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Our trip starts in one of the oldest tribal kingdoms on the African continent, Zululand. Deep in the rolling hills of this beautiful regions lies a series of lodges known as Manyoni and Thanda safari. It’s a delightful Big 5 safari, but also a wonderfully enriching experience, learning about the Zulu culture. From there we spend 3 leisurely days over Shabbat on the shores of the Indian Ocean, in a famous hotel with lots of character and opulence, which is within walking distance of a Shul. {You don’t have to be a beach goer to enjoy the history, the hospitality and the stunning location right on the beachfront.}
Our final 2 nights are spent in the most iconic private safari aread on the continent, Sabi Sands.
Savanna lodge is ideal for a superb follow up Big 5 safari, in a totally different eco system to the first safari in Zululand.
Starts everyMonday at Johannesburg International Airport, and ends the nextWednesdayback at Johannesburg International Airport. This is not a group tour, but a private tour for 2 or more guests wanting the flexibility of going at their own pace, staying in WORLD class, smaller owner-run accommodations with a high focus on privacy and personal attention.
“Everything we needed was taken care of by the very helpful and friendly staff, including all kosher meals and safari drives. We only eat kosher and there was a full kosher kitchen where the chef made us delicious kosher food. What more can I say? If you are seeking an amazing place to stay, this is it!” - Doni & Ruth Stern, Israel
1. 1 night at a Boutique Hotel in Johannesburg elite suburbs, near to a lovely Shul and close to the largest urban forest in a city in the world. The tree lined streets come alive with the colour purple, when the famous Jacaranda’s bloom every October. ( The Residence, visuals are already in the library)
2. 3 Nights at a top-class safari Lodge in either Manyoni or Thanda safari reserves, a 1-hour flight south east of Johannesburg - full board + (dinner, bed, breakfast, lunch, and daily safaris) ( Rhino Sands OR Thanda Safari lodge) Rhino Sands: Luxury Tented Camp - KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Thanda Safari Lodge | Thanda Luxury Private Game Reserve
3. 3 Nights at a Beachfront hotel, overlooking the Indian ocean, in a Jewish neighbourhood - dinner, bed, breakfast, walking distance from a Shul. ( Oyster box) The Oyster Box, Luxury Hotel Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
4. 2 Nights at a beautiful Big 5 safari Lodge close in the Sabi Sands, - full board + (dinner, bed, breakfast, lunch, and daily safaris)- Savanna Lodge.
6 January 2024 – 1 December 2024: From U$ 7935 per person sharing
* Please note the rates are subject to currency fluctuation between the ZAR and the US Dollar. Prices are based on the current exchange rate at the time of publishing. If the exchange rate fluctuates significantly, we reserve the right to adjust the price accordingly.
Many people do not realise that South Africa offers a wide array of safari regions, cultures, and hence limit their choices down to a one stop safari. However, to those who live here, we know that many of the other reserves offer excellent safaris, and those with children, travel to these “hidden gems” and enjoy just as good a safari experience, plus fascinating cultures and amazing variations in scenery between the first and second safari experiences we have handpicked here in this package.
10 Days , 2 unique safaris
5 Star Accommodation
Big 5
Iconic Indian ocean front hotel
Fascinating Zulu culture
Big 5
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Arrive at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg in the afternoon. Your transfer from the hotel will collect you at International Arrivals and transfer you to your hotel in Houghton. Kosher dinner is available at the hotel. Overnight at The Residence.
OR Tambo International Airport [JNB] to The Residence Johannesburg
- Check In The Residence Johannesburg
- Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
- 1x Luxury Room
- Airport transfer
- Dinner
- Luxury accommodation
- Mini bar with complimentary soft drinks
- Complimentary sherry decanters
- Complimentary High-Speed Wifi
- Jacuzzi’s / Hot Tubs in selected Suites
- Fireplaces in selected Suites
- Complimentary Cake / Muffin of the day
- Complimentary Tea and Coffee (Nespresso Machines in rooms/suites)
- Soft drinks, local beers, selected house spirits & house wines
- Premium and Imported wines, spirits, liquors, cigars and champagnes
- Laundry and dry cleaning
- Curio Shop Purchases and items of a personal nature
- Spa Treatments
- Private dining options available on request
- Honeymoon / Romantic turndown (can be arranged on request)
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- Breakfast, then transfer to OR Tambo Airport, for your flight to Richards Bay.
- Fly Johannesburg to Richards Bay 10h35- 11h45.
- Your transfer by road will take approx 90 minutes to Thanda ( or Rhino Sands).
- Arrive around 14h00, for a welcome lunch. 15h30, your afternoon game drive will head out and return by sunset ( between 17h00 and 19h00 depending on the season.
- Welcome dinner at 19h30, and introduction to some of the Zulu traditions in terms of hospitality, greetings and cultural norms.
The Residence Johannesburg to OR Tambo International Airport [JNB]
OR Tambo International Airport [JNB] to Richards Bay Airport [RCB]
Richards Bay Airport [RCB] to Thanda Safari Lodge
- Check In Thanda Safari Lodge ( or Rhino Sands)
- Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch1x Suite
- Kosher breakfast
- Airport transfer
- Thanda Safari Lodge/ or Rhino Sands: Luxury accommodation, two game drives per day with professional guide and tracker, all meals and selected local beverages (soft drinks, house wines, local spirits, and beers), - bush walks with specialist walking guides, minibar, wifi, and laundry. Conservation Levy per person per stay. Transfers to/from the safari reserve.
- Spa treatments
- Cellar wines, champagnes, all imported spirits and beers
- Curios, gratuities, and telephone calls
Situated in the rich wildlife area of South Africa’s northern KwaZulu Natal (KZN) is one of Africa’s most luxurious safari destinations, Thanda Safari. This multi-award-winning, Big Five private game reserve spanning 14,000 hectares offers four unique safari accommodation options: Thanda Safari Lodge, Villa iZulu, Thanda Tented Camp, and The Royal Thanda Club by Thanda Safari, each one an absolute dream to experience.
Thanda’s dedicated team of wildlife guides and trackers lead guests on an adventure into the reserve’s plains, valleys, and mountains in search of the legendary Big Five and all the extraordinary wildlife that can be seen on an African Safari.
In addition to offering guests an unforgettable safari experience, what sets Thanda Safari apart is the embracing of Zulu people and Zulu culture – one of the most enigmatic, powerful, enduring cultures in the world. Thanda Safari is committed to the socio-economic empowerment of the local Zulu communities.
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- Morning and afternoon safari drives in the Thanda reserve, or the Manyoni reserve.
- We will also enjoy a safari drive in the afternoon and go up the hills, for a stunning panorama of this beautiful eco system that has been in the care and custodianship of Zulu's for many centuries.
- Or you can depart with your Zulu guide and a 4x4 safari vehicle for transfers to the local Zulu village, chieftain, as an optional extra. Return for dinner to lodge.
Thanda Safari Private Game Reserve
Thanda Safari LodgeFull Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch1x Suite
NB: Should Thanda be full, or entering a refurb phase from 1 July 2025, we will replace this with the neighboring lodge called Rhino Sands Safari camp. A lovely well established and respected newer safari lodge, that is owner run. The personalized service, great wildlife viewing and amazing designs of the suites are something to behold.
This morning, as an optional extra, you have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be in close contact with a rhino. Witness the darting of this prehistoric animal and assist the wildlife team in notching the sedated rhino for identification and research purposes, before releasing it back into the wild. The price of U$ 2000 includes the helicopter that is used in locating the rhino, as well as all costs involved in the darting, genetic sampling, and notching.
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- Today you wake up to go and enjoy an early game drive, return for breakfast, and have time to relax.
- Optional experience in the late morning.
- Perhaps join us , especially if you have children, or enjoy the educational side of conservation, and enjoy the amazing elephant connection experience at 11 am and return at 13:00. (Optional Extra)
- Meet the majestic Rambo and Rachel – habituated elephants who were rescued after their herd was culled. Experience the thrill and privilege of getting up close to these elephants and be educated about the plight of the mighty African Elephant.
- When the elephants are not greeting visitors, they are roaming freely within the Manyoni Game Reserve with their keepers by their side. You will return for a final farewell dinner, with traditional Zulu drummers and dancers (Optional extra).
Thanda Safari Private Game Reserve
Thanda Safari LodgeFull Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch1x Suite
Thanda Safari Lodge has nine self-contained suites, each with a lavish living space, heated plunge pool, and outside ‘sala’ or resting area overlooking the reserve. The circular design of the suites pays homage to the region’s Zulu culture where traditional homesteads are circular in design. The suites are far enough from one other for privacy but without feeling isolated.
Thanda Safari Lodge’s central dining and gathering area includes an inviting lounge, expansive deck, and library overlooking a waterhole, private business area, cigar bar, and impressive wine cellar.
! Should Thanda be full, or entering a refurb phase from 1 July 2025, we will replace this with the neighboring lodge called Rhino Sands Safari camp. A lovely well established and respected newer safari lodge, that is owner run. The personalized service, great wildlife viewing and amazing designs of the suites are something to behold.
5
After breakfast, a 3-hour road transfer to Umhlanga, to The Oyster Box, right on the beach. Afternoon to relax and prepare for Shabbat.
Thanda Safari Lodge to The Oyster Box
- Check In The Oyster Box
- Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
- 1x Classic Sea Facing Rooms
- Road transfer
- Shabbat meals.
- Our butlers will walk you to the Shul up the road, so you are familiar with the area, and escort you back after dark to the hotel.
Occupying a majestic location on the Umhlanga beachfront in KwaZulu-Natal province, The Oyster Box is a proud part of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection and one of South Africa’s most celebrated hotels. It is renowned for its remarkable coastal views and the understated luxury and gracious hospitality that have become hallmarks of this cherished seaside destination. Just a 15-minute drive from King Shaka International Airport, The Oyster Box offers an array of individually decorated rooms and suites, an award-winning spa set amid tropical gardens, and a mouth-watering selection of restaurants and bars.Each charming Classic Sea Facing Room has a balcony that opens onto uninterrupted views of Umhlanga’s historic lighthouse and KwaZulu Natal’s breathtaking coastline.
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Relaxing day for Shabbat. The views are stunning, the poolside setting is iconic, or take a walk on the beach.
The Oyster BoxFull Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch1x Classic Sea Facing Rooms
Shabbat food.
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Full day at leisure. The fascinating culture, and flavours of India, are what make part of your stay in Oyster Box so enjoyable. If you wish, we can put in a request for our chefs to make a lovely north indian curry, which is part of the history and influence of the Indian slaves that moved into this area in the 19th and 20th centuries.
- The Oyster Box.
- Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch.
- 1x Classic Sea Facing Rooms.
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Early breakfast. Transfer 30 minutes to the airport. Fly to Nelspruit (MQP), 10H30, arriving at about 11:40. Your transfer guide will collect you at the airport and transfer you to Savanna Private Game Lodge. Enjoy a light Kosher lunch. Late afternoon safari game drive and return to the lodge for your Kosher dinner.
The Oyster Box to King Shaka International Airport [DUR]
King Shaka International Airport [DUR] to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport [MQP]
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport [MQP] to Savanna Private Game Reserve
- Check In Savanna Private Game Reserve
- Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
- 1x Savanna Suite
Accommodation, two game drives per day, all meals, teas and coffees, drinks (house wines, local brand spirits, beers, and soft drinks), minibar, refreshments on game drive, bush walks, wifi, laundry service, airport transfers. Gate entries and conservation fee.Kosher breakfast, lunch, and dinner and 2 shared safari drives per day with other in house guests.
Curio shop purchases, gratuities, telephone calls, spa treatments.
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Enjoy early morning and late afternoon safari game drives. Enjoy the rest of the day in your beautiful and private accommodation and heated splash pool.
- Savanna Private Game Reserve
- Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
- 1x Savanna Suite
Kosher breakfast, lunch, and dinner and 2 shared safari drives per day with other in house guests.
Sabi sands is COMPLETELY different to the Zululand safari ecosystem, and the wildlife is also uniquely abundant in one of the best places on the planet to observe leopard, the most elusive of the Big 5.
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The last day on safari is always a joyful, yet bittersweet experience. Our final morning safari drive is often a bidding farewell to the natural beauty and the tranquility that we have enjoyed. We return to camp mid morning for a lovely full brunch and take time to focus on packing, and prepping for our return flight. Check out at 11h45 to transfer to Skukuza airport. Check in at 13h30 for your quick and easy 1 hour flight back to Johannesburg. 14h35- 15h40. Late afternoon at leisure at the airport, and we will deliver a Kosher dinner to you on arrival, so you can enjoy a dinner in the airport, before connecting to your evening flight back to your home nation.
Savanna Private Game Reserve to Skukuza Airport [SZK]
Skukuza Airport [SZK] to OR Tambo International Airport [JNB]
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