9 Day Three Area South African Safari

Guests are met and welcomed at any location of their choice in Johannesburg or Pretoria at the start of their South Africa safari, and are then transferred to O.R. Tambo International Airport for the scheduled flight to Port Elizabeth. Upon arrival, guests are met once more for the road transfer north to the acclaimed Shamwari Private Game Reserve, a malaria-free conservation area celebrated for its wildlife protection programs. Situated along the Bushman’s River between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown, Shamwari safeguards diverse ecosystems that support an impressive variety of species, including Africa’s legendary Big Five.

After checking in at Bayethe, guests settle into the lodge’s peaceful natural setting, surrounded by dense bushveld and birdlife. Depending on arrival time, there may be an opportunity to relax on the deck, enjoy a drink, or take in the sounds of the Eastern Cape wilderness as it transitions into evening. Dinner is served at the lodge, offering an inviting introduction to the hospitality and tranquility that define the Shamwari experience.

The day is devoted to two open 4x4 safaris conducted by experienced rangers and trackers in the Shamwari Reserve. With a history rooted in the early pioneer era, this region once held vast herds of wildlife that roamed freely across the Eastern Cape. Today, Shamwari’s 25,000-hectare landscape encompasses five distinct ecosystems, each supporting its own variety of mammals, birds, and plant life. Morning drives often reveal predators still active from the night, while afternoon outings may encounter elephants, antelope, or brilliantly colored bird species.

Between game drives, guests return to Bayethe to enjoy the lodge’s serene environment and its elevated views over the surrounding bush. Time may be spent relaxing by the pool, reviewing photos from the morning’s sightings, or simply appreciating the quiet rhythms of the wilderness. As the day draws to a close, guests gather for dinner and reflect on the unique encounters that characterize a Shamwari safari.

A final morning safari in Shamwari is followed by breakfast before guests transfer back to Port Elizabeth Airport for the flight to Durban. Upon arrival, they are met and begin the scenic drive north along KwaZulu-Natal’s rolling sugarcane fields and coastal landscapes, making their way toward the renowned Phinda Private Game Reserve. Situated in the Maputaland region, Phinda encompasses more than 14,000 hectares of protected wilderness, including seven distinct ecosystems ranging from sand forests to wetlands.

Arrival at Phinda Forest Lodge is typically in the late afternoon, when the soft forest light filters through the canopy. The glass-sided suites sit quietly beneath the trees, blending luxury with an immersive sense of place. After settling in, guests may enjoy the forest’s stillness or gather on the main deck before dinner. Depending on arrival time, there may also be an opportunity to join an afternoon game drive.

Today features two open 4x4 safaris exploring Phinda’s remarkable diversity of habitats, including rare sand forests, open grasslands, and gently rolling woodlands. This region is especially known for cheetah sightings, and rangers often seek out opportunities to observe these swift predators in their natural environment. The Big Five are present as well, and the wide array of bird species—more than 280 recorded—offers exceptional photographic opportunities.

Between drives, guests may relax at the lodge or join a guided walking safari, which provides a quieter and more intimate way to experience the reserve. On foot, the small wonders of the bush come into focus: insects, animal tracks, medicinal plants, and other details often unnoticed from a vehicle. The day concludes with an evening game drive and a peaceful dinner beneath the forest canopy.

A morning safari in the Phinda Reserve is followed by a departure toward northern Maputaland and the border crossing into the Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). This small, landlocked nation is known for its mountainous landscapes, strong cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. The journey includes a visit to a local candle maker and craft market, where skilled artisans produce vibrant candles, carvings, and other handmade items that reflect Eswatini’s artistic traditions.

The route continues through the scenic Ezulwini, or “Heaven,” Valley toward the peaceful setting of Reilly’s Rock, located within Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. The lodge occupies a historic homestead with sweeping views of the surrounding plains and hills. Guests may enjoy a leisurely walk around the property or simply relax on the veranda before dinner, taking in the unique atmosphere of Eswatini’s oldest conservation area.

After breakfast in the Heaven Valley, the journey continues back into South Africa via the Oshoek border post. The drive passes through the Lowveld capital of Nelspruit and onward to Hazyview, where a stop is made at the Shangana Cultural Village. Guided by a local Shangaan host, guests walk along shaded paths and visit traditional homesteads to learn about the community’s customs, daily life, and long-standing cultural practices.

The safari then continues to the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, renowned for its exceptional Big Five viewing and unfenced boundary with Kruger National Park. Arrival at Lion Sands River Lodge is in the late afternoon, offering time to settle in before enjoying views of the Sabie River, where wildlife frequently gathers as the day cools. Dinner is served at the lodge, rounding off the day with warm hospitality.

Safari days in Sabi Sand begin early, with morning game drives led by expert rangers and Shangaan trackers who use traditional methods and deep bush knowledge to locate wildlife. The reserve is especially famous for its high density of leopards, and sightings of these elusive cats are frequent. Other highlights may include elephant herds along the river, rhino grazing in open clearings, and a variety of antelope moving through the woodlands.

After brunch, guests may choose to relax at the lodge, enjoy river views from the pool deck, or spend time photographing the abundant birdlife. The late-afternoon game drive offers a new perspective, often concluding with sundowners at a scenic viewpoint before returning to camp under the glow of lanterns for dinner.

The early morning game drive provides another opportunity to explore the reserve during one of its most active wildlife periods, as predators and grazing animals take advantage of the cool temperatures. Sunrises in the Sabi Sand are often spectacular, with soft colors spreading across the sky as the bush comes alive with sound. After returning to the lodge for breakfast, guests may join a guided bush walk, offering a chance to observe flora, tracks, and smaller species from a fresh and informative perspective.

The afternoon is spent at leisure, with time to rest, swim, or enjoy the peaceful setting along the Sabie River. Later, a final evening game drive allows guests to experience the transition from day to night in the African bush, including the use of spotlights to locate nocturnal animals on the return journey to the lodge. Dinner is enjoyed back at camp, reflecting on the highlights of three memorable days in one of Africa’s premier safari destinations.

A final morning safari allows guests to savor their last moments in the Sabi Sand, often providing one more opportunity to view wildlife along the Sabie River or in the surrounding bushveld. After breakfast, guests are transferred to a nearby airstrip for the flight to Johannesburg, offering a final aerial view of the Lowveld’s sweeping landscapes.

Upon arrival in Johannesburg, guests are met and transferred to a location of their choice in either Johannesburg or Pretoria. The Three Area South African Safari concludes with unforgettable memories of diverse ecosystems, rich cultural encounters, and exceptional wildlife experiences across Shamwari, Phinda, Eswatini, and the Sabi Sand.