Following Arrival, we will set course through the magnificent landscape to the lodge.
Ensuing lunch, there will be an opportunity to get settled in the pristine surroundings, take a dip in the pool and get acquainted with the lodge and personnel.
In the early evening, our hosts at Matswani Lion Lodge will serve a refreshing cocktail and afterwards there will be a briefing regarding your stay at Matswani. You will be instructed in how to respectfully live in the bush and which precautions to be aware of.
Following the manager’s reception and briefing dinner will be served in the restaurant.
Day 2
Wildlife talk (incl.) and museum visit (incl.) and afternoon game drive (incl.)
After breakfast, we will go on our first game drive in the open Land Cruisers to the settings in the middle of the bush where the guides will give a wildlife talk in regard to which species of animals, birds and plants, we will find throughout the upcoming week. The guide will also explain the area’s history and what the scenery is like at Matswani Lion Lodge. After the wildlife talk we will set course back to the lodge where we will visit the museum and wine cellar.
Ensuing lunch, our guides will pick us up in one of the Land Cruisers and take us on our second safari, where our local tracker will do his best to find as many different species as possible. An experience with many magic moments.
In the evening the table will be set for yet another culinary experience.
Day 3
Day at leisure
Today is a chance to relax in the pristine surroundings and take in the true feel of the African bush. If desired you can also choose to participate in one of our optional big five safaris. Today you have the chance to join this amazing tour where we visit one of the best big five private reserves in South Africa. Matswani is part of this jewel in the African bush with more than 40.000 hectares with stunning nature and all the animals you would expect and hope to experience while in South Africa. Here in the middle of the bush, in a nature so unique that it is one of the few Unesco protected aras in the world, we can find more than 50 different mammals including the famous big 5, Lione, Elephant, Rhino, Leopard and Buffalo.
*Optional tours available
In the evening we are invited to a private dinner at our chef’s, which gives us the opportunity to experience how the indigenous black population once lived, and sometimes still do. This is an extraordinary chance to ensure that you gain some historical insight into African culture and lifestyle, in addition to a contemporary awareness.
The local culture and lifestyle are in many ways incredibly exciting, and we will be able to taste their unique food and beverages. We are also introduced to some of their customs and traditions. In many ways we should envy their way of life, they may not be rich in assets, but they are wealthy in human experiences and especially in respect for one another and their values.
The indigenous black population often expresses themselves through song and dance. Tonight we have arranged for children and young adults to come and entertain with dances and old traditions they proudly retain despite the colonial attempt to “change” them. The dancers who come to entertain us, are all part of a heritage foundation, which works to preserve the local traditions and culture.
Day 4
Soft trekking tour (Incl.) and game drive with christinas wallow (incl)
After breakfast we commence our walking trail. En route our experienced guide will relate the characteristics of the Waterberg Mountains, in regards to the impressive fauna south of the equator and the distinctive surrounding nature. Simultaneously, you will gain some insight into the animal breeding- and feeding areas, an insight which will be especially exciting when learning more about antelope behaviour.After breakfast we commence our walking trail. En route our experienced guide will relate the characteristics of the Waterberg Mountains, in regards to the impressive fauna south of the equator and the distinctive surrounding nature. Simultaneously, you will gain some insight into the animal breeding- and feeding areas, an insight which will be especially exciting when learning more about antelope behaviour.
After lunch our guides will pick us up in one of the Land Cruisers and take us to Christina’s Wallow, or rather some of the way there. To have the least amount of impact on the wildlife, we will make some of our way there by foot. Christina’s Wallow is a hide, where you will have a direct view of a watering hole which is used by many different species of animals, such as mere cats, giraffes, impalas, wildebeest, etc. In other words, it is important to have your camera ready as you are almost guaranteed, beautiful viewings of African wildlife.
After about 45 minutes of observation from the hide, we leave Christina’s Wallow and continue on a safari in the Land Cruiser before returning to the lodge where the chefs will be dinner or you can prepare for the night safari.
Day 5
Game drive (incl.), Champagne bush brunch (incl.) and Christinas Wallow (incl.)
Immediately following sunrise, we leave the lodge and begin our safari.
Our best chance at spotting wildlife up close is during the early morning hours. The antelopes move through large areas to find the best browsing, but also to find the best protection against leopards, hyenas, caracals and other predators. We drive around in an open Land Cruiser, which ensures the best possible view and photo opportunities.
Later in the morning, when hunger arises, we end our safari at Kudu Rock. Here we will serve a wonderful, traditional and lavish African Champagne Brunch, while you enjoy the magnificent view of the African bush.
Afterwards we return to the lodge, where you will have the opportunity to relax and reflect on the many impressions garnered throughout the morning.
In the afternoon clients can participate in our optional tour visiting the current school or local community. This is a chance to get a better understanding of the people and the area. The content of the tour is continuously adapted to reflect the local community but it is always with a demographic and cultural focus and an exciting experience for our guests.
Day 6
Day at leisure
Day at leisure
*Pilanesberg tour optional
Pilanesberg National Park, the third largest in South Africa, is a three hour drive from Matswani Lion Lodge. A drive through picturesque mountain formations, developed through millenniums and which stretches through 600km’s/373mi’s of South African landscape. Pilanesberg covers an area of approx. 55,000 hectares/ 135,908 acres and was created through the gradual increase of merged plots.
Upon arrival in the park, we ascend the open safari vehicles and drive through the massive area while our professional guide shares their knowledge of the various wildlife.
All safari vehicles driving in the park are in constant radio contact, so we will immediately know if anyone else for example spots elephants and be able to make our way there shortly. This ensures the substantial likelihood that you will have a marvellous wildlife experience.
Pilanesberg National Park is a beautiful area. Situated in a volcanic landscape, its impressive mountain formations and open plains is home to a wide range of antelopes and one of the world’s largest populations of the endangered white rhino. Simultaneously, Pilanesberg offers “the Big Five” – lion, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros and leopard – in addition to giraffes, hippopotami, cheetahs, 300 species of birds and so much more.
Tonights dinner is again a culinary feast for all senses.
Day 7
Sunset Rock (incl.)
Mid-afternoon we will go on another amazing safari which will end at Sunset Rock. A place and an experience, former guests have said to be one of the absolute highlights of the entire tour. This is where we will enjoy a glass of bubbly, chilled champagne, while the sun slowly sets over the Waterberg Mountains in a cascade of red and orange colours.
Right here in the middle of the grandiose African landscape, at a time of unending beauty, you will feel as if no time is passing – and wish it never would. This is truly the epitome of overwhelming happiness, the African way.
Following sunset, we return to the lodge where our accomplished chefs are ready with yet another feast.
Day 8
Apartheid Museum, Johannesburg and Soweto (incl.)
Following an English breakfast, and perhaps a final dip in the dipping pool, it is time for one of the hardest moments of our tour; a final farewell to Matswani.Following an English breakfast, and perhaps a final dip in the dipping pool, it is time for one of the hardest moments of our tour; a final farewell to Matswani.
While the staff waves goodbye (and hopefully “see you again sometime”) we head for Johannesburg, where our first stop will be an emotional one. We visit the Apartheid Museum which was inaugurated, as the first of its kind, in 2001. The museum gives us an emotional insight into how the indigenous black South African population, from 1948 until the final abolition of apartheid in 1994, lived an unimaginable existence.
During the afternoon we leave the museum, but not the apartheid history, behind. Our next stop is South Western Townships – or as it is better known, Soweto. Placed only 15km/9mi from the Johannesburg city centre this, at one time famous and infamous, neighbourhood covers an acreage of just 63km2/24sq.mi. It is estimated that approx. 4 million people reside in this small area. Originally, Soweto was only supposed to be a temporary residence for the mineworkers. However in 1923, as part of the notorious “Urban Areas Act”, it was converted into a township/ghetto for Johannesburg’s black population.
Throughout the years, and especially during the apartheid era, Soweto has been at the centre of numerous riots and violent historical events. Within the last 10 years, the neighbourhood has undergone a significant change where i.a. a large amount of the sheet metal shacks has been replaced with proper housing. Today, Soweto has much better areas with schools, a university, sport clubs and hospitals. Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Winnie Mandela still reside in Soweto.
During the trip we also make a stop at the famous Hector Pietersen Memorial, where you usually will have the opportunity the buy some souvenirs at the local crafts market. We will then continue on to Johannesburg or Jo’burg as the locals call it. While driving through the city, you cannot help but feel the pulse of what characterises South Africa’s largest metropolis. An economic and industrial focal point, where little over 120 years ago there was nothing but untouched savannah. Today it is the predominant economic centre of South Africa.
The history of Johannesburg began when the Australian prospector George Harrison found gold in Witwatersrand in 1886. The news spread as wildfire and within a short period of time, a long list of mining companies appeared in the area and established no less than 14 goldmines. Within a year, the gold mining industry was so comprehensive that a need for a stock exchange emerged. That was the reason why businessman Benjamin Minors Woollan initiated the opening of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, which is currently the world’s 17th largest. Only two of the original gold mines still exist on the outskirts of Johannesburg, however they are still active to this day. Early in the evening we arrive at O.R. Thambo International Airport. While you await your return flight, you have time to look back at nine unforgettable days, filled with inciting impressions and lavish experiences. This is a tour which will remain pleasantly in your thoughts for a long, long time to come, perhaps forever.
Day 9
Departure
At schedule time pick up to take your flight.
Included:
Airport Pick Up and Drop Off
7 Nights at a 5* Lodge
All Meals-Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner-High culinary
Welcome Drink
Visit to one South Africa Largest Museums, Wine Cellar and souvenir Shop
Wildlife talk
Tea and Coffee all-day
Free Wifi
4 Games Drive in Open Vehicles
Traditional African Champagne Brunch
Champagne and sunset at leopard Rock.
Guided bushwalk
Johannesburg city tour with Apartheid museum visit
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