Subtropical Mpumalanga, meaning “the place where the sun rises” is bounded by the Kruger National Park, Swaziland and Mozambique to the east and the spectacular Drakensberg Mountains to the west.  The region is one of contrasts, with Highveld grasslands dominating the western boundary with Gauteng, moving eastwards through subtropical fruit growing areas of the Greater Escarpment and into the bushveld  of the world renowned Kruger National Park and adjacent private game reserves.  The wildlife, birds and plant life to be found in these parks are all truly representative of Africa and the scenery is majestic and endless.

Another highlight of this region is the scenic beauty of the Panorama Route with its exquisite waterfalls and dramatic landscapes, including the Blyde River Canyon, and the museum town of Pilgrim’s Rest, intriguingly frozen in its Victorian heyday of gold mining activities.

Day 1 - JOHANNESBURG TO HAZYVIEW VIA CHIMP EDEN

Head out of Johannesburg through the sprawling satellite towns of the Witwatersrand and into the grassland and cornfields of the Highveld.  The Highveld region covers a wide area of high altitude agricultural land from the Gauteng border on the west to the edge of the eastern escarpment. 

The area is also the principal power generating centre for a large part of South Africa and numerous coal mines supply the surrounding power stations, which in turn attract major industry.  Examples of this are Sasol’s oil from coal plant at Secunda, steel mills at Witbank and a stainless steel plant at Middelburg – towns you will bypass along your way.  From Machadadorp your journey will start its descent into the Lowveld region, with the vegetation and climate becoming noticeably more subtropical.  You are now entering the heart of the province of Mpumalanga, which means “place where the sun rises”.

The capital of Mpumalanga is Nelspruit, which is the industrial hub of the Lowveld and the centre of one of the largest citrus producing areas in South Africa.   The urgent quest of the ZAR (Zuid Afrikaanse Republiek) government under President Paul Kruger for a seaport independent of the British Crown, provided the impetus for Nelspruit’s initial development.  The eastern railway line reached Nelspruit in 1892 and during the Anglo Boer War (1899-1902) the settlement was proclaimed as the seat of Paul Kruger’s government for a short period. 

You will reach Nelspruit and proceed onto the road to Barbeton where you will check in at Chimp Eden Boutique Hotel.  You should arrive in time to participate in the one and a half hour chimpanzee tour, which will include lunch. 

11:30 am is the feeding time of the Chimpanzees whereby visitors can look forward to comments given by the haven’s veterinarian and his wife, both specialists in Great Apes, on the behaviour of the primates.  Both of them are multi-lingual and can answer questions in French, German, and English.  The Chimpanzees themselves are the true centre point of attraction and will provide visitors with unique insight into the primate world.  30 Minutes prior to the feeding time the Chimpanzees will start to move out of the forest and towards the holding facility.  The holding facility has a viewpoint roof and a bridge crossing the forest between the first two enclosures.  This provides visitors with the unique opportunity to view the primates as they approach the holding facility prior to the feeding time.  Before and during the feeding time, questions can be raised to the veterinarian or the trained staff about the behaviour and life of the primates.  As soon as the feeding has been completed the tourist group can move on to the second enclosure to view the feeding of another group of Chimpanzees.  Tourist can also move freely around the enclosures if they were to arrive outside of feeding times.  There is also a second feeding time during the afternoon.

Lunch over head back to Nelspruit and continue through Nelspruit and White River on the R40 towards Hazyview.  Your lodge is situated approximately 22 kms along this road. 

Check into your hotel and enjoy some time to relax or make use of some of the lodge facilities before suppertime.

Situated on the shores of the Da Gama Lake, Hulala Lakeside Lodge is located in the most beautiful part of the Lowveld.  The 28 suites have magnificent views overlooking the lake - each tastefully decorated, and equipped with satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities.
Mealtimes bring out the best of Hulala Lakeside Lodge. You can choose from an extensive breakfast menu served on the terrace or in the restaurant. A delicious pub lunch is served at the pool or under the trees alongside the impressive Rock Inn Bar. As the sun goes down, enjoy a cocktail in the lounge before entering the romantic Feathers Restaurant for a fine dining experience. All dishes are freshly prepared and cooked by our experienced chefs and offer and wide range of culinary masterpieces to delight all palates.

Hulala have a fleet of two man canoes, peddle boats, rowing boats and bass boats for the anglers and the ever popular “Sundowner Cruise” which departs daily in the late afternoon.

Seven species of Kingfisher, Egyptian Geese, African Jacana and the elusive Narina Trogan. News of hundreds of White Fronted Bee-Eaters nesting in the embankment has travelled far, and visitors frequently pop in to photograph these birds.

A recent addition to Hulala Lakeside Lodge is the 9-hole "Golf" Course - A mixture between croquet and golf - Fun for Everyone!
There are walking trails along the dams edge on the property, with various short cuts should you prefer an easy stroll. The walking trails take you through streams and over rocks and can take an hour to ninety minutes.

There is a swimming pool ….. sunshine. Or you may wish to relax at the Boma on the water’s edge.

After enjoying a sundowner drink on the veranda or in the lounge, head in to dinner.

Your accommodation at Hulala Lakeside Lodge is on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

Day 2 - HAZYVIEW

After breakfast  set out on your day trip to enjoy the sights of the world renowned Panorama Route.  

This is a land of dramatic contrasts characterised by majestic mountains, primeval indigenous forests, latter day plantations and ancient mountain fortresses

The Panorama Route is one of the most beautiful and popular travel destinations in South Africa, and leads through the rugged mountain range of the northern Drakensberg Mountains.  You will set out early in the morning as visibility from certain view spots along this route can become clouded in towards the latter part of the day.  The Panorama Route passes the north-eastern part of the Great Escarpment, the inland plateau declines abruptly and steeply and opens up fantastic views of the plains of the Lowveld a thousand metres below.

The most spectacular stretch of the Panorama Route is the Blyde River Canyon. From many well-positioned vantage points one has a view of the 33 km long gorge, which starts at "Bourkes Luck Potholes" and ends at the "Three Rondavels". The Potholes are very impressive rock formations that were shaped millions of years ago by erosion. The bizarre swirl holes developed when the once rapid river carried masses of sand and debris. 

There are also countless waterfalls to visit en route, the more spectacular of which are situated close to the town of Sabie.  Along the way you will pass through the small town of Graskop, which was originally a gold mining settlement and is now a major forestry centre.  Here you can stop and enjoy a break and one of the legendary pancakes served at Harrie’s Pancakes (lunch for your own expense.)

No tour of the Panorama Route would be complete without a visit to Pilgrims Rest, an historical old mining town set in the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains where a gold rush took place during 1873.  In due course the alluvial deposits were depleted and the locals turned to forestry, but their village, whose residents still number in the hundreds, has been painstakingly preserved as a "living museum" and major South African tourist venue.

At the end of an exciting day you will make your way back to your hotel in Hazyview for some relaxation time before heading in to dinner. 

Your accommodation at Hulala Lakeside Lodge is on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

Day 3 - HAZYVIEW TO SABI SAND GAME RESERVE

Enjoy a lie in and  leisurely breakfast at your hotel and perhaps a boating trip out onto the lake  before checking out and heading out to the Sabi Sand Game Reserve for your first encounter with African wildlife. 

Nowhere in South Africa will one find a wildlife experience quite like the one experienced within the Sabi Sand Reserve. Sharing a 50km (31.25 miles) unfenced border with the Kruger National Park, this immense (65 000 hectare/ 153 000 acre) and diverse tract of land is home to The Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant), and much much more.

Two rivers supply the game reserve with a valuable water source. The Sand River flows through the reserve for 50km (31 miles) from north west to south east whilst the Sabie River flows on the southern boundary. The sustenance of these rivers ensures that this area enjoys one of the highest and most bio-diverse wildlife populations of any area in Africa. Over two hundred different species live in abundance, whilst the ever changing bird life provides even the most experienced ornithologist with rare finds. Such is the environment that the wildlife, save for the migratory birds, remain in their territories all year round.

Wildlife viewing is second to none. The Sabi Sand Reserve enjoys good quality viewing of leopard (the most elusive of predators), as well as elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, zebra and a vast variety of antelope and other species. In fact, a checklist of the reserve would yield no fewer than 330+ tree species, 45+ fish species, 30+ amphibian species, 110+ reptile species, 500+ bird species and 145+ mammal species! And all occurring in their own natural environment, which has been preserved in its original splendour.

Once in the Sabi Sand Reserve you will drive to your lodge and check in in time to enjoy lunch. 

Elephant Plains Game Lodge is situated in the northern part of the world famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve, which forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park. The lodge is owner run and can accommodate a maximum of 24 guests. This ensures personal service and attention to detail.  Elephant Plains Game Lodge is situated on the dry Manyeleti riverbed, overlooking an open area with a watering hole. An Africam wildlife camera, which gives website visitors a live view of possible Big 5 sightings, is located in the big Jackalberry tree, facing the watering hole.

Decorated in warm, earthy tones, the natural design and architectural flow of the six glass-fronted luxury suites fall softly on the eye.  These exclusive, open-plan suites each have a lounge, double bedroom, en-suite bathroom and a private viewing deck that offers spectacular views over the riverbed and open area. All suites feature air conditioning, overhead fans, fireplaces, mosquito nets, electronic safes, as well as mini bars and tea & coffee facilities.   Mealtimes are sumptuous affairs, with a combination of international cuisine and South African specialities. Breakfast and lunch are enjoyed in the dining room or on the pool deck, overlooking the open area. Dinner is served around a log fire in the boma, whilst enjoying the mystical nocturnal sounds under the African sky.

After lunch spend some time settling into your chalet  and at between  15h30 and 16h00 you will set out on your evening game drive in search of the wondrous and varied wildlife that can be seen in this reserve.  The bush has its own language, and it is fascinating to watch those who possess the tools to encode it.   Late afternoon safaris commence as the sun burns its way towards the horizon. The animals are now getting more active, many preparing for the great hunt after dark. After sundowners, (game drive drinks not included in the price) the drive continues with the aid of powerful spotlights which reveal nocturnal species in another world.

Return to the lodge for dinner either in the dining room or around a fire in the boma under the African stars, before retiring for a good night’s sleep.

Your accommodation at Elephant Plains Game Lodge  is on a fully inclusive basis, including accommodation and meals, 2 game drives and a walk daily but excluding all drinks.  Vehicle and per person entry fee into Sabi Sand is not included in your tour price as this is dependent on the vehicle you enter the park in. 

Normal car entry to Sabi Sand is R150.00, with an additional per person rate of R30.00.

Day 4 & 5 - SABI SAND GAME RESERVE

Spend two wonderful days exploring the African bushveld and encountering the amazing wildlife of South Africa. 

A typical day at Elephant Plains in the Sabi Sand would proceed as follows:

After an early morning call you can “wake up” to tea/coffee and rusks before setting out on your morning game drive, which generally will last for about 3 hours.  During game drives you will note that the rangers sometimes drive off of the road and into the bush. This is done in accordance with guidelines set out by Sabi Sand ecologist, Jonathan Swart and off-roading is only allowed in certain areas and with special precautions. You will return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast which is served at approximately 08h30.  You then have the day at leisure to enjoy around the pool, in the library or spa before lunch which is served at approximately 13h30 to 14h00.

At 15h30 you will once again set out on your evening game drive, before returning to the lodge for dinner.

The history of today's Sabi Sand Reserve as a formal association dates back to 1948 when the landowners formed the private nature reserve. Credit for the association, however, should go to the original pioneers of the reserve in the late 1920's and early 1930's.

Of these pioneers, no less than six of their families are now third and fourth generation owners of the land - a credit to the foresight of their forefathers who loved and respected Africa's flora and fauna.

The Sabie Reserve was proclaimed in 1898 and incorporated what is today both the Sabi Sand and the Kruger National Park. However, in 1926 the National Parks Act of South Africa was passed and many private landowners were excised from the Sabie Reserve. They in turn formed the Sabi Private Game Reserve in 1934 – a forerunner to the Sabi Sand.

It was in 1926 that the first tourists were allowed into the Kruger National Park - the birth of sustainable wildlife tourism that is the recipe for conservation in Africa today.

In 1961 and as a result of the threat of foot and mouth disease and the continued hunting on adjacent private land, fences were erected between the Sabi Sand and the Kruger National Park. The Sabi Sand also fenced their perimeter to the west to prevent the movement of game from the area. In 1993, however, after much discussion between the Kruger National Park and Sabi Sand, the fences between the two reserves once again came down and animals soon migrated between the park and the private reserves to the west. The Sabi Sand now forms part of the greater Kruger National Park wildlife enclave and its immense wildlife gene pool.

Open safari vehicles, seating between 6 and 12 visitors, head out into the wild under the expert guidance of experienced rangers and insightful trackers.
Guests are able to get in close contact with Africa's most exciting wildlife species, and are presented with unparalleled photographic opportunities.
On average, approximately 6 hours a day are spent out in the bush on safari.

Your accommodation at Elephant Plains Game Lodge  is on a fully inclusive basis, including accommodation and meals, 2 game drives and a walk daily but excluding all drinks. 

Day 6 - SABI SAND GAME RESERVE TO JOHANNESBURG

After your early morning game drive and breakfast, check out of your lodge and head back to Johannesburg, via the Long Tom Pass, Lydenburg and the fly fishing area of Dullstroom to catch your return flight home from O R Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

The somewhat mystical area of Long Tom Pass is one filled with beautiful mountain ranges - each with a story to tell.  The Long Tom Pass gets its name from the Long Tom cannons used during the Anglo-Boer war. The original Long Tom Pass was a treacherous one of steep hairpin bends and hair-raising drops.

It was originally the route followed by pioneer wagon drivers transporting goods from Mozambique to Lydenburg. The road tumbled over the so called Devil's Knuckles, and many wagons were lost in this area as it was so dangerous. Back in the old days, this road was a dangerous area where wild animals roamed freely and it was truly ‘the wild’. This coupled with the relentless mosquitoes made it a difficult journey and not one for the faint of heart. Today however, as you travel on the new tarred road, you will still see the old road twisting over its dangerous course but the danger is no longer present. This area is now rich in vegetation like eucalyptus and pine trees as far as the eye can see. The scene is dominated by the peaks of Mount Anderson and Mauchsberg making it quite a beautiful route to drive along.

Dullstroom, which is one of the coldest villages in South Africa, is one of South Africa’s premier trout fishing areas. 

For those visitors with morning departure flights, an overnight in Johannesburg at a hotel in close proximity to the airport can be booked.

COSTING:  From ZAR 9 850 - 00 per person sharing

Cost includes: Accommodation, meals, entry fees and excursions as set out in this itinerary, VAT and Government Tourism Levies. 

Not included: Flights and any transportation in any form, either with a guide or self-drive rental vehicle.  Vehicle hire costs to be quoted separately.  Any meals and excursions not specified in the above itinerary, gratuities or items of a personal nature.

Please do note that Elephant Plain Game is extremely popular and thus very subject to availability.