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THORNTREE TOURS & SAFARIS is owner managed and an independent Tour Operator.
Lyn Mansfield, the owner of Thorntree Tours & Safaris has been in the tourism industry for the past 18 years. She is a Registered National Tourist Guide for Southern Africa and Swaziland. She is an experienced guide who has worked with every nationality from around the globe on safari and overland holidays.
We have personally visited and traveled to the places we recommend.
We cover all of Southern Africa’s top travel destinations, including KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SABI SAND GAME RESERVE, MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, VICTORIA FALLS, OKAVANGO DELTA, CAPE TOWN, BOTSWANA, NAMIBIA AND HWANGE NATIONAL PARK IN ZIMBABWE.
As a specialist operator selling only Southern Africa, we are in the unique position of being able to solely concentrate on Southern African destinations and activities. We offer a huge variety of diverse and specialized holidays to our clients, each and every aspect of which is tailored especially for you.
We organize Southern African safaris and holidays and because we live and work here, we know the country well and can give you value for your money.You also have the benefit of booking direct with a local operator which can save money as there are no hidden costs, SUCH AS BOOKING FEES. You pay less than if you book everything directly with the game lodge or hotel and sometimes we have special packages which include flights and transfers.
Visiting South Africa requires advice from an experienced operator. It pays to use the services of a seasoned local Professional.
You will have someone to contact whilst you are traveling and are never alone.
Your choice of SAFARI HOLIDAY can be daunting when faced with so many choices, and we use our experience to advise and arrange quality safari and holiday itineraries. We respond to enquiries quickly and efficiently and we take care in tailoring your African holiday to suit your taste and budget.
We have an excellent reputation and our testimonials speak for themselves. |
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SOUTH AFRICA
Described as a “ World in one country”. South Africa has a range of diverse experiences. From superb scenery and pristine sandy white beaches to amazing wildlife, South Africa has it all .Game viewing is best during the dry season (May-Oct) but summer months excellent for general touring and sightseeing. Most popular is Kruger National Park, Cape Town and Garden Route. |
Cape Town
Voted one of the top 3 destinations in the world. It is the oldest and fairest city and is renowned as one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Stay at least 3 nights in the Cape Town area. It is cosmopolitan, with fine restaurants and wines and top class hotels (the food and drink capital of the country). |
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E-mail: |
lynguide@mweb.co.za |
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Cell: |
+27 (0) 83 959 0800 |
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Tel: |
+27 (0) 11 462 4618 |
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Fax: |
+27 (0) 86 671 6515 |
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“Our most memorable holiday of our lives, it was truly an exceptional holiday” Olive Young, Cambridge, England.
“Thank you for an excellent tour, it went like clockwork, down to the last detail” Wayne & Jeni Hart, New Zealand.
“Just wanted to thank you for helping to make this holiday as enjoyable as it has been. Every day was a unique experience! This has been a trip of a lifetime. We have traveled the world, but this was the cherry on the top. The tour was outstanding”. Doreen & Tom Carnavale, Texas, USA. |
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The Garden Route
This is the coastal route from Mossel Bay to Storms River. The Outeniqua Mountain peaks form the backdrop for the most beautiful coastal scenery. Take the Steam train along the coast, eat oysters at Kynsna, soak up the sun at Plettenberg Bay and explore the ancient indigenous forests of Tsitsikamma Forest. Have dinner on a paddle boat at sunset on the Knysna lagoon. Visit the Cango caves and an Ostrich farm.
Kwa Zulu Natal
Home to the Zulu cultural villages, the warm Indian Ocean and sandy white beaches, Hluhluwe Imfolosi Game reserve, renowned for its black and white Rhino. Scuba diving - one of the top ten dive sites in the world.
St Lucia Wetland Park iSIMANGALISO
Maputaland, situated on Kwa-Zulu’s north-eastern seaboard, is a diverse region of forested dunes, wetlands, sandy beaches, woodlands and warm seas. Habitats include terrestrial, wetland, coastal, and aquatic .Estuary cruise to see hippos and crocodiles, forest walks, whale watching, horse riding on the beach, bird watching, night drives in coastal sand forests, canoeing on the lakes. Tours to see turtle nesting sites.
Drakensberg Mountains
4WD drives up the mountain, hiking, forest walks, clean mountain air and San rock art.
National Parks & Wildlife
Kruger National Park
Largest in South Africa at 2million hectares. Malaria area in wet season. Flagship park in Southern Africa with accommodation from standard to luxury. Best game viewing time is May to October, summer months are hot, winter months are cool in the mornings, warm daytime.
Madikwe/Welgevonden
Two different game parks, both Malaria free, offer variety of accommodation - children welcome at some lodges
Swaziland
Independent country within south Africa offers scenic drives and wildlife parks.
The Panorama Route
En route to the Kruger Park, the 3rd largest canyon in the world, offers 3 main visitor attractions, Bourkes Luck Potholes, Gods Window and Three Rondavels. There are numerous waterfalls in the area and spectacular scenery.
Johannesburg( Sandton)
This prestigious Business District offers exclusive shopping and variety of luxury hotels and guest houses. Cosmopolitan, safe with fine dining at the Nelson Mandela Square.
Victoria Falls
One of the natural wonders of the world, the mighty Zambezi River crashes over the falls and creates a mist which rises hundreds of meters in the air, and can be seen 50km away. Called “The smoke that thunders”. There are 12 view points in Zimbabwe compared to 4 viewpoints on the Zambian side of the falls. |
BOTSWANA
Incredible wildlife viewing makes this the ultimate safari destination. A land of contrasts, delta and desert, water and sand, thick bush and empty wide open spaces, waterways and moonscapes.. Game viewing is best in the dry season (May-Oct) by 4WD, Mokoro (dug-out canoe) and on foot.
Okavango Delta
The world’s biggest inland delta – home to large numbers of wildlife – once a year the delta floods and the Delta expands to 1,6 million hectares it is known as the jewel of the Kalahari.The regions is best from April through to October but main channels remain fairly full throughout the year. Rare species include sitatunga, wild dog.
Chobe
Chobe is known for its large herds of elephant, It is very accessible : a short ride from Victoria falls.
Moremi
1800km square of pristine wilderness. Distances are vast, so getting around is by charter aircraft to different camps. A treasure for naturalist, photographer, and lover of solitude and beauty.
Savuti
Overlooks the Savute channel in central Chobe National Park renowned for its large concentration of elephant and lion prides. There are also ancient San Rock art paintings in the area. |
Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe
It is 1,4 million hectares and the park supports an enormous abundance of wildlife. It has over 400 species of birds, 107 species of animals and over 20,000 elephants live here. Famous for large herds of elephant, buffalo and antelope species, including excellent predator sightings. |
Namibia
Two great deserts, the vast shifting sand sea of the Namibia sprawls inland along the Atlantic coastline. In the north and east it meets the Kalahari desert. Expansive landscapes, fascinating geology, sun-drenched weather, wildlife and diverse peoples. Some 4000 plant species, 650 bird species and 80 large mammals found here. World’s tallest sand dunes, oldest Bushmen rock art sites, Himba culture, this is a wilderness destination with a difference.
Etosha
Namibia’s premier wildlife destination, takes its name from the world-famous Etosha pan, one of many large saltpans in this flat region. It is over 2 million hectares, and it protects an incredible wealth and diversity of both fauna and flora. After good rains it attracts millions of flamingoes. Herds of game congregate around waterholes in dry season. |
GAME VIEWING –usually by 4WD open safari vehicle, but in areas with water (Okavango delta) may also be by canoe.
Most lodges offer walks with an armed ranger guide or night drives with a spotlight to see nocturnal animals.
FLY IN SAFARIS – The best way to maximize your time in game parks, avoiding long drives over rough roads. Using light aircraft/domestic flights, you can fly to the lodge of your choice, with a short drive to the lodge.
WALKING SAFARIS – Get close to the real Africa on a walking safari, travelling on foot into game and wilderness areas. Safaris are led by a licensed armed professional guide. Walking varies according to the tour, but reasonable fitness is required.
LODGES – in the national parks, the traditional safari lodges are built of local materials such as stone, wood, reeds and thatch with a central dining area and separate chalets, bungalows for guests. They vary from simple rustic, to extremely luxurious. Some are built on stilts in the trees. Most have swimming/plunge pools. Most have air-conditioning but some rustic eco-friendly lodges have fans and lamp lights.
TENTED CAMPS – guests sleep in large tents with proper beds, furniture and modern facilities such as ensuite bathroom and outdoor shower. You can hear the sounds of Africa around you, but with the comfort of a room. Some are simply furnished whilst others are luxurious “Hemingway-style” |
THE FOLLOWING CAN BE INCLUDED IN YOUR UNIQUE HOLIDAY ITINERARY
| Safari – self-drive |
Safari and beach |
Family Safaris |
| Tented Safari |
Safari – fly in |
Tribal customs & Villages |
| Shark Cage Diving |
Aerial canopy tours |
Turtle – Leatherback tours |
| Walking safari |
Big game in Hwange |
Scenic Mountain tours |
| Estuary cruises |
Elephant Interaction |
Animal Sanctuaries |
| Whale/Dolphin watching |
Hot Air Ballooning |
Historical Sites |
| Botanical Gardens (top 3 in world) |
Luxury Train Travel |
Paleoanthropological sites |
| Wine lands tour |
World Heritage sites |
Beaches – warm Indian ocean |
| Spring Wild flower tours |
Scuba Diving |
Township Tours – Soweto |
| Forest walks |
Wilderness Reserves |
Rock Art - San Paintings |
| Steam train journeys |
African curio markets |
Snorkeling – pristine coral reefs |
| Luxury Private Safaris Lodges |
Award-Winning Hotels |
Guest Houses |
| Desert – Dune Walks/Dune boarding |
Sea Kayaking |
Escorted Camping tours |
| Spa treatments |
Wellness Retreats |
African cuisine |
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