TRAVEL BLOG
The first Great Escape Holidays travel agency in Australia and in South Africa, are driven by success. Great Holiday Escape is a trusted name in the travel industry. We are dedicated to personalised service and creating unforgettable travel memories and who continues to inspire and drive success.
Welcome to Great Holiday Escapes
Your Gateway to Unforgettable Adventures around the world Embarking on a journey to anywhere in the world is akin to stepping into a realm of boundless wonders. As you plan your escape to remarkable destinations, let Great Holiday Escapes be your trusted travel...
Welcome to your Bali Adventure
Your Bali Adventure begins
AchOOO!!
Sometimes we do get sick, by staying prepared and acting quickly, you can manage illness effectively and continue your travels with peace of mind.
Madrid Travel Guide:
Madrid offers an unforgettable experience. From exploring the Royal Palace to indulging in churros at San Ginés, here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Madrid.
Things to do in Cape Town
From the breathtaking landscapes of Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden to the vibrant streets of Bo-Kaap, Cape Town is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Explore the moving stories at the District Six Museum, or dive into South Africa’s fascinating diamond legacy at the Cape Town Diamond Museum. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a culture enthusiast, these must-visit attractions offer an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of the Mother City.
🇲🇦 Marrakech – A Tapestry of Culture, Colours, and Timeless Wonder
Marrakech isn’t just a city—it’s an immersive experience. A place where ancient traditions meet modern luxury, where the scent of spices and orange blossoms fills the air, and where every street feels like a scene from an Arabian fairytale. From the labyrinthine...
Phuket – A Tropical Wonderland of Endless Adventure
If paradise had a name, it would be Phuket. Thailand’s largest island is where crystal-clear waters meet golden shores, where the rhythm of the waves slows time, and where every sunrise brings a new adventure. Whether you crave relaxation, cultural exploration, or...
Portugal A Tapestry of Sun, Sea, and Timeless Charm
Golden beaches, historic cities, and soul-stirring culture—Portugal is where adventure meets romance. From the sun-drenched alleys of Lisbon to the dramatic cliffs of the Algarve, every moment in this enchanting country feels like a postcard come to life. Sip on world-class wines, explore medieval castles, and let the rhythms of Fado music sweep you away. Whether you’re wandering through ancient cobblestone streets or basking in the Atlantic breeze, Portugal is a journey of beauty, flavour, and unforgettable moments.
Are you ready to fall in love with Portugal?
What to Be Careful of When Traveling Overseas
It’s exciting and it’s fun but know your destination. Read, research and always deal with a trusted Travel Agency like Great Holiday Escapes, who have travelled extensively and can give you some insight.
20 Must-Haves for Any Holiday
20 Must-Haves for Any Holiday
Planning a holiday can be exciting, but packing the right items ensures a stress-free and enjoyable trip. At Great Holiday Escapes, we believe that being prepared is key to making the most of your adventure. Here’s a list of 20 essential items you should pack to ensure your holiday goes smoothly.
Vietnam Vibes: Where Adventure Meets Serenity
With Great Holiday Escapes SA Ready to swap the everyday grind for a land of lush landscapes, ancient cities, and some of the best food you’ll ever eat? Vietnam is calling—and trust us, it’s got everything you didn’t know you needed for your next unforgettable...
Small People, Big Adventures: Top Travel Tips for Parents on the Go
Small People, Big Adventures: Top Travel Tips for Parents on the Go Travelling with kids: it’s equal parts chaos, cuddles, and memories that’ll make your heart (and Instagram) full. Whether you’re braving a plane ride or road-tripping to paradise, travelling with...
A South African Safari Adventure
People often talk of the emotional power of seeing creatures like lions and elephants in their natural habitats. And there are few better places to experience it than South Africa. Travelling to four different reserves, we give you the chance to see the Big Five, plus antelopes, hippos, hyena and countless bird species. In between, crossing dramatic mountain landscapes and learn of the area’s ancient civilisations. On our South Africa safari holidays, we’ll stay in wonderfully welcoming lodges
Trip Outline
Day 1 – Waterberg
Join your tour group in the Waterberg biosphere and our tented lodge. In the afternoon we enjoy a game drive in search of local wildlife within the reserve.
Safari Plains, Waterberg (4-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: Game drive in the Waterberg region (afternoon)
Waking on our first morning to magnificent mountain scenery, we head off on an early game drive. You may see any of the ‘Big Five’ (lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards and rhinos), as well as hyenas, birds and at variety of antelope. After lunch we enjoy another game drive. This evening a bush dinner awaits – a fantastic South Africa safari experience.
Safari Plains, Waterberg (4-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: 2 game drives in the Waterberg region (morning/afternoon)
Day 3 – Waterberg
Another thrilling day of wildlife begins with a walking safari to experience the bush from another perspective. This afternoon we’ll head out on another game drive.
Safari Plains, Waterberg (4-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: Walking safari (morning)
Game drive in the Waterberg region (afternoon)
Day 4 – Limpopo
We continue our South Africa safari holiday as we head to Limpopo, in the country’s far north, travelling through the region’s diverse landscape. We arrive this afternoon at our lodge for the next three nights, a tranquil retreat in Mapesu Nature Reserve, where we enjoy a bush walk around the local area.
Mopane Bush Lodge, Limpopo (4-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: Bush walk in Mapesu Nature Reserve (afternoon)
Day 5 – Limpopo
We begin early for a guided visit to Mapungubwe UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, in the 9th century Iron Age, the first-known Bantu settlement was established in South Africa. The site’s most famous artefact, the ‘Golden Rhino’, highlights the importance of the settlement within the vast Indian Ocean trade network. After lunch we head to Mapungubwe National Park for an exhilarating game drive.
Mopane Bush Lodge, Limpopo (4-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: Visit Mapungubwe UNESCO World Heritage Site (morning)
Game drive in Mapungubwe National Park (afternoon)
Day 6 – Limpopo
We return to Mapungubwe National Park for a bush walk or game drive. In the afternoon we’re privileged to see some ancient rock shelters adorned with around 200 pieces of art. They’re a legacy of the San people who occupied this area of Africa before the Bantu civilisations arrived.
Mopane Bush Lodge, Limpopo (4-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: Game drive or bush walk in Mapungubwe National Park (morning)
San Rock Art at Mapungubwe (afternoon)
Today we head to Makalali Private Game Reserve. Our lodge lies within a landscape dominated by the northern Drakensberg Mountains, thought to have inspired South African-born author JRR Tolkien. We embark on a game drive before dinner.
Makalali Lodge, Makalali Private Game Reserve (4-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: Game drive in Makalali Private Game Reserve (afternoon)
Day 8 – Makalali Private Game Reserve
Enjoy a boat cruise in Blyde Canyon this morning and another incredible afternoon game drive, searching for wildlife.
Makalali Lodge, Makalali Private Game Reserve (4-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: Blyde Canyon boat cruise (morning)
Game drive in Makalali Private Game Reserve (afternoon)
Day 9 – Makalali Private Game Reserve
Today we enjoy two more exciting game drives through the breathtaking reserve. We might even spot an elusive leopard or a lion – a sighting is sure to be a highlight of our South Africa safari tour.
Makalali Lodge, Makalali Private Game Reserve (4-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: 2 game drives in Makalali Private Game Reserve (morning/afternoon)
Day 10 – Kruger National Park
Today we travel along part of the famous Panorama Route. We stop by the Three Rondavels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window, before enjoying a game drive en route to our lodge within the Kruger National Park.
Imbali Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park (5-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: Experience the Panorama Route (afternoon)
Game drive (afternoon)
Day 11 – Kruger National Park
Today we have included two game drives in an area of diverse game viewing and wealth of wildlife.
Imbali Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park (5-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: 2 game drives in Kruger National Park (morning/afternoon)
Day 12 – Kruger National Park
Two further game drives today before our final evening meal in serene surroundings, with the chance to share your favourite recent wildlife moments with your fellow travellers.
Imbali Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park (5-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: 2 game drives in Kruger National Park (morning/afternoon)
Day 13 – Kruger National Park
Say goodbye to your tour group for your onward travel.
Kruger National Park
Includes / Excludes
Includes:
34 meals
12 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 12 dinners
Accommodation
12 nights in lodges
21 excursions & visits
4 game drives in the Waterberg region; 4 in Makalali Private Game Reserve; 5 in Kruger National Park
Bush walks in the Waterberg region and Mapesu Nature Reserve
Visits to Mapungubwe UNESCO World Heritage Site; the San Rock Art at Mapungubwe
Plus
Soft drinks throughout your stay (and local wine/beer/spirits with dinner) at Safari Plains; soft drinks/local wines/spirits at Makalali Lodge & Imbali Safari Lodge
Porterage
Services included
4 game drives in the Waterberg region; 4 in Makalali Private Game Reserve; 5 in Kruger National Park
Bush walks in the Waterberg region and Mapesu Nature Reserve
Visits to Mapungubwe UNESCO World Heritage Site; the San Rock Art at Mapungubwe
Game drive and bush walk in Mapungubwe National Park
Blyde Canyon boat cruise
Experience the Panorama Route
Excludes:
Flights
Visas
🏷️ Trip Code: WT-CODE 987511734
📅 Duration: 14 Days
📍Africa , Limpopo
From AUD$8,569 7,712pp
In the Footsteps of Livingstone
Following in Doctor Livingstone’s footsteps, we have some pretty big explorer shoes to fill. We manage it by combining two of the world’s greatest natural wonders – Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park. Exploring by air, boat and 4WD, we get closer to nature – cruising along the banks of the Zambezi past bathing elephants, viewing herds of giraffe from the skies, and criss-crossing savannahs in search of the Big Five. If you’re looking for wildlife, waterfalls and wonders.
Trip Outline
Day 1 – Victoria Falls
Join your tour group at the lodge, overlooking Zambezi National Park. Grab a drink on the deck as dusk draws in, and wait for the wildlife come to you. Voted as one of the ‘Great Bars of the World’, the bar overlooks a natural waterhole, whose nightly patrons include thirsty elephant, buffalo and kudu.
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (5-star)
Day 2 – Victoria Falls
We start out on a high with a day at Victoria Falls – one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Discovered by Livingstone in 1855, the pre-colonial name of ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ (the smoke that thunders) perfectly describes this force of nature. A mile-wide curtain of water freefalls down the rockface for almost a quarter of a mile, causing mists that can be seen from up to 12 miles away. After a guided walk stopping at different viewpoints around the falls, we take to the water for a sundowner cruise along the Zambezi River. The calm before the cascade, the water at the top of the falls is slow and meandering – with hippo, crocodile, elephant and giraffe coming to the water’s edge to drink.
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (5-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: Talk on David Livingstone and Victoria Falls guided walk (morning)
Sundowner cruise on the Zambezi (afternoon)
Day 3 – Mpisi Village
Today we visit Mpisi, a local rural village near Victoria Falls where we get an insight into traditional life – learning about indigenous customs, generations-old farming methods, medicine and healing. The afternoon is at leisure back at the lodge.
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (5-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: Visit to a traditional village (morning)
Day 4 – Kasane
Crossing the border into Botswana, we arrive at Kasane – the gateway for our Chobe National Park tour. Our home for the next seven nights is located on the tranquil banks of the Chobe River. With monkeys, kudu and countless species of bird on our doorstep, it’s the perfect base to relax and watch the wildlife from the riverbanks after a day exploring the park.
Chobe Safari Lodge (4-star)
Day 5 – Chobe National Park
Chobe was Botswana’s first national park, and the overflowing tributaries, lily-strewn waterways and miles of floodplains are home to Africa’s greatest concentration of wildlife – including the largest elephant population on earth. On our first game drive into this pristine and protected wilderness, keep a lookout for lion, elephant, giraffe, buffalo and antelope.
Chobe Safari Lodge (4-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: Game drive in Chobe National Park (morning)
Day 6 – Chobe National Park
Up with the birdsong, this morning we cruise along the river to spot yawning pods of hippo, basking crocodile and herds of bathing elephant. A paradise for birdwatchers, Chobe is home to more than 450 species – including heron, stork, jacanas and bee-eaters. Look out for small oxpeckers as they hitch a ride and a free meal on the back of thick-skinned hippos.
Chobe Safari Lodge (4-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: River cruise in Chobe National Park (morning)
Day 7 – Chobe National Park
We’ve viewed Chobe’s wildlife from land and water, so today we take to the skies. Following the course of the Chobe River in a light aircraft, we get a unique perspective of Chobe’s waterlogged landscapes. Like ink on litmus paper, the dotted islands and tributaries spread out beneath us – with herds of elephant, giraffe and buffalo visible from up high.
Chobe Safari Lodge (4-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: Light aircraft flight along Chobe River (morning)
Day 8 – Chobe National Park
Back down to earth, today we get deeper into the national park. A river cruise promises further sightings of elephant, hippo and watchful birds on the riverbanks; while a 4WD safari holds the possibility of more big game – including lion, cheetah, zebra, giraffe, leopard, sable and wildebeest.
Chobe Safari Lodge (4-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: River cruise in Chobe National Park (morning)
Game drive in Chobe National Park (afternoon)
Day 9 – Chobe National Park
We’ve been living on the wild side all week, so today is free to take stock, relax and recharge. Spend the day by the pool, watch the world go by from the riverbanks, and reflect on our favourite moments with new friends.
Chobe Safari Lodge (4-star)
Day 10 – Chobe National Park
Early this morning we take our final game drive – relaxing into the sights and sounds of the savannah now we’ve encountered much of the wildlife we came to see. This afternoon, there’s the option to take a boat trip or fishing trip from the lodge.
Chobe Safari Lodge (4-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: Game drive in Chobe National Park (morning)
Day 11 – Chobe National Park
Say goodbye to your tour group for your onward travel.
Chobe National Park
Includes / Excludes
Includes:
Your holiday includes
20 meals
10 breakfasts, 10 dinners
Accommodation
10 nights in hotels/lodges
10 excursions & visits
Talk on David Livingstone and Victoria Falls guided walk
Sundowner cruise on the Zambezi
Visit to a traditional village
Porterage
Services included
10 excursions & visits
Talk on David Livingstone and Victoria Falls guided walk
Sundowner cruise on the Zambezi
Visit to a traditional village
Three game drives in Chobe National Park
Two river cruises in Chobe National Park
Light aircraft flight along Chobe River
Excludes:
🏷️ Trip Code: WT-CODE 987511727
📅 Duration: 12 Days
📍Africa , Botswana , Zambia , Zimbabwe
From AUD$ 6,986 6,287pp
Qwabi Private Game Reserve
Enjoying the thrill of an African safari whilst staying in a private lodge. Spotting the Big Five, and other rare and endemic species, on game drives, birding safaris and bush walks. Stargazing for clusters, galaxies and southern constellations in the night sky. Learning to cook South African style in a traditional potjie pot. Disconnecting from daily life and reconnecting with nature in a luxury five-star setting.
Trip Outline
Day 1 – Qwabi Private Game Reserve
Join your tour group at the lodge in Qwabi Private Game Reserve. After a light lunch – served on a deck overlooking the acacia-shaded riverbank – we’ll soon start to absorb the magic of the bush. Dinner tonight is followed with an introductory talk outlining the activities and adventures ahead.
Letamo Lodge, Qwabi Private Game Reserve (5-star)
Day 2 – Qwabi Private Game Reserve
An early start rewards us with the sight of the sun creeping over the natural pans and grassy savannahs as we search for the Big Five – lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and African buffalo – before the heat of the day. We return to camp for breakfast, after which the rest of the day is free to immerse yourself in this ancient, untamed landscape. Watch for wildlife on the riverbank – elephant, bushbuck and buffalo have been known to walk by – or treat yourself (extra charge) to a soothing and rejuvenating spa treatment made with local herbs and plant extracts. South Africa produces some of the finest wines in the world and tonight we’ve arranged a wine tasting before dinner, when you’ll become acquainted with an array of award-winning South African wines.
Letamo Lodge, Qwabi Private Game Reserve (5-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: Dawn game drive in Qwabi Private Game Reserve (early morning)
South African wines tasting (evening)
Day 3 – Qwabi Private Game Reserve
There’s no rush to get up this morning so after waking to the sounds of the African bush and birdsong, you might be tempted to relax by the pool or retire with a book (and your binoculars) under a shady parasol. After a relaxed morning it’s all systems go as we head out on our next game drive. We’ll stay out until the last rays of sun have disappeared over the horizon, scanning the savannah with our experienced guides for zebra, cheetah and other prized animals. As one of only two UNESCO-declared Biosphere Reserves in Africa, Waterberg is actively managed for the conservation of wildlife. After dinner this evening we’ll learn about the work being done to protect and preserve this precious environment with a talk by a local conservation expert.
Letamo Lodge, Qwabi Private Game Reserve (5-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: Afternoon game drive in Qwabi Private Game Reserve (afternoon)
Waterberg Biosphere Reserve conservation talk (evening)
Day 4 – Qwabi Private Game Reserve
Enlightened by last night’s talk, we’ll head out in 4WDs early this morning and find the perfect spot to see the sun rise over this extraordinary landscape and watch animals emerge for another day in the bush. Returning for breakfast and a go-slow morning, this afternoon brings local flavour of a different kind as we learn the art of potjie pot cooking with Letamo’s resident chef. These three-legged cast-iron cooking pots are traditional in southern Africa and a memorable experience will be the tasty stew – chicken, lamb or vegetable – you’ll slow-cook over hot coals for dinner tonight.
Letamo Lodge, Qwabi Private Game Reserve (5-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: Dawn game drive in Qwabi Private Game Reserve (early morning)
Potjie pot cookery class with resident lodge chef (afternoon)
Day 5 – Qwabi Private Game Reserve
The conservation theme continues this afternoon as we head to a local Ground Hornbill Project where we’ll meet the rangers and find out how these charismatic, critically endangered birds are being hand-reared and reintroduced to the wild. Tonight, after dinner, we’ll gather outside to watch as ‘star rangers’ point out planets and constellations. Far from light pollution and the hubbub of daily life, these stargazing experiences give us a deep sense of connection with the natural world.
Letamo Lodge, Qwabi Private Game Reserve (5-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: Ground Hornbill Project visit (afternoon)
Guided stargazing experience (evening)
Day 6 – Qwabi Private Game Reserve
Up with the dawn chorus, we’ll look to the skies and the trees on a birdwatching game drive. Bird species to look out for include white backed heron, ostrich and Cape vulture, proving the best safaris are not just about four-legged animals, but winged ones too. In the afternoon, we’ll jump back into our 4WDs for another game drive, returning for a memorable dinner served al fresco in the bush.
Letamo Lodge, Qwabi Private Game Reserve (5-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: Birdwatching game drive in Qwabi Private Game Reserve (morning)
Game drive in Qwabi Private Game Reserve (afternoon)
Bush dining experience (evening)
Day 7 – Qwabi Private Game Reserve
It’s all about the safari today, as we head out on two game drives in the early morning and afternoon. Now experienced in the art of game viewing, we’ll keep our eyes peeled for rare species like white-backed night herons, aardvarks and brown hyenas, as well as any of the prized Big Five that have eluded us so far. Tonight, we’ll toast our adventures over a farewell meal, and share our favourite moments and stories with newfound friends.
Letamo Lodge, Qwabi Private Game Reserve (5-star)
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: Two game drives in Qwabi Private Game Reserve (morning and afternoon)
Day 8 – Qwabi Private Game Reserve – Johannesburg – In flight
Time to tick off those last few sightings on one final game drive before breakfast, after which you’ll say goodbye to your tour group for your onward travel.
Qwabi Private Game Reserve – Johannesburg – In flight
Today includes…
Excursions & visits: Dawn game drive in Qwabi Private Game Reserve (morning)
Includes / Excludes
Includes:
21 meals
7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
Accommodation
7 nights in hotel
14 excursions & visits
Seven game drives (in open-topped 4WD) in Qwabi Private Game Reserve
South African wines tasting
Waterberg Biosphere Reserve conservation talk
Plus
Selected local drinks including wine, spirits, beer, soft drinks and water available at mealtimes
Bottled water replenished daily in guest rooms
Porterage
Services included
Excludes:
Flights
Visas
🏷️ Trip Code: WT-CODE 987511677
📅 Duration: 9 Days
📍Africa , Limpopo
From AUD$ 3,633 3,269pp