This 4-Day Kruger Safari takes you to the exclusive Balule Private Game Reserve for superb Big 5 game viewing. Stay in luxurious, en-suite chalets at a comfortable safari lodge inside the private game reserve.
Embark on thrilling game drives in this crowd-free game reserve of Greater Kruger Park. A region where wild animals roam freely, moving between Kruger National Park and the surrounding private game reserves. An exciting opportunity in an open 4 x 4 safari vehicle, with an experienced, game ranger to learn more about the flora and fauna of this area, alert to the possibility of meeting one of Africa's large mammals up close.
This budget-friendly Greater Kruger Safari to Balule Private Game Reserve is sure to be one of life's memorable experiences.
This Greater Kruger Safari starts with an early morning collection, at 07h00, from the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
From OR Tambo we drive north to Pretoria and the second designated collection point on this budget lodge safari. After collecting passengers in Pretoria, at 07h30, we proceed to the Balule Private Game Reserve section of Greater Kruger Park. On this scenic drive, we pass the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve and descend the beautiful Magoebaskloof Mountains, continuing into the Kruger Lowveld region.
When the shuttle arrives at Balule Private Game Reserve a driver from the safari lodge collects you. Settle in and enjoy a delightful afternoon tea before we set off on our first game drive in Greater Kruger Park.
Our afternoon game drive provides the ideal introduction to the African bush with our first sightings of incredible wildlife and birds. We take a break on our game drive to watch the sunset and savor some snacks with sundowners. Darkness quickly follows sunset and as we make our way back to our safari lodge, we look out for the nocturnal creatures, as they emerge for their nightly hunt.
Dinner awaits back at the safari lodge where we dine in the boma, under the vast African night sky. Relax around the campfire and listen to the sounds of the night, before retiring after an eventful day.
Days two and three of this Greater Kruger Safari follow similar itineraries, yet no two days on safari are the same.
Our days begin at sunrise. After pre-dawn coffee and rusks, we set off on our wildlife drive into the bush to watch Africa wake. There are many benefits of staying in a private game reserve, such as Balule. The private game reserves have a limited number of safari lodges with a limited number of guests, so it's quite possible that you won't see another vehicle on your safari in the African bush. However, the trained game rangers keep in contact with each other, so all rangers are made aware of any exciting sightings, such as a lion kill, so it's unlikely that guests miss an interesting event. The rangers are permitted to take their 4x4 safari vehicles off-road to get as close as possible to the action, a privilege that is not allowed in Kruger National Park itself. As well as Africa's Big 5, you are sure to see varied antelope, zebra, giraffe, amazing birdlife, and much much more.
The open safari vehicle heightens the anticipation of meeting a beautiful, wild creature up close and really gets the adrenalin flowing. But these drives are also excellent learning experiences as the ranger explains the mysteries of the bushveldt and guests have the opportunity to ask questions and learn about the smaller creatures in this environment, as well as do some bird watching and taking stunning photos.
After an exciting couple of hours, we head back to our lodge for a very welcome breakfast. Now is the time to relax, as the sun reaches its zenith. Catch some rays taking care to protect your skin from the relentless afternoon, summer sun, then cool off in the swimming pool and take a siesta, or just lie on your bed and watch the wildlife pass by in the river bed below.
Afternoon tea is followed by a wildlife viewing drive into the bush again. Our game rangers will use their superb skills to ensure the best game-watching experience possible. Once again, as the sun sets on Africa, we will enjoy a sundowner out in the bush before getting onto the safari vehicles to enjoy a night drive.
Back at the lodge, we enjoy dinner and the age-old tradition of sitting around the campfire discussing the day's sightings with our fellow travelers, before drifting to sleep to the night sounds.
We are up early again this morning and after coffee and rusks, we set off on our final early morning game drive in Balule Private Game Reserve. This morning your game ranger takes you in search of any wildlife you may have missed so far, making the most of your final adventure in the African bush.
After our rewarding morning game drive, we return to the safari lodge for a tasty breakfast. Sadly it's then time to say goodbye to Greater Kruger Park. The lodge drives you to the gates of Balule Reserve where the shuttle collects you (at 11h30) and transfers you back to the designated drop-off point in Pretoria (at 17h00) and then OR Tambo in Johannesburg (at 18h00).
Pick-up and drop-off are at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and a designated point in Pretoria. For more details and times please enquire. Transport to and from these set locations is not included in the tour price.
Collection times on the first day:
Drop-off times on the last day:
Perfectly located on the seasonal Mohlabetsi riverbed in the Balule Private Game Reserve, the private safari lodge is a dream South African safari destination.
The central lodge has a comfortable lounge with a fireplace, shady verandah, sun deck, and swimming pool, offering a perfect place to relax, regardless of the weather. Designed to fit into the surroundings, the raised recreational areas allow for spectacular views across the African bush.
Meals are served either in the dining room or at the campfire in the traditional boma, under the vast star-scattered African sky.
Accommodation is in fully-equipped luxurious units set far enough apart to ensure your privacy and sense of space. Each one has a bedroom, en-suite bathroom with shower, and private patio overlooking the seasonal riverbed.
Balule is a 40 000 hectare game reserve that makes up part of the Greater Kruger National Park. The entire wilderness area is unfenced, allowing the free flow of the animals. This is prime Big Five territory.
The major advantage of staying in and exploring this area is that it is private and secluded. Unlike Kruger Park, no day visitors are allowed, meaning that you won't be huddled around a lion kill with a hundred other people in cars. This is the real bush experience, enjoyed in solitude, as it should be.
Please note that we offer convenient pre-tour and post-tour lodge accommodations for before and after the 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. For information on the safari lodge rates follow the link.
This tour does take children.
Children 12 years and older are permitted on game drives.
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