In supplier order. Some entries may cover multiple days; optional experiences are described by the supplier.
Sample itinerary. Choose a departure for its exact itinerary and hotel plan.
Day 1 — UK - In flight
Our nationwide shared chauffeur service collects you from home for your flight Johannesburg.
Day 2 — Johannesburg - Qwabi Private Game Reserve
Touching down early this morning, we’ll board a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and head north across the Limpopo Province to Qwabi Private Game Reserve. After a light lunch - served on a deck overlooking the acacia-shaded riverbank - we’ll soon start to absorb the magic of the bush. This afternoon, we’ll head out on our first game drive, offering a chance to spot some of the reserve’s remarkable wildlife.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 3 — Qwabi Private Game Reserve
An early start rewards us with the sight of the sun creeping over the natural pans and grassy savannahs as we search for the Big Five - lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and African buffalo - before the heat of the day. We return to camp for breakfast, after which the rest of the day is free to immerse yourself in this ancient, untamed landscape. In the afternoon, there’s another chance to head out on a game drive, or you may prefer to simply watch for wildlife on the riverbank - elephant, bushbuck and buffalo have been known to walk by - or treat yourself (extra charge) to a soothing and rejuvenating spa treatment made with local herbs and plant extracts.
South Africa produces some of the finest wines in the world and tonight we’ve arranged a wine tasting before dinner, when you’ll become acquainted with an array of award-winning South African wines.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4 — Qwabi Private Game Reserve
There’s another early game drive this morning for those who wish to head out again, or you may prefer a relaxed start to the day. Waking to the sounds of the African bush and birdsong, you might be tempted to unwind by the pool or retreat with a book (and your binoculars) under a shady parasol.
Later, we’ll head out on our afternoon game drive. We’ll stay out until the last rays of sun have disappeared over the horizon, scanning the savannah with our experienced guides for zebra, cheetah and other prized animals. During the safari, we’ll take part in a Rhino Monitoring Experience - tracking their movements, observing behaviours, making health assessments, and exploring rhino middens to understand territory marking. We’ll also learn about the vital role dung beetles play in the ecosystem and their connection to the rhino population.
As one of only two UNESCO-declared Biosphere Reserves in Africa, Waterberg is actively managed for the conservation of wildlife. After dinner this evening we’ll learn about the work being done to protect and preserve this precious environment with a talk by a local conservation expert.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5 — Qwabi Private Game Reserve
Enlightened by last night’s talk, we’ll head out in 4WDs early this morning to find the perfect spot to watch the sun rise over this extraordinary landscape and see the animals emerge for another day in the bush. This morning’s safari is dedicated to birdwatching with a specialist ranger, as we search for species such as the white-backed heron, ostrich and Cape vulture - proving that the best safaris aren’t just about four-legged animals, but winged ones too. The rest of the day is free to relax or, if you’d like to head out again, you can join another afternoon game drive.
Tonight, we’ll gather for a boma dinner, where you’ll also take part in an interactive cooking demonstration and learn the art of making stokbrood - a traditional South African bread cooked over an open fire.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6 — Qwabi Private Game Reserve
Start the day with an early morning safari, followed by some time to relax before the day’s conservation focus continues. Later, there’s the option to join another included afternoon game drive, offering another chance to spot wildlife as the sun begins to dip over the savannah.
Later, a talk at the lodge by the Ground Hornbill Project offers the chance to learn from rangers how these charismatic – and critically endangered – birds are being hand-reared and reintroduced to the wild.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7 — Qwabi Private Game Reserve
Up with the dawn chorus, we’ll set out on a bushwalk to discover some of the smaller plants and animals often missed on game drives. We’ll listen to insects chirping and birds singing, pausing to admire the plants and flowers - bright oranges, reds, yellows and pinks - often overlooked in the search for big game. In the afternoon, we’ll jump back into our 4WDs for another game drive, returning for a memorable dinner served al fresco in the bush.
Tonight, after dinner, we’ll gather outside to watch the stars, planets and constellations. Far from light pollution and the hubbub of daily life, these stargazing experiences give us a deep sense of connection with the natural world.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8 — Qwabi Private Game Reserve
It’s all about the safari today, as we head out on two game drives in the early morning and afternoon. Now experienced in the art of game viewing, we’ll keep our eyes peeled for rare species like white-backed night herons, aardvarks and brown hyenas, as well as any of the prized Big Five that have eluded us so far. Tonight, we’ll toast our adventures over a farewell meal, and share our favourite moments and stories with newfound friends.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9 — Qwabi Private Game Reserve - Johannesburg - In flight
Time to tick off those last few sightings on one final game drive before breakfast. Relax at the lodge before transferring to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 — UK
On arrival your chauffeur will be waiting at the airport to take you home.
