This Kruger & Private Game Reserves Safari is a small group South African safari that stays at private game lodges. It offers an optimal mix of game viewing in private game reserves and Kruger National Park proper.
Enjoy an interesting variety of safari activities on this Kruger lodge safari, including Big 5 game drives, guided wildlife walks, a visit to a wildlife rehabilitation center, and a unique bush dining experience. Embark on an exhilarating sunset-to-night game drive and on afternoon game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles in Balule Private Reserve. Spend two full days on safari in Kruger National Park, home to an incredible diversity of African wildlife, birds, reptiles, plants, and more. Experience the thrill of walking in the Big 5 Balule and get close to nature on foot in Motlala Reserve with experienced guides, before taking in the sights of Blyde River Canyon.
Spend the first night at an exclusive game lodge in Balule Reserve. Then stay at a small, secluded tented lodge bordering Kapama Game Reserve. Accommodation at this intimate safari lodge next to Kapama is in luxurious, tented chalets with private splash pools.
At the beginning of this diverse Kruger & Private Game Reserves Safari, you are fetched from your pre-safari accommodation in and around the city of Johannesburg, or from the O.R. Tambo International Airport. Departing from Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa, we travel northeast to the famous Greater Kruger Park area. Our air-conditioned transfer takes us to a private lodge set in lush gardens within Balule Reserve, forming part of Greater Kruger Park.
This afternoon we arrive at the pleasant lodge, take a swim if time allows and settle in. Then at about 17:00, we embark on our first game viewing adventure in an open safari vehicle. Heading into Balule on our sunset game drive we look out for the Big 5 of Africa (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino, and elephant) and plenty of other animals and birds. Late afternoons and evenings are a great time to be in the African bush as the animals move about more and the light is often a beautiful golden hue.
We are out in the wilderness for our first sunset and then we stop at a remote boma for dinner in the peaceful bush. Dinner is a South African-style barbecue, known locally as a braai, prepared outdoors over an open fire! Tuck into the tasty meal with nature around you and star-studded skies above.
Then we return to the game lodge for a restful sleep, before our first full day in action.
We are up early for coffee and tea with a snack, before heading into the Big 5 Balule Private Reserve.
As the sun rises our safari vehicle takes us deeper into Balule Reserve, where we explore further on foot. Walking through the reserve in the Olifants River area is a thrilling adventure, as we may come across the Big 5 at any moment. The expert guide leads us through Greater Kruger, sharing his or her knowledge of the bush, and pointing out signs of wildlife activity. The guide is armed to ensure the safety of the group, given the presence of predators and other big mammals.
This exhilarating morning game walk is followed by brunch back at the private game lodge. Then you are free to take a siesta or a refreshing dip in the lodge pool and relax. Later, after a tasty lunch (own account) at the lodge, we set out on an afternoon game drive in the Balule Private Reserve of Greater Kruger Park.
After searching out the Big 5 and other wildlife we transfer south to a secluded piece of unspoiled land bordering on Kapama Private Game Reserve. Settle in at the safari camp and enjoy dinner in the dining lapa. Relax around the campfire and retire to your airconditioned, tented chalet surrounded by the untamed African bush.
On Day 3 and 4 of our Kruger & Private Game Reserves Safari, we get an early start and head off to Kruger National Park after breakfast. We spend the day exploring the game reserve in an open vehicle, designed to maximize views and immerse you in the bush.
This is one of Africa's finest game parks, famous for its diversity and abundance of wild animals roaming freely across 19 485 km² of untamed African wilderness. Kruger Park covers numerous vegetation zones, incorporating an array of healthy, natural ecosystems. Wildlife sightings are plentiful, with mammals including the Big Five and African wild dogs, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, jackals, and many more. Birding enthusiasts will also be enthralled by the rich birdlife of Kruger, which hosts over 500 bird species.
At the end of a magical day on safari in Kruger, we return to the lodge near Kapama Reserve and have a delicious dinner. Sit back and relax listening to the sounds of the bushveld and stargazing from your splash pool.
Day five begins with a short nature walk in the compact Motlala Reserve (weather permitting). Enjoy being in the bush and seeing the small miracles of nature up close, before we return to the tented lodge for breakfast.
After breakfast at the private game lodge, we pack up and set off for the Blyde River Canyon, along the scenic Panorama Route. Along the way, we stop to marvel at the beautiful scenery and view the Three Rondawels rock formations.
Then we drive back to Johannesburg where this Kruger & Private Game Reserves Safari comes to a close. We transfer you to your post-tour lodge or home, otherwise, airport transport can be arranged.
The game lodge this Kruger & Private Game Reserves Lodge Safari stays at is situated in a Big 5 game reserve that forms part of Balule Private Reserve of Greater Kruger Park. This affordable game lodge is close to Kruger National Park proper, offering easy access to the national park at great rates.
It is a backpacker-style game lodge, with basic amenities and simple rooms. On this Kruger Safari, accommodation is in one of the 18 thatched chalets with en-suite bathrooms (shower, toilet, and basin) and air-conditioning. There are tea and coffee stations in the chalets. The chalet windows are fitted with mosquito mesh and the beds feature mosquito nets.
This budget lodge is set in a lush garden with a swimming pool and an open-air boma. At the nearby waterhole, a variety of animals and birds can be spotted. Electric fencing also ensures the safety of guests but does not keep out the vervet monkeys that are regular visitors, along with birds.
This intimate tented camp consists of eight charming chalets tucked away in the wild bushveld, neighboring Kapama Private Game Reserve.
This safari lodge offers semi-luxury accommodation in a secluded natural setting, providing a comfortable and original safari experience. The bush surrounding the lodge is home to wildlife and birds that can be seen and heard as you relax in between game viewing activities.
The canvas and thatched-roof chalets are raised on decks looking out over the bush. Each chalet has its own splash pool for a refreshing dip and the units are also air-conditioned for comfort. Natural materials have been used to create a back-to-nature feel in the chalets, which have canvas window panels and glass sliding doors. There are en-suite bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers and the chalets have been decorated tastefully.
A lapa and bar area complete the picture, creating a relaxing space to relax and socialize. The dining lapa is next to an open-air barbecue area so you can enjoy being outside. The staff at the lodge provides skillful and friendly service of standards comparable to four and five-star establishments.
Please note that we offer convenient pre and post tour lodge accommodation for before and after this Kruger Safari, which can be added to your tour booking upon request. The 4-star lodge accommodation is located 10-15 minutes from the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Follow the link for information on rates.
This tour does take children.
While children over 12 years are accepted on this safari, there is a minimum age restriction of 16 years on the bush walk activities.
All Johannesburg Departures | All Kruger National Park Tours | All Lodge Safari trips
Explore the Big Five Greater Kruger Park on open vehicle game drives and guided bush walks, staying at an authentic tented lodge in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve.
More on this 4 Day Budget Lodge Safari
This 4 Day Luxury Kruger Lodge Safari includes 3 nights of 5 Star accommodation, offering an affordable yet luxurious African safari tour. Explore Big 5 Kruger National Park, Greater Kruger's Balule and Motlala Reserves on exciting game drives.
More on this 4 Day Budget Lodge Safari
Four days in the middle of the African bush - no electricity, no cell reception, just mother nature and the wildlife of Timbavati Game Reserve. Stay at a secluded, eco-friendly bush camp with superb guides, food and service.
More on this 4 Day Budget Lodge Safari
The 4 Day Kruger National Park Safari is a comfortable, yet cheap Kruger Lodge Safari. Explore Kruger Park, South Africa, with expert safari guides in a small group.
More on this 4 Day Budget Lodge Safari
Experience Greater Kruger National Park from an authentic eco-camp in Klaserie Private Game Reserve, embarking on game drives to see the Big Five of Africa and more in the wild.
More on this 5 Day Budget Lodge Safari
This 5 Day Luxury Kruger Lodge Safari includes 5 Star lodge accommodation offering an affordable yet luxurious fly-in Kruger Safari experience exploring Big 5 Kruger Park and Balule Private Reserve.
More on this 5 Day Budget Lodge Safari
This South Africa Safari is a budget Kruger & Private Reserve Overland Tour. An affordable 5-day Greater Kruger and Kruger Safari with lodge accommodation.
An excellently priced 5-day Kruger Safari & Panorama Route Tour staying at a small tented camp in Pretoriuskop Rest Camp within South Africa's Kruger National Park.
A great value 5 Day Kruger Park Safari to an authentic Bush Camp Lodge in South Africa's safari Mecca of Greater Kruger Park. Stay at an intimate safari lodge and enjoy morning and evening game drives to see the Big Five animals of Africa and more.
More on this 5 Day Budget Lodge Safari
Our team has the destination knowledge to help you plan an unforgettable African adventure. We're based in Cape Town and ready to help.
We can also plan you an affordable private group or tailor-made tour. We built our business on turning luxury travel into affordable travel.
