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Exclusive Encounters Southbound - Detailed Information

DAY 1

Depart Johannesburg and travel to Mpumalanga, 'Place Where The Sun Rises'. Today's route takes us via historic towns of Witbank, Dullstroom and Lydenburg. Continue along the Long Tom Pass to the quaint town of Sabie. After a visit to the Lone Creek Waterfalls continue toward White River before arriving at your overnight destination set in a forested region. Cybele Forest Lodge & Health Spa or similar - dinner, bed and breakfast basis

DAY 2

After breakfast, travel via the picturesque mining town of Pilgrim's Rest and head for the breathtaking Panorama Route featuring the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes, God's Window and Lisbon Waterfalls. Proceed to an exclusive private game lodge situated in the Sabi Sand Reserve. Late afternoon game drive in an open vehicle with an experienced ranger and tracker seeking the Big 5. Safari style bush dinner under the stars (weather permitting). Singita Private Game Reserve or similar - dinner, bed and breakfast basis + 2 game viewing activities

DAY 3

Early morning bush walk or game drive. After breakfast, spend morning at leisure. Optional wellness treatments are available, ranging from conventional European massages to Ayurvedic treatments and acupuncture, reflexology and aromatherapy. Afternoon high tea and an evening game drive are complemented by sundowners, whilst admiring the African sunset. View nocturnal animals, upon returning to the lodge for dinner. Singita Private Game Reserve or similar - full board basis + 2 game viewing activities Recommended optional helicopter adventure An exhilarating helicopter trip - Cascades & Canyon Spectacular. Linger above roaring rivers and cascading waterfalls, allowing for magnificent photographic opportunities and awesome panoramic views of the bushveld below. Includes a picnic on top of the majestic Pinnacle.

DAY 4

Early morning bush walk or game drive. After brunch, we depart and explore the world famous Kruger National Park. Afternoon arrival at your safari hotel, bordering the Kruger National Park. Malelane Sun (Presidential Suites) or similar - dinner, bed and breakfast basis

DAY 5

After breakfast, journey via Nelspruit to the Kingdom of Swaziland. The scenic drive winds through the Lebombo Mountains, through north eastern Swaziland. Re-enter South Africa at Goelela Border Post and continue via the town of Hluhluwe to Phinda Private Game Reserve. Enjoy a leisurely safari on the Mzinene River (river conditions pending), including afternoon sundowners and snacks. Boma dinner included at the lodge (weather permitting). Phinda Private Game Reserve (Vlei or Rock Lodge) or similar - dinner, bed and breakfast basis + 2 game viewing activities

DAY 6

Early morning game drive in Big 5 country. Spend the heat of the day relaxing and enjoying the hospitality of this unique wilderness hideout. At sunset, depart on a safari where an entirely different world of nocturnal bird and animal species unfolds. Return to the lodge for dinner. Phinda Private Game Reserve (Vlei or Rock Lodge) or similar - full board basis + 2 game viewing activities Recommended optional coastal flight: This exceptional air safari is a unique and thrilling way to discover the extent of Maputaland's remarkable ecological diversity, from the freshwater lakes to the most densely forested coastal dunes in the world. The highlight of the flight is the ascent over these high dunes to the unspoilt coastline and clear blue Indian Ocean.

DAY 7

Leisurely breakfast river safari (subject to river conditions). Upon check-out, we travel south along Indian Ocean coastline, arriving in the bustling city of Durban during the late afternoon. Drop off at your hotel or Durban International Airport.