Rates explained
How pricing works
Rates are per person sharing, for the whole 3-night trail, from R12,720, with VAT and all conservation levies included. Three things move that price: the season, the year you travel, and how far ahead you book. Nothing else is added at checkout.
What moves the price
What counts as high season?
1 Apr to 31 Oct, 15 Dec to 15 Jan. Every other date is low season, at 20% less.
The season depends only on your start date: R15,900 per person in high season against R12,720 in low. Everything else about the trail is identical.
Which year's rate applies to me?
The rate for the year your trail starts in, locked in when you book.
Rates are published two years ahead, because tour operators need them that far in advance. A trail starting in 2027 high season is R15,900 per person; one starting in 2028 is R17,172. Whichever applies to your start date is the rate you pay, and it does not change after you book.
Is there a discount for booking late?
Yes. Departures between 8 and 21 days away are 22% less.
It is applied automatically: you will see it named on the date you pick and again on your total before you pay. Nothing needs to be asked for or entered. The last week before departure is closed for online booking, because that week is reserved for staffing your trail.
A worked example
4 walkers, all-inclusive, starting on a Monday in low season. Every line is the same calculation the booking form runs, so this is what you would actually be charged.
- All-inclusive, low season, Monday start
- R12,720 per person sharing
- 4 walkers
- R50,880
- Paid today (50% deposit)
- R25,440
- Balance, due 45 days before arrival
- R25,440
Departures 45 or more days away are secured with a 50% deposit, with the balance due 45 days before arrival. Inside that, the full amount is due at booking.
Do I pay for my whole group, or just myself?
Just the people you are booking for. The rate is per person sharing, for the whole trail, so a party of 2 pays for 2 even on a date where others join later. A departure carries up to 8 walkers in 4 double rooms, with two FGASA qualified trail guides.
The first booking on a date opens it, from 2 guests. Once a date has a booking it is a guaranteed departure, and any party of 2 or more can join it while rooms last. You only ever share a room with your own group, and each guest in a room of their own pays a 40% single supplement. Take all 4 rooms and the trail and each lodge are reserved for your group alone, with nobody joining you.
Departures run Sunday, Monday, Thursday and Friday until 31 December 2028, and every weekday from 2029.
What is included in the rate?
Included
- A guided walk, with each safari lodge reserved for your group overnight
- Two experienced, FGASA qualified trail guides throughout
- All meals, with selected South African estate wines and local beers
- Daily transport of your baggage and provisions between lodges
- All reserve conservation levies, and VAT
Not included
- Travel to and from Temminck's Lodge
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities