South Africa Ultimate Cat NE Explorer Reunion I

Itinerary

Sunday, September 15

Depart US/Canada

Monday, September 16 (D)

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

Tuesday, September 17 – Saturday, September 21, 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.

Londolozi Wildlife Archive
The 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 gear questions and settings. Midday, when the light is harsh, we’ll have time for workshops, downloading memory cards, or relaxing near the pool. There will be a second game drive beginning in the 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 rhinos and lions. Herds of elephant and buffalo along with 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 sunsets until after dark, unlike Kenya reserves. Londolozi has two of the 17 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 before the tour) and grants guests access to their photography multimedia center.

Londolozi Video by NE Explorers Susan and Ken Case

Sunday, September 22 – Wednesday, September 25, 4 Nights (B, L, D, 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 features a 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 is also renowned for leopard sightings, providing us with 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 hippos also frequent this area. We will have this camp to ourselves!

Kirkman’s Kamp Video by NE Explorers Susan and Ken Case

Thursday, September 26 (B)

Fly to Johannesburg late morning; luggage will arrive by road. Fly home at 6:40 p.m. or later.

Friday, September 27

Arrive home.

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

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