The Bush and Beach Experience
Our Bush and Beach safari package takes you from the pristine Madikwe Game Reserve, which is located in northern South Africa on the border with Botswana, to the picturesque and sunny South Coast, where you can relax on golden beaches and enjoy many outdoor activities. It is an ideal honeymoon or holiday for those looking to have a bush and beach experience.
In Madikwe, you will stay in a luxury lodge where you will be pampered and go on daily game drives. These are led by an experienced guide who will help you track down animals such as the Big Five, Cheetah and Wild dog. You will then fly to South Africa’s beautiful South Coast where you will stay in a modern, self-catering villa.
At the beach you can go for leisurely walks in the surf, have a splash in the pool or enjoy a soak in the Jacuzzi. You can go snorkelling and discover a variety of creatures that live in the marine reserve or enjoy many other outdoor activities.
Day 1: Johannesburg - Madikwe Game Reserve
On the first day of your Bush and Beach package you will catch a light aircraft flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, to the Madikwe airstrip. You will then be driven to the lodge and will have time to settle into your suite before savouring a leisurely lunch. This is followed by some relaxation time during which you can explore the camp.
A delicious high tea is served before the afternoon game drive. You will be led by an experienced guide who will tell you about the animals that you come across. The Madikwe Game Reserve has varied ecosystems, and you will see desert adapted animals such as Gemsbok, as well as savannah antelope such as Zebra. You’ll stop off in a scenic spot and have sundowners before returning to the lodge and savouring a gourmet meal.
Day 2 &3: Madikwe Game Reserve
On the second and third days of your Beach and Bush safari, you will head out on twice daily game drives in the Madikwe Game Reserve. The reserve is home to the “super seven” – Lion, Rhino, Buffalo, Leopard, Elephant, Cheetah and Wild Dogs. Wild Dogs are extremely endangered and a sighting of them is always a special experience. You’ll stop off and have refreshing sundowners while taking in rush hour at the waterhole.
On one of the mornings after your morning safari activity you can pamper yourself with a rejuvenating spa treatment in the spa. Alternatively, you could make use of the gym or have a dip in the pool – the perfect place to cool off. In the evening you can enjoy a delicious gourmet meal out under the sparkling stars.
Day 4: Madikwe Game Reserve - Johannesburg - Durban - South Coast
On the morning of your fourth day you will be woken up early, so that you can have one last game drive before breakfast. You will then pack up and be driven back to the airstrip. You will fly back to Johannesburg, where you will catch a connecting flight to Durban. You will collect your rental car at Durban’s King Shaka International Airport.
You will drive along the coastal route to your villa, which is situated overlooking the Indian Ocean. You’ll need to stop off along the way at one of the shopping malls to stock up on supplies, as the villa is self-catering. You could have the optional services of a chef at an additional cost. Spend the next few days soaking up the sun on the beautiful South Coast.
Day 5 - 7: Margate, South Coast
The villa is in a secluded spot close shops and just 10 minutes from the coastal town of Margate. The villa has spacious entertainment areas, and you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool or play a game of billiards. There are many activities that you can do in the area such as going canoeing, surfing or water-skiing.
There is a nearby nature reserve where you can go mountain biking and on horseback trails. If you are trained you can also enjoy fantastic scuba diving in the marine reserve. There are several popular golf courses just a short drive away. The Pure Venom Reptile Park and the Riverbend Crocodile Farm are also well worth a visit.
Day 8: Margate, South Coast
This is the final day of your Beach and Bush Package. You will leave the villa and drive your rental car back to King Shaka International Airport in Durban, returning it before your flight back to Johannesburg. The drive should take around 1.5 hours.
