South Africa Off-the-Beaten-Track Safari - 14 Days

Highlights

• Explore Soweto Township and marvel at street art in Johannesburg
• Embark on game drives in South Africa's hidden-gem nature reserves
• Stay in the lap of luxury in 4 and 5-star safari lodges and bush resorts
• Meet artists, artisans, and musicians from ethnic tribes and communities

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Johannesburg, Soweto Bicycle Tour

Welcome to South Africa! It's hard to find a greater melting pot of cultures on the African continent than this scenic nation. Eleven official languages represent a diverse population, including Indigenous tribespeople and descendants of Afrikaners—Dutch settlers who arrived in the 17th century. That's to say nothing of South Africa's scenic beauty. Natural highlights include the awe-inspiring plateau of Table Mountain, the coastal Garden Route, and dozens of national parks and reserves home to the famous Big Five safari animals (lions, elephants, black rhinos, leopards, and buffalo).

You'll arrive in Johannesburg. South Africa's largest city, known as "Jo'burg" or "Jozi," may not be filled with exotic wildlife, but it does have history and culture to spare. The city was deeply affected by the country's apartheid system and was the site of many key events in that struggle, such as the uprising in the Soweto Township. You'll visit Soweto shortly, but first, a private driver will take you from the airport to the tranquil Peech Boutique Hotel for check-in. Then, take some time to explore on your own. To learn more about South Africa's complicated history, visit the fine Apartheid Museum.

Later, you'll travel to Soweto. This township (district) in the city's southwest end has quite a history. It was founded in the 1930s by the white government of South Africa as a segregated residence for the Black population of Johannesburg. You'll learn about Soweto's contentious history and experience its rich culture on a guided 2.5-hour cycling tour. During the ride, you'll stop at some of its most interesting historical sites, including a workers' hostel, Nelson Mandela's former home, and a local shebeen (pub), where you can mingle with locals over a beer.

Day 2: Drive to Magoebaskloof

Let the road trip adventure begin! Pick up your rental car in the morning and leave Jo'burg on a scenic four-hour drive north to the famous Drakensberg Mountains. This majestic range stretches 621 miles (1,000 km) across the eastern part of the country and is known for its high plateaus and jagged peaks. It's also the site of today's destination: Magoebaskloof, a mountainous region in Limpopo province. 

Known as "The Land of the Silver Mist," this region is right out of a fairy tale, featuring lush valleys, native forests, and mist-shrouded mountains. Once here, you'll check into Graceland Eco-Retreat, a comfy family-run lodge in the forest. This will be your base for the next couple of adventures, including nature hikes, birding, and even zipline tours over the forest canopy. There's no need to wait, either. After dropping off your bags, you can venture out for one of the aforementioned activities. Or opt for another fun adventure, like horseback riding, mountain biking, or a waterfall picnic.

Day 3: Magoebaskloof Canopy Tour

Get ready to enjoy one of the most thrilling activities in Magoebaskloof. It begins with a morning hike up through native forests to ancient mountain cliffs. Eventually, you'll arrive at a viewpoint overlooking the spectacular Groot Letaba River gorge, a narrow canyon with waterfalls and lagoons. It's an ideal spot for a zipline ride, which is what's in store next.

At a platform rising over three 65-foot (20 m) waterfalls, you'll strap into a harness and begin a series of thrilling rides over the river and falls. As a bonus, your expert guides will also point out the exotic flora and fauna in the area, which include orchids and kingfishers, who regularly swoop down into the river below. At the end of the tour, you'll return to the eco-retreat and will have the rest of the day to enjoy more outdoor activities.

Day 4: Drive to Soutpansberg Conservancy, Village Tour

Bid farewell to Magoebaskloof this morning as you get back behind the wheel for a 2.5-hour drive north to the Soutpansberg Conservancy. This unspoiled wilderness area lies at the foot of the densely forested Soutpansberg Mountains near the border with Botswana. Translating to "Salt Pan Mountain," Soutpansberg is the country's northernmost range, encapsulating 80 miles (130 km) of pristine forests, rugged peaks, agricultural fields, and baobab-dotted plains.

You'll arrive in the small town of Makhado. Located in Soutpansberg's Vhembe region, it's the ancestral home of the Venda people. This Bantu-speaking ethnic group has a rich cultural and historical legacy in the area, which you'll discover quickly. Upon arrival, check into Leshiba Wilderness, a luxury mountaintop lodge where you'll spend the next few nights amid a private game reserve. Then, meet a local guide for a tour of a nearby Venda village. Not only can you meet local artisans and browse their work, but you'll also visit sites featuring ancient rock art.

Day 5: Soutpansberg Conservancy Activities

The day is yours to embark on excursions arranged by the lodge. The options for activities in and around Makhado are many and include hiking the many trails in the Soutpansberg range (the Hangklip and Wyllie's Poort trails are popular options). You can also visit the Ndzalama Nature Reserve for more nature hikes as well as birding. There are around 300 avian species here, including raptors and other birds of prey. For more Indigenous culture, visit a local Makonde craft market. The Makonde people are another ethnic group in the area, and are renowned for their captivating art and intricate crafts.

Day 6: Travel the Ribola Art Route

You've seen the natural wonders of the Soutpansberg area—now it's time to hit the culture trail. Immerse yourself in the region's heritage of diverse Indigenous cultures as you follow the Ribola Art Route (named after the area's Ribola Mountain). The excursion will take you between regional towns like Mbokota and Elim to see arts and crafts produced by various cultures, including Tsonga, Venda, and Shangaan.

Know that these cultural expressions go beyond the tactile—Ribola also celebrates the culture through music and the age-old African storytelling tradition. Speaking of which, part of the day will be spent in various workshops. These immersive experiences include making traditional clay pots, creating batik garments, and jamming with local musicians. At the end of the day, you'll return to the lodge in Makhado.

Day 7: Drive to Mapungubwe National Park

Continue north after breakfast on a drive up to the borders of Botswana and Zimbabwe and Mapungubwe National Park. Located in Limpopo province, this compact national park spans just 108 square miles (280 sq km), yet it's remarkably diverse. Ecosystems here range from woodlands and riverine forests to vast savannas. These are habitats for various wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and different bird species.

Your accommodation for the next couple of nights will be at Mopane Bush Lodge, set amid a private game reserve with lodging ranging from simple safari tents to a 4-star luxury lodge. After checking in, you can opt for any activities showcasing Mapungubwe's highlights. Undoubtedly, one of the park's biggest draws is Mapungubwe Hill. This UNESCO World Heritage Site contains the remains of a city dating to the 11th century CE that was the center of a powerful kingdom. On a site tour, you can see remnants of stone walls, artifacts, and evidence of early trade networks.

Day 8: Mapungubwe National Park Activities

After an early breakfast, venture into Mapungubwe for a full day of park activities arranged by the lodge. Game drives are a popular option, and as you cruise the plains, you can spot elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, and (if you're lucky) the famous white rhino. Or hit the trail on foot for a morning walk with a local guide who will point out exotic wildlife and reveal fascinating info about the history and culture of the Mapungubwe people.

Whatever you decide, clear your schedule in the late afternoon and ride out to a prime spot near a river. There, your guides will make a fire, and you'll finish the day enjoying a delicious bush braai (barbecue) as the sun sets over the savanna.

Day 9: Drive to Groblersdal

Drive a short way south along Botswana's border this morning until you reach Groblersdal, where you'll find the Palala Boutique Game Lodge & Spa. Enjoy first-class treatment at this 5-star bush resort, which offers the perfect mix of exciting outdoor activities and luxurious amenities. When you arrive, you'll check into your lavish suite; then, you can spend the rest of the day recharging your batteries.

The best place for it is the hotel spa, where you can choose premium treatments like a Himalayan salt massage, a relaxing hammam session, and a Cleopatra milk and honey bath for two. Then perhaps spend a good chunk of the afternoon relaxing on a sunbed by the infinity pool, cocktail in hand. Dinner will be a white tablecloth affair in a private dining area. Here, with native bush trees looming overhead, you'll enjoy a gourmet feast prepared by award-winning chefs featuring locally sourced ingredients. Fine wines and cigars will also be available.

Day 10: Groblersdal Game Lodge Activities

You've spent a day relaxing amid the natural splendor of the African bush—now it's time to venture back out into the wild. Palala can arrange various activities, including morning, afternoon, or nighttime game drives. For these trips, you'll meet up with a local ranger, board your safari vehicle, and set off in search of the Big Five game animals.

Another popular option is a cruise on the nearby Limpopo River. During this two-hour excursion, you'll snack on canapés on the deck while watching for river-dwelling animals like hippos and crocodiles. You can complement the experience with a picnic lunch and/or embark on a guided walk (or bicycle safari) around the 34,594 acres (14,000 ha) of bushveld landscapes surrounding the resort. 

Day 11: Drive to Welgevonden Game Reserve

Say goodbye to Palala this morning as you drive south to another marvel of Limpopo province: Welgevonden Game Reserve. This private conservation area covers 138 square miles (360 sq km) of diverse terrain, including rolling hills, grassy savannas, and wooded valleys. Besides the Big Five animals, plenty of other wildlife call this area home, including zebras, hippos, cheetahs, and antelope. It's also a birder's paradise, as there are around 300 avian species here, ranging from raptors to waterbirds, and more. 

Not incidentally, this private reserve is also known for its many 4/5-star accommodations, including swank wilderness lodges and luxury bush camps. You'll be staying at one such option: Mhondoro, a 5-star private safari lodge and villa. It fuses African chic with opulent European influences to offer the utmost in comfort and amenities while surrounded by the beauty of the African wilderness.

You'll have a few days to enjoy more outdoor adventures—for now, perhaps spend the rest of the afternoon in your villa, complete with a private plunge pool. Or, if you can't wait to explore, set off on an afternoon game drive through the park. Return to the lodge for dinner and a relaxing nightcap around the outdoor fire.

Days 12-13: Welgevonden Game Reserve Activities

The next two days are packed with bush activities in and around Welgevonden. Each day, you can embark on a total of two game drives (morning and afternoon) to spot the more than 50 mammals, hundreds of bird species, and thousands of types of plants in the reserve. Also included in the itinerary are bush walks led by park rangers who will point out the reserve's exotic flora and fauna as you go.

Optional activities include a dedicated excursion in search of the rare white rhino and a trip to view ancient rock art. Cap each day with dinner back at the lodge, followed by fireside chats and maybe even a little stargazing. This remote and vast region is free of light pollution, meaning you'll be treated to dazzling views of the vivid constellations above.

Day 14: Drive to Johannesburg, Soweto Tour, Depart

Though it's your last day in South Africa, the fun isn't over yet. Depart early for the four-hour drive south back to Johannesburg. There, you'll return to Soweto Township and continue exploring on a tuk-tuk (auto rickshaw) tour. This is a full-day excursion during which you'll travel around the township, meeting residents and sampling more local cuisine (try the bunny chow). Part of the tour even includes stops to marvel at colorful street art. Afterward, you'll continue to the international airport in time to catch your flight home. Safe travels!

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