July 2027 August 2027 Sept. 2027 More info.
Awesome Mammals Including Big Five: Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant & Buffalo. 300+ Bird Species, 270 Flowers & 100+ Different Trees.
Malaria Free, UNESCO Waterberg Mountains Reserve.
Experience a unique prime safari-season opportunity at our full-service, exclusive, private 5☆ lodge in the UNESCO Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, Limpopo Province, northern South Africa. No shots / vaccinations & visas required for U.S. passport holders traveling from the USA.
Eight+ Guided Game Photo-Safari Drives
Spectacular campfire dinner in the bush & night safari
Traditional African champagne brunch overlooking wildlife having lunch!
Champagne sunset at Sunset Rock
Tribal Evening with traditional cuisine, singing & dancing
Waterberg Ancient Rock Art & Stone Age Heritage:
Explore ancient rock paintings and archaeological sites that reveal thousands of years of human history in the Waterberg.
Sheep Rock Shelter:
Visit a natural rock shelter used for thousands of years and discover ancient paintings, stone tools, beads, and other archaeological finds.
Mokolo River Safari Cruise:
Cruise the Mokolo River while enjoying beautiful scenery, abundant birdlife, wildlife viewing, and excellent photographic opportunities.
One night Johannesburg 4-star hotel (Radisson/Marriott).
Upon arrival at JNB/Johannesburg on Tuesday, 14-Sep-2027,
our tour representative will meet guests at the baggage-claim exit, accompany the group on the airport-to-hotel shuttle transfer, and assist with hotel check-in.
Tuesday-night hotel stay, with the safari program beginning Wednesday morning after breakfast with our group.
Sightseeing: Johannesburg Apartheid Museum, Pretoria Capital, Sterkfontein Caves ...
No hidden charges - All Meals, Accommodation, Taxes, Entrance Fees, Reserves, Safaris, Events & Tours Included.
ALL INCLUDED and more...
Agenda subject to change and additions/upgrades based on local conditions and opportunities!
Instagram & Facebook from our phones on previous Safari tours
Trip SWAG, group escort & more!
Price, per person, based on double occupancy.
Dates listed correspond to the departure from and return arrival in the USA on our group flights. Group flight options will be available ten months prior to departure.
Our Africa land program runs from Tuesday through the following Wednesday and includes one night with breakfast in Johannesburg on Tuesday, followed by seven nights at the 5-star Elephant Lodge from Wednesday to Wednesday.
View every detail of your account/reservation on-line any time.
Secure your spot with a $495 deposit. Payment plan available with final by 15-June-2027.
Exclusive Promotional Tour; Open to qualified applicants (some restrictions).
Call 888.828.0096 or email any time (7 days) for more details
Everything Included in One Easy Safari Week
Our all-inclusive safari is built for adventurers who want the full safari experience during one of the best wildlife-viewing periods of the year. The lodge, meals, guided safari drives, Big-5 reserves, night safari, Mokolo River African Safari Cruise, bush dinner, Champagne brunch, Tribal Evening, and more are all part of the program. You can join every activity, or skip any event and relax at the lodge, pool, bar, gym, elevated wildlife hide, and more.
The private-reserve setting is one of the reasons this safari feels so special. Our Big-5 reserve experiences are in exclusive, nature-first areas with no public access, no large groups, and no crowds at wildlife sightings. Viewings are limited to a maximum of two open safari Land Cruiser vehicles, giving our group a more personal, relaxed, and up-close safari experience.
Welgevonden Private Big Five Game Reserve
Welgevonden is one of the signature highlights of our safari program and one of South Africa's premier private Big Five wildlife reserves. Located within the UNESCO Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, this magnificent protected wilderness covers approximately 36,000 hectares, or nearly 90,000 acres, and supports more than 65 mammal species and over 300 bird species.
Our open-vehicle photo safari explores a remarkable variety of landscapes, including mountains, valleys, open grasslands, wooded savannah, and rocky ridges. These diverse habitats provide excellent opportunities to search for lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, antelope, and many other species in a vast and naturally beautiful setting.
Welgevonden offers a true private-reserve safari experience. There is no public day-visitor access, private vehicles are not permitted, and entry is carefully controlled. Strict limits on guests and safari vehicles help prevent crowded wildlife sightings, creating a quieter and more personal experience with fewer vehicles, less disturbance, and greater respect for the animals and their natural environment.
Conservation is central to the reserve's purpose and long-term management. Welgevonden protects its wildlife, habitats, and biodiversity through professional wildlife management, scientific research, biomonitoring, environmental education, and carefully managed tourism. These efforts help preserve the ecological health of the reserve while supporting responsible and sustainable wildlife viewing.
Our visit to Welgevonden is therefore much more than an exceptional Big Five safari. It also provides an opportunity to experience one of the Waterberg's most important protected wilderness areas, where conservation, wildlife protection, and low-impact tourism work together to safeguard the landscape for future generations.
Kaingo Game Reserve & Research Foundation
Kaingo is a spectacular, privately supported Big Five conservation reserve within the malaria-free Waterberg. The wider Kaingo conservation landscape encompasses approximately 28,400 hectares, or about 70,000 acres, created through the long-term protection and restoration of adjoining properties.
As a declared protected nature reserve and core area of the UNESCO Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, Kaingo features an extraordinary variety of landscapes, including open bushveld, savannah, river valleys, mountain terrain, ancient rock formations, and 13 kilometres of the beautiful Mokolo River.
The reserve is home to the Big Five, more than 50 mammal species, over 250 bird species, and an exceptional variety of plant life. Access is carefully controlled, and Kaingo's extremely low vehicle-to-reserve ratio helps protect the wilderness experience. Wildlife sightings are peaceful and uncrowded, with excellent opportunities for viewing and photography in a vast natural environment.
Kaingo operates with a "Conservation First" philosophy and maintains an exceptionally low development and tourism footprint. Privately supported with a long-term vision of restoring and protecting the natural Waterberg landscape, the reserve places conservation ahead of short-term commercial pressures. Carefully managed tourism also contributes to wildlife protection, habitat restoration, ecological management, and preservation of the area's cultural heritage.
Through the Kaingo Research Centre and projects supported by the Kaingo Reserve Foundation, researchers from South Africa and around the world study conservation ecology, biodiversity, climate change, archaeology, and the unique natural environment of the Waterberg. Scientific research plays an important role in understanding and protecting this extraordinary landscape for future generations.
Our Kaingo experience adds a distinctive combination of Big Five wildlife viewing, conservation, research, spectacular scenery, and ancient human history to the safari week. Depending on water levels, weather, and local operating conditions, the visit may also include a solar-powered cruise on the Mokolo River, ancient rock art and Stone Age heritage sites, and scenic stops offering outstanding wildlife and photographic opportunities.
Elephant Lodge & Our Private Reserve
Elephant Lodge is our home for seven unforgettable nights, nestled within 40,000 private acres in the beautiful Waterberg Mountains.
Some of the most memorable safari moments happen close to the lodge, where relaxed open-vehicle game drives combine knowledgeable guides, limited vehicles, beautiful scenery, and excellent opportunities to view and photograph wildlife.
This convenient reserve setting is a major advantage of our program. There are no daily hotel changes and very little time is lost traveling to and from activities. Guests can enjoy a morning safari, return to the lodge for breakfast, lunch, a swim, or time to relax, and then head out again for the next included experience.
In addition to private reserve game drives, guests may take part in optional guided soft-trekking walks. An elevated hide is also located just steps from Elephant Lodge, providing an easy opportunity to quietly watch and photograph wildlife between scheduled activities or as a relaxing alternative to an event.
Night Safari
The African bush changes completely after dark. On our night safari, we travel by open safari vehicle with spotlights, listening and watching as a different animal world begins to emerge. This is when the bush feels especially alive, with new sounds, moving shadows, and the possibility of seeing nocturnal wildlife that is rarely active during the day. It is one of the most exciting and memorable safari experiences of the week.
Bush Night Dinner
Our night safari includes one of the most atmospheric meals of the trip: a bush dinner at Flintstone Cave. Surrounded by the African night, with a roaring fire and dinner served under the stars, this is much more than a meal. It is the kind of special safari moment people remember long after the trip is over.
Champagne Bush Brunch at Kudu Rock
During the safari week, we enjoy a traditional African Champagne bush brunch at Kudu Rock, overlooking the surrounding bushveld. It is always a fun group highlight, with great views, good food, a relaxed safari setting, and one of the most memorable meals of the tour.
Guided Bush Walk / Soft Trekking Safari
A safari is not only about what you see from a vehicle. On our guided bush walk, our guides introduce the smaller details of the Waterberg: animal tracks, plants, birds, termite mounds, antelope behavior, and the landscape itself. It is an easy, educational walk designed to help you understand the bush in a more personal way. Self-guided walking opportunities may also be available within the safe lodge/reserve area, giving guests more ways to enjoy the surroundings between scheduled activities.
Christina’s Wallow Wildlife Hide
Christina’s Wallow is a wildlife hide overlooking a waterhole used by animals in the reserve. To reduce disturbance, part of the approach may be completed on foot with our guides. From the hide, guests can quietly watch and photograph wildlife as animals come to drink. It is a wonderful change of pace from the open-vehicle safari drives and a great opportunity for close-up observation and photos.
Champagne sunset at Sunset Rock
Sunset Rock is one of the signature moments of the safari. In the late afternoon, we head out by open safari vehicle and end the drive at a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the Waterberg Mountains. As the sun drops and the sky turns red, orange, and gold, we enjoy a glass of bubbly and take in the view. It is peaceful, scenic, and a perfect finale to a day on safari.
Tribal Evening
Our Tribal Evening adds an important cultural element to the safari week. This special evening features traditional cuisine, local customs, music, singing, and dancing, offering insight into the history and traditions of the local people. It is festive, educational, and a great shared group experience after several days focused on wildlife and nature.
Waterberg Ancient Rock Art & Stone Age Heritage
The Waterberg is not only a wildlife destination; it is also a landscape shaped by geology, early human history, and ancient culture. Journey through time as you explore ancient rock art, archaeological sites, scenic rock shelters, and other significant natural landmarks.
Our guided visit brings these historical treasures to life, revealing the stories, culture, and deep human history behind the artwork and surrounding landscape. Combined with wildlife viewing, this experience adds a fascinating new dimension to the safari and helps explain why the Waterberg is so special beyond its remarkable animals.
Mokolo River Wildlife Boat Cruise
Cruise the Mokolo River aboard a solar-powered vessel and experience a different side of the African bush. As you glide along the gentle waters, enjoy beautiful scenery, birdlife, and excellent photographic opportunities, with the chance to spot wildlife along the riverbanks. This peaceful and scenic river experience adds another memorable dimension to the safari.
Sterkfontein Caves
Journey underground into the famous Sterkfontein Caves, one of the world's most important sites for the study of human evolution. The surrounding dolomitic rock began forming approximately 2.5 billion years ago, while the cave deposits preserve fossils and stone tools dating back more than 3.6 million years. Sterkfontein has yielded thousands of fossils, including the more than two-million-year-old "Mrs. Ples" skull and the nearly complete 3.67-million-year-old "Little Foot" skeleton.
Our guided cave visit, along with the small exhibit area, brings this ancient story to life and adds a fascinating historical connection to our safari. As we continue toward the Waterberg, the visit helps connect Africa's early human history, ancient rock formations, wildlife landscapes, and the natural world experienced throughout the safari.
Group flight options are available from Boston about ten months before departure, so you can travel with our group. Other departure cities may also be possible.
OR purchase our land package and arrange your own flights using
Kayak,
United,
points, miles, online discounts, or other available options. You may also extend your trip after the safari.
Group flight schedules are subject to change by the airline. Flights connecting through Europe may sometimes be available at a lower price.
Included Johannesburg Arrival Night
Our group departs the USA on
Monday, 13-Sep-2027
and arrives in Johannesburg on
Tuesday, 14-Sep-2027.
One night of 4-star hotel accommodation near Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport is included. The hotel is expected to be a Radisson, Marriott, or comparable 4-star property.
Included airport-to-hotel shuttle service is provided upon arrival at JNB. The hotel is approximately 15 minutes from the airport.
We stay at the Johannesburg hotel Tuesday night, with breakfast Wednesday morning. After breakfast, we set off together from the hotel on our African safari adventure!
Meeting Our Group in Johannesburg
Please plan to arrive at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport on
Tuesday, 14-Sep-2027
and provide us with your flight details in advance so we can confirm your airport-to-hotel shuttle arrangements.
We depart our Johannesburg hotel after breakfast on
Wednesday, 15-Sep-2027.
Our return transfer arrives at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport on
Wednesday, 22-Sep-2027
after approximately 6:00 PM for evening flight check-in.
Guests arranging their own flights should not book a departing flight earlier than the recommended airport check-in time provided for the group.
Your Tuesday arrival-night hotel is already included in the safari package. Guests arriving before Tuesday or remaining in Johannesburg after the safari may reserve additional airport-area hotel nights independently through Google Hotels or directly with your preferred hotel.
*Group Boston Flights:
United Airlines
(Boston - Newark - Johannesburg)
Typically around $1,500 - $1,800 from Boston.
Departure:
BOS - EWR UA 1693, 5:59 PM - 7:30 PM,
Monday, 13-Sep.
EWR - JNB UA 188
9:25 PM -
6:30 PM
Tuesday
(Johannesburg arrival).
Return:
JNB - EWR UA 187
10:00 PM Wednesday -
7:45 AM
Thursday
EWR - BOS UA 375,
10:30 AM - 11:46 AM,
Thursday, 23-Sep
(Boston arrival).
If you are considering extending your African adventure, we recommend planning it as a post-safari extension. This allows you to enjoy the safari first and begin your additional travel rested and acclimated to the local time zone. For an extension beginning the following day, consider staying overnight at a Johannesburg Airport hotel on Wednesday, September 22, 2027 and departing for your next destination on Thursday, September 23.
While most guests do not extend their trip, Cape Town remains the most popular extension. It is approximately a two-hour flight from Johannesburg, and some direct flights from Cape Town to the USA may eliminate the need to return through Johannesburg. Flights are typically available ten months prior to departure.
For more than an airport overnight, consider one of Johannesburg’s well-located upscale districts. Sandton is the most popular choice, with major hotels, shopping, restaurants, and Nelson Mandela Square. Rosebank is another excellent option, known for its walkable layout, hotels, shopping, restaurants, and easy visitor-friendly atmosphere. Melrose Arch is a smaller, upscale precinct with a secure village-style layout, stylish hotels, restaurants, cafes, and shops all close together.
All three areas are popular choices for short Johannesburg visitor stays, with Sandton offering the most options, Rosebank offering a convenient walkable feel, and Melrose Arch offering a polished, contained setting for dining and relaxing.
Join us for our proven African safari program, designed to make a true wildlife adventure exciting, comfortable, and easy to join. Our guests experience tremendous variety, and it is not unusual to see most, if not all, of the Big 5. This safari wins because of its private-reserve atmosphere, limited vehicles at wildlife sightings, excellent guides, beautiful Elephant Lodge, and easy access to outstanding Waterberg safari areas, including Welgevonden and Kaingo Big-5 private reserves. With no change of accommodation, eight-plus guided game drives, all meals, special safari events, transfers, one night in Johannesburg on arrival and 7 nights at one comfortable lodge, you get more time on safari, more included experiences, and a well-planned program that has been proven with our groups over the years.
This is the perfect trip if any of the following apply to you:
Best time for Safaris, as it is "dry season" with pleasant weather, where the animals congregate around the waterholes and are not hidden in the shade. (Southern hemisphere, opposite seasons)
All wildlife relatively local, so no switching hotels or distant travel required to enjoy this beautiful part of the world.
With no public access and a limited number of guests, our three private safari reserves ensure the best possible wilderness experience - up close and personal!
No special precautions required around our accommodation, lodge and within the pedestrian boundaries of our private reserve. Go for walks or hikes anytime!
Avoids all the normal Safari pitfalls, all-inclusive with excellent flight options, no up-sell or "mandatory" options and limited guests/vehicles at sightings, ensuring a more upfront and personal experience! Five-star "high culinary level" meals, great Safaris and an awesome agenda, all included! Some on our previous trips skipped a few events/safaris, as again, every option and event is included! If you choose to do everything, there's still plenty of time to enjoy our magnificent lodge on our private reserve, hang by the pools, at the bar, go for nature walks, enjoy the SPA & wellness center and more.
Species List:
Limpopo is celebrated for its biodiversity, featuring a plethora of species across diverse ecosystems like savannahs and forests. Home to over 500 bird species, a myriad mammals including the Big Five, and an extensive array of plant life, Limpopo's varied habitats underpin its rich biological diversity. This makes it a key conservation area and a captivating spot for wildlife enthusiasts. Explore Limpopo on platforms like iNaturalist to discover species and view photos. Below is a partial list of species from the reserves on our safari.
| Animals | Birds | Plants |
|---|---|---|
Limpopo on iNaturalist - Discover species and view photos.
Flowers by Color - Welgevonden
Waterberg Biosphere - Wikipedia
Waterberg Bioquest a great resource for the Waterberg region, featuring photos and information on local fauna, flora, geology, landscapes, and history contributed by a community of enthusiasts.
Lepidopterists' Society of Africa - Study and conservation of butterflies and moths in the Afrotropical region.
Encyclopedia of Life (EOL) - Provides information on species found in the Waterberg, contributed by a global community of scientists and nature enthusiasts.
Flora of Southern Africa (FSA) - An online database providing detailed descriptions and distribution maps of plant species found in the Waterberg Biosphere.
Waterberg Biosphere Reserve Official Website - Provides comprehensive information on the biodiversity, conservation efforts, and ecological significance of the Waterberg region.
