In the South African bush
experience
Be part of the daily bush rhythms, routines and riveting experiences of a professional field guide in the wild. Join your personal guide on sunrise and sunset drives, conservation activities, tracking expeditions, learning opportunities, sleepouts and storytelling evenings under the stars. Get access to insider information, expert knowledge and rare encounters.
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Step inside your favourite wildlife documentary narrated by your own expert guide. Disembark from the vehicle for an immersive sensory experience. Smell the wet grass at dawn and the earthy fragrance of the potato bush at dusk. Hear the call of the fish eagle, the giggle of the hyena or the gentle crackle of twigs as elephants graze nearby.
exclusive
Master the art of tracking, learn about animal behaviour and basic rifle handling. Embark on a wilderness sleepout, get photography tips and participate in ethical conservation. Learn how to approach dangerous game on foot, and contribute to researching endangered species. Enjoy sundowners at special locations, taste traditional meals under the stars, and share stories around the fire.
African bush,
no two days
are the same
Each day holds its own suspense, adventure and surprises. But one thing is guaranteed – magic. Every day on your expedition will be a combination of exciting conservation activities, bush experiences and relaxation.
You’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast at one of our lodges after each morning drive, followed by free time to lounge around, read a book or take a nap. At the end of each day, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal together and sit around the campfire to share stories under the stars.
Here’s an example itinerary of what you can look forward to:
Untamed wilderness adventures
DAY 1 – SATURDAY
Welcoming high tea
“Amukela!” Welcome! After arrival at your lodge, settle in and enjoy a high tea together.
Game drive & biodiversity lessons
The adventure begins! Join your field guide on your first game drive where you’ll learn about biodiversity and gain an overview of the local ecosystem.
Bush safety talks
End your day by listening to an interesting evening talk on safety in the bush, alarm calls and reading different situations.
DAY 2 – SUNDAY
Game drive & field walk
Rise and shine! Go on an early morning game drive and get the chance to disembark from the vehicle to walk in the field and learn fascinating facts about birds.
Wildlife photography
Get top tips and tricks on wildlife photography, video and social media during your afternoon drive.
Waterhole sundowners
Watch the bush prepare for the night as you enjoy sundowners overlooking a waterhole.
Traditional meal & stargazing
After enjoying a traditional stew over the fire, be mesmerised by the Southern night sky with our stargazing activity.
DAY 3 – MONDAY
Learn the art of tracking
Learn the basics of tracking, identification and signs on your morning drive.
Help track animals
Now it’s your turn! Get the chance to use telemetry or GPS equipment to locate trackable animals on the afternoon drive.
Drinks & barbeque
Enjoy drinks at a bird hide before heading back to the lodge for a boma barbeque (locally known as a “braai”).
Bird identification competition
It’s time for the battle of the bird sounds! Join your guide for a fun bird identification competition to see who knows their “whoooops” from their “ti-woo, ti-woos”.
DAY 4 – TUESDAY
Guided walk & rifle safety
Embark on a guided walk in the wild to learn more about rifle safety, participate in range practice and undertake the famous lion charge test.
Insect & spider lessons
During your afternoon game drive your field guide will share fascinating information about insects and spiders.
Waterhole drinks & dine under the stars
Have a cold one at the waterhole before heading back to the lodge for dinner on the deck under the stars.
Fireside conservation chat
Tonight’s fireside chat will be around the thought-provoking subject of conservation, legislation and community education.
DAY 5 – WEDNESDAY
Morning drive & lesson on trees
Start your day bright and early with a game drive where we’ll focus on beautiful trees and their medicinal uses.
Sleep-out in the wild
Go on the adventure of a lifetime! Join the field guides for a sleepout in the wild. Learn about survival techniques, see astronomy come to life in the night sky and learn more about traditional Shangaan storytelling.
DAY 6 – THURSDAY
Game drive, your way
Choose from a list of fascinating topics that your expert field guide will focus on during your drive. Choose between topics such as social behaviours, anatomy and competition.
Bird hide drinks & traditional dinner
Relax at a bird hide for sundowner drinks before heading back to the lodge for a traditional dinner.
Relaxation & fireside storytelling
Spend the rest of the evening relaxing around the fire and sharing stories from the day’s sightings.
DAY 7 – FRIDAY
Conservation activities
It’s time to get your hands dirty! Get involved in one of our conservation activities, such as telemetry or setting up camera traps.
Afternoon game drive
Go on an afternoon drive where your guide will once again focus on a topic based on the interests of the group.
Spit roast under the stars
Join us for a photo, video and social media competition and enjoy a delicious spit roast under the stars.
DAY 8 – SATURDAY
Ethical conservation lesson
Learn more about ethical conservation practices during the last early morning drive of your expedition.
Bush farewell
Say farewell to the African bush for now as you depart to catch a flight or return back home. “Sala kahle” - Go well, until we meet again.
Choose where to stay in the bush
Mahlahla Lodge
Xidulu Lodge
Included in GVI Expeditions?
Included
● Conservation activities ● Guided drives, hikes and walks ● Highly qualified and experienced instructors and field staff ● Accommodation options from a range of choices ● Meals ● Pre-departure support ● 24-hour emergency desk ● Arrival and departure transfer
Physical rating: 3/5.
Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.
Excluded
● Flights ● Visas ● Vaccines ● Medical insurance ● Travel insurance ● Personal belongings insurance ● Cancellation insurance ● Personal gear and kit ● Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages ● Additional spending money
Our team of travel experts would love to talk to you about creating an
expedition to suit your needs and answer any of your questions.
Simply fill in the form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
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