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
€1,360/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 in the Guernesey and Balule reserves in the Limpopo in South Africa, just forty minutes from the Kruger National Park.
Ideal for escaping today's hectic world and enjoying the tranquility of the unspoiled and authentic African bush.
With family or friends, live an unforgettable experience, 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 in complete freedom. At sunrise and sunset, the savanna reveals all its magic, between golden lights, animated water points and endless landscapes. Evenings continue around the campfire, lulled by the sounds of the bush and a sky full of stars. A privileged immersion in one of the most beautiful wild regions of Southern Africa, where comfort, adventure and escape come together wonderfully.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Afrique du Sud!
Johannesburg → Hoedspruit
Welcome and assistance at Johannesburg international airport by our English-speaking representative and delivery of our travel documents. We take our flight directly to Hoedspruit, northeast of Johannesburg and near many national parks and reserves.
Hoedspruit → Blyde River Canyon Lodge
Upon our arrival in Hoedspruit we pick up our rental car.
Without further ado, we set off for our accommodation, the Blyde River Canyon Lodge, where we settle in for two nights on a bed & breakfast basis.
Discovery of the Blyde River Canyon
Today after our breakfast, a beautiful day awaits discovering this unique location, the Blyde River Canyon. Our accommodation is close to the panoramic route, an ideal starting point to discover its main sites, near God's Window (7 km), Bourke's Luck Potholes (34 km), Blyde River Canyon (58 km) and the spectacular waterfalls that make the province's reputation - the Mac Mac Falls, Berlin and Lisbon being the closest.
Activity suggestion: Panoramic hot air balloon flight over Blyde River Canyon.
In the heart of the bush at Pezulu Treehouse
Blyde River Canyon Lodge → Guernsey Nature Reserve
Today, after our breakfast, we head to the Pezulu Tree House, an exclusive Lodge located in the private nature reserve of Guernesey where we settle in for 2 nights on half board (dinner and breakfast).
Suggestions for visits and activities on the way:
On the way to Pezulu Tree House, we can stop at two centres dedicated to wildlife and flora preservation: the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre.
Of course, in the Guernesey reserve, it is possible to enjoy superb Jeep safaris (at an additional cost), which not only will bring us closer to the animals, but will also teach us much about the trees and plants. Organized by experienced rangers, they take place either early in the morning (with a stop in the heart of the bush for tea or coffee) or in the late afternoon (with a stop for sunset behind the magnificent Drakensberg mountains).
In the Heart of the Bush at Pezulu Treehouse
Today, after our breakfast, we can enjoy our day either at the swimming pool to relax and unwind with a book in the immense property with the giraffes watching over us, or for the more adventurous by choosing one of the activities suggested by Pezulu Treehouse.
Suggested activities :
Bushwalk in the Guernsey reserve accompanied by rangers
Morning or sunset safari in the Guernsey reserve accompanied by rangers
Morning or full day safari in the Manyeleti reserve
Morning or full day safari in Kruger Park
Hot air balloon flight
Ranger course for adults and children
Kynyonga Reptile Park
Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre
Bush Escape - Balule Reserve
Guernsey Nature Reserve → Balule Nature Reserve
We leave in the morning our treehouse and Guernesey private reserve, heading to our Safari Camp located in the Balule Reserve. It is more precisely in the Olifants West nature reserve, located in Balule, where the Sausage Tree Safari Camp is situated where we settle in for 2 nights on full board.
In the late afternoon, we set off for our first safari (plan to arrive at the camp by 2pm at the latest to allow for optimal logistics).
Bush Escape - Balule Reserve
The day starts early, with coffee or tea, around sunrise. Departure on safari for the next three hours dedicated to searching and locating the Big 5, during which there will be a stop to stretch your legs and have a cup of coffee or tea. After this wonderful adventure in the bush observing lions and other big cats, we make our way back to the lodge.
After a sumptuous breakfast, we can cool off in the pool, rest, read, enjoy this enchanting setting and such an unusual one, in the middle of the bush… Since breakfast is late, lunch is served around 2pm.
Then it is time to prepare for the afternoon safari, which departs around 3:30pm in winter and 4pm in summer. At sunset, we make a stop for a drink and enjoy a "sundowner", a great safari tradition. After sunset, we set off again and the tracker uses a spotlight to locate nocturnal wildlife.
Back at the lodge, we are accompanied to our accommodation to freshen up before dinner. Dinner is served in the lapa or near the boma outside, for an exceptional moment under the starry sky. After which we can relax around the campfire, listening to the sounds of the bush, or gather at the bar for a drink and share the memories of this day rich in experiences and discoveries of the savanna.
Safari at sunrise and return to Johannesburg
Balule Nature Reserve → Hoedspruit
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 strong emotions that will stay with us for a long time!
After brunch we vacate our rondavelle, say goodbye and thank once more our rangers, trackers and the dedicated lodge staff, then take the road to Hoedspruit where we return our car.
Hoedspruit → Johannesburg
We then take our flight to Johannesburg.
Accommodation for the night at Pablo House Johannesburg. We can take advantage of the end of the day for a free visit to the vibrant Melville district.
Discovery of Johannesburg and departure
Today, after our breakfast, we check out of our room and say goodbye to the dedicated staff wishing us a safe return home. Our driver picks us up from our guest house and transfers us to OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg for our return flight to France.
Suggested guided visits
If the flight is late in the day, we can discover the Guided tour of the Apartheid Museum and the trendy neighborhoods of Maboneng and 44 Stanley.
Then we are transferred to OR Tambo International Airport.
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 of the Blyde River Canyon sites
- The possible hot air balloon flight over Blyde River Canyon
- Conservation and entrance fees, payable at the entrance of the Guernesey & Balule reserve
- Meals not mentioned
- Everything not indicated in the inclusions
Included
- English-speaking welcome and handover of travel documents on day 1 at Johannesburg airport
- A typical SUV Renault Duster rental car from day 1 to day 6 (including: contract fees, comprehensive insurance, unlimited mileage, GPS)
- The Accommodations
- The meals mentioned in the day-by-day itinerary
- 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
