South Africa | 10 days, 7 nights | Escorted safari
From £2,337 per person, including return flights
2 February 2027 departure from London Heathrow. Based on two adults sharing.
Discover the wildlife of South Africa's Waterberg region
Spend a week immersed in the beautiful South African bush, searching for wildlife, enjoying spectacular landscapes and experiencing the peace and tranquillity of a private game reserve.
This ten-day escorted safari takes you to the four-star Sebatana Elephant Lodge, an intimate safari retreat set within a private reserve in South Africa's Waterberg region. With just 14 rooms and restricted access to the surrounding reserve, it's a wonderful opportunity to experience the African wilderness away from the crowds.
You'll head out on open-air game drives in search of zebra, giraffe, wildebeest and other wildlife, venture into the nearby Welgevonden Reserve in search of the Big Five and explore the bush on foot with an expert guide.
Between safaris, there's time to relax beside the pool, enjoy traditional African food, sample local wines and watch the sun set over the Waterberg Mountains.
With an experienced tour manager and wildlife specialist looking after the arrangements, you can concentrate on enjoying this extraordinary part of South Africa.
Holiday highlights
Big Five safari – Venture into the magnificent Welgevonden Game Reserve in search of lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo.
Sebatana Private Reserve – Explore the African bush on open-air game drives, spotting zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, meerkats and antelope.
An intimate safari lodge – Spend seven nights at the four-star Sebatana Elephant Lodge, with just 14 rooms surrounded by unspoilt wilderness.
Guided bush walk – Discover the smaller details of the African bush with an expert guide, learning about the plants, tracks and wildlife that make this ecosystem so special.
Christina's Wallow waterhole – Visit a secluded hide overlooking a waterhole, where wildlife gathers to drink.
Bush brunch at Kudu Rock – Enjoy a traditional African brunch surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Sunset Rock sundowners – Sip a drink as the sun sets over the magnificent Waterberg Mountains.
Time to relax – Unwind beside the lodge's swimming pool, enjoy complimentary wine tastings or choose from additional safari experiences.
Your ten-day itinerary
Day 1 – Depart London for Johannesburg
Your South African adventure begins with an overnight flight from London Heathrow to Johannesburg.
Overnight: On board
Day 2 – Arrive in Johannesburg and travel to Sebatana Elephant Lodge
Arrive in Johannesburg, where you'll be met by your tour manager for the scenic journey north into the beautiful Waterberg region.
Your home for the next seven nights is Sebatana Elephant Lodge, an intimate safari retreat set within a private game reserve.
After lunch, settle into your accommodation and enjoy some time to relax, perhaps taking a refreshing dip in one of the lodge's swimming pools.
This evening, enjoy a welcome drink and dinner, followed by an introduction to the exciting wildlife experiences ahead.
Overnight: Sebatana Elephant Lodge
Day 3 – Discover Sebatana Private Reserve
Today you'll begin exploring the beautiful wilderness surrounding your lodge.
Join your guides for an introductory 4x4 excursion through the reserve, learning about the local landscape, plants and wildlife.
After lunch, set out on your first open-air game drive in search of some of the reserve's resident animals.
Keep your eyes open for zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, impala and meerkats as you travel through the African bush.
Later, return to the lodge for a complimentary wine tasting before dinner.
Overnight: Sebatana Elephant Lodge
Day 4 – Big Five safari in Welgevonden Game Reserve
One of the highlights of your holiday awaits today as you travel into the nearby Welgevonden Game Reserve.
This magnificent protected wilderness is home to the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo.
Accompanied by an experienced guide, explore the reserve on a game drive, watching for wildlife against the dramatic backdrop of the Waterberg Mountains.
Every safari is different, and the excitement of discovering animals in their natural habitat makes this a truly memorable experience.
This evening, you may choose to join an optional tribal evening, offering an introduction to South Africa's indigenous cultures and traditions.
Overnight: Sebatana Elephant Lodge
Day 5 – Guided bush walk and Christina's Wallow
Discover the African wilderness from a different perspective as you join your guide for a gentle walk through the Sebatana Reserve.
Travelling on foot offers the chance to appreciate the smaller details of the bush, from animal tracks and fascinating insects to the remarkable plants that thrive in this landscape.
After lunch, head out on a game drive towards Christina's Wallow, a secluded hide overlooking a waterhole.
You'll complete the final stretch on foot before settling into the hide, where you can watch quietly for animals coming to drink.
It's a wonderful opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of the bush away from the safari vehicle.
Overnight: Sebatana Elephant Lodge
Day 6 – At leisure or explore South Africa's ancient past
Enjoy a leisurely day at Sebatana Elephant Lodge, perhaps relaxing beside the pool, reading on your private terrace or simply soaking up the peaceful atmosphere.
Alternatively, join the optional Echoes of the Past excursion to Kaingo Private Reserve.
This fascinating experience combines an early game drive with a visit to ancient archaeological sites, including rock paintings and caves once used by early human communities.
Return to the lodge for another relaxing evening in the African bush.
Overnight: Sebatana Elephant Lodge
Day 7 – Wildlife safari and bush brunch at Kudu Rock
Rise early for another memorable safari experience.
Head out into the reserve as the bush comes to life, looking for antelope and other animals moving through the landscape in the cooler morning hours.
Your excursion includes a stop at Kudu Rock, where you'll enjoy a traditional African brunch surrounded by magnificent wilderness scenery.
Return to the lodge for some relaxation, followed by another complimentary wine tasting before dinner.
For those looking for an additional adventure, there's also the opportunity to join an optional night safari, discovering how the African bush changes after dark.
Overnight: Sebatana Elephant Lodge
Day 8 – Sunset Rock sundowners
Enjoy your final full day in South Africa's beautiful Waterberg region.
You may choose to join an optional morning Big Five game drive in Kaingo Game Reserve or spend a relaxing morning at the lodge.
Later, head out on a scenic safari excursion to Sunset Rock.
From this beautiful viewpoint, enjoy a sundowner as the setting sun casts a warm glow across the Waterberg Mountains.
It's a fitting way to celebrate a wonderful week of African wildlife experiences.
Return to the lodge for a farewell dinner.
Overnight: Sebatana Elephant Lodge
Day 9 – Return to Johannesburg
After breakfast, say goodbye to Sebatana Elephant Lodge and begin the journey back towards Johannesburg, taking a packed lunch with you.
Depending on the season and departure date, you'll visit either the Apartheid Museum and Hector Pieterson Memorial, exploring an important chapter of South Africa's recent history, or the imposing Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria.
Continue to Johannesburg airport for your overnight return flight to London Heathrow.
Overnight: On board
Day 10 – Arrive in London
Arrive back at London Heathrow after an unforgettable South African safari adventure.
What's included
Return flights from London Heathrow to Johannesburg
Seven nights' full-board accommodation at the four-star Sebatana Elephant Lodge
Breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout your lodge stay
Open-air game drives in Sebatana Private Reserve
Big Five game drive in Welgevonden Game Reserve
Guided bush walk with an experienced wildlife guide
Visit to Christina's Wallow waterhole hide
Traditional African bush brunch at Kudu Rock
Sunset Rock excursion with sundowner drinks
Welcome drink and complimentary wine tastings
Visit to the Apartheid Museum or Voortrekker Monument, depending on departure date
Coach transport and airport transfers throughout
Services of an experienced tour manager and wildlife specialist
All mandatory local taxes and charges
ATOL protection
Not included: Optional excursions including the tribal evening, Echoes of the Past, night safari and additional Kaingo game drive, drinks outside those specified, travel insurance, gratuities and personal expenses.
Your accommodation
Spend seven nights at the four-star Sebatana Elephant Lodge, near Lephalale in South Africa's beautiful Waterberg region.
Set within a private game reserve, this intimate lodge has just 14 rooms, including two suites, offering a peaceful and personal safari experience.
Each room features an en-suite bathroom, air conditioning and its own small terrace, providing a comfortable place to relax between wildlife excursions. The lodge also has a restaurant, bar, outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi and traditional African boma, where guests can gather and enjoy the atmosphere of the bush.
With full-board accommodation included throughout your stay, there's no need to worry about finding restaurants or travelling between hotels. And because you'll be staying in one lodge for the entire week, you can unpack once and settle into the relaxed rhythm of safari life.
Alex's view
For first-time or solo safari travellers, this offers an accessible and great value introduction to South Africa's wildlife without the need to move between different camps. Seven nights at one lodge means you can settle in and enjoy a mix of game drives, guided walks and relaxation.
It's worth knowing that the Big Five experience takes place in nearby Welgevonden Reserve rather than at the lodge itself. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to experience safari life at a comfortable pace for a great price.
Dates and prices
10 days / 7 nights (plus overnight flights)
From £2,337 per person
The advertised price includes return flights from London Heathrow on 2 February 2027, based on two adults sharing.
Further departures are available between December 2026 and October 2028, with regional UK airports available on request.
Enquire about this holiday
Interested in experiencing the African bush and searching for the Big Five in South Africa?
At Reigate Luxury Travel, you'll receive personal advice and help finding the right departure date, flights and accommodation for your safari.
Whether you'd like to explore additional wildlife experiences, arrange flights from a regional airport or extend your trip to discover more of South Africa, get in touch to discuss the possibilities.
Contact Reigate Luxury Travel to start planning your trip.
Price correct as at 1 November 2026. Prices are per person, based on two adults sharing, and are subject to availability and change. The advertised price is based on the 2 February 2027 departure from London Heathrow. Other dates and regional departures may carry different prices. Single supplements apply. Optional excursions are payable separately. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Tour operated by Newmarket Holidays (ABTA V7812, ATOL 2325). Bookings arranged through Reigate Luxury Travel, part of Guru Travel Group.
