Fly in: OT International Airport, Johannesburg by 16h00 (Friday 21st July 2023)
Fly out: OT International Airport, Johannesburg from 17h00 (Monday 31st July 2023)
Group size: 6 – 12 Ladies . (**We need a min of 6 ladies to run this trip)
RATE:
R139 000pp + R20 000 fundraising = R159 000 pp sharing occupancy (Approx US$9045pp)
R159 000pp + R20 000 fundraising = R179 000 pp single occupancy (Approx US$10 190pp)
(25% Deposit is required to book a seat). T&C Apply. *Once deposit is paid Rand/Dollar rate will be secured
Time and Space under a million Stars, a million Moments and a million Smiles – endless and unlimited, this is the extravagance of AFRICA. If you are ready to journey into your wildness, to experience your raw and powerful energy, then this expedition is for you!!
We start our journey in South Africa, where you will meet your fellow adventurers, and get driven to Giglio Boutique Hotel in Johannesburg, where you will spend your first night relaxing and getting to know the group a little better over sundowners and dinner.
The following day sees you landing in Hoedspruit, a hidden gem in the Easternmost corner of South Africa. You will be transferred to Safari Moon Luxury Bush Lodge, where you will enjoy the 5 * service and all meals for the next five days. Here you will begin to experience the beat of Africa’s rhythm and explore South Africa’s highest biodiversity of flora and fauna. You will also discover and connect with yourself with unrivalled scenery, unspoilt nature, and a rich variety of wildlife and endemic species.
You will be transported into silence, inspiring magic as you cruise along Blyde River Canyon, take in the Panorama Route Tour, a Helicopter flip over the magical canyons, and get to create your piece of Jewellery with the Team from Down 2 the Wire. You will answer the call of the Fish Eagle and capture the occasional splash of the Hippos and crocodiles as they watch you with curious eyes. The magnificence of the Canyon rockface from the river creates the perfect backdrop for your photographic memories. End each day around a campfire absorbing the evening chorus of Africa’s nightlife, as the stars light up against the sky as darkness falls.
There is always that one moment in a journey that forever changes you! Day 5 & 6 will almost certainly be that day. You will get to experience hands-on and in real time what Wildlife Vets do. You will get to work with the wildlife Vets and conservationists, in the Wild, on Wild animals. This is an experience that only a select few people in the world will ever do. It is a Wild and adrenalin-producing life experience that will be etched into your memory forever – a generational story.
We then head to Kambaku River Lodge, where the opulence of the African Bush awaits you as you watch the sunset in the heart of the Timbavati Reserve – the homeland of South Africa’s Big Five. You will have time to recall and absorb everything you have experienced in the past week. For the next four days, you will be escorted and treated to Game Drives, and Bush Dinners, regaled with stories and tales from experienced guides and witness the wonders of the African Wild as they unfold before your eyes. You will greet the energy of the Sunrise and the stilling of the burning orange sunsets as they weave their magic into your soul, calling you to the greatest love of all, SELF!
Africa is a demanding love, for once she is there, she will never leave!
Frequency: Bespoke once-off expedition
Fitness Rating: Moderate to Fit
Tour Features: Wildlife Conservation, English-spoken, Fundraising for Wildlife Conservation Groups, Women only.
Beneficiary: Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and Elephants Alive (EA)
Accommodation: 5-star (Accommodation is SHARING unless single occupancy is arranged)
Min: 6 eco-adventurers (**We need a min of 6 ladies to run this trip)
Max: 12 eco-adventurers
Some of the extraordinary experiences you can look forward to as part of this group of solo eco-travellers include:
| Day | Date | Time | Department | Details / Comments |
| Flight | Flights to South Africa Depart their countries – various dates (Own) | |||
| DAY 1 – Friday 21 July 2023 | ||||
| 1 | 21.07.2023 | ETA | Flight | Guests arrive in South Africa on their OWN accord |
| Accommodation | Giglio Boutique Hotel Type: Room (Single & Sharing occupancy) Meals: Dinner & Breakfast |
|||
| Comments – International flight times to be confirmed and booked by Guests. Transfer to hotel. | ||||
| DAY 2 – Saturday 22 July 2023 | ||||
| 2 | 22.07.2023 | ETD 08h30 | Road Transfer | Collection from lodge and transfer to OT airport (Domestic Departures Terminal B) |
| 10h30 ETD | Flight | Domestic Airlink Flight 4Z871 JHB to HDS (Airlink) | ||
| 11h30 ETD | Transfer | Transfer from Eastgate airport to Lodge | ||
| 12h00 ETA | Meals | Arrival at Lodge + Lunch | ||
| 14h15 ETD | Activities | Blyde Canyon Boat – Pick up at SMLBL for Boat Trip + includes MPTA Entry Fees. Boat Cruise at 15h00 (1 1/2 hours) | ||
| Accommodation | Safari Moon Luxury Bush Lodge Type: Room (Single/sharing occupancy) Meals: Fully inclusive |
|||
| Comments – Airlink flight times to be confirmed by BSE/Carla. Please note some of the below activities are weather dependent. No alcohol allowed on the boat. | ||||
| DAY 3- Sunday 23 July 2023 | ||||
| 3 | 23.07.2023 | 08h00 – 16h00 | Activities | Panorama Route Activity (10 hours) Enjoy commanding mountain views and the spectacular Blyde River Canyon, one the world’s largest green canyon -includes all entries glass lift at Grasskop and a beautiful forest walk. |
| Accommodation | Safari Moon Luxury Bush Lodge Type: Room (Single/sharing occupancy) Meals: Fully inclusive |
|||
| DAY 4 – Monday 24th July 2023 | ||||
| 4 | 24.07.2023 | Activities | Helicopter flip (2 hours). Transfer to and from SMLBL x 3 helicopters Down 2 the wire – making bracelets PM – Game Drive |
|
| Accommodation | Safari Moon Luxury Bush Lodge Type: Room (Single/sharing occupancy) Meals: Fully inclusive |
|||
| DAY 5 – Tuesday 25th July 2023 | ||||
| 5 | 25.07.2023 | 08h00 TBC | Activities | EWT – Wild dog trekking with Grant Beverly |
| Accommodation | Safari Moon Luxury Bush Lodge Type: Room (Single/sharing occupancy) Meals: Fully inclusive |
|||
| DAY 6 – Wednesday 26th July 2023 | ||||
| 6 | 26.07.2023 | 06h30 ETD – 14h00 | Transfer/Activities | Wildlife Experience/ Project with wildlife vets/Elephants Alive or similar. This is a very unique experience. |
| Accommodation | Safari Moon Luxury Bush Lodge Type: Room (Single/sharing occupancy) Meals: Fully inclusive |
|||
| Comments – We will be assisting collaring of Elephants with Elephants Alive. ***PLEASE TAKE NOTE The animal’s safety is ALWAYS a priority and we work under the guidance of the wildlife vet and the organisation. Animals are wild and unpredictable, so we follow their instructions. | ||||
| DAY 7 – Thursday 27th July 2023 | ||||
| 7 | 27.07.2023 | 10h30 – 11h00 | Transfer | Transfer from Safari Moon Bush Lodge to Kambaku River Lodge |
| 16h00 | Activities | Afternoon Game Drive | ||
| Accommodation | Kambaku River Lodge Safari Lodge Type: Room (Single/Sharing occupancy) Meals: Full board |
|||
| Comments – Visit to Graeme Naylor Museum. We will arrange 1 x Bush Breakfast/Bush Dinner while at Kambaku River Lodge. Weather dependent and planned on arrival | ||||
| DAY 8 – Friday 28th July 2023 | ||||
| 8 | 28.07.2023 | TBC | Activities | Morning & Afternoon Game Drive |
| Accommodation | Kambaku River Lodge Safari Lodge Type: Room (Single/Sharing occupancy) Meals: full board |
|||
| Day 9 – Saturday 29th July 2023 | ||||
| 9 | 29.07.2023 | TBC | Activities | Morning & Afternoon Game Drive / Walk |
| Accommodation | Kambaku River Lodge Safari Lodge Type: Room (Single/Sharing occupancy) Meals: full board |
|||
| Day 10 – Sunday 30th July 2023 | ||||
| 10 | 30.07.2023 | TBC | Activities | Morning & Afternoon Game Drive/ Walk |
| Accommodation | Kambaku River Lodge Safari Lodge Type: Room (Single/Sharing occupancy) Meals: full board |
|||
| Day 11- Monday 31st July 2023 | ||||
| 11 | 31.07.2023 | 09h30 ETD | Transfer | Pick up for Transfer to HDS Eastgate airport |
| 12h05 ETD | Flight | Airlink Flight 4Z872 from HDS to JHB or CT | ||
| 17h00 ETD | Flight | Flight Home or continue in SA | ||
*Please note this Itinerary and Price may change slightly but the expedition host will keep you posted and updated if anything does happen. Terms and conditions apply due to availability. Please note some activities are weather dependent and we will do our best to accommodate them all in our itinerary.
DAY ONE – ARRIVAL DAY
Airport pick-up. Welcome to South Africa! Your adventure begins when you are greeted at the airport by your Menzies Handling agent, who will meet you in your arrival terminal, and will assist with immigration, baggage collection, customs, and hand over in arrivals to your hotel transfer for the first night. Expedition leader Carla Geyser, founder of Blue Sky Society Trust will meet you at the hotel. Please make sure you arrive BEFORE 16h00pm . Welcome dinner and early night
Accommodation: The Giglio Boutique Hotel or similar
Type: Room (Single/ Sharing occupancy)
Meals : Dinner & Breakfast
Website: https://thegiglio.co.za
DAY TWO / THREE / FOUR /FIVE / SIX – JHB TO HOEDSPRUIT
After a delicious breakfast, we will catch our shuttle transfer back to OR TAMBO airport to catch the Domestic flight to Hoedspruit. We will be collected by our transfer at Eastgate airport and transferred to Safari Moon, where we will spend the next five days & nights. Located in South Africa’s Safari hub of Hoedspruit, Safari Moon is a boutique base from which to discover the wonders of South Africa’s Lowveld region. One can expect a luxurious and tranquil space to revitalise and rediscover one of South Africa’s most sought-after safari destinations. Safari Moon provides a cultured and contemporary setting for the discerning traveller.
Accommodation: Safari Moon Luxury Bush Lodge
Type: Room (Single/ Sharing occupancy)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
https://www.safarimoon.africa/
ACTIVITIES:
DAY 2 – BLYDE BOAT CRUISE
The Blyde River Canyon Boat Cruise sails right through this beautiful “green canyon”. Along the way, you have a chance to spot wildlife such as Hippo and crocodiles, which makes this trip an unforgettable experience!
DAY 3 –PANORAMA ROUTE
A full day on the Panorama Route explores the north-eastern section of the Great Escarpment of the Drakensberg. In the rugged mountains, the plateau comes to a dramatic halt, plummeting steeply into the Lowveld accompanied by astonishing views that one could view from various spots. The most beautiful stretch of the route is the R532 that winds its way from the town of Sabie via a selection of graceful waterfalls (Sabie Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Mac Mac Falls) to Gods Window, the Blyde River Canyon, Bourkes Luck Potholes and the three Rondawels. We will also visit Graskop Gorge lift and do a little walk through the beautiful forest. After a long day we will return to the luxury of our 5-star lodge.
DAY 4 – FLY WITH THE ANGELS-
Early start for a two-hour panoramic sightseeing flight in a Helicopter flip through the Blyde Canyon (2 hours), which includes a light picnic breakfast on top of one of the magnificent mountains.
Visit the ‘Down 2 the wire’ workshop where we get to make your own piece of jewellery out of The Down to the Wire project was inspired by the lack of awareness of snaring in general and its effects on wildlife. They aim to convert these snares into something inspiring, useful and beautiful that symbolises hope for our wildlife and a way of raising awareness on the critical topic of snaring. The goal is to educate as many people about the negative impacts snaring has and why it is so undesirable from a conservation perspective.
Back to the lodge for a late lunch and then onto an afternoon Game Drive (3 hours)
DAY 5 – ENDANGERED WILDLIFE TRUST (EWT)
Today we head into the bush with Grant Beverly and his team, who have a wealth of experience with Wild Dogs – one of the most endangered Carnivores in Africa. African Wild dogs are a rare sight in any reserve. We will discover the unique, effervescent behaviour of these close-knit pack animals, who use strength in numbers and seamless collaborations to make them a force to be reckoned with.
EWT is one of our beneficiaries, and this morning will give us a glimpse into the most fascinating and intimate insights into these animals that definitely can’t be found in a book or online. This may entail searching for dogs using radio telemetry to confirm the health of all the pack members, update individual identifications, and update pack composition and structure.
DAY 6 – ELEPHANTS ALIVE – COLLARING OR TRACKING
Spend the morning with the Elephants Alive team – doing elephant conservation work.
**Please note the animal’s safety is ALWAYS a priority, and we will do our best to include all to educate them about the vital work they are doing. However, if anything changes – we need to do what the professionals advise. We will work with the professional vets from Wildscapes veterinary services and the team led by Dr Michelle Henley and follow their instructions.
DAY SEVEN/EIGHT/NINE/ TEN – HOEDSPRUIT TO TIMBERVATI
After packing up, we head off to will be transferred to Kambaku River Lodge, which is in the heart of the Timbervati Game Reserve, a vast expanse of 60 000 hectares of pristine African bushveld. It is a place where a piece of Africa’s living heritage has been immaculately conserved. We will spend the next four days & nights experiencing the understated luxury and unrivalled comfort and searching for the world-renowned Magnificent seven: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo, cheetah and wild dogs roam freely in an untouched habitat.
Accommodation: Kambaku River Lodge
Type: Room (Single/sharing occupancy)
Meals: Full Board
Website: Kambaku Lodges | Timbavati and Sedgefield – Kambaku
DAY ELEVEN – JOHANNESBURG/DEPARTURE
Early breakfast and transfer to Eastgate airport to catch a flight back to OR Tambo international airport in Johannesburg. Menzies Handling services will meet you in the arrivals and assist in check-in counters, passport control, and boarding gate of departure flight or to a departure lounge.
If you would like to extend your stay and head to Cape Town or the beach, please chat with Carla for possible options and prices. Thank you for joining me on this incredible journey.
You are among our friends when you are with us. Together, we are in a safe space, and you have the freedom to be yourself and explore. Whether you have never left your home country or are a seasoned solo traveller, this trip will offer you adventure, friends, and breathless beauty.
*Please note this Itinerary and Price may change slightly, but the expedition host will keep you posted and updated if anything does happen. Terms and conditions apply due to availability. Please note some activities are weather dependent, and we will do our best to accommodate them all in our itinerary.
#JWP EXPEDITIONS ARE NOT FOR EVERYONE
These adventures are organised and led by Carla Geyser, the founder of the Blue Sky Society Trust (BSST) and Blue Sky Expeditions who has, to date, led many successful trips into Africa. If you are an enthusiastic adventurer who is passionate about conservation and takes life as it comes, then this is for you! #JWP brings together like-minded people from around the world on trips that focus on visiting and raising funds for wildlife initiatives along the route.
Carla is always looking for well-rounded individuals of various skills and interests. If you are an enthusiastic adventurer who is passionate about conservation and who takes life as it comes, then our next #JWP expedition could be for you.
REMOTE AND MEMORABLE
These expeditions sometimes involve driving distances over bumpy dusty roads, staying in remote areas, at times being without mobile phone service for days, and of course loads of giving back through hands-on charity work. There will be wi-fi at most of the lodges.
ARE YOU UP FOR THE CHALLENGE?
This is a LIMITED entry journey, which means only a few people get to experience this unforgettable never-to-be-repeated experience. The minimum enrolment for this trip is 6 people. If minimum enrolment is not met 90 days prior to departure date, the trip may be canceled in which case full payment excluding part of the deposit will be refunded. (Minus the US$1000 non-refundable deposit).
SAFETY:
Safety is always a priority. We have a satellite phone, SATIB Insurance 24-hour medivac and assistance on call, and access to doctors 24/7.
PAYMENT & BOOKING:
DEPOSIT: A 25% deposit is required to be paid within 24 hours to reserve/book your spot on the expedition.
FULL PAYMENT DEADLINE: The remaining balance should be paid 90 days prior to departure. If you are booking within 90 days of departure, then full payment is required at the time of booking. (BY 1 APRIL 2023). OR Full payment upfront (100%)
CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY:
30 days (one month) or less: Cancellation by you up to 30 days prior to departure results in no refund. (100% Cancellation fee applies i.e. no refund)
30 – 90 days (one to three months): 70% cancellation fee applies. 30% will be refunded.
90 – 150 days (three to five months): 30% cancellation fee applies. 70% will be refunded.
150 days or more: Cancellation by you up to 150 days prior to departure will result in full reimbursement MINUS a non-refundable deposit of US1000pp.
Blue Sky Expeditions is not responsible for cancellations due to medical or family emergencies.
A cancellation request must be received in writing by email from the participant. Verbal notice will not serve as a valid cancellation.
Should you choose to withdraw from the program, kindly note that part of the deposit is non-refundable.
If the trip is cancelled due to inadequate enrollment, Blue Sky Expeditions is not responsible for reimbursement of non-refundable airline tickets. While we do our absolute best to fill each trip, we highly recommend that you buy refundable airline tickets.
FLIGHT INFORMATION:
Unless you are purchasing airline insurance, it is a good idea to wait until departure is confirmed to buy plane tickets.
Please ARRIVE at OT Airport by 21 JULY 2023 (BEFORE 16h00)
Please book your DEPARTURE from OT International airport for the 31 JULY 2023 (EVENING flight from 17h00)
Travelling before or after the program is totally fine – just let Blue Sky Expeditions know your plans.
GENERAL COMMENTS:
Please note the itinerary and prices may change slightly but we will keep you posted as to any amendments or changes. This is Africa (TIA).
We will send you emails detailing the documentation and correspondence we require from you. An Expedition Indemnity will be sent and needs to be read, understood, signed, and returned to confirm your place.
MEALS: Most meals will be eaten together at the places we stay. Food restrictions and allergies can be accommodated, just please let us know beforehand.
SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS: Pricing is based upon a double occupancy sharing. Unless a specific person has been identified, you will usually be assigned a roommate. Each person will have their own bed. Please confirm if you would like single occupancy.
MEDICAL: Make sure you have sufficient supplies of any prescription medicine. In fact, it might be wise to bring a small personal first aid kit, including any patent medicines you prefer. You are responsible for taking all necessary health precautions before and during your trip. It is the client’s responsibility to ensure they seek professional medical advice before travelling and to take all necessary health precautions and preventative measures.
Vaccinations: Be an informed traveller! Ultimately, it is up to you to consult a physician. We are here to help but cannot legally provide medical advice.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Here at Blue Sky Expeditions, we do our best to ensure that every program is a success. However, in the event of something unexpected, we want you to be fully protected. We REQUIRE that you purchase international travel insurance.
ENTRY & VISA INFORMATION
Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry and that you have at least two blank pages in your passport (the back page does not count).
MONEY & TIPPING:
The colourful currency in South Africa is the Rand and in Botswana is the Botswana Pula. Credit cards are mostly but also bring some cash. Reliable ATM’s in banks are available in cities. You may also bring cash to exchange at banks and exchange offices.
TIPPING: There will some situations where you may feel the need to tip but as always it is up to your discretion.
Suggested gratuities:
$10 – 30 per person per day (USD)
Waiter/Host – $5 per couple (USD)
General Staff – $10-$15 per person (USD)
**PLEASE CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING TO READ AND SIGN OUR INDEMNITY. Each person must have signed this before departure
Expedition Agreement – https://www.blueskysociety.org/expedition-agreement-form/
Indemnity Form – https://www.blueskysociety.org/indemnity-online-form/
| Day | Date | Time | Department | Details / Comments |
| Flight | Flights to South Africa Depart their countries – various dates (Own) | |||
| DAY 1 – Friday 21 July 2023 | ||||
| 1 | 21.07.2023 | ETA | Flight | Guests arrive in South Africa on their OWN accord |
| Accommodation | Giglio Boutique Hotel Type: Room (Single & Sharing occupancy) Meals: Dinner & Breakfast |
|||
| Comments – International flight times to be confirmed and booked by Guests. Transfer to hotel. | ||||
| DAY 2 – Saturday 22 July 2023 | ||||
| 2 | 22.07.2023 | ETD 08h30 | Road Transfer | Collection from lodge and transfer to OT airport (Domestic Departures Terminal B) |
| 10h30 ETD | Flight | Domestic Airlink Flight 4Z871 JHB to HDS (Airlink) | ||
| 11h30 ETD | Transfer | Transfer from Eastgate airport to Lodge | ||
| 12h00 ETA | Meals | Arrival at Lodge + Lunch | ||
| 14h15 ETD | Activities | Blyde Canyon Boat – Pick up at SMLBL for Boat Trip + includes MPTA Entry Fees. Boat Cruise at 15h00 (1 1/2 hours) | ||
| Accommodation | Safari Moon Luxury Bush Lodge Type: Room (Single/sharing occupancy) Meals: Fully inclusive |
|||
| Comments – Airlink flight times to be confirmed by BSE/Carla. Please note some of the below activities are weather dependent. No alcohol allowed on the boat. | ||||
| DAY 3- Sunday 23 July 2023 | ||||
| 3 | 23.07.2023 | 08h00 – 16h00 | Activities | Panorama Route Activity (10 hours) Enjoy commanding mountain views and the spectacular Blyde River Canyon, one the world’s largest green canyon -includes all entries glass lift at Grasskop and a beautiful forest walk. |
| Accommodation | Safari Moon Luxury Bush Lodge Type: Room (Single/sharing occupancy) Meals: Fully inclusive |
|||
| DAY 4 – Monday 24th July 2023 | ||||
| 4 | 24.07.2023 | Activities | Helicopter flip (2 hours). Transfer to and from SMLBL x 3 helicopters Down 2 the wire – making bracelets PM – Game Drive |
|
| Accommodation | Safari Moon Luxury Bush Lodge Type: Room (Single/sharing occupancy) Meals: Fully inclusive |
|||
| DAY 5 – Tuesday 25th July 2023 | ||||
| 5 | 25.07.2023 | 08h00 TBC | Activities | EWT – Wild dog trekking with Grant Beverly |
| Accommodation | Safari Moon Luxury Bush Lodge Type: Room (Single/sharing occupancy) Meals: Fully inclusive |
|||
| DAY 6 – Wednesday 26th July 2023 | ||||
| 6 | 26.07.2023 | 06h30 ETD – 14h00 | Transfer/Activities | Wildlife Experience/ Project with wildlife vets/Elephants Alive or similar. This is a very unique experience. |
| Accommodation | Safari Moon Luxury Bush Lodge Type: Room (Single/sharing occupancy) Meals: Fully inclusive |
|||
| Comments – We will be assisting collaring of Elephants with Elephants Alive. ***PLEASE TAKE NOTE The animal’s safety is ALWAYS a priority and we work under the guidance of the wildlife vet and the organisation. Animals are wild and unpredictable, so we follow their instructions. | ||||
| DAY 7 – Thursday 27th July 2023 | ||||
| 7 | 27.07.2023 | 10h30 – 11h00 | Transfer | Transfer from Safari Moon Bush Lodge to Kambaku River Lodge |
| 16h00 | Activities | Afternoon Game Drive | ||
| Accommodation | Kambaku River Lodge Safari Lodge Type: Room (Single/Sharing occupancy) Meals: Full board |
|||
| Comments – Visit to Graeme Naylor Museum. We will arrange 1 x Bush Breakfast/Bush Dinner while at Kambaku River Lodge. Weather dependent and planned on arrival | ||||
| DAY 8 – Friday 28th July 2023 | ||||
| 8 | 28.07.2023 | TBC | Activities | Morning & Afternoon Game Drive |
| Accommodation | Kambaku River Lodge Safari Lodge Type: Room (Single/Sharing occupancy) Meals: full board |
|||
| Day 9 – Saturday 29th July 2023 | ||||
| 9 | 29.07.2023 | TBC | Activities | Morning & Afternoon Game Drive / Walk |
| Accommodation | Kambaku River Lodge Safari Lodge Type: Room (Single/Sharing occupancy) Meals: full board |
|||
| Day 10 – Sunday 30th July 2023 | ||||
| 10 | 30.07.2023 | TBC | Activities | Morning & Afternoon Game Drive/ Walk |
| Accommodation | Kambaku River Lodge Safari Lodge Type: Room (Single/Sharing occupancy) Meals: full board |
|||
| Day 11- Monday 31st July 2023 | ||||
| 11 | 31.07.2023 | 09h30 ETD | Transfer | Pick up for Transfer to HDS Eastgate airport |
| 12h05 ETD | Flight | Airlink Flight 4Z872 from HDS to JHB or CT | ||
| 17h00 ETD | Flight | Flight Home or continue in SA | ||
*Please note this Itinerary and Price may change slightly but the expedition host will keep you posted and updated if anything does happen. Terms and conditions apply due to availability. Please note some activities are weather dependent and we will do our best to accommodate them all in our itinerary.
DAY ONE – ARRIVAL DAY
Airport pick-up. Welcome to South Africa! Your adventure begins when you are greeted at the airport by your Menzies Handling agent, who will meet you in your arrival terminal, and will assist with immigration, baggage collection, customs, and hand over in arrivals to your hotel transfer for the first night. Expedition leader Carla Geyser, founder of Blue Sky Society Trust will meet you at the hotel. Please make sure you arrive BEFORE 16h00pm . Welcome dinner and early night
Accommodation: The Giglio Boutique Hotel or similar
Type: Room (Single/ Sharing occupancy)
Meals : Dinner & Breakfast
Website: https://thegiglio.co.za
DAY TWO / THREE / FOUR /FIVE / SIX – JHB TO HOEDSPRUIT
After a delicious breakfast, we will catch our shuttle transfer back to OR TAMBO airport to catch the Domestic flight to Hoedspruit. We will be collected by our transfer at Eastgate airport and transferred to Safari Moon, where we will spend the next five days & nights. Located in South Africa’s Safari hub of Hoedspruit, Safari Moon is a boutique base from which to discover the wonders of South Africa’s Lowveld region. One can expect a luxurious and tranquil space to revitalise and rediscover one of South Africa’s most sought-after safari destinations. Safari Moon provides a cultured and contemporary setting for the discerning traveller.
Accommodation: Safari Moon Luxury Bush Lodge
Type: Room (Single/ Sharing occupancy)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
https://www.safarimoon.africa/
ACTIVITIES:
DAY 2 – BLYDE BOAT CRUISE
The Blyde River Canyon Boat Cruise sails right through this beautiful “green canyon”. Along the way, you have a chance to spot wildlife such as Hippo and crocodiles, which makes this trip an unforgettable experience!
DAY 3 –PANORAMA ROUTE
A full day on the Panorama Route explores the north-eastern section of the Great Escarpment of the Drakensberg. In the rugged mountains, the plateau comes to a dramatic halt, plummeting steeply into the Lowveld accompanied by astonishing views that one could view from various spots. The most beautiful stretch of the route is the R532 that winds its way from the town of Sabie via a selection of graceful waterfalls (Sabie Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Mac Mac Falls) to Gods Window, the Blyde River Canyon, Bourkes Luck Potholes and the three Rondawels. We will also visit Graskop Gorge lift and do a little walk through the beautiful forest. After a long day we will return to the luxury of our 5-star lodge.
DAY 4 – FLY WITH THE ANGELS-
Early start for a two-hour panoramic sightseeing flight in a Helicopter flip through the Blyde Canyon (2 hours), which includes a light picnic breakfast on top of one of the magnificent mountains.
Visit the ‘Down 2 the wire’ workshop where we get to make your own piece of jewellery out of The Down to the Wire project was inspired by the lack of awareness of snaring in general and its effects on wildlife. They aim to convert these snares into something inspiring, useful and beautiful that symbolises hope for our wildlife and a way of raising awareness on the critical topic of snaring. The goal is to educate as many people about the negative impacts snaring has and why it is so undesirable from a conservation perspective.
Back to the lodge for a late lunch and then onto an afternoon Game Drive (3 hours)
DAY 5 – ENDANGERED WILDLIFE TRUST (EWT)
Today we head into the bush with Grant Beverly and his team, who have a wealth of experience with Wild Dogs – one of the most endangered Carnivores in Africa. African Wild dogs are a rare sight in any reserve. We will discover the unique, effervescent behaviour of these close-knit pack animals, who use strength in numbers and seamless collaborations to make them a force to be reckoned with.
EWT is one of our beneficiaries, and this morning will give us a glimpse into the most fascinating and intimate insights into these animals that definitely can’t be found in a book or online. This may entail searching for dogs using radio telemetry to confirm the health of all the pack members, update individual identifications, and update pack composition and structure.
DAY 6 – ELEPHANTS ALIVE – COLLARING OR TRACKING
Spend the morning with the Elephants Alive team – doing elephant conservation work.
**Please note the animal’s safety is ALWAYS a priority, and we will do our best to include all to educate them about the vital work they are doing. However, if anything changes – we need to do what the professionals advise. We will work with the professional vets from Wildscapes veterinary services and the team led by Dr Michelle Henley and follow their instructions.
DAY SEVEN/EIGHT/NINE/ TEN – HOEDSPRUIT TO TIMBERVATI
After packing up, we head off to will be transferred to Kambaku River Lodge, which is in the heart of the Timbervati Game Reserve, a vast expanse of 60 000 hectares of pristine African bushveld. It is a place where a piece of Africa’s living heritage has been immaculately conserved. We will spend the next four days & nights experiencing the understated luxury and unrivalled comfort and searching for the world-renowned Magnificent seven: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo, cheetah and wild dogs roam freely in an untouched habitat.
Accommodation: Kambaku River Lodge
Type: Room (Single/sharing occupancy)
Meals: Full Board
Website: Kambaku Lodges | Timbavati and Sedgefield – Kambaku
DAY ELEVEN – JOHANNESBURG/DEPARTURE
Early breakfast and transfer to Eastgate airport to catch a flight back to OR Tambo international airport in Johannesburg. Menzies Handling services will meet you in the arrivals and assist in check-in counters, passport control, and boarding gate of departure flight or to a departure lounge.
If you would like to extend your stay and head to Cape Town or the beach, please chat with Carla for possible options and prices. Thank you for joining me on this incredible journey.
You are among our friends when you are with us. Together, we are in a safe space, and you have the freedom to be yourself and explore. Whether you have never left your home country or are a seasoned solo traveller, this trip will offer you adventure, friends, and breathless beauty.
*Please note this Itinerary and Price may change slightly, but the expedition host will keep you posted and updated if anything does happen. Terms and conditions apply due to availability. Please note some activities are weather dependent, and we will do our best to accommodate them all in our itinerary.
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The Blue Sky Society Trust is an accredited Non-Profit Organisation and Public Benefit Organisation. NPO number | NPO 118-708
PBO Registration number | 930046151
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