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
LAND PACKAGE: C$2,980
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: C$300
TYPE: Safari
HOTELS: 4 star
GROUP SIZE: Max 18 guests
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).
DAILY AGENDA
DAY 0 (Fri): 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 one night accommodation and parking for 8 additional days. Please ask for details.
DAY 1 (Sat): Depart Toronto
While trans-Atlantic flights are not included in the Land Package, this March Break Special is built around Ethiopean Airlines flight 553 that departs Pearson about 10 am. (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): Arrive Johannesburg; transfer to Kruger (D)
The Ethiopean Airways flight arrives in Johannesburg airport about 1 pm. After clearing customs, guests will catch Airlink regional flight 845 to Kruger Mpumalanga Airport. Upon landing, Debbie and Charles from CD Tours, your local Tour Directors, will be there to pick you up and bring you to Rio Vista Lodge (less than an hour away). This is a relaxed day, giving you time to recover from your travels and prepare for the early start and full day of safari tomorrow. The afternoon is free time to rest, take a dip in the lodge’s pool, or enjoy the stunning views of the Crocodile River, where you may spot wildlife right from the property. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at The Deck, the lodge’s restaurant.
DAY 3 (Mon): Kruger Safari (B,D)
Today is the day many have dreamed of for a lifetime—a true African safari in Kruger National Park. You’ll set out early in open safari vehicles, catching the sunrise as the park awakens and wildlife becomes active in the cool morning air. This full-day safari takes you deep into Kruger, offering the chance to spot the Big Five and countless other species. Mid-morning, you'll pause for coffee at Afsaal Trader’s Rest, and later stop for lunch at Skukuza, the park’s largest rest camp, before heading back out for a final drive. Returning to Rio Vista Lodge in the mid-afternoon, you’ll have time to relax before enjoying dinner at The Deck.
Dinner visitors at Rio Vista Lodge
DAY 4 (Tue): Chimp Eden, i'Langa Mall, Sudwala Caves (B,D)
The day begins with a visit to Chimp Eden, a sanctuary operated by the Jane Goodall Foundation. This incredible facility provides a safe haven for rescued and rehabilitated chimpanzees, many of whom were abused or displaced. As you observe them in their forested enclosures, you’ll learn about their stories and the ongoing conservation efforts that help protect them. Next, we’ll stop at i'Langa Mall for lunch and free time to explore shops, grab a coffee, and soak in the modern South African atmosphere. Lastly, we take a guided tour of the Sudwala Caves, a 240-million-year-old underground wonder filled with towering rock formations and ancient chambers. Afterward, we return to Rio Vista Lodge, where the evening is free.
DAY 5 (Wed): Free Time; Kruger Sunset Safari (B, L, D)
After a relaxed day spent enjoying the lodge’s pool and surroundings, the adventure continues in the late afternoon with a 4-hour sunset safari in Kruger National Park. As the sun sets, you’ll have the chance to see nocturnal wildlife emerging and predators becoming more active. The evening is set to end with a bush braai (BBQ)—a truly special experience deep within the park, hosted by National Park staff. However, as the bush braai is not always available, an equally fantastic alternative will be a dinner at one of the area’s best restaurants, offering a wonderful meal in a beautiful setting. No matter which option is available, it will be an unforgettable evening in the Kruger region.
On Safari in Kruger National Park
DAY 6 (Thu): Panorama Route & Blyde River Canyon (B, L, D)
Get ready for another long but rewarding day as you travel north along the famous Panorama Route. Along the way, you’ll stop at some of the route’s most spectacular viewpoints, including Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest and most stunning canyons in the world. The journey also includes a visit to Graskop Gorge, where you’ll experience The Drop Zone, a glass elevator that descends 51 meters down the face of the gorge. At the bottom, you’ll step into a micro-rainforest, where a network of trails winds through the dense vegetation, allowing you to explore this unique ecosystem up close. We’ll stop at the famous Harrie’s Pancakes for lunch before returning to the lodge for dinner.
DAY 7 (Fri): 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 extensive menu.
Blyde River Canyon
DAY 8 (Sat): Depart South Africa (B)
After breakfast, guests will be shuttled to Kruger Mpumalanga airport to catch a 10:45 flight to Johannesburg that connects them to the Ethiopean Airlines flight at 14:35 back to Canada (shuttles will also be provided for those departing at different times).
DAY 9 (Sun): Arrive in Canada
For those flying Ethiopean, their flight will arrive at Pearson at 09:05, and the Holiday Inn shuttle will take guests back to their cars.
Leopard (photo taken by TravelMaven guest)