9 day semi-luxury Slow Safari South Africa
Dullstroom Birds of Prey and Rehabilitation Centre, Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, Kruger National Park game drives, Pinnacle Rock, God’s Window (Wonder View), Berlin Falls, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon, boat trip on the Blyde Dam, sunset game drives, early morning game drives, safari game walks, etc.
A slow safari is a travel trend in Africa that prioritizes deeper, more meaningful connections with nature and local cultures over the rapid, checklist-driven sightseeing of traditional tours. Instead of rushing between multiple camps, travelers stay for longer periods in a single location to observe wildlife behavior, engage in walking safaris, and participate in community exchanges. This approach emphasizes presence over pace, allowing guests to understand ecological dynamics and conservation efforts while experiencing a restorative, unhurried rhythm in the wild.
The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. This Safari is an excellent choice for people who want to enjoy spectacular scenery, combined with game drives to see the renowned big five (elephant, rhinoceros, lion, leopard and buffalo). Including the Panorama Route.
Day 1: We will begin the journey and drive through some of the most scenic areas of the Eastern part of South Africa. The tour already starts at the Highveld town of Dullstroom, a 3 - hour drive from Johannesburg. After browsing through the many arts and crafts shops located on the main street, we will visit the Dullstroom Birds of Prey and Rehabilitation Centre for a demonstration. We also visit a local brewery, Anvil Brewery, to savour the local beer and dishes such as smoked trout for lunch. (Own cost) From here we descend into the Lowveld en route to the historic town of Pilgrim’s Rest. The entire town of Pilgrim's Rest was declared a National Monument in 1986 as a living memory of the early gold rush days in South Africa during the late 1800s. We will spend the night at the Porcupine Ridge Guest House.
Day 2: After breakfast, drive to view Pinnacle Rock and then to experience the amazing view from God’s Window. We then visit the Berlin Falls, where numerous local arts and crafts are for sale. From here we visit Bourke’s Luck Potholes for lunch (own cost) and then head to the 3 rondavels viewpoint at the Blyde River Canyon. We then go to the Echo Caves for a tour in an underground wonderland, where we then overnight at the resort: Forever Swadini (or similar).
Day 3: We go to visit the famous Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre for a tour and lunch at the Curio Shop and Deli. (own cost) Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre follows for another wildlife tour, where we stay at the resort: Forever Swadini for the night (or similar).
Day 4: We leave after breakfast to take a boat trip on the Blyde Dam. An interpretation tour will take us to the Kadishi Tufa waterfall and the Three Rondawels. An abundance of wildlife will keep you distracted while learning more about the natural history of the Blyde Canyon. The waterfall’s formation strikingly resembles a face which is crying profusely, and is thus sometimes known as ‘the weeping face of nature’. Completing this we head to the Mopani Rest Camp via Phalaborwa gate at the Kruger Park for more game viewing. (Lunch en-route not included) After enjoying a game drive to a bush braai (bbq), (minimum 6 adults) we spend the night here (or similar).
Day 5: Start the day with either an early morning game drive, or a bush walk.
Take the rest of the day at leisure while sitting at the restaurant view area watching wild animals at the water hole.
This afternoon, you have the choice to do an optional activity like a sunset game drive, or a night game drive. Stay at Mopani Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park.
​Day 6: Starting the game drive in our own vehicle early after coffee, you explore every possible opportunity to view the spectacular wildlife scenery. We take the best scenic routes and drive to the south of Kruger Park to get more opportunities to see the Big 5. Chances are excellent to spot a variety of some of the animals: Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Wild dog, Spotted hyena, Elephant, Burchell's zebra, Hippopotamus, Warthog, Giraffe, Buffalo, Eland, Roan antelope, Sable antelope, Greater kudu, etc. You overnight at the Satara Rest camp (or similar, like Skukuza). You have the choice to do an optional activity like a sunset game drive, early morning game drive/walk or a night game drive.)
Day 7: After breakfast, we drive around the park, exploring every possible opportunity to view the spectacular wildlife scenery. (Lunch en-route not included) We then drive south to Mdluli Safari Lodge for a luxurious tented experience, located inside the south-western region of the Kruger National Park. We overnight at Mdluli Safari Lodge (or similar). Breakfast, lunch, dinner and 2 game drives per day included.
Day 8: Take it slow and relax for another day at Mdluli Safari Lodge where breakfast, lunch, dinner and 2 game drives per day with an immersive bush walk included. The luxury tents at Mdluli Safari Lodge is designed to perfectly blend in with nature, offering 70sqm of eco-conscious design and refined safari-style luxury.
Day 9: Check out on your time before we continue to Nelspruit (Mbombela) after breakfast to drop you at the airport or drive with us to drop you at the OR Tambo International airport in Johannesburg, or you join us for another Amatungulu Tour.
Clients should arrive the day before their tour starts, as the time to travel to where the sightings start are taking about 5 hours.
Pick ups and drop offs are at the airport or hotels close to the OR Tambo airport, within a radius of 3 miles.
Clients flying out of OR TAMBO International on last day to please not book flights earlier than 20:00 pm for domestic flights and 21:00 pm for international flights as one cannot always guarantee on-time arrival at OR Tambo International airport.
-CAMERA
-HAT AND SUN PROTECTION LOTION
-MOSQUITO REPELLANT
-WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES AND BRING ALONG A JERSEY OR JACKET
Accommodation as per itinerary
Entrance fees
National Park fees
Breakfasts
Driver/guide
Professional guide at specialist venues
Excess luggage charges (where applicable)
Lunch, dinners at some days
Alcoholic drinks
Activities indicated as optional
Food and drinks, unless specified
Gratuities (recommended)
Travel insurance; Flights; Airport transfers; Porterage; Visa fees
A BOOKING REQUIRES A DEPOSIT OF 50% OF THE TOTAL PRICE.
THE REST OF THE PAYMENT HAS TO BE PAID 31 DAYS BEFORE THE TOUR START.
CANCELLATION 60 DAYS OR MORE BEFORE DEPARTURE: AMOUNT PAID LESS UPFRONT COSTS. THESE UPFRONT COSTS ARE DISCLOSED TO YOU WHEN YOU USE THE SITE TO COMPLETE THE TRANSACTION AND MAY REPRESENT OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES OF AMATUNGULU TOURS FOR TICKETS, TRANSPORTATION DEPOSITS AND OTHER ADDITIONAL EXPENSES.