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12-Day | “Big Five” Safari to Southern Africa

Countries Botswana South Africa Southern Africa Combo Zambia
Theme Photography | City Touring | Active - Moderate
Time of Year April - October | High Season: May - Sep | Savings Season: Apr & Oct
Budget From $8,250
Duration 12 Days

Itinerary Description

This safari offers exciting and fantastic game viewing opportunities in Botswana's Mashatu Game Reserve, a Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve in South Africa and end with two nights in Livingstone, Zambia. Activities include day and night game drives plus optional adventures such as walking safaris, mountain biking, horseback riding and village visits. In Livingstone, enjoy a variety of activities from your luxury lodge located directly on the Zambezi River. Trip departs from the USA every Saturday and Tuesday.

SPECIAL - Add a 4th night at Mashatu Tented Camp, Mashatu Lodge or MalaMala Camp and receive it for FREE (Stay 4-Pay 3). Valid for travel April 1-30, 2021.

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Day by Day Itinerary

Day 01+02

USA/Johannesburg

Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Johannesburg. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your airport hotel. Overnight Southern Sun OR Tambo International Airport Hotel.

Day 03

Mashatu Game Reserve

Take the hotel shuttle back to the airport this morning. Board your scheduled inter-Africa flight to Polokwane. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your camp located on the Mashatu Game Reserve (approximately a 2-hour road transfer). 3 nights Mashatu Tented Camp, Mashatu Lodge or Mashatu Euphorbia.

Day 04+05

Mashatu Game Reserve

Enjoy days of morning and night game drives. Walking safaris, mountain bike safaris, horseback safaris and photographic hides can be booked (additional cost).

Day 6

MalaMala Game Reserve

Enjoy a morning game drive and brunch in camp. This afternoon transfer to the airstrip for your scheduled charter flight to MalaMala Game Reserve (departs approx 1:30 pm, arrives 3:30 pm). Enjoy an afternoon game drive. 3 nights MalaMala Camp.

Day 07+08

MalaMala Game Reserve

Enjoy two full days of game viewing. A typical day begins with early morning tea or coffee, followed by a game drive. Return to camp for a hearty brunch or breakfast. Relax by the pool or in your comfortable suite until afternoon tea. This is then followed by a late afternoon drive continuing into a night game drive, when you begin the search for nocturnal creatures. Dinner usually takes place in the boma around a camp fire under the stars where you can talk about your wildlife sightings of the day.

Day 9+10

Livingstone

This morning you will transfer to the Skukuza Airport for your scheduled inter-Africa flight to Mpumalanga Airport and onward flight to Livingstone, Zambia.  On arrival you will be met and transferred to your lodge. Enjoy two days of activities. 2 nights Tongabezi or Thorntree River Lodge.

Day 11+12

Livingstone/Johannesburg/USA

Following breakfast, transfer to the Livingstone Airport for your scheduled inter-Africa flight to Johannesburg. Onward connecting international flight. Welcome Home!

Safari Pricing Details

2021 Land Arrangements

Based on Mashatu Tented Camp & Tongabezi (Cottage). Surcharges apply for Mashatu Lodge, Mashatu Euphorbia & Thorntree River Lodge

Apr & Oct

per person sharing

From $8,250

May - Sep

per person sharing

From $8,495

Parks

Accommodations

Mashatu Euphorbia

Mashatu Euphorbia is a 5-star lodge within the Mashatu Reserve. Located within a Euphorbia forest, guests are accommodated in eight villas that are uniquely shaped based on a

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Mashatu Lodge

Mashatu Lodge has 14 suites with en suite bathrooms, air-conditioning and private decks. The main lounge and dining area overlooks a waterhole. There is a pool to cool off in

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Mashatu Tented Camp

Mashatu Tented Camp has eight tents with private balconies and views of the thick brush. The en suite bathrooms are reached through a private enclosure to the separate toilet and

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MalaMala Camp

MalaMala’s ochre colored buildings are clustered beneath shady trees and overlook the Sand River. The camp consists of ten suites and nine luxury rooms, each under traditional

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Thorntree River Lodge

Thorntree River Lodge is located in Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park and on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. The lodge features 10 spacious suites, including two family units,

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Tongabezi Lodge

Tongabezi is an exclusive lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River upstream from Victoria Falls. Accommodating a maximum of 22 guests, there are four larger cottages called the

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Southern Sun OR Tambo International Airport Hotel

The Southern Sun O.R. Tambo International Airport Hotel is a mere 600 yards from South Africa’s busiest airport. This hotel’s elegant surroundings greet you and 366 rooms

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Hear from Our Travelers

It’s all about our clients, always has been!

It was an amazing trip!

It was an amazing trip! We lucked out with the weather – no rain. The other British couple (only 3 others in the group, the last a young German woman, all nice which made the trip enjoyable) had been on a similar tour with Letaka last...

Regina Santella

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Everything worked just beautifully!

Hi Alison, we had a wonderful time on our African adventure——thank you and your team for all your help! Everything worked just beautifully!...

Carol and Stan Pugmire

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The trip was truly wonderful and though I did not think anything would be as good as my Tanzania trip I was wrong.

The trip was truly wonderful and though I did not think anything would be as good as my Tanzania trip I was wrong. Victoria Falls was lovely though the ever-present helicopters hovering were a drawback. The tour of the Chobe River was...

Lee Ann Palmer

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I still daydream about it every day.

I thought the “trip of a lifetime” comment that everyone uses was such a cliché – but now I understand it. I still daydream about it every day....

Kathy Hocking

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#1 Africa-Only Travel Company

Industry Leaders in Customizable Safaris

The Africa Adventure Company was one of the first boutique travel agencies to offer customizable Africa travel itineraries. Together we can create a trip that includes the experiences and destinations most important to you, your family, or your group.

Value-Added
Adventures

Many travelers expect private and independent safaris to be unaffordable, but our clients are delighted to discover they do not have to join a group of strangers in order to experience a customized safari adventure.

Security &
Safety-Focused

We work with people who will take care of you. Our guides, travel consultants, and tour operators understand the complicated and complex nature of travel in Africa and have decades of experience to ensure your safety at every leg of your trip.

Top 8 Reasons Why Travelers Choose Us

What's Next?

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Need Help?

Our experienced team can provide more details about booking this trip or customizing a safari.

Contact Us

#1 Africa-Only Travel Company

Industry Leaders in Customizable Safaris

The Africa Adventure Company was one of the first boutique travel agencies to offer customizable Africa travel itineraries. Together we can create a trip that includes the experiences and destinations most important to you, your family, or your group.

Value-Added
Adventures

Many travelers expect private and independent safaris to be unaffordable, but our clients are delighted to discover they do not have to join a group of strangers in order to experience a customized safari adventure.

Security &
Safety-Focused

We work with people who will take care of you. Our guides, travel consultants, and tour operators understand the complicated and complex nature of travel in Africa and have decades of experience to ensure your safety at every leg of your trip.

Top 8 Reasons Why Travelers Choose Us

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