8 Day Timbavati, Sabi Sands & Joburg Holiday Review

Pre-trip – Diane from Discover Africa was our P.O.C. and she was extremely helpful as well as knowledgeable. Providing us with a lot of useful information since this was our first time engaging a company to help us plan a safari. She was also very prompt in her replies to any emails we sent.

Arrival – Was met by a representative upon exiting the plane and was accompanied through immigration (no special treatment just regular immigration procedure). He was there to ensure we met up with our driver. Our driver then brought us (upon request) to get a sim card before sending us to a smaller airport to await our departure to the game reserve. The lounge was comfortable and well-stocked with snacks and drinks. There were ample sitting areas and well-maintained restrooms.

Our flight to the game reserve departed approx. 5-6 hours after we touched down in Joburg (this is due to the arrival time of our international flight from Singapore), we took a small 10 seater plane which made 3 stops (ours was the 3rd). Smooth flight with no issues

Stay at King’s Camp – Met up with a driver from the King’s Camp to take us to our accommodations. The rooms were very well done, with a large bed, an indoor and outdoor shower, his and hers sinks, a nice bathtub that was prepped every evening for a nice soak, and a good selection of complimentary alcohol (brandy, vodka, whiskey, gin, beer, etc) in the room. The lodge had friendly staff and very experienced guides/drivers and trackers. We were quite fortunate to see the Big 5 (Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant, and Cape Buffalo) on our first drive. The remaining 2.5 days at the camp were very relaxing and comfortable with 2 game drives a day. Each game drive had a short tea break out in the bush. Meals were delicious but not too much African cuisine in the selection except for one night when we had a Boma. However, upon request, the Chef was kind enough to prepare some for us on our last night there.

Transfer to and stay at Leopard Hills camp – Had a comfortable drive to our next camp. around 2.5 hrs journey with a short bio break at a mall in one of the towns we passed. The driver was very considerate, making sure we were comfortable during the ride. The Leopard Hills accommodation was very nice as well. with a huge balcony overlooking the bush. The amenities were similar to King’s camp, but due to the location of the lodge, the restaurant’s outdoor seating had a nice view of a watering hole where you could sit and watch animals. Don’t expect huge herds though. Game drives and meals were similar to the other lodge. We also had a Boma, and a few more options of game meat for other meals.

Overall it was a great experience and we will definitely engage Discover Africa again if we intend to explore other safari options

Jon travelled to South Africa in May and wrote the 8 Day Timbavati, Sabi Sands & Joburg Holiday Review on 29 May 2023

The trip included: Timbavati Photographic Safaris Sabi Sand Photographic Safaris Discovering Johannesburg Big Five Safaris in Africa Luxury Safaris Kings Camp Leopard Hills Private Game Lodge Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa

Safari planned by: Diane Du Plessis