Another Great South Africa Safari

Keeping with our theme of heading South this fall, another great South Africa safari is our South Africa Highlights trip. This trip is packed full of safari activities, game drives, walking and the bonus of excellent cultural experiences including the Mandela Family Museum and the informative Apartheid Museum. From wildlife to cultural, and fine cuisine to top-notch guiding, this safari provides an in-depth and well-rounded South Africa experience.

After exploring the cultural sights of Johannesburg from the comfort of a private vehicle with an expert local guide, return to The Peech Hotel - one of South Africa's top-rated boutique hotels - for dinner at the hotel's chic bistro. The Peech is located in the comfortable suburb of Melrose away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Gear up for your safari and time in the bush! Head to Madikwe Game Reserve and the resplendent Madikwe Safari Lodge. Madikwe, in the semi-arid region of the North West Province, is famous for its wild dog population and malaria-free climate. The reserve is home to the Super Seven - adding cheetah and wild dog to the already impressive Big Five. In addition to the mammals, there are over 350 bird species at Madikwe, several of which are endemic to the Kalahari area. Each of the suites at Madikwe offers a private plunge pool, fireplace and indoor and outdoor showers. An open-air boma is the ideal spot to enjoy dinner under the stars.

From Madikwe, begin your journey to the famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve adjacent to Kruger National Park. The massive reserve shares an unfenced border with Kruger, so the wildlife is free to roam between the two areas. Sabi Sand boasts some of the best leopard viewing in the world and arguably the best Big Five game viewing, too. Many private lodges and camps dot the Sabi Sand, and our choice for this safari is the historic Kirkman's Kamp. An original 1920's Transvaal homestead, Kirkman's Kamp now features 18 guest cottages and spacious public areas. The camp has access to over 15,000 acres of land for game viewing and offers specialist safaris including birding, tracking and walking. And, you can feel good about staying at Kirkman's Kamp, knowing that the camp has supplied water facilities to nearby communities and built classrooms at several schools.

Keep your fingers crossed and hope to end your safari on a high-note with the frequent and up-close leopard sightings the Sabi Sand is so famous for! In the Sabi Sand, your chances are great! This luxury safari is a great deal for the remainder of 2009 (through Dec. 19) at just $3496 per person. Check out our other 2009 South Africa safari specials.

Images by Lyndsay Harshman
Lodge photos courtesy andBeyond