Panorama Tour
As the name suggests, this tour takes guests on one of the most scenic trips the Lowveld has to offer. From waterfalls and canyons to viewpoints overlooking Kruger National park Thula Seats’ Panorama Tour has something for everyone. The vastness of the area and abundance of natural attractions means a full-day trip is recommended, although, for those on a tight schedule, shorter trips can be arranged.
Typically, a full-day tour from the Hazyview area begins with a pick-up from your accommodation point at 8 am before moving on to the forestry capital of the Lowveld, Sabie. This sleepy and tranquil town boasts an array of waterfalls including the “forgotten” or “secret” falls which can be visited by prior arrangement. Although summer – the Lowveld’s rainy season – is the best time to view these waterfalls in all their majesty, visiting them in winter is equally spectacular.
The Panorama Tour then moves on to the historically-rich Mac Mac Falls before heading towards two of the provinces best-known attractions – God’s Window and the Blyde River Canyon.
Weather-permitting, God’s Window is one of the most breath-taking natural spots you will ever visit. Situated 6000ft above sea level and offering stunning vistas over the Lowveld and the Kruger National Park this attraction is a must-see. If you happen to stop by on a cloudy day, although visibility may be poor, we guarantee that the feeling of being engulfed by clouds will be mesmerising and just as unforgettable.
Stopping at the Blyde River Canyon will too be a magnificent experience that will leave a lasting impression. It’s the third-largest “true” canyon in the world, and at almost 25km in length, it is spectacular. The Panorama Tour is done over a day and is guaranteed to leave lasting memories.
Kruger Tour
No break to the Lowveld is complete without a visit to the Kruger National Park. With this in mind, Thula Seats offers a variety of safaris to suit your needs and wildest safari dreams – full-day, half-day, morning, afternoon and mesmerising evening game drives – you have the power to choose.
Covering an area of over 1900km and boasting an abundance of wildlife, our guided safaris are the easiest way to make the most of your park experience. Your passionate, experienced guide will collect you from your accommodation facility in an open view safari vehicle which is undoubtedly the best way to experience the sights and sounds of the Kruger. For families with children under the age of six, air-conditioned, closed vehicles can be arranged.
Every game viewing vehicle is packed with fresh, bottled water to be enjoyed by clients throughout their daytime tours and blankets and ponchos to keep the cold at bay during the evening and early morning safaris.
Although our full-day safaris do not include lunch, there is a scheduled stop at one of the rest camps which allows guests to stretch their legs and visit the restaurant. They can also explore other amenities and browse through the various local arts and crafts and memorabilia on offer.
Our love for Southern Africa’s wildlife and birds is the backdrop of all our tours. Although we do not offer exclusive birding excursions, spectacular bird sightings are enjoyed during most of our trips.
GAUTENG TOURS
At Thula Tours, we are passionate about all things African. That is why we also offer private tours in Gauteng, Swaziland, and Mozambique.
Jozi Half-Day Tour
Just three and a half hours away from the capital of Mpumalanga and affectionately known as the hip capital of the Southern hemisphere, Johannesburg in Gauteng is considered as one of the world’s top cities to visit. Anyone wanting to familiarise themselves with this cosmopolitan metropolis can book a private tour for up to 13 people (subject to vehicle availability) with Thula Seats. Most tours include entrance fees to tourist sites as well as a stopover for a traditional Jozi lunch (for clients’ account). This tour consists of the following:
General Drive Through
Constitution Hill
Maboneng Precinct
New Town
Soweto Tours
If experiencing authentic South African culture is your aim, then a tour of Johannesburg is not complete without a visit to the township of Soweto. Thula Seats offers both a full and half-day tour of Soweto both of which provide insight into the vibrant and unique street life of this lively and colourful area as well as an opportunity to explore some the country’s most well-known historical sites.
Soweto and Apartheid Museum Tour (full day)
Freedom Square
Regina Mundi Church
Hector Pieterson Museum
Mandela House
Apartheid Museum
Soweto Half-Day Tour
Freedom Square
Regina Mundi Church
Hector Pieterson Museum
Mandela House
Pretoria Tours
Thula Seats also offers numerous tours to and around the administrative capital of South Africa – Tshwane (formerly known as Pretoria). These follow a similar structure to the Jozi and Soweto tours. A mere 40-minute drive from Johannesburg, Tshwane is overflowing with South African history. In addition, it has gained a reputation for being a bustling city with a relaxed, small-town feel.
Pretoria Half-Day Tour
General drive-through
Church Square
Union Buildings
Melrose House
Voortrekker Monument
Pretoria and Cullinan Diamond Mine Tour (full day)
Church Square
Union Buildings
Voortrekker Monument
Cullinan Diamond Mine
Cullinan Diamond Mine Tour (half-day)
Surface Mine Tour
General walk-through
Underground Mine Tour (09h30 – 13h30 or 10h30 – 14h30)
Thula Seats can also arrange tours to other popular Gauteng-based destinations such as the world-renown Cradle of Humankind, the Lion and Rhino Safari Park and the Lesedi Cultural Village, to name a few.
Lion Park
Experience various predators and other game
Animal feeding (11h30 or 14h30)
Lion & Rhino Safari Park Tour
Experience different predators as well as rhino and various other wild animals up close. This tour also compromises a stop at the Wonder Caves.
Lion & Rhino Safari Park and Cradle of Humankind Tour
This tour allows you to experience various predators, rhino and other wild animals. A visit to Maropeng and Sterkfontein Caves is also included in this tour.
De Wildt Cheetah Centre
Witness cheetahs, vultures, caracal, and wild dogs up close (daily at 13:30)
Cheetah Run (Tuesdays, Thursday, Saturdays and Sundays at 08h00 only)
Cradle of Humankind Tour
Maropeng
Sterkfontein Caves
Cradle of Humankind and Lesedi Cultural Village Tour
Maropeng
Cultural Experience
Sterkfontein Caves
African Boma Lunch/Dinner
Lesedi Cultural Experience Half-Day Tour
Cultural Experience
African Boma Lunch/Dinner
Elephant Sanctuary and Chameleon Village African Market
This tour includes guided interaction with elephants as well as a stopover at the Chameleon Village which has over 120 African curio shops boasting an array of local arts and crafts.
Pilanesberg and Sun City Resort (full day)
Half day game drive in the Pilanesberg National Park
Sun City Casino and Resort
Pilanesberg National Park (full day)
This tour is made up of a full day game drive in a closed vehicle in the Pilanesberg National Park
CROSS BORDER TOURS
Mozambique Tours
Mozambique is known for its humble and friendly people as well as its delectable cuisine infused with a mixture of Portuguese, Indian and African ingredients and spices. Situated less than 200km from the capital of Mpumalanga, Mbombela, getting to Maputo is fairly easy and hassle-free. The cross-border road trip is uncomplicated and done on the world-class N4 Toll Route which takes you through the Lebombo Border straight into the bustling city.
Maputo Day Tour
This is a 4 – 5 hours walking tour through the most prominent areas of the capital city of Mozambique with stopovers at the following tourist attractions:
City Hall (Museum of the Revolution)
Independence Square
Botanical Gardens
National Art Museum
Maputo Market
French / Moz Cultural Centre
Railway station
Museum of Natural History
Fortress of Maputo
Brazil / Moz Cultural Centre
Maputo Cathedral
Louis Trichardt Memorial
This tour can be extended (time permitting) to include a drive to the Handcraft Market, the world-renowned Polana Hotel and a trip to the famous Costa de Sol.
Thula Seats can also arrange private transfers to the Maputo harbour and eSwatini (Mbabane) in Swaziland.
eSwatini Cultural Tours
eSwatini, also known as the Kingdom of Swaziland, is renowned for its culture and handcrafts. Situated next to the Lowveld, which is home to Thula Seats, we offer tailormade single and multi-day tours from Mbombela, White River and Hazyview to this African monarchy.
Single and multi-day tours include visits to Ngwenya Mine – the oldest mine in the world – as well as stops at the Ngwenya Glass Factory, the Swazi Candle Factory and the Batik Factory where a wide selection of local arts and crafts can be purchased. Popular items on sale include soapstone and wood carvings, contemporary art, hand woven products and handmade jewellery.
Thula Seats’ Swaziland Cultural Tours include a stopover at the Mantenga Craft Centre in the Ezulwini Valley where traditional dancing can be enjoyed. Guests can also experience the Swazi way of life with visits to a traditional homestead as well as the national museum, the Swaziland Parliament, the fresh produce market in Manzini and King Sobhuza II Memorial Park. Swazi delicacies, such as traditional beer from Lobamba Village, roadside meals such as “chicken dust” and authentic handheld foods also form part of this unforgettable trip.
Multi day tours come with a wide selection of accommodation venues ranging from upmarket, luxury hotels, lodges and guest houses to rustic self-catering establishments, bush camps, camping sites and backpackers.