South Africa Ultimate Cat Experience

Itinerary

Sunday, September 8

Depart U.S./Canada

Monday, September 9 (D)

Arrive in Johannesburg (JNB). Airport shuttle provided by hotel. Welcome dinner and drinks this evening. Overnight Intercontinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport

Tuesday, September 10 – Saturday, September 14, 5 nights (B, L, D, Bev, Lau)

After breakfast, depart from Johannesburg and take a private charter flight (55 minutes) to Londolozi Game Reserve. Here we’ll be escorted by rangers to the Londolozi Varty Camp where we’ll stay for five nights. Luggage will go by road, meaning no weight restrictions for domestic travel. Note: Varty Camp is undergoing a complete renovation in 2018!

Londolozi Wildlife Diary
Leopards of Londolozi

Daily, we’ll head out early on safari for the best light. Dan will rotate between safari vehicles to help each guest with camera settings and questions. Midday, when the light is harsh, we’ll have time for downloading memory cards, workshops, or to relax near the pool. There will be a second game drive beginning in late afternoon until dusk. Some nights we’ll stay out late for a “spotlight night safari,” another way to view the wilds of Africa. Evening drinks and gourmet dinners.

Londolozi is famous for its abundant leopard population but also boasts home to high concentrations of white rhino and lion. Herds of elephant and buffalo and also zebra, hyena, cheetah, giraffe, and a vast variety of antelope may be seen. Since it is privately owned, Londolozi is not bound by the strict rules of Kruger National Park. We can drive off-road into the heart of the bush and take guided walking safaris with their excellent team of rangers and trackers. We can stay out for evening sunsets until after dark, unlike Kenya reserves. Londolozi has two of the seventeen master trackers in South Africa. With over 42,000 acres to explore, no two game drives will be the same! Londolozi has camera lenses available to rent (must be arranged prior to tour) and gives guests use of their photographer’s multimedia center. Also don’t forget, you have a $100 (USD) credit to use at Londolozi for your enjoyment!

Sunday, September 15 – Wednesday, September 18, 4 nights (B, L, D, Bev, Lau)

A short drive between reserves from Londolozi to &Beyond Kirkman’s Kamp. Here we will stay for four nights.

Take a journey back in time! Homesteaded by ranger Harry Kirkman between 1933 and 1958, &Beyond Kirkman’s offers the historic atmosphere of an authentic South African homestead. Kirkman’s sits on a ridge, offering incredible views of the Sand River below. African wildlife, especially warthogs, are known to frequent the manicured grounds. Each suite feature its own private veranda, a secluded spot for you to enjoy a drink and the breathtaking scenery that surrounds you.

Each day, we’ll  take an early morning and late afternoon/evening game drive in open 4×4 safari vehicles. Like Londolozi, Kirkman’s is in the heart of Sabi Sand Game Reserve and also renowned for leopard sightings, providing us even more opportunities to spot and photograph these big cats! Other members of the Big Five (lion, rhino, elephant, and Cape buffalo), spotted hyena, various antelope, and hippo also frequent this area. This camp plans to reduce its number of rooms to 12, so we should have the camp all to ourselves!

Thursday, September 19 (B)

Fly to Johannesburg late morning by private charter plane; luggage will arrive by road. Fly home this evening.

Friday, September 20

Arrive home

If you have time, please read Tanya’s “My First South African Experience” letter about her visit to South Africa in fall 2013.

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