cybele Tours & Safaris...
DAY ACTIVITIES FROM CYBELE FOREST LODGE
VEHICLES & GUIDES
Our drivers and guides are highly experienced and knowledgeable, having studied extensively, as well as having worked in the area for a considerable time. They are all fully trained, and their pleasant manner will help to ensure a memorable day. All cybele's guides are registered with the South African Tourism Board.
Our new luxury fleet of vehicles, comprising such modern comforts as pure leather seats, all have air-conditioning. All vehicles carry beverages on board and drinks can be served en route. Superior picnics are served on certain tours and the kitchen at Cybele Forest Lodge and Health Spa, in consultation with the guest’s dietary requirements, provides these.
SHOPPING EXCURSIONS
White River
Only 20 minutes drive from Cybele Forest Lodge and Health Spa, guests can be treated to a shopping excursion that includes Casterbridge Farm where exquisite furniture, pottery and embroidery can be viewed. The centre has several restaurants as well as a cinema. Kraal Craft is a famous African Art curio shop and guests can be taken to Rottcher Wineries where they could enjoy a orange wine tasting and view more curios.
Nelspruit
Riverside Mall is 35 minutes from Cybele and houses everything from grocery stores to restaurants and upmarket furniture and clothing shops.
Graskop
Approximately 1 hour’s drive from Cybele en route to the Blyde River Canyon, a Mecca of African curios, the famous Harry's Pancakes Restaurant and pottery.
DAY ACTIVITIES
Kruger Park Tour
This special tour departs from the lodge at 05h00 (seasonal) and visits the world-renowned Kruger National Park. This two million-hectare sanctuary is home to 147 mammal species, 500 varieties of birds, 114 types of reptiles and a fascinating array of flora. After an early start and some fresh filter coffee, the Kruger Park is revealed at sunrise. This time of day offers the finest opportunity of seeing nocturnal predators before they sleep during the heat of the day. A short stop is made for a delicious picnic breakfast at one of the many picnic spots in the Kruger Park. This tour can either be taken as a half-day trip returning to the Lodge at lunchtime or as a full day tour where lunch is also included.
Panorama Discoverer
Departs at 09h00 and returns at 17h00. The towering Drakensberg escarpment rears out of the Bushveld, an area of breathtaking beauty and tranquillity. During the last 150 years, gold was found in the streams and a storybook history of prospectors, highwaymen and colourful characters that became part of the heritage of the area. On this tour, which departs after breakfast, places of incredible beauty and an ever-changing landscape will be seen. The Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Three Rondavels, God's Window, and the historic mining town of Pilgrim's Rest and Lone Creek Falls. An excellent picnic lunch is served en-route. This is a full day tour returning to the lodge late afternoon.
Sudwala Caves Tour
Just outside Nelspruit, these 600 million-year-old caves will enthral guests with their stalagmite and stalactite formations. They are considered the oldest known caves on earth! The main cavern is nearly 70 metres in diameter with a 37-metre dome. To end the tour a traditional picnic, prepared by Cybele’s chef, is served. This tour can depart at any time. The Caves have set tours every 30 minutes. The Caves are 1 ½ hours away from Cybele. There is also a small cultural village on the property, which is very interesting for guests to walk through and an African decorated restaurant where guests may enjoy a light meal.
Lowveld Botanical Gardens
Regarded as one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the country; the Lowveld Botanical Gardens feature rain forests and waterfalls. It sits astride the Crocodile River and is joined from the opposite bank by the Nels River. Both rivers tumble over spectacular waterfalls within the garden, forming a dramatic setting for the developed portion of the garden. In addition to the 600 species ofnaturally occurring plants, more than 2 000 additional species have been planted. The garden is famous for its collection of cycads, said to be the largest in the world. Just 40 minutes drive from the lodge and well worth a visit; it also hosts a tea garden where light snacks may be enjoyed at leisure.
Breeding Project Tour
a Visit to the Cheetah Research and Breeding Centre in Hoedspruit, approximately 150 kms from Cybele, will increase your awareness of the fragile balance of the cheetah population. They feature on the World Wildlife Fund’s list of endangered species. The tour will also allow you the opportunity to view African Dog, Ground Hornbills and many other rare and endangered species in their natural habitat.
The Jane Goodall Chimpanzee Eden
Visitors will have a unique opportunity to see Chimpanzees in semi-wild surroundings with normal social interaction and behavioral patterns under group members. The Chimpanzee groups live within large enclosures that are close to their natural habitat. The enclosures also have viewpoints overlooking the forest and ‘foraging areas’.
The goal of the Sanctuary is to rescue some of the Chimpanzees that have survived the hunting ordeal but are still misplaced through the lucrative illegal pet trade to zoos, circus performers and medical research facilities. Besides being provided with a home to live out their lives they are also provided with the necessary attention to recover from the trauma that they have experienced.
Golfing
Having become a very popular activity in the area, there are four top 18-hole courses in the vicinity. One in Hazyview at the Sabie River Sun Hotel, and another in White River at the White River Country Estate. Both of these are only 25 minutes from the Lodge. The third course is situated in Nelspruit, the capital city of Mpumalanga, just 40 minutes from Cybele. Then we can offer you the opportunity to experience the magnificent Leopard Creek Golf course. Innovative architectural and landscaping techniques ensure that the golf course are harmonious with the environment while lakes and small streams have been diverted through the development to create scenic vistas and interesting golf strategies. Golfing hazards take on a new dimension at Leopard Creek for much of the water is home to hippos and the creature for which the adjacent river is named - crocodile.
River Rafting
Go white water rafting on the scenic Sabie River with 20 thrilling rapids. Experience swimming, bum sliding and wave surfing with a boogie board. Enjoy light snacks served with ice-cold refreshments on the riverbanks. This excursion is ideal during the summer months.
River Rafting and Quad-biking
Go white water rafting on the scenic Sabie River with 20 thrilling rapids. Experience swimming, bum sliding and wave surfing with a boogie board. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch served with ice-cold refreshments on the riverbanks. Experience the beauty of the indigenous forest on the back of a 4-wheeler as well as tackling the winding trails which make up the route.
Aerial Cable Trail
Experience the thrill of the longest aerial cable trail in Africa! Launch yourself into the space above the tree canopy – glide over the valley – breathe in the magic of true, unspoilt nature from the elevated Platforms. Spend the morning letting your spirit soar high above the trees in this corner of Africa! Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch served with ice-cold refreshments on the riverbanks.
Breeding Project and Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre Tour
a Visit to the Cheetah Research and Breeding Centre in Hoedspruit, approximately 150 kms from Cybele, will increase your awareness of the fragile balance of the cheetah population. They feature on the World Wildlife Fund’s list of endangered species. The tour will also allow you the opportunity to view African Dog, Ground Hornbills and many other rare and endangered species in their natural habitat. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch served with ice-cold refreshments. Visit the largest animal rehabilitation centre in South Africa and see and touch animals such as lion, leopard, serval, honey badger, eagles, owls and baby animals – or have a vulture on your head! Here you can witness the caring of poisoned, injured and abandoned wild animals
EVENING EXCURSION
Private Night Safari
Depart from the Lodge at around 13h30 and be driven to one of South Africa's top private game reserves in search of the ‘Big 5’ – Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Elephant and Rhino. After tea, guests board an open Land Rover and set off into the bush to experience wildlife at close quarters in the care of a game ranger and tracker. Enjoy sundowners in the bush, after which, spotlights are turned on and the game drive continues into the night as the ranger seeks out the nocturnal species. Arriving back at camp, dinner is served around a huge log fire in the boma after which guests are driven back to the Lodge at around 23h00. Subject to private lodge availability.
Night Safari
Our Sundowner safaris take you into the bush as the wildlife prepares itself for another night on duty. Sit quietly on a rocky outcrop and watch the African night fall like a canopy pierced by stars as the night comes alive with sound. Better still, try the African night experience, and after your Sundowner enjoy a Boma dinner and watching traditional dancers under the stars, flames from the fire reflected in your eyes and the scent of wood smoke on the air.
HOT AIR BALLOONING
Hot Air Ballooning has become very popular in the area. The launch site is situated in Hazyview, approximately 30 minutes from Cybele and what better way to start off your day than with a choice of one of the following packages involving transfers, a balloon flight and various sightseeing options. Sunrise Balloon Experience
Guests will be transferred to the balloon launch site. The launch time is at 05h00 (seasonal), when coffee/tea is served and guests witness the balloon being inflated. The flight is approximately 60 minutes; thereafter guests are treated to a charming country breakfast and returned to the Lodge later in the morning.
MPUMALANGA ELEPHANT-BACK SAFARIS
Elephant Interaction
Experience the thrill of being close to these magnificent creatures and witness their intelligence, their compassionate nature and sheer delight interacting with their human counterparts. The interaction with the elephant offers you the opportunity to touch the elephant, exchange trunk greetings and offer tasty treats. Experienced elephant handlers share their in-depth knowledge of fascinating elephant behaviour..
Elephant Interaction with a half an hour-Ride
In addition to interacting with the elephant as outlined above, saddle up and enjoy a different perspective, historically a privilege for kings.
Early Morning Wake-up, Interaction and Elephant Back Ride
Meet at sunrise (06h30 or 07h00 depends on season) at the stables to wake up the sleepy souls and prepare them for the day. Help brush down the elephants and watch their morning exercises. Warm refreshments and a snack will prepare you for a typical elephant rumble; meandering down shady paths, enjoying regular stops for the elephant breakfast feasting. When your legs need a rest, relax atop one of the elephant and experience the unique relationship the Handlers enjoy with it.
Sunset Interaction, Elephant Back Ride and Sundowners.
In the late afternoon, with a comfortable stable in mind and a good meal waiting, the Elephant delight in heading for home. Enjoy this afternoon amble with the elephant; walk with them, or saddle-up and enjoy the view from high above the trees. Become a welcome and privileged member of the Elephant group while they peacefully carry out their evening routine. Complete a magical experience with a sun downer drink and snack while listening to the sounds of elephant settling to sleep.
Elephant Back Safaris
Depart early from Cybele Forest lodge and Health Spa to enjoy a morning Elephant Back Safaris and have the chance to view the Big Five and a myriad of other animals and plants, the reserve offers unequalled opportunities to experience the tranquillity of the bush. The reserve incorporates the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, which is widely known for its contribution to the conservation of wildlife. Conceptualised to support a herd of 13 orphaned and abandoned elephants, this is an operation which promises a unique and completely interactive elephant safari.
HOEDSPRUIT RESEARCH & BREEDING CENTRE FOR ENDANGERED SPECIES
A visit to the Research and Breeding Center at Kapama demonstrates the fragile balance of the Cheetah population that features on the World Wildlife Fund’s list of endangered species. It also allows guests the opportunity of viewing African Wild Dog, Ground Hornbills and many other rare and endangered species in their natural habitat.
Helicopter Transfer with Morning Elephant Safari and Late Morning Research and Breeding Centre Tour
Depart Cybele at 05h30 (seasonal) and fly direct to Kapama Lodge. From here, guests are transferred to the elephants. Board the elephants as the sun is rising and, after the safari, enjoy champagne and fruit juice, as well as some fresh fruit. Guests are then transferred back to the Kapama Research and Breeding Centre and begin the tour where they are educated on how these endangered species can be saved. Following the tour, enjoy a delicious picnic lunch, prepared in accordance with dietary requirements. Guests will be driven back to Cybele.
*A picnic lunch will accompany the trip and can be enjoyed at the Kapama Research and Breeding Centre.
Road Transfer with Early Afternoon Research and Breeding Project Tour and Late Afternoon Elephant Safari
Depart Cybele at 04h30. On arrival at Camp Jabulani, guests will be taken on a Safari like no other on Elephant Back after the safari join the tour that lasts for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes and meet the majestic cheetah. Guests are then get driven back to Cybele.
*Please note that a sandwich lunch OR a traditional Cybele picnic will accompany the trip. These may, however, have to be enjoyed whilst traveling to and from Cybele
HELICOPTER ADVENTURES
Undoubtedly, the most spectacular way of experiencing the scenic highlights of South Africa, a helicopter flight is not to be missed. The helicopter can be chartered at any time during the day. Note that good clear weather conditions are essential. Bell Jet rangers, seating four passengers, are also an ideal way of viewing the area – in grand style! The selection of unforgettable helicopter adventures in Mpumalanga is world famous. Some of the tours on offer are as follows:
Mountain Magic
An exhilarating flight, which takes you where few men have ventured before. Swoop over deep and mysterious gorges, through lush valleys bursting with vegetation and colour; hover above roaring rivers and cascading waterfalls; continue through God's Window alongside the fascinating and dramatic rock formations of the Blyde River Canyon and the curious Three Rondavels.
Descend, landing on a remote mountain with a breathtaking view over the Mpumalanga Lowveld. Enjoy a delicious breakfast, brunch or lunch accompanied by sparkling wine. Listen for the call of the Mountain Reedbuck, or watch an eagle soaring overhead. This is where rivers, mountains and indigenous forests come together.
Waterfall Wonder
A dramatic flight over the vast pine forests on the slopes of the Drakensberg to Graskop, God's Window, Lisbon and Berlin Falls. This is a shorter flight, but just as exhilarating!
Pilgrim’s Pioneer
This flight allows you to experience helicopter flying and to marvel at the vastness of the forests; flying over many of the main attractions such as God's Window and Mac-Mac Falls, then landing at Pilgrim’s Rest, where you may have a drink at the historic Royal Hotel and explore the gold mining town before returning over some truly spectacular scenery.
Mac-Mac and Back
Fly over the forests to Mac-Mac Falls, returning down the river valley. This overview of the area provides great photographic opportunities. This shorter flight is available when the helicopter is already in the area and is taken before or after one of the other adventures described. Prices for flights, where the helicopter has to be called in specifically, are available on request.
Winged Safari
As the call of the Bushveld beckons lift off from the Lodge by helicopter and fly a few hundred feet above the trees into the heart of Africa. Land at a remote clearing carved out of the bush and you will have arrived at one of Africa's top private game reserves. An open Land Rover and a qualified game ranger await you.
Microlight Adventure
Depart from Hazyview behind Numbi Hotel, on an exciting adventure on a micro light Bantam B22 J fixed wing.
10min - Along the sabie River over Sanbonani, Kruger Park lodge, Sabie river Sun and Umvubu. Sightings of Hippo, Elephants, Zebra, Wildebeest, Giraffe and Impala a good possibility.
20 min - West down the Sabie Valley along the river to a small waterfall and back along the outer ridge of the valley. Will also see animals as above. (All our flights have the possibility of animals as they are close to the airfield)
30mins - Da Gama dam, The Sabaan River Valley and Sabie river valley.
45min - Da Gama Dam, Klip Koppie Dam (low level), Longmere Lake, Witklip Dam, The Sabaan river valley and Sabie river Valley.
60min - Sabie river valley, Mac Mac Falls, Forest falls, Graskop gorge (Bungee Jump), Pinacle,Lisbon and Berlyn Falls, over GodsWindow ridge and back to Hazyyview
90mins - as above but instead of going off at Gods window we continue North to Bourke’s Luck potholes , the Blyde river canyon and come off at devils Knuckles and back to Hazyview over Injaka dam.
This is Big 5 country – Leopard, Lion, Rhino, Elephant and Buffalo. Your knowledgeable game ranger and tracker will offer you a fascinating insight into the natural habitats of smaller mammals, birds and reptiles on the way. As the magical drive draws to a close, you are left with a deep and lasting impression of the magnificence of Africa's wildlife. This is where wildlife, the bush and ecology interact. This is the real Africa! After your game drive, enjoy a delicious breakfast at the game lodge. The flight back to your hotel will happen after breakfast.
LUXURY TRANSFERS
Transfers to/from game lodges, KMIA or even Johannesburg can be booked in one of our Luxury air-conditioned vehicles. Complimentary waters & soft drinks are served en-route.
Let us organise a day trip for you. Explore the lowveld in one of our comfortable vehicles with an experienced guide. Alternatively, experience it all in real style with one of our exhilarating helicopter trips - "mountain magic" for the highlights of Mpumalanga with lunch on a private mountain top, or "winged safari" for a flight into the very heart of the bush with an open land rover game drive at a private game reserve. Enquire about our wide range of world famous five day, four night Cybele/private game lodge packages - self drive, fly/drive, chauffeur drive and chauffeur drive with overnight train journey and helicopter.
