South Africa Off-the-Beaten-Track Safari - 7 Days

Day 2: Drive to Palala Game Reserve

Rise and shine! This morning, you'll get behind the wheel of your rental car and hit the road for the three-hour drive northeast toward the Limpopo province and the South Africa/Botswana border near Groblersbrug. This agricultural area is peppered with private game reserves and lodges, including your destination: 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 3: Palala Activities: Game Drives & River Cruises

Hopefully you're well rested, because this morning, you leave at dawn for the safari adventure of a lifetime. Palala can arrange various activities according to your interests, 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 4: Drive to Welgevonden Reserve & Mhondoro Safari Lodge

Say goodbye to Palala as you drive three hours 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 5-6: Mhondoro Activities: Game Drives, Bush Walks & Stargazing

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 7: Drive to Johannesburg, Soweto Tour, Depart

Time to make the four-hour return drive to Johannesburg—though the fun is far from over. Upon arrival, you'll return to Soweto Township and continue exploring on a tuk-tuk (auto rickshaw) tour. On this full-day excursion, 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, drive to the international airport, drop off your rental car, and catch your flight home. Safe travels!

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to South Africa? Check out these other South Africa itineraries, explore more ways to spend a week in South Africa on safari, and learn about the best time to visit South Africa.