Endless Safaris at Mabula
On horseback, on foot and by 4x4 in the private reserve of Mabula, just like 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 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
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
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."
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.
Lesedi Cultural Village
Johannesburg → Village culturel Lesedi
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
Route to Mabula Private Reserve
Village culturel Lesedi → Kwafubesi Camp
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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
