

Day
2

Day 2: Black Rhino Game Lodge

Deluxe:

or similar accommodations

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or similar accommodations

Depart early for Pilanesberg National Park, arriving at your private lodge nestled within the Black Rhino Reserve. After a light lunch, head out on your first open-vehicle game drive through volcanic hills and grassland plains. Your expert ranger interprets every track and call, revealing elephant herds, grazing antelope, and the first glimpse of a lion at sunset. Return to camp for a candlelit dinner under African skies as night sounds rise from the bush. Drift to sleep with the soft echo of distant wildlife—your safari adventure has truly begun.

Day
3

Day 3: Pilanesberg Safari

Deluxe:

or similar accommodations

First Class:

or similar accommodations

Wake to birdsong and coffee delivered to your terrace before the dawn game drive. The cool morning brings heightened activity: rhinos at the waterhole, giraffes browsing, perhaps leopard footprints on the trail. After brunch, relax by the plunge pool or enjoy a massage using indigenous botanicals. The afternoon unfolds with another drive, culminating in sundowners on a ridge overlooking the golden valley. Evening brings fireside storytelling and a fine three-course meal prepared with local ingredients. The day ends in perfect harmony between wilderness and indulgence.

Day
4

Day 4: Pilanesberg Safari & Departure

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or similar accommodations

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Your final morning in Pilanesberg offers one last drive, following the call of lions or herds moving through acacia scrub. Return for a leisurely breakfast, reflecting on the thrill of close wildlife encounters. Mid-morning, your driver returns you to Johannesburg in time for an afternoon at leisure. Explore an art gallery, browse African design boutiques, or simply enjoy a long, relaxing bath. As evening descends, dine privately with soft music and candlelight—an elegant close to your first safari chapter.

Day
5

Day 5: Johannesburg Culture & Cuisine

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or similar accommodations

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Spend today exploring Johannesburg’s artistic and historical contrasts. A private guide leads you through Soweto’s heritage sites and the Apartheid Museum, sharing powerful stories of resilience and progress. Lunch at a modern African bistro introduces seasonal flavors. In the afternoon, stroll through Maboneng’s art galleries or unwind at your residence. A curated dinner and optional jazz performance complete the day, offering insight into the soul of modern South Africa—vibrant, creative, and deeply human.

Day
6

Day 6: Johannesburg Leisure & Departure to Kruger

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or similar accommodations

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Begin with a slow breakfast before browsing local markets for handcrafted jewelry and textiles. Later, enjoy a spa treatment or rooftop lunch overlooking the skyline. Mid-afternoon, you board a scenic flight to the Kruger region, where a private transfer escorts you to your next lodge. As dusk paints the horizon, settle in with a welcome drink and a view over the river. The air hums with the promise of adventure—the wilderness awaits.

Day
7

Day 7: Kruger Safari Begins

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or similar accommodations

Deluxe:

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Rise before dawn for your first Kruger game drive. The soft light reveals elephants in morning mist and perhaps a leopard returning from its hunt. After breakfast, relax on your deck or join a bush walk with an expert tracker. Lunch is served overlooking a waterhole alive with activity. The afternoon brings another drive and a spectacular sunset over the savanna. Evenings feature fine dining by lantern light and stories shared beside the fire—an unforgettable immersion in the rhythms of the wild.

Day
8

Day 8: Kruger Exploration

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or similar accommodations

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Each drive today brings new wonders—cheetahs sprinting across open plains, buffalo gathering at the river, or eagles circling overhead. Between excursions, spend time photographing wildlife from your veranda or enjoying a tasting of regional wines. The heat of midday invites rest, while the cool evening encourages another foray into the bush. The day ends under a vast canopy of stars, your senses alive to every rustle and call of the African night.

Day
9

Day 9: Final Kruger Encounters

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or similar accommodations

Deluxe:

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Your last full day in Kruger offers a balance of adventure and tranquility. Perhaps join your ranger on a tracking expedition, learning the language of spoor and sound. The afternoon may bring your long-awaited glimpse of elusive wild dogs or rhino calves at play. Later, gather for sundowners overlooking the river, toasting the wilderness that has embraced you. Dinner is served al fresco, each bite a memory of Africa’s untamed beauty.

Day
10

Day 10: Travel to Victoria Falls

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or similar accommodations

Deluxe:

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After breakfast, fly north toward Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Upon arrival, settle into your elegant riverside retreat and breathe in the misty air drifting from the falls. Late afternoon, embark on a sunset cruise along the Zambezi, spotting hippos and crocodiles as the sky blazes crimson. Sip chilled champagne while elephants bathe on the shore. Return for dinner served outdoors, serenaded by the roar of distant water.

Day
11

Day 11: Victoria Falls Discovery

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or similar accommodations

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Wake to the sound of cascading water. Today’s guided tour reveals the grandeur of the falls from multiple viewpoints, where rainbows shimmer in the mist. Enjoy a leisurely lunch before taking a scenic helicopter flight that circles the gorge below. In the evening, browse local craft markets or attend a cultural drumming performance. Dinner is elegant yet relaxed—a perfect finale to your stay at one of the world’s natural wonders.

Day
12

Day 12: Journey to Hwange

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or similar accommodations

Deluxe:

or similar accommodations

A short flight brings you to Hwange National Park, where the wilderness stretches endlessly. Settle into your tented suite overlooking a watering hole busy with elephants. After lunch, venture out on your first drive through teak forests and open plains. Your guide interprets animal behavior and tracking signs as the sun dips below the horizon. Dinner is served under lanterns, followed by quiet contemplation beside the campfire as hyenas call in the distance.

Day
13

Day 13: Hwange Safari Adventure

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or similar accommodations

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Today’s dawn drive unveils herds of sable antelope, zebras, and perhaps lions resting after a night’s hunt. Return to camp for a hearty brunch and a midday rest. Afternoon brings another exploration, maybe ending at a hide where you can watch elephants drink just meters away. The evening meal features fresh ingredients cooked over coals, paired with fine South African wine. The quiet intensity of Hwange lingers long after you close your eyes.

Day
14

Day 14: Hwange Conservation & Reflection

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or similar accommodations

Deluxe:

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This morning includes a special visit with conservation teams working to protect elephants and anti-poaching units. Gain insight into the delicate balance of human and wildlife coexistence. After lunch, enjoy your final game drive through golden light, capturing photographs of the park’s endless beauty. The farewell dinner celebrates your time in Zimbabwe—a symphony of flavors, laughter, and gratitude beneath the stars.

Day
15

Day 15: Into Botswana’s Chobe Region

Deluxe:

or similar accommodations

First Class:

or similar accommodations

Fly west into Botswana, where the Chobe River glitters like a ribbon between forest and floodplain. Arrive at your luxurious lodge and enjoy lunch on the terrace. Your first boat safari follows elephants swimming across the channel and hippos basking in shallows. Sundowners on deck showcase the region’s dramatic skies. After dinner, unwind with quiet conversation and the soothing sounds of water flowing past.

Day
16

Day 16: Chobe Safari

Deluxe:

or similar accommodations

First Class:

or similar accommodations

Begin with an early-morning game drive through the national park, encountering vast herds of buffalo, giraffe, and perhaps a pride of lions. Return to brunch overlooking the river before a relaxing afternoon by the pool. Later, embark on a sunset cruise where elephants line the banks in golden light. The day ends with dinner under a canopy of stars—pure African tranquility at its finest.

Day
17

Day 17: Exploring the River & Wilderness

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or similar accommodations

First Class:

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Enjoy a full day blending land and water safaris. Morning brings a quiet mokoro canoe trip through reed channels alive with birdsong. Afternoon drives reveal leopards in the shade and antelope grazing near the river’s edge. Pause for sundowners as fiery skies reflect on the water. Tonight’s farewell dinner celebrates Botswana’s pristine beauty and your journey through its untamed heart.

Day
18

Day 18: Arrival in Cape Town

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or similar accommodations

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Fly south to Cape Town, where mountains meet the sea. A private transfer brings you to your elegant city residence overlooking the harbor. After settling in, stroll the waterfront promenade or sip a cocktail as Table Mountain turns pink at sunset. Dinner features fresh seafood and local wines in a stylish urban setting. The evening air feels cooler, the pace softer—an inspiring contrast to the wild north.

Day
19

Day 19: Cape Winelands

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or similar accommodations

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Venture into the Winelands for private tastings at historic estates surrounded by vineyards and mountains. Learn about Cape varietals from expert sommeliers and enjoy a gourmet lunch in a tranquil garden. Return to the city in time for a relaxed evening at leisure—perhaps exploring rooftop bars or taking a twilight walk along the Atlantic Seaboard. The blend of nature, cuisine, and culture defines the Cape’s luxurious charm.

Day
20

Day 20: Cape Peninsula Adventure

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or similar accommodations

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Set out on a private tour to the Cape Peninsula. Visit the penguins at Boulders Beach, drive the scenic Chapman’s Peak, and stand atop Cape Point where oceans collide. Enjoy a picnic with sweeping sea views before returning via the coastal villages of Kalk Bay and Hout Bay. Sunset drinks by the water close another day filled with breathtaking beauty and effortless elegance.

Day
21

Day 21: City & Table Mountain

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or similar accommodations

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Spend the morning ascending Table Mountain by cable car for panoramic views over the Cape. Explore the city’s art galleries, boutique stores, and historic architecture. Lunch at a café in the Bo-Kaap offers vibrant colors and Cape Malay flavors. The afternoon invites relaxation—perhaps a spa session or leisurely swim. As evening falls, dine at one of the city’s acclaimed restaurants, savoring the creativity of South Africa’s culinary scene.

Day
22

Day 22: Final Day at Leisure in Cape Town

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or similar accommodations

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Your final day in Cape Town is yours to savour at your own pace. Browse the colourful stalls of the V&A Waterfront for last-minute souvenirs and keepsakes, or explore the boutiques of the Cape Quarter for something truly unique to take home. For a more meaningful farewell to this extraordinary city, consider a poignant morning visit to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 of his 27 years behind bars — a deeply moving experience that stays with you long after you leave. As evening falls, raise a glass to an unforgettable journey on your final Cape Town night.

Day
23

Day 23: Final Reflections in Cape Town

Your final day begins with a sunrise walk on Camps Bay Beach or an optional yacht cruise along the Atlantic. Return for a sumptuous breakfast before some last-minute shopping or museum visits. Lunch is light and celebratory, marking the end of your journey through southern Africa’s most spectacular landscapes. As twilight descends, raise a final toast to the unforgettable moments, friendships, and wild places that have defined your luxurious adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What destinations are included in the Southern Africa Safari in Search of the Big Five tour?

The Southern Africa Safari in Search of the Big Five tour includes several breathtaking destinations: Johannesburg, Pilanesberg National Park, Kruger National Park, Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, the Chobe Region, and Cape Town. This grand journey spans 23 days and showcases the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Southern Africa.

How many days and nights will I spend in each destination during this itinerary?

During the Southern Africa Safari in Search of the Big Five, you will spend a total of 23 days and 22 nights across various destinations. The itinerary includes: - Johannesburg: 3 nights - Pilanesberg National Park: 3 nights - Kruger National Park: 4 nights - Victoria Falls: 2 nights - Hwange National Park: 3 nights - Chobe Region: 3 nights - Cape Town: 5 nights. This structure allows for a rich exploration of each location.

What is included in the price of this package?

The price of the Southern Africa Safari in Search of the Big Five package includes several luxurious elements: - Accommodations as per the itinerary - Private driver/guide for all tours - Keytours 24-hour emergency assistance - Private arrival and departure transfers - Touring by private vehicle. Please note that travel insurance and gratuities for drivers, guides, and escorts are not included.

Can I customize the activities and accommodations in this tour?

Yes, this itinerary can be customized to suit your preferences and interests. Keytours Vacations allows you to modify accommodations, activities, and even the length of your stay at certain destinations. This flexibility ensures that your journey aligns perfectly with your travel desires and expectations.

How will I travel between the different destinations on this tour?

Travel between destinations in the Southern Africa Safari in Search of the Big Five is facilitated through a combination of private transfers and scenic flights. You will enjoy seamless transitions, with private drivers escorting you to and from accommodations, ensuring a comfortable and efficient travel experience.

Is this itinerary suitable for families or first-time visitors to Africa?

Yes, this itinerary is suitable for families and first-time visitors to Africa. The Southern Africa Safari in Search of the Big Five offers a blend of adventure and luxury, with activities designed to engage all ages. The private nature of the tour allows for flexibility, making it a great choice for families looking to explore the wonders of Southern Africa together.

What should I know about travel insurance and support during the trip?

Travel insurance is not included in the Southern Africa Safari in Search of the Big Five package, but it is highly recommended. You can inquire about options with your Keytours travel consultant. Throughout your journey, you will have access to Keytours' 24-hour emergency assistance, ensuring you have support for any unexpected situations that may arise.

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Include Flights?

Yes

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