Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Game Drives and Horseback Safaris

Example holiday

Game Drives and Horseback Safaris

We hope that this example holiday will give you give some inspiration to help you begin to plan your own dream holiday to Africa.

The next couple of pages show a summary of the itinerary, followed by a detailed page on each destination.

Important travel information for visitors to South Africa is included at the back of this document.

All the holidays we offer to our clients are tailor-made so we can adjust this trip to fit in with your travel dates, interests, preferred accommodation...and of course your budget.

All our travel consultants have extensive knowledge of travel throughout Southern and East Africa, and our strong relationships with suppliers mean that our rates to you will always be competitive.

Let us take the hard work out of planning your trip: you can get in touch either by giving us a call on +44 (0) 1483 266725, completing the Enquiry Form on our website or emailing us at info@travelbutlers.com.

We look forward to hearing from you!

The Travel Butlers Team

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Game Drives and Horseback Safaris

Example Itinerary

TB-1826-1 / 16203

Example Cost

Holiday Title: Game Drives and Horseback Safaris

Holiday Destination: Holiday to South Africa for 12 nights

Passengers: 2 Adults

Example Cost for 2 Adults: * per person sharing.

*Excludes international flights from your home country - please ask us if you would like us to include these for you.

ABTOT provides protection for your booking as set out in Section 6 of our booking conditions.

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Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Summary Of The Itinerary

Printable Version

Holiday Title: Game Drives and Horseback Safaris

Passengers: 2 Adults

Day 1
Arrive into Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport. Go through Immigration, collect your luggage and clear Customs, then make your way to the Europcar Rental office. Complete the necessary paperwork - you will need to present your driving licence, passport and credit card. The keys to your hire car will then be handed over to you.

13 Day Car Rental: Group F Standard Sedan - Toyota Corolla Quest Automatic or similar (Classic Plus Cover GPS PACKAGE)

Allow about 4 hours to drive to your first destination. Situated in the Kwazulu-Natal Drakensberg, halfway between Johannesburg and Durban, Montusi Mountain Lodge offers a full and uninterrupted view of the Drakensberg's most famous area - the Amphitheatre escarpment - and guests enjoy this spectacular scenery from the comfort of their private suites.


Day 4

Drive to Umhlanga (approx 300 km / 3 h 45 mins). The award-winning Beverly Hills Hotel, which first opened its doors in 1964, has become synonymous with elegance, gracious hospitality and intuitive service. Distinctive features and an atmosphere of old-world opulence contribute to a relaxing and enjoyable stay here.


Day 7

Drive to the Amazulu Private Game Reserve (approx 385 km / 4 h 15 mins). Amakhosi Safari Lodge is a majestic safari destination where no day is the same. This is Big 5 territory and what you don't view from your deck, expert guides invariably will deliver on dawn and dusk game drives. Inbetween drives, relax by the rock-fringed lodge swimming pool,and when darkness falls, listen for the roar of the lions.

AmaKhosi Private Game Reserve

3 nights at AmaKhosi Safari Lodge


Day 10

Drive to the Pakamisa Game Reserve (approx 50 km / 1 h 15 mins). Pakamisa is home to a collection of magnificent Arabian horses all superbly trained and there are few greater thrills than exploring the wild African bush on horseback. Imagine being able to experience the sights, smells, sounds and excitement of the African veld so that you literally become at one with the environment.

Pakamisa Game Reserve

3 nights at Pakamisa Lodge


Day 13
After breakfast, you will drive back to Johannesburg Airport (allow about 6 hours), where you will return your hire car and check in for your flight home.
 
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Montusi Mountain Lodge

The Drakensberg: 3 Nights

Montusi Mountain Lodge offers genuine hospitality in the tranquillity of one of the most beautiful settings in Southern Africa. Space, comfort and peace are what you will find when you treat yourself to the natural splendour and peaceful, romantic ambiance of this Drakensberg haven.

Situated in the Kwazulu-Natal Drakensberg, halfway between Johannesburg and Durban, Montusi is one of the few destinations with a panoramic vista of the Drakensberg's most famous feature, the Amphitheatre escarpment.

The scenery is breathtakingly beautiful, and nature lovers will enjoy the many hiking and walking trails available for all levels of ability. There are easier walks through lush meadows and across clear streams, or more strenuous hikes up and across rugged mountain terrain.

In addition there are countless other activities including bird watching, horse riding and trout fishing (on a 'catch and release' basis). Golfers can visit the 9-hole Amphitheatre Golf Course at Hlalanathi just 8 km away. The lodge also has a tennis court and racquets/balls can be collected from the main reception for any budding Wimbledon champions in the making.

The main lodge consists of a large and beautifully thatched main lodge with reception, dining room, terrace, bar, lounge and massage room.

The swimming pool looks out at the escarpment and the surrounding rocks have provided inspiration for this unusual and beautifully crafted pool which makes it the guest's favourite place in summer.

The intimate restaurant (with a log fireplace) is renowned for sumptuous local cuisine with innovative menus.

The 16 individual free-standing suites offer guests privacy, are uniquely decorated with stunning views of the Amphitheatre Mountain. Suites have one or two bedrooms with a en-suite bathroom (bath and walk-in shower), a lounge, patio, gas operated fireplace and tea/coffee making facility.

Along side each suite there is a private covered carport for one vehicle.

Example Details For Montusi Mountain Lodge

Nights: 3 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Mountain Suite
Includes: Breakfast and dinner are included.

Location

Montusi Mountain Lodge Location Map
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Montusi Mountain Lodge

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Beverly Hills Hotel

Durban: 3 Nights

 The hotel is perfect for romantic escapes, family holidays and business travel and offers an idyllic place for guests to unwind and enjoy the gracious and intuitive service it is so well-known for.

The award-winning Beverly Hills hotel opened her doors over 50 years ago and is considered to be one of Durban's finest hotels. Over the past 5 decades, the  hotel has been home to royalty, celebrities and captains of industry - the place where deals have been done and memories have been made.

The hotel is situated in Umhlanga and boasts uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. The 88 Standard and Deluxe Rooms are all eleganty and stylished decorated.

The hotel also boasts a state of the art fitness centre, heated swimming pool, spa, two restaurants with an al fresco dining option and a convenient retail outlet. 

Example Details For Beverly Hills Hotel

Nights: 3 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Standard Room
Includes: Breakfast is included.

Location

Beverly Hills Hotel Location Map
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Beverly Hills Hotel

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

AmaKhosi Safari Lodge

AmaKhosi Private Game Reserve: 3 Nights

AmaKhosi Safari Lodge is situated in the 12,000 hectare Amazulu Private Game Reserve, about 4 hours north of Durban.

The reserve is made up of a varied ecosystem which includes savanna, mountains and wetlands - making it the ideal home to the Big 5 as well as giraffe, zebra, warthog and hyena, hippopotamus and crocodile. There are also more than 400 bird species.

Early morning and late afternoon guided walks and game drives take you into the African bush to observe the animals and their fascinating behaviour. Qualified game rangers introduce the unique role each animal plays on the massive stage within the African Kingdom.

Amakhosi's main lodge boasts a deck with an intimate bar, lounge area, a swimming pool and dining area where meals are served under the stars. With panoramic river views, guests can unwind at Amakhosi River Spa, which offers beauty and message treatments using eco-friendly and holistic products.

The 6 luxury river suites are situated along the flowing Mkuze River. Each one boasts a separate air-conditioned bedroom, a lounge with a fully stocked mini bar and tea/coffee making facilities. The high thatched ceilings and glass walls are complimented by a large bathroom with a unique bath made for two and an outdoor (al fresco) shower.  

For ultimate privacy there are 2 honeymoon suites with private plunge pools and hammocks.

'IsiGodlo' (meaning 'chiefs residence') is a private 2 bedroom house which overlooks the Mkuze River and can accommodate up to 4 guests. Guests staying here have their own ranger, tracker and private game vehicle for game drives.

Example Details For AmaKhosi Safari Lodge

Nights: 3 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x River Suite
Includes: Brunch, high tea (late lunch) and dinner; all local branded beverages; bush walks; and 2 shared game activities per day with qualified guides are included.

Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari.

Location

AmaKhosi Safari Lodge Location Map
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

AmaKhosi Safari Lodge

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Pakamisa Lodge

Pakamisa Game Reserve: 3 Nights

Pakamisa Lodge offers an unforgettable African experience in a private 2,500 hectare game reserve. The reserve is predator and malaria free, creating a safe environment for a range of activities for adults and children not usually available in other Big 5 Reserves. Pakamisa in Zulu means 'to lift up' and guests are assured that their spirits will soar in this African Shangri-La.

Pakamisa is home to a collection of magnificent Arabian horses all superbly trained by the owner. There are few greater thrills than exploring the wild African bush on horseback. Each trail ride offers incredible game viewing from the meandering plains or the challenging hilly ascents. There is nothing more exciting than riding into a herd of impala, giraffe, wildebeest and warthogs and getting close to them before they trot off. No horse lover coming to South Africa should miss this opportunity!

For visitors who would like to experience Pakamisa on two legs rather than four, there are numerous walks and trails through the valleys, along the river banks, or climb the Pakamisa Mountain for the most rewarding panoramic view of 360 degrees. Or traverse the reserve in an open safari vehicle with an experienced game ranger who will explain the fascinating life cycles of insects, plants and trees and the behaviour patterns of mammals, big and small, that you may encounter along the way.

The main lodge has breathtaking views over the reserve, the evergreen valley and plains of the Pongola River and the surrounding mountains. The eight meter high ceilings, legendary of hotels in bygone days, create a pleasant, cool atmosphere. The impressive Main House, with its eclectic mix of African and European art and antiques, offers an ideal place for quiet relaxation or pre-dinner socializing, or alternatively slip into the intimate atmosphere of the Hunter's Bar for a cocktail. The large pool is the ideal place to relax around and enjoy a light snack or a lunchtime drink.

The 8 spacious, tastefully-decorated suites offer the highest standards for comfort and complete relaxation. Each suite consists of a bedroom, a deluxe bathroom and a cosy sunken lounge leading onto a spacious veranda. The rooms have been individually styled and themed after an African animal. The suites are deliberately techno-free with no telephone or television, but internet access is available at the reception area of the Main House for those who simply cannot let go of the outside world.

Example Details For Pakamisa Lodge

Nights: 3 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Luxury Suite
Includes: All meals; tea/coffee; and choice of 2 activities per day (horse riding, game drive, guided bush walk, archery, target shooting with air rifle) are included. PLEASE NOTE: All other drinks are NOT included. Horse riding is restricted to one ride per day per person - weight limit 90 kg.

Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari.

Location

Pakamisa Lodge Location Map
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Pakamisa Lodge

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Important Travel Information For South Africa

Passport, Visa and Entry Requirements

Latest Travel Updates

For up-to-date travel information from the UK government, please check:

UK Government Advice: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-africa

 

Normally, holders of the following passports do not require a visa to enter South Africa when travelling as a tourist for stays up to 90 days: United Kingdom; United States of America; Canada; Australia; Ireland; Belgium; Netherlands; Italy; France; Germany; Spain, Switzerland.

If you are a passport holder from another country, please contact your local South Africa High Commission or Embassy for up-to-date visa requirements, as citizens of certain countries (including New Zealand) are required to obtain visas before travelling. Please note that if you are applying to the Embassy for your visa, some visas can take a long time to be processed so please do take this into consideration, as it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa in place before you travel.

Children under 18 years of age who require a visa to enter South Africa may be required to provide additional information when applying for the visa including an unabridged birth certificate and affidavit if travelling with only one parent.  There are also additional rules for unaccompanied minors and/or South African children - details available on request or via the SA Department of Home Affairs at http://www.dha.gov.za.

Please note that anyone travelling to South Africa should have a valid return ticket and a valid passport. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 30 days from the date of exit from South Africa. However, some immigration officials still request that a passport should have at least 6 months validity from the date of entry to South Africa so to avoid problems on arrival, we advise that your passport meets this requirement instead. The passport must also have sufficient pages for entry/exit stamps - AT LEAST 2 BLANK PAGES.

South Africa has implemented biometric capturing at all ports of entry. This may result in some delays at land borders so you should allow additional time for border crossings.

PLEASE NOTE: Countries can change their entry requirements at any time. Travel Butlers try to ensure that the information displayed here is correct, but the onus remains with the traveller to verify the information with the relevant High Commission or Embassy and ensure that they can comply with the applicable entry requirements.

Medical

You are advised to contact your doctor or clinic around 4-8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations and to get their professional medical advice regarding travel to South Africa.

To help avoid heatstroke, drink plenty of bottled water/fluids, and keep out of the midday sun.

Tap water is purified and safe to drink in major cities and towns, however, we do advise that you do not drink the water in more remote places such as the camps in the National Parks - the water may be safe to drink, but it simply is not worth the risk, as bottled water is widely available.

Whatever you do, do not drink water from any river lake without firstly purifying the water. Always take water with you when you go on a hike, and have a bottle in the car on a long journey to avoid dehydration.

There is a risk of malaria in and around the Kruger National Park/Mpumalanga Province, the Limpopo (Northern) Province, and the north-eastern part of KwaZulu-Natal - check with your doctor about suitable antimalarial tablets. Try to avoid mosquito bites wherever possible - wear loose long-sleeved clothing and trousers, and use a repellent on clothing and exposed skin.

There is no risk of yellow fever in South Africa, so a yellow fever vaccination is NOT required for travellers whose sole destination is South Africa. However, in accordance with International Health Reguations, South Africa requires all travellers over one year of age arriving from a yellow fever risk country, or having been in transit longer than 12 hours at the airport of such a country, to have a yellow fever certificate. These countries include Kenya and Uganda but it is up to the traveller to check the full list here https://nathnacyfzone.org.uk/factsheet/60/yellow-fever-maps

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 10177 and ask for an ambulance.

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Important Travel Information For South Africa

Continued

Languages And Culture

The 11 official languages are Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, Pedi, English, Tswana, Sotho, Tsonga, Swati, Venda and Ndebele. Whilst many visitors will hear at least a couple of the tribal languages during the course of their stay, it is possible to travel extensively and comfortably with just English as a language.

The South African society is quite liberal, as gay marriage was legalised in 2006 nationwide and everyone’s rights are protected under the constitution. In some more rural areas, however, the local people may not be quite as liberal thinking, so whilst everyone is of course entitled to their own sexual preferences and gender identity, we would advise all clients of the LGBT+ community to refrain from public displays of affection (including kissing and holding hands) and to be as discrete as possible about their relationship if travelling to a rural/remote area.

Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


Page 

Book With Confidence

Travel Butlers have 20 years experience of booking travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean for clients from all around the world.  In this time we have supported clients through disruptions caused by numerous unexpected events including natural disasters, localised disease outbreaks and airline cancellations. Nobody can be certain exactly what will happen in the future, however Travel Butlers can offer you peace of mind and flexibility to ensure that you feel confident booking a holiday with us.

Flexibility and peace of mind before you travel

Our team are specialists in travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean, and we are constantly monitoring the changing situation regarding travel to the region. If your trip cannot go ahead due to specific travel restrictions related to Covid-19 then we will get in touch to offer you the choice of the following:

The specific Covid-19 travel restrictions are defined as follows:

We would not normally be able to confirm that your trip cannot proceed due to travel restrictions until a couple of weeks before the start of your trip, however should you want to look at postponing or altering your trip before then we would aim to be as flexible as possible.

If we confirm that your trip is unable to proceed due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, then we will not charge you an amendment fee if you choose to postpone your trip or move it to another destination. We may need to adjust the cost of your trip to reflect the new dates, particularly if those coincide with a more expensive season of travel or higher grade of accommodation. Equally, if the cost of your postponed trip is less, we will reduce the cost accordingly.

You should still take out travel insurance that includes Covid-19  to cover you in the event that your trip can go ahead but you are unable to travel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances. If there are no travel restrictions in place that mean your trip could not go ahead but you need to cancel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances then our normal terms and conditions would apply. You should ensure that your travel insurance provides adequate cover for cancelling due to illness, including Covid-19, and you may be able to make a claim against your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy.

Support whilst you are away

We offer 24/7 telephone assistance to all our clients whilst they are away, and also have partners in each country that are able to assist with any PCR tests or other issues that might arise during your trip.

If you fall ill whilst you are away, or if your trip is disrupted due to Covid-19 whilst you are travelling, then our experienced team will be on hand to assist you in whatever way you need.  You would need to pay any additional costs incurred due to illness or travel disruption whilst you are away, however you may be able reclaim these expenses on your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy.  Travel Butlers will be able to assist by providing supporting documentation for your claim.

Financial protection for your Travel Butlers holiday

All of the holidays we sell are 100% financially protected through our ATOL and ABTOT bonding so your money is in safe hands when you book a Travel Butlers holiday. Furthermore, our business is well positioned to navigate through the challenges which the travel industry is currently facing.

Please read our Terms and Conditions for more information.

Finding suitable travel insurance that covers Covid-19

You can now get insurance that offers cover for disruption related to Covid-19, and these policies could include cover for:

Not all policies offer this kind of cover, not necessarily even all policies from the same provider, so you should ensure you check the policy details carefully before buying your insurance. 

You can read more about choosing suitable travel insurance in the FCDO guide to travel insurance.