Mpumalanga Sacred Site Tour - 13 to 16 days

This is our Standard Mpumalanga Tour. Please note that we sometimes change this slightly to suit local conditions and client needs. You are requested to check with us for the latest itinerary, tour dates and Tour Price at tours@in-spirit.co.za

DAY 1. PRETORIA

Arrive JNB International Airport where you will be met and transferred to the tranquil Leriba Lodge in Pretoria. Tour briefing, sumptuous dinner at Pinotage Restaurant and overnight in Leriba Lodge.

Dinner and Breakfast are included

DAY 2. BOONDOCKS

After breakfast we depart eastwards to Boondocks arriving about 4pm. En route we will take rest breaks, stop for a light lunch (for own account) at Milly’s and also visit a local Aids Orphanage and meet some of the women caring for homeless children.

We encourage our group, if they so wish, to take along much needed gifts (usually in the form of clothing, a monetary donation, toys or school supplies) to support our disadvantaged friends.

Boondocks - This beautiful Lodge is set atop a hill, in a tranquil botanical reserve – designated a National Heritage Site - overlooking pristine bush-lands and home to many species of wildlife.

Boondocks offers, seclusion, stunning scenery and a magnificent labyrinth, styled on the Chartres Cathedral labyrinth, set among huge trees alongside a meandering river.

Time permitting, an optional walk in the Labyrinth before a sumptuous home cooked dinner at our luxury lodge.

Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Overnight at Boondocks. D/B/B.

               Boondocks Labyrinth                               Boondocks Lodge

DAY 3. BOONDOCKS MPUMALANGA

Today is a restful day at Boondocks to spend quality time at the Labyrinth and to enjoy time in one of the most scenic and peaceful retreats we have encountered.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included.

Overnight at Boondocks. D/L/B/B.

DAY 4. BOONDOCKS to NKORHO

We check out after breakfast and set off for an exciting wildlife experience in the famous Sabi Sands Reserve adjoining the Kruger National Park. We will arrive in time for lunch and some relaxation around the pool before our first Game Viewing drive in open topped Vehicles in the late afternoon.

Returning to our Lodge after sunset, we will have dinner in the Boma under an African Sky.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included.

Dinner and overnight in Nkorho Bush Lodge. D/L/B/B.

                         Nkorho Boma                                  Nkorho Lodge

DAY 5. NKORHO BUSH LODGE

We rise early for a morning of Game viewing in the Sabi Sands Reserve in search of the Big Five of Africa and many other species of mammals, reptiles and birds. Then it’s back to camp for breakfast and maybe a little sleep.

Having only 6 rooms, this rustic private camp offers an intimate bush experience in one of the most popular and prestigious wildlife reserves in South Africa.

Game Viewing is in open vehicles, accompanied by experienced rangers and offers up close encounters that are sure to thrill the nature enthusiast. A sunset Game Drive followed by dinner in the Boma around a camp fire.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included.

Dinner and overnight in Nkorho Bush Lodge. D/L/B/

DAY 6. NKORHO BUSH LODGE

An early morning Game drive and then return to Nkorho for a late breakfast and some relaxation around the pool during the heat of the day. Those feeling energetic may opt for a short bush walk this afternoon.

Nkorho has an excellent reputation for viewing the elusive and magnificent leopard and with luck we hope to do that on our evening drive.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included.

Dinner and overnight in Nkorho Bush Lodge. D/L/B/B.

DAYS 7 & 8. WHITE LION HERITAGE SITE TIMBAVATI

We check out of Nkorho after breakfast and drive to the nearby White Lion Heritage Site, home to the world famous White Lions of the Timbavati. Recently reintroduced into the wild they are the only free roaming white lions in the world today.

Our dear friend Linda Tucker, founder and matriarch of the Global White Lion Trust, has invited us into her inner circle for a magical 2 day experience that includes a unique opportunity to become part of the white lion monitoring team. (This opportunity is not available to the public).

White Lions of the Timbavati

Timbavati was the birthplace and home to the legendary white lions, recognized by African shamans as Star Beasts and Enlightenment Bearers. In her magnificent book Mystery of the White Lions, Linda Tucker eloquently presents them as such and illustrates how this guardian of mankind is an agent of the light : Lion of God, which brings a vital message for us at this critical time.

First appearing at Timbavati, on the Nilotic Meridian - also known by the ancient Egyptian Priests as Zep Tepi – Line of First Time, these sacred animals were originally hunted out of their natural existence. At dusk we will be taken on a game drive through the reserve to see the white lions in their natural habitat in Timbavati and share in Linda’s vision for the future of these kings of the animal kingdom. Dinner and overnight at Unicorn Camp.

                                                                             White Lions - Timbavati

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included.

Dinner and overnight at Unicorn Camp. D/L/B/B.

Blyde River Canyon

DAY 9. BLYDE RIVER CANYON MPUMALANGA

Today we depart for Blyde Canyon. Situated at the base of the magnificent Drakensburg Mountain Range, our lodge is in a valley in the center of which is a conical, pyramid shaped mountain whose African name Modimole, translates as - “God is Here”.

Relax and explore the beautiful botanical reserve before freshening up for dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included.

Dinner and overnight at Blyde River Canyon Lodge. D/L/B/B.

DAY 10. BLYDE RIVER CANYON MPUMALANGA

After breakfast we take a boat ride on the Blyde River into the area of the powerful energy vortex of the canyon. As well as being a place of power, the canyon is one of the most beautiful spots in South Africa.

We return to our lodge for a light lunch. Relax in the serenity of this special place and have an afternoon at leisure by the pool, with time to explore the tranquil gardens and commune with the resident zebras.

An optional visit to Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation center is possible this afternoon to see some of the wonderful work being done by Brian and his team. Here you will have close up encounters with many of Africa’s exciting wildlife including a baby Hippo, leopard, serval, eagles and a host of other animals and birds cared for at this wildlife sanctuary.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included.

Dinner and overnight at Blyde River Canyon Lodge. D/L/B/B.

DAY 11. BLYDE RIVER CANYON MPUMALANGA
Check out after breakfast and we drive up the escarpment via the picturesque Abel Erasmus Pass to the spectacular 3 Rondavels, an ancient sacred site of the indigenous people of South Africa.

Three Rondawels Like many of the true power places on earth this site attracts many visitors because of its spectacular beauty and feelings of awe that it inspires. It is one of South Africa's most powerful energy vortexes, known as a place of sanctity typified by the Triple Trinity representing the inner Child/Light/Source and linked energetically to Table Mountain in the south and the Pyramid at Giza in the north.

                                                                            Three Rondawels

We will have a group attunement at an ancient rock altar site, used for centuries by indigenous African tribes in their various ceremonies.

This afternoon we check into our next accommodation - Mount Sheba Reserve
Dinner and overnight at Mount Sheba Hotel. D/B/B.

DAY 12. BLYDE RIVER CANYON MPUMALANGA
Minimal traveling today, yet we shall visit two sacred sites and also see some of the finest scenery that South Africa has to offer as we visit the Potholes, Graskop and the stunning views from God's window.

Sacred Potholes
Known locally as Bourkes Luck Potholes, as a result of a gold strike by a miner called Bourke, this is a sacred place of water energy and the convergence of the Treur River (River of Sorrow) and the Blyde River (River of Joy). Like dreamtime flutes these huge potholes have been scoured out of the rock and carry the energy deep into the earth to connect with the great subterranean river - Lulungwa Mangakatsi.

We shall spend time enjoying the feel and vibrancy of the water as it splashes and gurgles over the rocky riverbed before tumbling down into the potholes below.

Then it is time for some souvenir shopping in the quaint frontier town of Graskop and we suggest you try the local pancake delicacy for lunch.

Potholes

God's Window and the Rain Forest
After Graskop we visit God's Window. Situated high atop the escarpment, God's Window has magnificent, uninterrupted views eastward across the lowveld, Kruger National Park far below and clear into Mozambique on the horizon. It is a spectacular site and has been held sacred by indigenous African Tribes for centuries.

We will spend meditative time in the Rain Forest, where the cool mists of the clouds caress and nourish the unique vegetation and invites one to enter into communion with nature.

We return to our lodge late afternoon to rest and freshen up before dinner.
Dinner and overnight at Mount Sheba Hotel. D/B/B.

Above the clouds - God's Window

DAY 13. BLYDE RIVER CANYON / JOHANNESBURG AIRPORT

We check out after breakfast and a group closure to celebrate and honour the time spent with each other on this momentous journey and drive to Johannesburg International Airport for the return flight home.

Depart South Africa or overnight Airport Hotel.

Note.

We sometimes vary this itinerary slightly to suit availability of accommodation and planned activities. Please check with us for the latest itinerary.

OPTIONAL TOUR EXTENSION TO VISIT VUZAMAZULU CREDO MUTWA

DAYS 14, & 15. VUZAMAZULU CREDO MUTWA

We fly to Kimberley Airport and transfer via our bus to spend 3 days with Africa's foremost Traditional Healer and High Sanusi - Credo Mutwa.

Credo Mutwa

Credo Mutwa is the spiritual leader of the Zulu people and author of Indaba My Children, Esilwane, Song of the Stars and many other books. He is world renowned for his wisdom of the indigenous peoples of the earth and is the Guardian of the ancient African Knowledge – known as Umlando. Against tradition he has chosen to share this knowledge with all people - regardless of the consequences.

As Guardian of Umlando, he was also entrusted with the Custodianship of some of the most holy and ancient artifacts on the African Continent, many of which he displays and explains their import. This extraordinary man, Africa’s greatest Lion Shaman, is a prophet, artist, sculptor, astrologer, teacher, healer, author, wonderful storyteller and internationally acclaimed expert on African Traditional Wisdom.

Our close personal association with Credo allows us the unique opportunity and privilege to spend real quality time with him and his wife Virginia who is also a Sangoma / Traditional Healer.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included.

Dinner and overnight at Safari Lodge - Kuruman. D/B/B

DAY 16. DEPART FOR HOME

Check out today and return to Kimberly Airport and fly to Johannesburg Airport for the connecting flight Home

END OF TOUR

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tours@in-spirit.co.za