6-Day Kruger Safari at a Private River Lodge

Why Choose This Kruger River Lodge Safari?

• Most complete river lodge safari experience in this range
• Big Five game drives in Kruger National Park
• Private reserve safari with fewer vehicles
• Includes a scenic Panorama Route boat cruise and wildlife sanctuary visit
• More varied activities than shorter safaris
• Beautiful riverfront safari accommodation
• Small group safari (max 10 guests)
• Return transfers from Johannesburg

Day 1: Johannesburg to Greater Kruger Park – South Africa

At the start of this Kruger Safari at a Private River Lodge, you are collected from the O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Head east into the Highveld region of the Mpumalanga Province, making your way to a bush bar in Hoedspruit, where you are collected for the short transfer to the private river lodge, Rukiya Safari Camp.

Upon arrival, take some time to settle in and enjoy lunch at the tranquil safari lodge along the Blyde River. Then it is time for our first 4x4 safari adventure in the Great Kruger safari area. Hopping into an open-sided safari vehicle we venture out into Wild Rivers private nature reserve surrounding your private river lodge. Sit back and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the African bush, encountering a variety of wildlife and birds.

Along the way, we stop at a scenic spot in the bush and watch the sunset with sundowners in hand. Keep an eye out for wildlife, especially leopards, as the sun goes down. After watching a beautiful sunset, we make our way back to the safari lodge using spotlights to search out nocturnal animals in the dark.

Back at Rukiya, we have dinner in the spacious dining area or in one of the lantern-lit outdoor dining areas. Then you can have a drink at the bar, sit around the campfire, or head straight to your comfortable tented suite next to the river for a good night's rest. Gaze up at the stars and tune into the nighttime sounds of the bush, drifting off to sleep after an eventful day on safari in South Africa.

• Meals included: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Kruger Safari – South Africa

Wake up bright and early for your first exciting full-day safari in Kruger National Park. After a quick coffee at your exclusive Greater Kruger river lodge, we board our open safari vehicle and head to the Orpen Gate of Kruger Park.

The whole of day two is spent exploring South Africa's most famous game reserve, on a guided 4x4 Kruger Safari. Your guide takes you in search of the dazzling array of wildlife and birds found in Kruger. Sit back and relax as you experience the untamed African bush and its rich habitats. Before long, we stop at one of the rest areas in Kruger Park and tuck into our packed breakfasts from the safari lodge. Then our Kruger safari adventure continues until we stop for a lunch break at one of the rest camps. There will be time to do a bit of curio shopping, snooze in the shade, buy some snacks and cold drinks from the shop, and have lunch (own expense). After lunch we return to the rugged bush, searching out the multitude of wild animals, birds, and reptiles of the national park and pausing to take photos of exciting wildlife sightings.

Kruger National Park is massive at about 19 485 km², yet the game viewing is superb because there are so many animals here. Mammals alone number at 147 species! And that includes big populations of Africa's Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo). Common wildlife sightings include herds of elephants, antelopes, and buffalos, lion prides, packs of hyenas and wild dogs, hippo pods, and basks of lurking crocodiles. Giraffes, zebras, monkeys, warthogs, baboons, and impalas are very commonly seen, with leopards and cheetahs being less ubiquitous.

Back at the riverside safari lodge this evening, we have a delicious dinner and relax in the tranquil natural setting of the private nature reserve. Choose a comfy place to unwind - one of the lounges, the open-air boma, or the bush bar, take a night swim, or retreat to your comfy tented suite with its own deck overlooking the Blyde River.

• Meals included: Packed Breakfast & Dinner

Day 3: Greater Kruger Game Reserve & Blyde River Cruise – South Africa

Day three of our Budget Kruger Safari kicks off with a 4x4 game drive in the private Greater Kruger Park, Balule Reserve. After our early-morning coffee, we set off for the Big 5 game reserve near our safari lodge.

Your guide takes you on an exploration of the African bush, tracking down wild animals and taking in the marvels of this remarkable ecosystem. Balule Reserve hosts large African mammals, including the Big 5 of Africa, along with numerous birds, plants, and small creatures. Other animals that are frequently seen include hippo, hyena, giraffe, zebra, kudu, bushpig, crocodile, and blue wildebeest.

After our morning game drive, we have breakfast back at our intimate river lodge. Then we drive to the Blyde River where we embark on a scenic boat cruise through the rugged mountains of this green canyon. This area has an interesting history and hosts unique geological features that the river guide can tell you more about. The river flows through the Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest vegetated canyons in the world. Sit back and take in the grandeur of the unusual mountains and rock formations from the boat. Enjoy the quiet setting and watch for hippos, crocodiles, and birds along the unspoiled course of the Blyde River.

After our leisurely boat cruise, we return to Rukiya Safari Camp, tucked away in the indigenous vegetation beside Blyde River. Take time out to swim and soak up the wild surroundings before feasting on a hearty dinner. Dine under the stars or in the inviting dining area. End the day off with a nightcap at the bar or sit out on the lantern-lit deck listening for lions in the distance. On cool winter nights, make yourself comfortable at the cozy fireplace in the lounge or sidle up to the campfire.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Greater Kruger Game Reserve & Moholoholo Wildlife Centre – South Africa

Today our Kruger Safari Tour starts with an early morning coffee, then we head out on a morning game drive in Balule Reserve of Greater Kruger Park. Beautiful Balule is closed to the general public, so it offers a more exclusive African safari experience. On our game drive we encounter few, if any, other safari vehicles and get to watch wildlife undisturbed. Balule offers prime game viewing as it hosts a wide range of animals, plants, birds, and small creatures.

After our game drive in Greater Kruger Park, we return to our riverside lodge for a scrumptious breakfast. Then you have some free time to take it easy at the camp and rest. Later in the day, we take a trip to the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. This wildlife center rescues abandoned, injured, and poisoned wild animals. Moholoholo also plays an important role in wildlife education in South Africa.

There are a number of rescued wild animals at the center that have been rehabilitated but cannot be released back into the wild. Here you can see these wildlife species up close and learn more about them. The wildlife center runs a successful Serval Breeding Project that has reintroduced over 160 serval cats into areas where they were extinct. The center is also actively involved in leopard research into the movement and behavior of these shy big cats. They also monitor various vulture species that visit the Vulture Restaurant at the center on a daily basis.

After our tour of the wildlife rehabilitation center, we drive back to our river lodge. Upon our return, you are free to freshen up with a swim or a shower and a cool drink. Alternatively, you can chill out in one of the lounge areas, take a quick nap or sit back and listen to the birds as you watch the river from your own deck. This evening a delicious dinner is served in the spacious dining area or al fresco, followed by a laid-back evening beside the Blyde River. Animals and birds from the surrounding reserve are often sighted at the safari lodge, so remember to keep an eye out for special encounters.

• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5: Kruger Safari – South Africa

On day five, we are treated to a second full-day Kruger Safari. We get up early and hit the road for our action-packed day of game viewing in this world-famous wildlife park. Returning to South Africa's premier national park, with our honed wildlife spotting skills, is a great chance to catch sight of any of the sought-after wild animals that may have evaded us thus far.

Driving through the diverse vegetation zones and habitats of this 19 485 km² national park, your professional guide searches out the abundant wildlife and birds found here. An astounding 517 bird species have been recorded in Kruger Park, along with numerous reptiles, insects, plants, and amphibians.

Predator encounters to look forward to, include endangered African wild dog, cheetah, hyena, leopard, and lion, along with the smaller species - jackal, mongoose, caracal, serval, civet, and genet. The smorgasbord of herbivores frequently spotted in Kruger includes rhinos, elephants, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, waterbuck, wildebeest, duiker, impala, kudu, springbok, and steenbok, among many. Other wildlife sightings include honey badger, porcupine, aardvark, bush baby, baboon, hippo, and vervet monkey.

Exploring Kruger again also gives birding enthusiasts a chance to spot more birds, like eagles, vultures, owls, bee-eaters, plovers, bustards, hornbills, storks, and shrikes.

During our full-day safari in Kruger Park, we stop for breaks at picnic sites and rest camps in the national park. The river lodge provides packed breakfasts and lunch is enjoyed at one of the park rest camps (own account). At the end of our eventful day in one of Africa's top game reserves, we take the short drive back to our private river lodge of the Greater Kruger.

Enjoy a tasty dinner at your intimate lodge along the river and end the day off beside the flickering campfire. Fall asleep to the sounds of nature in your comfy bed.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Greater Kruger Park to Johannesburg – South Africa

Wake up to the sound of birds along the Blyde River. This morning we take a final game drive in Wild Rivers private nature reserve surrounding the lodge.

Sit back and enjoy being out in the South African bush while your expert guide tracks down the animals and birds living here. Your guide can tell you all about the animals, insects, reptiles, birds, and flora found in the reserve as you go.

After our last exhilarating game drive in Greater Kruger Park, we head back to Rukiya for a tasty breakfast. Then it is time to return to the bush bar in Hoedspruit, for the transfer back to Johannesburg. Back in the bustling city, you are transferred to the O.R. Tambo International Airport (between 18:00 and 19:00), bringing our memorable Kruger River Lodge Safari to a close.

• Meals: Breakfast

About Greater Kruger & Balule Private Game Reserve

Balule Reserve forms part of Greater Kruger Park, which consists of over 20 private game reserves that share unfenced borders with Kruger National Park and each other. Thus, the wild animals in the game reserve we visit roam freely between Kruger National Park and the neighboring private game reserves of Greater Kruger.

Both Greater Kruger Park and Kruger National Park proper, in turn, share unfenced borders with the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique forming a massive wildlife region, called the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park. This huge wildlife park is still expanding and provides an enormous range for Southern Africa's wildlife to roam freely.

The movement of people between the different game reserves and national parks in this region is, however, restricted. This means that the number of vehicles allowed into the private game reserves is limited. Our safari lodge is one of few with access to Balule. You are therefore unlikely to see other safari vehicles while out on your game drives. Another advantage is that you get to take your time watching the animals without having to share wildlife sightings or make way for other vehicles and onlookers.

About Rukiya Safari Camp - private river lodge in Greater Kruger Area

The private river lodge that this Kruger Safari stays at, is located inside a private nature reserve in the Greater Kruger Park area. Rukiya Safari Camp is set on the banks of the Blyde River which attracts an abundance of wild animals and birds. It is an intimate and eco-friendly tented safari lodge tucked away in old indigenous trees.

This ideally located private river lodge offers guests understated luxury in a peaceful, wild setting. The shady trees, tranquil river, and mountain views combine to create an idyllic bush getaway. Rukiya is located in the Wild Rivers Private Nature Reserve, 3000-hectares of wilderness. It forms part of the larger Blyde Olifants Conservancy, incorporating 12000-hectares of bushveld in the Greater Kruger safari region. Rukiya safari camp is 500 meters upstream of the confluence of the Blyde and Olifants Rivers. The nature reserve is home to a variety of wild animals and prolific birdlife is regularly spotted. Wildlife species include leopards, hyenas, crocodiles, jackals, mongeese, civets, genets, zebra, giraffe, hippo, and various antelope species.

There is a big infinity pool and poolside deck with sun-loungers for relaxing in the dappled shade. The spacious dining room and lounge open out onto an expansive shared deck with outdoor seating. An outdoor fire pit (boma) and casual bar area complete the picture. The game lodge has WiFi and electric outlets for guests to charge their devices.

The canvas tented suites are set on timber platforms nestled in the shade of the riverine trees, providing a cool retreat from the African heat. There are only six tented suites set apart in the natural vegetation to give guests privacy. Two of the tented suites sleep four people in two inter-leading tents making them ideal for families with children. Four of the tented suites overlook the Blyde River and the two family tents offer views over the bush. Large windows and doors, fitted with mosquito netting, enable guests to immerse themselves in nature and watch visiting birds and animals.

The tented rooms are all connected to the main lodge areas, pool, and each other by wooden walkways with lights. Each of these permanent safari tents has an en-suite bathroom, separated by a zippable canvas door. The en-suite bathrooms are fitted with a shower, toilet, and basin, stocked with fresh towels and complimentary bath products. Rooms feature standing fans and comfortable beds with high-quality linen and bedding. Sustainably made and locally sourced wooden furniture and beds have been used throughout to reduce the environmental impact of the safari lodge.

There is an exciting range of activities available, and extensive game drives in the Kruger National Park and Greater Kruger reserves. Guests typically get to explore Balule private Big 5 game reserve, as well as the Wild Rivers private nature reserve surrounding the river lodge. On this Kruger Lodge Safari guests also enjoy a boat cruise on the Blyde River. There are also mountain biking trails, ranging from 5 to 30 kilometers, inside Wild River.

About Kruger National Park in South Africa

Kruger National Park stands as South Africa's premier safari destination and a true natural marvel. Spanning an impressive 19,485 km² of untouched wilderness, this expansive landscape is brimming with wildlife, offering exceptional game-viewing opportunities that showcase the incredible diversity of the region.

As a sanctuary for approximately 147 mammal species, Kruger is a biodiversity hotspot. In addition to its remarkable mammal population, the park is home to a rich array of birds, plants, insects, reptiles, and even fish. Among the large mammals, you’ll find thriving populations of Africa's Big Five: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo. Expect to encounter majestic herds of elephants, elegant antelopes, powerful lion prides, and lively packs of hyenas and wild dogs. You may also spot groups of hippos lounging in the water and crocodiles basking in the sun, along with a host of other wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, monkeys, warthogs, baboons, and impalas.

On your Kruger National Park safari, an expert guide will accompany you on a captivating journey of exploration. Each game drive invites you to discover not just the iconic large animals but also the intricate details of the ecosystem. You’ll gain valuable insights into the diverse array of animals, birds, insects, and plant life that thrive within Kruger and the surrounding Greater Kruger area, making each outing a unique adventure filled with wonder and discovery.

Kruger River Lodge Safari Note:

The order of the included activities on this Budget Kruger Safari may change due to weather conditions and availability, but you will get to experience them all!

Pre and Post Safari Lodge Rates:

Please note that we offer convenient pre-tour and post-tour lodge accommodation for before and after this Kruger Safari, which can be added to your booking upon request. The 4-star lodge accommodation is located 10-15 minutes from the O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

Why Book This Kruger River Lodge Safari with African Budget Safaris?

• Best-value safari combining Kruger National Park & a private reserves of Greater Kruger
• Carefully selected lodge and safari experience curated for African Budget Safaris
• Includes a boat cruise and Wildlife Sanctuary visit
• More time for game drives, activities, and relaxation
• No hidden costs (conservation fees included)
• Get expert advice from experienced safari specialists

Short on time?

Consider this 3-day Kruger Safari at a Private River Lodge - visiting the same locations in the shortest possible time

Kruger National Park Safari

If you are looking for an excellent-value Kruger National Park safari, this 4-Day Kruger National Park Safari spends four days exclusively game-viewing within the Kruger National Park.