Endless Safaris at Mabula
Peoples & Memories 7 days Charm & Character

Endless Safaris at Mabula

On horseback, on foot and by 4x4 in the private reserve of Mabula, just like the first African explorers.

From€1,020per person
9 years of local expertise4.8/5 (0 reviews)

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 escape invites you to venture 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.

Throughout your safaris, 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 tranquility of your camp, set in the heart of a pristine environment where only the sounds of the bush disturb the silence.

The stages of your journey

D1–2
JohannesburgPablo House
D3
Village culturel LesediLesedi African Lodge
D4
Kwafubesi CampKwafubesi Camp
D5–6
Kwafubesi CampKwafubesi Camp
D7
Johannesburg

Highlights

Exclusive bush camp
Multiple activity safaris
Johannesburg and Soweto
Cultural Traditions Lesedi
Private reserve 1000ha
Total bush immersion

Day-by-day itinerary

Jour 1
D1

Welcome to Johannesburg!

Upon our arrival in Johannesburg, our local English-speaking representative welcomes us and hands us our "Travel Pack". Private transfer from OR Tambo airport to our guesthouse Pablo House Johannesburg located in the heights of the Melville neighborhood.

Known as Jozi, Joburg or Egoli, the "City of Gold" is the largest city in Afrique du Sud and the capital of the Gauteng province, the richest in the country. It developed after the discovery of gold in the 19th century.

Long considered a dangerous and unattractive city, Johannesburg is rising from the ashes, 27 years after the end of Apartheid. Not everything is idyllic, far from it, but Joburg deserves at least a two-day stopover, with its markets set up on the rooftops of buildings, its trendy restaurants, its relaxed way of life and its particularly welcoming inhabitants.

Street art has managed to brighten up the streets of Johannesburg and make people forget the extreme poverty and crime. Next to the very dynamic student district of Braamfontein, the Constitution Hill is topped by the Constitutional Court open to the public. This extraordinary city is "the place to be."

Pablo House
Jour 2
D2

Apartheid Museum and Soweto

Today, a discovery day with our English-speaking guide who will pick us up and drop us off at our guest house afterwards.

Our day begins with the Guided tour of the Apartheid Museum. An interactive journey that takes us from the dark days of "Whites only" privilege to the historic liberation of Nelson Mandela. A multimedia experience, with documentary film excerpts, texts, audio clips and live stories. A fascinating visit, filled with tales of bravery, sadness and joy.

Then we go to Soweto, a mythical place not to be missed to learn and better understand the fascinating culture and history of South Africa.

Walking tour, with a guide, of South Africa's largest township, located southwest of the city, a symbol of the resistance of disadvantaged populations during the Apartheid regime. We go to Vilankazi Street where the homes of two Nobel Peace Prize winners are located Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Visit to Nelson Mandela's former home, now the Nelson Mandela Museum.

We discover the many local Shebeens and restaurants and enjoy the new atmosphere of this developed suburb which has become Africa's most famous township, home to approximately four million people.

Suggested visits: Desmond Tutu's house, Winnie Mandela's House

Among the other recommended walks, we can mention:

  • 44 Stanley, a former rehabilitated industrial district, on the edge of the city center, where urbanism and subtle sophistication merge. Design, authenticity, shaded arcades and green patios among what were once a series of 1930s industrial buildings make it a unique space in Johannesburg where one loves to stroll.

  • Maboneng, a new Brooklyn with a South African twist.

Pablo House
Jour 3
D3

Lesedi Cultural Village

Today, we pick up our rental car and head to the Lesedi Cultural Village, located nearby in the bush northwest of Johannesburg.

Located in the cradle of humanity, a visit to Afrique du Sud would certainly be incomplete without a visit to the Lesedi cultural village, the cradle of living African culture.

In an informative and entertaining manner, Lesedi allows visitors to better understand the cultural wealth of South Africa's traditional peoples, offering them a unique African experience and the opportunity to be immersed in the rich traditional wealth of African culture. Representatives of the different tribes helped design the villages to ensure historical and cultural authenticity, highlighting aspects of traditional ways of life. Members of these historical communities live at Lesedi and continue to bring their fascinating cultures to life.

Staying at the Lesedi cultural village means immersing yourself in a traditional rural African family with a choice of five traditional farms, nestled in the bush and home to families of Pedi, Sotho, Xhosa, Zulu and Ndebele.

The accommodation offers all modern comforts with private bathrooms. To our great delight, we are presented in detail with some remarkable facts about each tribal property and we will be fascinated by the Ubuntu spirit!

Enjoy a traditional African meal at the Nyama Choma Restaurant, a great way to end the day with new culinary experiences.

Suggested visit: the Cradle of Humankind

Lesedi African LodgeBreakfast
Jour 4
D4

Route to Mabula Private Reserve

Today, a beautiful day awaits and after our breakfast we head to the Mabula private reserve.

We settle in for 3 nights with full board in a safari tent at the magnificent Kwafubesi Camp, in the heart of the bush. There is no doubt that we will be delighted by the magical atmosphere of these places in nature and the multiple activities available, whether they are the sublime safaris in Land Rover - open 4X4 included in our program, activities at the camp or those offered by the nearby Mabula Game Lodge.

Late in the afternoon, we set out for our first safari, followed upon our return by a delicious dinner under the stars.

Kwafubesi CampBreakfastDinner
Jour 5
D5–6

Immersion in the Mabula Reserve

First full day in the Mabula Game Reserve. Our typical day follows the following schedule:

Wake-up call: 5:00 AM (summer) 5:15 AM (winter) - Coffee and biscuits will be served before departing for safari
Morning safari: 5:30 AM (summer) 6:00 AM (winter)
Breakfast: 9:00 AM - Breakfast is served upon your return from safari
Lunch / Brunch: 2:00 PM
Afternoon / evening Safari: 4:00 PM (summer) 3:00 PM (winter) - Departure from reception
Aperitif & dinner: +/- 8:00 PM

Second full day immersed in the reserve searching for and observing bushveld animals. Same typical day as the previous day.

Kwafubesi CampBreakfastLunchDinner
Jour 7
D7

Morning safari and departure to Johannesburg

Today, at sunrise, we set off for a final safari, to observe once more these majestic creatures, to feel the smell of the bush and to enjoy the heart of the African savanna. Experiences and intense emotions that will stay with us for a long time!

After brunch we vacate our safari tent, say goodbye and thank our rangers, trackers and the dedicated lodge staff once more, then take the road to Johannesburg for our return flight.

Breakfast

Price per person

2 pers.€1,220/pers.
4 pers.€1,170/pers.
6 pers.€1,120/pers.
8 pers.€1,070/pers.
10 pers.€1,020/pers.

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 visits to Johannesburg not mentioned in the inclusions, namely: Desmond Tutu's house, Winnie Mandela's house
  • Entry to Lesedi Cultural Village and, where applicable, to the Cradle of Humankind
  • Vehicle park fee, to be paid at the entrance of the reserve
  • Meals not mentioned
  • Everything not mentioned in the inclusions

Included

  • English-speaking welcome and travel document handover on day 1
  • Private airport - guesthouse transfer on day 1
  • The accommodations
  • The meals mentioned in the day-by-day itinerary
  • The services of a guide-driver (vehicle and fuel included) on day 2
  • Entries to the Apartheid Museum, Hector Pieterson Museum and Nelson Mandela House Museum on day 2
  • Soweto tour with English-speaking guide on day 2
  • A typical Renault Duster rental car from day 3 to day 7 (inclusive: 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.

Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant en Afrique du Sud dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.

Passeport

Pour entrer en Afrique du Sud, votre passeport doit être valide au minimum 30 jours après la date de fin de séjour prévue et comporter au moins deux pages vierges consécutives pour les tampons d'immigration.
Le document doit être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées).

Séjour touristique sans visa

Les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen, de la Suisse et du Canada bénéficient d'une exemption de visa pour les séjours touristiques en Afrique du Sud.

Cette exemption permet un séjour pouvant aller jusqu'à 90 jours lors de l'entrée sur le territoire. Ce séjour ne peut pas être prolongé au-delà de cette durée sans démarche administrative spécifique auprès du Department of Home Affairs sud-africain.

Les autorités peuvent également demander :

  • un billet de sortie du territoire (vol retour ou continuation),

  • une preuve de ressources financières suffisantes pour la durée du séjour,

  • une preuve d'hébergement (réservation d'hôtel ou invitation d'un particulier).

Santé et vaccinations

Aucun vaccin n'est obligatoire pour entrer en Afrique du Sud, sauf si vous arrivez d'un pays à risque pour la fièvre jaune, auquel cas un certificat international de vaccination contre la fièvre jaune peut être exigé à l'entrée.

Il est recommandé de consulter un médecin ou un centre de vaccination international avant le départ, notamment concernant :

  • la prophylaxie antipaludéenne, recommandée pour certaines régions (Kruger, zones du nord-est et du nord du pays),

  • la mise à jour des vaccinations courantes (hépatite A, typhoïde, tétanos, etc.).

Voyage avec des enfants

Les mineurs doivent être titulaires de leur propre passeport valide couvrant la durée du séjour.

L'Afrique du Sud applique des règles strictes concernant les voyages de mineurs. Tout enfant voyageant avec ses deux parents ou seul avec l'un d'eux doit présenter son acte de naissance intégral (original ou copie certifiée conforme). Lorsqu'un mineur voyage sans l'un ou les deux parents, une lettre d'autorisation parentale accompagnée des pièces d'identité des parents absents est généralement exigée.

Dans certains pays européens, une autorisation de sortie du territoire peut également être requise selon la réglementation du pays de résidence.

Autres nationalités

Les conditions d'entrée peuvent varier selon la nationalité. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat d'Afrique du Sud de leur pays de résidence.

Pour participer à nos voyages, il est fortement conseillé d'être assuré en assistance-rapatriement et frais médicaux à l’étranger.

Votre agence locale vous encourage à prendre connaissance du contrat spécifique élaboré avec notre partenaire CHAPKA ASSURANCES et AXA ASSISTANCE.
Pour souscrire à une assurance, connaître les garanties et les tarifs, suivez le lien ci-dessous.

CAP EXPLORER : La solution d’assurance complète conçue pour vivre sereinement votre voyage !

Choisissez la formule qui vous correspond le mieux:

  • Explorer'Multirisque

  • Explorer'Annulation

  • Explorer'Assistance

  • Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire

Spécifiques à nos voyages, nous suggérons fortement d’y souscrire.
Si vous choisissez de souscrire à l’une de ces formules, la convention détaillant l’ensemble des garanties et les modalités de déclaration du sinistre sont disponibles sur le site Internet de l'assureur.

Votre agence locale en aura connaissance, mais seul le participant est responsable du respect des procédures de déclaration de tout sinistre. Le participant doit donc conserver cette convention avec lui pendant toute la durée de son voyage.

Chapka — Cap Explorer

Our insurance partner

Travel 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 insurance

Frequently 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.

Patricia, South African Faces Explorer
9years of expertise

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

APST Guarantee Secure Payment 24/7 Assistance4.8/5