Africa…the word alone conjures up images of vast, ancient landscapes teaming with herds of Antelope, Zebra, Giraffe and more. Join Wild Latitudes on a journey into the heart of South Africa and witness for yourself some of the most amazing wildlife on Earth while experiencing nature in the raw as it can only be found in Africa.

We’ll fly first to Johannesburg, then travel on to the small town of Hoedspruit in the north. From there we will travel into the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, famous for the rich diversity of species that roam and/or fly within its borders. Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Lion are all active here, as well as the highly endangered Black Rhinoceros. Klaserie is also home to literally hundreds of species of birds, and we’re likely to encounter the Southern Carmine Bee-eater, the African Fish Eagle, the Red-billed and Yellow-billed Hornbills, and the unique Hamerkop, just to name a few.

The best way to experience the African bush is on foot, and we’ll have the rare opportunity to do just that when we go on walking safari with one of the most knowledgeable and experienced naturalists in all of South Africa. For five nights and day we’ll be based at a secluded tent-camp on the banks of the Klaserie Rivers, and from here you will live and breathe Africa in a way that few now get to do. There will be no fence to between you and the wild animals that have roamed this land for millennium. We’ll even go one step further, and spend a night out far from camp, bedding down under the African stars, where each of us will take a turn, alone, at fire watch….

The next segment of the trip will take us into Kruger National Park, one of the most famous wildlife parks in the world. Staying in comfortable cottages in several different bush camps located within the park, we'll explore Kruger in search of Lion, Leopard and any and all species of birds. Kruger N.P. is larger than the State of Connecticut, and it yields wildlife viewing that is simply magical.

Finally, for those on the extension, we spend our last 3 days in Cape Town, considered by many the most beautiful city in sub-Saharan Africa. We’ll spend the first morning birding the city’s famous Kirstenbocsh National Botanical Gardens, then in the afternoon, we’ll take the cable car to the top of majestic Table Mountain that overlooks this grand city. Next we visit the local craft market, then dine at one of the wonderful restaurants that Cape Town has to offer. The next day we’ll head for the Cape of Good Hope, visiting West Coast National Park and a colony of rare African Penguins along the way. While here, we'll get a close look at the unique flora of the Cape region, which is one of the oldest bio-regions in the world.

If you have always dreamed of experiencing Africa, this trip will deliver. Group is limited to 9 participants, plus leaders.

EXTENSION TRIP: Cape Town! Extend your South Africa adventure with our Cape Town Extension—an unforgettable finale blending world-class scenery, birding, and culture in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Based in charming Hout Bay, we’ll bird the famous Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, ride the cable car to the top of majestic Table Mountain, and browse local craft markets before enjoying Cape Town’s excellent dining scene. We’ll also explore the spectacular Cape Peninsula, including the iconic Cape of Good Hope, with opportunities to see African Penguins and experience the unique flora of the Cape region, one of the oldest and most remarkable bio-regions on Earth.

Itinerary at a Glance

Oct 9: Arrive Johannesburg

Arrive in Johannesburg and transfer to the Sunrock Guest House near the airport for a restful first night before the adventure begins.

Oct 10: Travel to Klaserie Reserve

Fly/travel to Hoedspruit, meet your trip leader, transfer to camp in the Klaserie Reserve, and head out for your first game drive.

Oct 10–14: Klaserie Reserve Safari & Birding

Spend five days immersed in the African bush with game drives, birding, and the rare opportunity for guided walking safaris. Evenings end with classic “sundowners” in camp.

Oct 15: Transfer to Kruger National Park

Depart Klaserie and enter Kruger National Park, beginning a multi-day exploration of one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. Optional night drives may be available.

Oct 16: Kruger NP Game Drive & Birding

Early morning game drive to maximize chances for predators and other wildlife, with birding and stops throughout the day.

Oct 17: Kruger NP Game Drive & Birding

Another early start in this game-rich region for birding and wildlife viewing.

Oct 18: Kruger NP Game Drive & Birding

Full day in Kruger with focus on new targets, especially birds, including the iconic Secretarybird.

Oct 19: Kruger NP (Southbound to Lower Sabie)

Travel south through Kruger to Lower Sabie, with excellent chances for major predators including lion, leopard, and African wild dog.

Oct 20: Kruger NP Game Drive & Birding

Explore prime habitat around rivers and waterholes for megafauna and birdlife, with chances for hippo, cheetah, hyena, elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard, and lion.

Oct 21: Depart Kruger

Final game drive en route to Nelspruit Airport. Main tour participants connect onward via Johannesburg; extension participants fly to Cape Town.

EXTENSION TRIP Oct 21–24

Oct 21: Travel to Cape Town

Fly from Nelspruit to Cape Town, transfer to Hout Bay, settle in, and enjoy dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

Oct 22: Botanical Gardens, Table Mountain & Markets

Morning birding in Cape Town’s famous Botanical Gardens, then Table Mountain (weather permitting) and local craft markets.

Oct 23: Cape of Good Hope & Penguin Colony

Visit the Cape of Good Hope, then a nearby African Penguin colony, with more spectacular scenery and a local dinner.

Oct 24: Head Home / Extend Stay

Breakfast and possible final market stop before airport transfers for flights home (or optional additional stay in Africa).

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Guiding services
• Double-occupancy lodging
• Ground and water transportation
• Breakfasts and lunches
• Excursions and park fees

YOUR GUIDE

A true lover of the natural world, Steve Robertson has been a student of nature his entire life. First, as a little boy, who caught every creature he could for the mini zoo he kept in the garage, then later as an adult, leading scientific research expeditions into some of the most remote regions of the world, searching for rare species in such places as Tasmania, Madagascar and the upper Amazon Basin. With degrees in Wildlife Biology, advanced biology & education, Steve has worked in the field of Environmental Education for over 30 years. From 1998 to 2017, he served as the Education Director for the Audubon Society of Portland, creating a number of innovative programs including International Ecotours, a program that has won hundreds of accolades from around the country. During his time with Audubon, Steve personally designed and led Ecotours to over 20 countries, spanning six continents.