Private Tour for 4 or more guests
NEW FOR 2025: Any group of 4 or more persons, whether an extended family or group of friends, can book a private Kruger Safari at a time that works for them. Ask Barry 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 includes a bush braai (bbq) in the park, 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$660
2026
LAND PACKAGE: C$3,880
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: C$760
TYPE: Safari
HOTELS: 4 star
GROUP SIZE: 4-12 guests
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! There are multiple flight options from Toronto to South Africa, departing in the morning, afternoon, and evening. If you're unsure which route is best for you, Barry is available to help with recommendations.
DAY 1: Arrive Johannesburg
Welcome to South Africa! Upon arrival, you can easily walk to the City Lodge Hotel, conveniently located inside the airport. Depending on your arrival time, you may want to unwind with a swim in the hotel’s pool or enjoy a meal at the hotel restaurant before heading to bed.
City Lodge Hotel, Johannesburg Airport
DAY 2 : Transfer to Kruger (B, D)
After a late morning flight from Johannesburg to Kruger Mpumalanga Airport, you’ll arrive in the early afternoon. Upon landing, Debbie from CD Tours, your local Tour Director, 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, before settling in for the night.
DAY 3: 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—one last opportunity to see even more incredible wildlife. 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: 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. Guests can sleep in, relax by the pool, read a book, or watch the wildlife along the Crocodile River. 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 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 breathtaking 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, a network of trails winds through a lush micro-rainforest, offering an up-close look at this unique ecosystem. For thrill-seekers, Graskop Gorge also offers two extreme adventures—a bungee jump and a zipline (not included). Guests can choose to take on either of these adrenaline-pumping activities, unless the lines are unusually long (which is rare). After a full day of exploring and adventure, you’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)
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. Afterward, 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, before returning to Rio Vista Lodge for the evening.
DAY 7: Kruger Sunset Safari & Bush Braai (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 under the stars. 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.
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. The Sudwala Caves are estimated to be over 240 million years old and have incredible rock formations, towering chambers, and fascinating geological sights. After a guided underground tour, we’ll have lunch at the Sudwala Café, where guests can relax and take in the surrounding scenery. 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 extensive menu.
On Safari in Kruger National Park
DAY 10: Depart South Africa (B)
After breakfast and check-out, guests will be shuttled to Kruger Mpumalanga Airport for their flight to Johannesburg, where they will connect to their international flight back to Canada. Departure times will vary based on 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.
Barry in his dream job