The big 5 and more: showcasing south africa's diversity

South Africa is a nation of abundance, with an incredible variety of animal and bird life. Embark on the ultimate safari expedition to seek out as many of these fascinating creatures as possible, all while living in the lap of luxury.


When to go
Jul-Dec
From Price
£18,500 PP*
Ideal Length
9 Nights



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Experience Highlights

  • Discover three ultimate locations across South Africa for a range of safari experiences that encompass the widest variety of wildlife and bird species in the country.
  • Explore the Cape Floral Kingdom for an introduction to the unique botanicals of the region, before taking to the sea to spot marine life such as sharks, seals, dolphins, penguins and southern right whales.
  • Spot leopards in abundance at Londolozi, as well as the other renowned members of the Big 5, and indulge in holistic wellness treatments and bush dining experiences.
  • Traverse the Kalahari Desert in search of fantastically elusive mammals, including pangolin, bat-eared foxes and black-maned lions, accompanied by an expert naturalist guide.

Diversity is something that South Africa has in spades, with a melting pot of cultures, languages and traditions, to an even more varied ecological range of landscapes. From mountainous thickets and coastal forests to semi-arid deserts and the totally unique fynbos biome, these incredibly distinct habitats are some of the most wide-ranging in the world in terms of their flora and fauna. There is perhaps nowhere better to embark on the ultimate safari expedition to seek out as many of these fascinating creatures as humanly possible – without sacrificing the luxury of the experience, of course.

Grootbos Nature Reserve: The Marine Five

Begin your adventure in the coastal Overberg region, where Grootbos Nature Reserve presents a unique opportunity to explore both land and sea. Boasting two exquisite private villas that provide the perfect base from which to set out and uncover the reserve alongside your dedicated guide and a space of over 3,500 hectares of wild land to discover, three nights here almost doesn’t seem like enough.

Bursting with colour, this area is known as the Cape Floral Kingdom and is utterly brought to life through a one-of-a-kind botanical safari which will see you introduced to the unique flora and fauna that surrounds you. Head out to the majestic shoreline and beyond for a chance to sight some of the Marine Five (southern right whale, great white shark, bottlenose dolphin, African penguin and the Cape fur seal) in their natural habitat, playing in the waves or basking in the sun. Marvel at this aquatic wonderland as you try to keep up in your vessel, all the while learning from the team of marine biologists who study these amazing creatures.

Londolozi Game Reserve: The Big Five

Continue your journey to the heartland of safari in South Africa, the Sabi Sand Reserve, where you will visit one of the original pioneering lodges renowned for their unmatched density of leopards, Londolozi Game Reserve. Here, you will have the chance to embark on the quintessential safari experience as you rise early in the morning to adventure alongside your guide and tracker, both of whom are experts at interpreting and translating the tracks and signs of the bushveld and creating opportunities for you to be blown away by nature’s beauty at every turn. Leopards are in abundance, as are lions, buffalo, elephant, and rhino, not to mention plentiful plains game and birdlife, making this an excellent opportunity to increase your tally. In between drives, delight in wellness treatments at the renowned Healing House, enjoy a yoga class, edit your shots from the day at the photographic editing studio or sip fine wines around the campfire in the evenings.

Tswalu Kalahari Reserve: The Elusive Five

Two easy light aircraft flights will see you landing in the geographically spectacular Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, a vast wilderness that boasts the largest privately protected area in South Africa. Whilst also home to many of the endemic species, the highlight of staying here is the chance to spot what are fondly referred to as ‘The Elusive Five’. As the name suggests, these are the rare and coveted members of the animal kingdom in this region, and sightings are by no means guaranteed. However, the aardvark, pangolin, brown hyena, aardwolf and bat-eared fox should all definitely be featured on your wish list. With three amazing and intimate lodge options to choose from, the most recent addition being the beautifully designed Loapi Tented Camp, the reserve is just waiting to be explored and enjoyed.

At the end of your visit, you will have a complete picture of the splendour on display across these incredible South African destinations. Each property has been carefully selected for both their location and the exceptional level of guiding that Pelorus is able to arrange, something which is undoubtedly the highlight of this safari adventure, along with the impressive number of species to add to your now ever-growing compilation.

Where to Stay

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Londolozi, South Africa

Tswalu Kalahari Reserve

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