Sample Trip

South Africa Big 5 & Underground Hide Safari

“Enjoy world class game viewing in two different Big 5 regions in South Africa, with the added benefit of a private underground hide.”

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Budget level: High-End

Country

South Africa

When to Go

All Year

Duration

6 Nights

Safari Type

Lodge

Location

Kalahari & Madikwe South Africa, Timbavati & Klaserie Nature Reserves

Kids Min Age

Safari Rating

adventure

wilderness

wildlife

comfort

photographic

guiding

South Africa is the best country in all of Africa for a Big 5 safari. Not only are the opportunities to see lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino on game drive incredibly high, as well as a plethora of other wildlife, but there is also a very good chance to see cheetah and wild dog as well. Nowhere else in Africa does a safari tick so many species boxes, and with the opportunity to view wildlife from the comfort of a lodge’s private underground hide as well, an unparalleled wildlife safari beckons!

Itinerary in Brief

3 Nights Last Word Madikwe

3 Nights Kings Camp

Looking for an epic Big 5 safari in wildlife saturated regions, while seeing wildlife from the game vehicle, as well as from underground level? Look no further than South Africa’s Madikwe Game Reserve and the Timbavati Private Game Reserve!

Although every safari lodge across the African continent offers twice daily game drives, there are very few lodges across Africa that offer underground viewing opportunities from a hide. These hides are built to overlook a waterhole, and they are also private, available to lodge guests only. It is truly remarkable to watch large elephant herds come to quench their thirst, frolic in the water and have these giants walk past within mere metres, from an underground level! Waterholes attract every other animal species as well, and don’t be surprised if you see a crash of rhinos, a dazzle of zebras or a journey of giraffe coming for a midday refresher or a sundowner!

You will start your journey with a visit to Madikwe Game Reserve, which is situated on the border with Botswana close to the Kalahari Desert. It is the fifth-largest game reserve in South Africa, and it’s one of the lesser-known reserves. This hidden gem is regarded as one of the best conservation areas in Africa and offers visitors a Big 5 safari experience. Madikwe is home to 66 mammal species including the Big 5, lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo, as well as cheetah and wild dog, and more than 300 resident and migrant bird species. At The Last Word Madikwe, you can enjoy twice daily game drives, and in between, sit on the lawn with a drink in hand, and watch as the wildlife come to drink at the waterhole. Make your way to the underground hide for a different vantage point!

After 3 wonderful nights in Madikwe, you will head back to Johannesburg and make your way to the famous Timbavati Private Game Reserve, which is another exquisite game reserve that offers unparalleled Big 5 game viewing, especially when it comes to the leopards in the reserve, who are very habituated! The Timbavati is one of the few wild and untouched areas in South Africa, with far less tourists than the Kruger National Park. Like at Last Word Madikwe, King’s Camp in the Timbavati offers twice daily game drives, as well as private underground hide, but takes it step further with night game drives and guided bush walks. Enjoy high quality game viewing in a wildlife dense terrain that is sure to be photographic and memorable!

Detailed Itinerary

Days 1 – 4: The Last Word Madikwe Days 5 – 7: Kings Camp

Days 1 – 4: The Last Word Madikwe

Today you will transfer from Johannesburg to Madikwe Game Reserve, located on the border between South Africa and Botswana. Featuring the Big 5 and being malaria free, Madikwe has grown in popularity amongst safari-goers for over a decade now and is considered by many to be one of the best locations for an African getaway.

Twice daily games drives to track the Big Five are a guest favourite at Last Word, but the true difference is to be found right at the lodge itself. The house pours on to green and tranquil gardens which flow to the ancient waterhole just meters from the lawn’s end. It is a place most of the animals visit daily and one can see large interactive herds of elephant, lions, leopard, buffalo, dogs, white and black rhino, and many more just by relaxing in a garden seat enjoying a drink or snack. The original underground hide steals right up to the waterhole where aspiring photographers can catch the shot of a lifetime. Birdlife is abundant and although you will see many different species while out on game drive, many love to visit the inviting garden area and will often join you for breakfast.

Days 5 – 7: Kings Camp

Transfer to the Timbavati and spend the next few days on the western boundary of the unfenced Kruger National Park. Kings Camp faces an open savanna plain with a waterhole, which is frequented by a wide variety of wildlife both day and night. As part of the Greater Kruger National Park, which covers an area of 2.2 million hectares, this Timbavati safari lodge is a wildlife haven boasting a diversity of animal life including the Big 5, cheetah, African wild dog and hyena. With 100 km² of bush to traverse, you have plenty of space to explore the endless variety of wildlife in an open Land Rover or on foot. Reflecting the charm and romance of a bygone era in a pristine corner of unspoilt South African wilderness!