AFRICAN LION & TIGER SAFARI AT A GLANCE
SOLD OUT
Includes
✓Ground Transportation
✓Accommodations
✓Park & Conservation Fees
✓Admission fees where applicable
✓Specified Meals & alcohol
✓All itinerary planned excursions
✓Tips to Staff and Guides
Excludes
✓International & Inter-Africa Flights
✓Travel Insurance
✓Optional Excursions
✓Meals not specified as included
Please Note:
In the event that certain elements of the itinerary are unable to be completed due to uncontrollable circumstances, such as dangerous conditions for boating, a suitable replacement will be arranged or a financial adjustment made in accordance with this.
LEARN ABOUT YOUR GUIDES
When people think of Africa, they think ‘Safari’. They imagine Lions and Elephants, Giraffe and Zebra. You would never expect to hear African Lion and Wild Tiger Safari in the same sentence. However, this adventure is unlike any other you have seen. Africa is so much more than the iconic species we grew up learning about. This Safari Adventure is evidence of all the aspects of South Africa you never knew about – the hidden treasures. You will quench your thirst for adventure. Discover species you never heard of, and have up close encounters you never dreamed of. Connect to nature and wildlife in profound ways. Make a difference in Conservation Projects and efforts by supporting some of the most committed initiatives around.
Explore the different legs of your African Lion & Wild Tiger Safari
This Adventure Lion & Tiger Safari will take you to places where conservation, reclamation, and protection are guiding principles behind the missions endeavoured by these highlighted destinations. Our search for Lions, Tigers, Sharks, as well as the smaller creatures, will have you understanding how these values and initiatives play a role first hand, thus adding purpose to your experience. Making a difference and supporting those projects, that seek to restore rather than destroy, is a contribution each of us makes when we celebrate their victories with our patronage. Read more here about each of the Lodges and Sanctuaries we will be visiting on our African Safari.
For clients who are Big Cat lovers and want to see the only Wild White Tigers in the world, or a photographer who has already photographed Africa’s Big 5, or keen to try a night drive using thermal imaging technology to discover the Karoo’s nocturnal wildlife, then Tiger Canyon won’t disappoint.
Tiger Canyon boasts a uniquely diverse range of wildlife including; aardwolf, aardvarks, serval, caracal, bat-eared fox, cape fox, grey mongoose, springbok and wild horses, among others.
Whilst the Karoo may appear flat, you’ll be surprised at the depth of the biodiversity, which supports an amazing array of small to large creatures, including –to name a few –zebra, blue wildebeest, warthogs, baboons, ground squirrels, jackals and antelope aplenty.
“Conservation is a state of harmony between men and land. By land is meant all of the things on, over, or in the earth. Harmony with land is like harmony with a friend; you cannot cherish his right hand and chop off his left. That is to say, you cannot love game and hate predators; you cannot conserve the waters and waste the ranges; you cannot build the forest and mine the farm. The land is one organism. Its parts, like our own parts, compete with each other and co-operate with each other. The competitions are as much a part of the inner workings as the co-operations. You can regulate them—cautiously—but not abolish them.”
— Aldo Leopold
Your Itinerary at a glance
South African Lion & Tiger Safari Overview & Highlights
Whisk yourself away for the adventure of a lifetime and join us for the African Lion & Tiger Photo Safari where we focus on endangered and iconic wildlife.
DAY 1 Arrive in Cape Town | DAY 2-3 Explore Cape Town | Day 4 Shark Cage Diving | DAY 5 Birds of Eden & Monkeyland | DAY 6 Vineyard & Spa RnR | DAY 7 – 9 Kariega Game Reserve | DAY 10-11 Mountain Zebra National Park | DAY 12-14 Tiger Canyon | DAY 15 – Flamingos @ Kamfers Dam & transfer to Kimberley airport for flight home.
Note: Some accommodations or itinerary items may not be exactly as shown if booking accessibility happens to change due to unforeseeable circumstances. In this event, a suitable and comparable selection will be made and presented to guests. The Private Game Reserves will not be changed.
Detailed Itinerary
ARRIVAL DAY
Arrive in Cape Town, South Africa. Settle into our penthouse accommodation where we will stay the next 4 nights.
DAY 1
DAY 2
To ease into your stay with a new time zone, we will start your stay off right at Truth Coffee where the atmosphere and coffee are both a site to behold. A stroll along the V&A Waterfront will lead us to a boat to join a tour of Robben Island where Nelson Mandela served his prison sentence. You will learn the history of apartheid in South Africa – critical in the understanding this land and its people. Complete the day with one of Cape Towns finest dining experience.
Top Secret Itinerary day! Adventure awaits!
DAY 3
Nothing starts a morning like a trip to the top of Table Mountain by cable car to overlook the beautiful coastline. Next we will drive Chapmans Peak – one of the most scenic stretches of road in the world – to then arrive at the Cape Point UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here we will visit Cape of Good Hope. A short walk will get you this notable landmark. We will have lunch and then set off on our stop. Next we will visit the Boulder Beach penguins. Boulders Beach is the only place in the world where you can get close to African Penguins. There are currently between 2,000 and 3,000 African Penguins at Boulders beach, but sadly they are classed as an endangered species. This is due over-fishing, habitat destruction, pollution and irresponsible tourism. We will finish the day with a Sunset Champagne Cruise and dinner on the V&A Waterfront.
DAY 4
We depart Cape Town first thing and follow the coastline along the Garden Route travelling 2.5 hours to Gansbaai. Here we will enjoy a day on the Indian Ocean for shark cage diving. This is the best spot for the Great Whites in South Africa. If going under water isn’t your thing – don’t worry – the view from the boat is as good or better. We will travel along the Garden Route to a Homestead for the night. (Meals included)
DAY 5
We start our day with the journey to Birds of Eden and Monkeyland Sanctuaries, where you can have close up encounters with some species you may never otherwise experience. You will learn about responsible and ethical rehabilitation and protection practises while enjoying the open free ranging forests for beautiful photo opportunities. Just down the road we will check into Trogen House & Forest Spa. (Breakfast & dinner included) See day 6 for details of spa options at Trogon House.
DAY 6
Today you can relax! We will operate on a more relaxed schedule. You can stay at the Trogon House, and enjoy your allotted spa and jacuzzi time, or join us at Natures Valley for an easy hike to Mermaids Cove for spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. We will enjoy dinner at the Trogon House. (All meals and select alcoholic beverages included). Spa options included: A two hour private use of the spa/jacuzzi including a 60 minute full body couples massage OR 2 hours of treatments including 75 minutes massage, 30 minute foot massage, and a 15 minute body brushing, with no spa time.
DAY 7
Today we drive to Kariega Game Reserve. Relax to the tranquility of the African bush in the lush wonderland of the Eastern Cape – the third most bio-diverse area in the world with the highest historical density of elephants in Africa. Your safari experience will centre around game drives encountering wild African game including lion, elephant, rhino and more. A range of other safari activities await such as guided bush walks and river cruises. As the sun sets, enjoy sundowners on the deck before heading to the outdoor boma for a sumptuous meal illuminated by soft candlelight and a roaring fire. (All meals included and select alcoholic beverages)
DAY 8 & 9
Morning in the African bush comes early! After a quick coffee we will set out on our morning safari. Going right before sunrise allows us the best chance on finding active predators. A view of the morning glory sun is always a beautiful African moment. Partway through our drive we will stop for morning coffee in the bush where you can enjoy coffee South African style – with a little Amarula in it. After our drive we will be served breakfast and then provided a few hours for some of that precious RnR. In addition to Lunch and the repeat of the afternoon game drive and dinner service, optional Nature Walks can be arranged, as well as arranging a River Cruise in place of a safari one day. (All meals included and select alcoholic beverages)
DAY 10 & 11
After our final morning game drive and breakfast, we will depart and travel to the Mountain Zebra National Park. Invigorating crystal clear air, beautiful scenery, tranquil ambience and an abundance of wildlife offer you a special and personal African wilderness experience. This is one of the South Africa National Parks where you will stay as a group for 2 nights in a Family Cottage. Over these two days you will have the options for a number of excursions should you choose to partake, include Cheetah Tracking, a Salpeterkop hike, visit San Cave paintings, go on a guided morning walk, sunrise or sunset safari, or just enjoy the tranquility of the bush.
DAY 12
We depart today to our final destination. You can sleep in or join a morning safari. After departure, we will travel 4 hours to arrive at Tiger Canyon. Once checked into our exclusive use Tigress Julie Lodge, you will enjoy your first Wild Tiger Safari where you can have your own row of seats if you are sporting a big camera lens so you never have to worry which side the cats are on. After safari you will be served 5 star Karoo Cuisine before heading off to your oasis. View Tigress Julie Lodge in more detail here.
DAY 13 & 14
Quick coffee to start and we are off to your morning Tiger Safari! Although the Tigers and Cheetahs are the stars of the show, they are supported by an amazing array of animals that call Tiger Canyon home. If you are lucky, you could see the African wild cat, the black footed cat, leguaan, water mongoose, porcupine or snakes such as the puff adder and cape cobra. The night-prowlers include the aardvark, aardwolf, serval, bat-eared fox, cape fox, springhare and a variety of scorpions. We will also take a drive to the Cheetah section of the canyon where you may experience an off vehicle encounter with these iconic cats and take eye level photography in a beautiful landscape. An evening drive using night vision technology, or a canyon hike are additional excursions available if you are keen. (All meals included and select alcoholic beverages)
DAY 15
After our final morning Tiger Safari, we depart Tiger Canyon and head to Kimberley, a town about 3 hours away. Before your flight back to Cape Town, you get the special treat of viewing the Flamingos at Kamfers Dam. This is one of only 4 breeding areas in South Africa for the Flamingo, and one of the only for the Lesser Flamingo. This is where we part ways as we see you off to make you way back home – or maybe just back to check more off the list in Cape Town before you take the long journey home. (Breakfast included)
Bengal Tiger Conservation Project at Tiger Canyon
Everyone knows tigers are not meant to be in Africa. However, the plight of the tiger in Asia has reached a point where something radical had to be done. The wild tiger is one of the 10 most endangered species in the world. 5 of the 6 remaining subspecies of tiger are critically endangered (less than 500 remaining) as classified on the IUCN’s Red Data list of Threatened Species. 3 sub-species are already extinct. So that’s why the founder John Varty established this ex-situ project nearly 20 years ago. South Africa has tremendous big cat expertise, has available land with ideal prey species (food), and has a tourism industry which cherishes wildlife and fenced game reserves to protect animals from human encroachment.
Today Tiger Canyon has the only population of wild tigers in the world outside of Asia. Phase 1 of the Tiger Canyon experiment is complete; they have proven that captive born tigers can be re-wilded and that tigers can adapt to African conditions and prey species. In 2013 they were the first Free State reserve to re-introduce wild cheetah who are now thriving. They proudly work closely with the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) to provide wild born, wild raised cheetah to boost the South African meta-population and have to date supplied 6 cheetah to various reserves around the country.
CONSERVATION INITIATIVES
Kariega Game Lodge , it has to be said, is one of those pioneers in the development of a unique conservation project. As recently as 25 years ago, the existing Kariega Game Reserve was owned by 15 different farmers. With this reality at the forefront of their minds, it would be accurate to say that the gradual growth and development of the now expansive 10,000 hectare reserve is one of the most accomplished conservation projects in the Eastern Cape. Habitat expansion and restoration is essential to the survival of many wild and endangered species and the current focus for many conservationists.
In 2021, Kariega Game Reserve received the donation of a critical piece of habitat carrying significant conservation benefits for elephant and rhino in particular. Today, Kariega Game Lodge is an internationally renowned Big 5 private game reserve set in 10,000 hectares of pristine African wilderness incorporating the picturesque Kariega and Bushmans river. Kariega Game Reserve is also the home of Thandi – a now famous female poached rhino who against the odds, survived. Not only that, but she was pregnant and successfully delivered little ‘Thembi’. Here you will endeavour to experience the most iconic of wildlife on your Big 5 African Safari.
Kariega Game Reserve is surrounded by impoverished African communities and is the largest employer in the Kenton-on-Sea area. They are committed to conservation, responsible tourism, social upliftment and sustainable use of resources. The Kariega Foundation, a non-profit trust, was born out of the desire to contribute to the upliftment of local communities, sustainable wildlife management and conservation. The Foundation works in collaboration with Kariega Game Reserve in these key areas.
Tiger Canyon Private Game Reserve is home to Bengal Tigers living wild and free. They establish their own territories, are free to hunt their prey and create their own family groups. These tigers are proudly in Africa as part of an ex-situ project; to save a species outside its normal home range. At Tiger Canyon, tigers thrive. The spectacular Karoo landscape offers tigers a variety of wildlife on which to prey, as well as a vast space to establish their own territories, without human interference, making it ideal for a Tiger Safari.
In addition to the Tiger initiatives, Cheetah are also a prime focus at Tiger Canyon. Due to the encroachment of sheep farming, there have been no free-roaming cheetahs in the Free State since the early 1900s. Tiger Canyons cheetahs are the first to return to their indigenous habitat in over 100 years. Tiger Canyon Private Game Reserve is a member of the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Metapopulation Project, whereby our cheetah offspring are relocated to other reserves within the Metapopulation in a bid to help increase the cheetah numbers and keep the genetics clean.
Birds of Eden is the world’s largest free flight aviary and bird sanctuary. The mesh dome of the sanctuary was built over 2.3 hectares (5.7 acres) of indigenous forest, and is up to 55 metres (180 ft) above ground level. The enclosure was built over indigenous forest and includes a natural gorge with a waterfall. Birds of Eden is one of the four Sanctuaries under The South African Animal Sanctuary Alliance (SAASA). Birds of Eden is home to about 3500 or more birds comprising of 220 species. The bird inhabitants comprise a mixture of exotic as well African birds (50/50).
This is not a sanctuary, but rather, a free flight safe haven in a natural environment for previously caged, injured, and surrendered birds and pets. Touching birds is strictly prohibited.
Role of Birds of Eden in nature conservation: To maintain and protect genetically pure species of various Taxa in a semi wild state, housed in free-flight habitats that are not un-similar to those of the animal’s home ranges. To one day hold the seeds of these Taxa that can be reintroduced back into the wild when the circumstances are right.
Monkeyland, in Plettenberg Bay, is the world’s first free-roaming multi-species primate sanctuary in a 23 hectare hidden forest. Here you will be taken on a guided walking tour during which your guide will help you look for the multiple species of free-roaming primates. These include capuchin monkeys, ringtail and black-and-white ruffed lemurs, buff-cheeked gibbons, squirrel monkeys, black howler monkeys and spider monkeys in their forest home. 11 primate species species that have previously been kept in cages or zoos, as pets, or in laboratories make up the populations at Monkeyland.
Monkeyland has a strict no-touch policy. Their mission is that guests leave Monkeyland with a greater understanding of primates and the threats and challenges they are facing both in captivity and in the wild. One of their main goals is to educate the public about the harmful effects of the pet-play-and-pay industry and the adverse effects of keeping wild animals as pets, in terms of both physical and psychological health. Also important is to teach visitors about the rapid decline of natural habitats due to logging, mining, agriculture and human settlements. Primates are not bred here.
The experiences we create aren’t just about the photographic opportunities, the accommodation and the overall experience. Our desire to effect change runs a lot deeper than that.
We are firm believers in the conservation and protection of the incredible wild places that we are so fortunate to enjoy alongside our guests. Habitat loss and human interference have created so many critical scenarios for countless species. However, through awareness, providing support, and sharing that learning, we can all play a role in restoring these lands to what nature intended. These values are present in this African Lion & Tiger Safari.
We also believe in the ethical treatment of animals and showing that they may be enjoyed without putting them in harms way. The standards and values of every wildlife facility or reserve that we visit has been scrutinized for its focus on conservation and rehabilitation.
Having your port o’call be Cape Town, if you choose to extend your trip, you will have plenty of locations nearby to indulge in some beach time or additional sight seeing. For assistance with additional travel plans we are are happy to help! Temperatures at this time of year will be 22C/13C. There are so many attractions to still see and do, so be sure to get it all in while you are there.
PHOTO TOUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS
