New Adventures

Wildlife and City Life in South Africa - 8 days

The Grand South Africa Safari offers a truly diverse experience—from the hustle and bustle of the city streets of Sandton to the pristine wilderness of the African bush. Discover first-class restaurants and boutiques on the city streets of Sandton followed by incredible wildlife encounters on the private game reserves of Ngala and Phinda. Called the 'Seven Worlds of Wonder' because of its seven distinct ecosystems, Phinda shelters an abundance of diverse wildlife.

Day 1: Sandton

This safari begins at OR Tambo International Airport and ends at Cape Town International Airport.

On arrival at OR Tambo International Airport you will be warmly welcomed by a member of our team, who will assist you through passport control and baggage claim, and will drive you to the Saxon Hotel.

Renowned as Africa’s richest square mile, the suburbs of Sandton offer visitors the opportunity to step into the world of upmarket shopping outlets, exclusive residential areas, boutique stores and first-class eateries. Home to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and top investment banks, Sandton has become South Africa’s bustling financial centre. Towering Manhattan-style skyscrapers dot this vibrant city, once a sleepy area that boasted smallholdings and sandy horse trails. Must-see attractions include Sandton City Shopping Centre, Nelson Mandela Square – home to the six metre bronze statue of the former president - the Montecasino complex, with its shops, restaurants, theatres and casinos, and the adjacent bird garden in the suburb of Fourways, as well as the South African National Museum of Military History. 

Spend one night at the Saxon Boutique Hotel & Spa in an Egoli Suite.
Explorer: Saxon Boutique Hotel & Spa (D, B)

Day 2 & 3: Ngala Private Game Reserve

Today you will be driven back to OR Tambo International Airport and helped onto a light aircraft flight to Ngala Private Game Reserve, set within the Timbavati.

Situated adjacent to the world-renowned Kruger National Park, the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve comprises 53,000 hectares of pristine wilderness that is home to a plethora of wildlife. This exceptional habitat boasts over 40 mammal species – including the Big Five — and 360 bird species. The Timbavati is also known as the birthplace of the mysterious white lion, which have since left the area but can still sometimes be seen in the Kruger National Park. A museum within the reserve offers insight into the history of the Timbavati as well as constantly updated displays.

Spend two nights at Ngala Safari Lodge.   

Adventures include twice-daily game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles and nature walks on the reserve. The excellent game viewing experience is complemented by other activities such as stargazing, bird watching, moonlit riverbed dinners and bush sundowners (weather permitting).  Specialist Safaris available at Ngala at an additional cost. 
Explorer: Ngala Safari Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 4 & 5: Phinda Game Reserve

Today another light aircraft flight will take you to Phinda Private Game Reserve.

Set within easy reach of the Indian Ocean coastline and the famous iSimangaliso / Greater St Lucia Wetland Park in northern KwaZulu-Natal, Phinda Private Game Reserve is known for its abundant wildlife, diversity of habitats and wide range of safari activities. Thanks to its coastal rainfall pattern, the Reserve enjoys a lush green environment that contains seven distinct ecosystems.  Phinda is often referred to as ‘Seven Worlds of Wonder.’ This fascinating variety of landscape and vegetation shelters an abundance of wildlife, including not only the Big Five but many rarer and less easily spotted species, such as the elusive cheetah or the scarce black rhino. With only a handful of lodges sharing an area of 23,000 hectares, and expert rangers and trackers in search of prime wildlife sightings, guests are assured an exclusive game viewing experience. Adding to Phinda’s wildlife charms, the marine diversity of nearby Sodwana Bay on the coast is easily accessible. Scuba diving, fishing and even turtle watching are some of the adventures available from Phinda. 

Spend two nights at Vlei Lodge. Accommodation is in a stilted glass and thatch suite in a rare sand forest.

Adventures include twice-daily game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles, nature walks, excellent bird watching, riverboat cruises and canoeing along the Mzinene River. Optional Phinda Adventuresare available at an additional cost.
Explorer: Vlei Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 6 & 7: Cape Town

After a delicious breakfast you will be flown by light aircraft to King Shaka International Airport.

On arrival at King Shaka International Airport, you will board a scheduled domestic flight to Cape Town (domestic flight not included in cost).

A member of our team will be waiting at Cape Town International Airport and will drive you to Ellerman House.

With Table Mountain – one of the most spiritual places on earth – at its heart and two oceans at its feet, the city of Cape Town, strategically situated at the south-western tip of Africa, has been famed for centuries as the Tavern of the Seas. Vibrant, cosmopolitan and an eclectic mix of old and new, this laid-back city is as much at home with its 17th century castle – whose cannons have never been fired in anger – as it is with its sleek skyscrapers and trendy malls. Home to South Africa’s first Mosque, oldest wine farm, a 350 year-old garden and timelessly beautiful beaches, it’s no surprise the legendary Flying Dutchman and his spectral ship have spent eternity sailing the city’s shores.

Spend two nights at Ellerman House in a sea view suite.
Explorer: Ellerman House (B, L, D)

Day 8: Departure

After a delicious breakfast you will be driven back to Cape Town International Airport, where your adventure with us will end.

Please contact us directly for current rates:  888-437-8456 or email us at travel@newadventures.com. 

What Is Included:

  • Twin / single accommodation
  • VIP welcome and assistance at OR Tambo International Airport
  • Personal Travel Journal
  • Meals
  • Drinks: soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, teas and coffees
  • Laundry
  • Daily lodge adventures.
  • Private return road transport (OR Tambo Intern'l Airport to the Saxon Hotel)
  • Scheduled one way charter flight (Johannesburg - Ngala Private Game Reserve)
  • Scheduled one way charter flight (Ngala - Phinda)
  • Scheduled one way charter flight (Phinda Private Game Reserve to Durban)
  • Private return road transfer (Cape Town International Airport to Ellerman House) 
  • VIP welcome and assistance at Cape Town International Airport
  • Emergency medical evacuation insurance

Tour Additions and Excursions:

  • Specialist Safaris at Ngala Private Game Reserve: (Birding, Photographic Safaris, Tracking, and Walking Adventures)
  • Specialist Safaris at Phinda Private Game Reserve:(Birding Safaris, Bush Skills Academy, Leopard Research, Rhino Capture and Research Seven Wonders in Seven Days)
  • Phinda Private Game Reserve: scenic coastal flights, beach excursions, snorkelling and scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, turtle viewing (season Nov/Dec/Jan) and cultural visits