Day 1

Day 2

After an early breakfast (depart at 7AM) you will head north, towards the west of Pretoria, to the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Center. Transfer time approximately 45 minutes.

On arrival enjoy watching a “cheetah run” as the cheetah put their extreme speed on show, chasing a lure! Then it is time for an ambassador hands on experience…. feel the cheetah’s hair on your hands as you listen to it purring…

Afterwards you will be taken on a private tour of the facility. During the tour you will not only learn about the many interesting animals and birds at the center, but also about their conservation and management issues, from your local guide and accompanying wildlife veterinarian. Guests will also visit the small veterinary hospital and discuss the veterinary management of animals at the center/in captivity.

The Ann van Dyk Cheetah and Wildlife Center is renowned for its breeding success of rare and endangered species in captivity. The very rare King Cheetah was first bred here and similar success was achieved in breeding the Wild Dog, Brown Hyena, Blue Duiker, Suni Antelope and various species of vultures. Visitors to the center can see some of these animals up close and learn interesting facts about their nature, habitat and way of life when taking a tour in an open vehicle, conducted by a knowledgeable guide. The center is a CITES approved cheetah breeding center.

In the last few decades this sanctuary near Pretoria has played a crucial role in the survival of the magnificent cheetah and it remains a crucial center for breeding African animals that are on the brink of extinction. The center was opened in 1971 by founder Ann van Dyk who volunteered her parents’ chicken farm when the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa ran out of space to continue their captive breeding programs. It is now a world renowned research center.

To its credit this cheetah sanctuary has managed to breed over 800 cheetahs since the inception of the program, when the total wild population in South Africa was estimated at only 700. The Ann van Dyk Cheetah Center has also decisively proven that these captive bred cats can fend for themselves in the African bush.

Besides cheetah rehabilitation, the center has also successfully bred African wild dog, brown hyena and Cape vulture. Particular highlights include the breeding and release of captive born, highly endangered African wild dogs into their natural habitat, the breeding of the rare riverine rabbit for donation to the Karoo National Park and the breeding of Suni antelope for the Kruger National Park.

After the activities, enjoy lunch at the center and a visit to the curio shop….

If there are any elective veterinary procedures scheduled, these may be included in the program for today – subject to confirmation. We will work to have a procedure scheduled for this day.

After the tour and talk, transfer back to the lodge for some leisure time before

dinner at 7PM in the lodge restaurant.

Please have your bags packed tonight, in preparation for a very early check out tomorrow.

Day 3

Today will be a very early start…. but well worth it! After a quick cup of tea or coffee, it’s time to check out. Depending on the weather conditions, you will be transferred at 5:30AM to the nearby launch site for Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris – approximately a 15 minute transfer.

Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris has been operating as a legally licensed balloon Air Transport Service since 1981. It is a family business run by Bill Harrop, his wife Mary, and daughter Sarah, working in partnership with over 60 full time, part time, contract and casual staff.

Only qualified and experienced professional pilots are employed, and over five thousand very happy passengers a year are testimony to their professional attitude in entertaining you to one of the most memorably enjoyable experiences of your life.

Bill firmly believes that attention to service excellence and a commitment to care for one’s community will build a better nation, especially through education, and he was a recognized “Platinum Benefactor” of the Tourism Education Trust.

After a hot cup of tea/coffee and biscuits, served from the beautifully appointed clubhouse pavilion, you will set out on your flight at sunrise…

Your flight will be approximately an hour over the Magalies River Valley which boasts some of the best ballooning weather in the world.

Enjoy a celebratory glass of sparkling wine on landing whilst the professional crew pack up the balloons, and afterwards, a delectable breakfast will be served from the clubhouse pavilion and restaurant overlooking the beautiful Magalies Mountains.

After breakfast, it’s time to head back to Johannesburg International Airport for your flight into the Lowveld of South Africa– another adventure awaits. Transfer time approximately 1.25 hours.

On arrival check in for your flight to Hoedspruit airport – to be advised (flight cost included in the program). Flight time approximately 1 hour.

After landing and collecting your luggage, you will be met by a representative of Southern Sky Adventures and transferred to your next destination – a private game lodge in the Timbavati Game Reserve.

Even though you know that Africa and South Africa offers so much more than the Big Five, the familiar images of these iconic five animals soon begin playing in your mind: lions roaring; elephants trumpeting; buffaloes lurking in long grass; rhinos standing stately under a thorn tree; leopards prowling in the gathering darkness….you’ve seen the Big Five in books and you’ve seen them on TV, but now it’s time for the real thing, and so much more…..

Check in and enjoy some leisure time, before heading out late afternoon on a private guided game drive, in an open game viewing vehicle. You will be accompanied by your local guide and wildlife veterinarian (provided he has arrived in time since he will follow by road with the veterinary equipment!).

Enjoy sundowners in a scenic location in the bush, as the sun slowly sinks beneath the horizon and then slowly make your way back to the lodge, looking out for nocturnal species on route.

Freshen up back at the lodge before dinner in camp, and a good night’s rest, listening to the night sounds of Africa.

Day 4

As dawn breaks over the African bush, a gentle tap on your door will wake you to the delights of a new day. After morning tea/coffee and rusks, it’s time to head out on your morning game drive, looking for the many species of wildlife that abound in the reserve.

Not only can one expect to see different species at different times of the day, but they may also be busy with different activities/behavior…… so each drive is a chance to discover something new!

Enjoy a coffee break while out on drive, and head back to the lodge mid- morning for a delicious breakfast.

If you wish, you can walk off your breakfast on a short walk near your lodge, accompanied by your ranger, who will share his insight into the smaller animals and vegetation in the area – subject to availability/pending the lodge you are at.

On some of the days there will be informative talks on the veterinary procedures to come, focusing on general principals and conservation issues, instead of leisure time.

Enjoy some leisure time before high tea mid afternoon.

After high tea you head out on another game drive, in search of species not yet seen!

Return to your lodge early evening to freshen up and experience a mouth- watering dinner beneath the magnificent African sky, and some African tales around the campfire…..

Day 5

Day 6

1111