Best March Break ever!
PLEASE NOTE: This tour was created to fit precisely into Ontario's nine day March Break. By flying out of Toronto Saturday morning and returning the next Sunday morning, families from anywhere in the province can visit this bucket list destination without missing a minute of school, making this an unforgettable March Break for everyone, including teachers and school staff!
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 is Rio Vista Lodge overlooking the Crocodile River. From here, we enjoy five 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 a chance to take a more relaxed attitude and hopefully see what we may have missed the first two times!
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 and Sudwala Caves.
Finally, it's important to note that all activities and almost all meals are included. For those 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
2026:
LAND PACKAGE: C$2,980
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: C$300
TYPE: Safari
HOTELS: 4 star
GROUP SIZE: Max 18 guests (18 Remaining)
DURATION: 9 days (6 hotel nights)
FLIGHTS: This tour was created specifically for the Ontario March Break. As such, it is only available once each year and based on the flight schedule of Ethiopean Airlines between Toronto and Johannesburg. While there are many airlines that connect these two cities, some require an additional night in Johannesburg (which we can easily arrange).
Begins in Johannesburg: Sun March 15, 2026
Ends in Johannesburg: Sat March 21, 2026
DAILY AGENDA
DAY 0 (Fri March 13): Arrive in Toronto (optional)
Those not living near Pearson Airport may want to arrive in Toronto on Friday, so TravelMaven has arranged a special rate at the Holiday Inn (900 Dixie Road) that includes 1 night accommodation and parking for 8 additional days. If you’re interested in taking advantage of this option, please ask for details. We'd like to make your journey stress-free from the very beginning.
DAY 1 (Sat Mar 14): Depart Toronto
While trans-Atlantic flights are not included in the Land Package, this March Break Special has been designed around Ethiopian Airlines Flight 553, which departs from Toronto Pearson International Airport at approximately 10:00 a.m. on Saturday morning. There are other flight options, but most of those depart Friday afternoon or evening.
Get ready for the trip of a lifetime!
DAY 2 (Sun Mar 15): Arrive Johannesburg; transfer to Kruger (D)
The Ethiopian Airlines flight arrives in Johannesburg around 1 p.m. Afterwards, guests will take Airlink Flight 845 to Kruger Mpumalanga Airport. There, our local partner, CD Tours, will meet you for the short transfer to Rio Vista Lodge. This is a relaxed day to recover from your travels and prepare for tomorrow's early safari. Rest, swim, or enjoy Crocodile River views before dinner at The Deck, the lodge's restaurant.
DAY 3 (Mon Mar 16): Kruger Safari (B,D)
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
Dinner visitors at Rio Vista Lodge
DAY 4 (Tue Mar 17): Chimp Eden, i'Langa Mall, Sudwala Caves (B,D)
The day begins with a visit to Chimp Eden, a Jane Goodall Foundation sanctuary for rescued chimpanzees, where you’ll learn about their stories and conservation efforts. After a lunch stop and free time at i'Langa Mall to see modern South African life, we’ll take a guided tour of the Sudwala Caves, one of the oldest cave systems in the world. We then return to Rio Vista Lodge for a free evening.
DAY 5 (Wed March 18): Free Time; Kruger Sunset Safari (B, L, D)
After a relaxing day at the lodge, the adventure continues with a 4-hour sunset safari in Kruger National Park. As daylight fades, watch for nocturnal animals and active predators. The evening ends with one of two memorable dinners: a traditional bush braai (BBQ) in the park, hosted by National Park staff (weather and conditions permitting), or a delicious meal at one of the region’s top restaurants.
On Safari in Kruger National Park
DAY 6 (Thu Mar 19): Panorama Route & Blyde River Canyon (B, L, D)
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 a well-earned rest.
DAY 7 (Fri Mar 20): Kruger Safari (B,D)
Today marks the final safari of the tour, a full-day game drive offering one last chance to take in the beauty of Kruger National Park. Our expert guides can adjust the route based on previous sightings, giving guests one last opportunity to search for any wildlife they may not have seen yet. In the evening, enjoy your last dinner at The Deck, giving you a final opportunity to try something new off their menu.
Blyde River Canyon
DAY 8 (Sat Mar 21): Depart South Africa (B)
Today guests begin their long journey home. After enjoying breakfast at the lodge, guests will be transferred to Kruger Mpumalanga Airport to catch their 10:45 flight to Johannesburg. This flight connects with the Ethiopian Airlines departure at 14:35, beginning the journey back to Canada. Shuttles will also be provided for those departing at different times.
DAY 9 (Sun Mar 22): Arrive in Canada
Welcome home! For those flying with Ethiopian Airlines, your flight is scheduled to arrive at Toronto Pearson International Airport at 9:05. Upon arrival, you’ll clear customs and collect your luggage before boarding the complimentary Holiday Inn shuttle, which will return you to the hotel where your car is parked. Last tip: leave a winter coat in your car for when you get home!
Leopard (photo taken by TravelMaven guest)