Family Safari in the Kruger
In the heart of Manyeleti, one of the last secret reserves of Afrique du Sud, where the Big 5 roam under a starry sky.
Duration
8 days
From
€1,330/pers.
Ideal seasons
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Style
Self-drive tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Family, Couple, With friends, senior
The spirit of travel
Manyeleti in the Shangaan language means Place of the Stars!
The Manyeleti private reserve, covering 23,000 hectares, is located between the Timbavati and Sabi Sands reserves and borders the famous Kruger National Park.
With only three lodges in this pristine bush, you can be sure to experience the best of Afrique du Sud away from the most touristy places. Manyeleti is one of the rare "secret places" that remain.
Whether you are traveling with your partner for a romantic getaway or wish to enjoy the perfect family vacation, the Manyeleti private reserve will be delighted to welcome you to share this wonderful place near the stars!
Staying in the Manyeleti reserve means going on safaris and exploring the wild nature of Afrique du Sud. It allows you to observe the Big 5 in a natural environment, the dream of so many travelers.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Johannesburg!
Upon your arrival in Johannesburg, your local English-speaking representative welcomes you and hands over your Travel Pack. A private transfer from OR Tambo airport then takes you to your guesthouse, located in the Melville neighborhood.
Nicknamed Jozi, Joburg or Egoli, the "City of Gold" is the largest city in Afrique du Sud and the capital of Gauteng, the richest province in the country. Its development dates back to the discovery of gold in the 19th century.
Long perceived as dangerous and unattractive, Johannesburg has been transforming since the end of apartheid, despite persistent difficulties. It deserves at least two days to discover its rooftop markets, trendy restaurants and relaxed way of life. The welcome of its inhabitants also contributes to the city's atmosphere.
Street art brings color to the streets, in a metropolis where poverty and crime remain present. Alongside the lively student neighborhood of Braamfontein, Constitution Hill is home to the Constitutional Court, open to the public.
Johannesburg at your own pace
You have a free day in Johannesburg. To discover its history and culture, two optional visits with an English-speaking guide are recommended to you:
The Apartheid Museum.
Other walks can complement your day, depending on your preferences:
Melville: to the west of the city, this bohemian and lively neighbourhood brings together trendy cafés and restaurants, charming boutiques, artistic venues, antique dealers and bookstores. Its nightlife also features music and dance.
44 Stanley: on the edge of the city centre, this former industrial complex from the 1930s has been rehabilitated. You will discover a setting blending design and authenticity, between shaded arcades and green patios conducive to strolling.
Maboneng: a neighbourhood to discover, evoking a Brooklyn-like feel in South African style.
Departure to Blyde River Canyon
After your breakfast, you pick up your rental vehicle and head towards Graskop, a small town located at the gateway to the Blyde River Canyon.
You join your guesthouse, Dar Amane, set in a private house in the heart of a peaceful and exotic garden. Its elegant apartments offer all modern comforts, in a relaxed atmosphere.
At 14 km, Pilgrim's Rest, a town linked to the gold rush, is located near your stopover.
Discovery of the Blyde River Canyon
After your breakfast, you head off to discover the Blyde River Canyon. Your guesthouse, located on the scenic route, is an ideal starting point to explore the region's main attractions: God's Window 7 km away, Bourke's Luck Potholes 34 km away and Blyde River Canyon 58 km away.
The waterfalls that have made the province famous complement this discovery. The Mac Mac, Berlin and Lisbon Falls are among the closest to your accommodation.
You then return to Graskop to spend the night in the same guesthouse.
Route to Manyeleti Reserve
Graskop → Réserve de Manyeleti
You head towards the Manyeleti private reserve, which borders the Kruger National Park. Upon arrival, you settle in at Honeyguide Khoka Moya Lodge, one of only three lodges in this pristine reserve. The establishment offers a safari experience suited to the whole family.
You stay there for three nights on full board, with tea, coffee, wine and local beverages included.
In the late afternoon, you set off for your first safari, included in your stay.
Safaris in Manyeleti
Your stay in the Manyeleti Reserve follows the rhythm of two daily safaris, aboard adapted 4x4 vehicles. The rangers and trackers share with you their knowledge of the animals and plants of the region.
The morning safari generally begins around 5:30 a.m. and takes you to the heart of the Manyeleti concession. A break allows you to have coffee and some light refreshments. You set out in search of the Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros —, as well as smaller animals and many antelope species.
After approximately three hours of safari, when the heat intensifies, you return to camp for a generous brunch. You then have time to rest in your tent, browse the small library or relax by the pool. You can also observe animals from the hide set up near the nearby watering hole.
In the late afternoon, you set out again for a 4x4 safari of approximately four hours. A break is planned for sundowner drinks, then the outing continues until nightfall to observe nocturnal species.
Back at camp, you share a dinner under the stars, around the wood fire at the Boma.
Manyeleti: Second day of safaris
You enjoy a second full day at the camp, punctuated by two long safaris to discover the fauna and flora of the Manyeleti reserve.
Good to know: the camp Honeyguide Khoka Moya offers a program designed for children under twelve years old, with excursions and walks specially designed for them. Younger guests are welcome and benefit from attentive supervision, allowing parents to enjoy the stay peacefully.
Morning safari and departure to Johannesburg
Réserve de Manyeleti → Johannesburg
At sunrise, you depart for a final safari in the Manyeleti Reserve. You enjoy wildlife watching once more, the scents of the bush and the atmosphere of the African savanna. These final moments extend the discoveries and emotions of your stay.
After brunch, you vacate your safari tent. You bid farewell and thank your rangers, trackers and lodge team, then head to Johannesburg for your return flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Airport taxes & visas
- Travel Insurance & Assistance
- Visits to Johannesburg
- The entrances to the Blyde River Canyon sites
- Meals not mentioned
- Everything not listed in the inclusions
Included
- English-speaking welcome and travel documents handover on day 1
- Private airport - guesthouse transfer on day 1
- The accommodations (mentioned or similar)
- The meals mentioned in the day-by-day description
- A typical SUV rental car from day 3 to day 8 (inclusive: contract fees, comprehensive insurance, unlimited kilometers, GPS), delivered to the guesthouse on day 3
- The Park Fee and Community Fee in the Manyeleti reserve, for the duration of the stay
- 6 safaris per person at Safari-Camp, in open 4x4 Land Rover
- Full board at Safari-Camp, including tea, coffee, wine and local beverages
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to South Africa for a tourist stay. Entry rules may change, so we recommend that you verify the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter South Africa, your passport must be valid for a minimum of 30 days after your planned end date of stay and must have at least two consecutive blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays in South Africa.
This exemption allows a stay of up to 90 days upon entry to the territory. This stay cannot be extended beyond this period without specific administrative procedures with the South African Department of Home Affairs.
The authorities may also request:
a departure ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation from a private individual).
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter South Africa, except if you are arriving from a country at risk for yellow fever, in which case an international yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required at entry.
It is recommended that you consult a doctor or international vaccination center before departure, particularly regarding:
malaria prophylaxis, recommended for certain regions (Kruger, areas in the north-east and north of the country),
updating your routine vaccinations (hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus, etc.).
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
South Africa applies strict rules concerning travel by minors. Any child traveling with both parents or alone with one of them must present their full birth certificate (original or certified copy). When a minor travels without one or both parents, a parental authorization letter accompanied by the identity documents of the absent parents is generally required.
In certain European countries, an authorization to leave the territory may also be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of South Africa in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for emergency repatriation and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partners CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to an insurance plan, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits your needs:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the full policy detailing all coverage and claim notification procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of this, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim notification procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
It is possible to stay in South Africa without a visa, provided you present a valid passport that remains valid for at least 30 days after your return and has at least two blank pages. Specific conditions may apply to children, particularly regarding required documents. We recommend that you verify with the South African consular authorities the entry conditions applicable to your nationality before booking your trip.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, expect between €180 and €320 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers, car rental and activities. International flights (€800–1,300 return) are additional. High-end lodge safaris will significantly increase your budget.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt every itinerary to suit our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage which protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on-site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Mpumalanga
South African Faces Explorer, based in Cape Town
South Africa constantly transforms as you travel through it. It's a country where you can move from a safari to the stillness of a vineyard or the energy of a bustling city all in the same day.
— Patricia
