South African Safari Adventure

South African Safari Adventure

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South African Safari Adventure

10 Days Starting and ending in Johannesburg, South Africa

Visiting: Johannesburg, Mabula Game Lodge

Tour operator:

Just You

Tour code:

SLSAF

Specialist Group:

Singles Solo

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

4WD, Walking

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Experience the ultimate safari, spending your days tracking the Big Five. Staying in a luxury boutique lodge in South Africa’s first-ever savannah biosphere reserve, you’ll discover a dazzling array of wildlife as well as have time to kick back and relax.

Highlights

  • Morning and afternoon game drives on most days in the lodge's private reserve

  • Explore the reserve on foot with a guided safari walk

  • See conservation in action on a visit to the Ground Hornbill project

  • Dedicated Just You holiday director with you on the trip

  • Your own room guaranteed & no single supplement

  • Incredible stargazing experience

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Uk To Johannesburg

Location: Johannesburg

Accommodation: Overnight flight

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you will fly to Johannesburg, arriving on day 2.

Day 2 : Johannesburg - Greater Mabula Game Reserve

Location: Mabula Game Lodge, Johannesburg

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Safari Plains

Meals Included: Dinner, D

On arrival in Johannesburg you will meet your local guide and transfer to your luxury safari lodge in the Greater Mabula Game Reserve. Set in the Waterburg Biosphere, amidst the towering Waterberg Mountains of Limpopo Province, this area serves as a water reservoir for the region. Renowned for its rugged beauty, the landscape is characterised by low-lying mountain ranges and escarpments, as well as a network of streams, rivers and lakes. It is the home of South Africa’s first-ever savannah biosphere reserve and is also home to many other nature reserves which provide a protected habitat for an array of wildlife. On arrival you will be introduced to the lodge staff who will then look after you for the duration of your stay. Enjoy a welcome drink with your travelling companions and, if time permits, there may be the opportunity to take your first afternoon game drive before a welcome dinner this evening

Day 3 : Greater Mabula Game Reserve

Location: Mabula Game Lodge

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Safari Plains

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, BLD

This morning we will rise early and enjoy tea, coffee and South African rusks before departing on our first morning game drive, when the 12,000 hectares Greater Mabula Game Reserve is bathed in glorious morning sunlight. The varied habitats on the Reserve provide ideal conditions for an astounding selection of large mammals including the Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. Other wildlife includes the nocturnal brown hyena, jackal, cheetah and a variety of smaller, less often seen predators. The savannah plains further sustain iconic species such as zebra, wildebeest, impala, red hartebeest, eland, gemsbok, warthog and giraffe. Each game drive is conducted in open luxury Land Cruisers and provides a unique opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitat and learn more about their behaviour, and role in the eco-system. The Waterberg environment is seasonal, and the landscape changes dramatically both after and prior, to rain. The deep green thickets and lush grasslands, replenished by summer rains, dramatically transform the bushveld into the greys, yellows and browns at the onset of autumn and winter. You will return to camp for breakfast and then spend the day relaxing at the lodge. Lunch and high tea will be served daily, before the afternoon game drive. 

Day 4 : Greater Mabula Game Reserve

Location: Mabula Game Lodge

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Safari Plains

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, BLD

Today enjoy a morning and afternoon game drive, perhaps observing a large herd of impala and zebra feeding on the plains, or witnessing a herd of elephants, traipsing across the open grasslands or crashing through thick bush to feed off the trees. You may stop along one of the dams to search for hippopotamuses and crocodiles, seemingly floating just below the water surface, or search for one of Africa’s most elegant spotted big cats; the cheetah. In the late afternoon, after watching the game, enjoy a delightful sundowner in the bush with your travelling companions as the sun sets.

Day 5 : Greater Mabula Game Reserve

Location: Mabula Game Lodge

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Safari Plains

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, BLD

On one morning during your stay you will enjoy a guided safari walk through the African bush. Few experiences are as thrilling as to meet nature up close by walking through the bush on foot. The intimacy of coming across smaller animals and the fascinating introduction to many plant and tree species provides the perfect opportunity to gain a deeper insight into less familiar animal species. Learn more about the Waterberg’s biodiversity and stop to watch and listen to the countless species of birds. Guides are specifically qualified to undertake walking safaris and are well equipped to ensure the safety of our guests.  Spend the rest of the day relaxing at your lodge perhaps by the pool or indulging in a treatment at the lodge's spa (payable locally). Later enjoy an afternoon game drive before dinner.

Day 6 : Greater Mabula Game Reserve

Location: Mabula Game Lodge

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Safari Plains

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, BLD

This morning you will visit the Mabula Ground Hornbill Project, a non-profit conservation project aiming to change perceptions – and the fortunes – of this iconic but endangered species. Enjoy a game drive with sundowner this afternoon.

Day 7 : Greater Mabula Game Reserve

Location: Mabula Game Lodge

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Safari Plains

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, BLD

As well as your two daily game drives there are a variety of optional activities available including cheetah tracking and horseback safaris. Lodge staff can assist you if you wish to try any of these. On one evening during your stay (weather permitting) dinner will be a South African braai served in the open air, around a roaring fire for a truly authentic African experience. Other dinners will be served in the elegant dining room or by the poolside. On another evening with a particularly clear night you will enjoy a session of star-gazing with a local expert under the vast African sky.

Day 9 : Greater Mabula Game Reserve - Johannesburg

Location: Johannesburg, Mabula Game Lodge

Accommodation: Overnight flight

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you will be collected by your local guide and transferred to Johannesburg for your flight back to the UK, arriving on day 10.

Day 10 : Arrive Uk

Location: Johannesburg

Arrive in the UK today.

What's Included

  • Specialist Local Guide

  • Return flights from London

  • 7 nights in a 5 star safari lodge, 2 nights in flight

  • A guaranteed twin or double room of your own

  • Use of an airport lounge in the UK

  • 20 included meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners plus daily High Tea and welcome drink

  • Overseas transfers, other transportation & porterage

What's Not Included

Check out our Q&As

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    No and your own room is guaranteed!

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Yes

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    No

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    All the people in your group will be solo travellers and will share your sense of adventure and passion for travel. There’s usually a good mix of ages too, so you’ll meet a variety of solo travellers who have more, or in some cases less, life experience. We find the overall mix of people really adds to the whole experience and there are certainly plenty of l

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    A few years ago we set up Just You Cares, a programme that gives back to some of the places we love. We have always believed in taking care of the communities we visit, and have taken the time to really get to know the local people and understand the challenges they face. Some of our holidays give our Customers the chance to see how the money from their trips has been spent.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    At Just You, we are committed to operating our business operations responsibly, with integrity and always act ethically in all our business dealings and relationships. We are committed to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure slavery and human trafficking does not take place in our own business or in any of our supply chains

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If we can accommodate a change in date - we will always do our best to help you. Just pick up the phone and ask one of our friendly advisors - just make sure you have your booking number to hand.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes, and all of our accommodation providers will be working to the very highest standards of hygiene – you already always enjoy a private room of your own on all of our trips, all of our partners will be guided by local government operational standards of hygiene and the new protocols we have issued to them.

  • Will I eat alone?

    We find there’s always a social element to dining, so you’ll never eat alone, unless you want to! Every holiday includes a welcome get-together, all breakfasts and many other meals. When a meal is not included we find travellers meet and dine together.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    No, given the nature of our holidays, it is not possible to join the tour once it has departed.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Just You has been operating solo holidays for more than 15 years.

  • Am I guaranteed a room of my own?

    Of course, you’ll always have a twin or double room all to yourself. It’s great to have that space to relax and reflect at the end of the day. In some hotels you can also pay a little extra to upgrade for more space or a lovely sea view.

  • What is the typical age range on a Just You holiday?

    Typically, our customers are solo travellers in their 40s, 50s and 60s, but it’s quite possible you could meet 20-year-olds or 70-year-olds (or anyone in between)... After all, age is just a number!

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We have received the World Travel and Tourism Councils (WTTC) Safe Travels stamp, which recognises businesses and destinations worldwide that have adopted a new set of global protocols to support the return of 'Safe Travel' around the world. The 'Safe Travels' stamp provides you, with assurance and peace of mind that we have implemented enhanced health and hygiene prprotocols on all holidays.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Once you book, you will receive a confirmation invoice within 7 days, prior to departure, we will send you further information to help prepare for your trip.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Just You is exclusively for solo travellers, every tour includes a twin or double room of your own, with no single supplement.

Reviews of this operator

Jenny Elliott  

Fabulous Holiday with Just You

28-Oct-2021

Fabulous holiday with Just You - well organised, excellent accommodation and our tour leader absolutely made the trip! Would highly recommend.

Featured on Trustpilot
Russell Kerfoot  

Travels 2013 -2019

21/06/2021

Have taken about 15 tours with JY, mainly long haul, and found the experience exhilarating. Apart from the company's professionalism and extensive and varied tour options, I have made so many friends for life. Looking forward to resuming my travels in 2022.

Featured on Trustpilot
Tyler Kerr (Google Reviewer)  

Apologies in advance to the...

09-Jun-2024

Apologies in advance to the business as my holiday was the Eastern Wonders tour in Canada in June 2023 but some things happened shortly after which I had to focus on and then I kept forgetting to write a review. This was hands down the best holiday I’ve ever had. My coeliac disease was no issue whatsoever and the tour guide ‘Johanna’ is an absolute credit to Just You. She along with all of the other tour guides in the city stops were knowledgeable and great fun. The only day I felt wasn’t necessary for that time of year was Mont-Tremblant and the Holiday Inn there wasn’t the best but every other hotel was wonderful. Everyday was well-balanced with little tours to see the gorgeous sights in each location whilst still leaving us with plenty of time for our own exploration. The coach driver ‘Dave’ was also a really lovely chap. We always felt very safe with him behind the wheel and, should Just You offer this tour again someday, I would definitely recommend it. I will be using this company again and I can’t wait. I’d also like to thank the team at Just You over the phone and the representative at Heathrow who helped me as I’m on the autism spectrum and can get overwhelmed. Lovely company and very well priced in my opinion. With everything we did it would have cost around double if you’d made this trip independently.

aled blackshaw (Google Reviewer)  

Been on 5 holidays with...

13-Oct-2023

Been on 5 holidays with this company they have generally been good but the prices have risen considerably and i feel do not provide true value for money. In my opinion all the excursions and meals should be included in the total cost as they not worth the extra cost. Also they are very dismissive of any complaints once you have paid for the holiday they are not interested. I think i will try another company next time

Sue Sweeney (Google Reviewer)  

Great holidays for singles. I've been...

28-Jun-2023

Great holidays for singles. I've been on 4 holidays with them. Only issue is the hotel rooms. They generally use 3* hotels and I've booked at the same time and price as my friends but the difference in rooms is unbelievable. I've been lucky, but I've heard horror stories from friends of rooms like a dungeon with one small high window whilst I've had a fabulous sea view.

COLIN BROAD (Google Reviewer)  

I went on a spirit...

08-Apr-2024

I went on a spirit of an India trip with Amritsar add on. It looks good in the brochure, but things aren’t always as they seem. If like me you like a toilet break every two hours (discussed with the company in depth in advance) or have a hidden disability. then this holiday is not for you - use a different holiday company! Their planned toilet stops are every 3.5 hours, so ladies bring your pads and gents be prepared for “natural stops” while all the passengers watch you out the window or bring a bottle and a blanket as a screen. The Taj Mahal in Agra was good, along with the two trips to the Ganges river and the Golden Temple at Amritsar too. Rarely are you in the same spot for more than one night and a 6 hour daily coach or train journey became the norm. It was a shame that there was not an opportunity to enjoy the hotels that we’d obviously paid a lot of money for. If you’re looking for tigers in the game park, don’t get your hopes up. 99% unlikely. It is also a disappointment that there is little opportunity to explore the areas in the major cities that we’d traveled too If you are lucky enough to find some companionship from the opposite sex and wish to be bring them “home” this is frowned upon by the company - even if you have paid extra due double occupancy as required by the hotel I received a letter on holiday basically saying that the two hourly toilet stops required (and discussed in advance) due to diabetes was a disruption to the schedule. That photos sent to me by a girlfriend were “illicit”. Photo uploaded - make your own mind up” Also that managing to get lucky a couple of times and bringing them back to the hotel was an issue - very strange due a so called singles holiday

Maureen May (Google Reviewer)  

Just returned from St Lucia....

29-Feb-2024

Just returned from St Lucia. Hotel dreadfully shabby. Breakfasts very limited with very little fresh fruit. Our hotel was a 20 minute walk in 29C or a free bus on the hour to the beach and sister hotel. Location good for nearby local shopping and restaurants. The sunset cruise was brilliant as was the whale watching, but surf and safari trip was a disaster. We travelled in two open topped trucks with a two and a half hour drive to the surfing destination. During the trip smoke started from the gear box and we had to abandon the vehicle until the situation was rectified, which, to their credit, was sorted very quickly. Unfortunately the sea was too rough for the boat so we had to return back in the trucks. Extremely uncomfortable on side bench seats, hanging on in the rain. So, all in all we don’t over 6 hours on the trucks - not good. The tour guide left before the 5 day extension period without a handover to the local tour operators. No Information was given except by the hotel. I had already booked to go the Athens with Just You in May, now I wish I hadn’t.

Sunlight59 (Google Reviewer)  

Booked the French & Italian...

12-May-2024

Booked the French & Italian Riviera. Too much travelling on the coach. Most journeys to places were around 2 hours or more. No toilet facilities unless you go into a cafe to buy something. The group were lovely but mostly retired and older. Didn’t have much in common. The hotel was comfortable and clean. Vegetarians had mainly different types of cooked eggs for dinner. But plenty of food. However the hotel Toscana in Alessio does cater for families with children so noisy at night for the last few days of the holiday. Paid a lot of money for this holiday. Did not meet my expectations as per brochure.

Lynda Martin (Google Reviewer)  

Don't go to the Mercure...

10-Feb-2024

Don't go to the Mercure Hotel in Brighton for a Christmas holiday. Dingy rooms, small tables so you are encouraged to sit on your own when you have expected to be able to chat. But this is nothing compared to the Christmas lunch. Reconstituted white meat that could have been anything, no roasties, no stuffing, no cranberry sauce, you couldn't cut the sprouts because the knife wasn't sharp enough. I had pre ordered prawn cocktail as my starter but on the day when we all turned up together, there was no prawn cocktail for me they had run out, so all I had was soup. No dancing, no music. The carpets were stained and it was a very sorry affair. I paid £1348 for 4 nights of this very shabby standard. Sorry Just You, butbit is the last holiday I will have with you. This year, whether I go to Aldi or Waitrose, I will buy the whole shebang and cook it myself, and then I will be sure to enjoy it.

eamonn young (Google Reviewer)  

Great holiday but then no...

21-Sep-2023

Great holiday but then no response to email concerning an important point concerning incorrect information in documentation. Turkish Airlines do have online check in..saves being put on standby. Documentation says you can't check in online..you can. Just wanted to save other travellers having the same problem about being put on stand by. Just You don't seem to care.

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  • Low Deposit

    Just You requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 84 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of just you charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

  • Book with Confidence

    When you book your holiday with Just You, you can have complete peace of mind. Your money is 100% protected through our Independent Trust Fund, any money you pay to us is held by them & governed by 3rd?party trustees. It is also a condition of our ATOL license and is regularly monitored by the Civil Aviation Authority. We don’t receive any money until after you’ve come back from your holiday – so your money is 100% protected no matter what. If you have any questions you can speak to one of our friendly and knowledgeable holiday advisors.

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