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An agent's view of South Africa with Newmarket Holidays
Hays Travel agent Luke Nicol talks about a safari fam trip to the northern provinces of South Africa
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Days 1-2
We landed in Johannesburg and travelled to Sebatana Rhino Lodge East, our base for the week. I stepped into my lodge and spotted giraffes strolling outside – an incredible welcome to the bush. That evening, we enjoyed a local curry, before an early night ahead of our first sunrise game drive.
Day 3
The early start paid off, as we encountered elephants, giraffes and crocodiles. Our guide Janique even showed us a quirky trick when viewing crocodiles – crinkling a crisp packet! Later, we relaxed by the pool before a campfire dinner, where my impala steak was the highlight.
The agents in South Africa.
Day 4
We ventured three hours to Welgevonden Game Reserve, set within the Waterberg Biosphere. Within minutes, we saw rhinos, leopards and a pride of lions, which Janique told us hadn’t been seen in three months. After a picnic lunch, dinner was at the lodge’s tribal camp.
We were treated to a traditional dance performance and a feast of spiced chicken and fresh salads.
Days 5-6
A bush walk kicked off the day, with Janique teaching us about local flora and wildlife breeding zones. At Christina’s Wallow [a hide with views of the watering hole], we spotted impalas and wildebeest. Later, we enjoyed a bush-themed hat-making contest.
The next day, an early game drive rewarded us with cheetahs and antelopes. We wrapped up the morning with a champagne brunch at Kudu Rock.
Days 7-8
We headed to Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa’s fourth largest. Located within a crater, the landscape was almost frosty, with temperatures dipping to 5C.
This made for dream-like misty surroundings, as zebras and giraffes roamed by. That night, we tried shots of mampoer, a local fruit brandy. After a morning by the pool, we embarked on our final game drive to Sunset Rock. As the sun dipped behind the Waterberg Mountains, we sipped drinks and shared our highlights of the trip.
Sebatana Rhino Lodge East.
Day 9
Back in Johannesburg, we explored Nelson Mandela Square before heading to the airport. I’ll definitely be returning, as there’s so much more of South Africa to discover.
Book it: Newmarket Holidays’ 10-day tour, On Safari in South Africa – Rhino East Lodge, starts at £2,919 per person on a full-board basis, flying from Heathrow to Johannesburg on January 31, 2027. The price includes five game drives, a walking tour, champagne brunch and flights.
newmarketholidays.co.uk
Lead image credit: Shutterstock/John Michael Vosloo
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