Day 1 - Arrive Johannesburg to Timbavati Private Game Reserve

Upon arrival at OR Tambo International Airport off your International Flight, you will be met plane side and assisted clearing customs and immigration and collection of your luggage. Proceed to the Arrivals Hall where you are met by our representative who will hand over your final documentation and transfer you to the Federal Air Lounge. The transfer time is approximately 15 minutes.

Depart Johannesburg by Federal Air shared light aircraft flight to the Timabvati Private Game Reserve. The flying time is approximately one hour and 30 minutes.
Kindly note that all inter-camp flights are subject to multiple pick-ups and drop-offs en route to your destination, which could affect the flying time.

Timbavati shares a common unfenced border with the Kruger National Park, allowing animals and its Big Five to roam freely between the two areas. The area offers a pristine setting for tailor-made safaris and game viewing.

Overlooking the seasonal Timbavati River, Ngala Tented Camp, the romance of canvas, with big night sounds and flickering lanterns lighting the camp grounds, flawlessly combine simple elegance with sophistication. The overall essence is African, with warm, earthy tones used throughout. Built on platforms, each tented suite is cleverly designed to blend into the riverside trees. Mature indigenous shade trees form a luxuriantly cool canopy overhead and elegant guest areas overlook the seasonal Timbavati River. The camp’s lap pool, which follows the contours of the riverbank, is perfect for idle afternoon game viewing, while a massage sala adds a touch of pure indulgence. 

The remainder of your day is at leisure to enjoy a game viewing activity.

Overnight: Ngala Tented Camp

Meal Plan: L,D

Day 2 - Timbavati Private Game Reserve

Enjoy early morning and late afternoon game drives that continue after nightfall. Ngala Private Game Reserve is home to all of the Big Five, but is particularly well known for its large prides of lion and occasional sightings of wild dog, as well as large herds of elephant and buffalo. Venture out in search of leopard or lion sleeping off the exertion of the hunt from the night before.

An exciting evening awaits you!

Experience the romance of Africa under a blanket of stars in the luxurious Ngala Treehouse, a remote, yet safe retreat in the middle of the reserve, far from Wi-Fi and artificial light. Cocooned in natural bush surrounds, this four-level treehouse features two sleep areas: level three is covered and weatherproof, with a king-size bed, and level four, a sleep-out platform under a retractable awning. Toast the sunset and enjoy a starlit picnic dinner. You’re assured of an intimate wilderness experience, completely off the grid, themed in luxury and exclusivity. 

Overnight: Ngala Treehouse

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 3 - Timbavati Private Game Reserve

Wrap up your Timbavati safari with a Healing Earth Wellness Treatment, a truly authentic African spa experience for the mind, body and soul. Therapeutic in its approach, Healing Earth only uses all-natural ingredients and essential oils. The luxuriant spa products & soothing treatments are inspired by the wisdom of Africa’s traditional healers & celebrate our continent’s vibrant heritage, communities and plant life. (Available at an extra cost).

Overnight: Ngala Tented Camp

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 4 - Timbavati to Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Depart Timbavati by a private CessZani Aviation light aircraft flight to Skukuza Airport. The flying time is approximately 25 minutes. Please note that flying times are estimates and may vary on the day due to routings and the weather.

Upon arrival at Skukuza Airport, you will be met and assisted onto your safari vehicle transfer to Lion Sands Ivory Lodge. The transfer time approximately 25 minutes.

Sabi Sand Game Reserve shares its unfenced 50 kilometer eastern border with its world-renowned neighbour, Kruger National Park. Home to the Big Five, and particularly famous for regular sightings of the elusive leopard, Sabi Sand Reserve is one of the most game-rich parks in southern Africa. Named for the two rivers that run through it, Sabie River and Sand River, the reserve is home to great numbers of diverse game and more than 300 bird species.

Built on the banks of the Sabi River, Lion Sands Ivory Lodge is an ultra-luxurious, yet simple and uncluttered lodge which combines exclusivity with complete privacy. Each of the fully air-conditioned suites are operated as a private villa and feature a private lounge, patio, deck and pool. Gaze out from your wooden viewing deck at the magnificent landscape as you watch the passing wildlife, while a dedicated team of staff are around to take care of every whim and fancy. The wilderness spa allows you to slip away for a while and re-emerge centred and rejuvenated. Here, hospitality is designed entirely around you, from customised spa therapies and private dining, to safaris with surprise refreshment stops.

The remainder of your day is at leisure to enjoy a game viewing activity.

Game drives, in open safari vehicles, head out at sunrise and again in the late afternoon. The reserve’s natural animal populations include all of the Big Five, and it is renowned for the quality of its leopard sightings – the most elusive of predators. With no more than 16 vehicles allowed on the reserve at any one time, Lions Sands assures you a truly personal safari, and the field guides are able to take you within close range of Africa’s most impressive species. Photo opportunities are spectacular! Also included is a hot beverage/sundowner stop to purely appreciate being in the bush and in the moment.

Overnight: Lion Sands Ivory Lodge

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 5 - Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Lion Sands is a place that enriches one’s soul and promises life-changing moments and opportunities that will leave you with memories of unforgettable experiences.

For those who wish to experience the bush, not just observe it, there is no better guided excursion than a walking safari. Feel the scrub crunch beneath your feet, touch a velvety acacia seed pod, hear the crack of a branch indicating you are not alone, and spot the game appear just metres off – exhilarating! This is also a wonderful opportunity to encounter the smaller creatures, often missed on safari vehicles, and to discover more about the reserve’s plants – many with fascinating medicinal properties and traditional uses.

From boma feasts to safari refreshment stops, dining promises to be a highlight for guests with any dietary requirements. Chefs transform local recipes into contemporary dishes, giving you a taste of Southern Africa. Paired with premium Cape wines, dining becomes an experience. 

Another night under the African stars!

The Lion Sands Treehouses set you in the middle of big landscapes, globed by even bigger skies, their lights twinkling down to the horizon. Below, the stillness is punctuated by animals’ whistles, huffs, and growls… carried on the wind. This is heaven for the hopeless romantic, and there are few such experiences left on earth that capture the romance of the untamed and untainted.

Overnight: Lion Sands Ivory Lodge Treehouse

Meal Plan: B,LD

Day 6 - Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Between safaris you will have the luxury of free time and how better to indulge than in the spa? Lion Sands favour Africology products, instilled with the belief that self-care brings balance. So with a range of therapies, on offer is a wellness experience to rejuvenate your body, quiet your mind, and revitalise your spirit. If you must gym, there’s a fully kitted out facility with a view of the bush to take your mind off the burn.

Overnight: Lion Sands Ivory Lodge

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 7 - Sabi Sand Game Reserve to Johannesburg

Meet your guide in the reception area of the lodge for your shared road transfer to Skukuza Airport in time for your commercial flight to O.R. Tambo International Airport.

On arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport, a Menzies representative will meet you planeside and assist you through to the Arrivals Hall where you are met by our representative who will transfer you to your hotel. The transfer time is approximately 45 minutes.

The Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa is perfectly situated to explore the many gems of Africa’s financial capital, Johannesburg – a vibrant world-class city with a fascinating mix of expressive art, eclectic culture, awe-inspiring landscapes and intriguing history. Set within a magnificent 10 acres of land, surrounded by lush gardens, this luxury hotel offers an exclusive escape where each and every detail has been considered to guarantee your absolute comfort.

The remainder of your day is at leisure.

Overnight: Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa

Meal Plan: B

Day 8 - Johannesburg to Okavango Delta

Meet your guide in the reception area of the hotel for your private road transfer to O.R. Tambo International Airport.

Upon arrival at Maun Airport, clear customs and immigrations and make your way to the Arrivals Hall where you will be met and assisted onto your shared light aircraft flight to Xigera Safari Lodge. The flying time is approximately 10 minutes. Kindly note however, that all inter-camp flights are subject to multiple pick-ups and drop-offs en route to your destination, which could affect the flying time.

Xigera Safari Lodge is located in the Moremi Game Reserve with private access to a 6 000-hectare (15 000-acre) wetland paradise in the heart of the Delta. Situated on one of the Okavango´s key waterways, Xigera Safari Lodge is surrounded by picturesque papyrus swamps and wooded islands and is renowned for its very high density of sitatunga antelope. Each fully air-conditioned suite is an exquisite reimagining of the safari experience, showcasing the finest Southern African artisans and creating a design that is utterly in tune with its surroundings. Quietly surprising touches are everywhere, from the lily-inspired spa to the chance of a life-changing sleep-out beneath the velvet night sky.

The remainder of your day is at leisure to enjoy the camp activities on offer.

Overnight: Xigera Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 9 - Okavango Delta

Xigera Safari Lodge has reimagined the magic of an African safari, and that innovation continues far beyond the lodge.

For a truly immersive discovery of the Okavango Delta, discover the remarkable Baobab Treehouse, situated one kilometre away from the lodge, with a guide stationed close by. Here, amid the seclusion of this sculptural tree house you will experience Africa at its most raw, and most remarkable.

The Baobab Treehouse Experience is tailor-made for each and every guest. Arrive after lunch for sundowners and a picnic-style dinner on the deck, or depart Xigera Safari Lodge after dinner for an unforgettable night’s sleep in the tree house of your dreams. 

Overnight: The Baobab Treehouse

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 10 - Okavango Delta

End your safari with a refreshing spa treatment.

The healing power of nature is ephemeral, yet undeniable. From the simple serenity of escaping into this untamed wilderness, to the deeply humbling nature of immersing yourself in a vast and ancient landscape, your hours at Xigera will leave you feeling revived, refreshed and rejuvenated.

Hand-in-hand with the simple restorative powers of being at one with the natural world, the spectacular spa provides a tranquil haven for travellers. Meticulously designed to frame breathtaking views of the seasonal flood plains and lush riverine forests, in its soothing colour palette and organic textures, the spa exists in perfect harmony with the surrounding landscape. (Available at an additional cost).

Later in the evening, a bush dining experience awaits you. 

As with so much of Xigera, you create and curate your own dining experience. The talented chefs have an ‘anything, any time’ approach, allowing you to choose what you would like to eat, when you would like to enjoy it, and where you would prefer to dine. 

Overnight: Xigera Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 11 - Depart

Depart Xigera by Mack Air shared light aircraft flight to Maun. The flying time is approximately 25 minutes.

Kindly note however, that all inter-camp flights are subject to multiple pick-ups and drop-offs en route to your destination, which could affect the flying time.

Depart Maun to Johannesburg.

On arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport, a Menzies representative will meet you planeside and assist you to your onward flight.

Overnight:

Meal Plan: B