Pilansberg - “The Volcano that gave birth to a game reserve”
ITINERARY
| Starting point: |
Johannesburg/Pretoria |
| End point: |
Pretoria/Johannesburg |
| Duration: |
6 Days |
Tour Description
The volcano that gave birth to a game reserve.The volcano erupted some 1 300 million years ago and is one of the largest volcanic complexes of its kind in the world. The crater of the extinct volcano is now the setting of the Pilanesberg Game Reserve and covers an area of 55 000ha. It is the fourth largest park. Pilanesberg rate high amongst the world’s outstanding geological phenomena.
The park exists within the transition zone between the dry Kalahari and wetter Lowveld vegetation. The very topography makes the area a feast for the eye. The colourful hues, varied habitats and panoramas will delight and entertain photographers and visitors. Here are syenite koppies, thickly forests ravines, typical “bushveld” and also rolling grasslands and lightly wooden areas, it offers a kaleidoscope of breathtaking sceneries, natural beauty and African diversity and, off the centre of the park is Thabayadiotso, “the Proud Mountain”.
The beauty of Pilanesberg is reflected in a large central lake, the Mankwe dam. Today, Pilanesberg Game Reserve accommodates virtually every mammal of South Africa and is home to the Big Five.
Accommodation is provided in comfortable chalets, bungalows or safari tents and is deliberately chosen to provide a diverse experience of African hospitality.
The vehicles we use are specifically chosen to be suitable for the area. Some of the areas we travel comprise very thick sand, other is clay surfaces, and still others can comprise a hard surface overlaying a pool of treacherous mud. All of these surfaces can change rapidly under varying conditions. In addition to close-up encounters with wildlife, our adventures also provide a diverse an in-dept encounter with many of the folk who contribute to the land we travel in, to really appreciate the beauty of Africa in all its facets.
This package is an exciting wildlife safari and the opportunity to view the “Big five”. This is designed as an adventure trip, and the unexpected can be expected. Be prepared.
Tour summery
Note that although we endeavour to abide by the primary itinerary indicated below, unexpected situations and circumstances beyond our control can result in small (or, occasionally, substantial) changes. This should then be taken as a general guideline.
Day 0: Arrival Day
Day 1: Johannesburg/Pretoria
Day 2: Sun City/The Lost City
Day 3: Pilansberg Nature Reserve
Day 4: Pilansberg Nature Reserve
Day 5: Pilansberg Nature Reserve
Day 6: Return to Pretoria/Johannesburg
Tour costing
Kindly refer to the section of this proposal after the detailed tour itinerary for some comments and explanations, as well as details about what is included and excluded.
A deposit of 50% would be required in advance to secure the various bookings en route. We would suggest this be done on confirmation of your booking.
Payments made in foreign currency will be subject to the effective rate of exchange prevailing at the time of transfer.
We supply a copy of our detailed “Terms and Condition” should you indicate your interest in this proposal.
Detailed Tour Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival Day
Arrive at OR Tambo International Airport. Flight arrival times to be confirmed in advance. We will meet you the airport, and transfer you to our guesthouse for check in. You may spend the rest of the day at leisure, catch up on some shopping or sleep.
We have a quick tour briefing.
Overnight in Pretoria
Day 1: Johannesburg/Pretoria
Activities shown below (at own expense):
A visit to the Rhino and Lion Park, located about 50km NW of Johannes-burg, where we visit the “touch zoo” and do a short game drive in our touring vehicle.
A 2-hour tour of Maropeng Interpretation Centre in the Cradle of Humankind, discovering some interesting aspects of early “human” life on this planet
An evening visit to the Lesedi Cultural Village for African cultural experience
An excursion to the de Wildt cheetah breeding facility near Pretoria
Fascinating encounters with elephants (including elephants rides) at the Elephant Sanctuary
A visit to the Sterkfontein caves, where early hominid fossils were found.
A visit to one of the large casinos in the area
A host of other adventure activities in the area (please ask for details).
After enjoying a sumptuous dinner in one of the local restaurants (included) we return to our guesthouse in Pretoria.
Day 2: Sun City and the Lost City
After breakfast we head out to the Pilansberg area towards Sun City and the Lost City.
Visit the valley of the waves and casino
Depart in the afternoon for the Pilansberg Game Reserve.
Day 3 - 5: Pilansberg Game Reserve
Over the next three day’s we explore the Pilansberg Game Reserve in search of the “Big Five”. With the help of Operation Genesis which involved the game – fencing of the reserve and the reintroducing of long – vanished species that began in the 70’s now you have the opportunity to view virtually every mammal of Southern Africa that lies in an ancient volcanic crater.
Optional activities: air trackers balloon safaris, elephant back safaris, outdoor adventure centre
Day 6: Return to Johannesburg
Return to Johannesburg (OR Tambo Airport) and bid each other farewell or you can extend your South African holiday adventure by joining us on any of our other great packages.
Tour costing – Some comments and details
The tour prices indicated below include the following:
- All accommodation, meals, teas, coffees and soft drinks
- All activities specifically indicated in the itinerary (unless specified “optional” or “own cost”)
- The provision of suitable vehicles for the duration of the trip, with appropriately licensed and experienced driver/guides
- Local specialist guides, as required
- Insurance and Emergency evacuation cover (we also insist that guests carry their own comprehensive Travel Insurances)
- Entrance to all National Parks en route
- Cross border charges as required
The following items are not included in the price of this safari package:
- Visas charges for the various countries
- Alcoholic beverages en route and most establishments
- Items of a personal nature
- Curios, etc
- Activities and items not included in the detailed itinerary
Kindly note the following aspects:
- Accommodation and activities are subjected to availability at the time of booking, and, in some cases, depending on other conditions prevailing on arrival.
- It may not always be possible to use the proposed establishment, and in some cases an alternative must be found.
- Early bookings help prevent variations of this nature
- Lunches provide en route are normally of the picnic variety, due to the unavailability or unsuitable of places to stop along the route
