An action-packed safari in search of great white sharks and Africa’s big cats
FiveZero’s Predators Safari in South Africa gets you up close to South Africa’s notorious hunters. This action packed adventure takes you into the depths of False Bay, just off the coast of Cape Town, to look for great white sharks and continues onward to Greater Kruger National Park in search of Africa’s big cats.
Each day, you’ll head straight to ‘Shark Alley’, the famous stretch of Cape Town’s Ocean, known for its incredible great white shark activity, to photograph the powerful and massive sharks as they swim within inches of you! Experience the sharks from the boat, or be more adventurous and get in the water from the safety of a cage.
After our thrilling adventures at sea with the sharks, a diverse range of species of whales, dolphins, and seals, and of course those adorable penguins, you’ll head to Greater Kruger National Park – the most densely populated leopard habitat in the world. Here, you will explore the African bush in open air Land Rovers to search for these secretive predators and come within touching distance of lions, leopards and cheetahs. Also, capture unique photos of elephants, rhinos, buffalos, hippos, zebras, and giraffes.
This safari often extends into the evening. As you return to the luxurious camp – a 5-star private lodge perfectly situated on the banks of the Sand River – it is not uncommon to see wildlife well into the night. And, with unobstructed views of the river’s flood plains, the Big Five are often seen from the camp.
This safari is fully customized – from group size to dates and duration. For those looking to extend your stay in South Africa, we have several options to enhance your experience. Contact our safari specialists to help you plan your dream safari!
Here is a little teaser: The South African Predators Safari Video
Contact us for more information.
Gallery
Photos from previous safaris. Click to view at full-size.
Suggested itinerary for The Predators Safari in South Africa
Day 1: Arrive in Cape Town
Upon your arrival at Cape Town International Airport, a representative will greet you and drive you to the hotel.
You will have ample time to relax and settle in, and enjoy the wonderful views of Simons Town.
Days 2 – 5: False Bay
For the next four days, Chris and Monique Fallows – internationally acclaimed shark experts – will take you on-board a morning shark safari in search of the unique breaching behavior the sharks of False Bay display during the winter months.
With an early start to the day, you’ll meet the great white shark crew at the boat launch site for breakfast and daily briefing. You’ll head straight to ‘Shark Alley’, the famous stretch of Cape Town’s Ocean, known for its incredible great white shark activity. Experience the sharks from the boat, or get adventurous and get in the water from the safety of a cage (no scuba qualifications are required).
With a bit of luck, you will witness and photograph natural predation, as the daily battle between the hunter and the hunted, the great white sharks and Cape Fur seals, plays out in front of you. While out at sea, you’ll search for other marine life that frequent the Bay, including Common Dolphins, Southern Right Whales, Brydes Whales and of course the 65,000 strong colony of Cape Fur Seals.
After a good morning of Great White Shark photography, you will head back at the hotel restaurant to recharge and go through the morning’s adventures. Afternoons can be dedicated to exploring some of Cape Town’s other gems – the African Penguins and Cape Point.
Day 6: Arrive at Kruger’s Sabi Sands region
After breakfast at the hotel, a driver will bring you to Cape Town International Airport to catch a domestic flight to Johannesburg. Upon arrival at O.R. Tambo International airport, a charter flight representative will transfer you to the charter flight’s lounge for a short flight to a private airstrip in the Kruger Park’s Sabi Sands region. Your private ranger will be waiting at the airstrip to drive you the short distance to the lodge, which will be your base for the following 4 nights.
Your 5-Star private lodge is perfectly situated to make the most of the beautiful surrounds. Settle in and enjoy a delicious lunch, before heading off on your first safari. The afternoon safaris come back to camp just after dark giving you a chance to see the big cats in action.
Days 7 – 9: Sabi Sands Private Reserve
The Sabi Sands region is famous for its exceptional Big 5 viewing and abundant wildlife. The habituated nature of the area’s wildlife allows you incredible photographic opportunities, and a chance to view their natural behaviour from close quarters.
While each day is tailored to your requests, a typical day includes two safari outings. These morning and afternoon safaris are where the real magic happens! Driving in open-air Land Rovers, an experienced ranger guides you through this magnificent area to find the animals going about their business.
Not to be outdone, meals on safari offer a unique experience all on their own with stunning backdrops and tantalizing flavours. Meals are prepared by the lodge’s culinary team, with organic ingredients locally grown or from the resort’s garden, free-range game, and seafood selections guided by South Africa’s Sustainable Seafood Initiative. Enjoy classic and innovative dishes complemented with South African wine or cocktail creations.
Lunches are served on the main deck beneath the trees, overlooking the beautiful Sand River or on occasion enjoy breakfasts in the bush. Each evening, you will meet for pre-dinner drinks in the bar, before dinner is served, mostly, in the Boma, or outdoor dining room, around the campfire.
Day 10: Depart
Enjoy one final, early morning safari followed by a fortifying breakfast. Your ranger will drive you to a private airstrip to catch your charter flight back to Johannesburg where you can connect with your onward flight.
Please note: The above day-by-day Itinerary is only a guideline. The daily itinerary is weather-dependent and sightings-dependent, it could vary slightly.
Extend Your Stay in South Africa
If you would like to extend your trip, FiveZero can arrange this either before or after the above safari itinerary. Not to miss spots include:
Cape Town: Cape Town is a vibrant city that will get under your skin no matter what time of year. While walking through the city’s streets and meeting its people, you will fall in love with its natural beauty and incredible spirit. Cape Town is a city where the unexpected is always just around the corner and the beautiful province of the Western Cape lies ready to be explored beyond the city border. There are endless activities including:
- Wine tasting tours of South Africa’s top wine-producing regions
- Enjoy a Helicopter ride for breath-taking views of Cape Town’s coastline
- Go cage diving with the famous Great White Sharks
- Climb Table Mountain to catch panoramic views of the city
- Go kite surfing or relax in the sun at Blaaubergstrand Beach
- Swim with the penguins at Boulders Bay
- Visit the historical landmark and political prison during the apartheid era Robben Island
- And, so much more!
Victoria Falls: Victoria Falls is a spectacular sight of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur on the Zambezi River and forming the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Described by the Kololo tribe living in the area in the 1800’s as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ – ‘The Smoke that Thunders’.
In more modern terms Victoria Falls is known as the greatest curtain of falling water in the world. The wide, basalt cliff over which the falls thunder, transforms the Zambezi from a placid river into a ferocious torrent cutting through a series of dramatic gorges. Facing the Falls is another sheer wall of basalt, rising to the same height, and capped by mist-soaked rain forest. A path along the edge of the forest provides the visitor prepared to brave the tremendous spray, with an unparalleled series of views of the Falls.
There are a host of activities to do at the falls. For the more adventurous, bunji-jumping, elephant back safaris and walking with lions; and for the more relaxed guests, enjoy gentle sundowner cruises and bird watching.
Highlights from The Predators Safari in South Africa
Best time to go:
This safari can be enjoyed between June and mid-september.
Duration:
9 nights/10 days
Accommodation:
4* B&B in Simons Town; 5-star/luxury, private lodge in Kruger’s Sabi Sands region
Start/End point:
Cape Town International Airport / OR Tambo International Airport
Wildlife highlights:
Great White Sharks, Whales, Dolphins, Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Hyenas
Package includes:
All internal flights & transfers
Accommodation - Half board (breakfast & lunch) in Cape Town; Full board in Sabi Sands
Cape Town Includes:
Scheduled daily shark safari boat trips
Snacks & drinks on the morning boat trips
Wet suits & snorkeling
All entry permits into Boulders Bay & Cape Point Nature Reserves
Sabi Sands Includes:
Scheduled safari activities
Afternoon teas
Laundry
A La Carte:
Specialty Beverages
Spa treatments
Phone calls
Gratuities
Customized vacation (holiday) options/holiday extension options
Suggested activities may have additional fee
FiveZero Tip:
If you would like to get that perfect shot, why not ask our professional photographer to guide you on this safari, and show you how! Make it a Photographic Safari!