Escape into the wild heart of Mpumalanga on this unforgettable five-day journey, combining breathtaking scenery, dramatic landscapes and world-class Big Five safari.
Begin in Hazyview, a charming subtropical town set on the doorstep of the legendary Kruger National Park. Surrounded by lush forests, fruit orchards and rolling hills, it's the perfect base from which to explore one of South Africa's most spectacular regions.
Set out along the celebrated Panorama Route, a feast of natural wonders taking in the majestic Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest green canyons on earth. Marvel at the iconic Three Rondavels, the sculpted rock formations of Bourke's Luck Potholes, and the sweeping, endless vistas from the aptly named God's Window, where forests, waterfalls and lowveld stretch to the horizon.
Journey next into the Kruger National Park itself, home to an extraordinary abundance of wildlife. Venture into the bush on expertly guided game drives, from golden sundowner outings to full days tracking the Big Five across rivers, waterholes and open plains. Rise before dawn in "the place of the rising sun" to witness the bush awaken, savour coffee stops in the wilderness, and end each day beneath a canopy of African stars.
From the dramatic heights of the Panorama Route to unforgettable encounters in the Kruger, this remarkable safari captures the raw beauty and untamed spirit of South Africa, leaving you with memories to treasure forever.
Transfer to the hotel and time to relax after long journey.
Hazyview is a charming subtropical town nestled on the doorstep of the world-renowned Kruger National Park. Surrounded by lush forests, fruit orchards and rolling hills, it serves as the perfect base for safari adventures and exploring the scenic highlights of Mpumalanga, including the Panorama Route, Blyde River Canyon and God’s Window. With its warm climate and relaxed atmosphere, Hazyview offers an ideal blend of nature, wildlife and local culture.
The Panorama Route includes a variety of scenery such as spectacular canyons, rugged mountains, misty waterfalls and tranquil lakes.
The route passes Ohrigstad and leads into the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve and Blyde River Canyon. The 26 kilometre long valley is one of the most important natural wonders of South Africa. Viewpoints, spanning several hundred meters down into the Canyon, are situated all along the Panoramic Route.
North of the route lies the Three Rondavels, the Blyde River Canyon’s most striking feature. Huge rocks resemble mushrooms growing out of the mountain and are similar in appearance to traditional African round huts, namely Rondavels.
Bourke’s Luck Potholes are a complex of smooth, cylindrical potholes and natural rock sculptures that have been hollowed out by water erosion through the Blyde River over millions of years.
South of the route another spectacular viewpoint is named God’s Window. The seemingly endless views over dense forests, the lush and fertile lowveld and the Blyde River Canyon are magnificent.
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to lodge in Kruger Park. Following your arrival and check-in, enjoy time to unwind before venturing into the bush on your first afternoon game drive, where you may encounter elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo, and a wealth of other remarkable wildlife.
Your safari adventure begins before sunrise, the most rewarding time of day for wildlife viewing. Mpumalanga, meaning “the place of the rising sun”, is the first province in South Africa to welcome the dawn. As the bush awakens, you have the best opportunity to spot the Big Five, a variety of plains game, and predators returning from their nightly hunts.
The lodge will prepare breakfast packs for you to enjoy during your drive. Along the way, your guide will stop for a comfort break and the chance to enjoy a coffee while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
Your safari continues through the diverse ecosystems of the Kruger National Park. From rivers and waterholes to open plains and dense bushveld, each habitat supports a unique variety of wildlife, offering new sightings throughout the day.
You will return to the lodge for lunch and some time to relax before setting out again at approximately 14:00 for an afternoon game drive.
After another exciting four-hour safari, you will return to the lodge around 18:00. The remainder of the evening is yours to unwind, enjoy a refreshing swim, and savour a delicious dinner under the African sky.
Following an early morning game drive and breakfast, bid farewell to South African bush and transfer to Nelspruit Airport for your onward flight.
No Fixed Departure Dates!
The best airline for flights to Africa depends on your origin and destination. From the UK and Europe, KLM, British Airways, Lufthansa, and Air France operate strong direct services to major African gateways. From North America, Ethiopian Airlines and the Gulf carriers (Emirates, Qatar, Etihad) cover the widest range of destinations. For intra-African travel, Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways are the most comprehensive options for flights to Africa.
No. The Gulf carriers are excellent but are not the only routing available. Travellers from the UK and Europe have direct or one-stop options via Amsterdam, London, Frankfurt, and Paris that are often faster and more convenient. From the US, Ethiopian Airlines operates non-stop flights to Africa to Addis Ababa with strong onward connections across the continent.
Ethiopian Airlines currently operates the most extensive network of any African carrier, connecting over 60 destinations within Africa and maintaining long-haul routes to Europe, North America, and Asia. It is the most useful airline for multi-country African itineraries and for travellers wanting their flights to Africa on an African-owned carrier throughout their journey.
O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg (JNB) is the primary hub for flights to Africa, particularly southern Africa, and the most practical entry point for itineraries covering South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique. Cape Town International (CPT) is a direct entry point for Western Cape itineraries, and Windhoek is the best gateway for Namibia-focused travel.
For travel during peak safari season (June to September) and major holiday periods, booking six to nine months in advance is advisable, particularly for business or premium cabin seats on popular routes such as London to Johannesburg or Amsterdam to Nairobi. Shoulder season travel allows more flexibility, but lodge availability often drives the booking timeline as much as flight availability does.
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