5 Night Mpumalanga & Safari 4 Star Tour

Day 01

On arrival at Johannesburg International Airport, you make your way to the Avis Desk, and collect your rented car. From the airport you drive east over the highveld’s farmlands, down through the Mpumalanga Highlands, passing the village of Dullstroom to the Mpumalanga Escarpment. Here you check into the Mount Sheba Country Hotel for (2) nights on a bed and breakfast basis.

Sleepily tucked away amongst the mountains above the historic mining town of Pilgrims Rest lies Mount Sheba Country Lodge. Surrounded by indigenous forests this up-market lodge resort is an ideal retreat yet lies in easy distance to some on Mpumalanga's superb tourist attractions including 'God's Window', the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Potholes, Sudwala Caves and of course, Kruger National Park. The beautifully decorated en-suite bedrooms with private patios offer panoramic views allowing the beauty of the surroundings to be enjoyed from the comfort of your room. The cosy bedroom fireplaces are a perfect place to snuggle up with a book on chilly winter nights and your every comfort is catered for. At the main lodge cocktail hour is an event in the 'Potted Owl' before dining in the Chandelier Restaurant where the world-class gourmet menus are complimented by exceptional service that the Three Cities Group has become renowned for. For the leisure guest there is plenty to keep you occupied. Apart from visiting the many sights of the area there is also superb hiking, mountain biking along trails through thick indigenous forests, trout fishing and forest picnics. For birding enthusiasts Mount Sheba is a 'Mecca'. Internationally known Peter Lawson conducts regular birding outings in the area which is renowned for its birdlife.

Day 02

Today you have the full day to explore the escarpment area, which could include points such as God's Window, Bourkes Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon, Graskop, Pilgrims Rest and the many waterfalls of the area.

Day 03

Today you descend the escarpment into the Lowveld and make your way to the Timbavati Game Reserve, where you spend the next (3) nights at the Zuma Zuma Game Lodge on a fully inclusive basis.

The name Zuma Zuma derives from the Sotho expression used to describe the stealthy walk needed in the quest for game in the underbrush. With this in mind, the lodge buildings are all placed to provide seclusion and intimacy without compromising the natural surroundings. The earthy tones of all the buildings blend into the bush.

Nestled along the banks of a seasonal river, Zuma Zuma’s ten luxurious chalets all command a magnificent view of the watercourse and its surrounding lush vegetation.

Each chalet was built with minimum intrusion into the natural environment, and guests can appreciate an almost unbroken view of the river from the comfort of their beds through the glass doors on two sides of the chalet. Individually decorated with understated luxury in mind, the extra-length king or twin bedded rooms feature beaded artwork made by skilled South African women. Each of the widely separated chalets has its own private deck area, where guests can relax with a book from the lodge’s small but select library, or simply bask in the sun, keeping an eye open for the shy creatures that inhabit the river banks. All the chalets have air conditioning, the windows have protective mosquito gauze and large mosquito nets over the beds. The rooms have telephone facilities and internet connectivity. A bar fridge and a safe are tucked away in reeded cupboards, with a mirrored vanity of beautifully grained indigenous wood counters. The wooden tops are harvested from single slabs of wood, with the curves of the tree providing a sinuous, organic feel. All rooms have a spacious en suite bathroom, with spa baths and double washbasins. A large shower enclosure leads outdoors into a private outdoor shower with a view of the river bed. Large corner windows provide guests with a sense of the outdoors while still inside, and the view from the toilet is unparalleled through a large glass door. Blinds ensure privacy for the more modest, although the spacing of the chalets makes this unnecessary. The lodge not only provides luxurious facilities in beautiful surroundings, but also prides itself on being flexible and catering to the needs of the guests. The staff are dedicated to providing “added value”, starting with the indulgence of a health spa. Here massages, manicures, pedicures and facials ensure pampering and the ultimate relaxing experience. For those who feel the need to exercise, a gym is equipped with everything needed for a full cardiovascular workout, as well as a selection of free weights. A large Jacuzzi and a sauna are on hand to complete the experience. The lodge caters for families and is child friendly, with those chalets that are most closely spaced and nearest to the entertainment area providing convenience. For those not up to the walk to their chalet, golf carts provide a quiet alternative. Armed guides provide a safe journey along discreetly lit paths to a peaceful night’s sleep. The enthusiastic staff will ensure that children are kept entertained, with walks designed to cater to younger people, and child minders on hand if parents wish to go on a game drive alone. Honeymooners are treated with special care, and given the most intimate secluded chalet. Meals are taken in the massive thatched entertainment area, where the arrangement of the furniture provides a cosy feel. This is enhanced by two large circular fireplaces, which provide a focal point and the ideal location to discuss game sightings on a chilly winter’s night. The lounge and dining areas overlook the riverbed and a waterhole, lit at night with animal-friendly spotlights. A magnificent bar also gives an uninterrupted view of the waterhole. Meals can be taken on damask linen under the thatched roof, out on the raised teak deck, or in the boma at night. The emphasis is on South African cuisine, but special dietary requirements can be catered for. Consultation between the beauty therapist and the chef will provide a menu suitable for the health conscious. A superb wine cellar holding the best of South Africa’s world-renowned wines is found down a spiral staircase that winds down a carved leadwood log. A large picture window gives the opportunity to sip fine wine while studying activity at the waterhole. An elevated pool is partially hidden from the entertainment area, providing privacy combined with easy access to the bar. Satellite TV is available for those with a need to stay in contact with current events. Conference facilities for 26 people are also available. There is also a curio shop carrying selected high quality curios.

Day 04 – 05

Days spent on safari at Zuma Zuma.

Day 06

Today you take a leisurely drive back down to the Johannesburg International Airport where you drop off your rented car.

APPROXIMATE COST:

R 4865 .00 per person sharing (June – Sept 2005)
R 6140 .00 per person sharing (Oct 2005 - April 2006)

* Please note prices quoted are an indication only. For a firm quote please send an enquiry, and we will revert with an accurate quote based on your dates.

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5 Night Mpumalanga & Safari 4 Star Tour

Day 01

Day 02

Day 03

Day 04 – 05

Day 06

APPROXIMATE COST:

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