South Africa - Golf & Safari

Irene • Tzaneen • Kruger Park • Hazyview

Whilst known for its wildlife and the Kruger National Park this region has remained relatively tourist- free and its natural beauty remains largely undiscovered. The highveld with its lush tropical vegetation stunning mountain scenery, and many cascading waterfalls contrasts dramatically with the lowvelds mopane woodland, tall grass savanna, acacia and combretum thicket. Enjoy the views of the Blyde River Canyon from Three Rondavels and visit Bourke’s Luck Potholes. Strange cylindrical holes in rocks created by whirlpools. Drive through Pilgrims Rest, a living reminder of the old Transvaal Gold Rush day of the 1870sand retains its quaint village charm. This itinerary includes the most scenic areas, carefully selected accommodation, a Safari and a challenging golf programme. We understand some of you have reservations about visiting an area where anti malarial precautions are necessary. But recent medical developments have opened up a much wider choice of prophylactics with shorter courses and extremely low risk of side effects.

Day 1:

Depart London Heathrow on South African Airways direct flight to Johannesburg.

Day 2:

Arrive Johannesburg, transfer to Irene Country Lodge, nestled in the historic village of Irene, This country lodge is centrally located between Johannesburg and Pretoria, a mere 25 minute drive from Johannesburg International Airport. The area has a rich cultural heritage Afternoon short tour of Pretoria to include the Voortrekker Monument and the Union Buildings. If you are fortunate to travel in early September the streets will be covered with a lavender carpet of Jacaranda blossom, a truly spectacular sight. 2 Nights Irene Country Lodge breakfast included.

Day 3:

Golf at Irene Country Club; a tranquil old course with centaury old trees and an unpredictable river that runs through it, Irene is one of the most attractive golf courses imaginable, set next door to farm which gives the course a peaceful rural atmosphere.

Day 4:

This morning a hire car will be delivered to your hotel. You will be making your way to Tzaneen, a scenic drive up the N1 through Polokwane, the drive will take around four hours. The Coach House offers 5 * world-class hospitality in luxurious comfort, scenic tranquillity and the ambience of a gracious country estate and overlooks the dramatic Drakensberg mountains. 3 Nights at The Coach House breakfast included.

Day 5:

Golf at Tzaneen Golf Club; a small oasis in woods surrounded by banana plantations, avocado farms, monkeys and quails. This championship course has hosted some major tournaments on the PGA winter tour.

Day 6:

Day at leisure.

Day 7:

Drop Hire car at Hoedspruit airport and meet up with road transfer to your lodge in the Thornybush Nature Reserve. situated adjacent to the Greater Kruger National Park. Described as a five-star journey for the sole, the lodges with in the collection offer sumptuous accommodation excellent food and exceptional game viewing. You will have the opportunity of seeing the big five; lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino, cheetah, giraffe and other plains game at close range. Game drives are undertaken on open 4x4 vehicles with qualified rangers. 3 nights at Chapungu, on a full board basis including game activities.

There is a choice of 6 lodges within the Thornybush collection, we have based the cost on the luxury tented camp Chapungu, you are bound to find the perfect lodge within the collection.

Day 8/9:

On Safari.

Day 10:

Road transfer to Hoedspruit Airport, pick up your hire car and drive to Rissingtion Inn in Hazyview. An award-winning country lodge in the heart of the Lowveld, stylish but relaxed and informal, the Inn is an ideal base from which to explore all that Mpumalanga has to offer. There is a welcoming, friendly bar fully stocked. lovely gardens, excellent restaurant and pool. Rissington is the perfect balance of friendly, unobtrusive and personal service - everything you need and a little more than you expected. 5 nights at Rissington Inn includes dinner and breakfast.

Day 11:

Golf at Sabie, the Sabie River Golf Course was originally built 57 years ago by the local farmers for their own use as a nine hole golf course. In 1992 it was redesigned and is today a user friendly' 18 hole golf course. Trees and water both play important roles as hazards on this course. At least 14 holes have water hazards. There are five dams and they all play a role, on the 16th and possibly the distraction of knowing a couple dozen hippos and a crocodile or two are nearby, make the 16th hole one to handle with care and skill.

Day 12:

A full day privately guided panorama tour. Mpumalanga Province’s Drakensberg Mountains divide the cooler Highveld to the west from the lower coastal plains to the east. This natural phenomenon creates a display of splendid panoramic scenery. This tour visits the Victorian Town of Pilgrim’s Rest, Robber’s Grave, Blyde River Canyon, The Three Rondavels, God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and Lisbon Waterfalls. This scenic area is also steeped in early Southern African history.

Day 13:

Golf at White River, an "idyllic setting" best describes this regulation 9 hole golf course. Nestled in a mountain valley high on the spine of Vermont's Green Mountains, the course provides panoramic views from every hole. Golfers will also enjoy the meandering White River, which borders the course on three sides. An informal, friendly atmosphere is the primary goal at White River Golf Club.

Day 14:

Golf at Nelspruit, a must play when visiting this area and the busiest course in the region. You will come across 256 different species of birds and all the Lowveld indigenous trees. There are no fairway bunkers but this is compensated by strategic positioning of trees.

Day 15:

Morning at leisure, make your way to Kruger airport drop of your hire car and fly to Johannesburg, take a connecting flight onto London Golf and Safari Self Drive – unescorted holiday Year round If you prefer not to drive we can arrange transfer and tours at each stage of the trip.

Quotations on request for hotel and flight upgrades.