5 DAY CAPTIVATING MPUMALANGA

Unearth the mystic of one of South Africa’s utmost varied provinces – Mpumalanga a land of plateaus, low lying region and admired Big Five wastelands

Day 1: Mpumalanga

Guests will be met on arrival at O R Tambo International Airport, or any other location convenient to them in either Johannesburg or Pretoria, for the start of the Captivating Mpumalanga tour. From here the tour traverses east crossing the coal-rich Highveld and the sublime slopes of Mpumalanga to the settlement of Dullstroom. The region encompassing Dullstroom entails of unsheltered plains, which is governed by the 2 332m high “Intaba” (the mountain). It is the topmost feature flanked by the Limpopo and the Vaal Rivers. We make a call to the Dullstroom Bird Of Prey & Rehabilitation Center, which was founded in 1997 in order to promote awareness of indigenous raptors and their increasing dilemma as endangered species. A huge amount of diverse raptor species and their part in the ecology is underscored. Thereafter we travel on to the overnight Walkersons.

Overnight:  Walkersons
Meals:  Dinner

Day 2 : Mpumalanga

The centre of the day tour is Mpumalanga Panorama Route. Stopovers are made to the Blyde River Gorge, prominently featuring the triplet peaks of the Three Rondavels and Bourke’s Luck , where the distinctive geographical marks of the potholes can be seen. The tour proceeds to God’s Window. It is a fissure in the edge of the cliff from where glorious views of the Lowveld can be adored. God’s Window is located in a territory of indigenous jungle where many blossoming flowers and scented plants flourish. A stopover is also undertaken to the historic mining village of Pilgrims Rest. It is an illustrious case in point of a mining town which was created by the gold rush and prospered in the 1870’s. Gold was detected here in 1873 and the town was confirmed a national monument in 1986.

Overnight:  Highgrove House
Meals:  Breakfast & Dinner

Day 3 : Kruger National Park

Marvellous panorama thrives as the Mpumalanga expedition heads its path to the Shangana Cultural Village . Visitors are led through the Marula Market by an proficient guide, who gives details how the Shangaan customarily gather food from their environment and the manner in which traditional farming is performed. The itinerary takes you to a traditional Shangaan Village, which is the home of the headman, his wives and children. In the village, some time is dedicated to acquiring and understanding into the history and culture of the Shangaan.

Kruger National Park is a brief drive from the cultural village. The park is christened after Paul Kruger, the then sitting president of the old Transvaal Republic, who proclaimed the Sabie Reserve in 1897. This reserve was the beginning of the Kruger National Park as it is referred today. Roughly two million hectares in area, the park is globally recognized as one of the world’s notable conservation areas. The late afternoon is dedicated to a first game drive to seek out of Africa’s legendary Big Five, in an region where many other animals and bird species embellish the plains.

Overnight:  Imbali Safari Lodge
Meals:  Full Board

Day 4 : Kruger National Park

This territory is a wonderland for the wildlife fanatic, with nearly to 150 discrete animal species, stretching from Brant’s climbing mouse weighing a few grams, to the gigantic African elephant which may weigh up to 7000 tonnes. The known bird species in the region amount to more than 500 and the region is lauded with richness of vegetation. Early morning and late afternoon game drives in the companionship of your experienced ranger offer the prospect to appreciate the natural riches of this part of the world. The impeccable knowledge of the ranger is certain to augment to your experience and knowledge of the traditions and activities of the different animals.

Overnight:  Imbali Safari Lodge
Meals:  Full Board

Day 5 : Departure

A last morning open four-wheel safari game drive in the Kruger National Park is followed by a late breakfast after which visitors are shuttle transferred to Hoedspruit Airport for a flight to Johannesburg, bringing to an end a really captivating Mpumalanga expedition.

Overnight:  None
Meals:  Breakfast