5 Night Mpumalanga & Safari

Day 1
On arrival at Johannesburg International Airport, you make your way to the Avis Desk, and collect your rented car. From the airport you drive east over the highveld’s farmlands, down through the Mpumalanga Highlands, passing the village of Dullstroom to the Mpumalanga Escarpment. Here you check into the Crystal Springs Resort for (2) nights on a bed and breakfast basis.

Crystal Springs Resort
Winding across the rolling hills of the Mpumalanga Drakensberg is the historic route to Pilgrim's Rest. This road once descended from Lydenburg all the way to the coast, emerging at Delgoa Bay (now Maputo). After the Pilgrim's Rest gold rush began during the late 1800's, it came to be nicknamed Robbers Pass due to regular hold-ups of stagecoaches and travelers by highwaymen and robbers - a name it bears to this day. Now the pass forms part of a very scenic drive down to the Lowveld featuring endless idyllic views en route to Pilgrim's Rest. Seventeen kilometres down the pass lies Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge, a picturesque resort situated on 5 000 hectares of pristine countryside. Beautiful gardens combine with exquisite natural scenery to create a haven incorporating spectacular cliffs and gorges, pine and indigenous forests, sweeping views, murmuring streams, plunging waterfalls and cool, blue pools. Birdlife is plentiful and wild animals such as zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, antelope, jackal and leopard populate the nature reserve. Man-made facilities complement nature with facebrick and thatch, bordered by colourful flowerbeds and ornamental ponds. Facilities make the most of the sweeping views and many activities centre around the great outdoors. Crystal Springs is conveniently situated to Mpumalanga's attractions - 9 km's from historic Pilgrim's Rest - where you can eat El fresco, wander around quaint shops, play gold or do a tour harking back to gold rush days, including an opportunity to pan for gold. Further afield lie the tranquil forestry towns of Sabie and Graskop, surrounded by tall pine trees and plunging waterfalls such as MacMac, Lone Creek or Bridal Veil Falls. Not far from Graskop is the spectacular Blyde River Canyon, affording magnificent views into the Lowveld, and the interesting rock formations of the Bourke's Luck Portholes. One hours' drive from Crystal Springs is the world-famous Kruger National Park - home to the Big Five and other Southern African game species, not to mention a host of birdlife.

Day 2
Today you have the full day to explore the escarpment area, which could include points such as God's Window, Bourkes Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon, Graskop, Pilgrims Rest and the many waterfalls of the area.

Day 3
Today you descend the escarpment into the Lowveld and make your way to the Thornybush Game Reserve, where you spend the next (3) nights at Tangala Safari Lodge on a fully inclusive basis.

Tangala Safari Lodge
Tangala is one of the last remaining authentic experiences in South Africa that have been a legacy of the Potgieter family for more than 3 generations. This intimate and exclusive private safari camp is situated in the 22 000 acre Thornybush Private Nature Reserve, a prime ecological area abounding in wildlife. Tangala succeeded in maintaining its earthly appeal after the recent upgrading of the facilities. We continually strive to recreate the original down to earth hospitality of years gone by. Early explorers created a legacy of adventure and discoveries, relive the romance of old at Tangala in the comfort and security of the Safari Camp. Accommodation at the camp will bring back memories of a bygone era. The thatched chalets have en suite bathroom facilities and paraffin lantern lighting creating authentic rustic luxury at an affordable price.

The camp consist of a central dining and lounge area with full bar and a swimmingpool with a deck. Five double en suite chalets each with shaded verandahs. Hot water is provided at all times with traditional old-fashioned “donkey-boilers” (geysers). We are proud to announce that Tangala is one of only a few electricity free camps in South Africa. Children catered for, 12 years and over otherwise on special application. At Tangala we have created the feel of Africa long forgotten and the team strives to give all guests the ultimate African bush experience. Tangala has striking views of the Drakensberg Mountains and is next to the world famous Kruger National Park. Hear the lions roar while you enjoy sundowners as the sun slips behind the blue mountains in the west. Big 5 and other wildlife in the Thornybush Private Game Reserve have habituated this region for thousands of years. Experience wildlife and expert interpretations, as guided bushwalks will enlighten you with creatures big and small. The biodiversity of the reserve attracts a wide variety of wildlife including the ‘Big 5’. The staff includes well-trained and experienced rangers who will guide you in one of Africa’s most splendid ecosystems. Two game drives in open vehicles include coffee and tea in the morning while a romantic sundowner interrupts the night drives. Meals include a full breakfast/brunch, mid afternoon tea, snacks and boma dinner. Game viewing at Tangala is of high standard and compare with the best in the world. Guest can expect to see lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, cheetah, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and other general game on game drives. Wildlife activities here enable guests to ‘touch, taste and smell’ the bushveld. The day begins with a game drive of a few hours’ duration, accompanied by a qualified ranger and tracker. Guests not only get close to Big Game but also learn to identify trees and plants, taste edible fruit, follow in the footsteps of animals great and small and learn about local bush lore. Become one with the bush as you track silently after the spoor of wildlife during game drives. The night game viewing is an experience of its own. The nocturnal sightings might include bushbabies, the elusive genet, or hunting predators stalking their prey. Lanterns welcome you back and guide you along the pathways to the bush boma for an African feast under the southern stars. By contrast TANGALA aims to offer guests a much more ‘up close and personal’ intimate bush experience – perfect for the visitor who wants to get more out of the bushveld than simply ticking off the Big Five. The cuisine has been specially created to reflect South Africa. Meals are social occasions and a time to listen and share fascinating stories of the bush. Rangers carry rifles on all game drives and excursions, and all guests are escorted to their chalets after dark. Guests’ safety is of utmost importance to the lodge. In the event of an emergency, Tangala has full air evacuation facilities. although the camp is created to protect guests from malaria, it is strongly recommended that they take the appropriate preventative measures. Wine connoisseurs from the Cape have designed a comprehensive wine list, and all dietary and culinary requirements are met at Tangala. Synonymous with exciting Big 5 Safaris, friendly service and African Cuisine the staff at Tangala will ensure a memorable South African Wildlife Safari. Dress code is bushveld casual and lightweight, but a sweater may be required. During the winter, June, July and August warm clothes are necessary during early morning and at night. A hat, sunscreen, flashlight and binoculars will add pleasure to your stay. Precautions against malaria are necessary.

Day 4
Day spent on safari at the Tangala Safari Lodge.

Day 5
Day spent on safari at the Tangala Safari Lodge.

Day 6
Today you take a leisurely drive back down to the Johannesburg International Airport where you drop off your rented car.

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