South Africa Anniversary Trip: Luxury Highlights Tour
Enjoy the ultimate getaway in South Africa! Explore the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, relax on the beach in Durban.. Then, hit two safari areas, Phinda and the exclusive Sabi Sands. End at the world famous Victoria Falls.
This South Africa Anniversary Trip: Luxury Highlights Tour was designed for a couple from Washington, D.C. who wanted a bucket list safari for their anniversary. They wanted the VIP treatment, so we sent them to boutique, high-end properties and arranged private touring so they could feel like royalty on this special trip, but they also wanted some off the beaten path areas in the country..
Their trip began in the Drakensberg Mountains which boast dramatic landscapes with rugged peaks, verdant valleys, and cascading waterfalls, offering a paradise for hikers and nature enthusiasts. This UNESCO World Heritage site is also rich in cultural heritage, featuring ancient rock art by the San people. The couple enjoyed a private full day hike, horseback riding, and bird watching.
Next on their South Africa Anniversary Trip: Luxury Highlights Tour, they traveled to Durban, coastal city known for its golden beaches, bustling harbor, and rich cultural diversity, offering a mix of Indian, African, and colonial influences. And they settled into their boutique hotel, the Oyster Box, renowned for its stunning ocean views, elegant colonial architecture, and exceptional hospitality. The couple enjoyed the sun at the Golden Mile beaches and were able to savor the city’s famous Indian cuisine.
Continuing on their South Africa Anniversary Trip: Luxury Highlights Tour, they did a short land transfer to Phinda. Phinda Game Reserve in South Africa is renowned for its diverse ecosystems and rich wildlife, including the Big Five and rare species like cheetahs and black rhinos. The couple spent 3 nights on safari and stayed at Forest Lodge, nestled within a rare sand forest, They loved the intimate and serene safari experience amidst rich wildlife and stunning natural beauty.
After their indulgent visit to the Eastern Cape, it was time for their safari in Kruger! They flew to the world-famous Kruger National Park. They spent 3 nights at the luxurious Londolozi Tree Camp in the Sabi Sands reserve, which shares an unfenced border with Kruger and offers a more exclusive wildlife viewing experience. They spent their days on game drives with an expert safari guide and saw abundant wildlife like elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, and giraffes. It was an unforgettable adventure!
Lastly on their South Africa Anniversary Trip: Luxury Highlights Tour, they traveled to Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest and most spectacular waterfalls, with a width of over a mile and a height of 355 feet. Known locally as “The Smoke That Thunders,” the falls offer breathtaking views, thrilling activities such as bungee jumping and white-water rafting, and a rich array of surrounding wildlife. They spent their last 3 nights relaxing and enjoying the views.
At last, their South Africa Anniversary Trip: Luxury Highlights Tour came to an end. They said goodbye to magical South Africa and flew to Johannesburg to begin the journey back home.
Accommodation
- 3 Nights Montusi Mountain Lodge
- 2 Nights Oyster Box
- 3 Nights &Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge
- 3 Nights Londolozi Tree Camp
- 3 Nights Victoria Falls River Lodge
Transportation
- 3 Days Car Rental
- Private return transfer Phinda
- Shuttle Flight to Londolozi
- Shuttle Flight to Nelspruit
- Shared road and boat transfers
Touring
- Private Hike in Drakensberg Mountains
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to South Africa! Arrive in Johannesburg and pick up your rental car for your drive to the Drakensberg Mountains. The mountains boast dramatic landscapes with rugged peaks, verdant valleys, and cascading waterfalls, offering a paradise for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Situated midway between Johannesburg and Durban, Montusi Mountain Lodge is one of the few destinations with a panoramic vista of the Drakensberg’s most famous feature, the Amphitheatre escarpment.
Montusi Mountain Lodge
Day 2
Today you will take a private hike to Mount Aux Sources offering an exhilarating adventure, taking you to the summit of one of the highest peaks in the Drakensberg Mountains, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The hike includes traversing the iconic chain ladders, exploring diverse flora and fauna, and experiencing the pristine beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Montusi Mountain Lodge
Day 3
This is your leisure day at Montusi Mountain Lodge allowing you to unwind amidst stunning mountain scenery. You can also enjoy activities like guided nature walks, relaxing spa treatments, and leisurely meals on a tranquil terrace.
Montusi Mountain Lodge
Day 4
After breakfast, you will drive to the Durban area to the Oyster Box, iconic hotel renowned for its stunning ocean views, elegant colonial architecture, and exceptional hospitality.
Oyster Box
Day 5
Today is yours at leisure. You can can enjoy the sun at the Golden Mile beaches, explore the vibrant uShaka Marine World, and savor the city’s famous Indian cuisine in the bustling markets and restaurants.
Oyster Box
Day 6
After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to the Phinda Game Reserve. Spanning over 28,000 hectares, Phinda offers seven distinct habitats, from savannah and grasslands to dense forests and wetlands, providing a haven for a wide array of species, including the Big Five. The reserve is particularly famous for its cheetah and black rhino conservation efforts, making it a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts. You will enjoy thrilling game drives, guided bush walks, and river cruises, all led by expert rangers and trackers who share their extensive knowledge of the local flora and fauna.
Phinda Forest Lodge
Days 7-8
Spend the next two days on safari. You will go on guided game drives and walking safaris to encounter a wide range of wildlife, including the Big Five and rare species like cheetahs. The reserve’s expert rangers provide insightful commentary and track animals with precision, ensuring a thrilling and educational adventure in South Africa’s pristine wilderness.
Phinda Forest Lodge
Day 9
Today, you will catch a flight to the world-famous Kruger National Park. Make your way to the Sabi Sands region of the park and your home for the next 3 nights, Londolozi Tree Camp. This beautiful safari lodge is set among ancient ebony trees, offering luxurious, elevated suites with stunning views of the Sand River and exceptional wildlife experiences in the heart of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve.
Londolozi Tree Camp
Days 10-11
Spend the next 2 days on safari in the Sabi Sands, a region renowned for its abundant leopard sightings. In addition to the Big 5, you’ll have a chance to see giraffes, zebras, hippos, antelopes, and much more. Your expert safari guide will bring you close to the action and reveal the magic of this wild animal kingdom. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives. In the heat of the afternoon, return to camp for a delicious lunch and cool off in the pool. Evenings are spent enjoying delicious gourmet meals around the campfire.
Londolozi Tree Camp
Day 12
Today, you will fly back to Johannesburg and onto Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest and most spectacular waterfalls, with a width of over a mile and a height of 355 feet. Known locally as “The Smoke That Thunders,” the falls offer breathtaking views, thrilling activities such as bungee jumping and white-water rafting, and a rich array of surrounding wildlife. River Lodge has elegant tented suites overlooking the Zambezi River.
Victoria Falls River Lodge
Days 13-14
These days are yours at leisure to relax or participate in the many activities available in the area. You can enjoy thrilling activities such as bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge, white-water rafting on the Zambezi River, and scenic helicopter flights offering panoramic views of the falls. Additionally, guided walking safaris and sunset cruises on the Zambezi provide unique opportunities to experience the area’s rich wildlife and stunning landscapes.
Victoria Falls River Lodge
Day 15
After a boat and road transfer, you will fly back to Johannesburg and journey home.
About this vacation
Cost Per Person
Does not include the cost of airfare
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