Greater Kruger Vegan Safari (2027)

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From$9,995$9,495
Book your trip!
From$9,995$9,495

Secure your spot on the trip and book now by paying your deposit of USD 2,000/person. Contact us if you wish to be added on the waiting list instead.

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Why Travel With Us?

  • All meals included, all 100% plant-based. Here's your chance to try local favorites!
  • Hand-picked tours & activities specifically catered by vegans, for vegans
  • Emphasis on wildlife with visits to sanctuaries, refuges & shelters
  • Deluxe accommodation with a focus on location and comfort
  • Two tour leaders per trip for ultimate attention & service during your adventure
  • Travel the world with fellow vegans and create life-lasting friendships

Getting Started With World Vegan Travel

  • Trip Length:10 days / 9 nights
  • Trip Dates:3-11 May, 2027
  • Start Location:Cape Town, South Africa
  • Trip Price:USD $9995/person EARLY-BIRD DISCOUNT: 9495$/person!
  • End Location:Hoedspruit, South Africa
  • Single Supplement:USD 1200$
  • Group Size:18 travelers maximum
  • Sign Up Deposit:USD 2000$/person
Visit with elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, giraffes, and a hundred other animals on safari by day and night. Relax in out-of-this-world comfort at a legendary luxury lodge and a serene vegan sanctuary on the river.

 

OverviewTrip InfoOur LodgesItineraryTerms/FAQ
We're Off To Greater Kruger!

For years, vegans have had to wonder if they really could have the ultimate luxury safari experience without compromising their ethics.

The answer is finally a resounding YES.

Welcome to the Greater Kruger—a groundbreaking adventure where 5-star luxury meets 100% compassion. We aren’t just visiting South Africa; we are immersing ourselves in it with a level of exclusivity and alignment that is typically impossible to find.

The Journey Begins We kick off in the breathtaking city of Cape Town. Arrive early to soak up the Table Mountain views and indulge in the city’s exploding plant-based food scene. After a spectacular welcome dinner, we fly directly into the bush.

Part 1: The Thrill (Kings Camp) First, we head to the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve for the Classic Luxury Safari. We are staying at the legendary Kings Camp, a haven of colonial-style elegance. This is big game country. Expect heart-pounding encounters with the Big 5 (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, buffalo) and world-class hospitality. It is opulent, it is wild, and it is unforgettable.

Part 2: The Soul (Sashwa River of Stars) Next, we travel to the Olifants River Game Reserve to stay at Sashwa River of Stars. Here, the pace slows, and the connection deepens. As a fully vegan lodge, Sashwa is a sanctuary for the spirit. We trade the adrenaline for awe with unique “Sound Safaris,” restorative wellness treatments, and a once-in-a-lifetime honor: walking with the Black Mambas, the world’s first all-female anti-poaching unit.

The Ultimate Exclusivity Here is what truly sets this trip apart: We have the keys to the lodges. We have secured exclusive use of both properties. No strangers, no compromises—just our group in a completely private, intimate atmosphere.

From the first game drive to the last story around the fire, every meal is plant-based, and every moment is aligned with your values.

This is Africa, uncompromised.

Why You'll Love This Trip
  • We Have the Keys to the Lodge: This is the ultimate luxury. We have secured exclusive use of both Kings Camp and Sashwa. No strangers, no crowds—just our group in a completely private, intimate atmosphere.
  • VIP Access: We are staying in Private Game Reserves, not public parks. This means we can drive off-road to get closer to the action and enjoy night drives that reveal the secret lives of nocturnal hunters.
  • The "Zero Compromise" Safari: Finally, experience a 5-star, Big 5 safari without checking your ethics at the door. Every meal, every amenity, and every activity is 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
  • Walk with Heroes: Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to walk with the Black Mambas, the world’s first all-female anti-poaching unit, and see their incredible work firsthand.
  • Two Worlds in One Trip: Don't choose between adrenaline and zen. You get both: the heart-pounding thrill of the Big 5 at Kings Camp and the soulful, restorative magic of Sashwa.
  • Eye-to-Eye Photography: Capture award-winning shots from the underground hide at Kings Camp, where you can safely watch elephants and predators drink just feet away from your lens.
  • A Sanctuary for the Senses: Go beyond the visual with Sashwa's unique Sound Safaris, stargazing under the Milky Way, and included wellness treatments that let you tune into the wild.
  • Walk with the Black Mambas: A rare and powerful opportunity to meet and walk with the inspiring women of the Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit.
  • Cape Town Kick-Off: Start your journey on a high note in the culinary capital of Africa with a group welcome dinner.
Botswana or Greater Kruger: Which Safari is For You?

We are often asked, “Which trip should I choose?” The truth is, there is no wrong answer—only the right answer for your travel style. Both destinations offer world-class game viewing and luxury, but the feeling of the experience is quite different.

Greater Kruger is Accessible Luxury. It delivers the classic “Big 5” punch (yes, including Rhinos!) and solid-wall comfort. It is intense, exciting, and incredibly comfortable.

Botswana is the “Out of Africa” Dream. It is about remote wilderness. You fly in by light aircraft, stay in spectacular tented “camps” (still complete luxury, but without the A/C), and feel much more immersed in the bush. It is for those who want to feel truly disconnected from the modern world.

Use this guide to see which adventure calls to you:

Feature Greater Kruger (South Africa) Botswana (Savute & Okavango Delta)
The Vibe Manor House Luxury.
A mix of high-end comfort and thrilling wildlife, with solid walls, A/C, and a refined lodge feel.		 “Out of Africa” Romance.
Remote luxury tented camps that feel wild, intimate, and deeply immersive.
Wildlife The Big 5.
Excellent chances to see all five, including Rhinos.		 The Big 4.
Outstanding predators and herds, but no Rhino sightings.
Landscape Bushveld.
Savannah, riverine forests, and classic safari scenery.		 Water & Wilderness.
Dry plains contrasted with lush Delta waterways.
Activities Land-Based.
Game drives, bush walks, and conservation encounters.		 Land & Water.
Game drives plus mokoro and boat safaris.
Verdict Choose Greater Kruger if seeing a Rhino is non-negotiable and you want classic safari intensity with real comfort. Choose Botswana if you want a once-in-a-lifetime wilderness experience that feels remote, romantic, and untamed.

 

Greater Kruger VS Botswana Infographic
Trip Info

Trip Price

USD 9995$/person  EARLY-BIRD DISCOUNT 500$ = USD 9495$/person! 

Single Supplement

USD 2950$/person

Group Size

maximum 18 fellow travelers

Meeting Location

Cape Town, South Africa

End Location

Hoedspruit, South Africa

Trip Status

The trip is not yet confirmed.  We will update once we’ve reached our target number of participants.

Price Includes

  • accommodation at 2 amazing lodges: Kings Camp & Sashwa River Of Stars
  • 4-star deluxe hotel in Cape Town on the first day
  • all meals, from breakfast to dinner, all 100% plant-based, all delicious!
  • all general drinks (water, juice, coffee, tea, wine, beer) during included meals
  • all included safari activities: game drives & walking bush safaris
  • live Q&A before the trip to ask your questions to the tour leaders
  • professional & knowledgeable safari drivers and guides
  • two professional English-speaking tour leaders
  • all ground transportation for included activities
  • all tips to guides, drivers and camp staff on all included activities
  • one-way flight: Cape Town to Hoedspruit
  • daily laundry at the lodges
  • airport pickup at Cape Town International Airport
  • gift bag with some travel essentials

Price Excludes

  • transportation to our starting location: Cape Town, South Africa
  • transportation from our end location: Hoesdpruit, South Africa
  • extra snacks, drinks, alcoholic beverages and meals outside of what's included (see itinerary)
  • tips for guides/drivers on non-included activities, or to hotel staff (completely optional)
  • optional activities outside of what we've planned (see itinerary for more detail)
  • medical travel insurance (mandatory)
  • premium brand alcoholic drinks
  • Visas & vaccinations
Our Greater Kruger Lodges

Kings Camp (Timbavati Private Nature Reserve) Kings Camp offers the quintessential colonial-style luxury safari experience. Situated in the Timbavati, which shares an unfenced border with Kruger National Park, it is famed for its high density of wildlife and a high chance of seeing all the Big 5 amongst many, many more!  The lodge itself is a haven of sophistication, featuring spacious thatched suites with private plunge pools and Victorian ball-and-claw baths.

  • The Experience: Traditional luxury. Expect twice-daily game drives in open vehicles, sundowners in the bush, and world-class service.

  • Vegan Highlight: Kings Camp is Africa’s first Vegan Hospitality Certified safari lodge, ensuring your culinary experience is as exceptional as the wildlife viewing.

  • Don’t Miss: The underground photographic hide, which overlooks a busy waterhole, allowing you to safely watch elephants and other game from just feet away.

Sashwa River of Stars (Olifants River Game Reserve) Sashwa offers a completely different energy. Located on the banks of the Olifants River, this is a sanctuary for the soul as much as a safari lodge. As a fully plant-based lodge, the ethos here is one of compassion and deep connection with nature. It is quieter, more intimate, and focuses on “slow safari” principles.

  • The Experience: Immersive and restorative. While game drives are included, the magic here lies in the unique activities: sound safaris that heighten your senses, star-gazing, and wellness treatments.

  • The Black Mambas: A highlight of our stay at Sashwa is an exclusive visit and bush walk with the Black Mambas, the world-renowned all-female anti-poaching unit, to learn about their critical work protecting the rhino.

  • Vegan Highlight: The entire lodge is 100% vegan, from the decor to the dining, creating a truly cruelty-free environment.

Itinerary

Do note that the itinerary below is subject to change. Some activities, times and even days may get switched around, but once you sign up you will be kept updated. Please rest assured that if anything does change, it will be for the best and make the trip even better. We’re hoping that the itinerary below should, at the very least, whet your appetite — pun definitely intended!

DAY 1: Cape Town– Welcome to the Mother City

Welcome to South Africa! Our journey begins in the breathtaking city of Cape Town. Whether you land today or arrived early to explore on your own, we’ve got you covered—your trip includes a private airport transfer to our hotel or your pre-trip accommodation.

The day is yours to relax and settle in until around 2:00 PM, when we will gather for our official Welcome Meeting. This is your first chance to meet your World Vegan Travel tour leaders and fellow travelers. After introductions and a celebratory glass of bubbly, we’ll enjoy our welcome dinner.   

We’ll have an early night to be in top shape for tomorrow’s early departure.  

Accommodation: TBC (4-star)

Included:

welcome meeting & drinks

dinner

non-premium drinks during dinner

all transportation once the trip begins

Excluded:

breakfast & lunch

premium drinks

DAY 2: Into the Bush– Cape Town to Kings Camp

Today we trade the city for the savannah! After a delicious vegan breakfast, we’ll pack up our bags and head to Cape Town International Airport for our direct 2.5-hour flight to Hoedspruit.

Upon landing, we’ll be met by our private transfer and whisked away to our home for the next four nights: Kings Camp in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve.

After a welcome drink and a lodge briefing, you’ll be shown to your 5-star suite. You’ll have some time to freshen up, rest, or explore the lodge’s grounds (don’t miss the viewing deck!) before we meet up for our very first afternoon game drive. Get your cameras ready—the adventure begins now!

Accommodation: Kings Camp: luxurious rooms with full en-suite bathrooms, AC & fans, indoor/outdoor dining, campfire area, swimming pool, underground water hole hide, private and public viewing decks, and a fully stocked bar

Included:

all meals & drinks

flight to Hoedspruit

all safari activities

laundry

tips to guides & camp staff (you are more than welcomed to add to this, of course)

Excluded:

premium drinks

DAY 3: The Pulse of Timbavati

There is nothing quite like waking up in the heart of Africa. To experience the bush at its best, we start early!

We set off at first light, just as the nocturnal world goes to sleep and the diurnal animals begin to stir. After a light vegan breakfast, we head out on our morning game drive.

We are exploring the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, one of South Africa’s premier wildlife havens. Sharing an unfenced border with Kruger National Park, animals roam freely in a completely natural ecosystem, but our experience here is vastly superior to the public park:

  • Exclusivity: Timbavati restricts the number of vehicles at sightings, ensuring an intimate, uncrowded experience.

  • Off-Road Access: Our guides can (safely!) drive off-road to track animals, getting us much closer to big cats and predators.

  • Night Drives: Being on a private reserve means we can stay out after dark to spot nocturnal species like civets, bush babies, and hyenas.

What We Will Likely See: Timbavati is renowned for its high density of wildlife. Expect excellent opportunities to see:

  • The Big 5: Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, and Rhino.

  • Predators: Famous for frequent leopard sightings and large lion prides, plus Wild Dog and Hyena.

  • General Game: Giraffe, Zebra, Kudu, Impala, Wildebeest, and Waterbuck.

  • Birdlife: Over 360 recorded species.

We return to the lodge for a hearty lunch and some downtime. You are free to cool off in the main pool, relax in your own private plunge pool(!), book a spa treatment, or visit the incredible underground photographic hide.

Once the midday heat subsides, we head out for our afternoon game drive, returning in time for sundowners and a dinner under the stars.

Example Daily Schedule: (Note: Times may vary based on wildlife activity)

  • 05:00: Early morning wake-up call

  • 05:30: Light continental breakfast served in the dining area

  • 06:00: Morning Safari Activity (approx. 3–4 hours)

  • 11:00: Brunch is served

  • REST TIME: Relax, swim, visit the hide, or spa

  • 15:30: Afternoon tea on the patio

  • 16:00: Afternoon Safari Activity (approx. 3 hours)

  • 19:00: Return to lodge

  • 20:00: Dinner is served

Accommodation: Kings Camp

Included:

all meals & drinks

all safari activities

laundry

tips to guides & camp staff (you are more than welcomed to add to this, of course)

Excluded:

premium drinks

DAY 4: The Rhythm of the Wild

Today we settle deeper into the magnificent rhythm of safari life. Like yesterday, our day is anchored by thrilling morning and afternoon game drives, giving us more chances to spot the Big 5 and witness the unscripted drama of the bush.

For those looking for a different perspective, you have the option to book extra activities (at your own expense), such as floating over the savannah in a hot-air balloon or joining a specialized rhino tracking flight. If you’re interested, just let your tour leaders or the lodge staff know, and they will handle the arrangements.

Back on the ground, we have some special included surprises in store for you, including inspiring guest speakers. We’re keeping the specific details a secret for now… but trust us, you’ll love it!

Accommodation: Kings Camp

Included:

all meals & drinks

all safari activities

laundry

tips to guides & camp staff (you are more than welcomed to add to this, of course)

Excluded:

premium drinks

DAY 5: The Grand Finale at Kings Camp

Make the most of our final 24 hours in the Timbavati! Today follows our beloved rhythm of morning and afternoon game drives, but with the added excitement of ticking off any last sightings on your wishlist.

Whether it’s tracking a leopard through the bush or simply sipping coffee while watching elephants at the waterhole, savor every moment of this 5-star wilderness experience. Tonight, we’ll gather around the fire one last time here to share our favorite stories before we move on to the next chapter of our adventure.

Accommodation: Kings Camp

Included:

all meals & drinks

all safari activities

laundry

tips to guides & camp staff (you are more than welcomed to add to this, of course)

Excluded:

premium drinks

DAY 6: Meeting Heroes & A New Vegan Home

It’s a bittersweet morning as we bid farewell to Kings Camp, but excitement is high because we are heading to a place that is truly one-of-a-kind: Sashwa River of Stars, South Africa’s first all-vegan luxury lodge.

We’ll start with one final sunrise game drive before packing up and checking out. On our transfer to the Olifants West region, we have an incredibly special stop: the Headquarters of the Black Mambas, the world’s first all-female anti-poaching unit.

Founded in 2013, these inspiring women are rewriting the rules of conservation:

  • Unarmed & Non-Violent: Unlike traditional militarized units, they work without guns, believing the war on poaching will be won through education and community.

  • “Eyes and Ears”: They practice “visual policing,” patrolling up to 20km a day to sweep for snares and act as a visible deterrent.

  • Community First: Through their “Bush Babies” program, they teach local children to value wildlife, creating a barrier against poaching at the grassroots level.

You will have the exclusive opportunity to meet these heroes, learn about their daily battles, and see firsthand how they are protecting the Greater Kruger.  Don’t worry, this is not the last time we’ll be meeting them… 🙂 

We then continue to Sashwa, arriving in the late afternoon just in time for an amazing plant-based welcome dinner at our new home!

Accommodation: Sashwa River Of Stars

Included:

all meals & drinks

all safari activities

visit to the Black Mambas HQ, including donations

laundry

tips to guides & camp staff (you are more than welcomed to add to this, of course)

Excluded:

premium drinks

DAY 7: The Art of the Slow Safari

Welcome to a new pace of life. Sashwa River of Stars is more than a lodge; it is a fully plant-based sanctuary designed to align luxury with compassion. Situated in the Olifants River Game Reserve, part of the vast Greater Kruger biosphere, the lodge is defined by the mighty river that provides a stunning backdrop and attracts elephants, hippos, and crocodiles year-round.

While the Big 5 roam the wider ecosystem, today is about shifting our focus from the “chase” to deep connection. We call this the “Slow Safari.”

What Makes Today Special:

  • River Frontage: The lodge is perched right on the banks, meaning you can often watch wildlife from the comfort of the deck without ever leaving your chair.

  • Immersive Details: This reserve is celebrated for its incredible birdlife and the chance to appreciate the smaller, magical details of the bush that are often missed in the rush for big predators.

You have full control of your day with options for both morning and afternoon safari activities—choose between a classic game drive or an intimate walking bush walk (highly recommended in the crisp morning air!).

Between adventures, the lodge offers a wealth of restorative experiences. Indulge in a spa treatment, relax by the pool, join a guided yoga and meditation session, or unleash your creativity in the artist studio. Tonight, prepare for some of the darkest skies in South Africa—perfect for stargazing.

Accommodation: Sashwa River Of Stars

Included:

all meals & drinks

all safari activities

laundry

tips to guides & camp staff (you are more than welcomed to add to this, of course)

Excluded:

premium drinks

DAY 8: Tuning into the Wild

Today offers a shift in perspective—and sensory perception. While we will still have our morning and afternoon safari activities (game drives or walks), today is the perfect opportunity to experience Sashwa’s signature offering: the Sound Safari.

This is a guided sensory experience that shifts the focus from seeing the bush to truly hearing it. Using specialized directional microphones and high-quality wireless headphones, you will tune into the “hidden” acoustic world of nature that is usually inaudible to the human ear.

  • Amplified Nature: Hear the subtle crunch of an insect, the deep rumble of an elephant’s digestion, or the wind singing through specific grasses.

  • Deep Immersion: Without the distraction of engines or the visual pressure to “spot” game, you become fully immersed in the environment.

  • Meditative Connection: It’s a meditative, grounding way to connect with the landscape, often revealing animals through sound long before they are seen.

Accommodation: Sashwa River Of Stars

Included:

all meals & drinks

all safari activities (including Sound Safari)

laundry

tips to guides & camp staff (you are more than welcomed to add to this, of course)

Excluded:

premium drinks

DAY 9: Walking with Heroes

Today brings one of the most powerful experiences of the entire trip. While you still have the option for morning and afternoon safari activities, we highly recommend taking the opportunity to walk with the Black Mambas.

In this exclusive activity, members of the unit will act as your co-guides, taking you on a patrol to show you exactly what their work entails. You’ll learn how they track animals, sweep the bush for snares, and perform the vital “visual policing” that keeps this region safe. It is a profound and humbling experience to walk side-by-side with these women and see the tangible difference they make every single day.

Accommodation: Sashwa River Of Stars

Included:

all meals & drinks

all safari activities (including Black Mamba walk)

laundry

tips to guides & camp staff (you are more than welcomed to add to this, of course)

Excluded:

premium drinks

DAY 10: Farewell to the Bush

Sadly, all good things must come to an end. After a final delicious breakfast in the bush, we bid goodbye to the staff at Sashwa and transfer to Hoedspruit town (for those staying in the area longer) and Hoedspruit Airport for your ongoing flight (note: you will need to book your return ticket FROM Hoedspruit). 

Included:

breakfast

transfer to Hoedspruit town or Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport.

Excluded:

tonight’s accommodation

lunch & dinner

ongoing flight from Hoedspruit

Your Journey

Booking Terms & Conditions
How To Join
Solo travelers
Payment Schedule
Payment Methods & Fees
Cancellation Policy
Important Notes

We  expect this trip to sell out quickly so ensure your spot on the trip and sign up early by paying the sign-up fee per person.    

The sign-up fee is non-refundable under any conditions UNLESS the trip is not confirmed by the deadline (see TRIP INFO).  Please carefully read our cancellation policy section for more information.

In order to sign up, fill in the form on this page.  Any problems or questions?  Email us!

If you are signing up as a single, do so quickly!  We have limited single rooms.  Please read our single travelers section for more information and the single supplement cost.

Please note that signing up before the deadline does not guarantee the trip will run as this depends on having the necessary minimum of participants.  

SINGLE ROOMS are available at a premium, unfortunately.  Please take note of our SINGLE SUPPLEMENT in the pricing section. 

PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Following the sign-up fee (PAYMENT #1), the remaining balance will be due in 2 installments:

  • 1 month after the trip has been confirmed OR immediately if the trip is already confirmed: 50% of remaining balance (PAYMENT #2)
  • 3 months before the trip’s start date: final balance (PAYMENT #3).   This is non-negotiable.  If you do not pay the balance for your trip, your place will be given to another individual and your payments until then will be forfeited.

We can work with you on a payment plan:  pay your trip in the usual 2 installments, or opt for several.   Contact us to discuss what works best for you!

PAYMENT METHODS
We currently accept CREDIT CARDS PAYMENTS and DIRECT BANK TRANSFERS for several currencies (the list is available at booking, and subject to change). 

EXTRA PAYMENT FEES
Online Bank Payment:  for the above currencies, we do not charge a fee for this, although your bank may do so.   Please inquire with them directly.

Credit card payment​: the following fees will be added to the total:

  • 2.9% for Visa and MasterCard
  • 3.9% for American Express

Since our trips are highly catered and made of activities that need a lot of planning and organization, all payments (the initial sign-up fee, 50% deposit and final payment) are all non-refundable.     This is because we must forward payments for accommodation, transportation, suppliers, etc. very early on, in order to privatize our accommodation, activities and our meals.

To see our booking terms and conditions you can click here. You will find the cancellation policy in section 9 and 10.

TRAVEL MEDICAL INSURANCE​ – MANDATORY

This is a World Vegan Travel requirement. You will need to provide a policy and emergency contact number in order to join the trip. This can be done just prior to the trip’s date.

Trip Insurance (ie. covering your flight tickets, luggage, etc.) is definitely recommended as well, but not mandatory.

ITINERARY
​The itinerary is therefore subject to change, especially if we find an experience that we believe would make the trip even better. 

DIET RESTRICTION & ALLERGIES
​​We do try to accommodate everyone’s food restrictions, especially allergies.   We can only do so if you let us know of any requirements when you sign up.  We begin working with all our hotels and restaurants a long time in advance, and meals are usually locked several months before the trip.  At this point, it is often no longer possible to change menus.   

​In other words: it is your responsibility to alert us of any dietary requirements, restrictions, allergies and needs, when you sign up.

FAQ

​TOUR PRICE REASONING

Our pricing reflects a truly all-inclusive, “wallet-free” luxury experience where every detail is handled. When comparing quotes, it is important to compare “apples with apples”:

  • Exclusive Lodge Takeovers: We have secured exclusive use of both Kings Camp and Sashwa. You aren’t just paying for a room; you are paying for the privacy and intimacy of having the entire property dedicated solely to our group.

  • True All-Inclusive: Most safari quotes exclude significant costs like conservation levies, landing fees, internal flights, and drinks. We include it all.

  • We Pre-Pay Your Tips: Gratuities for guides, trackers, and lodge staff are a major hidden cost on safari (often running hundreds of dollars). We cover these in advance so you never have to stress about math or carrying cash.

  • Concierge Support: We provide two full-time tour leaders (most tours have only one), ensuring a level of service and attention to detail that standard tours cannot match.

  • No “Vegan Tax”: Sourcing and preparing gourmet plant-based cuisine in the remote bush requires specialized logistics. We handle this complexity so you can enjoy 5-star dining without compromise.

When you add up the value of the flights, the private exclusivity, the tips, and the premium inclusions, we believe this trip offers exceptional value.

CAN I SIGN UP AS A SOLO TRAVELER?

Absolutely!   We have many people on our trip that sign up as solo travelers.   ​However do note that single rooms availability is low, so book quickly!  Please see our COST & SIGN-UP section for more information.  

Should you still be on the waiting list when the trip closes and gets confirmed, we may be able to offer you a single room (depending on availability).

​FLIGHTS, VISAS & VACCINATION

FLIGHTS
You are in charge of your own flights to and from our starting city.   We ask that you try and arrive early on the first day, as our first meeting tends to be around 3pm.  This exact time will be confirmed at a later date.

Even better is arriving one or more days before.  This would provide you with a chance to take care of jet-lag and visit the town.  Once the trip starts.  We can book your a room in our trip’s hotel if you’d like.  We will be sending out the cost for this once the trip is confirmed.

Regardless of your arrival date, we will provide an airport pickup. 

Please note that check-ins at our hotel are not guaranteed BEFORE 3PM.  We will try and have the hotel accommodate early arrivals, but it’s possible you will be asked to wait until a room becomes available.  We are situated right downtown, so worst case it’s nice and exciting to go and explore the neighborhood!

VISAS
For most citizens of European and western countries (ie USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc), no visas are necessary for South Africa.

VACCINATIONS
There are no mandatory vaccinations required for South Africa, and the final decision is entirely up to you.  Please inquire directly with your doctor when making your decision.

​DO I NEED INSURANCE?

Yes, you will need medical travel insurance.  This is  a requirement from World Vegan Travel for all our trips. 

CAN YOU HELP WITH BOOKING OUR FLIGHTS AND ONGOING TRAVEL?

As we are not a travel agency or booking agents, we can’t book any flights or ongoing travel (ie hotels, transportation, etc) for you. However we can surely help with recommendations, suggestions and tips as you look into flights, or extending your holiday. It never hurts to ask, so don’t hesitate to contact us with any queries whatsoever!

WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE?

Cape Town (Autumn) Expect crisp, autumnal weather. It is cooling down with a mix of beautiful clear days and occasional rain or cloud cover.

  • Highs: ~20°C (68°F)

  • Lows: ~12°C (54°F)

  • What to expect: Layers are key. You’ll likely need a light jacket or sweater for evenings and potentially a raincoat, though you may still enjoy warm sunshine during the day.

Greater Kruger (Safari: Timbavati & Olifants) May is fantastic for safari as it marks the start of the dry winter season.

  • Days: Warm and pleasant with clear blue skies. Highs around 28°C (82°F).

  • Mornings/Evenings: It gets chilly once the sun goes down. Lows drop to around 12°C (54°F).

  • Rain: Very unlikely.

  • What to expect: You will definitely need a fleece, beanie, or warm layer for the open-vehicle game drives in the early morning, but by midday, you’ll likely be comfortable in a t-shirt.

WHAT SHOULD I PACK?

Since we are visiting in May (autumn), the key is layering. You will experience two different climates: the crisp, coastal autumn of Cape Town and the warm days/chilly mornings of the bush.

  • For the Game Drives (Crucial): Mornings and evenings on an open vehicle are cold (wind chill factor is real!).

    • Warm Layers: A fleece or jacket is essential.

    • Accessories: A beanie, scarf, and potentially gloves for the early morning starts.

  • For the Day:

    • T-shirts & light trousers: By 10:00 AM, the sun is strong, and it will be t-shirt weather.

    • Neutral Colors: Please pack khaki, green, beige, or brown items for our bush walks (bright colors and white can scare wildlife).

  • Footwear:

    • Comfortable trainers or light trail shoes are perfect. You do not need heavy hiking boots, but you do need closed-toe shoes for the bush walks.

  • Cape Town:

    • “Smart casual” layers

    • A lighter windbreaker or rain shell (just in case of coastal showers).

  • Essentials:

    • Sun hat and sunglasses (the African sun is harsh).

    • High SPF sunscreen.

    • Binoculars (highly recommended for spotting wildlife in the distance).

Note: Laundry service is available at both lodges, so you can pack light!

​WILL THERE BE INTERNET ACCESS DURING THE TRIP?

Yes, all our accommodation have internet, although it can be spotty at the lodges and completely disconnect once we’re on game drives. 

​HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I BRING?

Overall, this is an all-inclusive trip and you shouldn’t need a huge amount of extra funds.  Both lodges take credit cards to pay for your spa treatments, souvenirs, etc.

If you would like to give extra tips to the guides and camp staff, do bring some small denomination currency, though please note that we have included tips already in the tour costs. 

Overall it’s a good idea to have some emergency cash (preferably in local ZAR) but otherwise you should be fine with using only credit cards and bank cards.

​I HAVE A DIETARY RESTRICTION (ALLERGIES, GLUTEN-FREE, ETC)

If you have any specific dietary needs or food preferences, we kindly ask you to contact Brighde at [email protected] before finalizing your booking. Please provide her with detailed information about your dietary needs or preferences, and ensure you receive a written response from Brighde before finalizing your trip booking. Your cooperation and understanding in this matter are greatly appreciated.

Please note that any additional requests made after the booking has been completed might not be able to be accommodated.

HOW MUCH FREE TIME WILL I HAVE?

Each day is made up of 1 morning activity, and one late afternoon activity.   You can choose to join the activities or remain behind and enjoy your room.  That’s entirely up to you! 

HOW MUCH PHYSICAL ACTIVITY CAN I EXPECT?

In terms of included activities, very little is physical.  This truly is a relaxing trip!  We do have guided bush walks but they are not too difficult.  Otherwise we’re mostly being driven around by 4×4 and as long as you don’t get motion sickness, you should be fine! 

IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT TO JOIN THE TRIP?

Youth above 16 years young are welcome.    We are currently not accepting any younger children. ​

There’s no upper age limit, though do note that there is a fair amount of walking on this trip. 

HOW SAFE IS SOUTH AFRICA

​South Africa has its fair amount of crime but the downtown area of Cape Town where we will be staying, is relatively safe.  In Cape Town, using common sense and sticking to well trafficked areas will ensure you have a very safe trip.   

Once in Greater Kruger, everything is very safe as long as you follow the directions for your guides. 

WHAT LANGUAGES DO THEY SPEAK IN SOUTH AFRICA?

South Africa has 11 (!!!) official languages, with some spoken more than others.  While English is recognized as the language of commerce and science, it’s actually ranked fourth and the first language of only 9.6% of South Africans!   Still, it remains the de facto lingua franca of the nation, and you should have no problem getting yourself understood in Cape Town and in Greater Kruger.

LGBTQ TRAVELLERS

World Vegan Travel aims to be a safe place for all LGBTQ travelers. We have a zero-tolerance policy on discrimination of any sort.

South Africa is the first and only African nation where the government recognizes same-sex relationships and homosexual marriages are recognized by law.  Displays of affection may generate unwelcome attention though they should be tolerated and respected, especially in the areas we will visit.

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