MIRROR SAFARIS
Your soul-enriching adventure awaits !
ABOUT
Mirror Word Safari's is a family run South African based safari tour that started in 2013. Touching on all the finest parts of South Africa, you will experience a wide range of culture, food, flora, and wildlife. Tour the vibrant city of Cape Town, the coastal bliss of Cape Point and Hermanus, the untouched beauty of the Swartberg Mountains, and the wildest wildlife in the South African bush - no fences in between! These safaris trips are designed to be so much more than just sightseeing tours, but a time of soul-enriching fellowship, joy, and relaxation. Join us in exploring the natural beauty that is South Africa, all while diving deeper into the understanding that God believes in YOU!
Our passion for nature and love for animals have been part of our lives for as long as we can remember. Just after we got married in January 1979 we started doing missionary work in the rural areas in and around the Kruger National Park. During our children’s early years, we often camped in the Kruger Park. At times, we even left our tent pitched in one of the camps so we could come back whenever we had a day or two open. Francois also had a special pass to come in after hours to preach in the staff villages at some of the camps. We rented the, then very rustic, Ndzaka camp for a year in advance and would take people there for weekends. We also knew several people who owned farms in the Timbavati Game Reserve and were privileged to go there as a family as well as doing ministry camps with our church members. We just could not get enough!
Passion opens doors, so we were not surprised when an opportunity came for us to build and run our own lodge in the Sabi-Sands Game Reserve! It was an unforgettable time, experiencing the Big 5 on a daily basis, on foot! Francois did walking safaris and game drives while Lydia managed the admin, bookings, rooms, linens, and cooked most amazing bush-meals, baked bread and made deserts on the open fire. After 5 wonderful years that door closed for us and we relocated to Hermanus, where Francois started the first boat based whale watching cruises in Walker Bay.
After almost 10 years in business, in December 2000 Francois began writing again and the book, 'God Believes in You' was released 4 years later. This led to him being invited to speak at various Christian camps and churches and soon we were back into full time ministry. Francois started with the Mirror Bible translating project in 2006 and for the next eight years we would hire one of the remote Manyeleti tented camps for 5 weeks at a time and with a solar panel charging our car battery he would use an inverter to charge his laptop and do the translation work with only animals interrupting our privacy!
During our ministry travels in Europe and America many of our friends showed a keen interest to see Africa through our eyes and encounter the passion of our Mirror conversation. This led to the birth of the Mirror Safaris in 2013. To date we have hosted 9 which included two back to back events as well as a second safari in 2014. We are so happy to be hosting our Mirror Safari and are looking forward to seeing you here with us!
Our darling children, Christo and Keryn du Toit are driving the Safari with Keryn heading up administration (Mirror Word Safari website & email correspondence) and Christo once again returning in his capacity as a Guide/ Chef/ Driver. They have both traveled extensively and will gladly assist with travel enquiries, packing, general travel tips, safety, and payment options. Please reach out to them for any questions you may have.
ITINERARY
2024 Safari Adventure CANCELLED
Days 1-7: The Bush
You will fly from the Johannesburg International Airport in the morning to Hoedspruit landing in the magnificent Mpumalanga Lowveld. After collecting bags and a welcome introduction we will head to a local lunch spot. After lunch we will make our way to the famous Kruger National Park. To experience the African Bush on safari is really a "top of the bucket-list" event. Once we're all settled at our camps we'll experience our first safari game drive!
We will be spending our first 2 nights at the Tamboti Tented Camp situated on a beautiful river bed under giant Marula and Tamboti trees. We will then make our way to the neighboring Manyeleti Game Reserve for 4 nights in two different camps, Buffelshoek and Ndzhaka. We have visited here since 2013 as it is a bushveld like no other, immersing you right in the heart of an African safari experience. Buffelshoek is where so much of the Mirror Translation happened - back before it was turned into a fully fledged lodge! We'll stay in beautiful tents built up on platforms with so much luxury and yet the feeling of being part of nature is not lost. There is a delightful large lookout giving you a birds eye view of the fresh water dam in front of the camp. It is a very popular spot for all kinds of animals to come and drink and splash around in the dam. It is also lit at night and all the huts have prime views down onto the drinking hole. The dining room area is beautiful and snug and the food is prepared by one of the best chefs in the game reserve! From there the next two nights will be in Ndzhaka (it means our heritage). This magnificent camp is built on stilts in a dry river bed surrounded by magnificent indigenous trees. The experience here is totally different and it feels like you are in a big tree house!
At all the camps, you will be spoiled with the most memorable early morning and late afternoon guided game drives on 4x4 vehicles for amazing up-close encounters with the best of the bush. Here you will find an animal kingdom second to none, from the Big Five (buffalo, rhinoceros, lion, leopard, and elephant) and other animals, to fantastic birds, insects, and unforgettable sunsets!
Between the early morning and late afternoon game drives there is plenty of time to relax in the camp, take a dip in the pool, or just to sit and fellowship. You will be waited on hand and foot by the Mirror Safari and camp staff, making sure you have the most relaxing time to enjoy nature and unwind. The fully-catered camps are un-fenced and this adds to the excitement of the whole experience. Evening meals are often prepared over an open fire and enjoyed in the lantern-lit dining area. Your time in the bush will truly be a memory you cherish forever!
Days 7 and 8: Blyde River Canyon
After an early game drive and breakfast, we drive to the gorgeous Blyde River Canyon. The 20-km long canyon is one of South Africa’s most prized scenic riches. It also boasts of being the world’s largest green canyon. The views are absolutely breathtaking. It is here that Francois & Lydia had their honeymoon and where they first heard the Eagle Story. You will be staying at a beautiful resort nestled in the canyon, enjoying walks along paths to various lookouts. The Mirror conversation will continue here, all together as a group in one location, with times of rich fellowship in between resting and exploring. It's the perfect way to wind down and end our time in wild.
Day 9: Flying to Cape Town
After a quick flight from Hoedspruit to Cape Town International, we will take a leisurely coastal drive to Hermanus and stop along the way for a light lunch.
Day 10- 11: Hermanus
Hermanus is a most picturesque town, nestled in between magnificent mountains and the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. The Southern Right whales visit our shores every year from July to December and Hermanus is world renowned as the ‘best land-based whale-watching in the world’! Weather permitting, you will have the opportunity to do some boat-based whale watching, or just watch for them and the dolphins from the beautiful cliff path - they come really close! For the adventure-seeker we can also arrange for shark cage diving in Gansbaai, a fishing village not far from Hermanus, world-famous for great white shark viewing. Some of South Africa’s best wines are produced in the Hermanus region - you can come and taste and see for yourself! There are lovely little shops and super restaurants as well.
We'll visit Hemel en Aarde Valley for a wine tasting at the historic wine farm and school where Francois' grandmother was one of the first teachers in 1891. We'll continue to the spectacular viewpoint of Walker Bay and protea paradise! Dinner will be at a lovely restaurant and we'll unwind and fellowship at our beautiful home overlooking the ocean.
Hermanus also offers magnificent nature - it is a spectacular Fynbos paradise. Fernkloof Nature Reserve, where we will go for a guided walk, has more indigenous plants per square meter than any other place on the planet! Proteas, Pincushions, and Ericas are scattered all along the mountainside - this one of our most favorite places! After our morning walk and a very relaxed start, we will make the beautiful drive back to Cape Town. While in Cape Town we will all stay together as a group in a luxury home. We will take some time to all settle in before showing you some of the beauty that the city and surrounding area has to offer.
Days 12 and 13: Cape Town
Cape Town is the fairest of all Capes and is aptly called our Mother City. It is a vibrant cosmopolitan city with a rich history and has so much to offer! It is nestled in the arms of Table Mountain (one of the seven natural wonders of the world) and is famous for its harbor and its natural setting of the Cape Floral Kingdom. Table Mountain National Park packs more floral species into its almost 29,000 hectares than all of New Zealand or the British Isles!
We will be visiting beautiful scenic places, which might include the famous Simon van der Stel's old homestead and other wine farms for wine tasting as well as the spectacular Kirstenbosch Gardens. This is decided on the day, weather, and also according to group consensus. We will make sure you will have time to do some shopping at the famous V&A Waterfront boasting many local and international stores, and will also likely visit Cape Point and go up Table Mountain in a cable car.
Day 14: End of Safari
After a lovely breakfast we will head to Cape Town International airport and bid farewell!
TESTIMONIALS
Our accommodations in Cape Town and Hermanus were over the top incredible! The rooms were 5 star all the way with views to die for! The restaurants we went to were unique and so amazingly delicious!! We saw just about everything!! Tons of Lions, Leopards in trees, Baboons, Hippos, Rhinos, Elephants...and that was just the first night!!! The Best part to me is always spending 2 weeks with Francois and Lydia and Cristo! Scripture comes alive, new friendships are birthed and South Africa is the most incredible place you will ever Visit!! Don't miss the opportunity to go on a Mirror Word Safari! Plan now to attend!!!
-Pamela Emery
Full of wonderful, lovely, exciting, memorable moments. The entire Du Toit family go above & beyond with their love and care!!!
-Barbara Jean Howerton
An absolute blast. I could not have asked for a more perfect trip. It was exceedingly above all that I ever imagined and I would absolutely do it again!! I am forever changed!!
-Kellie Jones McPherson
This trip was above and beyond. Not only is South Africa a beautiful place, filled with wonderful people, animals and majestic scenery, it comes with amazing food and drink! We laughed, feasted and enjoyed every single minute of our Mirror Word Safari 2016. The things we experienced and the people we met will forever be in our hearts and minds. The Du Toit family are so gifted in hospitality and mad cooking skills, each day was a new experience in life and love! As my husband said, "a five star experience at bargain prices". Can't wait to do it again!
- Lee Maynard
The Lord had prepared a feast for me in Mirror Safari and all I did was show up! Everyday day was filled with beauty, amazement and wonderful fellowship that words could only understate. I loved that it was an authentic safari (not touristy) and yet I was pampered. Not only would I recommend the Mirror Safari, I can't wait to do it again!
-Barbara Porter
There are really no words to accurately describe the immense beauty or the richness of friendship that you will experience on a MirrorWord safari. Every single moment was full of wonder, beauty, awe, and fun! The du Toit family are the most excellent hosts, the country is absolutely stunning, and the conversations are life-giving. It was an unforgettable experience!
-Sabrina Ludwig Finn
THE most incredible trip of my life! First, my heart was deeply impacted with the message and truths of God's overwhelming love for us that was shared at the Word School Second, the Safari was a trip of a lifetime! All the wonderful animals and amazing scenery were really too much for words! And last but not least, the best part of the trip was the love and kindness that we all experienced from our hosts, Francois and Lydia, and all their amazing staff! This trip/adventure was so amazing that I plan to attend every year!
-Millie Green
GALLERY
A few of our favourite photos. To see the entire gallery and guest photos click here.
RATES
2025 Pre-Safari Adventure
Tbc
Because of the constant changing rate of exchange we charge our trip fee in South African Rand. To find the price in your preferred currency please contact us or use Google to give you an estimate.
2025 Mirror Word Safari
Tbc
Because of the constant changing rate of exchange we charge our trip fee in South African Rand. To find the price in your preferred currency please contact us or use Google to give you an estimate.
The price for the 2025 Pre-Safari Adventure includes all accommodations, local transportation (including your cross-South Africa flight for the main safari), entry to planned sightseeing in Cape Town, and breakfast daily. Meals aside from breakfast in Cape Town and Hermanus will be had in excellent restaurants where guests will be responsible for their own meals. A light meal at a restaurant will cost on average between R70-R120, while larger meals like dinners are R150 to R250, depending on venue and appetite.
The price for the 2025 Mirror Word Safari includes all accommodations, local transportation, safari game drives, snacks for game drives, drinks, gratuities, and all meals during the trip.
PLEASE NOTE:
-All prices are based on double occupancy. Some of the lodges we stay at charge by the room instead of by the person. If you are attending the safari alone and we cannot find another single guest of the same gender to share your room with you, we will need to charge you for the cost of the entire room. These additional charges will be tallied prior to the trip.
-In order to take all guests into consideration, no children under the age of 12 will be allowed on the Safari. Please contact us if you have children under 12 you would like to bring and we can see if putting together a special child-friendly trip is possible.
-Flights to and from South Africa are not included in our price. Our 2025 safari starts and ends in Hoedspruit, but our pre-safari adventure starts in Cape Town. If you are registered for both the pre-safari adventure and the safari it is best if your flight to South Africa arrives in Cape Town and departs from Johannesburg. If you are registered only for the safari it is best if your flight to and from South Africa arrives and departs in Johannesburg. Your domestic flight from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit is often cheaper and better to buy as a separate ticket. We have dedicated staff trained in finding you the best prices possible for your travel. Please reach out to us if you would like any assistance with booking your travel arrangements!
We have room for a maximum of 16 guests for the 2025 Mirror Word Safari. These spaces are reserved on a first come first serve basis and fill quickly. Please contact us as early as possible if you are interested in attending.
WHAT GUESTS ARE SAYING
CONTACT US
To register or for any questions, please fill out the form below and our team will be in touch with you as soon as possible!