A ten day trip to one of the most iconic National Parks in South Africa

Our Kruger Safari was created for a larger group and is open to all ages, especially children. In fact, our goal is to take over the Rio Vista Lodge, creating an action packed and exciting atmosphere for everyone. As such, this would be the perfect multigenerational vacation!

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? For many Canadians, an African safari has always seemed too far, too expensive, too dangerous, or just too much to seriously contemplate.

This tour is operated over school breaks, because it was put together for families. And, in a travel world built on "double occupancy", this tour is different because we offer the same price for solos, couples and families. There are multiple room options (including family rooms for 4 persons) at the Rio Vista Lodge, and there's sure to be one for every requirement.

Some may say "South Africa is too far to go for one week". While we agree that more time is better than less, one week is plenty of time to see a single destination. In fact, travelling from Toronto to Kruger will take about the same time as driving from Ontario to Florida - a trip Ontario families have been making at Christmas and March Break for decades.

Our home-away-from-home in the Kruger will be the Rio Vista Lodge overlooking the Crocodile River. From here, we will 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 our safaris, 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, the Sudwala Caves, and the i'landa Mall to see how South African families live and shop today.

It's important to note this is an "almost all-inclusive" package - even beer and wine is provided with dinner. Guests only pay for some lunches and souvenirs. 

Day 1 - Friday

Depart Toronto

The KLM flight for Amsterdam departs Pearson Airport at 18:15. Barry will be at the KLM check-in desk at 15:00 to help guests check-in and pass through security before heading to the gate.

Day 2 - Saturday

Arrive in Johannesburg

After a stopover in Amsterdam in the morning, the KLM connecting flight arrives in Johannesburg at 22:05. Upon arrival, we will walk to City Lodge Hotel (within the terminal) and check-in.

Day 3 - Sunday

Transfer to Kruger

After a nice breakfast, our group will head east towards Kruger National Park. Along the way, we will stop at the Alzu Information Centre for lunch. After check-in at Rio Vista Lodge, we will have time for a swim in the infinity pool and a cold drink on the Deck. Afterwards, we will enjoy a Welcome Reception and brief presentation highlighting the history of Kruger National Park.

BLACK RHINO

Day 4 - Monday

Kruger Full Day

For many, this will be the most exciting day of the tour. We will leave our hotel at 5 am in open safari vehicles to catch sunrise in Kruger National Park. This is a full-day safari includes morning coffee at Afsall Trader’s Rest and lunch at Skukuza, the largest rest camp in the Park. Before returning to Rio Vista, we will also stop at a local supermarket to stock up on snacks & drinks and see how South African grocery stores compare to Canada.

Day 5 - Tuesday

Blyde Canyon

We will leave early, headed north to experience the world-famous Panorama Route. This spectacular drive overlooks the Blyde River Canyon, sometimes called Africa's Grand Canyon. There will be several stops for photographs, and lunch will be provided. There’s even a chance to try out the 'Graskop Drop Zone', for those so inclined...

Day 6 - Wednesday

Kruger Sunset Safari

After a couple of long days, guests get to have a relaxing day around the pool. If they wish, guests can also accompany Barry when he visits a local school to deliver gifts of friendship from Canada. Mid afternoon we will head back to Kruger for a sunset safari with National Park staff. New for 2022 is a braai (bbq) dinner within Kruger Park.

THIRSTY LION

Day 7 - Thursday

Chimp Eden

In the morning, we will visit Jane Goodall's Chimp Eden. This mountain-side facility rehabilitates and provides refuge for abused chimpanzees. Afterwards, we will stop at the i’langa Mall for lunch and free time. (If PCR tests are still required by Canada, we will also drop by a clinic.) Dinner is back at Rio Visa.

Day 8 - Friday

Kruger Full Day Safari

On this day, guests will experience their second full-day Kruger safari. Depending on what we see on our first two visits to Kruger, our guides will try to find anything we've missed. Dinner will be at the Duck and Dive, a local pub that's South Africa's version of McKeck's Place!

Day 9 - Saturday

Sudwala Caves

Travellers will enjoy a relaxing morning that includes an easy breakfast and maybe a last dip in the pool. After lunch, we will head towards the airport, stopping at Sudwala Caves along the way. Upon arrival in Johannesburg, guests will have an opportunity to freshen up before our Farewell Dinner at the City Lodge Hotel restaurant. After dinner, we will walk to the terminal to check-in for our midnight flight. PLEASE NOTE: Those adding the CAPE TOWN extension will overnight at the City Lodge before flying to Cape Town on Sunday morning.

ELEPHANT

Day 10 - Sunday

Arrive in Toronto

After a short stop in Amsterdam about noon, travellers will board their connecting flight to Toronto, arriving at Pearson at 16:35.

Submit Details to Join Us