Description

Between the Drakensberg Mountains and the Kruger National Park on the banks of the Makutsi River, lies the family owned and managed Makutsi Safari Springs. It is raw African bush enjoyed by people who appreciate the peace and serenity of nature – palms and acacias, elephants, rhinos, giraffe, crocodiles, lions, cheetah, leopard and bushveld. Soft thermal-mineral water bubbles from two hot springs, nestling among indigenous trees. The food is a healthy variety of venison specialities, home grown vegetables and home bred beef.

Take a 12-day cruise through Africa on Norwegian Dawn. Spend the night in Cape Town and hike to the top of Table Mountain or stop by the V&A Waterfront for some shopping. Then walk with the animals at Umlalazi Nature Reserve in Richards Bay, South Africa. Let the scenery take your breath away with dramatic peaks and beautiful beaches in Taolagnaro, Madagascar.

BONUS: Includes FREE Beverage Package, Shore Excursion Credit, WiFi & Specialty Dining

Your Fly, Safari & Cruise Package Includes:

• $3500 flight credit per person
• 1 night 4-star accommodation in Johannesburg with breakfast
• 6 night Makutsi Classic Safari, Hoedspruit return
• Includes bungalow accommodation, 12 meals, airport transfers, game drives plus more 
• 1 night 4-star accommodation in Cape Town with breakfast
• 12 night South Africa, Mozambique & Madagascar cruise onboard Norwegian Dawn, Cape Town to Port Louis
• All onboard meals in complimentary dining venues & selected non-alcoholic beverages
• A wide range of onboard activities & entertainment
• Select private transfers

Rate is per person twin share and based on travel 09-29 January 2025

Solo traveller pricing available, speak with your travel consultant

Makutsi Classic Safari Itinerary:

Day 1 - Makutsi Safari Springs

On your arrival into either Hoedspruit or Phalaborwa Airport, you will be met and transferred by road to Makutsi Safari Springs Main Camp on the banks of the Makutsi River. The road journey takes approximately one hour. Enjoy an afternoon of relaxation and discover your surroundings. Dinner will be served in the traditional open air ‘Lapa’. (D)

Accommodation: 6 nights Makutsi Safari Springs.

Makutsi Safari Springs is a privately owned game reserve located in South Africa, one hour west of the Kruger National Park and about 60km NW of Hoedspruit. Surrounded by nature and wildlife, mineral spring water and tranquillity, Makutsi shares with you a little African paradise away from home. Safaris are in open Landrovers and excursions into the surrounding areas with an English-speaking Nature Guide. Makutsi Main Camp offers two swimming pools with soft thermal-mineral water that comes from the earth at 34°C, offering healthy water for the guests (pools, drinking water, shower), as well as valuable water for the animals and vegetation in and around Makutsi camp. Both the restaurant and the bar are built as an open “Lapa”, allowing for a natural and relaxed atmosphere where people like to mingle and talk about the daily events. Focus is put on personal attention and making guests feel at home. With so much to do on and around Makutsi, you can see why they would want you to stay for at least one week.

Day 2 - Makutsi Safari Springs

Awake early at sunrise, and head out on a morning game drive in an open safari vehicle before breakfast. Your ranger will take you out in search of rhino, crocodile, elephant, lion, zebra, giraffe, cheetah, wild dogs and many other smaller creatures. After breakfast enjoy some leisure time at the lodge. Mid afternoon depart for another game drive before returning in time for a sundowner drink before dinner. (BD)

Day 3 - Kruger National Park

An early morning is in store today for a full day of game viewing in the world famous Kruger National Park itself. The early hours of the day are used for finding as much game as possible. Your guide will take a picnic style breakfast along, and a stop is made at one of the many rest areas where breakfast is served. The morning continues with more game exploration until lunchtime, when you stop at one of the camps located within the Kruger National Park for lunch (at own expense). This afternoon continue on for more exciting game viewing before returning to the lodge late afternoon. (D)

Day 4 - Makutsi Safari Springs

This morning enjoy some leisure time – the warm mineral pools or your own private safari while sitting on your terrace, reading a book. You will embark mid afternoon for a 5-hour game drive on the reserve. Around sunset, light snacks and drinks will be enjoyed during a short sundowner break, before continuing your safari in search of the nocturnal animals, and finally returning for dinner at the lodge. (BD)

Day 5 - Drakensberg Mountains & Blyde River Canyon

After breakfast, depart for a day of sightseeing in the breathtaking Drakensberg Mountains and Blyde River Canyon. Several stops will be made along the way to take photographs and marvel at the region’s picturesque scenery, including the Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels Viewpoint overlooking the Blyde Dam. A lunch stop will be made (at own expense) before returning to Makutsi late afternoon. Today there may be opportunities to purchase locally made crafts and curios along the way. (BD)

Day 6 - Makutsi Safari Springs

Today you can choose your final game drive either morning or afternoon on the reserve, and the remainder of the day is for relaxing in the pool, reading on your terrace or visiting the Hippo Hide… let Africa take care of you! (BD)

Day 7 - End of Makutsi Tour

After breakfast you will be transferred back to either Hoedspruit or Phalaborwa Airport for your onward flight. (B)

Cruise Itinerary: