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Kruger Safari lions by Regina Hart

4 Day Kruger & Private Game Reserves Safari (Lodge)

Tour Length4 days
Priced from pps $1166 R22100 £916 1072 A$1778 C$1578 NZ$1917 Full pricing info
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Summary of this Lodge Safari

  • Max. Group Size 10 Travellers
  • Starts & ends in Johannesburg, South Africa
  • Accommodation Luxury Camping
  • Transport Microbus / Open 4x4 Game Viewing Vehicle
  • Wildlife Big 5, Elephant, Leopards, Lions, Rhino & More
  •  See Departure Dates

Quick Itinerary Overview

An original small-group Kruger Safari offering diverse African safari experiences in two private reserves and Kruger National Park.

Spend the first night at a lovely lodge with lush gardens, located within Balule Private Reserve in Greater Kruger Park. For the next two nights, stay at an intimate tented lodge, where luxuries include a private splash pool on the deck of each unique chalet.

Start off with a sunset-to-night game drive and remote bush barbeque in the Big 5 Balule Private Reserve. Then take a thrilling morning bush walk and afternoon game drive in Balule Reserve, home to an abundance of wildlife.

Spend the whole of day three on a Kruger National Park Safari in an open vehicle, going in search of the rich and diverse array of flora and fauna found in this massive South African game park. On the last day of this Kruger & Private Game Reserves Safari, enjoy a morning bush walk in a private reserve, before taking in the scenic Panorama Route en route back to Johannesburg.

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Itinerary for this Tour

Kruger & Private Game Reserves Safari Highlights:

  • Sunset game drive and bush barbecue in Big 5 Balule Reserve, Greater Kruger
  • 4-hour morning guided bush walk in Big 5 Balule Private Reserve
  • 3-hour afternoon game drive in Balule Private Reserve
  • Full-day Kruger Safari in open safari vehicles
  • 1-hour guided morning bush walk in a private game reserve
  • Scenic highlights of Blyde River Canyon including Three Rondawels

DAY 1: Johannesburg to Balule Private Reserve - Greater Kruger Park

This Kruger & Private Game Reserves Safari departs from Johannesburg, heading through the Mpumalanga Province into the Limpopo Province of South Africa.

Pick up is from your pre-safari accommodation or home in Johannesburg, or from the O.R. Tambo International Airport. Then we transfer to Greater Kruger in an air-conditioned vehicle, making our way to the exclusive lodge in Balule Reserve. If time allows you can swim in the pool before we embark on our first game drive in Greater Kruger Park.

Our wildlife safari gets off to an exciting start with a four-hour sunset game viewing drive in an open safari vehicle. We set off at 17:00, exploring Balule as the sun sets over the African bushveld. Balule Nature Reserve is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant) so stay alert! As the cool of night begins to descend over the bush the animals become more active, and as darkness falls nocturnal animals can be heard.

Tonight we experience true bush dining in traditional South African style - enjoying a bush barbecue (braai) in a remote spot. Dinner is prepared and served at an open-sided reed boma surrounded by nature. Then we take a game drive back to the private game lodge, for a good night's sleep.

  • Meals: Bush Barbecue in a Private Reserve
  • Safari Activities: 4-hour Sunset Game Drive in Balule

DAY 2: Balule Reserve & Greater Kruger Area

On day two of this Kruger & Private Game Reserves Safari, we get going early, starting the day with coffee/tea and rusks, before venturing out into the bush as the sun rises.

We drive into the Balule Reserve of Greater Kruger, stopping near the Olifants River where we disembark and continue on foot. Our experienced guide leads us further into the wilderness, showing us signs of wildlife as we go. Walking with the armed guide is a thrilling adventure because we could come face-to-face with wildlife at any time, including the Big Five! Enjoy learning more about the fauna and flora, and potentially getting up close to some big animals on foot.

After the rush of walking where the Big Five roam we head back to the game lodge for brunch and a rest. 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 before dinner is served in the dining lapa. At the end of the day, retire to your air-conditioned, tented chalet surrounded by the untamed African bush.

  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Safari Activities: 4-hour Morning Bush Walk & Afternoon Game Drive in Balule Reserve

DAY 3: Kruger National Park

Day three - rising early we have a quick breakfast and make our way to Kruger National Park for a full day of game viewing on an open vehicle.

We enter the famous wilderness area via Orpen Gate proceeding into one of the best game reserves in Africa. The safari vehicle is adapted for game viewing, providing extra height for seeing the animals over the bushes. The absence of windows is ideal for photographing our sightings and puts us right in the bush, absorbing the wilderness with all of our senses.

This massive game park covers about 19 485 km² of South Africa, hosting about 145 mammal species and more than 500 bird species. Kruger Park is famous for its progressive conservation practices and environmental policies, but it is even more famous for the sheer number and diversity of wild animals and birds found here.

After encountering all kinds of creatures and plants on our Kruger Safari we head back to the tented lodge for a hearty dinner, followed by leisure time. Take a nighttime dip in your own plunge pool, unwind at the bar and watch the stars.

  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Safari Activities: Full-day Kruger Safari

DAY 4: Greater Kruger & Panorama Route to Johannesburg

On the last day of this Kruger & Private Game Reserves Safari, we embark on a short morning walk in a private game reserve (weather permitting). The safari guide shows you the smaller marvels of nature - from the termite mound to animal tracks in the bush. This walk is not aimed at spotting large animals, but getting a closer look at the insects, plants, birds and at times small animals, that play an important role in the larger ecosystem. After our bush walk, we return to the tented lodge for a tasty breakfast.

Then we pack up and leave the secluded safari camp behind, driving back towards Johannesburg via the Panorama Route. In one of the most beautiful parts of the country, we see the Blyde River Canyon and the Three Rondawels hills of the Panorama Route.

Our Kruger & Private Game Reserves Safari ends back in Johannesburg with drop-off at either your post-trip accommodation or by arrangement at O.R. Tambo International Airport.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Safari Activities: Guided Morning Bush Walk & Panorama Route drive

Kruger Safari Fuel Subsidy

Please note that as a result of sustained fuel price increases a fuel subsidy has been added to this Kruger Safari. Hopefully, this will be a temporary measure to be discontinued should fuel prices drop. The small fuel subsidy ensures that the excellent quality of this Kruger Safari is maintained. To see the cost of the fuel subsidy, please view the full tour pricing.

About the Game Lodge in Balule

The game lodge this Kruger & Private 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.

About the Private Tented Lodge

A new, semi-luxury lodge on the doorstep of Kapama Private Game Reserve - this is an exclusive bush getaway.

The lodge has eight en-suite, tented chalets with private splash pools, making for an intimate safari experience. The lodge is nestled in a secluded natural area, where game and birds can be spotted.

Each chalet is raised on a wooden deck with a splash pool, offering views over the bushveld. Natural elements have been incorporated into the chalets, which have been designed to blend into the bushveld surroundings. The chalets have thatched roofs, sliding doors, and canvas walls with large canvas window panels. These well-appointed chalets boast indoor and outdoor showers and are air-conditioned.

The dining lapa and bar open out onto the barbecue (braai) area, creating a relaxed outdoor atmosphere. The lodge staff are experienced and highly accomplished, providing superb service and a comfortable stay.

Pre and Post Safari Lodge Option:

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.

Child Policy

While children over 12 years are accepted on this safari, there is a minimum age restriction of 16 years on the bush walk activities.

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