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| HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NORTH - 21 DAYS SELF DRIVE |
This self-drive combines the highlights of Limpopo, Mozambique and Mpumalanga. There is nothing quite like the African bush, and no better place in the world for big game. Besides its renowned national parks, South Africa boasts a range of private reserves, all offering excellent wildlife and bird watching.
For an absolutely typical game experience, you'll need to visit the lowveld of the Limpopo, Mpumalanga or KwaZulu-Natal provinces, where elephants lumber gracefully through the bush, and lions rest in the heat of the day after a long night's hunting.
Mozambique is blessed with a rugged coastline, north of Maputo are the famous beaches of Bilene and Xai-Xai. Zongoene Lodge offers you a choice of watersports, fishing, whale watching and relaxation in a luxurious setting.
In Mpumalanga the Drakensberg Escarpment tumbles down onto the lowveld plains. The impressive Blyde River Canyon offers scenic drives and vistas, excellent hiking, kloofing and rafting and historic towns. For the best view, don’t forget to look down on your flight to Phalaborwa! |

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Day 1 : Arrival at Johannesburg Airport,
transfer to your accommodation.
Day 2/3 : Johannesburg—Phalaborwa
After breakfast you are transferred to Oliver Tambo Airport for your flight to Phalaborwa. All major carrental companies have their office at the airport. On arrival ( 11.50h ) we will be there to meet you and escort you to 4-star La Lechere Guest House where we will hand you the information and maps.
You can spend the rest of the day relaxing at the pool, enjoy a boat safari on the Olifants River, visit the Amarula Lapa or golf in the wild at the famous Hans Merensky Golf Estate.
Kruger National Park is only 3km away, early in the morning the chance of spotting any of the BIG 5 is best. At the end of the afternoon, take your drinks with you and enjoy a sundowner at the Sable Dam birdhide or the Lookout point at the mines.
Accommodation at La Lechere is on B&B basis, but dinners are available on prior notice. |
Day 4/5 : Phalaborwa—Haenertsburg ( appr. 150 km. )
You leave the Mopani Bushveld and head to the subtropical Magoebaskloof. Haenertsburg lies in the northernmost section of the Drakensberg which also encorporates the Wolkberg massive and the Iron Crown Mountain that forms a spectacular backdrop for the village Ebenezer Dam.
The mountains of Haenertsburg, Magoebaskloof and Agatha are linked via the scenic George Valley’s Road, which comprises indigeneous forests, cascading waterfalls and placid lakes. Some of South Africa’s most beautiful forests and grasslands occur here, over 200 different orchids grow here and the birdlife is prolific.
The area offers excellent hiking and mountain bike trails and is well known for its cheese farms.
The Self Catering cottages are set in a lush garden on an organic avocado farm in the mountains.
Accommodation is on B&B basis, a health breakfast is included. |


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Day 6 : Haenertsburg—Letsilele ( appr. 125 km. )
The Hans Merensky Nature Reserve on the banks of the Great Letaba River hosts impala, kudu, wildebeest, the rare eland , sable and roan antilope and the more elusive leopard, hyena and jackal. The bird life is plentiful for the birding enthusiast.
The main attraction of this beautiful reserve is the fact that you can walk most of it. The scenic circular drive can be explored in your own car.
A particular attraction in the reserve is the Tsonga Kraal open-air museum, illustrating the way of life of the Tsonga tribe.
Tonight your accommodation is a thatch chalet with own patio in a lush garden. Each room has DSTV, air-conditioning and an en-suite bathroom. B& B basis.
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Day 7/8 : Eiland—Kruger NP - Punda Maria/ Shingwedzi Camp ( appr. 250 km )
On your way to Kruger National Park you will pass Giyani in the Venda region and enter the park at Punda Maria gate.
Shingwedzi lies in the northern part of the Kruger National Park in the heart of mopane country. A scenic game drive along the Shingwedzi River in a south-easterly direction towards the Kanniedood Dam is one of the most rewarding drives in the Park. Waterbuck, nyala, kudu and elephant are often seen here and the bird life is prolific.
Staying overnight at Shingwedzi is an experience that will last a lifetime. It is a rustic camp that still carries the essence of the bush and is untouched by modern technology. Experience magical evenings where the accommodation is arranged in two separate circles and the glow emanating from braai (barbecue) stands cast a tranquil spell.
All accommodation in the park is Self Catering, every chalet has a kitchen and braai but for those who do not want to cook, all major camps have restaurants. |

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Day 9/10 : Shingwedzi—Letaba ( appr. 110 km )
The idyllic Letaba Rest Camp is situated on a sweeping bend of the Letaba River, midway between the southern and northern boundaries of the Kruger National Park.
The name means “river of sand”, and the sandy riverbed is an excellent location for game viewing, particularly elephant, which thrive in the area. Letaba is a green oasis in the surrounding mopane veld, and remains a firm favourite with visitors. |
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Day 11/12/13/: Letaba Camp—Giriyondo—Mozambique ( appr. 550 km )
You depart for the Giriyondo Border Post, on the western boundery of the Kruger National Park. You head towards the impressive Massengir Dam, experiencing local culture in the many villages you drive past on the way. You have to keep going however, as the coastline of Mozambique awaits you!
The next three days you will spend at Zongoene Lodge near Xai Xai, situated at the Limpopo River mouth and overlooking pristine white beaches and the Indian Ocean. Welcome to paradise!
At Zongoene you can opt to enjoy a quad bike adventure, a whale tour, fish the tidal estuary, snorkel or dive, do some birding or even discover massive sand dunes and deserted beaches on foot.
Accommodation is offered in luxury chalets on B&B basis.
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Day 14: Xai-Xai—Komatipoort ( appr. 325 km)
You leave the sunny beaches of Mozambique to head to the Eastern Lowveld of Mpumalanga. You enter South Africa at the Lebombo border post, an hour later you will arrive at the lodge, the farm cottages are situated in a litchi and mango orchard on the banks of the Komati River.
The accommodation’s grassed riverfront is a beautiful spot for viewing the abundant bird life, hippos and crocodiles, and to relax in a tranquil environment. The raised deck overlooks the swimming pool and the river, and is a pleasant spot for all guests to enjoy a pre-dinner drink while watching the sunset.
The thatched cottages have en suite bathrooms with shower, toilet and basin, and are fully equipped for guests wishing to self cater.
Accommodation is on B&B basis.
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Day 15/16 : Komatipoort - Kruger National Park - Pretoriuskop/ Berg en Dal ( appr. 80 km )
You enter Kruger National Park through the Crocodile Bridge gate. The highest concentration of game you will find along the Lower Sabie road to Skukuza, Kruger’s main camp.
Pretoriuskop Rest Camp is nestled in the south-western corner of the Kruger National Park. It is immediately apparent to any visitor that Pretoriuskop is unique as brilliant red trees adorn the camp, pre-dating the decision to make exclusive use of indigenous plants in laying out rest camp gardens. Nostalgia prompted an exception to the rule for Pretoriuskop, the Kruger National Park's oldest rest camp, and exotic flowering plants were allowed to stay, enhancing the strong sense of the past that is so pervasive.
This area gives you the best chances to spot Sable Antelope, Lichtenstein’s Hartebeest and Black and White Rhino.
Accommodation is on Self Catering basis, every chalet has a kitchen and braai but for those who do not want to cook, all major camps have restaurants. |
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Day 17/18 : Pretoriuskop- Sabie ( appr. 150 km )
The Drakensberg escarpment marks the point where the highveld plunges down over 1000 m, before spilling out on the eastern lowveld. It’s one of South Africa’s most scenic areas, marked by dramatic cliffs, stunning views and an abundance of adventure activities.
The Panorama Route is an easy days outing from Sabie, the whole round trip is less than 200 kms and includes attractions such as Mac Mac Falls, The Pinnacle, Gods Window, Berlin and Lisbon falls, Bourke's Luck Potholes and the world famous Blyde River Canyon, where you can view the 3 Rondavels and then finish off your day with a visit to the historical old mining town of Pilgrims Rest.
The rooms in the Country House open onto the verandah, where you will be greeted with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, forest clad slopes and the famous Bridal Veil Falls. This verandah is also a place where you can sit and enjoy the clean mountain air ( the elevation is approx 1100 metres) and have a sundowner whilst you watch the sun set over the mountains.
Accommodation is on B&B basis. |
Day 19/20 : Sabie—Hoedspruit ( appr. 200 km)
The Mopani Valley is not only rich in wildlife, but offers spectacular scenery of mountains, rivers and dams, a rich history and many cultural attractions. The contrasts in climate, scenery and landscape are both striking and dramatic.
Hoedspruit is a premier eco-tourism destination for vsistors to game lodges and private reserve. The town is surrounded by beautiful game-rich countryside and has a distinctive rural charme.
From your chalet, majestic views of the towering Drakensberg escarpment and distant bush country await you. Watch the sun rise over your breakfast on the homestead porch or enjoy your candle lit dinner under the African sky, as you gaze out over the vast expanse of the African lowveld.
Accommodation is on B&B basis, the first evening dinner is also included. |

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Day 21 : Hoedspruit—Phalaborwa- Johannesburg. ( appr. 75 km )
Unfortunately all good things come to an end. After breakfast you drive to Phalaborwa to hand in your car and with the midday flight you leave this wonderful part of Southern Africa.
We hope you will return because you made many new friends, enjoyed our culture and are thrilled by the incredible natural beauty. |
| Rates |
01-01 to 31-05-210 |
01-08 to 31-10-2010 |
| 2 persons, 1 double room sharing |
R 10.795,00 p.p *
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R 11.695,00 p.p* |
| 3 persons, 1 double + 1 single room |
R 11.785,00 p.p * |
R 12.850,00 p.p* |
| 4 persons, 2 double rooms sharing |
R 10.625,00 p.p * |
R 11.450,00 p.p* |
* Our rates are based on 2 to 4 adults ( children > 12 years ).
Travelling solo, child(ren) < 12 years, prefer a Family Room etc. , please e-mail us - info@sabnb.info - for a tailor made quotation.
During the FIFA 2010 championships special rates apply, please mail us if you would like a quote.
Included are:
- Transfers from Johannesburg Airport to the accommodation and v.v. .
- 20 nights accommodation in 3 and 4 star establishments ( TGCSA rating )
- Breakfasts, lunches and dinners as mentioned
Excluded are :
- Your flight to Johannesburg
- Your flight from Johannesburg to Phalaborwa
- Car hire
- Optional activities & excursions
- Drinks
- Personal needs or items such as laundry and phone calls
- Kruger National Park entree fees
- Visa or departure taxes Mozambique
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities
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Visitors Counter:8681891
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