Mpumalanga Scenic
Some of the spectacular sights you can
include deep gorges leading from the
Drakensberg escarpment down into
lowveld vistas, while from God's Window, you can take a lovely cool walk through indigenous rain forest to viewpoints with majestic views across the mountains and lowveld.
At the Echo Caves, you can see the
biggest natural rock shelter in Africa,
which is also one of only four Middle
Stone Age archaelogical
excavation sites.
Ndebele Cultural Experience
Meet real mural artists whose work is world-famous
Visit the King's palace and pace his painted walls
Marvel at the painted Catholic Church
Buy original canvas artworks and beadwork
Tour some of the well-known settlements with
painted houses
Hear the history of their enslavement by the Boers
Artist Angelina Ndimande leaves her mother's famous house as the sun sets. Only a few years would elapse before her mother, artist Francina Ndimande, would pass away from diabetes.
Above (L-R): The most famous Ndebele mural artist, Esther Mahlangu, in her younger days. The Ndimande homestead. A young man who has returned from the Mountains of Manhood. A new design in the Tourist Village.
Bottom (L-R): A young initiate alters tradition by introducing new modern dress items. An old house in the Mbhoko settlement. A newly painted entrance to a house at the Tourist Village. An artists stands proudly in front of her wall in Pieterskraal
Wildlife Safari
Get up close with elephants, search for lions,
learn how to distinguish different animal tracks,
marvel at the elegance of the various antelope,
understand how animals interact with nature,
and why they are so much more civilised
than us humans!
Or just gaze at a beautiful bird's plumage.
Learn about some of the bushveld trees.
Find the Tiny Five.
Time out! Heal your soul with an inspiring safari.
South Africa is a place of magic and wonder,
with large areas of unspoilt bushveld,
and we are privileged visitors to this world.
Testimonials
Highly professional &
extremely accommodating
Michael and I found David to be an excellent tour guide.
His knowledge of the different wildlife and birds was exceptional. His general demeanor was pleasant and he was very accommodating on any request.
His knowledge of cameras and willingness to assistance us with our cameras was a great help to create a lifetime of memories.
His organisation of our tour was without fault.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
– Wayne & Michael
Sydney, Australia
August 2025
A tailor-made bird watching tour .... Excellent
David took us out for 2 days in and around Johannesburg for birding.
Very professional reliable safe and got to see some wonderful birds and local nature.
David also has great knowledge and love of his country which was very informative.
Very good price as well for a private tour. Highly recommend.
Thank you for our memories.
– Geraldine & Ed
Scotland, UK
November 2024
Excellent service and outstanding tour
I had an extra day in Johannesburg before going on safari in Botswana and Zimbabwe and decided to contact David based on his reviews on Safaribookings.
I also contacted a competitor and David got back to me much quicker with several options for a day of birdwatching in Johannesburg. I was very pleased with his quick response time and the various options he provided.
He came to pick me up at my hotel and we drove in his very comfortable van to Marievale birding reserve, where we were able to enjoy a number of different hides in the reserve. We were there on a weekday so there were very few other visitors.
After a lovely lunch we then went to the Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden, where we were able to walk around the beautiful garden and see a number of different species of birds.
David was very interesting to talk to about South Africa politics as well, and we spent a really nice day together.
I would highly recommend him and although we did not do one of his more historical or cultural tours I am confident that those are excellent as well.
In addition, I felt that David's tour was very fairly priced compared to others in the area.
– Margo Tannenbaum
Los Angeles, USA
Feb 2025
Passion, Insight, Knowledge
David was instrumental in giving me a real insight to the Ndebele people.
His knowledge and passion about the people, their history and their art was evident from the very beginning.
His connection allowed us access I don't think I could have gotten through another tour.
David's background in filmmaking gives him an advantage over other tour operators because of how he researches the locations.
He looks at the subject, location or event with a photographer's eye and the curiosity of a producer and writer, allowing him to give his clients a unique and special experience.
– Janice McDonald
Atlanta, USA
404-503-5020 – office
404-307-2729 – cell
A Brilliant Art Tour
David Forbes took a guest of ours on a day tour of the Joburg art scene in April 2024 – and she loved it.
It was specifically designed around what she was interested in and at a pace which suited her.
It was a public holiday and David took the time to find out in advance who would be open and who wouldn’t, who was closing early and planned the route accordingly.
Our guest was very well looked after and I would recommend David to anyone wanting a similar experience.
– Sarah Solomon, Kuyimba Trading, Hoedspruit
April 2024
7-day Photo Safari a Fantastic Trip, Well-Organised
My wife & I recently went on an 7 day, 6 night trip to Kruger and surrounds with David from Ukhozi Tours.
We drove the panoramic route, stayed 3 nights in different camps in Kruger and had 2 nights in the Timbavati private reserve.
It was a fantastic trip, well organised with a mix of scenery, safari and valuable photographic tips from David who is a professional photography and film maker.
David has a great sense of humour and our trip was full of fun and laughs and marvellous game viewing.
I felt the mix between the public camps in Kruger and the private reserve was just superb. I'd highly recommend David and Ukhozi Tours for your safari/photography trip.
– Robert & Jill Mackway-Jones
New Zealand
June 2025
Immersive Journey into the Wildlife and Transforming Encounters with their Majestic Creatures
Right from having the First contact with my Guide David, everything went very smooth. It really was easy to communicate and I got fast replies.
Thanks to his flexibility we were able to find a time for the Safari spontaneously.
Before the Safari he also was recommending places to visit around Cape Town and Johannesburg which came in very handy when planning my time in South Africa in general.
During the Safari, where we saw all of the Big 5, David was very adaptable to my wishes and flexible to personal preferences. He has a lot of knowledge of South Africa and it was interesting to hear about all these things. In our time in the Kruger National Park we visited places he knew well which were almost everytime a guarantee to have some great sightings of animals.
During the Game Drives we had incredible encounters with elephant families, lions fighting and hunting, intimate moments with baboons and their children, tracking footprints of rhinos until finding them in the wild and many many more unforgettable experiences.
In conclusion I can say that I was overwhelmed by the Beauty of Nature and the feeling of being with these beautiful animals and having the privilege of sharing their habitat. Their grace is something I will forever carry in my heart.
Thank You David, my friend, for making all of that possible! :)
– Thomas Stachowiak
Herten, Germany
January 2025
Excellent birding safari
We had a wonderful day just before our flight with David. We went to Marievale and to the National (Botanical) Gardens. David is great company and he knows the bird species excellently. He even provided coffee, tea and breakfast. Even if you are not a birder David also knows nice places to relax in nature before your flight. I can highly recommend him.
– Sandra Heldstab
Switzerland
July 2025
A Natural Guide, Passionate, Engaging, Knowledgeable
David Forbes is a natural guide. He has a wary eye for excitement but also for danger.
He feels happiest when he is in the bush – following tracks, his eyes searching for signs of life. He is passionately involved in the life of the bushveld.
When you travel with him, you learn to follow his ways, to take wild life as seriously as you take your own.
He knows what books to recommend. He knows what seasons are best. He knows what time of the day to see which bush creatures in the best light.
Be prepared to get up early for birdsong. He knows when his visitors need time to sit in a cool spot, perhaps near a river; watch kingfishers, have biscuits and tea, brew the best coffee or stop for lunch.
David knows how to make a good fire, a great braai. He will tell you long stories and make you roar with laughter.
You will never forget this.
On a clear savannah night, ask David about the stars, as they can only be seen in Africa, miles from city lights or the traffic of travelling aircraft.
Take home some unique and matchless memories.
– Jennifer & John Day
High Wycombe
Buckinghamshire, UK
Great Personalized Tour
David was a fabulous tour guide. He was very thorough in figuring out what we wanted our vacation to be, and delivered exactly what we asked. His knowledge of South Africa's history was fascinating. Highly recommend if you'd like someone who can cater to your specific needs rather than being trapped with a big tour group.
– Heather Lusk
Zionsville, Indiana, USA
June 2025
Bucket-List Safari & Tours Remembered Forever
I'm a South African, living abroad now, but never got the chance to visit the Kruger National Park, or that region, before. It remained on my bucket list for decades, so when I had the opportunity to go, I wanted it to be a special experience.
I chose Ukhozi Tours to fulfil this dream, and am very happy I did so. You could say it is a package tour. It is, and it isn't. Therein lies its success for me, because as you can read on their site, it is a tailor-made experience.
Instead, when you plan your tour, you are asked what you would like to see, what specific interests you have, what should receive specific attention, what routes you would like to take, or if you just want to sit back and let it happen. You get to see the itinerary beforehand, so you can tweak if you wish. It's up to you what to include or exclude.
My particular tour took in the Kruger Park, and an adjacent private game reserve, the world-famous Geo-Trail, Blyde River Canyon and the picturesque historic settlement of Pilgrim's Rest. You get explanations for what you are seeing – whether it be wildlife, geology, historical sites, and background information.
The guide, Ukhozi Tours owner David Forbes, has all the necessary accreditations, loads of knowledge, and he is a professional photo-journalist and filmmaker.
On the way, he will photograph your journey, which you will get at its conclusion. You will emerge from this experience better informed about this beautiful country, it's people and heritage, and its wildlife.
Ukhozi Tours ensured this was a very special experience for me, which will stay with me as long as I have a memory. The brochure and website lives up to its promises, and I highly recommend this tour company if you plan to visit South Africa.
– Albert van Oortmerssen
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
April 2019
Expert Driver, Informed, Relaxing, Wonderful!
I travelled to South Africa from Australia, then flew to Hoedspruit, where I was picked up by David, and driven to our destinationin a game drive vehicle.
The whole experience was amazing. David was cheerful and welcoming. Very informative, an expert driver, we felt relaxed and full of anticipation right away.
Our game lodge was excellent. We were there for five days, went on game drives every morning and evening. All the drives were extremely interesting, informative experiences. David is a wonderful host and good cook, with an abundance of knowledge and humour.
I would highly recommend this African safari to all.
– Marilyn Camacho
Mosman, Sydney, NSW, Australia
2016
An Unforgettable 12-Day Photo Safari with David: Exceptional Guide and Photography Mentor
David and I went on a 12-day photo safari in the Kruger National Park and three private game reserves. It was a wonderful experience that I wholeheartedly recommend!
David worked with me to craft a good itinerary that fit my taste and then went above and beyond to make it happen. We overcame a silly incident with my visa being initially denied and the whole trip postponed, and even a serious pneumonia that kept him in hospital!
The complex itinerary was a challenge (we traveled almost every day between lodges), but David never missed a step, we were always punctual without ever being in a hurry.
A very special highlight for me was the photography mentoring. David's decades of experience as a cinematographer and photographer make him a very knowledgeable teacher, and I was able to achieve photos that make me proud and are on a new level for me (and, dare I say, are really good in general!)
David is a great tracker and field guide, able to spot any bird or animal in the bush, identify it and talk about it.
He's also just a very interesting human being, knowledgeable on many subjects, ready to speak with passion about his beloved South Africa or any other topics.
I plan to book David again for adventures in the wild but also for an art tour, a scenic tour, or maybe other tours from his portfolio.
– Florian Ilia
Bucharest, Romania
August 2024
Amazing in depth knowledge
We did a tour of Soweto with David. His knowledge of South Africa and it's history is what makes this tour so interesting.
David was a great guide, who gave us so much information, would highly recommend.
– Cath McDiarmid
Melbourne, Australia
June 2025
Practical, efficient, organised
It gives me great pleasure to write this recommendation for the wildlife guide David Forbes.
On a week's trip to a private game park, sharing an open border with the Kruger National Park, we were most fortunate to have David as our game ranger and escort/guide.
We went on early morning and also late afternoon/early evening game drives with David; he was very knowledgeable about the range of animals, individual characters and their families and where we would be likely to see them. David would also make good use of the tracking signs and explain them to us.
David was always cheery, helpful and extremely well informed on his subjects. The subject matter cover was broad; included geography, history, plant recognition, conservation and the natural world generally. His specialist interest is in native birds of Africa and wildlife photography.
David is practical, efficient, well-organised and thoughtful of the needs of his group. He is well researched in his subjects and is all in all an interesting person able to fulfill expectations of what one would expect in a tour guide, including making an excellent barbecue/braai!
I would certainly use David's services again and have recommended him to friends and family.
– Gillian Irvine
Reading, UK
Exceptional Service & Thoughtful Planning – Highly Recommend!
We had an amazing experience working with David from Ukhozi Tours. From the very beginning, he was incredibly professional, responsive, and attentive to our needs. He crafted a well-thought-out itinerary tailored to our interests, providing us with detailed insights and thoughtful suggestions along the way.
Although we couldn’t finalize our trip with him due to scheduling conflicts, his patience, expertise, and friendly attitude truly impressed us. We have no doubt that he would provide an exceptional safari experience, and we will definitely reach out to him for any future trips.
If you're looking for a knowledgeable and passionate guide, we highly recommend David and his team!
– M Y
China
August 2025
An Interesting, Engaging Fireside Companion
The opportunity to visit a nature reserve with David Forbes was a particular pleasure as he is deeply interested and knowledgeable not only in the birds and animals that live there, but also concerned for their welfare in terms of the management of the reserve.
Being a photographer himself, he is willing to be at a site for considerable lengths of time in order to allow his guests to be able to take photographs of birds or creatures in the veld.
He is also a reliable and deft driver, an asset both in the reserves and out of it.
Forbes is also an interesting fireside companion not only because of his interest in the history and politics of the country, but also his own involvement as an activist and film-maker.
He has spent twenty-five years photographing among the Ndebele people, for whom he has a great respect and love.
He is also a graphic artist, and so has an interest in the arts, as well as a commitment to the learning and teaching of languages. He is thus an engaging host both in the veld and in the camp.
– Elizabeth Burroughs
Johannesburg
July 2017
