Cape Town & Waterberg Discovery
Beyond Kruger
Off-the-beaten-track safaris amidst majestic scenery
Thrilling wildlife adventure abounds in the UNESCO Protected Waterberg Region. Vast, peaceful and startlingly beautiful, this is a unique, malaria-free, wilderness area yet to be fully discovered, so perfect for those keen to veer off the main tourist path. Its mountain gorges, clear streams and undulating bushveld hills are rich in indigenous flora and fauna. Head to the Welgevonden and Mabulu Reserves for fascinating sightings of the Big Five, cheetah, giraffe, hyena, jackals and more than 300 bird species. Picturesque Pilanesberg National Park, which is the fourth largest park in South Africa, is a vast area that promises thrilling game viewing, including the Big Five, all in a malaria-free environment. Set in the crater of a long extinct volcano, Pilanesberg was farmland until 1979, when thanks to Operation Genesis- the largest game translocation ever undertaken at the time- nearly 6,000 animals of 19 different species were introduced. Today, this dramatic landscape and its unique ecological richness is home to over 7,000 animals and 360 bird species. As well as boasting some of the park’ s most beautiful scenery, the Mankwe Dam region is a top place to spot wildlife, as a wide variety of animals stopover on the grassland bordering the dam. For bird lovers, there is a hide close to the water’ s edge where you can watch for fish eagles, kingfishers and cormorants amongst others. Still relatively unknown, despite being one of the largest game reserves in South Africa, Madikwe is an enthralling joint venture between the state, private sector and local community. Malaria-free, this gem is great for all ages hoping to see all the major species, including the Big Five. It’ s also known for its wild dogs, wildebeest, giraffes and spotted hyena while twitchers can look forward to seeking out more than 350 bird varieties. Many lodges have hides overlooking active waterholes and some offer guided bush walks.
BOTSWANA
SOUTH AFRICA
1 Elephants Crossing 2 Zebras Crossing 3 Safari Plains
• Waterberg Kruger NP •
1 • Welgevonden Game Reserve
3 2
6
• Madikwe Game Reserve 7
5
Pilanesberg NP • Mankwe Dam
4
• Johannesburg
Getting there: From Johannesburg, the Waterberg Region is around 2½ hours drive, Pilanesberg National Park is 2 hours drive and Madikwe National Park is a 4 hour drive.
Best time to go: For optimal wildlife viewing, visit May-September( and October for Madikwe), while for birds and scenery the best time is October-April.
Conservation / park fees: Applicable at selected game reserves and lodges and payable locally, details of which will be advised on quotations and at time of booking.
Pilanesberg National Park
4 Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge 5 Ivory Tree 6 Tau Game Lodge
7 Impodimo Game Lodge
South Africa- Beyond Kruger
9nt part-escorted tour from
£ 2349pp
Chapman’ s Peak Drive
Cape Town & Waterberg Discovery
9nt part-escorted tour
city stay with included tours • safaris seeking the Big Five • activities galore at Zebras Crossing
DAY 1 Cape Town On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
DAY 2 Cape Town
An included one day Hop-on-Hop-off bus pass allows you to see all the major city landmarks including Table Mountain, so hop on and off at sights that appeal to you!
DAY 3 Cape Town
See beyond the city with a half day Cape Point tour, taking in stunning Chapman’ s Peak Drive, the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Boulders Beach.
DAY 4 Cape Town
This morning, join a Walk to Freedom Tour, which includes a visit to the riveting District Six Museum, the Langa Township and a local market.
DAY 5 Cape Town / Elephants Crossing
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg and onward transfer by road to Elephants Crossing.
Welgevonden Private Game Reserve
DAYS 6-7 Elephants Crossing
Each day of your stay at this intimate lodge, which lies in Welgevonden Private Game Reserve, includes a morning and afternoon game drive. Expect to face an abundance of wildlife, as it’ s home to over 50 species of mammals, including the Big Five, and 300 bird species. Between game drives, relax in your own private plunge pool.
DAY 8 Elephants Crossing / Zebras Crossing
Transfer by road to the sister property, Zebras Crossing, where adventures await, albeit without predatory animals.
DAYS 9 Zebras Crossing
Along with an included game drive( with no Big Five), you can embark on a bush walk, explore by mountain bike and unwind with a rock pool swim. In addition, experience ultimate serenity at the spa, as we’ ve included a voucher for one treatment!
DAY 10 Zebras Crossing Transfer to Johannesburg airport for your onward journey.
What you need to know:
Daily departures *
4H Garden Court Victoria Junction, Cape Town; 4H Elephants Crossing, Waterberg;
4H Zebras Crossing, Waterberg.
Breakfast in Cape Town. Full board plus afternoon tea, house wine, local beers and soft drinks at both Elephants Crossing and Zebras Crossing.
The price shown includes return airport transfers in Cape Town, domestic flight, road transfers in the Waterberg, sightseeing as outlined, game drives as outlined, activities as outlined, spa voucher to the value of R750 and accommodation. International flights not included.
Note: * District Six Museum closed Sundays & Public Hols.
visit your local travel agent or call 08444 937 444 • www. premierholidays. co. uk South Africa 43