A Day By Day of our The Big Five & The Mother City safari

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9 Days / 8 Nights

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Start anticipating your African adventure with a short summary of what you can expect each day on safari to bring.

Open air guest areas at Ngala Safari Lodge

Luxurious safari suite at Ngala Safari Lodge

This adventure begins at OR Tambo International Airport and ends at Cape Town International Airport.

DAY 1: JOHANNESBURG

On arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a member of the &Beyond team, who will assist you through passport control and baggage claim, and will drive you to your hotel.

With its cosmopolitan people, vibey night life and growing commerce - Gauteng is a region which exudes history and adventure. After a bawdy start as a tent and shanty town, Johannesburg today is the second largest city in Africa. Had it not been for the discovery of gold by prospector George Harrison though, the city probably wouldn’t even be in existence. Harrison - who pegged the first claim on the reef, sold it for just ₤10 and disappeared without a trace! Known as the greatest gold-mining area on earth, this vibrant city is not just an industrial giant, it is the heart of the country’s economy. From traditional ‘muti’ (medicine) shops, to exclusive boutiques in upmarket malls, theatres, museums, cultural villages, restaurants, beautiful walks in indigenous gardens and more, Johannesburg is a diverse cultural melting pot, deserving of its name ‘iGoli’ - or ‘City of Gold’.

Spend the night in a luxury room at the beautiful Westcliff Hotel. Your stay includes accommodation in a luxury room, breakfast, internet access in the business lounge, bottled water on turndown, 24 hour access to the gymnasium, secure under cover parking, local newspapers and condensed international newspapers on request.

Day 2 - 5: Ngala Private Game Reserve

Return to OR Tambo International Airport for a light aircraft flight to &Beyond Ngala Private Game Reserve, within the Timbavati. A vehicle will be waiting for your arrival at Hoedspruit Airport for your onward journey to your lodge.

Adjacent to the world-renowned Kruger National Park, the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is home to a plethora of wildlife. This exceptional habitat boasts over 40 mammal species, including the Big Five, and 360 bird species. The Timbavati is also known as the birthplace of the mysterious white lion, which can still sometimes be seen in the Kruger.

Relax for four nights in an air conditioned cottage with an intimate veranda at Ngala Safari Lodge. Adventures include twice-daily game drives and nature walks. Specialist Safaris available at an additional cost include birding, photographic, tracking and walking adventures.

Your stay includes accommodation in a cottage, three meals daily, soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, teas and coffees, refreshments on game drives, laundry, safari activities, one hour nature walks accompanied by experienced armed trackers (subject to availability), as well as transfers to and from the airstrip.

Day 6 - 8: Cape Town

You will be driven to Hoedspruit Airport, where you will board a flight to Cape Town International Airport. Upon arrival you will be met and driven to the Mount Nelson Hotel.

With Table Mountain at its heart and two oceans at its feet, the city of Cape Town lies spread between spectacular mountains and sandy beaches. Vibrant, cosmopolitan and an eclectic mix of old and new, this laid-back city is as much at home with its 17th century castle as it is with its skyscrapers and trendy malls. It is also home to South Africa's first mosque, its oldest wine farm, a 350-year-old garden and timelessly beautiful beaches.

Linger for three nights at the Mount Nelson Hotel. Your stay includes accommodation in a superior room, breakfast, luxury chauffeur driven transfers within a 10 km radius of the hotel, complimentary internet access, suitcase unpacking services on request, bottled water on turndown, gymnasium with 24 hour access and state of the art facilities, use of sauna, steam room and plunge pool at Librisa Spa, secure under cover parking on site, local newspapers and condensed version of New York Times on request.