Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa in the Waterberg has launched its new Overland Safaris product. It offers guided itineraries for small, private groups of up to 14 guests, to Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, and around South Africa.

Currently, three different itineraries are offered with set departures between May and September, with a Namibian itinerary to be added next year.

Mhondoro CEO, Fritz Breytenbach, said: “Mhondoro has earned a reputation as a luxury safari destination of note within the Welgevonden Game Reserve, and now offers more adventurous guests the opportunity to explore further afield while still enjoying the Mhondoro standard of guiding, cuisine and service, presented as a luxe, glamping wilderness experience.”

Hosted by a dedicated safari guide, chef, butler and maintenance crew, up to seven guests can be transported in each of the two custom-designed Mhondoro Landcruisers.

Enclosed for longer distance travelling, the air-conditioned vehicles have sunroofs and charging points but also convert seamlessly into open game-viewing vehicles with raised, pop-up platforms as roof-height vantage points.

Accommodation is provided in glamping tents with a gas-heated hot shower and toilet facilities.

Nights are spent in established wilderness camps, while some itineraries also include the option of staying in luxury lodges along the way. All food preparation is done by the chef on open fires.

Highlights of itineraries

Highlights of the Botswana and Zambia overland safari that departs from Maun, include a Ntwetwe salt pan quad-bike adventure and meerkat family experience in the Makgadikgadi region; the forest and open savanna woodland of Nxai Pan National Park in northern Botswana; and wild camping at Khwai Magotho between the Moremi and Savuti (Chobe) National Parks on the edge of the Okavango Delta.

From there, the adventure continues via Kasane, the meeting point of Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe, with the option to end at Mukwa River Lodge on the Zambezi River, incorporating a visit to the Victoria Falls.

Departing from the Waterberg, Botswana itineraries can be added on to a stay at Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa, covering Mapungubwe National Park, the Tuli Wilderness, and the Limpopo River, before returning to Mhondoro.  

Guests who prefer to stay within the borders of South Africa, can opt for the Cape Town itinerary which starts in Gqeberha, visiting the Mountain Zebra National Park, Camdeboo National Park with a traditional farm stay, the Swartberg Nature Reserve and Gamkaskloof (known as ‘Die Hel’), on to Oudtshoorn, Montagu and Paternoster with Cape Town as the final destination.

Breytenbach said Mhondoro’s Overland Safaris would cover some of the most scenic reserves and wilderness areas of Southern Africa, as well as the ancient waterways of the Okavango Delta where itineraries would include scenic flights and boat trips and mokoro excursions.

“We are pleased to offer a small selection of bucket-list itineraries for those who yearn for a true African safari experience, yet one that is guided and managed by professionals to offer a safe and hassle-free safari. Families with children older than six are welcome, along with those with a special interest in birds, stargazing, photography, and elephants. Experiencing the local sights, sounds and the wonders of Africa’s wildlife will be the order of each day – guaranteed.”