On Safari in South Africa - Karongwe Reserve

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To book or for more information please call: 0330 341 1117 and quote RTA

On Safari in South Africa - Karongwe Reserve

Newmarket Holidays is offering 15% off its collection of 2026 tours until Tuesday, 26 August.

An immersive wildlife experience centred around animal encounters, conservational education, and opportunities for positive contributions to the environment. The heart of Limpopo’s Karongwe Private Game Reserve will serve as your home for the week, enveloped by nature and based at a luxury tented camp. Early mornings and late afternoons see you embark on a total of 12 game drives led by seasoned trackers and guides. Witness the ‘Big Five’ in their natural habitat as the sun rises and sets over the rugged terrain, with the Drakensberg Mountain range in the distance. Moments of tranquillity are equally encouraged alongside adventure, with ample time to lounge by the swimming pool, which overlooks the Makhutsi River, partake in a daily afternoon tea and relish complimentary treatments at the camp’s nature-inspired spa. A special dinner under the star-lit sky promises another moment of bliss amongst the peacefulness of the African bush. This safari escape goes beyond observation, with plenty of opportunities for education and enlightenment. An anti-poaching talk allows you to engage with a local specialist to gain insights into the critical importance of conservation efforts, a guided nature walk means you can appreciate the flora and fauna from a different perspective, and a tree planting activity helps you make a personal, positive environmental contribution. To further enhance your itinerary, optional activities can be booked at the lodge, from learning how to make traditional dishes and photograph animals, to visiting a wildlife rehabilitation centre and soaring above rivers and valleys in a helicopter.

Holiday Highlights

Unwind by the swimming pool overlooking the Makhutsi River or with a complimentary treatment at the spa
Experience a special dinner in the heart of the bush under the stars
Venture on seven morning game drives and seven late afternoon game drives with an experienced tracker and guide at the helm
Choose from an assortment of optional activities, bookable at the lodge, including a cooking class.
Spend a week in a luxury tented camp, surrounded by the ‘Big Five’ Karongwe Private Game Reserve
Listen to an anti-poaching talk with a local specialist and learn about the importance of conservation
Set off on foot with a guided nature walk, seeing the flora and fauna from a different angle
Partake in a tree planting activity, a chance to leave your legacy and make a positive contribution
Enjoy a tasting of local gins with different garnishes and tonics by the pool
Choose from an assortment of optional activities, bookable at the lodge, including a cooking class, yoga experience, and anti-poaching walk

What's Included

Seven nights’ full-board accommodation at the four-star Chisomo Safari Camp, Karongwe Private Game Reserve
Seven breakfasts, seven lunches, and seven dinners
Seven morning game drives and seven late afternoon game drives
Sundowner on all afternoon game drives
A private dinner with a bottle of wine per table in the bush, weather permitting
Guided bush walk
Gin and tonic tasting by the pool
Hand or foot spa treatment
Anti-poaching talk
Tree-planting activity
Return flights to Johannesburg
Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced local representative and wildlife specialist

Itinerary

Day 1

Fly to Johannesburg - You’ll travel on your overnight flight to Johannesburg, South Africa’s biggest city.

Day 2

Transfer from the airport to Karongwe Private Game Reserve - Upon arriving at the airport, your group will be welcomed by a friendly driver. A long but rewarding and scenic transfer with plenty of comfort breaks and lunch (on your own account) will take you to Karongwe Private Game Reserve. Located in the Limpopo province and with views of the Drakensberg Mountain range, Chisomo Safari Camp will be your home for the next week. In the late afternoon, you’ll arrive and check into a luxury tented camp, looking out over the Makhutsi River. There’ll then be time to settle in, familiarise yourself with the facilities, and perhaps refresh with a dip in the swimming pool. If you’d like to venture out on a game drive, you can embark on one before dinner. With an experienced guide and tracker at the helm, you’ll drive into the depths of the reserve in an open-air 4x4 safari vehicle. Karongwe Private Game Reserve is home to the ‘Big Five’, including lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, and elephant, as well as 365 different bird species. Keep your eyes peeled and have a camera at the ready to take a snap of wildlife roaming through the bush vegetation. This evening, dinner will be enjoyed at the camp.

Day 3

Included morning game drive, complimentary spa treatment, and afternoon game drive - This morning, you’ll wake up early, meet the other travellers in the main area for a hot drink and then head out for a morning game drive as the sun rises over the mountains. Breakfast will then be served back at the camp, and you’ll have some time to relax, perhaps opting for a complimentary hand or foot treatment at the spa, which offers a beautiful view of the bush and draws on natural, local products (this can be done on a different day). You’ll also have a programme of optional excursions at the camp to choose from, such as a cooking workshop and a mediative yoga experience. Alternatively, just pick a sun lounger by the swimming pool to observe the activity around the Makhutsi River, with a cocktail in hand. An afternoon game drive awaits following afternoon tea, providing another opportunity to spot more wildlife, like cheetahs and elephants. This evening, you’ll sit down to a special private dinner under the star-dappled sky (weather permitting) with the sounds of nocturnal animals unfolding around you.

Day 4

Included morning game drive, anti-poaching talk, time at leisure, optional activities, and afternoon game drive - Another early morning wake-up is followed by a game drive with breakfast upon return to the camp. After you’ve freshened up, you can then join an anti-poaching talk, where an anti-poaching specialist will discuss the plight of poaching and the camp’s pivotal role in conserving the local wildlife. The rest of the late morning and early afternoon will be free to unwind or perhaps partake in an optional excursion, like an anti-poaching walk in the bush to learn more about the tracking methods of poachers and the designated ‘kill zones’. An optional community visit takes you to a nearby village and offers an insight into how the local people live and their culture. Back at the camp, you’ll go on an afternoon game drive before returning in the evening after the sun has set for dinner.

Day 5

Included morning game drive, time at leisure and afternoon game drive - This morning, you’ll go on a game drive, tuck into breakfast when you return, and then the remainder of the morning and early afternoon is free. Customise your day by perhaps choosing to partake in an optional photography workshop, where you’ll learn about camera settings, editing processes and different types of composition. Alternatively, join an optional visit to a wildlife rehabilitation centre, dedicated to the conservation of endangered species and the rehabilitation of injured and poisoned animals. Here, you can see a range of baby animals, as well as leopards, lions, lynxes, eagles, vultures, and honey badgers. A full-day excursion to the nearby Kruger National Park is also available for those who want to do some more wildlife spotting. You’ll have another game drive in the afternoon before you savour dinner at the camp this evening.

Day 6

Morning game drive, guided bush walk, time at leisure and afternoon game drive - Board the open-air vehicle again this morning for a game drive before breakfast. You’ll then join a nature specialist for a guided bush walk. As you’re led into the bush, the group will get to take in the scenery and wildlife from a different angle, learning about the endemic plants, bird species and animals. You’ll then have some time at leisure to perhaps go on a helicopter ride over the nearby Olifant’s River Gorge or the Blyde River Canyon, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the dramatic landscape and gushing waterways from above. Another afternoon game drive will take place this afternoon and then you’ll return for dinner. Please note: Children aged under 16 cannot participate in the bush walk for safety reasons.

Day 7

Morning game drive, time at leisure, afternoon game drive, and gin tasting - Head out for a morning game drive and have breakfast. The rest of the day is free to fit in more optional activities, such as a panorama drive along one of South Africa’s most scenic routes. Encompassing famed natural sights like Pinnacle Rock, God’s Window, one of South Africa’s most well-known vantage points (weather permitting, you can see as far as Mozambique), this excursion will also pass the Blyde River Canyon, waterfalls, and unusual rock formations, as well as colourful craft markets. Later, you’ll venture on a game drive and return to the lodge for a gin tasting and pairing by the pool. This involves sampling locally crafted gins, complemented by different tonics and garnishes.

Day 8

Morning game drive, tree-planting activity, time at leisure, afternoon game drive and farewell dinner - Wake up for a morning game drive followed by breakfast and a tree-planting activity. This involves planting a tree within the local community or donating a tree, a chance to leave your legacy and make a positive contribution. You can choose between planting a fruit or an indigenous sapling. Perhaps you’d like to make use of the spa with an optional relaxing treatment after your hard work in the sun. Spa packages include full body massages, exfoliation, wraps and facials. An afternoon game drive will then be concluded with a farewell dinner alongside your new-found friends, allowing you to reflect on the week.

Day 9

Included morning game drive, late morning transfer and travel back to Johannesburg - Relish your final morning game drive and breakfast before you pack up and check out of the camp. In the late morning, you’ll travel back to Johannesburg airport over a journey of around five and a half hours with plenty of stops and a packed lunch.

Day 10

Arrive in the UK - Early morning arrival.

Chisomo Safari Camp, Karongwe Private Game Reserve

Surrounded by the 'Big Five' Karongwe Private Game Reserve and overlooking the Drakensberg Mountain range, this luxury tented camp looks out across the Makhutsi River.

Hotel Facilities & Amenities

A warm, friendly atmosphere and authentic African d'ecor create a cosy, comfortable setting amongst nature. Facing the Makhutsi River, a swimming pool is fringed by a sundeck, and there's a lounge, boma, and bar and dining area, where guests can eat under the stars. Early morning and late afternoon safaris are included, and guests can choose from an assortment of optional excursions, like cooking classes, yoga, treatments at the spa, anti-poaching walks, helicopter rides and photography workshops.

Room Facilities & Amenities

The camp is made up of 22 tents that are built on stilts and encompass contemporary d'ecor, mod cons, a comfortable bed with linen, mosquito nets, tea/coffee-making facilities, air conditioning, indoor bathtubs and showers, outdoor showers, and private decks for game-watching.

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Special considerations

When packing for a safari, it's important to keep in mind that you'll be travelling in areas where the terrain may be rough and the weather unpredictable. Therefore, it's essential to pack practical and comfortable clothing suitable for the climate, including sturdy walking shoes or boots, light layers for warm days, and warmer layers for chilly nights.

It's also worth noting that many safari vehicles have limited storage space, so it's best to use soft luggage such as duffel bags or backpacks instead of hard-shell suitcases, which can be difficult to fit into the vehicle.

In addition to clothing, it's important to bring sun protection such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as well as insect repellent and medication for any specific health needs. Finally, don't forget to pack a good camera and binoculars to capture all the incredible wildlife sightings!

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately six hours. Rest stops will be made on route.

Foreign Office Travel Advice

Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.

Luggage allowance

You are permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made. In many developing countries access is sometimes not as easy as at home. Should you have walking difficulties, getting around monuments and attractions may be harder and, in some cases, impossible. Should you have any concerns whatsoever please do contact us prior to travel.

Changes to your hotel

Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.

Optional Excursions

A range of optional excursions are bookable at the lodge and will be offered subject to availability.

Due to timetabling constraints, those who choose to book the full-day Kruger National Park or Panorama Route Tour optional excursions will be unable to participate in the other included game drives taking place on the same days.

Guests who wish to join the optional Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre Excursion will also miss one of the game drives due to conflicting operating times.

Game drive restrictions

Children under the age of six are not allowed on the game drives. Babysitting services and a children's programme are available (at additional cost and subject to availability).

Children aged under 16 will also be unable to participate in the bush walk for safety reasons.

Terms and conditions

Terms & Conditions: Save 15% discount applies to all tours with a 2026 departure date only. All other departure dates will have up to 10% applied. This 15% off 2026 offer applies to new bookings only booked between 18 August 2025 to 26 August 2026 and cannot be applied retrospectively to bookings already confirmed. This offer does not apply to child pricing. The offer does not apply to departure dates with late availability pricing or tours that depart in any other year. See full terms & conditions.

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