On Safari in South Africa – Luxury Safari Plains
On Safari in South Africa – Luxury Safari Plains
On Safari in South Africa – Luxury Safari Plains
10 Days
Tour operator:
Tour code:
98300
From:
$4316
$3872 (USD)
including Flights from the UK
Barrhead discount: -$444
NB: Prices correct on 19-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
Enjoy touches of luxury as you witness South Africa’s unspoilt natural beauty on this unique safari experience.
Backed by the imposing Waterberg Mountain range, relax in total comfort in the five-star Safari Plains camp where high teas and sundowners promise an added touch of luxury to your adventures in the African bush. With decadent, tented cabins putting you right in the heart of the glorious savannah wildlife, and all-inclusive catering provided, you’ll be free to make the most of what matters and truly reconnect with nature. What’s more, you’ll have no transfers until your return flight, so you won’t need to pack and unpack between days.
Perfect for families, honeymooners or simply groups of like-minded travellers, this is a safari like no other where luxury takes centre stage. Set in the world-famous malaria-free Mabula Game Reserve, guided safaris take you deep into the bushveld and offer the chance to see the ‘Big Five’. Witness the thrilling natural cycle of the region’s wildlife and spot a whole host of the most exciting creatures in the flesh from prowling hyenas to the endangered red hornbills.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day One – Fly To Johannesburg
Start your safari holiday with an overnight flight to Johannesburg.
Day Two – Travel To Safari Plains And Included Wildlife Talk
Meet your driver as you touch down in Johannesburg this morning before taking a scenic drive north to your camp set against the backdrop of the Waterberg Mountain range. Arriving in time for lunch, you’ll have the chance to share a meal in the camp’s restaurant with your fellow travellers.
You’ll have the afternoon at leisure to settle into your impressive new surroundings in the heart of the Mabula Game Reserve. Perhaps have a dip in the outdoor swimming pool or relax in the comfort of your private tent. Later, you can watch the sunset on your veranda for unparalleled views of the South African savannah. If you’re feeling peckish, why not treat yourself to a high tea at the camp’s restaurant?
This evening, re-join your fellow guests for an expert-led wildlife talk courtesy of one of the reserve’s resident specialists before dinner.
Day Three – Included Morning Game Drive And Afternoon At Leisure
Rise early this morning, and perhaps take a tea or coffee, ahead of your first game drive in Mabula. Witness herds of the region’s antelope moving in the open as they tend to move around more early in the day, to find the best protection from predators.
You’ll then return to camp for breakfast and time at leisure to enjoy under your own steam before lunch is served. More downtime will follow this afternoon, in between your daily high tea, for you to take in the warm South African sun. Whether you’re relaxing by the poolside or pampering yourself with a treatment in the on-site spa, there’ll be plenty to help you unwind.
Dinner will be served in the camp restaurant this evening.
Day Four – Morning At Leisure And Included Afternoon Game Drive With Sundowners
Wake up early and watch the sun rise over the mountains or take a lazy morning lounging with time at leisure after breakfast.
Later this afternoon, set out in search of the ‘Big Five’ – the lion, leopard, black rhino, elephant and African buffalo – with a drive out into Waterberg’s idyllic open landscapes. As you pass through the South African bush, be sure to keep an eye out for the region’s big cats which are known to rest amongst the branches of the native acacia trees!
After this afternoon’s safari, enjoy a true safari tradition with a relaxing sundowner. Watch the sun set over Waterberg with premium snacks and drinks served in the bush amidst the stunning savannah landscapes. Afterwards, reboard your vehicle for a drive back to the camp for dinner.
Day Five – Morning At Leisure And Included Afternoon Game Drive
Take the morning at your own pace with time at leisure, accompanied by the day’s breakfast, ahead of the third game drive. With a diverse range of habitats housed in the Mabula Game Reserve, you’ll find an astounding array of wildlife besides the ‘Big Five’ which are synonymous with safari sightseeing. Look closely and you may see one of the region’s smaller, but no less exciting, creatures from the elusive bushbabies and vervet monkeys to the humble pangolin and burrowing mongooses!
You’ll then join your driver and fellow travellers for an excursion into the UNESCO-listed Waterberg Biosphere, an area rich in biodiversity and home to hundreds of species of native flora and fauna. Here, you’ll find an area abundant in flocking zebra, roving antelopes (including the rarer tsessebe), and giraffes which are certain to provide an enchanting day afternoon out on the open savannah.
Enjoy dinner this evening back at the lodge’s restaurant.
Day Six – Included Morning Game Drive And Evening Stargazing Experience
Another game drive awaits this morning and with it comes another chance for you to see the ‘Big Five’. Fuel yourself with a hot drink this morning before taking to the savannah plains under the morning sun – the perfect time to catch a glimpse of the area’s vibrant birdlife with the endangered Ground Hornbill a particular highlight while out in Mabula. If you’re lucky may also spot some of the region’s native kori bustards or the impressive martial eagles.
Returning to the camp for breakfast, you’ll then be able to spend the rest of the morning at your own pace before lunch is served. Spend the afternoon at leisure, whether that’s taking Waterberg’s striking landscapes from the comfort of the camp, having a drink at the bar or enjoying afternoon tea.
However, you choose to spend your afternoon, be sure to reconvene with your tour group this evening for an early dinner and stargazing experience under the unobstructed night sky. Joined by an experienced guide, enjoy a different side to your safari as you chart the constellations amidst the tranquil Waterberg night. Listen closely too and you may find the silence broken by the roar of distant big cats!
Day Seven – Included Morning Bushwalk And Afternoon Game Drive
Head out at sunrise for your next safari experience – this time, by foot. Enjoying the fresh air as you stretch your legs, giving you a different more intimate perspective of the reserve. Being closer to the ground also allows you to track the paths of animals including kudu, zebra and maybe even lions that have followed the same path just a few hours before you. Come closer than ever to the region’s most exotic sights from vibrant plant life, hidden away in the bush, to the smallest of South Africa’s creatures that you might have missed. Standing face-to-face with these exotic delights, a bushwalk offers a unique opportunity to take in the intricate details of Mabula’s captivating wildlife.
Having returned to camp this morning, enjoy a late breakfast and time at leisure ahead of your lunch. Afterwards, head back into the bush for an afternoon game drive in Mabula. As you set out today, you’ll have the chance to see some of South Africa’s most symbolic animals from the lively springbok, an emblem of South African sport, to the blue crane, which is the country’s national bird.
This evening, take dinner back at the lodge in the company of your fellow guests.
Day Eight – Included Morning Game Drive And Bush Lunch
Gaze out on a memorable sunrise over the Waterberg mountains before fuelling yourself for your final full day in the South African bush with breakfast with your fellow guests. This morning will see you set out on your last game drive so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for any of your wish-list sights as you journey through the Waterberg Biosphere.
After this morning’s excursion, you’ll stop at a scenic spot in the bush to enjoy a delicious traditional lunch – crowning your time on safari in unique and truly authentic style.
You’ll then return to your luxury camp this afternoon for the final dinner of your safari adventure.
Day Nine – Morning At Leisure And Travel To Johannesburg
Enjoy your breakfast at the camp and make the most of your final day in South Africa with a morning under your own steam. Packed and ready to go, now is the time to tick off any last experiences at the camp that you might have missed.
You’ll then depart back to Johannesburg for an overnight flight back to the UK.
Day Ten – Return Flight To The Uk
Land back in the UK today, relaxed and thoroughly pampered, after your unforgettable safari adventure with memories that are sure to last a lifetime.
Please note: The order of itinerary may change at the tour manager’s discretion.
What's Included
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Seven nights’ all-inclusive accommodation at the five-star Safari Plains, Limpopo
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Seven breakfasts, seven lunches, seven dinners and seven high teas
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Drinks served between 12:00 and 22:00 (not including premium beverages)
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An expert-led wildlife talk upon arrival
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Three morning game drives
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Three afternoon game drives
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A sundowner with a drink and snacks
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A stargazing experience under the South African night sky
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A morning escorted bush walk
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A traditional bush lunch
Check out our Q&As
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1983
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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.
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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.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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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.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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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. You can find the travel restrictions for different countries on www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.
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