4 Day Kruger Park Big 5 Walking Safari to Balule

Day 1: Johannesburg to Greater Kruger Park

After an early morning collection from either the OR Tambo International Airport or Persequor Park in Pretoria, we make our way north-east to Hoedspruit and into the Greater Kruger Park.

We arrive at our lodge in time for lunch, followed by our first game viewing activity - an introduction to this beautiful area and our first sightings of Africa's incredible animals and birds.

Dinner back at the lodge is enjoyed. Relax around the campfire under the vast African night sky, filled with stars, and listen to the sounds of the night.

Day 2 - 3: Greater Kruger Park

Each day follows a similar itinerary, and each day is completely different. That's the nature of the wild. The guides will discuss the plan each evening prior and will decide on whether to walk from camp or drive a little further, then walk, or just drive. Weather, animal sightings and your preference will all be taken into consideration.

Walking safaris are led by trained and armed guides. You'll be treated to getting as close to nature as possible and seeing, hearing and smelling all its wonders - from the tiniest insects to the fluttering birds to the enormous elephant.

Our days begin at sunrise. After pre-dawn coffee and rusks, we set off into the bush to watch Africa wake. This is the time that many animals and birds are most active, in the coolth of the morning. If we're lucky, we may even see the aftermath of a predator kill from the night before. The guides are extremely knowledgeable and will teach us about the plants and animals we see on our walk.

As the day heats up, we return to camp and enjoy a big breakfast - walking safaris are hungry work! During the heat of midday, we can relax at the lodge, enjoying the scenery and making good use of the swimming pool, before retiring for a siesta.

After a late lunch, we head off into the bush again, either walking or driving in open safari vehicles, or a combination of both. Our guides will use their superb tracking skills to ensure the best game-watching experience possible. 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 and what's in store for the next day.

Day 4: Greater Kruger Park to Johannesburg

After coffee and rusks, we set off on our final early morning game safari, returning to camp for breakfast. Then its time to say goodbye and travel back to the designated drop-off points in Pretoria and Johannesburg. Arrival time will be around 17:00 to 19:00.

Please Note:

Pick-up and drop-off are at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg or the Sasol Fuel Station in Persequor Park, Pretoria. For more details and times please enquire. Transport to and from these two pre-appointed locations will not be included in the tour price.

Collection times on the first day:

• 06h45 OR Tambo Bus Terminal Building

Drop off times on the last day:

• 17h00 - 18h00 OR Tambo Bus Terminal Building

Greenfire Game Lodge

Perfectly located on the seasonal Mohlabetsi riverbed in the Balule Private Game Reserve, the Greenfire Game Lodge is the dream safari destination.

The central lodge has a comfortable lounge with 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 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 Private Reserve

Balule is a 35 000 hectare reserve which makes up part of the Greater Kruger National Park. The entire area is unfenced, allowing 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 the 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.

Children

Please note that walking safaris have a minimum age of 16 years' old.

Pre and Post Tour Lodge Rates:

Please note that we offer convenient pre and post tour lodge accommodation for before and after the Walking 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 lodge rates follow the link.