South Africa’s Most Romantic One-Week Safari

Couple viewing the vast landscape of Phinda Private Game Reserve at sunset in South Africa

What to expect on this itinerary

This South African safari is defined by space and seclusion. Yes, it is an adventure with wildlife encounters beyond the surreal, and even more impressively, there is a freedom and privacy that is unobtainable anywhere else. Over these relaxing seven nights, you will enjoy some of the best of South Africa in luxurious wilderness destinations. Africa’s iconic wildlife is all around, but the experience is never shared. This will be your exclusive safari theater that is filled with extravagant, intimate extras and the most amazing backgrounds.

Countries Visited

South Africa

Places Visited

Johannesburg, Phinda Private Game Reserve, Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve

Suggested Duration

8 Days

Customizable Itinerary

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Day 1

Johannesburg – Overnight With Mandela’s Heritage

Johannesburg can quickly flip certain preconceptions about Africa. Far from images of an underdeveloped continent, the city is a colorful mass of towers that is surrounded by luscious green plateaus. After landing at O.R. Tambo International Airport, you will be transferred to Sandton, which is Johannesburg’s most upmarket neighborhood. Hidden away here is Nelson Mandela’s former presidential retreat. It has been converted into a luxury, boutique hotel without letting go of any of the old magic and heritage. After checking-in, you can indulge in a couple’s treatment at the spa before dining with the privilege of one of Africa’s most celebrated chefs. The day is designed to be slow and relaxed and a chance to ease into your vacation after a long flight.

What's Included:

Transfer
Accommodation
Dinner
Day 2

Phinda Private Game Reserve – A Laid-Back and Luxurious Safari Introduction

Day 3

Phinda Private Game Reserve – Space and Seclusion

Day 4

Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve – Exclusive Encounters in the Day and Night

Day 5

Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve – Best of the Greater Kruger Plus Bush Picnic

Day 6

Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve – Sunrise Hot Air Ballooning and Leopard Encounters

Day 7

Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve – More Private Activities and Personal Wildlife Moments

Day 8

Johannesburg – Departure

Trip Highlights

  • Luxuriate in style at a private wilderness villa that is surrounded by wildlife
  • Ease into the Big Game safari with two laid-back days in Phinda
  • Elevate your wildlife experiences with four days in the Sabi Sands
  • Indulge in a hot air balloon above the Kruger before touching down to a champagne brunch
  • Enjoy intimate encounters with the famous Big Five and its fabulous supporting cast
  • Wander hand in hand through animal-dappled bushveld on a romantic walking safari
  • Discover the lands after dark with surreal, nighttime game drives in the Greater Kruger
  • Experience the best destination in Africa for leopard encounters
  • Bask in private plunge pools as wildlife wanders on the surrounding plains
  • Toast to romance with bush picnics, dinners beneath the stars, and all the space and seclusion you require
  • All game drives and safari activities are completely private

Starting Price

$5,400 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 1122 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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