Private Tour Available Year-Round!
PLEASE NOTE: Starting in 2026, return airfare from Toronto to South Africa will be included in the KRUGER SAFARI Tour Package. This makes it easier for guests and allows us to better manage arrangements upon arrival and departure. Guests not wanting to take our recommended flight plan will be offered a credit equal to that value. Ask for details.
Who hasn't dreamt of riding across the African savannah in an open vehicle, checking out the elephants, rhinos, hippos, giraffes, zebras, and a few big cats? I think everyone had this dream as a kid, but for many Canadians, an African safari has always seemed too far, too expensive, too dangerous, or just too much to seriously contemplate.
Well, here's some good news: TravelMaven wants to make your safari dream a reality!
Our home-away-from-home in the Kruger region is Rio Vista Lodge overlooking the Crocodile River. From here, we enjoy six day-trips, including three safaris into Kruger National Park. The first safari will be all-day (departing at 5 am!), the second will be an evening safari that starts in the daylight and ends after dark, and the third will be another full-day outing.
In addition to safaris, we will also do a few more awesome things. For example, we will make a full day tour to the Panorama Route to see the Blyde River Canyon, often called Africa's green Grand Canyon. We will also visit Jane Goodall's Chimp Eden facility and explore the ancient Sudwala Caves.
Finally, it's important to note that all activities and most meals are included. For the things not included, prices are reasonable (e.g. beer $3), so your spending money total could easily be as little as $200 per person.
I am confident this will be the trip of a lifetime for whomever joins us. If you've read this far, you must have an African safari on your bucket list. Here's your chance to scratch it off!
TOUR DETAILS
TYPE: TravelMavenSafari
HOTELS: 4 star
GROUP SIZE: Any
DURATION: 11 days / 8 hotel nights
TOUR PACKAGE: C$5,680 (including air)
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: C$520
SMALL GROUP SUPPLEMENT: C$400
(per person for less than 4 persons)
TRANS-ATLANTIC FLIGHT INCLUDED! Most TravelMaven tours are sold as Land Packages (i.e. not including airfare from Canada). However, this KRUGER SAFARI includes round-trip airfare from Canada to South Africa.
DATES: This tour can be booked at any time of year, subject to availability.
ITINERARY
Day 1
Depart Toronto
TravelMaven typically books guests on the KLM flight from Toronto to Johannesburg via Amsterdam leaving in the early evening.
Day 2
Arrive Johannesburg
Welcome to South Africa! KLM arrives in the late evening and guests can walk through Johannesburg airport to the City Lodge Hotel, conveniently located atop the parking garage (like the Sheraton in Terminal Three Pearson). After check-in, guests will enjoy a good night's sleep after their long journey.
Day 3
Transfer to Kruger
After a late morning flight to Kruger Mpumalanga Airport, you’ll be met by our local partner CD Tours and transferred to Rio Vista Lodge, less than an hour away. This relaxed day offers time to recover from your travels and get ready for tomorrow’s early safari. Relax by the pool or take in views of the Crocodile River. In the evening, enjoy dinner at The Deck, the lodge's restaurant, before settling in for the night.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 4
Kruger Safari (full day)
Today is the day many have dreamed of for a lifetime—a full-day African safari in Kruger National Park. You’ll set out early in open safari vehicles, catching the sunrise and spotting wildlife as the park comes to life. Along the way, stop for coffee at Afsaal Trader’s Rest and lunch at Skukuza, the park’s largest rest camp. After a final afternoon drive, return to Rio Vista Lodge to relax before dinner at The Deck.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 5
Sudwala Caves
This is an easy day. After a leisurely breakfast, you will head to the Sudwala Caves, some of the oldest in the world. Your guided tour takes you well into the recesses of this mountain, home to massive chambers and impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 6
Panorama Route & Blyde River Canyon
Get ready for a rewarding day along the scenic Panorama Route, with a stop at Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest and most spectacular green canyons in the world. You’ll also visit Graskop Gorge, where a glass elevator takes you down into a lush rainforest. Optional ziplining and bungee jumping are available for adventure-seekers. After a full day, we’ll return to the lodge for dinner and well-earned rest.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7
Kruger Sunset Safari
After a leisurely day at the Rio Vista Lodge, you will head back into Kruger National Park to enjoy a Sunset Safari with Kruger National Park staff. This provides an opportunity to see nocturnal animals that aren't out during the day.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8
Chimp Eden & i'Langa Mall
Today begins with a visit to Jane Goodall's Chimp Eden, a safe haven for rescued and rehabilitated chimpanzees, many of whom were abused or displaced. You’ll learn about their stories and the ongoing conservation efforts that help protect them. Afterward, we’ll stop at i'Langa Mall for lunch and to explore shops and soak in the modern South African atmosphere, before returning to the lodge for the evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 9
Kruger Safari (full day)
On your last day you'll get up really early to catch sunrise in Kruger National Park. This is your last chance to see whatever has eluded you during your first 3 visits. You'll return to Rio Vista for lunch, followed by a relaxing afternoon by the pool and/or packing for home. For your last dinner, the Rio Vista staff will prepare a traditional South African braai (i.e. bbq dinner).
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 10
Depart South Africa
After a final breakfast at Rio Vista Lodge and check-out, guests will be transferred to Kruger Mpumalanga Airport. From there, they will board their flight to Johannesburg, where they will connect to their international flights home. Please note that departure time from the lodge will vary depending on individual flight schedules.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 11
Arrive in Canada
Guests will arrive in Amsterdam in the morning before making the flight back to Toronto, landing at Pearson in the late afternoon.