“See the Big Five in their natural habitat”
2% off
13 Day Big Five Experience Safari in South Africa: Mid-range Guided Self-drive Tour
InnJoy Boutique Hotel, 1033 Shirley Road, Eldoraigne, Centurion, City of Tshwane, Gauteng, South Africa
South African Safari Tour
Seeing the Big Five in their natural habitat is an experience that is a must for any nature-lover, especially in Marakele National Park and the famous, iconic Kruger National Park. An abundance of wildlife means that you will be more than likely to spot lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos.
Key information
- Private or group safari
- Minimum of two participants, maximum of five vehicles
- Children at the age of 12 years old and above are allowed to participate
- Starts and ends in Pretoria
- English-speaking professional field guide(s) (where applicable)
- Park fees for two adults included
Meet the guides
Johan
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Highlights
- Visit Kruger National Park, Mapungubwe National Park, and Marakele National Park
- Find the Big Five and a viewpoint near the nests of the endangered Cape vultures
- See the Golden Rhino during a museum tour
- Discover Southern Africa’s first ancient African kingdom
- Witness diverse nature
- Professional overlanding adventure guide
- Rental vehicle available
- 12 nights accommodation with park fees for two adults included
Skill level
- Intermediate
Styles
11 activity days
Group size: Maximum of 5 participants
Airport transfer included:
O. R. Tambo International Airport
Accommodation
Check-in Time:
08:00
Facilities
- Swimming pool (outdoor)
- Air-conditioned rooms
- Kitchen
- Restaurant
- Free parking
- Internet access
You will stay in safari tents, wilderness cabins, or chalets on wooden or concrete decks, with linen and towels provided.
InnJoy Boutique Hotel (2 nights)
InnJoy Boutique Hotel in Centurion, Pretoria is a family-owned and run luxury accommodation, conference, function and event venue with a trendy coffee shop, Cup a Joy. InnJoy Boutique Hotel is centrally located and close to the industrial and business district. Easy access to major highways, sports parks, three airports and other inspiring venues.
Bontle Rest Camp (2 nights)
It's no coincidence that bontle means "beautiful" in Setswana. This pleasant rest camp consists of 10 tented units for those who would prefer a permanent structure more than putting up a tent and camp themselves. The tented units have a private veranda and are self-catering, each with its own fully equipped kitchen and outdoor braai stand.
Cottage in Mapungubwe National Park (2 nights)
The cottages are in Mapungubwe’s main camp, located in the Eastern section of the park. It is 11km from the main gate, in the spectacular sandstone hills.
The cottage has an air conditioner, stove, braai area, ensuite bathroom with shower, microwave, and fridge in an open plan kitchen with utensils.
Punda Maria Rest Camp (2 nights)
Punda Maria lies in the northernmost part of the Kruger National Park, eight kilometers from Punda Maria Gate. The camp is situated in the Sandveld region that is often described as the botanical garden of the Kruger National Park since there are numerous occurring plant species that are unique to the area.
Game species most likely to be sighted include impala, zebra, buffalo, elephant, eland, and sable. The area is also a bird paradise.
Facilities
- Information at reception
- No Wi-Fi
- Public telephone
- Post box
- Restaurant
- Cafeteria
- Shop
- Mini ATM facility available in the restaurant
- Laundromat
- Filling station
- Communal kitchens
- Communal ablutions
- Swimming pool
- Cutlery and plates hampers (from reception)
- Basic first aid assistance
- Day visitors' picnic area (located eight kilometers outside of camp, next to Punda Maria Gate)
- TVs (limited DSTV) available in family bungalows only
- Cellphone reception
Sable Sleepover Hide (1 night)
Sable Sleepover Hide, situated approximately 10 kilometers from of Phalaborwa Gate, is a unique accommodation facility where guests can feel part of nature.
A bird hide by day, it transforms into a primitive overnight dwelling by night, where a select few can experience the Kruger National Park nightlife firsthand. It overlooks the Sable Dam, where an abundance of animals gather to drink. Hear the lion roar and the hippo grunt meters away from where you are sleeping and know that that is the true African experience.
Facilities
- No water (drinking or bathing) available at hide
- No electricity
- 1 light that operates for about five hours (on request)
- No shop or restaurant available
- No reception office at hide
- No cellphone reception available
- Nearest facility: Phalaborwa Gate (approximately 10 kilometers away)
Satara Rest Camp (1 night)
Satara Rest Camp is Kruger National Park's third biggest rest camp, providing a range of accommodation inside. There are 100 sites, with power points available for camping and caravans. There is also a range of bungalows with two or three bed units with kitchens or communal kitchen options. Wheelchair-friendly accommodation is available as well.
Guests can also stay in the guest cottages, which include five-bed or six-bed units with well-equipped kitchens. Alternatively, they can stay in the Stanley, Wells, or Frankel guest houses.
The rest camp also boasts a grocery store that is well-stocked for the self-caterers, as well as a TV lounge.
Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp (2 nights)
Berg en Dal Rest Camp in Kruger National Park is one of the 'new generation' camps. It is situated on the bank of Matjulu Spruit and is surrounded by rocky hillsides.
The buildings in Berg en Dal Rest Camp, Kruger National Park are set within natural bush and the gardens are planted with flowering shrubs and aloes, leaving much of the natural habitat unchanged within the camp. It is one of the newest camps in the Kruger National Park and offers visitors outstanding accommodation and lodging facilities.
Facilities
- Laundromat
- Cellphone reception
- Petrol / gas station
- Picnic facilities
- Cafeteria; shop
- Film auditorium
- Conference facilities
- Basic first aid assistance
- Emergency road service
- Public telephones; post box
- Limited DSTV (only available in the guest houses)
- Swimming pool (for overnight residents only)
- Communal kitchen and ablutions
Program
Bonsai-SA's tours will allow you access to remote areas in national parks and reserves that are not frequently visited. The surrounding wilderness, the remoteness and the seclusion of travelling through rarely seen areas, are the main attraction of their tours.
A qualified 4x4 and overlanding adventure guide will lead the trail and will also assist with 4x4 aspects when necessary. The tour is aimed at true nature lovers and those who enjoy the wilderness. It is not designed as an obstacle course or endurance test.
You will drive your own 4x4 vehicle and you must make provision for your own meals equipment, including tents and camping gear, sufficient supply of water, and firewood.
Frequently asked questions
- Vehicle type 4x2? Yes
- Vehicle type 4x4? Yes
- Tire type Off-road / all-terrain tires? Yes
- Tire type On-road tires? Yes
- Accommodation type Wild Camping? No
- Accommodation type Camping? No
- Accommodation type Safari Tent? No
- Accommodation type Wilderness Cabin? No
- Accommodation type Chalet? Yes
- Can I tow an off-road trailer? No
- Can I tow an off-road caravan? No
- Will my vehicle be scratched? No, though it is possible that vehicles will be scratched as you'll be in nature. It will be nothing serious.
- Must I remove my vehicle's sidesteps? No.
- Do I need a compressor? No.
- Are children under the age of 12 years allowed to join? No.
Tour size
The tour can only accommodate five vehicles.
Traveling plans
Bonsai-SA did a lot of research to bring you an exciting itinerary
- Day 1 - Arrive at OR Tambo International Airport. Our shuttle service will meet you and transfer you to a hotel in Centurion (Pretoria). Once you have settled in, your guide will meet you and accompany you to collect your rental vehicle.
- Day 2 - Meet your guide and depart for Marakele National Park
- Day 3 - Explore the national park and visit the viewpoint near the nests of the endangered Cape vultures
- Day 4 - Depart for Mapungubwe National Park
- Day 5 - Explore the national park and visit the Mapungubwe Hill
- Day 6 - Depart for Punda Maria in the Kruger National Park and explore the Pafuri region and visit Crook's Corner
- Day 7 - Explore the area around Punda Maria
- Day 8 - Depart for the Sable Sleep over Hide near Phalaborwa
- Day 9 - Depart for the Satara Rest Camp
- Day 10 - Depart for the Berg en Dal Rest Camp
- Day 11 - Explore the area around Berg en Dal Rest Camp
- Day 12 - Drive to Pretoria
- Day 13 – Continue to your next destination
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Pretoria
You arrive at OR Tambo International Airport. Our shuttle service will meet you and transfer you to a hotel in Centurion (Pretoria). Once you have settled in, your guide will meet you and accompany you to collect your rental vehicle.
Relax after your long flight, your adventure begins tomorrow.
Day 2 - Arrive in Pretoria, meet your guide and drive in convoy to Marakele NP
You will have the opportunity to buy your favourite snacks for lunch, then stay at the Bontle Rest Camp in a safari tent. The tent has an air conditioner, two-plate stove, braai area, ensuite bathroom with shower, microwave, fridge, and a kitchenette with utensils.
It is no coincidence that 'bontle' means "beautiful” in Setswana. This pleasant rest camp has unobstructed views of the unspoiled bush and mountain. You will prepare your own food on an open fire under the stars, locally called a “braai,” or you can use the kitchenette.
The Marakele National Park in the heart of the Waterberg Mountains, as its Tswana name suggests, has become a "place of sanctuary" for an impressive variety of wildlife due to its location in the transitional zone between the dry western and moister eastern regions of South Africa.
Day 3 - Explore Marakele NP
You will start your day by joining a professional guide for a sunrise drive in an open game-drive vehicle. After a light self-prepared breakfast, you will explore the park and drive up the mountain pass to the Lenong lookout point for an incredible view near the Cape vulture colony. Take along your favorite snacks for the day as there will be no formal stops for lunch.
You will prepare your own food on an open fire under the stars, locally called a “braai” or you can use the kitchenette. You will also drive your own 4x4 vehicle when you drive up the mountain pass.
Day 4 - Marakele NP to Mapungubwe NP
After a light, self-prepared breakfast, you will depart for Mapungubwe National Park, wherein you will stay in cottages. The cottages are in Mapungubwe’s main camp, located in the Eastern section of the park. It is 11km from the main gate, in the spectacular sandstone hills.
The cottage has an air conditioner, stove, braai area, ensuite bathroom with shower, microwave, and fridge in an open plan kitchen with utensils.
Close to the camp, guests can enjoy the Treetop Hide and the Confluence View Site & Picnic Area. The camp itself has a swimming pool and sundeck, as well as a central braai area.
You will drive your own 4x4 vehicle. By this time, you will be well-rehearsed in preparing food in the spirit of the “bygone pioneers.”
Day 5 - Explore Mapungubwe NP
After a self-prepared breakfast, you will join a guided heritage tour. As part of the tour, you will visit the elite graveyard at the top of Mapungubwe Hill, view a natural amphitheater, and the entire spectrum of the region, as well as traverse the territory once walked upon by the ancestral Mapungubwe people - now roamed by four of the Big Five.
The museum tour will be at the center, which is home to the famous Golden Rhino. Take along your favorite snacks for the day as there will be no formal stops for lunch.
The park is also well-known for the famous baobab trees growing in the region. All baobabs are deciduous trees ranging in height from 5 to 20m. The baobab tree is a strange-looking tree that grows in low-lying areas in Africa and Australia. They can grow to enormous sizes and carbon dating indicates that they may live to be 3,000 years old.
You will drive your own 4x4 vehicle. By this point, you will be well-rehearsed in preparing food in the spirit of the “bygone pioneers.”
Day 6 - Mapungubwe NP to Kruger NP
After a sunrise drive and self-prepared breakfast, you will proceed to Punda Maria Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park via Crook's Corner and a fever tree forest, where nearly two million hectares of unrivalled diversity of life forms fuse with historical and archaeological sights - the real Africa.
The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks among the best in Africa. Punda Maria lies in the northernmost part of the this park, and the camp is situated in the Sandveld region, which is often described as the botanical garden of the Kruger National Park. There are numerous plant species which occur that are unique to the area.
Game species most likely to be sighted include impala, zebra, buffalo, elephant, eland, and sable, and the area is also a bird paradise.
You will stay in fully equipped bungalows. On this night, you will have the choice of preparing your own food or spoiling yourself by visiting the onsite restaurant.
Day 7 - Explore the area around Punda Maria
The northern section of the Kruger NP is an area of unique biodiversity. It's one of the few places where fever tree forests grow alongside forests of giant baobabs. On this day, you will explore the area around Punda Maria on your own. Be on the lookout for animals behind bushes and around corners. Who knows, maybe you will see more than the Big Five.
The camp is also situated in the Sandveld region, often described as the botanical garden of the Kruger National Park. There are numerous plant species that occur and are unique to the area.
Game species most likely to be sighted include impala, zebra, buffalo, elephant, eland, and sable, and the area is also a bird paradise.
In the late afternoon, you will join a sunset game drive with a professional field guide in an open game viewing vehicle. It will be the perfect time for game viewing. As the evening approaches, all the nocturnal animals become active, and you can experience a truly amazing African sunset.
Day 8 - Punda Maria to Phalaborwa Gate
After breakfast at the Punda Maria Rest Camp, you will proceed to Phalaborwa Gate. You will visit the Mopani Rest Camp wherein you can buy lunch at the restaurant.
This night will be a special treat. The Sable Sleepover Hide, situated approximately 10 kilometers from the Phalaborwa Gate, is a unique accommodation facility where guests can feel part of nature.
A bird hide by day, it transforms into a basic overnight dwelling by night, wherein a select few can experience the Kruger National Park nightlife firsthand. The hide overlooks the Sable Dam, where an abundance of animals gather to drink. Hear the lion roar and the hippo grunt meters away from where you are sleeping and know that that is the true African experience.
Toilets with water will be available but there are no shower / bath facilities and no electricity at the hide.
You can either buy already prepared food in Phalaborwa for this night or you can prepare your own food on an open fire at the hide.
Day 9 - Phalaborwa Gate to Satara Rest Camp
You will depart early for the Satara Rest Camp. You will also visit the Olifants Rest Camp where you can buy yourself breakfast at the restaurant.
Satara is a busy camp, and not without reason. It is situated in an excellent game-viewing area, with the bush relatively open and the animals plentiful and diverse. The bungalow you will stay in is fully equipped.
The camp itself has a rustic charm, with the bulk of the accommodation set out in a series of circles. Satara is well-wooded and the birdlife is prolific.
At night, the clink of fruit bats is fused with the chirping of cicadas and crickets. The calls of owls and nightjars add to the symphony that is punctuated intermittently by the whoop of hyenas, the screech of jackals, and the roars of lions.
Day 10 - Depart for the Berg en Dal Rest Camp
After joining a sunrise drive and having breakfast (prepared by yourself or at the restaurant), you will then depart for Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp, which is situated on the bank of the Matjulu Spruit, with a view of softly undulating hills to the east.
On the northern and southern sides, dry riverbeds and a dam border the camp. There are also large trees along the streams and dry riverbeds. Special care has been taken to preserve the natural vegetation in the camp.
Berg-en-Dal is also the only camp set in a rugged mountain environment. Bungalows are equipped with ensuite bathrooms (showers, no baths) and air conditioning. Kitchenettes have hotplates and sinks.
This night, you will have the choice of preparing your own food or spoiling yourself by visiting the onsite restaurant.
Day 11 - Explore the Berg-en-Dal area
Join a guided morning walk with experienced (and armed) guides who will share their knowledge of the fauna and flora to explain natural wonders. The walk will be relaxed and won’t take longer than a few hours, so no over-exhaustion will take place.
Two armed field guides will accompany you on the walk to ensure your safety, and they will focus on the things that you will usually not be able to see from a vehicle. By being out on foot, you will cover an area more intensely and you can experience nature using all of your senses.
If there is any large game in the area, you will be more than likely able to encounter them and have an exhilarating experience of approaching them on foot.
In the late afternoon, you will join a sunset game drive with a professional field guide in an open game viewing vehicle. It will be the perfect time for game viewing. As the evening approaches, all the nocturnal animals become active, and you can experience a truly amazing African sunset.
Day 12 - Drive to Pretoria
Drive to Pretoria on tarred roads. You stop along the road at a restaurant to buy yourself lunch.
Day 13 - Continue to your next destination
You return your rental vehicle to the car hire company. The shuttle service will pick you up and transfer you to OR Tambo International Airport for your onward journey.
As your time together draws to a close, you will say goodbye to our new friends and head back home. You will continue your journey to your next destination on your own. Bonsai-SA 4x4 Adventures and Tours hope that you will cherish the unforgettable memories you have made during your time with them and that you will have plenty of beautiful photos to share with your loved ones and friends.
Guides
Johan Du Plooy
Johan du Plooy is qualified as a national 4x4 and overlanding adventure guide - overnight camping and is registered with the Department of Tourism (registration number GP 6210). He may guide 4x4 tours, trips, and activities, as well as overlanding tours. He may also conduct 4x4 and overlanding tours in eco-sensitive areas and will apply the principles of "leave no trace." Additioanlly, he may conduct 4x4 and overlanding tours with overnight camping options in ecosensitive areas.
Location
Marakele National Park
The Marakele National Park in the heart of the Waterberg Mountains, as its Tswana name suggests, has become a "place of sanctuary" for an impressive variety of wildlife due to its location in the transitional zone between the dry western and moister eastern regions of South Africa.
All the large game species, from elephant and rhino to the big cats, as well as an amazing variety of birds including what is probably the largest colony of endangered Cape vultures (more than 800 breeding pairs) in the world, have settled there.
Mapungubwe National Park
Discover an ancient African kingdom, Southern Africa’s first, established at Mapungubwe Hill between 1200 and 1290 AD. Home to a powerful tribe that flourished on trading with Eastern cultures such as China and India, Mapungubwe saw the rise and fall of this great civilization more than 700 years ago.
This is where archaeologists excavated the famous golden rhino and other evidence of a wealthy African kingdom.
Kruger National Park
Situated in north-eastern South Africa, this is one of Africa’s largest game reserves. Its high density of wild animals includes lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffaloes. Hundreds of other mammals make their home there, including diverse bird species such as vultures, eagles, and storks.
Mountains, bush plains, and tropical forests are all part of Kruger National Park's landscape.
Food
The days at Marakele National Park is a self-catered and you'll make provisions for your own meals and water supply.
You will eat at the onsite restaurants in the rest camps. The rest camps are in remote areas and the menus cannot always cater for all dietary requirements. Breakfast and dinner are included but you must make provision for your own lunch, snacks, and water.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation
Things to do (optional)
Bonsai-SA can also assist with additional bookings before and / or after the tour. Please send an inquiry for more information.
What's included
- Activities as indicated
- Park fees for two adults
- Hand-held radios
- Professional 4x4 and overlanding adventure guide
- Professional field guide(s) where applicable
- Trail cost for one vehicle with two adults
- 12 nights accommodation for two adults
- Rental vehicle
What's not included
- Fuel - approximately 2 400 km
- International flights (from / to home)
- Domestic flights (from / to Upington)
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Toll fees
- Medicine
- Tips
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and / or park fees
- Snacks and beverages
- Water
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Additional activities
How to get there
Recommended Airports
JNB
O. R. Tambo International Airport
33 km
Transfer included
Arrival by airplane
Please book your flight to arrive at O R Tambo International Airport (JNB). Transfers to and from this airport are included in the price. The meeting point in Pretoria with your guide will be communicated before the start of the tour.
Airport: O. R. Tambo International Airport
Airport transfer included: O. R. Tambo International Airport
No additional charges. You can request this in the next step.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 30% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
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Special offer Discount
This listing has a Discount 2025 discount of 2% if you book between 2025-Jan-01 and 2025-Oct-31.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookAllSafaris.com. All major credit cards supported.
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