Ultimate African Safari

Highlights

Whatever you anticipated from Africa, this Grand Safari will exceed all your expectations. Whilst being accommodated in the most luxurious villas, lodges and camps imaginable, you will visit a host of world-famous attractions.

• Kruger National Park / Ngala Private Game Reserve
• KwaZulu-Natal / Phinda Private Game Reserve
• Cape Town
• NamibRand Nature Reserve
• Okavango Delta
• Victoria Falls
• Johannesburg
• Masai Mara National Reserve
• Lake Manyara National Park
• Serengeti National Park
• Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area
• Mnemba Island
• Dar es Salaam

Day 01: Johannesburg

Upon arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport, you will be welcomed by a Jolita Safari representative and transferred (by road) to the luxurious and stylish Saxon Boutique Hotel & Spa. This world-renowned hotel is situated in the tranquil, tree-lined suburb of Sandhurst, with close proximity to Sandton, Johannesburg’s upmarket business area.

Spend one night at the Saxon Boutique Hotel & Spa in a presidential suite. Accommodation is a on a bed and breakfast basis.

Day 02: Kruger National Park / Ngala Private Game Reserve

After an elegant buffet breakfast and upon checkout, you will be collected from the Saxon Hotel and transferred (by road) back to O.R. Tambo International Airport. From here, you will depart on your private charter flight to Ngala Private Game Reserve, an exclusive wilderness area that sits on the western boundary of world-renowned Kruger National Park.

Spend two nights at Ngala Tented Safari Camp(Ngala Private Game Reserve), in a luxury ensuite safari tent. Accommodation is on a full board basis, including scheduled activities.

Activities include twice-daily game drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles and one-hour bush walks, subject to availability and accompanied by experienced and armed trackers.

Day 03: Kruger National Park / Ngala Private Game Reserve

While at Ngala, you will experience the thrill of exploring the bush on foot in Ngala’s extraordinary wilderness. These exhilarating Walking Safaris are led by specialised and highly qualified Jolita Safari rangers and trackers, who teach guests how to identify tracks and insects, birdwatch and appreciate the varied habitats and fascinating ecology (subject to availability of specialised guide and tracker). After the day’s excitement, enjoy an intimate private dinner of fine Pan African food served on the banks of the great Timbavati River (seasonal).

Rate includes the use of a private vehicle for two days.

Day 04: KwaZulu-Natal / Phinda Private Game Reserve

After your early morning game drive and lodge breakfast, you will depart on your private charter flight from Ngala Private Game Reserve to Phinda Private Game Reserve, an expansive wilderness area featuring seven distinct and beautiful habitats. Fringing Phinda’s unique vlei (wetland) system at the edge of Sand Forest, Vlei Lodge offers sheer intimacy and integration with the surrounding environment.

Spend two nights at Phinda Private Game Reservein a luxurious thatched suite at Vlei Lodge. Accommodation is on a full board basis, including scheduled activities.

Activities include twice-daily game drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles and one-hour bush walks, subject to availability and accompanied by experienced and armed trackers.

Day 05: KwaZulu-Natal / Flight of the Fish Eagle

Today you will embark on a thrilling must-do adventure – the Flight of the Fish Eagle. This breathtaking 60 minute flight takes you high above the diverse Maputaland wilderness, over scenic pans, coastal lakes, bushveld, densely vegetated dunes, and abundant wildlife. Spot whales, whalesharks, dolphins and turtles in the magnificent Indian Ocean (weather permitting). Your day will end with a magnificent dinner served aboard a private riverboat (weather permitting).

Rate includes the use of a private vehicle for two days.

Day 06: Cape Town

After a hearty breakfast and upon checkout, you will depart on your private charter flight from Phinda Private Game Reserve to Cape Town International Airport. Once in Cape Town, you will be welcomed by a Jolita Safari representative and transferred (by road) to Ellerman House, in the premier Cape Town suburb of Bantry Bay. This elegant and historical landmark is within walking distance of the famous Clifton Zanzibar, and a mere ten minutes from the centre of Cape Town and the bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

Spend two nights at Ellerman House in a sumptuous suite. Accommodation is on a bed and breakfast basis.

Day 07: Cape Town

Today you will depart on a specialist wine tour of the historic Constantia wine region, home to world class sauvignon blanc. Enjoy a tutored wine tasting with a wine expert, as well as a private tasting with local Constantia winemakers from renowned wineries such as Groot Constantia, Buitenverwachting, Steenberg, and High Constantia. The tour concludes with a visit to a local cheesery, further enticing the palate. A gourmet picnic lunch will then be served at the top of Signal Hill, boasting beautiful views of Cape Town city, Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. With time to unwind and freshen up back at the villa, you will then embark on an interactive cooking adventure with your chef at Ellerman Villa. You will learn the art of traditional Cape Malay cuisine, which usually consists of a combination of fruit, spices, vegetables and meat. Bon apétit!

Day 08: NamibRand Nature Reserve

After breakfast and upon checkout, you will be met and transferred (by road) to Cape Town International Airport for your private charter flight to Windhoek. Upon arrival at Hosea Kutako (Windhoek International) Airport, you will be welcomed by a Jolita Safari representative and assisted onto your private light aircraft transfer to Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge. The Lodge features ten stone and glass desert villas spread out along the curve of the desert escarpment, allowing for absolute privacy. The surrounding area lends itself to numerous activities, including scenic drives in 4×4 vehicles in the NamibRand Nature Reserve, home to a variety of desert animals such as gemsbok, zebra, springbok, bat-eared fox, aardwolf, caracal and jackal. An exciting way to experience the dunes is by ATV (all-terrain vehicle) with an experienced guide, who takes guests along set paths in order not to damage the fragile desert ecology. Guided nature walks and hiking trails provide insight into the scenic and ecological aspects of the environment with its wide diversity of desert-adapted flora and fauna. At dusk, the blanket of stars that light up the desert sky are brought to life through the Lodge’s high-powered computerised telescope. Housed in a separate building, this Meade telescope affords the amateur and the professional stargazer a magnificent, close-up view of the galaxy.

Spend two nights at Sossusvlei Mountain Lodgein a luxurious ensuite desert villa built into the rock overlooking fantastic desert vistas. Accommodation is on a full board basis, including scheduled activities within the NamibRand Nature Reserve.

Day 09: NamibRand Nature Reserve

Today you will embark on an early morning hot air balloon safari – a breathtaking and unforgettable way to experience Namibia’s rugged wilderness. Complete with sumptuous champagne breakfast, you will soar high above the land, with spectacular views unfolding all around you. You will also partake in a full-day desert ecology specialist safari, subject to the availability of a specialised guide. Explore the surrounding wilderness – from gravel plains and sand dunes, to petrified dunes and mountains – and walk to a nearby cave to study San (bushman) rock paintings. The evening will conclude with a private dune dinner served under a blanket of stars.

Rate includes the use of a private vehicle for two days.

Day 10: Okavango Delta

After breakfast, you will be transferred by light aircraft to Hosea Kutako (Windhoek International) Airport for your private charter flight to Maun. Upon arrival in Maun, you will be met and assisted onto your private charter flight to Nxabega Okavango Safari Camp. Nxabega is located on the edge of the Okavango Delta, and is renowned for its elegant tented accommodation with breathtaking views of the Delta.

Spend two nights at Nxabega Okavango Safari Camp in a twin-bedded luxury ensuite safari tent pitched on an elevated platform. Accommodation is on a full board basis including park fees and scheduled activities.

Daily activities include mokoro (dugout canoe) excursions along the Delta floodplains (exploring the deeper channels by motor boat), bush walks accompanied by an armed professional guide, and tracking game in open 4×4-safari vehicles in the Mopane Forests and open grasslands. Guests also enjoy thrilling spotlit evening game drives.

Day 11: Okavango Delta

The day will be spent meandering peacefully through the channels of the Okavango Delta on a private guided mokoro excursion. Glide past sparkling lagoons and overgrown floating islands teeming with wildlife and dazzling birdlife. And the perfect end to an exhilarating day – return to your room for a soothing in room massage treatment.

Rate includes the use of a private vehicle for two days.

Day 12: Okavango Delta

After your morning game drive and lodge breakfast, you will be transferred by private charter from Nxabega Okavango Safari Camp to Sandibe Safari Lodge. Sandibe is situated on a permanent channel of the Okavango Delta, and its thatched cottages blend seamlessly into the landscape.

Spend two nights at Sandibe Safari Lodge in a twin-bedded African inspired cottage. Accommodation is on a full board basis including park fees and scheduled activities.

Activities include twice-daily game drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles, guided bush walks, river cruises, mokoro excursions, birdwatching, and stargazing. For sheer relaxation, there is a hammock swaying in the trees outside the guest area, as well as a shaded plunge pool.

Day 13: Okavango Delta

Another day to relax and enjoy the splendours of the Okavango Delta, and witness its unique and abundant wildlife. Enjoy a sumptuous private dinner of Pan African food complemented by fine wines.

Rate includes the use of a private vehicle for two days.

Day 14: Victoria Falls

After your morning game drive and sumptuous breakfast, you will be transferred by private charter to Kasane Airport for your private road transfer to Matetsi Water Lodge (you will clear customs and immigration en route). Matetsi Private Game Reserve extends over 50 000 hectares of pristine African wilderness. With 15 km of exclusive Zambezi River frontage, Matetsi offers an unrivalled river experience in addition to impressive game viewing and birdwatching. The spectacular Matetsi Water Lodge features three intimate and individual camps situated on the lush banks of the great Zambezi River.

Spend two nights at Matetsi Water Lodge in a twin bedded suite. Accommodation is on a full board basis, including scheduled activities.

Activities include twice-daily game drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles, guided bush walks, fishing, boat cruises and canoeing.

Day 15: Victoria Falls

Today you will depart on a private guided tour that will reveal the sheer magnitude and beauty of Victoria Falls – one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Witness the “smoke that thunders,” as the smoothly flowing Zambezi River hurtles abruptly over a precipice 1 370 metres wide into a roaring, mist filled chasm 108 metres deep. A 30 minute helicopter flip will lift you high above the Falls – a truly memorable and breathtaking experience. In the evening, you will be taken on a private and romantic sundowner cruise along the Zambezi.

Rate includes the use of a private vehicle for two days.

Day 16: Masai Mara National Reserve

After a delicious breakfast you will be transferred to the Victoria Falls Airport where you board your private charter flight to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. On your arrival at the airport you will be welcomed by a Jolita Safari representative and assisted with your private charter flight to Kichwa Airstrip. A scenic 20 minute game drive transfer will bring you to Bateleur Camp at Kichwa Tembo, the epitome of luxury reflecting the ambience and romance of Kenyan safaris in the 20s and 30s.

Spend three nights at Bateleur Camp at Kichwa Tembo. Accommodation is in a luxury ensuite tent, complete with glass-walled shower, twin hand basins and w.c. Each tent is tended by a private butler. Your stay is on a full board basis including scheduled activities and park fees.

Activities include twice-daily game drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles. A fascinating day trip to Lake Victoria (Mfangano Island) can also be arranged at an additional cost.

Day 17 & 18: Masai Mara National Reserve

The next two days will be spent in the Masai Mara National Reserve, world renowned for providing an unsurpassed wildlife experience. The Mara is a land of breathtaking vistas, abundant wildlife, and endless plains dotted with shukka-draped Maasai. This is a photographer’s and naturalist’s paradise. Enjoy a private guided tour to a Maasai village and learn about the fascinating Maasai culture. The next day will commence with an early morning hot air balloon safari followed by a sumptuous champagne breakfast – an enchanting experience that you will not soon forget. Your adventure will be completed with a pampering massage on your own private veranda overlooking the Mara.

Rate includes the use of a private vehicle for three days.

Day 19: Lake Manyara National Park

After your early morning game drive and lodge breakfast, you will be met and transferred to the Kichwa airstrip for your private charter flight to Wilson Airport. Here, you will connect onto your private charter flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport. Upon arrival (once you have cleared customs and immigration), you will board your private charter flight to Manyara airstrip for a scenic three hour game drive transfer to Lake Manyara Tree Lodge – the only lodge in Lake Manyara National Park.

Spend two nights at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge. Accommodation is in a stilted treehouse nestled in the boughs of mahogany trees. Your stay is on a full board basis including scheduled activities and park fees.

Activities include morning and afternoon game drives in Lake Manyara National Park in open 4×4 safari vehicles, with optional spotlit night game drives (at additional park fee cost).

Day 20: Lake Manyara National Park

Your day will be spent exploring the wonders of Lake Manyara National Park in an open 4×4 safari vehicle. Renowned for its abundant elephant herds and prides of tree climbing lion, Lake Manyara is also excellent for flamingoes and other fascinating birds in and around the soda lake. A delicious picnic lunch will be served right on the edge of the lake, complemented by the melodious sounds of a local choir.

Rate includes the use of a private vehicle for two days.

Day 21 & 22: Serengeti National Park

A scenic morning game drive will take you to the Manyara airstrip for your private charter flight to the Klein’s or Grumeti airstrip, followed by a short game drive transfer directly to Klein’s Camp or Grumeti River Camp. Klein’s Camp is perched on the edge of the Kuka Hills and features intimate safari accommodation – just ten cottages of local stone and makuti, with rich wooden floors and classic interiors. Grumeti River Camp is nestled among tall evergreen trees on the water’s edge, with ten spacious tented suites styled in vibrant African designs. Enjoy a private guided bush walk at sunrise with an expert guide and tracker inn the game-rich Serengeti National Park, and sip sundowners at the end of the day high on a hilltop overlooking the vast plains.

Option 1: spend two nights at Klein’s Camp. Accommodation is in a thatched cottage. Your stay is on a full board basis including scheduled activities and concession fees.

Activities include twice-daily game drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles, as well as guided bush walks in the Klein’s Camp private concession. The afternoon game drives extend after sunset with the aid of a spotlight, returning to the Camp after dark. You will also be escorted to nearby communities to learn about the Maasai culture and traditions.

Option 2: spend two nights at Grumeti River Camp. Accommodation is in a lavish ensuite tent. Your stay is on a full board basis including scheduled activities and park fees.

Activities include twice-daily game drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles in the Serengeti. You will also enjoy a private day trip to Lake Victoria (Lukubo Island).

Rate includes the use of a private vehicle for two days.

Day 23: Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area

After your early morning game drive and hearty lodge breakfast, you will be transferred to the airstrip for your private charter flight to Manyara airstrip. From here, you will be taken on a scenic two hour drive to Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, which is impressively perched right on the edge of the Crater rim with breathtaking views. The three separate and intimate camps, totalling just 30 suites in all, are reminiscent of a bygone era.

Spend two nights at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. Accommodation is in a sumptuous double suite. Each suite is tended by a private butler. Your stay is on a full board basis including scheduled activities and park fees.

Activities include one full-day game drive on the game-rich Crater floor, a fascinating visit to nearby Olduvai Gorge and Shifting Sands, a cultural visit to a local Maasai village, as well as walks on the Empakai Crater. You will also be treated to a pampering in-room massage treatment to relax after the day’s activities. Additional massage treatments and other revitalising therapies are available at an additional cost.

Day 24: Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area

Most of the day will be spent exploring the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact caldera. A delicious lunch will be served on the Crater floor, amidst spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife. An estimated 25 000 large mammals are resident in this bowl of plenty, including a population of approximately 6 000 resident wildebeest, 16 highly endangered black rhino and approximately 70 lion. In the afternoon you will return to the Lodge, where you will be pampered with a relaxing in room massage. Browse the well stocked Safari Shop, which features exquisite Maasai beadwork and handicrafts, and enjoy a 10% discount on all purchases made. A delicious Pan African dinner will be served in the privacy of your own suite, and you will be presented with a gorgeous tanzanite (valued at $500 complete with evaluation certificates, etc.).  A romantic and intimate way to end a perfect day.

Rate includes the use of a private vehicle for two days.

Day 25 – 28: Mnemba Island

After an early morning breakfast at the Lodge, you will be met and transferred to Manyara airstrip for your private charter flight to Zanzibar Airport. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by a representative from Mnemba Island who will escort you on your road and boat transfer to Mnemba Island Lodge (approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes). You will be escorted on a private tour of Stone Town (Zanzibar Island). From the bustling bazaars to the colourful markets, you will learn about Stone Town’s rich history, vibrant culture and breathtaking architecture. During your stay on this exquisite island – a barefoot paradise – you can relax, explore, swim, scuba dive or simply laze on the white sand Zanzibar. A complimentary diving lesson is available for beginners. You will also be pampered with two relaxing in room massages.

Spend four nights at Mnemba Island Lodge. Accommodation is in a Zanzibar banda on raised platforms, made of indigenous woven palm, palm fronds and fine basket weave. Your stay is on a full board basis including scheduled activities.

Activities include scuba diving (2 dives per day), snorkelling, kayaking, saltwater fly fishing, and windsurfing.

Day 29: Dar es Salaam

After a tropical breakfast at the Lodge, you will be met and transferred (by road and boat) to Zanzibar Airport for your private charter flight to Dar es Salaam Domestic Airport. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Dar es Salaam International Airport for your return flight home.

 

 

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