Tracks of Time

Day notes

During our Pretoria stay, your experience is steeped in the spirit of South Africa’s past and present — a tapestry woven with resilience, culture, and memory.

In a place alive with rhythm and meaning, the streets pulse with life: laughter rings out, music drifts from passing taxis, and the scent of home-cooked meals fills the air. This is where history lives — not only in museums, but in the hearts and voices of the community.

You’ll find yourself in spaces that shaped the soul of a nation — where giants like Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu once walked, and where stories of courage echo through homes, murals, and street corners. Among these is a home-turned-museum, offering an intimate look into the life of a global icon, as well as memorials that honour the young voices who sparked a revolution in the fight for justice.

Moments of reflection are balanced with vibrant energy. At a local eatery, you’ll share in the warmth of township hospitality. Whether it’s braai, pap and chakalaka, or the spicy comfort of a bunny chow, each dish tells a story, often accompanied by live music or the sounds of everyday joy.

Later, you’ll encounter a towering monument carved in stone — a testament to the early chapters of South Africa’s colonial journey. Inside, epic friezes and mosaics recall another facet of the country’s layered identity. The structure itself invites contemplation, asking visitors to consider the weight of heritage, the lessons of conflict, and the pursuit of unity.

Throughout the day, what emerges is not just a tour, but a journey — across timelines, cultures, and truths. From the resilience of Soweto to the symbolism of Pretoria, today’s tour is more than a journey. It’s an encounter with South Africa’s soul — one that lives in its people, its monuments, and its memories.

Day notes

Leaving Pretoria behind, the journey to White River unfolds through rolling Highveld landscapes that gradually give way to the lush green hills of Mpumalanga. The road winds past quaint towns and dramatic escarpments, offering glimpses of waterfalls and wide African skies.

Arriving at Chimp Eden, tucked within the Umhloti Nature Reserve near White River, you step into a world of quiet compassion and wild beauty. Here, rescued chimpanzees—each with a story of survival—find sanctuary. On a guided tour, you’ll witness their playful personalities and deep intelligence, all while learning about the sanctuary’s vital mission of rehabilitation and rescue.

After this moving encounter, the road continues toward Hazyview, where golden light filters through the trees as you approach your lodge. With the bushveld humming in the background, you check in for a restful three-night stay—the perfect base for the adventures that lie ahead in the heart of safari country.

Day notes

Your adventure begins at dawn, when the bush is still cloaked in soft mist and the first golden light spills across the savannah. The southern region of Kruger National Park stirs to life — lions on the move, elephants lumbering through the scrub, and the haunting calls of hyenas fading into the morning. With an expert guide leading the way, you explore this wildlife-rich landscape, pausing at lookout points and watering holes, soaking in every wild moment.

After a nourishing afternoon at the lodge, the journey continues to the renowned Sabi Sands Game Reserve. As the afternoon unfolds, the wilderness takes on a different rhythm. A sunset safari through this private reserve offers close encounters with the Big Five and more. There’s a moment in the fading light, drink in hand, when the world seems perfectly still — just you, the sky, and the rustle of the bush.

As night falls, the torchlight reveals the mysteries of the darkened veld. Back at the lodge, a crackling fire and a warm boma dinner await. This is more than a safari — it’s a day shaped by awe, discovery, and the unforgettable pulse of the wild.

Day notes

Prepare to be swept away by one of South Africa’s most breathtaking journeys — the Panorama Route, where every stop is a doorway into wonder. This is a day of awe and discovery, where dramatic landscapes, ancient rock formations, and lush forests come together to stir the soul.

A favorite along the way is the remarkable Graskop Gorge Lift, where you descend into a living rainforest via a glass elevator — a truly unforgettable moment that feels like stepping into another world. Mist weaves through the treetops, waterfalls cascade down sheer cliffs, and if your heart craves a thrill, the Gorge Swing offers a freefall rush like no other. Depending on the rhythm of the day, this experience might open or close your journey — either way, it’s a highlight we love to linger in.

Further along, the route leads you to the surreal beauty of Bourke’s Luck Potholes, where centuries of swirling water have carved deep, cylindrical shapes into the rock — nature’s own sculptures, shaped by time and river. Wander the walkways and bridges, marveling at how art and geology collide here in mesmerizing patterns and color.

Finally, you arrive at the Three Rondavels, ancient sentinels standing guard over the Blyde River Canyon — one of the largest green canyons in the world. The sweeping views are humbling, timeless, and soul-stirring. It’s a place that reminds you how vast and beautiful the world truly is.

This isn’t just a scenic drive — it’s a journey into the heart of the Earth’s story, and yours.

Day notes

Prefer a slower start without leaving a day unplanned?

Ease into the next morning at your own pace — enjoy a leisurely breakfast, soak in your surroundings, and check out at your comfort. From there, head straight to the safari lodge refreshed and ready for your next adventure.

At safari lodges, the daily schedule and included experiences can vary depending on the specific lodge you choose and the level of comfort or package you prefer—from mid-range to luxury. The itinerary we’ve shared is designed to give you a clear idea of what a typical experience might look like at this level.

That said, nature has its own rhythm! Exact timings can shift slightly depending on the season, weather conditions, sunrise and sunset times, and even national park gate hours. Final schedules are usually confirmed closer to your travel dates.

We invite you to keep an open mind and embrace a bit of flexibility—rest assured, no matter the adjustments, you’ll still enjoy an incredible and enriching safari experience with no compromise on value or quality.

05h00 - 05h30 - Wake Up Time and morning tea

05h30 - 06h00 - Morning Safari departs

08h30 - 09h00 - Return to lodge for breakfast

13h30 - Lunch

15h00 - 15h30 - Tea Time

15h30 - 16h00 - Depart on afternoon safari

19h30 - Return from Safari & dinner is served

Day notes

On the day of your departure, we recommend keeping your schedule a little flexible, if possible. Check-out is at 10:00 AM, which gives you enough time to enjoy a final morning game drive, a relaxed breakfast, and a chance to freshen up before you say goodbye to the lodge.

In this proposal, we’ve suggested an afternoon domestic flight. The lodge will arrange your transfer to Hoedspruit Airport, making the journey smooth and stress-free. With a little breathing room in your plans, you’ll be able to soak in the last moments of your safari experience without feeling rushed.