On Safari in South Africa – Rhino East Lodge
On Safari in South Africa – Rhino East Lodge
9 Days Starting and ending in Johannesburg, South Africa
Visiting: Johannesburg, Sebatana Private Lodge, Sebatana Private Reserve, Welgevonden Game Reserve, Waterberg Biosphère Reserve, United Kingdom
Tour operator:
Tour code:
98638
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 50
Physical rating:
Medium, Low
Age range:
0-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
From:
$3310
$2994 (USD)
including Flights from the UK
Operator discount: -$316
Tour Overview
An immersion into the extraordinary South African wilderness featuring opportunities to connect with nature, engage in local cultures, and gain insights into the destination’s history.
Prep your khaki gear for the first part of your African adventure with malaria-free Sebatana Private Reserve as the backdrop and the five-star, full-board Rhino East Lodge as a base. Open-air vehicles will venture into the bush daily, allowing for ample ‘Big Five’ sightings under the direction of experienced guides.
Itinerary enhancements feature wildlife talks, slow-paced nature walks, and a Champagne brunch in the heart of the savannah. Sundowners will mark night falling, and dinners, served under the starry sky, can be accompanied by traditional music and dancing. Engagement with the local community allows you to gain a better understanding of the culture, and days spent in Johannesburg and Soweto provides further comprehension of the nation’s past.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Fly From The Uk
Location: Johannesburg
Accommodation: Overnight flight to Johannesburg
Meals Included: No Meals
Travel to South Africa on an overnight flight.
Day 2 : Arrival At Johannesburg Airport
Location: Johannesburg, Sebatana Private Lodge
Accommodation: Lodge, Lodge
Accommodation Name: Sebatana Rhino Lodge East
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Upon arrival in Johannesburg, South Africa’s biggest city, you’ll be met by your local tour manager and set off on a scenic transfer to the Sebatana Rhino Lodge. Once you’ve unpacked and settled in, lunch will be served.
Day 3 : Included Wildlife Talk And Afternoon Game Drive
Location: Sebatana Private Reserve
Accommodation: Lodge, Lodge
Accommodation Name: Sebatana Rhino Lodge East
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you’ll venture into the reserve in an open-air vehicle on your first game drive. During this journey, your guide will provide a wildlife talk about the different animals, birds and plants that inhabit the area, as well as the area’s history.
This drive will be followed by lunch and some free time back at the lodge before you return on an afternoon game drive, with a local tracker, who’ll do his best to seek out wildlife. Keep an eye out – and have your camera at the ready – for zebras, meerkats, giraffes, wildebeest, and impalas.
In the evening, dinner will be served at the lodge.
Day 4 : Included Game Drive In Welgevonden Game Reserve And Optional Tribal Evening With Dinner
Location: Welgevonden Game Reserve, Waterberg Biosphère Reserve
Accommodation: Lodge, LodgeLodgeLodge
Accommodation Name: Sebatana Rhino Lodge East
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following breakfast this morning, you’ll join a ‘Big Five’ game drive and visit one of the best private reserves in South Africa, Welgevonden Game Reserve.
Set within the UNESCO-protected Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, this expanse of wilderness is home to more than 50 mammals, including lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalos, and elephants. Access to the reserve is subject to extensive restrictions, so it’ll feel like you have the whole place to yourself.
After the sun has set, you can choose to join an optional tribal dinner, with the opportunity to gain insights into African culture and lifestyle. You’ll be able to taste local dishes and beverages, learn about traditions and customs, as well as watch a performance of dancing and music in a replica of a cultural village.
Day 5 : Included Walking Tour, Game Drive And Optional Night Game Drive With Dinner In The Bush
Location: Sebatana Private Reserve
Accommodation: Lodge, LodgeLodgeLodgeLodgeLodgeLodge
Accommodation Name: Rhino East Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, you’ll join an experienced guide for a gentle bush walk into the Sebatana Private Reserve. Listen intently as your guide points out animal breeding areas, local plant life and the Waterberg Mountains. After the walk, return to the lodge for some well-earned lunch.
After lunch, you’ll be collected in an open-air vehicle for a game drive to Christina’s Wallow, a hide with direct views of a waterhole, which is often teeming with giraffes, wildebeest, and impalas. For a truly authentic wildlife-spotting experience and to have the least impact, you’ll complete the journey on foot.
At dusk, you can join the optional night game drive, giving you the unique opportunity to witness how the bush changes as the sun goes down, and a different animal kingdom emerges. With the help of powerful spotlights, you’ll hopefully see nocturnal creatures, like caracals, bush babies, porcupines, and ant bears.
On the way, you’ll stop at ‘Flintstone Cave’, where the chef will have prepared a special three-course dinner spread across beautifully set tables and looking out over a fire – a wish-list experience.
Day 6 : Included Game Drive, Champagne Brunch In The Bush, And Optional Visit To A School Or Local Community
Location: Sebatana Private Reserve
Accommodation: Camp, Lodge, LodgeLodgeLodgeLodgeLodgeLodgeLodgeLodgeLodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You’ll rise early this morning for a game drive and the chance to spot herds of antelopes moving in the open. Antelopes and other prey animals tend to move around in the morning to find the best protection from predators, so this is time best time to see them.
Around mid-morning, you’ll stop at Kudu Rock for a lavish Champagne brunch, enhanced by the backdrop of the African bush. Here, you can tuck into your meal while soaking up the surrounding vista, perhaps even seeing an animal or two.
Afterwards, you’ll return to the lodge to unwind and in the afternoon, you have the chance to go on an optional tour to a school or local community. This excursion allows you to better understand the people who live in the area.
Day 7 : At Leisure Or Optional Pilanesberg National Park Excursion
Location: Sebatana Private Lodge
Accommodation: Lodge, LodgeLodge
Accommodation Name: Rhino Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy breakfast and a day of leisure at the lodge, taking advantage of the amenities, or join an optional excursion to Pilanesberg National Park, the fourth largest of its kind in South Africa.
This expansive park is situated in a volcanic crater and presents further opportunities to spot the ‘Big Five’ as well as the endangered white rhinos, cheetahs, hippopotami, and over 300 bird species. When you arrive, you’ll board an open-air vehicle and traverse through the park with an experienced guide who’ll provide you with facts about the park and the animals that reside here.
In the evening, dinner will be served back at the lodge.
Day 8 : Optional Game Drive In Welgevonden Game Reserve And Included Sunset Rock Game Drive And Sundowner
Location: Sebatana Private Lodge
Accommodation: Lodge, Lodge
Accommodation Name: Rhino Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you can spend another day at the lodge lounging by the pool or join the last game drive into Welgevonden Game Reserve. If you still want to tick some of the ‘Big Five’ off your list, this is the perfect opportunity.
In the mid-afternoon, there will be one more game drive to Sunset Rock, a fitting finale to your South African adventure. This spot is where you’ll have a magnificent vantage point and a chilled glass of Champagne while looking out over the Waterberg Mountains as the sky turns a cascade of red and orange.
You’ll then return to the lodge for a final dinner with your newfound friends.
Day 9 : Included Visit To Johannesburg, The Apartheid Museum And Soweto
Location: Johannesburg, United Kingdom
Accommodation: Final day of tour - no accommodation included
Meals Included: Breakfast
Have your last breakfast and say goodbye to your hosts as you depart for Johannesburg.
Depending on the season and availability, your driver and guide will try to make as many cultural and historical stops as possible. Visits will include the Apartheid Museum, which documents South Africa’s troubled past and racial segregation, as well as Soweto, an urban settlement or ‘Township’ just outside of the city.
After this excursion, you’ll be driven to the airport for your flight back to the UK after your African adventure.
Day 10 – Arrive Back In The Uk
You'll arrive early this morning after a memorable South African adventure.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Seven nights’ carefully chosen full-board accommodation at the five-star Rhino East Lodge, plus two nights on the aircraft
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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Fully Guided
Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager and wildlife specialists
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International Travel
Return flights to Johannesburg
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Meals
Seven breakfasts, seven lunches and seven dinners
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Additional Services
Five game drives in Sebatana Private Reserve and Welgevonden Game Reserve
What's Not Included
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.
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 2.5 hours.
Passports and visas
A visa is not required for UK citizens travelling to South Africa, but your passport must be valid for six months beyond the date of entry to the country and have two adjacent blank pages. Special entry rules apply for children under 18 years.
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.
Travel vaccinations
Requirements and advice can vary over time, and from person to person, so please contact your GP about eight weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or any other preventive measures.
Changes to your hotels
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.
Payments at the lodge
Please note that the lodge is cashless. The payment of the final bill in the resort will be in euros with a Visa/MasterCard credit or debit card. Only a small amount of local currency is required for purchases on the road and for tips to staff members (at your discretion) at the end of your stay.
Optional Excursions
The following optional excursions are available on this tour and are only bookable in resort and cannot be prebooked. Prices quoted are 'from' prices and subject to change without notice.
Pilanesberg National Park – from 160 Euros
Night safari – from 75 Euros
Tribal evening – from 65 Euros
Welgevonden Reserve game drive – from 135 Euros
A package with all four tours is available in resort from 349 Euros. Children aged 0 – 11 are half price.
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.
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 2.5 hours.
Passports and visas
A visa is not required for UK citizens travelling to South Africa, but your passport must be valid for six months beyond the date of entry to the country and have two adjacent blank pages. Special entry rules apply for children under 18 years.
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.
Travel vaccinations
Requirements and advice can vary over time, and from person to person, so please contact your GP about eight weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or any other preventive measures.
Changes to your hotels
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.
Payments at the lodge
Please note that the lodge is cashless. The payment of the final bill in the resort will be in euros with a Visa/MasterCard credit or debit card. Only a small amount of local currency is required for purchases on the road and for tips to staff members (at your discretion) at the end of your stay.
Optional Excursions
The following optional excursions are available on this tour and are only bookable in resort and cannot be prebooked. Prices quoted are 'from' prices and subject to change without notice.
Pilanesberg National Park – from 160 Euros
Night safari – from 75 Euros
Tribal evening – from 65 Euros
Welgevonden Reserve game drive – from 135 Euros
A package with all four tours is available in resort from 349 Euros. Children aged 0 – 11 are half price.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the maximum group size?
Generally no more than 50
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Your luggage allowance is stated on your Confirmation Invoice. You will also receive details of your baggage allowance with your final travel documents, which we will send approximately one week prior to your departure date. We do not include any hold luggage on our Christmas Markets or Lapland breaks.
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
As detailed in the itinerary
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1983
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Our company’s mission is to enrich lives and improve wellbeing through travel. A big part of that is ‘Travel for Good’. Our ‘Travel for Good’ hub is our first step in a long journey to reduce carbon, offset anything we produce as a company and travel without harming the planet or the people of the destinations we go to.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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Fitness to Travel
We strive to give all our customers full care and attention, but we do need to know at the time of booking if there are any special needs or requirements. It is particularly important that we are advised of any disabilities and also if you intend to bring any specialist equipment such as a wheelchair with you. Please make sure that you make us aware of any requirements.
Reviews of this Operator
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Low Deposit
Newmarket Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 35% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of newmarket holidays charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 48 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 34 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. You can find the travel restrictions for different countries on www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.