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 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 with a sunset-to-night game drive and remote bush barbeque in the Big 5 Balule Private Reserve. Then take a guided morning bush walk and afternoon game drive in Balule Reserve, home to abundant wildlife.
Spend the whole of day three on a Kruger National Park Safari in an open vehicle in search of the rich and diverse 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.
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 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.
On day two of this Kruger & Private Game Reserves Safari, we get going early, starting the day with coffee/tea and rusks, before venturing into the bush as the sun rises.
We drive into the Balule Game Reserve of Greater Kruger, stopping near the Olifants River where we disembark and continue on foot. Our experienced guide leads us along the river showing us signs of wildlife as we go. The bush walk is a great way to get a closer look at the micro-ecosystems and experience the smells and sounds of the bush. Your guide will show you signs of animal activity and share interesting insights about the plants, birds and small creatures you come across. Your guide is armed in case you encounter big animals and the unexpected unfolds but the walk is focussed on taking in the fascinating details of the bush.
After our guided nature walk 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.
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.
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 at 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.
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.
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.
Please note that we offer convenient pre and post-tour lodge accommodation 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.
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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