Self Drive : Bronze Class

From R 4 955 per person sharing

Day 1

Upon arrival at OR Tambo International Airport you will be met by an Island-Safari.com representative. Pick up your rental car, and proceed with a five and half hours drive to the Manyeleti Game Reserve.

Pungwe Bushcamp is one of the longest established Private Game Lodges in South Africa, and is situated in the Manyeleti Game Reserve forming one ecological unit with the Kruger National Park. At Pungwe they still do things in the old fashioned way without any electricity or any of the other mod cons. At Pungwe they will take you through a time warp of how the earliest visitors to Africa were accommodated. The accommodation units are constructed in a mixture of materials, the sides and entrance are fashioned from old style canvass to give the appearance of a tent, the en suite bathroom is constructed from brick and mortar and all of this is covered by a huge thatched roof. Each room has full en suite facilities including a huge bath, a shower, washbasin and waterborne toilet. The bedrooms are furnished with a Queen Sized Bed, complemented by a large wardrobe, two easy chairs and a convenience table, a variety of mats, oil lamps placed at strategic points around the bed and bathroom to give the whole room an atmosphere of rustic elegance which of course it is.

Some of the meals are still prepared on an open fire, with breakfast in particular being a very colourful affair.

The Lapa (meeting place) consists of a lounge area with comfortable easy chairs and sofas, a semi circular table which seats 10 persons for meals and a small refreshment counter and the whole area being illuminated by oil lamps at night.

The game viewing activities at Pungwe include tracking “Big Game “on foot as well as conducting game viewing drives in an open Landrover both during the day and at night, using a spotlight.

Overnight Pungwe Bushcamp – inclusive of Accommodation in semi tented chalets with en-suite bathroom, All meals i.e. a big breakfast, high tea and dinner, Bottomless teas, coffees etc. and juice with breakfast and lunch, All game activities i.e. a 3-4hrs game walk/drive in the morning and a 3-4hrs game drive in the afternoon/night.

Please note: Although they don’t have electricity, they can also charge any batteries should you wish.

Day 2 and 3

Your two full days on safari will be spent on game drives early in the mornings and late in the afternoon with time in-between to just relax and be spoiled by the lodge staff.  Overnight Pungwe Bushcamp – inclusive of Accommodation in semi tented chalets with en-suite bathroom, All meals i.e. a big breakfast, high tea and dinner, Bottomless teas, coffees etc. and juice with breakfast and lunch, All game activities i.e. a 3-4hrs game walk/drive in the morning and a 3-4hrs game drive in the afternoon/night.

Day 4

The following morning will include one more game drive and a continental breakfast before you depart to the Blyde River Canyon, Zuleika Lodge. This 29000 hectare nature reserve abounding in wildlife (leopard, cheetah, rhino, giraffe, hippo, small antelope), features a 33 km gorge with spectacular precipitous cliffs rising up to 800 m from the riverbed. The viewpoints (Bourke's Luck Potholes, The Pinnacle, God's Window, Three Rondavels) allowing the visitor full appreciation of the stunning visual drama that the canyon and its lake afford, are within easy reach.

You are free to spend the day is at leisure to explore the Panorama route at your own pace, visiting Bourke’s luck potholes, God’s Window, Mac Mac Falls, the historic town of Pilgrims Rest and maybe having the best pancakes in South Africa in Graskop. Alternative activities are not included and needs to be pre-arranged: hot air ballooning, Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre (wildlife), Blyde River Dam boat trips, Abseiling, Kloofing, Mico lighting, visit to the Shangana Tribal Village, and an Elephant Back Safari.

Day 5

The following morning will include breakfast before you depart back to OR Tambo International (Approx 5 hour drive). Drop off the rental vehicle.

END SERVICES

Priced from: R 4 995 per person

Rate Includes

Accommodation as specified, Meals as specified, Ground transportation and excursions as noted, Park and entrance fees for lodges/camps inside national parks.

ZULEIKA LODGE: Accommodation and Breakfast

PUNGWE BUSH LODGE: Accommodation in semi tented chalets with en-suite bathroom, all meals i.e. a big breakfast, high tea and dinner, Bottomless teas, coffees etc. and juice with breakfast and lunch, all game activities i.e. a 3-4hrs game walk/drive in the morning and a 3-4hrs game drive in the afternoon/night

Not Included

Lunches & dinners (unless specified)
Drinks & refreshments
Tips for porters and restaurants
Telephone calls, laundry & other incidental personal expenditure
Visa fees, in countries where these apply
Medical, cancellation and baggage insurance