Exclusive Private Safaris in Sabi Sands & Kruger Park

Elephant herd in Kruger National Park, South Africa

What to expect on this itinerary

Your daydream of finding cheetah on the hunt or herds clashing at a waterhole comes to life during your 13-day South Africa safari tour of Kruger and Sabi Sands. You can explore the exclusive side of the world-famous Kruger ecosystems as you stay in five different private reserves and conservancies. Each is handpicked for its sublime accommodation, exceptional game viewing, and beautiful range of experiences perfect for a luxury adventure.

Countries Visited

South Africa

Places Visited

Kruger National Park, Thornybush Nature Reserve, Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Londolozi Game Reserve, Mala Mala Game Reserve

Suggested Duration

13 Days

Customizable Itinerary

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Day 1

Thornybush Nature Reserve – The Opulence of Kruger Safari

Touch down in Thornybush and any of your dreamy preconceptions of an African safari are quick to reveal themselves. You will lounge in a private plunge pool as giraffe and elephant roam below the trees below, a troop of monkeys will swing by as you sip on a welcome glass of bubbly and your suite will exude a modern luxury while the surroundings scream of wild Africa. Yours is one of South Africa's most unashamedly luxurious lodges, with decadent suites that open out onto the wonders of the bush. After your intercontinental flight, this will be a glorious place to rest and relax, especially as you spot so many animals from the comforts of your bed.

Upon your arrival at Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport, you will be greeted by a representative and assisted onto a local flight to the Thornybush airstrip. The afternoon will be yours and at your leisure for a chance to recuperate from your long day of travel. An afternoon game drive will ease you into your wild safari experience and begin to unravel the stunning biodiversity of the greater Kruger area. You will be on the lookout for the Big Five, but there are dozens of other species that fill this landscape, along with over 500 species of birds.

What's Included:

Accommodation
Transfer
Activity
Dinner
Day 2 - 3

Thornybush Nature Reserve – Luxurious Big Five Safari

Day 4 - 5

Sabi Sands Game Reserve – The Predators' Paradise

Day 6 - 7

Sabi Sands Game Reserve – Exclusive Safari in Lion Sands

Day 8 - 9

Kruger National Park – An Exclusive Private Concession

Day 10 - 12

Mala Mala Game Reserve – Exceptional Intimacy in South Africa's Premier Reserve

Day 13

Mala Mala Game Reserve to Johannesburg – Departure

Trip Highlights

  • Explore the Kruger without the crowds as you enjoy exclusive access to an unfenced savannah that is not accessible to general visitors
  • Celebrate the untamed luxury of African safari with five handpicked lodges and camps, each combining authentic experiences with contemporary comforts
  • Create a private safari itinerary each day, mixing a range of activities and experiences that suit your mood and interests
  • Take in the wildlife that roams freely through the Kruger ecosystem as the private reserves usually offer a higher concentration of wild mammals due to the availability of water and lack of tourist traffic
  • Enjoy the Thornybush Nature Reserve as it is amongst the most opulent of safari lodges, providing a seamless introduction to the charms of African safari
  • Relax for two nights in Sabi Sands, Kruger's most celebrated private reserve with two days spent in a famed paradise for the big cats
  • Watch the daily routes of a huge cast of animals while in Lion Sands, as it stands on the unfenced border between Sabi Sands and Kruger National Park
  • Explore the unusual and the unknown at private concession in the eastern section of Kruger that provides a safari in a very different habitat and ecosystem
  • Complete your safari experience with the idyllic Mala Mala and enjoy its big-game abundance and authentic atmosphere

Starting Price

$17,800 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

4.9

Verified Traveler Reviews

Based on 1111 reviews

Carolyn T.
South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe Trip Review: Wildlife, Local Cuisine, 13-Day Trip

Wow, I ran out of superlatives–fantastic, awesome, amazing. Everything was well organized and the recommended accommodations were all top-notch. The guides were so expert in their field. Every activity was well worth the time. Every meal was delicious.

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Anil M.
South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana Tour Review: 10 Nights

Our first trip to southern Africa was amazing, exceeding all expectations. We saw everything we came to see, and more. The game rides were well structured and safe, the visuals were unbelievable, and taking a side trip to Victoria Falls was a great idea. The accommodations were quite luxurious, despite being considered mid-range. There was always someone there to greet us and guide us at every travel point.

Zicasso's tour operator tailored our itinerary to our wishes and was wonderful to work with. Things couldn’t have gone better.

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Grace J.
South Africa Travel Review: Safaris, 1 Week

We had an awesome trip. Zicasso's travel expert was amazing. She accomplished everything.

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Nancy H.
South Africa, Zimbabwe Tour Review: Cape Town, Franschhoek, Wine Tasting, Elephant Experience, River Cruise, Wildlife, Nature, Scenery, 13 Nights

Zicasso's trip planner arranged the most fabulous trip for my family. She knew exactly what I wanted and delivered a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Africa! She always answered my questions promptly. She chose memorable experiences for us, our lodgings were top-notch, and she "kept in touch, behind the scenes," to ensure all elements were going smoothly. I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone planning a trip to Africa!

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LESLIE W.
Rwanda, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique Trip Review: Gorilla Trek, Bush Camps, 3 Weeks

It was very well planned. Zicasso's travel specialist was responsive and flexible in the planning process and throughout the final details.

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Catherine R.
South Africa, Zimbabwe Vacation Review: Safari, 11 Nights

The trip was amazing. Zicasso's trip expert did an awesome job planning the trip. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and exceeded all of our expectations. The “in-country” travel was seamless. Our accommodations and tours were all top-notch. I can‘t thank her enough for planning this awesome experience.

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist.

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