Condensed Itinerary
This tour was specifically designed to fit within Ontario’s nine day March Break. By departing Toronto on Saturday morning and returning the following Sunday morning, families from anywhere in the province can experience this bucket list destination without students missing a single day of school. It also makes the trip a great option for teachers, school staff, and anyone else whose vacation time follows the school calendar.
The condensed itinerary is very similar to our original program, with nearly all the same activities, experiences, and highlights included. We’ve simply packed everything into a slightly shorter timeframe to make the dates work with March Break. This means the pace is a little quicker and there is slightly less free time along the way, but you’ll still get the full experience and see what makes this destination so special.
DETAILS
LAND PACKAGE: C$3,480
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: C$450
TYPE: Safari
HOTELS: 4 star
GROUP: Private
DURATION: 9 days (6 hotel nights)
FLIGHTS: This tour was created specifically for the Ontario March Break. As such, it is only available once each year and based on the flight schedule of Ethiopean Airlines between Toronto and Johannesburg. While there are many airlines that connect these two cities, some require an additional night in Johannesburg (which we can easily arrange).
STARTS: Sun March 14, 2027
ENDS: Sat March 20, 2027
Daily Agenda
Day 00 (Fri March 12)
Arrive in Toronto (optional)
Those not living near Pearson Airport may want to arrive in Toronto on Friday, so TravelMaven has arranged a special rate at the Holiday Inn (900 Dixie Road) that includes 1 night accommodation and parking for 8 additional days. If you’re interested in taking advantage of this option, please ask for details. We'd like to make your journey stress-free from the very beginning.
Day 0 (Sat Mar 13)
Depart Toronto
While trans-Atlantic flights are not included in the Land Package, this March Break Special has been designed around Ethiopian Airlines Flight 553, which departs from Toronto Pearson International Airport at approximately 10:00 a.m. on Saturday morning. There are other flight options, but most of those depart Friday afternoon or evening.
Day 1 (Sun Mar 14)
Arrive Johannesburg & Transfer to Kruger
The Ethiopian Airlines flight arrives in Johannesburg around 1 p.m. Afterwards, guests will take Airlink Flight 845 to Kruger Mpumalanga Airport. There, our local partner, CD Tours, will meet you for the short transfer to Rio Vista Lodge. This is a relaxed day to recover from your travels and prepare for tomorrow's early safari. Rest, swim, or enjoy Crocodile River views before dinner at The Deck, the lodge's restaurant.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2 (Mon Mar 15)
Full-Day Kruger Safari
Today is the day many have dreamed of for a lifetime—a full-day African safari in Kruger National Park. You’ll set out early in open safari vehicles, catching the sunrise and spotting wildlife as the park comes to life. Along the way, stop for coffee at Afsaal Trader’s Rest and lunch at Skukuza, the park’s largest rest camp. After a final afternoon drive, return to Rio Vista Lodge to relax before dinner at The Deck.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 3 (Tue Mar 16)
Chimp Eden, i'Langa Mall & Sudwala Caves
The day begins with a visit to Chimp Eden, a Jane Goodall Foundation sanctuary for rescued chimpanzees, where you’ll learn about their stories and conservation efforts. After a lunch stop and free time at i'Langa Mall to see modern South African life, we’ll take a guided tour of the Sudwala Caves, one of the oldest cave systems in the world. We then return to Rio Vista Lodge for a free evening.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 4 (Wed March 17)
Free Time & Kruger Sunset Safari
After a relaxing day at the lodge, the adventure continues with a 4-hour sunset safari in Kruger National Park. As daylight fades, watch for nocturnal animals and active predators. After the safari, you will go to a local restaurant for dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 (Thu Mar 18)
Panorama Route & Blyde River Canyon
Get ready for a rewarding day along the scenic Panorama Route, with a stop at Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest and most spectacular green canyons in the world. You’ll also visit Graskop Gorge, where a glass elevator takes you down into a lush rainforest. Optional ziplining and bungee jumping are available for adventure-seekers. After a full day, we’ll return to the lodge for dinner and a well-earned rest.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 (Fri Mar 19)
Full-Day Kruger Safari
Today marks the final safari of the tour, a full-day game drive offering one last chance to take in the beauty of Kruger National Park. Our expert guides can adjust the route based on previous sightings, giving guests one last opportunity to search for any wildlife they may not have seen yet. In the evening, enjoy your last dinner at The Deck, giving you a final opportunity to try something new off their menu.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 7 (Sat Mar 20)
Depart South Africa
Today guests begin their long journey home. After enjoying breakfast at the lodge, guests will be transferred to Kruger Mpumalanga Airport to catch their 10:45 flight to Johannesburg. This flight connects with the Ethiopian Airlines departure at 14:35, beginning the journey back to Canada. Shuttles will also be provided for those departing at different times.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8 (Sun Mar 21)
Arrive in Canada
Welcome home! For those flying with Ethiopian Airlines, your flight is scheduled to arrive at Toronto Pearson International Airport at 9:05. Upon arrival, you’ll clear customs and collect your luggage before boarding the complimentary Holiday Inn shuttle, which will return you to the hotel where your car is parked. Last tip: leave a winter coat in your car for when you get home!