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From walking amongst the big cats of Africa, the lion, leopard and cheetah; to experiencing a close encounter with the giants of the ocean, the whale and shark; and observing the remarkable lives of turtles and dolphins, this trip is perfect for the wildlife enthusiast.The marine ecology and the many attractions of the Cape are followed by the famed big game of the Kruger, and finishing at the remote coastal forest of Maputaland, this unique itinerary replaces the big five with the big seven!

Day 1:
Overnight flight to Cape Town.

Days 2-3:
Collect hire car and drive to stay for two nights at the unique Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. Overlooking Walker Bay, this hillside reserve allows guests to experience the Cape's floral kingdom and fascinating bird, mammal and marine life. The luxury en-suite cottages have
large living rooms, spacious wooden decks and fabulous ocean views, with Grootbos renowned for hospitality, personalised attention and outstanding service. There is a wide range of nature-orientated activities, from nature drives and trails through fynbos and forests, to horse-riding
and mountain-biking, and boat trips to view the nearby seal colony. Boat excursions are also offered for guests to cage-dive amongst the Great White Sharks or to get close to the Southern Right Whales, which can easily be spotted from August to December. (FB)

Days 4-6:
Return hire car at Cape Town airport and fly to Kruger Mpumulanga.
Transfer to stay for three nights at Plains Camp. Sited in the middle of a Kruger National Park big five wilderness area, care
has been taken to minimize the impact of this camp. Raised on stilts, with all structures canvas, and solar power the energy source, it is built in true 19th century pioneer tradition, with the accommodation in large en-suite East African-style tents. Activities available include day and night game drives but the main focus is on personalised walking trails, where armed guides share their wealth of ‘bush culture’, from the identification of animals, trees, insects and birds, to the medicinal uses of plants, local folklore, and basic tracking skills.
A pre-arranged ‘sleep-out’ on elevated wooden platforms will also be an unforgettable highlight; a true wilderness experience. (FB)

Days 7-9:
Fly by light aircraft to stay for three nights at Thonga Beach Lodge.
Set above a secluded bay, Thonga Beach Lodge is nestled into beautiful coastal dune forest with sweeping views of the stunning beach below.
The thatched bush suites provide guests with complete privacy and were carefully constructed to ensure minimal impact on the environment. The lodge offers luxurious accommodation, mouth-watering meals and one of the best dive sites in South Africa. The laying season for Leatherback & Loggerhead Turtles runs from October to March, Humpback Whales can be seen offshore between April and September, whilst dolphins are
curious visitors year-round. In addition nature walks, snorkelling, SCUBA diving, guided canoe trips & boat cruises, Thonga cultural experiences & and fishing are all available. (FB)

Day 10:
Fly by light aircraft to Richards Bay and connect onwards to Johannesburg.
Depart on overnight flight to the UK.

Day 11:
Arrive UK.

Departures:
Daily (subject to minimum of 2 clients)

Tour Cost from:
£2695.00 per person, based on two sharing.

World Traveller Plus supplement from:
£495.00
Business Class supplement from:
£1695.00

Included:
all flights and transfers; accommodation and meals as specified; car hire; all game activities (except boat-based whale watching at Grootbos); game park entrance fees; departure taxes.

Not included:
meals and activities where not detailed; items of a personal nature; gratuities; travel insurance; visas; souvenirs; fuel.