Secrets of Limpopo Self-drive

Days 1 to 3. Marataba [B, (day 3 only) L, D (days 2 & 3 only)]

Depart UK on the overnight flight to Johannesburg. On arrival you pick-up your hire car and make your way to Limpopo Province and the foothills of the Waterberg Mountains where you spend two nights at Marataba, a 23,000 hectare concession in Marakele National Park.

Surrounded by breathtaking views, and evocative of ancient African remains, Marataba comprises twelve well appointed tented suites. During your stay here, you will enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in the Park. Africa's 'Big Five' are all here as are Roan Antelope, Sable and Mountain Reedbuck. More than 400 species of bird have been recorded here and this malaria-free wilderness is also home to the world's largest breeding colony of the endangered Cape Vulture.

Days 4 to 6. Mashatu [B, L, D]

Following breakfast make your way to Pont Drift, leave your vehicle and cross into Botswana where you will be met and transferred to Mashatu Game Reserve for three nights at Mashatu Tent Camp.

Nestled in the remote northern area of the reserve, Mashatu Tent Camp is an idyllic getaway with eight luxurious twin tents each with en-suite facilities. In addition to the game drives you can enjoy the area on foot, horseback and even on mountain bikes ??? all with expert guiding. Mashatu is home to Elephant, Lion, Cheetah, Giraffe, Eland, Ostrich, and Kori Bustard. Along the river courses, huge Mashatu trees provide shade for Impala, Blue Wildebeest, and Burchell???s Zebra, whilst at night, Bat-eared Fox, African Wildcat and Leopard search for prey.

Days 7 to 9. Pafuri [B, L, D]

After morning game-viewing return to Pont Drift, collect you car and make your way to Pafuri in the northern sector of Kruger National Park. This area is the ancestral home of the Makuleke people and is perhaps the most diverse and scenically attractive part of the Kruger. The 20 tented rooms at Makuleke Pafuri Camp all look out over the Luvuvhu River and from your verandah you may see Elephant, Nyala, Common Waterbuck and Bushbuck coming to drink. Activities here include game drives (day and night) and walking safaris all with expert naturalists.

One of the most important aspects of this area is its palaeo-anthropological history, with its plethora of evidence of early human ancestors stretching back some two million years, through the Stone Age and into the Iron Age about 400 years ago when the Thulamela dynasty ruled in this area. Throughout the concession, there is evidence of its human inhabitants, in the form of rock paintings and artefacts.

Should you prefer to stay in one of the other wonderful private reserves further south such as Londolozi, Sabi Sabi, Singita, King's Camp, Motswari or Mbali then please do ask us to tailor the itinerary for you.

Days 10 & 11. Homeward [B, L (day 9 only)]

After morning game-viewing make your way to Phalaborwa and drop off your hire car. Connect with your overnight flight home via Johannesburg.

Driving in South Africa

Self-driving in South Africa couldn't be easier. The spacious roads are in good condition, sign-posting is good, and most importantly you drive on the left! Having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to explore South Africa's nooks and crannies as you please. You can stop off for great photo opportunities, or stretch your legs along the way.

The vehicles

We offer a full range of vehicles from comfortable sedans to spacious people carriers and 4-wheel drives. There is always plenty of room for your luggage, the cars are modern, generally have powered steering and air-conditioning and all are in tip-top condition.

Insurance

Fully comprehensive insurance is always included with your hire car, as is a detailed 'Route Digest' which contains daily point-by-point directions, points of interest along the way, and useful tips.

Your peace of mind

When you arrive to pick-up your vehicle we can arrange for one of our local representatives to discuss your holiday route and answer any questions that you may have. We always make sure that you have plenty of time to drive from one destination to your next (with plenty of time to see things along the way!) and that you will never have to drive at night.

Roadside support

We provide roadside support but can arrange for you to have free mobile phone rental - all you do is pay for calls you may make.