Private Tour for 4 or more guests
NEW FOR 2025: Any group, whether an extended family or group of friends can book a Kruger Safari at a time that works for them. Ask us to check availability for you!
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 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
2025
LAND PACKAGE: C$3,680
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: C$360
2026
LAND PACKAGE: C$3,880
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: C$420
SMALL GROUP SUPPLEMENT: C$300
(per person for less than 4 persons)
TYPE: Safari
HOTELS: 4 star
GROUP SIZE: 4 or more
DURATION: 9 hotel nights
DATES: This tour can be booked at any time of year for groups of four or more guests, subject to availability of accommodation.
DAILY AGENDA
DAY 0: Depart Toronto
Your Kruger Safari adventure begins today! As you prepare for your journey to South Africa, you’ll find several flight options departing from Toronto, all of which include a connection somewhere. If you’re unsure which route to take, Barry is happy to provide recommendations to help you find the best option based on your schedule, preferences, and travel style. The adventure of a lifetime is just a flight away!
DAY 1: Arrive Johannesburg
Welcome to South Africa! Upon arrival at the O.R Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg you can easily walk to the City Lodge Hotel, conveniently located inside the airport. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to unwind with a swim in the hotel’s pool, enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, or simply head straight to bed to rest after your long journey.
City Lodge Hotel, Johannesburg Airport
DAY 2 : Transfer to Kruger (B, D)
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.
DAY 3: 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: Free Day at Rio Vista Lodge (B, L, D)
After the long journey and the thrill of your first safari, today is all about taking it easy—and we expect most guests will be ready for a slower pace. This is a day to catch your breath: sleep in, relax by the pool, read a book, or simply watch the wildlife along the Crocodile River from the comfort of the lodge. With several exciting days ahead, this is the perfect chance to relax and recharge before the next adventure.
DAY 5: 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.
Blyde River Canyon
DAY 6: Chimp Eden, i'Langa Mall (B, L, D)
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.
DAY 7: Kruger Sunset Safari & Bush Braai (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.
Sunset Safari & Bush Braai in Kruger
DAY 8: Sudwala Caves (B, D)
Today, guests will have the chance to explore one of the oldest cave systems in the world. After a guided underground tour, we’ll have lunch at the Sudwala Café. For those seeking an extra thrill, a zipline experience is available at the caves (not included). In the afternoon, we’ll return to Rio Vista Lodge, where the evening is free to relax and eat dinner at The Deck.
DAY 9: Kruger Safari (B, D)
Today marks the final safari of the tour, a 6-hour 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.
On Safari in Kruger National Park
DAY 10: Depart South Africa (B)
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.
DAY 11: Arrive in Canada
Depending on flight schedules, guests will arrive back in Toronto in the morning or mid-afternoon, marking the end of their South African adventure. We hope this journey has been the experience of a lifetime. One final tip: if you're returning during the Canadian winter, you might want to remind whoever’s picking you up at the airport to bring along a warm coat!
Barry in his dream job