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Waterberg + Soutpansberg + Mapungubwe (self drive)
SCL10J

10 NIGHTS
FROM $1,201
International flights and car hire quoted separately
Explore the little known Limpopo Region of South Africa, well off the normal tourist route. Self drive through the beautiful Waterberg Mountains to Louis Trichardt, where you can visit a Venda Village & the famous architectural site at Mapungubwe, where the golden rhino was found. View wildlife, track wild dogs, view Bushman Paintings & relax in the Soutpansberg
HIGHLIGHTS
Self Drive South Africa Mapungubwe Archaeology Limpopo River Baobab Louis Trichardt Hotels Lodge
• Waterberg Mountains • Game Drives • Louis Trichardt • Venda Village
• Limpopo River • Mapungubwe • Golden Rhino • Tracking Wild Dogs
• Baobab Trees • Soutpansberg
Day 1
Arrive at Johannesburg Airport, collect your hire car and drive to your hotel in this thriving city.
 
Check in and relax by the swimming pool under warm blue South African skies, or enjoy the many shops and restaurants.
Day 2
Today view some of South Africa’s greatest archaeological treasures as you drive to the Maropeng Visitors Cente and Sterkontein Caves situated in the Cradle of Humankind - a World Heritage site dating back billions of years. Dr Broom found one of the first ape-men in these caves, which have since yielded many incredible archaeological treasures.
 
On your way home you will pass the Lion Park where you could stop and see lions up close in an enclosed area, as well as antelope and other plains game. At certain times of the year it is possible to touch recently born lion cubs.
Day 3
This morning drive 3.5-hours from Johannesburg to the beautiful malaria-free Waterberg Mountains, a UNESCO biosphere renowned for its diversity of plant and bird life.
 
After checking into your lodge, enjoy a safari in your Private Game Reserve where game viewing opportunities should present themselves almost immediately. Hope to see several species of antelope, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe and numerous other plains game before dining under the stars!
Day 4
Today is devoted to game viewing in your Private Game Reserve and/or neighbouring Big-5 Game Reserve Note: open top game drives are optional extras, if not included in your lodge package (see hotel details below).
 
Rise early to take advantage of the best game viewing conditions of the day, and enjoy a thrilling  safari with the opportunity to search for all the Big 5. With numerous different species of mammals and reptiles in the game reserves, you can hope to see lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, eland, kudu, hippo, crocodiles, sable antelope, waterbuck, warthogs, baboons and much more. Cheetah & leopard are occasionally seen and outstanding bird watching is guaranteed.
  
After a beautiful African sunset, enjoy the balmy evening and pristine stars of the Milky Way as you have never seen them before – as well as the spectacular Southern Cross.
 
Most lodges do not allow children < 6 on open top game drives
Day 5
Today drive 3-hours from the Waterberg Mountains to a vibrant farmhouse retreat near Louis Trichardt, a picturesque town situated in the foothills of the Soutpansberg Mountains in Limpopo province.
 
Check into your pretty farmhouse retreat in this fertile region, which is well know for its art, culture and agricultural products - including bananas, mangos, litchis and nuts.
Day 6
At leisure to explore the beautiful Levubu Valley surrounding Louis Trichardt.
 
Here you can enjoy an optional cultural tour to learn more about the arts, crafts & lifestyle of the local Venda people, with the opportunity of interacting with the local community. You can participate in craft workshops, children's workshops and sewing activities. You can hire a mountain bike, or visit Lake Fundutzi or the Elim Letaba Dam.
Day 7
Today enjoy more of the stark beauty of Limpopo Province and the far northern Transvaal on your scenic 3-hour drive to Mapungubwe.
 
Mapungubwe is situated at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers, which forms the border for three countries – South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe. Check into your lodge in baobab country.
Day 8
We recommend you start your visit with a guided tour of the Mapungubwe World Heritage Site.
 
Over a thousand years ago Mapungubwe Hill (“The Place of Jackals”) was the centre of the largest kingdom in Southern Africa, populated by the Shona people and forerunner of the Great Zimbabwe civilisation. Its highly sophisticated people had a well-developed class system and traded gold, ivory, copper and exotic beads with China, India & Egypt. A small gold foil rhinoceros was found in a royal grave at this important archaeological site, as well as other artefacts from this advanced African civilisation, which flourished before colonisation.
  
Afterwards there is the option of visiting Mapungubwe National Park to view game; tracking endangered wild dogs at Venetia Game Reserve; or walking to view ancient Bushman rock paintings.
Day 9
Drive 3-hours from the Limpopo River to the beautiful Soutpansberg Mountains.
 
Meaning "Salt Pan Mountain" because of the giant salt pan on the western side of this mountain range, the region is characterised by its unique geology and gigantic baobab trees. The mighty Limpopo River, which forms the border with both Botswana and Zimbabwe, flows through the Limpopo Valley plains to the north.
 
Check in to your lodge and relax in this beautiful region of endless horizons.
Day 10
At leisure to relax at your lodge in the beautiful Soutpansberg Mountains.
 
Local activities include game drives, game walks, birding, botany, Bushman rock art walks and horse riding for experienced riders.
Day 11
Drive 2-hours to Polokwane Airport for your flight home.
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