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11 NIGHTS
SOUTH AFRICA
19 - 30 AUG 2026
Unveiling South Africa’s Hidden Wildlife
Step into the secret world of South Africa’s most elusive creatures on a safari unlike any other. As night falls, search for Aardvarks, Black-Footed Cats, and Aardwolves, while owls and nightjars call through the darkness. By day, explore breathtaking savannas and rugged landscapes, tracking Black-Maned Lions, Meerkats, Bat-Eared Foxes and Cheetahs, alongside herds of Gemsbok, Springbok, and Red Hartebeest. With expert guides and multiple night drives, this adventure offers unmatched opportunities to witness rarely-seen wildlife in their natural habitat. For true wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, this is more than a safari—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime expedition.
Accommodation: Safari Club Johannesburg Meals: Dinner Included activities: Pre-tour briefing
Today marks the beginning of an incredible adventure. As participants arrive in Johannesburg from various international destinations, they will be met and transferred to a comfortable lodge near the airport. Take this time to unwind, settle in and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
Accommodation: Twee Rivieren Rest Camp or Kgalakgadi Lodge Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Included activities: Explore Kgalakgadi National Park
After a hearty breakfast, we return to the airport for a short flight to Upington in the Northern Cape, where our guide will be waiting. Once we’ve loaded up the van, we’ll hit the road and head deep into the Kalahari on a scenic 250km drive towards the famous Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The drive alone is an adventure, with towering Sociable Weaver nests lining the roadside and the possibility of spotting Pygmy Falcons perched nearby. If time allows, we’ll embark on an afternoon game drive upon arrival, offering a first glimpse of the park’s untamed beauty.
Accommodation: Twee Rivieren Rest Camp or Kgalakgadi Lodge Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Included activities: Night drives; Explore Kgalakgadi National Park’s rich & abundant wild- and birdlife
We have two days to explore Kgalagadi’s stunning landscapes. Mornings and late afternoons focus on wildlife along the Nossob and Auob riverbeds, where waterholes attract large herds of Springbok and Gemsbok—along with predators like Black-maned Kalahari Lions, Leopards and Cheetahs. Night drives reveal elusive creatures such as Brown Hyena, Honey Badger, Aardwolf, African Wild Cat and possibly Caracal. Smaller desert dwellers like Meerkats and Brant’s Whistling Rats add to the charm. Birders can enjoy Namaqua and Burchell’s Sandgrouse at waterholes, often pursued by Lanner Falcons and Gabar Goshawks, along with Tawny and Martial Eagles, Swallow-tailed Bee-eaters, Cut-throat Finch and Kori Bustards. Every moment promises excitement.
Accommodation: Augrabies Falls Rest Camp Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Included activities: Scenic drive to Augrabies Falls; excursions to the falls
After a leisurely breakfast, we leave the Kalahari behind and embark on a scenic 370km drive to Augrabies Falls National Park. Along the way, we pass through Upington, where we stop for lunch before continuing to the dramatic landscapes of Augrabies. Upon arrival, we take a walk to the mighty Augrabies Falls, where the Orange River crashes through a narrow granite gorge, sending up a spectacular spray. Keep an eye out for the ever-present Rock Hyrax and the brilliantly colored Augrabies Flat Lizard, which basks in the sun along the rock faces. After dinner, we retire to our chalets for a well-earned rest.
Accommodation: Augrabies Falls Rest Camp Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Included activities: Explore Augrabies Falls
Today, we have a full day to explore the rugged beauty of Augrabies Falls National Park. Driving along the park’s scenic 18 km gorge route, we stop at various viewpoints to soak in the dramatic landscapes. We will listen for the distinctive call of the sought-after Cinnamon-breasted Warbler at Echo Corner and search for the endemic Namaqua Warbler along the riverbanks. Mammals such as Gemsbok, Eland and the agile Klipspringer inhabit the rocky terrain, while Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra adds to the list of special sightings. Raptors soar above the gorge, with Verreaux’s Eagles and Lanner Falcons frequently spotted. If night drives are available, we’ll venture out in search of nocturnal creatures such as Springhare, Porcupine, African Wild Cat and even the elusive Leopard. Overnight at Augrabies Falls Rest Camp.
Accommodation: Marrick Game Farm or Langberg Lodge Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Included activities: Scenic drive to Kimberley area with birding en-route; excursion to Kamfer’s Dam; Night drive
We bid farewell to Augrabies and set out on a five-hour journey eastward to the historic town of Kimberley. The 525km drive provides opportunities to stretch our legs and do some birding along the way. Upon arrival, we check into our lodge before heading out to Kamfer’s Dam, a well-known breeding site for Lesser Flamingos. Although recent water fluctuations have impacted the artificial breeding island, flamingos still frequent the area alongside Black-winged Stilts and a variety of ducks. After an early dinner, we set off on an exhilarating night drive at Marrick Game Farm, one of the best places in South Africa to see Aardvark. The rare and elusive Black-footed Cat was once a regular sighting here, though luck is required to spot one today.
Accommodation: Marrick Game Farm or Langberg Lodge Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Included activities: Excursion to Mokala National Park; Night drive
A short drive south of Kimberley takes us to Mokala National Park, a haven for rare and endangered antelope such as Sable, Roan, and Tsessebe. Both Black and White Rhinos thrive here, while the endemic Black Wildebeest shares the landscape with Greater Kudu, Eland and Giraffes. Birding in Mokala is equally rewarding, with species such as Short-toed Rock Thrush, Cinnamon-breasted Bunting and Violet-eared Waxbill making appearances. If we missed the Black-footed Cat on our previous night drive, we’ll return to Marrick for another attempt. Brown Hyenas have also been spotted here and with luck, we might catch a glimpse of one.
Accommodation: New Holme Nature Lodge or similar Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Included activities: Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve afternoon game drive; Night drive at New Holme
We embark on a 330 km drive to Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve, often considered the highlight of our rare mammal tour. Upon arrival, we settle in before heading out on an afternoon game drive in search of Cape Buffalo and Hippopotamus. We return to the lodge, as the sun sets, we embark on our first night drive, where Karoo Gariep’s nocturnal creatures come to life. This reserve is one of the most reliable places to see Aardvark, along with Springhare, Aardwolf, African Wild Cat, Zorilla and Cape Porcupine. Bat-eared Fox and Cape Fox are also frequent sightings.
Accommodation: New Holme Nature Lodge or similar Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Included activities: Night drive; Exploring the reserve on foot; Game drives
Two full days allow us to explore every corner of Karoo Gariep. We embark on morning and afternoon game drives, searching for Blue Cranes, Burchell’s Courser, and the elusive Blue (Bustard) Korhaan. Midday offers a chance to relax at the lodge before heading out for more adventures. The night drives are the true highlight, with opportunities to spot Aardvark, Black-footed Cat and possibly even the ultra-rare African Striped Weasel. Spotted Eagle-Owl sightings are almost guaranteed and we’ll be on the lookout for various nightjars.
Accommodation: N.A. Meals: Breakfast Included activities: Road transfer to Bram Fischer airport for flights out
After an early breakfast, we embark on a three-hour drive to Bloemfontein for flights back to Johannesburg or Cape Town, where participants will connect with their international departures. As the adventure comes to an end, we leave with incredible memories of South Africa’s rarest wildlife and unique landscapes.
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