Unusual and Wild Escape
In the private reserves of Limpopo, sleep in the trees and track the Big Five at the gates of Kruger
Duration
8 days
From
€1,480/pers.
Ideal seasons
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, senior
The spirit of travel
Escape to the reserves of Guernesey and Balule in Limpopo in Afrique du Sud, just forty minutes from the Kruger National Park.
Ideal for escaping today's hectic world and enjoying the tranquility of pristine and authentic African bush.
With family or friends, experience an unforgettable adventure, sleep in unique places, tree houses and safari tents, where exclusive luxury meets wild nature.
At the pace of 4x4 safaris and guided walks, set out in search of the famous Big Five and observe exceptional wildlife roaming in total freedom. At sunrise and sunset, the savanna reveals all its magic, between golden lights, bustling waterholes and endless landscapes. Evenings extend around the campfire, lulled by the sounds of the bush and a star-studded sky. A privileged immersion in one of the most beautiful wild regions of Southern Africa, where comfort, adventure and escape combine beautifully.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to South Africa!
Upon arrival at Johannesburg international airport, your English-speaking representative welcomes you, assists you and provides you with your travel documents. You then take your flight directly to Hoedspruit, in the northeast of Johannesburg, close to many national parks and reserves.
Hoedspruit → Blyde River Canyon Lodge
Upon arrival in Hoedspruit, you pick up your rental car, then head towards the Blyde River Canyon Lodge. You settle in for two nights on a bed & breakfast basis, with breakfast included.
Blyde River Canyon: Discovery of the Scenic Road and Its Waterfalls
After breakfast, you set off to discover the Blyde River Canyon. Your accommodation, located near the scenic route, is an ideal starting point to explore the region's main attractions: God's Window (7 km), Bourke's Luck Potholes (34 km), then the Blyde River Canyon (58 km).
The waterfalls that have made the province renowned complete this discovery. Among the closest are the Mac Mac, Berlin and Lisbon falls.
Activity suggestion: a scenic hot air balloon flight over Blyde River Canyon.
At the heart of the bush at Pezulu Treehouse
After your breakfast, you head to the Pezulu Tree House Lodge, located in the Guernsey private nature reserve. You settle in for one night on a half-board basis, including dinner and breakfast.
Suggested visits and activities along the route:
On the way to the lodge, you can stop at two centers dedicated to wildlife and flora preservation: the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, then the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre.
In the Guernsey reserve, Jeep safaris are available as an optional extra. Accompanied by experienced rangers, you set out to observe wildlife and deepen your knowledge of the bush trees and plants.
These outings take place early in the morning, with a break in the heart of the bush for tea or coffee, or late in the afternoon, with a stop to admire the sunset behind the Drakensberg mountains.
In the Heart of the Bush at Pezulu Treehouse
After your breakfast, you enjoy a free day at the Pezulu Tree House Lodge, in the Guernsey nature reserve. You can relax by the pool or settle in with a book in the vast property, where you may spot giraffes.
For those wishing to explore the surroundings, several activities are suggested:
Bush walk in the Guernsey reserve, accompanied by rangers.
Morning or sunset safari in the Guernsey reserve, with rangers.
Safari in the Manyeleti reserve, in the morning or full day.
Safari in Kruger Park, in the morning or full day.
Hot air balloon flight.
Ranger course for adults and children.
Visit to Kinyonga Reptile Park.
Discovery of the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.
Visit to Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre.
Bush Escape - Balule Reserve
Guernsey Nature Reserve → Balule Nature Reserve
In the morning, you leave your tree-top accommodation and the Guernsey private reserve to join the Balule Reserve.
You will stay for 2 nights with full board at the Sausage Tree Safari Camp, located in the Olifants West nature reserve, within Balule.
Plan to arrive at the camp by 2 p.m. at the latest to settle in and prepare for your first safari, scheduled for late afternoon.
Safaris in the Balule Reserve
The day begins around sunrise, with a coffee or tea before your morning safari lasting approximately three hours. You set out in search of the Big Five and other animals in the Balule reserve. A stop along the way allows you to stretch your legs and enjoy a hot beverage before continuing your observations.
Back at the lodge, you have breakfast, then enjoy free time to swim in the pool, read or rest in the middle of the bush. Lunch is served around 2 p.m.
Your afternoon safari begins around 3:30 p.m. in winter or 4 p.m. in summer. At sunset, you make a stop for a drink, following the tradition of the sundowner. The outing continues after nightfall: the tracker then uses a spotlight to spot nocturnal wildlife.
Upon your return, you are escorted to your accommodation to freshen up before dinner. Dinner is served in the lapa or near the boma, outside under the stars. You can then extend the evening around the campfire, listening to the bush, or at the bar to discuss the day's observations.
Safari at sunrise and return to Johannesburg
At sunrise, you set off for a last safari in the Balule Reserve. This outing gives you another opportunity to observe wildlife and enjoy the morning atmosphere of the bush.
Balule Nature Reserve → Hoedspruit
After brunch, you vacate your rondavelle and say goodbye to the rangers, trackers and lodge staff. You then head to Hoedspruit, where you return your rental car.
You board your flight to Johannesburg.
Upon your arrival, you settle in for one night at Pablo House. In the late afternoon, you can freely discover the Melville district and enjoy its vibrant atmosphere.
Discovery of Johannesburg and Departure
After your breakfast, you check out of your room and say goodbye to your guesthouse team.
If your flight is scheduled for late in the day, you can extend your stay with guided tours of the Apartheid Museum and the neighborhoods of Maboneng and 44 Stanley. These discoveries are offered as suggestions, depending on available time before your departure.
Your driver picks you up from your guesthouse and takes you to Johannesburg's OR Tambo international airport for your return flight to France.
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
- The entrances to the Blyde River Canyon sites
- The possible hot air balloon flight over the Blyde River Canyon
- Conservation and entrance fees, payable at the entrance of Guernsey & Balule reserve
- Meals not mentioned
- Everything not indicated in the inclusions
Included
- English-speaking reception and delivery of travel documents on day 1 at Johannesburg airport
- A typical rental car SUV Renault Duster from day 1 to day 6 (included: contract fees, comprehensive insurance, unlimited kilometers, GPS)
- Accommodations
- I need the full text to translate. Could you please provide the complete "day by day" descriptive text that contains the meals mentioned?
- 6 safaris per person at Safari-Camp
- Full board at Safari-Camp, including tea, coffee, wine and local beverages
- A driver for the transfer accommodation-airport in Johannesburg on day 7
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
