Classic South Africa: Big Five Safari

Today is an immersive journey into South Africa’s history and resilience. Your private guide will take you to Soweto, a sprawling township that embodies the country’s dynamic spirit. Begin with a panoramic view from the footbridge of Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, the largest in Africa, before heading to Mandela House Museum. Walking through the modest former home of Nelson Mandela, you’ll gain insight into his extraordinary life and legacy.

Drive past the former residence of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela before visiting the Hector Pieterson Memorial, a solemn tribute to the students who stood up against apartheid in 1976. After a stop for lunch at a local eatery (not included), your journey continues to the Apartheid Museum, where a powerful exhibition takes you through South Africa’s turbulent past, culminating in the triumph of democracy in 1994.

The morning begins with a private transfer to the airport, where you board a scenic charter flight to Madikwe Game Reserve. As you soar over the vast African landscape, the anticipation builds—Madikwe is one of the country’s best-kept safari secrets.

Touching down, you’ll be met and transferred to Jaci’s Safari Lodge, a luxury retreat that blends seamlessly with its wild surroundings. Settle into your Tent Suite, an elegant space with spectacular views and an atmosphere of pure safari romance.

That afternoon, the real adventure begins. Hop into an open safari vehicle with your expert ranger, venturing into the heart of Madikwe’s 75,000 hectares. This malaria-free reserve is home to an astonishing variety of wildlife, including Africa’s Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino—as well as cheetahs, hyenas, and the rare African wild dog.

The first light of dawn calls you back into the wilderness. An early morning game drive offers a chance to witness the bush come alive—lion cubs playing in the golden light, elephants lumbering through the trees, and perhaps a leopard stealthily navigating the rocky terrain. With over 300 bird species, Madikwe is also a paradise for birders.

Midday is for leisure, allowing you to soak in the serenity of Jaci’s Safari Lodge. Take a dip in the pool, indulge in a spa treatment, or simply enjoy the view from your private deck.

As the afternoon cools, another thrilling safari excursion awaits. The rangers here focus on the “Top Ten” rather than just the Big Five, drawing attention to elusive species like the brown hyena, cheetah, and the endangered black rhino. Your day ends with another spectacular dinner, perhaps a traditional boma feast under the African night sky, where storytelling and starlit dining come together in perfect harmony.

Another day, another chance to delve deeper into Madikwe’s diverse ecosystem. This morning’s game drive follows the tracks of Operation Phoenix, one of the most ambitious wildlife relocation projects in history. Since the 1990s, over 8,000 animals have been reintroduced here, creating a thriving conservation success story. Your ranger will share the fascinating details of this initiative as you encounter elephants, rhinos, and perhaps a pack of wild dogs on the hunt.

After a leisurely afternoon back at the lodge, you’ll set out once more, tracking predators and plains game as the sun dips below the horizon. The evening offers yet another culinary delight, with Jaci’s expert chefs blending modern gourmet cuisine with South African flavors—a true highlight of the experience.

Before first light, you’ll head into the wilderness for a final morning game drive. This is when Madikwe’s nocturnal creatures make their last appearances before the heat of the day—perhaps a stealthy leopard returning from a hunt or a pride of lions finishing a meal. The reserve’s unique mix of Kalahari and savannah ecosystems means an incredible variety of wildlife, from eland and sable antelope to tiny klipspringers perched on rocky outcrops.

The afternoon brings yet another chance to embrace the magic of Madikwe, as you take to the bush one last time. Here, in this pristine wilderness, the rhythm of nature plays out before your eyes—predators hunting, herds migrating, and birds soaring above. With every moment, the beauty of Africa etches itself deeper into your heart.

Your adventure ends with a scenic charter flight back to Johannesburg, a final chance to take in the vast landscapes from above. Once you touch down, a private transfer will ensure a smooth connection to your onward journey—whether it’s homeward bound or the next leg of your South African exploration.

As you leave behind the call of the wild and the golden African sunsets, the memories of this extraordinary adventure will stay with you—a journey of history, discovery, and the untamed beauty of the African bush.