THE IVORY TRAIL SAFARI

This is the ultimate Safari incorporating 4 game reserves, an international peace park, an ancient Kingdom and the legendary Baobab tree.

Day 01:  You arrive at Johannesburg international airport where you are welcomed by your highly qualified naturalist guide, who will accompany you throughout your safari. Set out for the Pilansberg National park, a 50,000 ha wildlife sanctuary about 200km North West of Johannesburg, housing Africa's big five.Check into Bakubung lodge before departing on a game drive.
 Dinner and overnight

Day 02:  An early morning game drive is followed by a hearty breakfast and then time to relax at the pool or head for Sun-City, South Africa's answer to Las Vegas. Return for an afternoon driveDinner and overnight at Bakubung .

Day 03:  After breakfast we set off travelling north to the proposed peace park where South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe meet at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers.You cross the Shashe into Botswana, to an area referred to as land of the giants, because of the large baobab trees that dot the landscape and the largest single population of elephant on privately owned land in Africa. After settling into your luxury en-suite safari tent at Mashatu game lodge, we depart on our first adventure safari in a open 4 x 4 vehicle. Dinner and overnight .

Day 04:  A full day to enjoy and explore the area, go on a walking, horseback or cycling safari accompanied by an armed ranger. Spend some time at the lodge's museum or just enjoy drives with your ranger. Overnight .

Day 05:  You depart early this morning with a packed breakfast for South Africa's newest national park - Mapungubwe . This reserve was opened on what is reputed to be South Africa's first kingdom, which existed in the 13th century from about 1220 to 1290 ad. On top of Mapungubwe hill (place of jackal's) is where gold artefacts, including the golden rhino and other treasures have been discovered.The day is spent observing the flora and fauna and African iron age archaeological sites before we settle into Mopane Bush Lodge for dinner and overnight .

 Day 06:  Today you spend time with the wild dog researchers at the Venetia Nature Reserve, where you radio track the Venetia wild dogs as they go about their daily routine return to Mopane for overnight .

Day 07:  After an early breakfast we drive parallel to the Limpopo. Past baobab trees, to the Kruger National Park entering at the far north at Pafuri gate. This area of the park is seldom visited by tourists, but is steeped in legend. And home to some of Kruger's big tuskers. During our two days we will visit "crooks corner", where South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe meet, made famous by T.V. Bulpin in his book the ivory trail.Overnight at Punda Maria rest camp.

Day 08:  A full day to explore its region including Thulamela archaeological site.Overnight Punda Maria .

Day 09:  You head south in the park, observing wildlife en-route to Letaba where we visit the elephant museum and exit the park at Kruger gate. Overnight at Chestnut Country House in the Kiepersol area

Day 10:  A full day to explore the fascinating Blyde River Canyon area, including God's Window, the Three Rondawels, Bourke's luck potholes, numerous waterfalls and pilgrim's rest. A 19th century gold mining town.
Overnight   chestnut lodge

Day 11:  This morning you spend time in a Shangaan village, observing the villagers as they go about their day. You speak to the chief and the witch doctor (traditional healer), before heading back to Johannesburg where your tour ends.

INCLUDES:

 ALL ACCOMMODATION, WITH MEALS AS INDICATED

ALL ENTRANCE AND PARK FEES

ALL TOURS AND TRANSFERS

BOTTLED WATER IN OUR VEHICLE

SERVICES OF A NATURALIST TOUR GUIDE

TRANSPORT IN AIR CONDITIONED SAFARI VEHICLE