The event
So, just what is Safari Swing? Read on to find out all about this incredible event...
Safari Swing is not just a typical dance event. It is a luxury, 5-star, west coast swing experience that will leave your heart and soul dancing. Conceived from the shared passions of your event directors, Danielle and Jamie, this extraordinary journey marries the elegance of west coast swing with the awe-inspiring beauty of South Africa's untamed landscape. Safari Swing has been designed to ensure that you have one of the most memorable weeks of your life, as you enjoy an unforgettable safari experience, while learning west coast swing from some of the world's most talented dancers. Delve into the extraordinary and embrace the essence of Safari Swing. Your most remarkable week awaits. Let the journey begin...
Day 1 - Johannesburg
Your Safari Swing adventure starts the moment you land in Johannesburg. Your driver will meet you at the airport and escort you to a luxury transfer, which will whisk you seamlessly to the Safari Swing hotel, a 5-star hotel in Johannesburg's upmarket business district, where you will check in to a luxurious, superior room for your first night in South Africa. Depending on when you arrive, you may wish to relax by the pool or perhaps pamper yourself with a treatment in the hotel spa to prepare for the week ahead. Should you wish to start your trip early, we can also assist with arranging additional nights in the hotel.
The event kicks off with a two hour workshop in the hotel ballroom, taught by West Coast Swing superstars, Jordan Frisbee and Tatiana Mollman, to get your dancing legs up and running.
In the afternoon, Danielle and Jamie will host a champagne reception, where you can enjoy getting to know your fellow guests and your Safari Swing pros, in the hotel's exclusive rooftop bar, overlooking the city. The fun continues with an evening of dancing, where you will be joined by dancers from the recently formed, local west coast swing community to dance the night away.
In the morning, you'll have time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the hotel restaurant, before transferring to luxury coaches as you set off on the next part of your Safari Swing adventure.
Day 2 - Heading into the bush
Pilanesberg national park lies less than 200km from Johannesburg, in a malaria free area in the north west province of South Africa. Set in the crater of a long-extinct volcano, the area is defined by alternating ridges and valleys, forming a stunningly picturesque landscape, and is home to a rich array of wildlife, including the famous 'Big Five', South Africa's five most revered game species. At over ten times the size of Manhattan, New York, this really is true South African Wilderness, and the incredible setting for Safari Swing.
From the comfort of your coach, you can relax and enjoy the scenery of this beautiful country on the short, 2.5 hour journey to the game reserve.
Days 2-6 - Pilanesberg Game Reserve
Your home for the next 4 nights will be the Safari Swing Game Lodge, a stunning, 5-star hotel set in its own private concession within the Pilanesberg game reserve, booked exclusively for Safari Swing. Enjoying a prime position within the reserve, the lodge combines opulent luxury with traditional, South African hospitality, ensuring that you have a truly memorable stay.
The lodge offers a choice of rooms, suites and villas, with double or twin beds, all with patios overlooking the game reserve, and all with beautifully appointed interiors, including huge, comfortable beds, free standing baths and outdoor showers. Some of the rooms even have their own private plunge pools, where you can cool down after a day in the hot, South African sun. This really is the perfect place in which to enjoy your Safari Swing experience.
Throughout your stay here you will be truly immersed in nature, as Safari Swing really lives up to it's name. With eight game drives throughout your stay, you will spend over 24 hours in the bush during your time at the event, being driven around by a professional guide, as you seek out the wildlife living in the reserve from the comfort of your game vehicle.
Pilanesberg is home to over 10,000 large mammals, as well as countless other species, all living unhindered and with minimal human intervention, allowing you a window into nature in its rawest form.
Seeing this array of truly majestic animals in their natural habitat is something so incredible that words simply cannot do it justice. We cannot wait to share the true essence of Safari Swing with you. It really will take your breath away!
Game drives take place at dawn and dusk, when the animals are most active, leaving your days free for dance lessons with your Safari Swing pros, the best of the best dancers and teachers, hand picked to ensure that you have a truly unique and memorable experience. We have an amazing dance schedule lined up for you, with morning and afternoon workshops, lots of time for social dancing and some extra special dance surprises.
One of the most exciting aspects of Safari Swing is the small class sizes, giving you an incredible opportunity to learn from some of the biggest stars in the west coast swing community. With the majority of classes having fewer than 15 couples, you will experience a level of personal interaction with your teachers that you rarely see at a dance event. This really is your chance to learn from the best, in a truly intimate setting, and take your dancing to the next level. With no competitions to worry about, you can really focus on relaxing, learning and having fun!
Unlike the animals in the reserve, you will not have to go hunting for your food, as the lodge's team of talented chefs cook up a feast for you at every meal. In fact, you may need an elastic waistband as there is so much to eat!
All of the food served at the lodge is freshly cooked onsite, often using locally sourced produce and authentic, African flavours. The team can accommodate most dietary requirements, ensuring that everyone gets to enjoy gourmet dining in this stunning setting.
With all of your meals included, along with some surprise dining experiences, one thing we can guarantee is that you will not go hungry during your stay.
Day 6 - Is this the end?
While we would love Safari Swing to go on forever, sadly all good things must come to an end. After breakfast on your final morning, following another exciting game drive, it will be time to pack up and say goodbye to your fellow guests, the lodge staff and your Safari Swing team, taking with you some incredible memories of your time at this event as you journey back towards Johannesburg. For some this may mean a flight home but, having travelled all this way, we would heartily encourage you to spend time exploring more of what this wonderful country has to offer.
Should you wish to extend your stay, we would be delighted to offer recommendations on places to go and things to do. Perhaps a few days in Cape Town, with a trip up the famous Table Mountain, followed by a tour of the local vineyards? Or how about heading over the border to Zimbabwe to visit the breath-taking Victoria Falls? With so much to see and do, your adventure may have only just begun...
This all sounds amazing! How do I book?
You can now purchase your Safari Swing tickets via our online booking page. We have some great offers available to make it as easy as possible for you to enjoy this sensational West Coast Swing event. Remember, we only have 56 places available so book early to avoid missing out.
If you would like more information before booking, please visit our FAQ section, or email info@safariswing.com with your questions.