Discovering the wild world of South Africa
A unique experience amidst unspoiled landscapes and iconic South African wildlife
Duration
8 days (flexible)
Places
Olifants West Reserve
Balule York ReserveSabi Sand Reserve
Price
From €2,810* / person*price based on 8 people
SOUTH AFRICA - 8 days
Safari description
An unforgettable stay in the heart of 3 private reserves, where you will experience exceptional moments in contact with African wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.
You will have the opportunity to stay in 3 exceptional lodges, perfectly integrated into nature, offering comfort and privacy for a total immersion away from all hustle and bustle.
During your safaris, whether by 4x4 or on foot, every moment will be an invitation to explore the richness of the wilderness and create lasting memories.
South Africa - 8 days
Your safari day by day
itineraire
South Africa Safari
The Sabi Sand, Balule York and Olifants West reserves offer exceptional richness, combining biodiversity and fascinating landscapes.
At Sabi Sand, let yourself be amazed by an iconic reserve where leopards coexist with an incredible variety of wild animals in a protected environment.
At Olifants West, enjoy a soothing atmosphere between open plains and rivers, where every encounter with wildlife becomes an unforgettable memory.
At Balule York, welcome to the kingdom of elephants and impressive herds of buffalo that will take your breath away.
Day 1: Johannesburg Airport / Hoedspruit - Olifants West Reserve
Welcome to South Africa!
You will be met upon arrival at Johannesburg or Hoedspruit airport (depending on your flight) by a private shuttle that will take you to the Olifants West reserve. The journey takes approximately 5 hours by road from Johannesburg or 1 hour from Hoedspruit.
Installation au lodge.
This 7,500-hectare private reserve, open to the Kruger National Park, is home to the Big 5 and is renowned for its numerous herds of elephants, its large concentration of lions, but also its significant population of black rhinos, which remain very rare to observe elsewhere.
The lodge, very intimate, can only accommodate a maximum of 8 people and you will stay in magnificent chalets near a watering hole where animals regularly come to drink.
Departure in the late afternoon for a first safari in the Olifants West reserve in search of our first animals.
Day 2/3: Olifants West Reserve
You will undertake 2 safaris in an open vehicle: one in the morning at sunrise and one in the afternoon.
We will return to the lodge at nightfall, allowing you to experience night safaris in search of nocturnal animals under one of the most beautiful starry skies in the world!
Please note that other people may join us in our vehicle during our safaris. The lodge can potentially accommodate additional guests.
Day 4: Olifants West Reserve – Balule York Reserve
After a final morning safari, we will drive for 1 hour to the Balule York reserve.
This sublime 35,000-hectare reserve, open to Kruger, is home to immense herds of elephants and buffalo, as well as large numbers of predators.
The lodge overlooks a large grassy plain and a watering hole where large herds of herbivores regularly come to drink.
After lunch, we will depart for our first safari in the Balule York reserve.
Day 5: Balule York Reserve
Two safaris per day are planned during these two days: one at sunrise and another later in the afternoon where we hope to have the chance to observe as many animals as possible.
Day 6: Balule York Reserve – Sabi Sand Reserve
After a final morning safari in the Balule York Reserve, we will drive to the Sabi Sand Reserve and our last lodge. The journey between the two reserves takes two hours.
This private reserve, open to the 60,000-hectare Kruger National Park, is home to the Big 5 and is renowned for its many leopards as well as its unusual landscapes.
The lodge is unique in that it only accommodates a maximum of 10 people, and you will stay in chalets built on stilts. The view from the top is exceptional, overlooking the surrounding savannah and the neighboring plain, which features a watering hole frequented by numerous species.
After you have settled in and had lunch, we will depart for our first safari in the Sabi Sand reserve.
Day 7: Sabi Sand Reserve
Departure at sunrise for a safari in the hope of encountering the awakening wildlife.
Return to the lodge in the late morning and departure again in the mid-afternoon for a safari where we will try to spot big cats and other nocturnal species.
Day 8: Sabi Sand Reserve – Hoedspruit Airport / Johannesburg
Unfortunately, this is your last day in South Africa.
We will conduct an early morning safari to observe our last wild animals before taking a private shuttle to Hoedspruit or Johannesburg airport depending on your flight.
Back in France, and hoping you will keep wonderful memories of your stay!
What's included in your safari
This safari includes:
- 7 nights' accommodation in carefully selected lodges.
- Three meals a day.
- Travel in a private 4x4 vehicle, offering comfort and flexibility throughout the stay.
- Permits and activities included, covering all safaris.
- Accompaniment by a French safari guide, for total immersion and personalized support.
And what if we imagined your next adventure with Fundis'Africa?
Book a time to chat with us to discuss your desires, ask your questions and imagine together a safari that suits you.
Three of the best private reserves in Greater Kruger in 8 days
This 8-day itinerary is built around the most effective combination for predator viewing in South Africa's private reserves: Sabi Sand, Balule, and Olifants West. These three reserves, adjacent to Kruger National Park, each with its own unique characteristics, complement each other to offer a week of exceptionally high-density wildlife viewing opportunities.
Sabi Sand: the world's leading authority on leopard print
Sabi Sand is Africa's most renowned private reserve for leopard viewing. Several individuals have been identified by name since birth and readily approach vehicles within meters. This level of habituation, built up over generations, results in sightings of a closeness and quality that few places in the world can replicate. The density of lions and buffalo at Sabi Sand is also remarkable.
Balule: the intensity of private reserves with access to Kruger
Balule is one of the largest private reserves in Greater Kruger, with an open barrier to the national park that allows wildlife to move freely. Night drives are possible, and the predator areas are well known to guides. It was here that the scene of African wild dogs hunting and a martial eagle swooping down on a monitor lizard, described in Alexis's field notes, took place.
Olifants West: the savannah in its wildest form
Olifants West runs alongside the Olifants River, one of the major wildlife arteries of Greater Kruger. During the dry season, the riverbanks teem with elephants, hippos, and predators. Drives off the marked tracks allow visitors to approach areas of dense vegetation where leopards rest during the day.
This safari is led by Alexis Frangoulis, a certified FGASA NQF2 guide, with airport transfers from Johannesburg to your return. Let's arrange your departure.
