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Ends 30 September

On Safari in South Africa - Karongwe Game Reserve

Name: On Safari in South Africa - Karongwe Reserve
Brand: Newmarket Holidays
SKU: 98486

An immersive wildlife experience centred around animal encounters, conservational education, and opportunities for positive contributions to the environment.

The heart of Limpopo’s Karongwe Private Game Reserve will serve as your home for the week, enveloped by nature and based at a luxury tented camp. Early mornings and late afternoons see you embark on a total of 12 game drives led by seasoned trackers and guides. Witness the ‘Big Five’ in their natural habitat as the sun rises and sets over the rugged terrain, with the Drakensberg Mountain range in the distance.

Moments of tranquillity are equally encouraged alongside adventure, with ample time to lounge by the swimming pool, which overlooks the Makhutsi River, partake in a daily afternoon tea and relish complimentary treatments at the camp’s nature-inspired spa. A special dinner under the star-lit sky promises another moment of bliss amongst the peacefulness of the African bush.

This safari escape goes beyond observation, with plenty of opportunities for education and enlightenment. An anti-poaching talk allows you to engage with a local specialist to gain insights into the critical importance of conservation efforts, a guided nature walk means you can appreciate the flora and fauna from a different perspective, and a tree planting activity helps you make a personal, positive environmental contribution. To further enhance your itinerary, optional activities can be booked at the lodge, from learning how to make traditional dishes and photograph animals, to visiting a wildlife rehabilitation centre and soaring above rivers and valleys in a helicopter.

Price

from £3132 /pp

was £3685
Flights included
Dates Available

January 2027 - November 2028
Duration

10 days
Depart From

1 airport
Excursions & Visits

16 included
Meals

21 included
Ways to pay

Want to spread the cost? Choose our Easy Payment Plan and pay from £289.73 per month.

Unwind by the swimming pool overlooking the Makhutsi River or with a complimentary treatment at the spa

Chisomo Safari Camp Karongwe Boma Evening Dinner

Experience a special dinner in the heart of the bush under the stars

Chisomo Safari Camp Karongwe Game Drive Lion Sighting

Venture on seven morning game drives and seven late afternoon game drives with an experienced tracker and guide at the helm

Choose from an assortment of optional activities, bookable at the lodge, including a cooking class

Upon arriving at the airport, your group will be welcomed by a friendly driver. A long but rewarding and scenic transfer with plenty of comfort breaks and lunch (on your own account) will take you to Karongwe Private Game Reserve. Located in the Limpopo province and with views of the Drakensberg Mountain range, Chisomo Safari Camp will be your home for the next week.

In the late afternoon, you’ll arrive and check into a luxury tented camp, looking out over the Makhutsi River. There’ll then be time to settle in, familiarise yourself with the facilities, and perhaps refresh with a dip in the swimming pool.

If you’d like to venture out on a game drive, you can embark on one before dinner. With an experienced guide and tracker at the helm, you’ll drive into the depths of the reserve in an open-air 4x4 safari vehicle. Karongwe Private Game Reserve is home to the ‘Big Five’, including lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, and elephant, as well as 365 different bird species. Keep your eyes peeled and have a camera at the ready to take a snap of wildlife roaming through the bush vegetation.

This evening, dinner will be enjoyed at the camp.

This morning, you’ll wake up early, meet the other travellers in the main area for a hot drink and then head out for a morning game drive as the sun rises over the mountains.

Breakfast will then be served back at the camp, and you’ll have some time to relax, perhaps opting for a complimentary hand or foot treatment at the spa, which offers a beautiful view of the bush and draws on natural, local products (this can be done on a different day). You’ll also have a programme of optional excursions at the camp to choose from, such as a cooking workshop and a mediative yoga experience. Alternatively, just pick a sun lounger by the swimming pool to observe the activity around the Makhutsi River, with a cocktail in hand.

An afternoon game drive awaits following afternoon tea, providing another opportunity to spot more wildlife, like cheetahs and elephants.

This evening, you’ll sit down to a special private dinner under the star-dappled sky (weather permitting) with the sounds of nocturnal animals unfolding around you.

Another early morning wake-up is followed by a game drive with breakfast upon return to the camp. After you’ve freshened up, you can then join an anti-poaching talk, where an anti-poaching specialist will discuss the plight of poaching and the camp’s pivotal role in conserving the local wildlife.

The rest of the morning and early afternoon will be free to unwind, and later on, you’ll go on a game drive before returning in the evening after the sun has set for dinner.

This morning, you’ll go on a game drive, tuck into breakfast when you return, and then the remainder of the morning and early afternoon is free. Customise your day by joining an optional visit to a wildlife rehabilitation centre, dedicated to the conservation of endangered species and the rehabilitation of injured and poisoned animals. Here, you can see a range of baby animals, as well as leopards, lions, lynxes, eagles, vultures, and honey badgers.

A full-day excursion to the nearby Kruger National Park is also available for those who want to do some more wildlife spotting.

You’ll have another game drive in the afternoon before you savour dinner at the camp this evening.

Board the open-air vehicle again this morning for a game drive before breakfast. You’ll then join a nature specialist for a guided bush walk. As you’re led into the bush, the group will get to take in the scenery and wildlife from a different angle, learning about the endemic plants, bird species and animals.

You’ll then have some time at leisure to perhaps go on a helicopter ride over the nearby Olifant’s River Gorge or the Blyde River Canyon, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the dramatic landscape and gushing waterways from above.

Another afternoon game drive will take place this afternoon and then you’ll return for dinner.

Please note: Children aged under 16 cannot participate in the bush walk for safety reasons.

Head out for a morning game drive and have breakfast. The rest of the day is free to fit in more optional activities, such as a panorama drive along one of South Africa’s most scenic routes. Encompassing famed natural sights like Pinnacle Rock, God’s Window, one of South Africa’s most well-known vantage points (weather permitting, you can see as far as Mozambique), this excursion will also pass the Blyde River Canyon, waterfalls, and unusual rock formations, as well as colourful craft markets.

Later, you’ll venture on a game drive and return to the lodge for a gin tasting and pairing by the pool. This involves sampling locally crafted gins, complemented by different tonics and garnishes.

Wake up for a morning game drive followed by breakfast and a local community visit with a tree-planting activity. This involves planting a tree within the local community or donating a tree, a chance to leave your legacy and make a positive contribution. You can choose between planting a fruit or an indigenous sapling. While in the village, you'll also get a fascinating insight into how the local people live and their culture.

After returning to the lodge, enjoy a few hours at leisure, perhaps making use of the spa with an optional relaxing treatment after your hard work in the sun. Spa packages include full body massages, exfoliation, wraps and facials.

An afternoon game drive will then be concluded with a farewell dinner alongside your new-found friends, allowing you to reflect on the week.

Relish your final morning game drive and breakfast before you pack up and check out of the camp. In the late morning, you’ll travel back to Johannesburg airport over a journey of around five and a half hours with plenty of stops and a packed lunch.

Chisomo Safari Camp, evening dining outside

Spend a week in a luxury tented camp, surrounded by the ‘Big Five’ Karongwe Private Game Reserve

Listen to an anti-poaching talk with a local specialist and learn about the importance of conservation

Set off on foot with a guided nature walk, seeing the flora and fauna from a different angle

Take part in a tree planting activity, a chance to leave your legacy and make a positive contribution

Enjoy a tasting of local gins with different garnishes and tonics by the pool

Choose from an assortment of optional activities, bookable at the lodge, including a cooking class and yoga experience

Seven nights’ full-board accommodation at the four-star Chisomo Safari Camp, Karongwe Private Game Reserve
Seven breakfasts, seven lunches, and seven dinners with daily high teas
Seven morning game drives and seven late afternoon game drives
Sundowner on all afternoon game drives
A private dinner with a bottle of wine per table in the bush, weather permitting
Guided bush walk
Gin and tonic tasting by the pool
Hand or foot spa treatment
Anti-poaching talk
Tree-planting activity
Return flights to Johannesburg
Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced local representative and wildlife specialist
All mandatory local taxes and charges

Dates & Prices

Want to spread the cost? Choose our Easy Payment Plan.

Departure point	Departure date		Price (per person)	Availability
London Heathrow	January 2027 - November 2028		from £3132.00 pp	23 dates available
London Heathrow	03 Oct 2026 Saturday 10 days 12 Oct 2026 Monday			Sold out
London Heathrow	20 Jan 2027 Wednesday 10 days 29 Jan 2027 Friday	Late Escape	from £3438.00 was £4045.00	Hurry, selling fast!
London Heathrow	10 Feb 2027 Wednesday 10 days 19 Feb 2027 Friday	Late Escape	from £3446.00 was £4055.00	Only 6 places left!
London Heathrow	24 Mar 2027 Wednesday 10 days 02 Apr 2027 Friday		from £3446.00 was £4055.00	Only 3 places left!
London Heathrow	12 May 2027 Wednesday 10 days 21 May 2027 Friday		from £3132.00 was £3685.00	Only 3 places left!
London Heathrow	26 May 2027 Wednesday 10 days 04 Jun 2027 Friday		from £3132.00 was £3685.00	Only 2 places left!
London Heathrow	02 Jun 2027 Wednesday 10 days 11 Jun 2027 Friday		from £3132.00 was £3685.00	Only 3 places left!
London Heathrow	16 Jun 2027 Wednesday 10 days 25 Jun 2027 Friday		from £3132.00 was £3685.00	Hurry, selling fast!
London Heathrow	20 Oct 2027 Wednesday 10 days 29 Oct 2027 Friday		from £3649.00 was £4055.00	Only 4 places left!
London Heathrow	27 Oct 2027 Wednesday 10 days 05 Nov 2027 Friday		from £3429.00 was £4035.00	Hurry, selling fast!
London Heathrow	10 Nov 2027 Wednesday 10 days 19 Nov 2027 Friday		from £3446.00 was £4055.00	Hurry, selling fast!
London Heathrow	09 Feb 2028 Wednesday 10 days 18 Feb 2028 Friday		from £3727.00 was £4385.00	Hurry, selling fast!
London Heathrow	22 Mar 2028 Wednesday 10 days 31 Mar 2028 Friday		from £3727.00 was £4385.00	Hurry, selling fast!
London Heathrow	10 May 2028 Wednesday 10 days 19 May 2028 Friday		from £3404.00 was £4005.00	Only 9 places left!
London Heathrow	17 May 2028 Wednesday 10 days 26 May 2028 Friday		from £3404.00 was £4005.00	Hurry, selling fast!
London Heathrow	24 May 2028 Wednesday 10 days 02 Jun 2028 Friday		from £3404.00 was £4005.00	Hurry, selling fast!
London Heathrow	31 May 2028 Wednesday 10 days 09 Jun 2028 Friday		from £3404.00 was £4005.00	Hurry, selling fast!
London Heathrow	14 Jun 2028 Wednesday 10 days 23 Jun 2028 Friday		from £3604.00 was £4005.00	Hurry, selling fast!
London Heathrow	06 Sep 2028 Wednesday 10 days 15 Sep 2028 Friday		from £3946.00 was £4385.00	Only 3 places left!
London Heathrow	20 Sep 2028 Wednesday 10 days 29 Sep 2028 Friday		from £3727.00 was £4385.00	Hurry, selling fast!
London Heathrow	04 Oct 2028 Wednesday 10 days 13 Oct 2028 Friday		from £3727.00 was £4385.00	Hurry, selling fast!
London Heathrow	18 Oct 2028 Wednesday 10 days 27 Oct 2028 Friday		from £3946.00 was £4385.00	Only 5 places left!
London Heathrow	25 Oct 2028 Wednesday 10 days 03 Nov 2028 Friday		from £3727.00 was £4385.00	Hurry, selling fast!
London Heathrow	08 Nov 2028 Wednesday 10 days 17 Nov 2028 Friday		from £3727.00 was £4385.00	Hurry, selling fast!

Chisomo Safari Camp, Karongwe Private Game Reserve South Africa Surrounded by the ‘Big Five’ Karongwe Private Game Reserve and overlooking the Drakensberg Mountain range, this luxury tented camp looks out across the Makhutsi River.

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Depart From

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Excursions & Visits

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Meals

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10 days from £3,910 pp

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Excursions & Visits

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Depart From

1 airport
Excursions & Visits

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Meals

21 included

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Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Given that certain activities are weather-dependent, in rare circumstances the order of the itinerary may need to be altered.

When packing for a safari, it's important to keep in mind that you'll be travelling in areas where the terrain may be rough and the weather unpredictable. Therefore, it's essential to pack practical and comfortable clothing suitable for the climate, including sturdy walking shoes or boots, light layers for warm days, and warmer layers for chilly nights.

It's also worth noting that many safari vehicles have limited storage space, so it's best to use soft luggage such as duffel bags or backpacks instead of hard-shell suitcases, which can be difficult to fit into the vehicle.

In addition to clothing, it's important to bring sun protection such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as well as insect repellent and medication for any specific health needs. Finally, don't forget to pack a good camera and binoculars to capture all the incredible wildlife sightings!

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made. In many developing countries access is sometimes not as easy as at home. Should you have walking difficulties, getting around monuments and attractions may be harder and, in some cases, impossible. Should you have any concerns whatsoever please do contact us prior to travel.

Children under the age of six are not allowed on the game drives. Babysitting services and a children's programme are available (at additional cost and subject to availability).

Children aged under 16 will also be unable to participate in the bush walk for safety reasons.

A range of optional excursions are bookable at the lodge and will be offered subject to availability.

Due to timetabling constraints, those who choose to book the full-day Kruger National Park or Panorama Route Tour optional excursions will be unable to participate in the other included game drives taking place on the same days.

Guests who wish to join the optional Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre Excursion will also miss one of the game drives due to conflicting operating times.

All mandatory local taxes and charges are included in the price of your holiday as per the itinerary. Prices for any optional excursions are listed separately. Any suggested free-time activities, attractions, meals or entertainment are not included (unless otherwise stated), and may be subject to local charges. Please note that tipping is optional and as such, is typically not included in the price of your holiday (unless otherwise stated).

Offer Terms & Conditions

Save up to 15%/£2400 per couple discount applies to escorted tours only. This offer applies to new bookings only, made between 31 July and 30 September 2026, and cannot be applied retrospectively to bookings already confirmed. This offer does not apply to child pricing, holidays with late availability pricing and excludes river cruises, Wimbledon tours, Andre Rieu concert breaks and Edinburgh Tattoo. See full terms & conditions.

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On Safari in South Africa - Karongwe Game Reserve

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