On Safari in South Africa - Karongwe Game Reserve

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10 Days From

~~$4394~~

$4013

On Safari in South Africa - Karongwe Game Reserve

10 Days

Tour operator:

Newmarket Holidays

Tour code:

98486

From:

$4394

$4013 (USD) including Flights from the UK Barrhead discount: -$381

NB: Prices correct on 20-May-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

An immersive wildlife experience centred around animal encounters, conservational education, and opportunities for positive contributions to the environment.

The heart of Limpopo’s Karongwe Private Game Reserve will serve as your home for the week, enveloped by nature and based at a luxury tented camp. Early mornings and late afternoons see you embark on a total of 12 game drives led by seasoned trackers and guides. Witness the ‘Big Five’ in their natural habitat as the sun rises and sets over the rugged terrain, with the Drakensberg Mountain range in the distance.

Moments of tranquillity are equally encouraged alongside adventure, with ample time to lounge by the swimming pool, which overlooks the Makhutsi River, partake in a daily afternoon tea and relish complimentary treatments at the camp’s nature-inspired spa. A special dinner under the star-lit sky promises another moment of bliss amongst the peacefulness of the African bush.

This safari escape goes beyond observation, with plenty of opportunities for education and enlightenment. An anti-poaching talk allows you to engage with a local specialist to gain insights into the critical importance of conservation efforts, a guided nature walk means you can appreciate the flora and fauna from a different perspective, and a tree planting activity helps you make a personal, positive environmental contribution. To further enhance your itinerary, optional activities can be chosen, from learning how to make traditional dishes and photograph animals, to visiting a wildlife rehabilitation centre and soaring above rivers and valleys in a helicopter.

Highlights

Spend a week in a luxury tented camp, surrounded by the ‘Big Five’ Karongwe Private Game Reserve
Unwind by the swimming pool overlooking the Makhutsi River or with a complimentary treatment at the spa
Venture on six morning game drives and six late afternoon game drives with an experienced tracker and guide at the helm
Listen to an anti-poaching talk with a local specialist and learn about the importance of conservation
Experience a special dinner in the heart of the bush under the stars
Set off on foot with a guided nature walk, seeing the flora and fauna from a different angle
Partake in a tree planting activity, a chance to leave your legacy and make a positive contribution
Enjoy a tasting of local gins with different garnishes and tonics by the pool
Choose from an assortment of optional activities, including a cooking class, mediative yoga experience, anti-poaching walk, photography workshop, visits to a wildlife rehabilitation centre and local community, and a helicopter ride

Itinerary

Expand All

Day One – Fly To Johannesburg

You’ll travel on your overnight flight to Johannesburg, South Africa’s biggest city.

Day Two – Transfer From The Airport To Karongwe Private Game Reserve

Upon arriving at the airport, your group will be welcomed by a friendly driver. A long but rewarding and scenic transfer with plenty of comfort breaks and lunch (on your own account) will take you to Karongwe Private Game Reserve. Located in the Limpopo province and with views of the Drakensberg Mountain range, Chisomo Safari Camp will be your home for the next week.

In the late afternoon, you’ll arrive and check into a luxury tented camp, looking out over the Makhutswi River. There’ll then be time to settle in, familiarise yourself with the facilities, and perhaps refresh with a dip in the swimming pool.

If you’d like to venture out on a game drive after lunch, you can embark on one before dinner. With an experienced guide and tracker at the helm, you’ll drive into the depths of the reserve in an open-air 4x4 safari vehicle. Karongwe Private Game Reserve is home to the ‘Big Five’, including lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, and elephant, as well as 365 different bird species. Keep your eyes peeled and have a camera at the ready to take a snap of wildlife roaming through the bush vegetation.

This evening, dinner will be enjoyed at the camp.

Day Three – Included Morning Game Drive, Complimentary Spa Treatment, And Afternoon Game Drive

This morning, you’ll wake up early, meet the other travellers in the main area for a hot drink and then head out for a morning game drive as the sun rises over the mountains.

Breakfast will then be served back at the camp, and you’ll have some time to relax, perhaps opting for a complimentary hand or foot treatment at the spa, which offers a beautiful view of the bush and draws on natural, local products (this can be done on a different day). You’ll also have a programme of optional excursions at the camp to choose from, such as a cooking workshop and a mediative yoga experience. Alternatively, just pick a sun lounger by the swimming pool to observe the activity around the Makhutsi River, with a cocktail in hand.

An afternoon game drive awaits following afternoon tea, providing another opportunity to spot more wildlife, like cheetahs and elephants.

This evening, you’ll sit down to a special private dinner under the star-dappled sky (weather permitting) with the sounds of nocturnal animals unfolding around you.

Day Four – Included Morning Game Drive, Anti-Poaching Talk, Time At Leisure, Optional Activities, And Afternoon Game Drive

Another early morning wake-up is followed by a game drive with breakfast upon return to the camp. After you’ve freshened up, you can then join an anti-poaching talk, where an anti-poaching specialist will discuss the plight of poaching and the camp’s pivotal role in conserving the local wildlife.

The rest of the late morning and early afternoon will be free to unwind or perhaps partake in an optional excursion, like an anti-poaching walk in the bush to learn more about the tracking methods of poachers and the designated ‘kill zones’. An optional community visit takes you to a nearby village and offers an insight into how the local people live and their culture.

Back at the camp, you’ll go on an afternoon game drive before returning in the evening after the sun has set for dinner.

Day Five – Included Morning Game Drive, Time At Leisure And Afternoon Game Drive

This morning, you’ll go on a game drive, tuck into breakfast when you return, and then the remainder of the morning and early afternoon is free. Customise your day by perhaps choosing to partake in an optional photography workshop, where you’ll learn about camera settings, editing processes and different types of composition.

Alternatively, join an optional visit to a wildlife rehabilitation centre, dedicated to the conservation of endangered species and the rehabilitation of injured and poisoned animals. Here, you can see a range of baby animals, as well as leopards, lions, lynxes, eagles, vultures, and honey badgers.

A full-day excursion to the nearby Kruger National Park is also available for those who want to do some more wildlife spotting.

You’ll have another game drive in the afternoon before you savour dinner at the camp this evening.

Day Six – Morning Game Drive, Guided Bush Walk, Time At Leisure And Afternoon Game Drive

Board the open-air vehicle again this morning for a game drive before breakfast. You’ll then join a nature specialist for a guided bush walk. As you’re led into the bush, the group will get to take in the scenery and wildlife from a different angle, learning about the endemic plants, bird species and animals.

You’ll then have some time at leisure to perhaps go on a helicopter ride over the nearby Olifant’s River Gorge or the Blyde River Canyon, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the dramatic landscape and gushing waterways from above.

Another afternoon game drive will take place this afternoon and then you’ll return for dinner.

Day 7 : Days Seven – Morning Game Drive, Time At Leisure, Afternoon Game Drive, And Gin Tasting

Head out for a morning game drive and have breakfast. The rest of the day is free to fit in more optional activities, such as a panorama drive along one of South Africa’s most scenic routes. Encompassing famed natural sights like Pinnacle Rock, God’s Window, one of South Africa’s most well-known vantage points (weather permitting, you can see as far as Mozambique), this excursion will also pass the Blyde River Canyon, waterfalls, and unusual rock formations, as well as colourful craft markets.

Later, you’ll venture on a game drive and return to the lodge for a gin tasting and pairing by the pool. This involves sampling locally crafted gins, complemented by different tonics and garnishes.

Day Eight – Morning Game Drive, Tree-Planting Activity, Time At Leisure, Afternoon Game Drive And Farewell Dinner

Wake up for a morning game drive followed by breakfast and a tree-planting activity. This involves planting a tree within the local community or donating a tree, a chance to leave your legacy and make a positive contribution. You can choose between planting a fruit or an indigenous sapling.

Perhaps you’d like to make use of the spa with an optional relaxing treatment after your hard work in the sun. Spa packages include full body massages, exfoliation, wraps and facials.

An afternoon game drive will then be concluded with a farewell dinner alongside your new-found friends, allowing you to reflect on the week.

Day Nine - Included Morning Game Drive, Late Morning Transfer And Travel Back To Johannesburg

Relish your final morning game drive and breakfast before you pack up and check out of the camp. In the late morning, you’ll travel back to Johannesburg airport over a journey of around five and a half hours with plenty of stops and a packed lunch.

Day 10 - Arrive Back In The Uk

Today you’ll arrive in the UK after your African adventure.

What's Included

Seven nights’ full-board accommodation at the four-star Chisomo Safari Camp, Karongwe Private Game Reserve
Sundowner on all afternoon game drives
Six morning game drives and six late afternoon game drives
Seven breakfasts, seven lunches, and seven dinners
A private dinner with a bottle of wine per table in the bush, weather permitting
Guided bush walk
Gin and tonic tasting by the pool
Hand or foot spa treatment
Anti-poaching talk
Tree-planting activity
Return flights to Johannesburg
Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced local representative and wildlife specialist

Special considerations

When packing for a safari, it's important to keep in mind that you'll be travelling in areas where the terrain may be rough and the weather unpredictable. Therefore, it's essential to pack practical and comfortable clothing suitable for the climate, including sturdy walking shoes or boots, light layers for warm days, and warmer layers for chilly nights.
It's also worth noting that many safari vehicles have limited storage space, so it's best to use soft luggage such as duffel bags or backpacks instead of hard-shell suitcases, which can be difficult to fit into the vehicle.
In addition to clothing, it's important to bring sun protection such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as well as insect repellent and medication for any specific health needs. Finally, don't forget to pack a good camera and binoculars to capture all the incredible wildlife sightings!

Foreign Office travel advice

Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Luggage allowance

You are permitted to take one item of luggage per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made. In many developing countries access is sometimes not as easy as at home. Should you have walking difficulties, getting around monuments and attractions may be harder and, in some cases, impossible. Should you have any concerns whatsoever please do contact us prior to travel.

Changes to your hotels

Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately six hours. Rest stops will be made on route.

Game drive restrictions

Children under the age of six are not allowed on the game drives. Babysitting services and a children's programme are available (at additional cost and subject to availability).

Special considerations

When packing for a safari, it's important to keep in mind that you'll be travelling in areas where the terrain may be rough and the weather unpredictable. Therefore, it's essential to pack practical and comfortable clothing suitable for the climate, including sturdy walking shoes or boots, light layers for warm days, and warmer layers for chilly nights.

It's also worth noting that many safari vehicles have limited storage space, so it's best to use soft luggage such as duffel bags or backpacks instead of hard-shell suitcases, which can be difficult to fit into the vehicle.

In addition to clothing, it's important to bring sun protection such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as well as insect repellent and medication for any specific health needs. Finally, don't forget to pack a good camera and binoculars to capture all the incredible wildlife sightings!

Itinerary changes

Foreign Office travel advice

Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Luggage allowance

You are permitted to take one item of luggage per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg.

Disabled access

Changes to your hotels

Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately six hours. Rest stops will be made on route.

Game drive restrictions

Children under the age of six are not allowed on the game drives. Babysitting services and a children's programme are available (at additional cost and subject to availability).

Check out our Q&As

How long has the tour company been trading?

Since 1983
Vaccination Requirements

Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

Our company’s mission is to enrich lives and improve wellbeing through travel. A big part of that is ‘Travel for Good’. Our ‘Travel for Good’ hub is our first step in a long journey to reduce carbon, offset anything we produce as a company and travel without harming the planet or the people of the destinations we go to.
What policies are in place for Covid-19?

Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
Fitness to Travel

We strive to give all our customers full care and attention, but we do need to know at the time of booking if there are any special needs or requirements. It is particularly important that we are advised of any disabilities and also if you intend to bring any specialist equipment such as a wheelchair with you. Please make sure that you make us aware of any requirements.

Reviews of this operator

Mr Albert Owen

Help is at hand at Newmarket holidays

04-Jan-2023

I tried to book myself on line for an Andre Rieu concert in Vienna but I didn’t manage to complete the booking. I rang the next day & spoke to Sharon who was very helpful. I am a 76 year old pensioner & not totally au fa with the internet. However, Sharon went through it step by step & I felt more confident. She completed the booking for me & said she would also send a paper copy.

Iain Moir

Newmarket Holidays…top dollar!

06-Jan-2023

Having booked late the service we received from Newmarket staff has been excellent - helpful, friendly, painstaking and above all going further than we could really expect to ensure our requests were all satisfied. We would like to particularly thank Naima for her attention to detail and perseverance in following up our queries. This is the first time we have tried NH but it wont be the last

Miss F J Murphy

This is the third holiday I have taken…

05-Nov-2021

This is the third holiday I have taken with Newmarket Holidays. They made it easy to change from the Holiday I originally booked to one in the UK. The tour leader was excellent as was our driver, both of whom went the extra mile to ensure we had a lovely holiday. There were difficulties at the hotel due to COVID but we were made very welcome and the staff went out of their way to help us. So I have no complaint about Newmarket's choice of hotel. I am a single traveller and normally do not like to travel in groups but the laidback atmosphere of Newmarket Holidays is fine.

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Caroline N, GB

Hurrah for Eddie and Simon, Newmarket's highlands duo!

26-Oct-2021

Very happy time on an action packed trip to the Scottish highlands. Eddie as tour manager and Simon as driver. Eddie shared his passion for Scottish history and between them they treated us to many unscheduled cultural stops that enhanced our holiday. They went above and beyond all the time. Train trips were amazing and views unforgettable. Hotel was welcoming and food was good. Hot water aplenty for bath. We wanted to escape to another world for a few days and we truly did. THANK YOU. Chris and Caroline

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Tony King, GB

Canada October 2021

28-Oct-2021

We have returned from our long overdue trip to Canada Niagara Falls to the Rockies stating in Toronto and finishing in Vancouver. Well we happened to be the first trip back after the Coiid outbreak and it was so good to go. The company had made sure we were all safe and masks were worn where ever they had to be but this did not dampen the trip at all, the Tour directors ( guides ) were brilliant and we saw and did so much it was a fantastic trip which I would recommend to everyone, defiantly one for the bucket list.

Trustpilot

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~~$4394~~ $4013 (USD)