Endless Safaris at Mabula
On horseback, on foot and in 4x4 in the private Mabula reserve, just like in the days of the first African explorers.
Duration
7 days
From
€1,020/pers.
Ideal seasons
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, senior
The spirit of travel
This wild getaway invites you to venture out on horseback, on foot and on Jeep safaris with your rangers and trackers.
A wonderful way to experience these adventures in the heart of the African bush where time transports you to the era of the first explorers in your bush camp at Kwafubesi.
A romantic Out of Africa stopover in the exclusive private reserve of Mabula, which spans 1000 hectares just 2.5 hours from Johannesburg.
Through safaris, set out to encounter the Big Five, as well as giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hippopotamuses and numerous bird species. Walking safaris offer a different approach to nature, guided by passionate rangers who share their knowledge of wildlife and flora. Between explorations, enjoy the calm of your camp, nestled in the heart of a preserved environment where only the sounds of the bush disturb the silence.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Johannesburg!
Upon your arrival in Johannesburg, your local English-speaking representative welcomes you and hands over your Travel Pack. A private transfer from OR Tambo airport then takes you to your guesthouse, located in the Melville neighborhood.
Nicknamed Jozi, Joburg or Egoli, the "city of gold" is the largest city in Afrique du Sud and the capital of Gauteng, the country's richest province. Its development dates back to the discovery of gold in the 19th century.
Long perceived as dangerous and unattractive, Johannesburg has been transforming since the end of apartheid, despite persistent difficulties. It deserves to spend at least two days there to discover its rooftop markets, trendy restaurants and relaxed lifestyle. The hospitality of its inhabitants also contributes to the city's atmosphere.
Street art brings color to the streets, in a metropolis where poverty and crime remain present. Next to the lively student district of Braamfontein, Constitution Hill hosts the Constitutional Court, open to the public.
Johannesburg - Apartheid Museum and Soweto
Your English-speaking guide will pick you up at your guesthouse for a day dedicated to South African history and culture. They will return you to your accommodation at the end of the visits.
You start with a guided tour of theApartheid Museum. Through documentaries, texts, audio archives and testimonies, you discover the history of racial segregation through to the liberation of Nelson Mandela. This multimedia journey traces the trials, resistance and hopes that marked this period.
You continue to Soweto, southwest of Johannesburg. A walking tour with your guide allows you to better understand the role of this township in the resistance to the apartheid regime.
On Vilakazi Street, you discover the homes of two Nobel Peace Prize winners: Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. You visit Mandela's former residence, now transformed into the Nelson Mandela Museum.
The discovery continues along the shebeens, the local bars, and restaurants that are part of the neighborhood's life.
Suggestions for additional visits: the home of Desmond Tutu and that of Winnie Mandela.
To extend your discovery of Johannesburg, other neighborhoods are worth exploring:
44 Stanley: this complex of rehabilitated 1930s industrial buildings houses spaces dedicated to design, between shaded arcades and verdant patios.
Maboneng: a neighborhood to discover for its urban and creative atmosphere.
Lesedi Cultural Village
Today, you pick up your rental car and head towards the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This site invites you to explore the origins of our species and the evolution of humans and their ancestors over the last millions of years. The visits alternate between archaeological excavation sites and exhibitions, in a journey designed as a passage from the past to the future. The Cradle of Humankind brings together fifteen major archaeological sites, including the famous Sterkfontein Caves.
From past to present, you continue to the Lesedi Cultural Village, where you discover five African cultures. Families from different communities live there in traditional farms. This stop allows you to appreciate the welcome and hospitality of the Zulus, Xhosas, Ndebeles, Sothos and Pedi, while discovering the spirit of Ubuntu.
The day ends with a tasting of traditional African food, which extends this discovery of local cultures.
Possibility to stay overnight at the Lesedi African Lodge, within the cultural village.
Route to Mabula Private Reserve
Village culturel Lesedi → Kwafubesi Camp
After breakfast, you head to the Mabula private reserve for a stay in the heart of the South African bush.
You settle in for 3 nights in a safari tent at Kwafubesi Camp, on a full board basis. This setting in the heart of nature allows you to enjoy 4x4 open Land Rover safaris included in your program. Other activities are also available at the camp and at the Mabula Game Lodge, located nearby.
In the late afternoon, you set off on your first safari. Upon your return, you share a dinner under the stars.
Immersion in the Mabula Reserve
You enjoy two full days in the Mabula Game Reserve, dedicated to searching for and observing bush wildlife. Your stay at Kwafubesi Camp follows the rhythm of morning and afternoon safaris, interspersed with meals at the camp.
Sample itinerary, with times adjusted for the season:
Wake-up at 5 am in summer or 5:15 am in winter, with coffee and biscuits before departure.
Morning safari at 5:30 am in summer or 6 am in winter.
Breakfast at 9 am, upon return from the safari.
Lunch or brunch at 2 pm.
Afternoon safari at 4 pm in summer or 3 pm in winter, departing from the reception.
Aperitif and dinner around 8 pm.
The second day follows the same schedule, with new opportunities to observe the reserve's wildlife.
Morning safari and departure to Johannesburg
At sunrise, you leave for a last safari in the Mabula reserve. You take advantage of this outing to observe the wildlife one last time and rediscover the sounds and smells of the bush.
After brunch, you leave your safari tent and say goodbye to the rangers, trackers and lodge staff. You then head back to Johannesburg for your return flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Airport taxes & visas
- Travel insurance & assistance
- Visits in Johannesburg not mentioned in the inclusions, namely: Desmond Tutu's house, Winnie Mandela's house
- Entry to Lesedi Cultural Village and, if applicable, to Cradle of Humankind
- Vehicle park fee, to be paid at the entrance of the reserve
- Meals not mentioned
- Everything not indicated in the inclusions
Included
- English-speaking reception and travel document handover on day 1
- Private airport transfer - guest house on day 1
- Accommodations
- Les repas mentionnés dans le descriptif jour par jour
- The services of a driver-guide (vehicle and fuel included) on day 2
- The entrances to the Apartheid Museum, the Hector Pieterson Museum and the Nelson Mandela House Museum on day 2
- The Soweto tour with English-speaking guide on day 2
- A typical rental car Renault Duster from day 3 to day 7 (included: contract fees, comprehensive insurance, unlimited mileage, GPS)
- 6 safaris per person at Kwafubesi Camp
- Full board at Kwafubesi Camp, including tea, coffee, wine and local beverages
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to South Africa for a tourist stay. Entry rules may change, so we recommend that you verify the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter South Africa, your passport must be valid for a minimum of 30 days after your planned end date of stay and must have at least two consecutive blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays in South Africa.
This exemption allows a stay of up to 90 days upon entry to the territory. This stay cannot be extended beyond this period without specific administrative procedures with the South African Department of Home Affairs.
The authorities may also request:
a departure ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation from a private individual).
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter South Africa, except if you are arriving from a country at risk for yellow fever, in which case an international yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required at entry.
It is recommended that you consult a doctor or international vaccination center before departure, particularly regarding:
malaria prophylaxis, recommended for certain regions (Kruger, areas in the north-east and north of the country),
updating your routine vaccinations (hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus, etc.).
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
South Africa applies strict rules concerning travel by minors. Any child traveling with both parents or alone with one of them must present their full birth certificate (original or certified copy). When a minor travels without one or both parents, a parental authorization letter accompanied by the identity documents of the absent parents is generally required.
In certain European countries, an authorization to leave the territory may also be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of South Africa in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for emergency repatriation and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partners CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to an insurance plan, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits your needs:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the full policy detailing all coverage and claim notification procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of this, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim notification procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
It is possible to stay in South Africa without a visa, provided you present a valid passport that remains valid for at least 30 days after your return and has at least two blank pages. Specific conditions may apply to children, particularly regarding required documents. We recommend that you verify with the South African consular authorities the entry conditions applicable to your nationality before booking your trip.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, expect between €180 and €320 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers, car rental and activities. International flights (€800–1,300 return) are additional. High-end lodge safaris will significantly increase your budget.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt every itinerary to suit our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage which protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on-site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Mpumalanga
South African Faces Explorer, based in Cape Town
South Africa constantly transforms as you travel through it. It's a country where you can move from a safari to the stillness of a vineyard or the energy of a bustling city all in the same day.
— Patricia
