Open-air Land Rovers and expert rangers take you off the beaten path and within touching distance of Africa’s Big Five – leopards, lions, elephants, rhinos and buffalo – on the South African Safari
Set in the Kruger Park’s Sabi Sands Area, where the original luxury safari began, FiveZero’s Classic South African Safari takes you deep into the South African savannah, and into the heart of Big 5 country. You will head out on safari in open land rovers, guided by a professional ranger, who has an intimate knowledge of both the animals and their habitats. You will get to experience nature at its best, while driving along the untamed Sand river, and spend countless hours in the company of wild animals. The area is famous for its incredible leopard viewing, but you can also expect to see lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalos, hippos, zebra, giraffes and a whole lot more, including over 250 species of birds!n Safari
At the end of each day, retire to your luxurious base – a 5-Star private lodge perfectly situated on the banks of the Sand River. Make the most of the beautiful surrounds and get an insider’s view on the secrets of the river life. Then let the magnificent lounge take you back to an era almost lost – where trading stories after a successful day of safari is the main focus of the evening.
This safari is fully customised to let you choose exactly what you want. Extending your stay in Southern Africa is as easy as can be, and we have several great options to assist you make the most out of your safari! Contact our safari specialists to help you plan your dream safari!
Here is a little teaser: The Classic South African Safari Video
Contact us for more information.
Gallery
Photos from previous safaris. Click to view at full-size.
Suggested itinerary for The Classic South African Safari
Day 1: Arrive at Sabi Sands
Upon your arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg you will be met by a charter flight representative who will assist you to the charter flight lounge where you will catch a quick flight to a private airstrip in the Kruger Park’s Sabi Sands region. A private ranger will greet you at the airstrip and drive you the short distance to the lodge.
After you have settled in and enjoyed a wonderful lunch overlooking the Sand river, you will head out on your first safari, which will return back to camp a little after dark, giving you a chance to see the big cats in action and some of the weird and wonderful nocturnal animals.
Days 2 – 7: Sabi Sands Private Reserve
The Sabi Sands region is famous for its exceptional Big 5 viewing and abundant wildlife. The habituated nature of the area’s wildlife allows you incredible photographic opportunities, and a chance to view their natural behaviour from close quarters.
While each day is tailored to your requests, a typical day includes two safari outings. These morning and afternoon safaris are where the real magic happens! Driving in open-air Land Rovers, an experienced ranger guides you through this magnificent area to find the animals going about their business.
Lunches are served on the main deck beneath the trees, overlooking the beautiful Sand River or on occasion enjoy breakfasts in the bush. Each evening, you will meet for pre-dinner drinks in the bar, before dinner is served, mostly, in the Boma, or outdoor dining room, around the campfire.
Day 8: Departure
Enjoy one final, early morning safari followed by a fortifying breakfast. Your ranger will drive you to a private airstrip to catch your charter flight back to Johannesburg where you can connect with your onward flight.
Please note: The above day-by-day itinerary is only a guideline. The daily itinerary is weather-dependent and sightings-dependent, it could vary slightly.
Extend Your Stay in South Africa
If you would like to extend your trip, FiveZero can arrange this either before or after the above suggested safari itinerary. Not to miss spots include:
Cape Town: Cape Town is a vibrant city that will get under your skin no matter what time of year. While walking through the city’s streets and meeting its people, you will fall in love with its natural beauty and incredible spirit. Cape Town is a city where the unexpected is always just around the corner and the beautiful province of the Western Cape lies ready to be explored beyond the city border. There are endless activities including:
- Wine tasting tours of South Africa’s top wine-producing regions
- Enjoy a Helicopter ride for breath-taking views of Cape Town’s coastline
- Go cage diving with the famous Great White Sharks
- Climb Table Mountain to catch panoramic views of the city
- Go kite surfing or relax in the sun at Blaaubergstrand Beach
- Swim with the penguins at Boulders Bay
- Visit the historical landmark and political prison during the apartheid era Robben Island
- And, so much more!
Victoria Falls: Victoria Falls is a spectacular sight of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur on the Zambezi River and forming the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Described by the Kololo tribe living in the area in the 1800s as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ – ‘The Smoke that Thunders’.
In more modern terms Victoria Falls is known as the greatest curtain of falling water in the world. The wide, basalt cliff over which the falls thunder, transforms the Zambezi from a placid river into a ferocious torrent cutting through a series of dramatic gorges. Facing the Falls is another sheer wall of basalt, rising to the same height, and capped by mist-soaked rain forest. A path along the edge of the forest provides the visitor prepared to brave the tremendous spray, with an unparalleled series of views of the Falls.
There are a host of activities to do at the falls. For the more adventurous, bungee-jumping will get your heart racing, and for the more relaxed guests, enjoy gentle sundowner cruises and bird watching.
Highlights from The Classic South African Safari
Best time to go:
This safari is great year-round
Duration:
7 nights / 8 days
Accommodation:
5-star/luxury private lodge in Kruger’s Sabi Sands region
Start/End point:
OR Tambo International Airport (JNB)
Wildlife highlights:
Lions, Leopards, Rhinos, Elephants, Buffalo, Cheetahs, Hyenas, Hippopotamuses, Zebras, Giraffes, and more than 250 species of birds
Package includes:
Full-board accommodation
All internal flights and transfers
2 scheduled daily safari excursions
A La Carte:
International flights
Specialty Beverages
Spa treatments
Phone calls
Gratuities
Customized vacation (holiday) options/holiday extension options
Suggested activities may have additional fee
FiveZero Tip:
If you would like to get that perfect shot, why not ask our professional photographer to guide you on this safari, and show you how! Make it a Photographic Safari!