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Cheetah at MalaMala

 

LIMPOPO SAND SAFARI


The Limpopo Sand Safari incorporates three of the top game-viewing areas in southern Africa, each offering markedly different habitat and a wide range of activities. The name is derived from two of southern Africa's most famous rivers. The Limpopo River - described by Rudyard Kipling as "the great grey-green, greasy Limpopo River, all set about with fever-trees" - flows through Botswana's Tulie Enclave as well as the northern sector of the Kruger National Park; the Sand River is the heart of the famous Sabi Sand Reserve, adjoining Kruger to the west.

The motivation behind the safari was to create a high quality yet affordable safari that would offer a diverse experience and outstanding game-viewing. The itinerary combines two lodges with a luxury tented camp, provides plenty of opportunity for adventure as well as intellectual stimulation, and will satisfy even the most demanding wish list for species diversity.

The Limpopo Sand Safari is very flexible in that there are no set dates - the itinerary can start on any day of the year, with availability at the properties being the only constraint. This safari is also family friendly, with children older than 6 welcome.


[ ITINERARY ] - [ DATES AND RATES 2008 ] - [ DATES AND RATES 2009 ] - [ CONTACT US ]


Days 1 to 4: Mashatu Game Reserve (Mashatu Main Camp)

Walking up on elephants

On arrival at the Limpopo Valley Airfield, you will be met by your professional guide who will transfer you by game-drive vehicle to Mashatu Main Camp (drive time roughly 45 minutes through the Reserve). You will spend the next three nights at Main Camp, enjoying excellent game-viewing, and with the option to participate in some of the many additional adventure activities that Mashatu has to offer. An absolute highlight is the opportunity to accompany professional researchers during their field work, gaining first hand insight into cutting edge conservation research in southern Africa.


Day 4: Transfer to Kruger

Today you will be transferred through the Mashatu Reserve (roughly 45 minutes) to the South African border. From the Pont Drift Border Post you will be transferred by vehicle (roughly three hours) to the world renowned Kruger National Park. From the Parfuri gate, it is a one hour game-drive transfer through the Park to Parfuri Camp.


Looking out over Lanner Gorge

Days 4 to 7: Kruger National Park (Parfuri Camp)

Spend three nights at the stylish and luxurious Parfuri Tented Camp, located on the Makuleke private concession. This is a remote wilderness area in the extreme north of the Kruger National Park. The Makuleke is the most scenically beautiful and ecologically diverse portion of the Kruger Park, and an area not accessible to other guests in the Park. The highlights here are the spectacular scenery, the remoteness, and the opportunity to add a large number of additional wildlife species to your "check list".



Day 7: Transfer to Sabi Sand Reserve

Today you will be collected from Parfuri airstrip and transferred by light aircraft to MalaMala Private Game Reserve. MalaMala constitutes the bulk of the famous Sabi Sand Reserve, adjoining the Kruger Park to the west.


Days 7 to 9: Sabi Sand Reserve (MalaMala Main Camp)

Leopard on game-drive

Your last two nights on safari are at the renowned MalaMala Main Camp. The MalaMala Reserve is famous for its very high concentration of 'high profile' species, and regular sighting of the 'Big Five' (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino). Game drives are conducted by highly qualified game rangers, assisted by Shangaan trackers, in open 4x4 vehicles, with the freedom and flexibility to drive off-road to track down game. After dark, spotlight safaris provide the opportunity to view nocturnal creatures and carnivores on the hunt, and walking safaris with an armed ranger can be arranged on request.



Day 9: End of Safari

After your morning game-drive and brunch, you will be transferred to MalaMala Airstrip, where the safari ends.


Luxury Lodge Accommodation

Luxury Lodge - MalaMala

Luxury Tented Accommodation

Luxury Tented Camp - Parfuri


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Dates and Rates - 2008

Departure Dates

Safari Starts At:

Safari Ends At:

US$ Price

1 Jan to 30 June 1 July to 15 Dec

Any - Based on Availability

Limpopo Valley Airstrip

MalaMala Airstrip

US$4,390

US$4,530

* Single Supplement - US$1,460 per person subject to availability of accommodation.

* Age Limits - There is a minimum age limit of 6 years. A medical certificate of full health is required for guests over the age of 75 years.

* We will happily assist guests with reservations on flights from Johannesburg to Limpopo Valley Airstrip, and from MalaMala Airstrip to Johannesburg

INCLUDED

Accommodation on a sharing basis, meals, scheduled lodge activities (game-drives, night drives, and nature walks), services of a professional guide at each lodge, park fees, all internal charters and transfers as described in the itinerary. At Mashatu, two optional extra activities are included (these may include a morning ivory drive or evening predator drive with one of the resident scientists on Mashatu, a morning interactive walking safari or a morning or evening mountain bike ride along ancient elephant pathways).

NOT INCLUDED

Scheduled flights to Mashatu and out of Mala Mala, drinks, visas, compulsory travel insurance, personal purchases (e.g. curios, telephone calls, etc.), gratuities, optional extra activities at Mashatu.


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Dates and Rates - 2009

Departure Dates

Safari Starts At:

Safari Ends At:

US$ Price

1 Jan to 30 June 1 July to 15 Dec

Any - Based on Availability

Limpopo Valley Airstrip

MalaMala Airstrip

US$4,690

US$4,990

* Single Supplement - US$1,460 per person subject to availability of accommodation.

* Age Limits - There is a minimum age limit of 6 years. A medical certificate of full health is required for guests over the age of 75 years.

* We will happily assist guests with reservations on flights from Johannesburg to Limpopo Valley Airstrip, and from MalaMala Airstrip to Johannesburg

INCLUDED

Accommodation on a sharing basis, meals, scheduled lodge activities (game-drives, night drives, and nature walks), services of a professional guide at each lodge, park fees, all internal charters and transfers as described in the itinerary. At Mashatu, two optional extra activities are included (these may include a morning ivory drive or evening predator drive with one of the resident scientists on Mashatu, a morning interactive walking safari or a morning or evening mountain bike ride along ancient elephant pathways).

NOT INCLUDED

Scheduled flights to Mashatu and out of Mala Mala, drinks, visas, compulsory travel insurance, personal purchases (e.g. curios, telephone calls, etc.), gratuities, optional extra activities at Mashatu.


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To find out more about Limpopo Sand Safari, or to make a reservation, call toll-free in the USA 1-888-227-8311 or email us.


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Photo Credits: Rattray Reserves ; Wilderness Safaris