Elephant Sundowners: An Unforgettable South African Safari
With multiple direct flights from the United States and a wide range of accommodations, South Africa is possibly the world’s most accessible safari destination. While it doesn’t receive the same attention as Botswana, elephant lovers have plenty to see here. This 9-day safari packs a lot of pachyderms into a relatively short period of time and is perfect for travelers looking for a short trip with a deep impact. Highlights include a sundowner with elephants and game drives with some of the largest herds on private land in Africa.
Arrive in Johannesburg, with a possible overnight near the airport, depending on your arrival time. In the morning, catch a flight north to the Limpopo Valley Airfield in Southern Botswana. While Mashatu Lodge is technically in Botswana, its location across the border from South Africa makes it most easily accessible as part of a South African itinerary.
The over 100,000 acres of the Northern Tuli Game Reserve are home to dramatic landscapes and one of the largest herds of elephants on private land in Africa. Multiple properties are available here, including a romantic tented camp, but we find the Lodge to be the most comfortable and best-located option. Beyond great wildlife, Mashatu has an excellent diversity of safari activities, including walking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.
Return to Johannesburg for a connecting flight to Hoedspruit and the Greater Kruger National Park area. The Kapama Private Reserve and Jabulani, your next safari stop, is a short drive from the airport.
Jabulani hosts one of our favorite African safari activities, the “elephant sundowner.” The lodge was created to help fund the HERD elephant rescue nonprofit, and each evening, the rehabilitated elephants return to the waterhole to drink and enjoy a sundowner with guests. While no interaction is guaranteed, the animals are habituated and will often let you pet their trunk. The lodge isn’t all about elephants, and you will experience a world-class safari in the Kruger area, which is famous for its plenty of leopard and lion sightings. As Jabulani is also a Relais and Chateaux property, you will enjoy great fine dining at the top of your trip.
Return to Johannesburg in the morning for your international flight. If you prefer to stay in Africa a little longer, lounging on the beach in Mozambique is a great way to end your trip.
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