Endless Panoramas

After jetting into Eastgate Airport in Hoedspruit, your driver will take you to Simbavati River Lodge in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. This is part of the Greater Kruger area, which offers the most reliable Big 5 game viewing on the planet. In fact, it’s not unusual to see leopard, lion, rhino, buffalo and elephant on the same trip. Your time here is spent on game drives, enjoying sundowners in the bush and easing into your Southern Africa safari. Why we love Simbavati River Lodge: Gorgeous setting on the Nhlaralumi River Considered to be in good leopard country The lodge is frequent stop for passing breeding herds Spa, gym and kids’ club keep everyone entertained

Your ‘safari eye’ will be in after four nights at Simbavati so you can spot even more game. A road transfer will whisk you down south from Timbavati to the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, where you will stay in a private part called Idube Game Reserve. If you haven’t yet got the perfect photo or spotted a new bird on your wishlist, you still have a few days to do so, all under the superb guidance of the Idube team. Why we love Idube Game Reserve: Explore 10 000 hectares of pristine thicket Elephants drink from the private pools at the lodge suites Nature walks take you in search of smaller wildlife Main pool, spa, gym and television lounge available

After a week on safari, it’s time to get back to ‘civilisation’! But this itinerary idea eases you in with two nights in a country town in one of South Africa’s most picturesque areas. Once you’re here, it’s easy to see why this is called the Panorama Route: there are incredible views at every turn as well as activities like hiking, golf, animal interaction and historic sight-seeing. Home is Perry’s Bridge Hollow, which is conveniently located for all the area’s main attractions. Why we love Perry’s Bridge Hollow Boutique Hotel: Several restaurants to choose from Large swimming pool and children’s playground Adjacent to Perry’s Bridge Trading Post for shopping Ideally positioned for easy drives to major sites

Time to say ‘goodbye’ to South Africa and ‘hello’ to Zimbabwe. A short flight takes you from Kruger-Mpumalanga International Airport in Nelspruit to Victoria Falls International, where your driver will be waiting to zip you to Ilala Lodge Hotel. Seeing the Victoria Falls is first on the list but there is so much else to explore here: see protected black rhino, go white-water rafting, enjoy sundowner cruises, shop in the markets and get your pulse racing with adrenalin activities. Why we love Ilala Lodge Hotel: Lovely open-air restaurant on site Several accommodation options Spacious grounds with mature gardens Centrally located for easy access to the Falls