Mapungubwe & Kruger Magaliesberg Mountains - Tzaneen - Mapungubwe - Kruger National Park - Dullstroom 9 Days / 8 Nights Group Size: 10 Reference: Mpk-2018 Date of Issue: 15 March 2018 P a g e 1
P a g e 2 Introduction Where craggy sandstone cliffs loom over deep valleys, where an ancient civilisation once held sway over the far north, Mapungubwe is the centre of a world heritage site and a transfrontier national park with a diverse ecology and magnificent scenery. Based in chalets within the park we explore the mystical landscape around the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers, with game drives and visits to view sites. Later we enter the remote, far north of the great Kruger National Park. Game viewing opportunities abound as our journey continues southward through Kruger, with select overnight stops in the park. If you enjoy nature in all its facets, this safari is for you! Our last night in arty Dullstroom rounds of an unforgettable experience. Accommodation Destination Nights Basis Room Type Mokoya Lodge Magaliesberg Mountains 1 FB Tzaneen Country Lodge Tzaneen 1 FB Leokwe Rest Camp Mapungubwe 2 FB Sirheni Bushveld Camp Kruger National Park 2 FB Mopani Main Camp Kruger National Park 1 FB The Rose Cottage B&B Dullstroom 1 FB Key FB: Dinner, bed, breakfast and lunch Scheduled Departures Departure Date End Date Price ( From ) 10/05/2018 18/05/2018 R 22700 Per Person Sharing 20/05/2018 28/05/2018 R 22700 Per Person Sharing 13/06/2018 21/06/2018 R 22700 Per Person Sharing 18/07/2018 26/07/2018 R 22700 Per Person Sharing
P a g e 3 Price Per Person Sharing: R22700.00 Single Person R25200.00 Pick-up from, and return to, your home or hotel in Cape Town/Johannesburg/Durban on first and last day of tour, subject to being within a 40 Km radius from the relevant international airport. Safe, comfortable air-conditioned minibuses or small coaches. Expert and friendly guides who care about your personal enjoyment and welfare. Comfortable accommodation at hotels, guesthouses, or National Parks chalets. All meals - breakfast, lunch, dinner. Entrance fees (excluding optional extras if any). Tips to hotels & restaurants, and porterage. Excluded Flights: Estimated R2500.00 from CPT and R2200.00 from DBN Drinks Optional excursions Items of a personal nature
P a g e 4 Day 1: Mokoya Lodge, Magaliesberg Mountains You will be picked up from your home by a Landscape Tours representative and transferred to the airport where you will meet your guide and your travel companions. We arrive in Johannesburg by midday and board our minibus to set off across the West Rand towards Krugersdorp. At Maropeng we visit a famous World Heritage site, The Cradle of Humankind. This archaeological site has produced large numbers of some of the oldest hominid fossils ever found, some dating back as far as 3.5 million years. The state of the art visitors center explains the importance of the fossils discovered in over three dozen limestone caves in the area. Later we check into a nearby hotel to rest up for the journey ahead. Magaliesberg Mountains Stretching for over 120 kilometres, the ancient Magaliesberg Mountains are situated in the northeast of South Africa. It features hidden valleys, crystal streams, sparkling waterfalls scattered with diverse fauna and flora. Apart from its impressive mountain scenery, it is also home to abundant wildlife including over 300 bird species. Visitors can choose from an array of accommodation options ranging from farm cottages, comfortable guesthouses, and luxury hotels, to self-catering venues and tented bush camps. Popular activities include: horse riding, canopy zip lining tours, bird watching, abseiling, rock climbing, rafting, hot-air ballooning, hiking and game viewing. Don t miss the opportunity to visit the infamous Cradle of Humankind. Overnight: Mokoya Lodge Mokoya Lodge is a breathtaking country lodge, ideally situated on the enchanting banks of the Magalies River. This miniature Eden is a highly sought-after event and conference venue due to the fact that it lies between the much loved Hartbeespoort Dam and the town of Magaliesburg. Mokoya Lodge is a great escape from overwhelming city life. Our gorgeous lodge will take you away from your stresses and day to day anxiety. Here you find yourself in awe of the stunning river that runs below the lodge, and you will discover paradise in 27 hectares of landscaped gardens enveloped by the unique African bushveld. Mokoya Lodge is the epitome of tranquillity and serenity. If you are looking for the best holiday accommodation the Cradle of Human Kind has to offer, look no further click here than Mokoya Lodge. Activities Maropeng Visitor Centre Cradle of Humankind
P a g e 5 Maropeng Visitor Centre The Maropeng Visitors Centre is a world-class interactive exhibition centre tracing the development of humans over millions of years. It is part of the Cradle of Humankind, an important archaeological site where the remains of early hominoids have been found along with numerous Stone Age relics, providing clues to how our ancestors lived and progressed over the centuries. The visitors centre encompasses a selection of exhibits, displays and archaeological sites, as well as a vast burial mound known as the Tumulus. Cradle of Humankind Located just 90 minutes from Johannesburg, the Cradle of Humankind is one of the richest hominid sites in the world, where our famous ancestors, Mrs Ples, Little Foot and Sediba were discovered. This important site holds UNESCO World Heritage status as it holds 40% of the world's human ancestor fossils and today, these sites are still active archaeological digs. Aside from visiting the museum and Maropeng, the official visitor centre, visitors can enjoy a guided tour of an active excavation. Day 2: Tzaneen Country Lodge, Tzaneen This is South Africa's northernmost province, lying within the great curve of the Limpopo River. It is a region of contrasts, from true bushveld country to majestic mountains, primeval indigenous forests, unspoilt wilderness and patchworks of farmland. We stay tonight at Magoebaskloof Hotel, in the northernmost section of the Drakensberg mountain range and bordered by part of the famous Magoebaskloof indigenous forest. The area offers spectacular mountain and forest views. Bird life is plentiful and includes the Knysna and Purple-Crested Louries, several species of Eagle, the Narina Trogan and the Black-Fronted Bush Strike. Tonight, we enjoy a delicious dinner in the stylish restaurant. Tzaneen Resting at the foot of the northern Drakensberg Mountains, in South Africa s Limpopo Province, the town of Tzaneen serves as the economic hub of the region. The surrounding landscape is made up of lowveld and mountainous terrain scattered with indigenous and exotic plants. This large bustling town is a popular tourist destination with visitors enjoying its convenient proximity to a variety of game reserves and natural attractions namely, the Kruger National Park and the breathtakingly beautiful Blyde River Canyon. Set in a fertile subtropical area, the town is also known as one of the country s top producers of tea, coffee, mangoes, avocados, and pawpaws. Other popular activities include: hiking, mountain biking, climbing, fly fishing, rafting, and kayaking. Overnight: Tzaneen Country Lodge For accommodation in the heart of the north eastern lowveld of South Africa the award-winning Tzaneen Country Lodge awaits, famous for its superb service, friendly people and country cuisine. At the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains - with an abundance of beautiful scenery and attractions - the tastefully decorated Tzaneen Country Lodge with 67 bedrooms offers world-class hospitality, discreet security and outstanding service. Exclusive and private, the lodge is nestled on 170 hectares of farmland and indigenous forest. Tzaneen Country Lodge is in one of the most beautiful regions in South Africa, only 95 km from the Phalaborwa Gate of the Kruger National Park and centrally located to explore the beauty and magic of Limpopo in Africa.
P a g e 6 Day 3-5: Leokwe Rest Camp, Mapungubwe We continue our northward journey through bushveld country, reaching the Limpopo River by midday. We check into our chalets in Mapungubwe National Park. The name derives from the capital city of a powerful kingdom dating back to the 11th Century. This is now a World Heritage Site, South African National Heritage Site, national park, and archaeological site, and we can explore the remains of the ancient city on a tall hill. There are wonderful views of the confluence of the Shashe and Limpopo Rivers, a good variety of bird- and wildlife and a peaceful bushveld atmosphere to enjoy. We spend two nights in this scenic wonder-world doing some relaxed game drives with our minibus and visiting various view sites. Mapungubwe Situated in South Africa s beautiful Limpopo Province, the ancient city of Mapungubwe is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the richest archaeological sites in Africa. Mapungubwe is said to have been the centre of the largest known kingdom on the African continent. In the 1930s, excavations in the now Vhembe-Dongola Transfrontier Park yielded a cemetery of 23 graves, some containing gold artefacts, including the Gold Rhino, considered by many to be the symbol of the African Renaissance. These artefacts confirmed that there had been trade between Southern Africa and East Africa, India, Egypt, Persia and China as early as 800 years ago. Overnight: Leokwe Rest Camp Leokwe Rest Camp is located in the eastern section of the Mapungubwe National Park, 11 kilometres from the main gate, in the spectacular sandstone hills. All the rooms at the camp feature air-conditioning, ceiling fan, and DSTV channels. Close to the camp guests can enjoy the tree top hide and the confluence view site and picnic area. The camp itself has a swimming pool and sundeck, as well as a central barbeque area. Activities Mapungubwe Vhembe National Park Mapungubwe
P a g e 7 Mapungubwe Vhembe National Park Mapungubwe Vhembe National Park not only offers excellent game-viewing and the chance to see Africa s Big Five, but also boasts a variety of archaeological sites and San art sites. Surrounding all of this are ancient baobab trees and climbing figs, among many other big trees and interesting rock formations. It is home to the Mapungubwe Archaeological Site and visitors can go on guided tours to the park s archaeological and cultural hotspots. Other activities on offer include the Treetop walk, numerous game and bird hides, self-guided trails, eco-routes, birding trips, night drives and guided trips to Limited Motorized Zones. Mapungubwe Situated in South Africa s beautiful Limpopo Province, the ancient city of Mapungubwe is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the richest archaeological sites in Africa. Mapungubwe is said to have been the centre of the largest known kingdom on the African continent. In the 1930s, excavations in the now Vhembe-Dongola Transfrontier Park yielded a cemetery of 23 graves, some containing gold artefacts, including the Gold Rhino, considered by many to be the symbol of the African Renaissance. These artefacts confirmed that there had been trade between Southern Africa and East Africa, India, Egypt, Persia and China as early as 800 years ago. Day 5-7: Sirheni Bushveld Camp, Kruger National Park We resume our northward route, to enter the Kruger Park near Palaborwa. We do a game drive, pausing en-route to enjoy the varied animal sightings. We travel through several different eco zones, with vegetation ranging from mopani forest to grasslands and riverine bush. Serheni is a small camp, and you don t have to venture further than your veranda to watch the wildlife come and go. There is no restaurant in camp - but no problem - your guide knows his way around a kitchen and a campfire! Tonight we have a braai under the stars, and later head for bed with the night sounds of the African bush to lull us to sleep. The following day we have the luxury of a laid-back day in the bush, using our comfortable camp as base. Simple, alfresco style meals and snacks prepared by your Landscape guide keep us going during the day. We do a game drive to water holes in the vicinity of the camp, and have time to look out for birds and smaller animals. Take a stroll and enjoy the varied bird life, or sit at the hide overlooking a watering hole and watch the animals come and go. Elephant and buffalo are frequent visitors. Tonight, you will have the opportunity to do an optional night drive with a national parks open vehicle (an optional extra). There are chances of seeing nocturnal animals like aardvark, porcupine or even some of the larger predators on the move. Kruger National Park Stretching over more than two million hectares, the Kruger National Park is one of the world s largest game reserves and a truly remarkable destination. Owing to its exceptional size, visitors are able to experience fantastic diversity from changing scenery and ecosystems to an impressive array of animals, plant life and birdlife. The park is home to over 130 mammals and over 500 bird species. Visitors can look forward to learning about the area s prehistoric past, enjoying a host of accommodation options, and viewing abundant wildlife including the famed Big Five. The diversity sheer density of wildlife makes Kruger National Park an unforgettable and potentially life-changing experience.
P a g e 8 Overnight: Sirheni Bushveld Camp Sirheni is a small and exclusive camp in Kruger National Park on the banks of Sirheni Dam. All the cottages are self-catering with a river view Day trips to Pafuri riverine forest and Thulamela Iron Age site Exciting bird watching opportunities Sirheni Camp is suitable for all year-round visits Proximity to the river makes for excellent game watching from your veranda Sirheni Camp in Kruger National Park is the northernmost camp of the Kruger Park's 5 bush camps, forming an oasis in the surrounding mopane plains. Sirheni Camp forms part of a relatively new concept in bush lodging accommodation in the Kruger National Park. Smaller, more luxurious camps are built in the more remote areas of the park. Each of these smaller camps in Kruger National Park are situated within easy reach of the larger rest camps so that guests can make use of the larger camps amenities if needed. The family cottages, which are fully equipped with modern facilities, are self-catering. These accommodation cottages are spread out in a long, well-spaced line along the bank of the Mphongolo River with a view of Sirheni Dam. All accommodation and lodging units are serviced daily and supplied with bedding, towels and soap. There is only solar electricity in the camp in Kruger National Park and there are no plugs in the units. The main offices have 240-volt power if you want to charge batteries. Sirheni Camp's 15 cottages sprawl along the northern bank of the Sirheni Dam, under a leafy canopy of huge Jackalberry, Leadwood, Tamboti, and Knob Thorn Trees. Sirheni Camp in Kruger National Park has two superb hides positioned about 100 metres (328 feet) apart and connected by a trail which follows the length of the perimeter fence. Like the balconies of most of the cottages, they are raised quite high, giving views over the water and surroundings. The hide on the perimeter fence, overlooking the Sirheni Dam, is a good place for doing some bird watching. The hide is also the best place for sightseeing and observing game coming down to the water for a drink. Perhaps you could catch a glimpse of Sirheni Camp's resident Leopard which is seen on a regular basis, often coming down to drink at the dam. Night drives enables the vacationer to take part in the nocturnal nightlife activities of Kruger's secretive creatures. Guided bush walks, in the company of trained field and transportation guides with backup rifles, take groups of up to 8 people out into the bush for a few hours. Track Rhino, Elephant and Lion on foot and learn and observe fascinating facts about the African bush. Sirheni Camp in Kruger National Park is private, which means that only residents are allowed in the camp and on the access roads to the camp. The game viewing along the riverine route is an exciting experience as huge trees form a natural arch tunnel, so you never know what to expect around the bend. Entrance gates and rest camp gates are closed at night; therefore visitors must ensure that they arrive at the entrance gate in good time to reach the rest camp before closing time. No permits will be issued for late arrivals.
P a g e 9 Sirheni Camp in Kruger National Park is the local Shangaan word meaning 'the grave'. This camp is named thus in memory of an Elephant that died of anthrax and was buried nearby in 1959. Activities Makuleke Contractual Park Makuleke Contractual Park The Makuleke Contractual Park is a rich and unique ecological region which constitutes the northernmost part of South Africa s extraordinary Kruger National Park. Makuleke is also known as the Pafuri Triangle due to the wedgeshape of this area of land which is formed by the confluence of the Limpopo and Luvuvhu rivers at the tripoint Crook's Corner. This triangular expanse of remote wilderness covers a vast, unspoilt stretch of 26 500 hectares of land which serves as a natural choke point for an extraordinary variety of wildlife including large herds of elephant, over 350 species of bird and, of course, the ever popular and highly sought after Big Five. Day 7: Mopani Main Camp, Kruger National Park We head southward through Kruger National Park, exploring the varied landscapes. We enter the sprawling scrub mopane flatlands of the Shingwedzi area, well-known for its large elephant population. Over and above the more common ungulates, we stand a good chance of sighting elusive roan antelope and also tsessebe, one of Africa s fastest antelopes. Crossing the Letaba and Olifants Rivers we enter Central Kruger Park, with its rolling savannah plains. It is here that large herds of blue wildebeest and Burchell s zebra are found, together with predators such as lion, cheetah and wild dog. Kruger National Park See Above Overnight: Mopani Main Camp Mopani Camp is a large camp in the mopane-dominated area of the Kruger National Park. All the buildings at Mopani Camp are built from natural materials such as rough stone, wood and thatching-grass. The thatched buildings, their
P a g e 10 rock-faced walls and the surrounding paving blend beautifully with the bushveld environment. The area is the best section in the park for sighting elephants. Activities Central Kruger Central Kruger Central Kruger is home to the largest impala, buffalo, kudu, giraffe, wildebeest, waterbuck, sable and zebra populations in the park, which are drawn to the region s fertile soils and many trees, including the knobthorn and the marula and its edible fruit. These grazers, in turn, attract nearly half of the park s lion population and many of its leopards, cheetahs and hyenas. Elephants and black rhino may be spotted, and a wide array of bird species can be seen all over, especially in the basalt plains. Day 8: The Rose Cottage B&B, Dullstroom The area between Satara and the Crocodile River is colloquially referred to as the Southern District, becoming more hilly and dense as one travels further southward. Granite domes, wooded hills, valleys and dry stream beds characterize this area, and although the habitat is not suited to very large herds of animals, the region does contain the highest diversity of wildlife in the park. White rhino are regularly seen, as are lion, leopard and elephant. We will leave the Kruger through the Orpen Gate and head for our overnight stay in Dullstroom. Dullstroom Situated in South Africa s beautiful Mpumalanga Province, the quaint village of Dullstroom is known for its excellent fishing opportunities and fresh country air. Aptly named, Dullstroom ( stroom meaning stream) enjoys an abundance of water, marking the beginning of the Crocodile River and home to other major tributaries. It serves as a convenient stopover for visitors on the way to the Lowveld and Kruger Park. Dullstroom piques the interest of many newcomers with its sub-alpine climate, three endangered crane species, abundant wildflowers, rare mammals, great fishing and features the highest railway station in South Africa at over 2000 metres above sea level.
P a g e 11 Overnight: The Rose Cottage B&B The Rose Cottage B&B is situated 2.5 hours drive from Johannesburg in the quaint fly fishing village of Dullstroom. Mpumalanga. We offer various suites, many with fully equipped kitchens, en-suites bathrooms, comfortable living rooms all with DSTV, private patios and safe under cover parking. Activities Southern Kruger Southern Kruger The southern area of South Africa s most famous game reserve is separated from lush farmland by the Crocodile River, a popular spot for lazy crocs, playful hippos and thirsty animals. The game viewing area is known as the Southern Circle and is renowned for its rhinos and lions, of which there are different prides with definitive hunting techniques and behaviours. Also found here, near the Hippo Pool, are ancient San rock paintings. Day 9: Departure After breakfast we will leave Dullstroom and head for Johannesburg for our flight. As usual Landscape staff will be on hand to assist you safely home.