Private South African Game Reserve Experience

Touching down early this morning, we’ll board a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and head north across the Limpopo Province to Qwabi Private Game Reserve. After a light lunch - served on a deck overlooking the acacia-shaded riverbank - we’ll soon start to absorb the magic of the bush. Dinner tonight is followed with an introductory talk outlining the activities and adventures ahead.

Letamo Lodge, Qwabi Private Game Reserve (5-star)

An early start rewards us with the sight of the sun creeping over the natural pans and grassy savannahs as we search for the Big Five - lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and African buffalo - before the heat of the day. We return to camp for breakfast, after which the rest of the day is free to immerse yourself in this ancient, untamed landscape. Watch for wildlife on the riverbank - elephant, bushbuck and buffalo have been known to walk by - or treat yourself (extra charge) to a soothing and rejuvenating spa treatment made with local herbs and plant extracts. South Africa produces some of the finest wines in the world and tonight we’ve arranged a wine tasting before dinner, when you’ll become acquainted with an array of award-winning South African wines.

Letamo Lodge, Qwabi Private Game Reserve (5-star)

There’s no rush to get up this morning so after waking to the sounds of the African bush and birdsong, you might be tempted to relax by the pool or retire with a book (and your binoculars) under a shady parasol. After a relaxed morning it’s all systems go as we head out on our next game drive. We’ll stay out until the last rays of sun have disappeared over the horizon, scanning the savannah with our experienced guides for zebra, cheetah and other prized animals. As one of only two UNESCO-declared Biosphere Reserves in Africa, Waterberg is actively managed for the conservation of wildlife. After dinner this evening we’ll learn about the work being done to protect and preserve this precious environment with a talk by a local conservation expert.

Letamo Lodge, Qwabi Private Game Reserve (5-star)

Enlightened by last night’s talk, we’ll head out in 4WDs early this morning and find the perfect spot to see the sun rise over this extraordinary landscape and watch animals emerge for another day in the bush. Returning for breakfast and a go-slow morning, this afternoon brings local flavour of a different kind as we learn the art of potjie pot cooking with Letamo’s resident chef. These three-legged cast-iron cooking pots are traditional in southern Africa and a memorable experience will be the tasty stew - chicken, lamb or vegetable - you’ll slow-cook over hot coals for dinner tonight.

Letamo Lodge, Qwabi Private Game Reserve (5-star)

The conservation theme continues this afternoon as we head to a local Ground Hornbill Project where we’ll meet the rangers and find out how these charismatic, critically endangered birds are being hand-reared and reintroduced to the wild. Tonight, after dinner, we’ll gather outside to watch as ‘star rangers’ point out planets and constellations. Far from light pollution and the hubbub of daily life, these stargazing experiences give us a deep sense of connection with the natural world.

Letamo Lodge, Qwabi Private Game Reserve (5-star)

Up with the dawn chorus, we’ll set out on a bushwalk to spot some of the smaller plants and animals which can be missed on game drives. We’ll listen to insects chirping and birds singing and pause to look at the plants and flowers - bright oranges, reds, yellows and pinks - often overlooked in the search for big game. We’ll also go birdwatching with a specialist ranger, searching for birds like white backed heron, ostrich and Cape vulture and proving the best safaris are not just about four-legged animals, but winged ones too. Having stretched our legs this morning, this afternoon we’ll jump back into our 4WDs for another game drive, returning for a memorable dinner served al fresco in the bush.

Letamo Lodge, Qwabi Private Game Reserve (5-star)

It’s all about the safari today, as we head out on two game drives in the early morning and afternoon. Now experienced in the art of game viewing, we’ll keep our eyes peeled for rare species like white-backed night herons, aardvarks and brown hyenas, as well as any of the prized Big Five that have eluded us so far. Tonight, we’ll toast our adventures over a farewell meal, and share our favourite moments and stories with newfound friends.

Letamo Lodge, Qwabi Private Game Reserve (5-star)

Time to tick off those last few sightings on one final game drive before breakfast, after which we’ll head back to Jo’burg for the return flight home.

Qwabi Private Game Reserve - Johannesburg - In flight

On arrival your driver will be waiting at the airport to take you home.

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