Tailor-made tours and safaris

We are based in Johannesburg, South Africa and we customise our tours to suit your individual requirements throughout Southern Africa. Our professional consultants are recognised for their abilities and extensive knowledge of “off the beaten track” places of interest. Be our special guest and enjoy the magic that only Africa can offer.

Accommodation is in thatched lodges, ranch houses or tented safari camps. Comfortable beds, hot and cold water and all the necessary facilities are provided. Friendly, informal, personalised attention and excellent cuisine ensures an enjoyable experience that is intimate yet carefree.

List of activities we are presently involved with:

· Self-Drive or Guided Safaris

· 4x4 Driver Training and hire (self-drive)

· National Park and Nature Reserve bookings

· Rafting

· Canoeing

· Ballooning

· Micro-lighting

· Mountain biking

· Hiking Trails

· Birding excursions

· Game walks and drives

· Mountain climbing

· Scuba diving

· Boating and yachting

· Gorilla trekking

· Kilimanjaro excursions

· Game flights

· Quad biking

SPECIALISE IN: PHOTOGRAPHIC, FISHING, BIRDING, WALKING, CANOEING, 4X4ING AND BALLOONING SAFARIS

EXAMPLE TRAILS

1. Experience the difference trail (4 days)
Mpumalanga

Mpumalanga is a Swazi word, which translates as “ The place where the sun rises”
This could be interpreted in the spectacular sunrises, which occur over both the African bushveld and the greater escarpment. The landscape presents starteling diversity- from the exciting heartbeat of the bush, to the grandeur of the magnificent mountains, with their deep valleys and spectacular waterfalls. For those who yearn for adventure Mpumalanga has a multitude of delights – enough to fill your days!

Friday: Meet and greet at the Eastgate shell Garage at 07h30. Depart along the N12 / N4 towards Mpumalanga. Anybody departing from Pretoria will meet us at the Ultra City between Middleberg and Witbank. We depart from there at 09h00. We continue along the N4 passing though various Tollgates to Belfast where we turn off the highway and descend through the scenic Dullstroom valley one of the highest roadway’s in South Africa. We will pass through the town of Lydenburg to the low veld town of Ohrigstad. We arrive at our Private Lodge set among the rolling bush covered hills of the panorama route. Late afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight.

Saturday: Arise to a Hearty breakfast at this ideal base for exploring the renowned scenic beauty of the eastern escarpment. Our trail begins after a short briefing weaving its way through the exquisite surroundings, thousands of years in the making, stepped in the mysteries of bitter conflicts, hidden fortunes and indigenous forest’s. The trail leads you to the welcoming sites of sub tropical valleys to the crescendo of cascading mountain streams. Lunch en –route. The forests of Mpumalanga cover 41% of the total Forested areas in South Africa. Be awed by the splendour of the Big Five View Points – Gods window, Wonder View, Panorama, Worlds View and the three Rondavels before returning back to the lodge. Dinner and overnight.

Sunday: Today we explore the lower regions of the Northern Province. We pass through the Abel Erasmus Pass, through the JG Strydom Tunnel, before descending down the escarpment and into the Low Veld where we turn left onto the Lorraine trail which passes through Trichardtsdal and climbs the Orrie Baragwanath Pass through the Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve. We then pass over the escarpment visiting the pioneer graves before crossing over the Oliphants River. Lunch en-route returning to the lodge via the Madikabje range with a view of Spitskop before arriving back at our lodge. Dinner and overnight.

Monday: A leisurely rise for breakfast and prize giving. Before we begin heading for the big smoke and home base to complete our Experience the difference trail.

2. Tsitsikamma Trail
Garden Route

The secret and undiscovered garden of South Africa is blessed with a climate that provides year round opportunities to enjoy the unique attraction of the region. The visitor can enter by any one of seven mountain passes, which will prove an experience in itself.

Saturday: Depart Johannesburg, Durban or Cape Town and journey along the various routes that link the Garden Route with all major cities in the country. Our delightful Lodge overlooks the exquisite Tsitsikamma National Park. After settling into our rooms those of us that are still energetic can visit the nearby Storms River Mouth, walk along the one of many Forest walks or just relax in this overwhelming setting. Dinner is served at 19h00. Overnight.

Sunday: Arise for an earlyish breakfast and briefing before embarking on our exclusive 4 x 4 trail thru the untouched and unexplored Tsitsikamma / Langkloof Mountains Wilderness Area. This runs through the steeply wooded ravine of the Baviaan Kloof Mountain. Comprising Three State Forests. It is a place of wooded valleys and bare peaks of the mountain range – long a favourite haunt of the hardier breed of climber and hiker. Lunch on route. The trail continues through the Kloof, meanders along the Palmiet River, it then climbs again until the skyline breaks into the most amazing view of the Langkloof valley.

The return route is a scenic extravaganza in its own right and passes through the Kruis Valley and ends at The Crags. The visitor will be enthralled by the spectacular river gorges, rain forests, and flowers of this unique fynbos region. We return to the lodge for a well-deserved drink and a fine home cooked dinner. Overnight.

Monday: Today we will participate in various activities in and around this scenic area. We begin with our ultimate challenge, a spectacular abseil down into a river gorge, continue down the river in a tube, through the rapids and long clear pools. Climb out on a rope ladder and mountain bike to the lookout point, overlooking the gorge and back to the vehicles. (Includes all climbing and river gear, mountain bikes, refreshments and lunch). Other options for the fainthearted could be a snorkel trail at the river mouth. (Includes wetsuit, fins, mask, snorkel etc. and guide.) Or a journey down the old river pass and experience the tranquillity of the indigenous Tsitsikamma Forest. Dinner, and overnight at our Lodge.

Tuesday: Awake to a hearty breakfast, and the prize giving, before we begin our homeward journey to complete an unforgettable experience in this magnificent region amongst the mountains. This is a once in a lifetime experience that will remain imprinted on our minds.

3. Roof of Africa Trail
Lesotho

A world without fences and breathtaking scenery. Lesotho is dominated by mountain ranges known as the Malotis. Rocks ranging from red and purple shades to white sandstone are apparent everywhere. Above this level are layers of basalt, which were formed from lava flows.

Thursday: Depart from Johannesburg, Durban or Bloemfontein. The distance from Johannesburg is 500 km, from Durban 700 km and Bloemfontein 200 km and Cape Town 1000 km. Meet and greet at the Ladybrand Shell Garage at 13h00 where a picnic lunch will be served. We depart for the RSA/ Lesotho Boarder entering at Peka Bridge. We pass through the capital city of Maseru and onto the mountain road over The Gates of Paradise “ pass to arrive at our lodge in the apply named Valley of Paradise by late afternoon for registration, and welcome drinks. Dinner will be served at 19h30. Overnight.

Friday: A hearty breakfast will be served at 07h30 following by a de-briefing session. We depart soon thereafter for a day of exploring the route which passes through breathtaking scenery, with spectacular views of the “Roof of Africa”, Bushman paintings, Waterfalls and the Pitseng Canyon. We climb to the top of Jobo Mountain for the most spectacular view imagined. It is this view and the challenge for the mountain pass that makes the route a must for any 4 x 4 Jeep Adventurer.

Lunch will be served en route. We return to the lodge via Ha Qaba for steaming hot shower and sundowners. We relax around the campfire before sitting down to a scrumptious meal at 19h30

Saturday: A hearty breakfast will be serve d at 07h30 before we set off for a morning drive past the Botsoela Waterfall on a circular route hugging the side of the mountains through remote villages and magnificent scenery. Lunch will be served on route by 12h30. We return to lodge by 16h30 for a steaming hot shower and sundowners, and then a delicious dinner. Overnight.

Sunday: Breakfast will be served at 07h30. After our hearty breakfast and prize giving we begin our return journey home along the dusty tracks. After Border formalities we travel north through the Free State.

EXAMPLE SAFARIS
BOTSWANA SAFARI

Day one. JHB -- MAUN

Early departure for the Border, passing through the Northern Province and Waterberg. (Breakfast pack on route) Arrive Botswana / SA border at Martinsdrift. After Border formalities, we drive through the many villages to Francistown. LUNCH STOP. The route continues through the endless Mopane forests
to Nata on the edge of the vast Makgadikadi Salt Pans (4,900sq.kms). The road now turns West and across the heart of the Kalahari Desert to the town of Maun, on the most Southern part of the now famous Okavango Delta. Overnight at the friendly Island Lodge.D/B/B. Twin Chalet Accommodation
(Microbus transport)

Day two OKAVANGO DELTA

We arise to prepare for our Delta transfer. We load our equipment, Food and personal belongings into a 4x4 vehicle and begin weaving our way in and around the many Game rich floodplains to a very remote “BAYEI” village (River Bushman) 3 hours. We now transfer into our waterborne Mekoros (wooden dugouts). After completing the loading we will manoeuvre away across the many floodplains and waterways to find ourselves a remote and secluded Palm fringed Island. Here we will set –up our Tented Fly Camp. We will be completely self sufficient. Overnight. L/D/B/B. Retire to the sounds of the Wilds (4x4 and MEKORO Transport)

Day three. OKAVANGO DELTA

Arise to the calls of the many Birds and the chatter of Monkeys in the trees above our Private Camp. After a quick cup of coffee and a bowl of cereal, we will embark on a game-seeking walk amongst the Delta animals. This is Big Five country, as well as the animals only found here, like the Red Lechwe and the elusive Sitatunga antelope. The islands are covered with reeds and papyrus, Fan and Date Palm trees, as well as some of the huge trees like the Wild Fig and Jackelberry trees. Return to camp for a well deserved Midmorning Meal. A mekoro excursion can be arranged or time spent in and around camp viewing the passing Game. Birding, Fishing or Reflecting on the past events. An evening Game walk through this pristine Wilderness before returning to Camp to watch the sunset and listen to the animals sounds as those setting down for the night and those that awake to spend the night on the prowel. L/D/B/B. (Mekoro Transport)

Day four. OKAVANGO DELTA

Awake once more for a short walk, Breakfast, and we now breakdown our camp and return to civilisation, as we skim across the Lilly filled pans and waterways, passed the Hippos, Croc's and the Multitude of water borne Birds and creatures. Arrive the village again to transfer to our land transport, passing threw Elephant Highways and the Buffalo fence which stretches right across the bottom section of the Delta to prevent the wild beasts mixing with Botswana’s rich cattle industry. We will arrive back at Island Safari Lodge for a dust removing swim, and our Overnight stop. L/D/B/B. (Twin Chalet accom.) (Mekoros and 4x4 transport)

Day five. DELTA---MOREMI GAME RESERVE

To-day we transfer to the nearby Moremi Wildlife Reserve. This reserve is situated with-in the permanent waterways of the Okavango Delta, and is unique in that it is the first Wildlife Sanctuary to be created by an African Tribe. The name Moremi came from the chief Moremi the third. This park is a prime Wildlife area where Elephant, Hippo, Buffalo, Lion and most other game can be seen. The Bird life, both on the waterways and the dry land sections is excellent. We will set-up Camp at Xakanaxa Lagoon firstly, a wild and remotely situated spot on the banks of the waterway. An early evening gamedrive to the surrounding floodplains and Dombo Hippo pools. Return to camp as the sunsets. L/D/B/B. (4x4 transport and TENT accom.)

Day six. MOREMI RESERVE

Arise to a hearty breakfast, before we move deeper into the delta, thru the dense Mopane forests, across the pole bridges, whilst gameveiwing along the way to arrive at Third Bridge. Our home for one more night. The afternoon will take us on a
gameveiwing drive through the surroundings, reputed to have an abundance of predators. Arrive back at camp for a well deserved drink and shower.
(overnight) L/D/B/B. (tent accom.) 4x4 transport)

Day seven. MOREMI ----MAUN

Awake for a drive to the nearby pans which are scenic and sometimes Wild dogs are seen in this area.
These pans are also good for Bird watching and one of the few places where the AFRICAN Skimmer can be seen. Return to camp for breakfast,break camp and gamedrive to Maqwee Gate and out of the park. Wewill travel back to Maun arriving early evening (optional Game Flight over the Delta) Overnight L/D/B/B. (Twin accom.)

Day eight. MAUN----CHOBE NATIONAL PARK

A early departure for the Chobe River in the North. The road passes across the Kalahari and thru the many Forests Reserves, to arrive at the River. This river has its origins in the highlands of Angola and flows in a South Eastly direction. The Chobe is proud of and very famous for its abundance of Elephants.-The highest concentration to be found anywhere in Africa. It is also famous for the huge
Herds of buffalo, the Chobe Bushbuck and the most Southernly point for where the Puku can be seen. Our Lodge is set on the banks of the river. (Overnight) Twin accom. L/D/B/B. (Micobus transport)

Day nine. CHOBE NATIONAL PARK

Begin our day with a drive along along the banks of this mighty river. The area is rich in Plantlife offering Sandveld, Mopane Woodlands, Floodplains Grasslands and Riverine Woodlands. This part of the park is unique in that it offers these extreme contrasts and a variety of Wildlife experiences all within the confines of short drive. We return to the lodge for lunch, a swim and a chance to rest up before embarking on a river cruise. The Chobe River is also reknown for its exquisite Sunsets- Wildlife experience not to be missed. (Overnight Twin Accom) L/D/B/B.

Day ten. CHOBE-----JHB

The route to-day passes through the many villages scattered across the land. An opportunity to purchase the exquisite basketware found along the roadway. Much significance is embodied in the Intricate designs incorporated into these baskets reflecting incidents in the traditional life and there
Close association with the environment. Arrive back in JHB to complete your AFRICAN EXPERIENCE, with fond memories of places, people and encounters.

4 X 4 TRAINING

+- 2 Hours Theory

• Basic Vehicle Dynamics

• Wheels and Tyres

• Side Slope

• Mud Driving

• Driving over Rocks

• Articulations

• Sand Driving

• Sand recovery

• River Run

• Winching (Basic)

• Global Positioning System (GPS)

4X4 Training / Weekend Experience

The Experience Is One of Freedom!

The farm is very African, Wild and isolated BUT safe. You will experience what it is to just be part of nature and your worries will disappear!
The farm is only +- 300km from Gauteng, about a Three Hours drive. It is situated in Mpumalanga between Machadadorp and Lydenburg .NO Malaria and NO Bilharzia.
The farm is a member of the Kwena Basin Conservancy and Conservation of the ecosystem is of utmost importance.

4 X 4 Driver Training
Qualified and experienced instruction in the use of your 4 X 4 in the bush, through water and a choice of very ruff terrain. The Training Course is challenging and is set out with sensitivity to the surrounding environment, and will only be used under supervised instruction.
The course is conducted on weekends (Friday – Sunday) beginning with basic driving skills, including recovery techniques and a chance to try out your newly gained skills on a four-hour trail +- 13km.

Accommodation
The accommodation consists of Six Permanent Luxury Tents, which sleep two to four people in each. A clean Modern Ablution block with gas heated showers and flushing toilets are built from the Natural Rock including a large covered veranda, and an adjoining Boma for Braais and campfires. There is NO electricity (Paraffin lamps and gas fridges are available) the communal Boma and ablutions are serviced twice daily.

Meals
Meals are provided on a wooden deck overlooking the valley.
Dinner/ Breakfast/ Lunch provided

Activities

• Activities available on the farm are varied and include:
  (Guests must supply own equipment)
• Hiking on a selection of about 30-Km of trails from easy
  to difficult through the mountains and valleys.
• Enjoy our Wildlife, Birding, and exquisite views of the valley.
• Trout Fishing in some beautiful dams and 3 km of River
  Swimming, Tubing or Rafting in the river, dams and reservoir.
  Mountain Biking is a challenge on many of the roads and trails
  on the farm.
• Rock-Climbing and Abseiling is available to experienced climbs
  using their own equipment.
• Archery, Outdoors and Indoors for the Whole Family