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


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Walking In The African Bushveld

Example holiday

Walking In The African Bushveld

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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Walking In The African Bushveld

Example Itinerary

TB-1826-1 / 33814

Example Cost

Holiday Title: Walking In The African Bushveld

Holiday Destination: Holiday to South Africa for 5 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: Walking In The African Bushveld

Passengers: 2 Adults

Day 1
All guests are to meet at Rhino Post Safari Lodge at 13:00. If you are driving from Johannesburg, to ensure you arrive in good time, you should leave Johannesburg by 07:00 at the latest - hire car quote on request. You can also fly with Airlink into Skukuza Airport, and we can arrange the 30 minute transfer from here to Rhino Post Safari Lodge (flight/transfer - additional cost).

The lodge will then transfer all guests through to Plains Camp at 14:00 in an open 4x4 game vehicle. After settling into your tent and exploring the camp, high tea is served followed by a brief on the 'do's & don'ts' of bush walking by your guide. Rhino Walking Safari guides meet the stringent requirements of the South African National Parks and senior guides hold the highest guiding qualification possible in South Africa.

Kruger National Park

2 nights at Rhino Plains Camp

After the brief, you will depart with your 2 armed guides for an introductory walk, returning to the vehicle in time for sundowners and enjoying a short night drive before returning to camp.


Day 2

After an early morning wake-up, fresh coffee, tea and rusks (a South African safari tradition!), everybody departs with the guides for the next safari walk. Nothing is predictable in the bush, therefore each safari offers a potentially new experience. Your guides will share their wealth of 'bush culture' - the identification of animals, trees, grasses, insects, birds, the medicinal uses of plants, local folk lore and basic tracking and survival skills. After a light snack on the walk, you will be served a well deserved brunch on your return to the camp.

Relax during the heat of the day, enjoying the small Africana book collection or the plunge pool overlooking the plain, which is often host to zebra, buffalo, giraffe, elephant, rhino and lion. The afternoon safari activity is a short drive in the game vehicle to a specific location, after which you will depart on foot again for your walking trail. Upon returning to the vehicle, you will enjoy sundowners before returning to camp. Back at camp you will enjoy a sumptuous dinner, all the while accompanied by the night sounds of the African bush.


Day 3

The morning activities are the same as the previous day, though exploring a different area.

After high tea guests depart for an unrivalled wilderness experience - a sleepout at a giant treehouse with sleeping platforms elevated about 4m above the ground. Each platform has a tent made of fabric that allows you to gaze at the stars from your sleeping bag, waking up to the light of the African dawn. Guests are given a lightweight backpack to carry clothes for one night, and depart Plains Camp in the late afternoon for a 60-90 minute walk led by the guides, arriving at the sleepout in the early evening. Guests enjoy sundowners overlooking the waterhole as the guides start the fire and prepare a traditional South African braai (BBQ). The rumbles of the elephant passing by, or the roar of the lion at the nearby waterhole, are the only noises that might disturb guests in this peaceful wilderness. This is the only place in the Kruger National Park offering this unusual accommodation.

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


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...continued from previous page.

Day 4

The following morning, enjoy a light snack after which you will depart back to Plains Camp for a hearty brunch and shower before packing up and being transferred back to the luxurious Rhino Post Safari Lodge. On arrival at Rhino Post Safari Lodge, after a refreshing drink and a brief introduction to the lodge, you will be escorted to your room.

After settling into your suite, guests are invited down to the lounge, overlooking the water hole to enjoy a scrumptious high tea before departing for an afternoon/evening game drive.


Day 5

Nothing is predictable in the bush therefore each safari offers a potentially new experience and after an early morning wake-up and an invigorating cup of fresh coffee in the lounge, guests depart on a morning drive, just after sunrise. Upon return to Rhino Post Safari Lodge, enjoy a well-earned brunch before spending the heat of the day within camp, enjoying the pool and relaxing in your suite. After high tea, depart on your afternoon/evening game drive. During the drive you will enjoy sundowners and watch the African sunset as the day winds down.


Day 6
After an early morning wake-up and an invigorating cup of fresh coffee or tea and muffins in the lounge, you will set off again for an early morning game drive. Mid way through the morning you will stop in the bush for coffee or tea before continuing looking for Africa's finest wildlife. Upon returning to the lodge enjoy a leisurely brunch before checking out from Rhino Post.
 
Travel Butlers Ltd
Astra House
The Common, Cranleigh
Surrey GU6 8RZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0)1483 266725


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Rhino Plains Camp

Kruger National Park: 2 Nights

Rhino Walking Safaris lets you discover nature's hidden wonders in specially tailored walking trails through a 12,000 hectare private wilderness concession in the Kruger National Park. The concession shares a 15 km unfenced boundary with the famous Mala Mala and Sabi Sand reserve with an abundance of wildlife moving freely between the two reserves. The concession is noted as an excellent game viewing area and good sightings can be expected.

Plains Camp is the ideal place for your Rhino Walking Safari. The camp is in the middle of the concession, where it seems the rest of the world no longer exists, and guests are ensured of superb game sightings.

A typical day at Plains Camp begins with a mug of steaming coffee and traditional homemade rusks, after which guests set out on their morning walk, following rhino tracks and elephant paths. The length of the walks is tailored to the interest and fitness of the guests.

Returning to camp, enjoy a leisurely brunch and relax by the plunge pool, keeping an eye on the waterhole for the breeding herd of elephant that frequently come to drink. Following high tea, set out again in the late afternoon for a walking safari or game drive and then indulge in a sunset cocktail.

Rhino Plains Camp has 4 luxury en-suite African explorer-style twin bedded tents overlooking the spectacular Timbitene plain and waterhole.

The camp is built in authentic pioneer tradition and is raised on wooden decks. Stylishly decorated, the camp offers the tranquility of a 19th century naturalist's retreat.

For something unique, there is also the added attraction of an optional night spent out under the stars at the sleepout decks under the care of a qualified guide. This is the only place in the Kruger National Park offering this unusual accommodation. Guests will leave Plains Camp in the late afternoon and arrive at the platforms in the early evening carrying a lightweight rucksack containing a change of clothes and refreshments.

Example Details For Rhino Plains Camp

Nights: 2 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Safari Tent
Includes: All meals; tea/coffee; the Conservation/Park Levy; and shared safari activities (morning walking safaris and afternoon walk/game drive combination) are included. PLEASE NOTE: The Kruger National Park Private Concession gate vehicle entry fee is NOT included for self-drive visitors - this is currently R110 per person per stay - subject to change.

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

Location

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


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Rhino Plains Camp

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


Page 

Rhino Walking Safari Sleep Out

Kruger National Park: 1 Night

For a totally unique experience, guests wanting something different will be able to walk from Rhino Plains Camp to a sleepout - an elevated wooden platforms 4 metres high where the night will be spent sleeping outdoors under the stars.

This is the only place in the Kruger National Park offering this unusual accommodation. The platforms lie within a private wilderness concession just north of Skukuza. The surrounding area is home to an impressive number of species, and ranks as a prime Big Five game viewing area.

Guests will leave Plains Camp in the late afternoon and arrive at the platforms in the early evening. Sundowners can be enjoyed on the platforms that also overlook a waterhole.

While dinner is being prepared on an open fire, guests can enjoy the sounds and senses, which are heightened as they go to sleep under canvas while being safely guarded by the observant guides.

The rumble of the elephant passing by or the roar of the lion at the nearby waterhole, are the only noises that might disturb guests in this peaceful wilderness.

The following morning, guests will enjoy a light snack after which they will depart back to Plains Camp for a hearty brunch.

The sleep outs are highly dependant on weather conditions. PLEASE be aware that should the weather be unfavourable on the day of the sleep out (for example, heavy rain) or if there has been heavy rain in the days preceding the sleep out, guests may have to remain at Plains Camp (due to the platforms being inaccessible).

Example Details For Rhino Walking Safari Sleep Out

Nights: 1 Night
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: Sleep Out Platform
Includes: Camp dinner and breakfast are included.

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

Location

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


Page 

Rhino Post Safari Lodge

Kruger National Park: 2 Nights

Rhino Post Safari Lodge is set on the banks of the Mutlumuvi Riverbed, in a 12,000 hectare private wilderness concession in the Kruger National Park - an excellent game viewing area where regular encounters with the Big Five occur. The nature of a wilderness area is that there are no permanent structures, so Rhino Post Safari Lodge was built using just stone, canvas, wood and glass to create an authentic bush ambience and to blend into the natural surrounds.

Game drives make the most of the wide network of Kruger Park roads and the Mutlumuvi seasonal riverbed to explore the incredible biodiversity that makes Kruger a world icon, and continue after dark when the self-drive tourists have departed. No other off-road driving is allowed on game drives - both out of respect for nature and its long term sustainability and because in the Kruger Park it's just not necessary!  The most popular and regularly used routes in the Kruger National Park are tarred as it is a major attraction worldwide and it is necessary to keep the roads in good condition both to handle the amount of daytime traffic experienced in busy seasons, as well as to ensure that the Park can remain accessible even through the rainy season.  Animals tend to take advantage of the smooth, warm roads, which also see more game in the winter months because these roads are situated close to the rivers. 

Following a game drive, guests can relax in the revitalising swimming pool, take in the views from their shaded patio and watch the abundant wildlife amble down to the waterhole.

Sumptuous meals are served in the camp's dining area, which is set under magnificent Tamboti trees. The lounge, with its extensive wine cellar, cosy fireplace and bar, is the perfect spot for sundowners.

Each of the 8 comtemporary bush suites are built on raised stilts with large glass windows overlooking the riverbed. Each suite has a private viewing deck and the bathroom includes a deep freestanding bath as well as an outdoor shower.

In addition, guests can experience sleepouts from Rhino Post Safari Lodge (additional cost and subject to availability). Guests are transported by safari vehicle to the sleepout platforms, accompanied by a guide. Sundowners can be enjoyed on the platforms overlooking a waterhole, while your guide prepares dinner over an open fire.

Example Details For Rhino Post Safari Lodge

Nights: 2 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Bush Suite
Includes: Brunch, high tea and dinner; tea/coffee; 2 game drive activities per day; and the Conservation Levy are included. PLEASE NOTE: The Kruger National Park Private Concession gate vehicle entry fee is NOT included for self-drive visitors - this is currently R110 per person per stay - subject to change.

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

Location

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


Page 

Rhino Post Safari 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 transited through a yellow fever risk 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.