This 6-day small group Kruger and private reserve safari is a comprehensive lodge tour exploring multiple reserves within the Greater Kruger ecosystem. Starting and ending in Johannesburg, this safari combines classic Kruger National Park game drives with stays at three different private game reserves—Balule, Tshukudu, and Motlala—offering diverse wildlife experiences and comfortable lodge accommodation throughout.
With a maximum of 10 guests, this small group safari explores Big 5 Balule Private Reserve over two full days, including game drives, a guided bush walk, and a traditional bush braai. The safari then transitions to Kruger National Park for two full days of wildlife viewing in open vehicles, followed by game drives in Tshukudu Private Game Reserve and a visit to Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. Your final day includes a morning walk in Motlala Game Reserve before returning via the scenic Panorama Route.
Perfect for guests seeking variety across multiple reserves with the intimacy of a 10-guest maximum, this Kruger and private reserve safari delivers three distinct private reserves, expert guiding, and comfortable lodge accommodation throughout.
__large.jpg "Kruger safari baboon by Vaiz Ha")
This Kruger & Private Reserve Safari departs from the big city of Johannesburg into the rugged bushveld of Greater Kruger Park, the premier safari destination in sunny South Africa.
You will be collected from your pre-tour hotel, your home in the Johannesburg area, or Oliver Tambo International Airport. From Johannesburg (known locally as Jo'burg), we drive through the Mpumalanga Province into the Lowveld of the Limpopo Province in an air-conditioned Quantum. Our journey takes us northeast to the Big Five Balule Nature Reserve in Greater Kruger.
Arriving at the private lodge, there is time to freshen up and settle in, possibly even take a dip in the pool, before we set off on our first game drive. First up, an exhilarating sunset game drive to explore Balule in an open Land Cruiser - an excellent way to kick off our African adventure!
The four-hour game drive begins at 17:00, taking us into the Big Five territory of Balule at one of the best times of the day for game viewing. We experience the magical time of dusk when the diurnal animals and birds retreat for the night, and the nocturnal creatures begin to prowl and stir. A beautiful time to be in nature as stillness settles around us and the late afternoon light glows over the bush as the sun sets.
On the first night of our Kruger & Private Reserve Safari, we are treated to a unique dining experience. A traditional South African barbecue (called a braai) in the middle of the bush! Sit back in the reed boma (open-air enclosure) and enjoy the juicy feast under starry skies. After dinner in the heart of the wilderness, we drive back to the three-star lodge, with its comforts and lush gardens.
After a good night's rest, we get up bright and early for our first full day on safari in Greater Kruger. Kick-start the morning with a coffee or tea and some hard biscuits (known as rusks), and then we are off into the bush. Driving into the private nature reserve at dawn, we make our way to a secluded spot near the Olifant's River, admiring the sunrise as we go. Then we switch from 4x4 to foot, setting off on a 2.5-hour bush walk with an expert guide.
The guide leads you along the river and points out signs of animal activity, interesting plants, small animals and birds. Balule is big game territory, home to a host of predators, so your experienced guide will be armed to ensure your safety on the walk. Walking allows us to get up closer to nature and notice the animal tracks, smaller creatures, and signs of large mammals, all of which the qualified guide can tell you more about. After exploring the bush on foot, we return to the safari lodge with hearty appetites and enjoy a delicious brunch.
Then you are free to 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 and enjoy dinner in the dining lapa. Relax around the campfire and retire to your air-conditioned, tented chalet surrounded by the untamed bushveld of South Africa.
Wake up fresh and early for an adventure-filled day in one of Africa's top game parks - Kruger National Park. We start with breakfast at the stylish lodge and then we head to Kruger Park. Driving to the Orpen Gate in our open safari vehicle, we are ready to spot game as soon as we enter the world-famous national park. The open vehicle offers elevated views over the bushes without the obstruction of windows - allowing you to take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the bush and enjoy optimal game viewing.
The whole of day three is spent exploring the massive national park, spotting wildlife, birds, and other creatures. Kruger covers about 19 485 km², hosting a multitude of wild animals and birds across its diverse habitats. The incredible density and abundance of wildlife in Kruger are awe-inspiring with some 145 mammal species, as well as over 500 bird species recorded here.
Back at the lodge, we have a tasty dinner and then you can relax in the bar or take a refreshing dip in your splash pool. Lie back in your comfy bed at the end of a memorable day in the bush and fall asleep to the sounds of nature.
This morning we enjoy breakfast at the tented camp before driving to Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre in the Limpopo Lowveld near Hoedspruit. The animal rehabilitation center serves as a haven for rescued wildlife and birds that have been orphaned, injured, abandoned, or poisoned. The center rehabilitates wildlife and birds for release back into the wild where possible and runs successful breeding programs, such as the serval and endangered crowned eagle projects. During our visit, we get to see the animals up close and to find out more about African wildlife conservation and the work that Moholoholo does in South Africa.
From Moholoholo, we head back to the lodge for lunch and a rest, followed by a three-hour afternoon game drive in Tshukudu Game Reserve. The Tshukudu Private Game Reserve covers 5000 hectares of unspoiled bushveld, bordering on Kruger National Park. This private game reserve is home to a high concentration of wildlife, including the Big Five, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, wild cat, and many more. Chances of spotting the Big Five are excellent here, so keep your eyes peeled.
Back at the charming tented lodge, we have dinner and unwind.
Day five of our Kruger & Private Reserve Safari, and we are back in Kruger for our second full day of action-packed game viewing!
On our second day of game viewing in Kruger National Park, you will see just how much you have already learned and find it easier to spot and identify animals and birds in the bush. As with the previous day in Kruger, we explore in an open safari vehicle for optimal game viewing.
After years of exploring you would still be discovering new things in this incredibly diverse national park, which is larger than some European countries! Today we see more of Kruger and possibly spot animals we may not have seen before.
Our last evening is spent relaxing at the lovely lodge, sharing tales of our wildlife adventures, and enjoying dinner in the lapa.
On our last morning, we head into Motlala Game Reserve on foot (weather permitting). This short guided walk is a great way to get a closer look at the smaller creatures and details of the bush - the animal tracks, plants, birds, and insects.
After our hour-long nature walk, we have breakfast back at our secluded safari camp. Then it's time to say farewell to our comfortable bush retreat and travel to Joburg via the Panorama Route. We drive along the Blyde River Canyon, taking in the beautiful views and stopping to look at the Three Rondawels.
Back in Johannesburg, where we started, you are dropped off at your post-safari accommodation or at the O.R. Tambo International Airport by arrangement, bringing our Kruger & Private Reserve Safari to a close.
The game lodge this Kruger & Private Reserve Safari stays at is situated in a Big 5 game reserve that forms part of the 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.
The tented lodge used on this Kruger & Private Reserve Safari is an exclusive lodge set in the unspoiled bushveld next to Kapama Game Reserve. The stylish tented lodge consists of only eight tented chalets in a secluded wilderness area, hosting a variety of game species and an abundance of birds.
Each of these unique chalets is raised on a wooden deck with its own splash pool, overlooking the surrounding bush. Natural elements have been incorporated into the chalets, using materials such as wood and rocks as decor elements. The chalets have been designed to blend into the bushveld environment, featuring thatched roofs, aluminum sliding doors, and canvas sides with large canvas window panels. Beautiful furnishings and natural tones create calm and comfortable interiors, and each chalet is fitted with air-conditioning for those hot African days. The chalets have en-suite bathrooms, including both indoor and outdoor showers.
The thatched-roof dining lapa and bar area opens out onto the outdoor barbecue (braai) area, providing a cozy and informal place to relax in nature. The lodge staff is highly accomplished, having previous experience at four and five-star lodges or hotels. The friendly staff provides unobtrusive, luxury service, ensuring that guests are pampered during their relaxing 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 tour pricing link for information on rates.
Intimate Small Group Experience (Max 10 Guests): This Kruger and private reserve safari is limited to just 10 travelers, ensuring better wildlife viewing from open safari vehicles, more interaction with your expert guide, and a more personalized safari experience throughout. Smaller groups also create less disturbance to wildlife, increasing your chances of exceptional sightings.
Three Different Private Game Reserves: Unlike single-reserve safaris, this Kruger private reserve safari offers exceptional variety by exploring three distinct private game reserves—Balule, Tshukudu, and Motlala—each with unique landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities, plus two full days in Kruger National Park itself. Experience different ecosystems, varied wildlife populations, and diverse safari activities across the Greater Kruger area.
Comprehensive Itinerary with Added Value: Beyond game drives, this small group Kruger and private reserve safari includes guided bush walks in two reserves, a visit to Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre for conservation insights, and scenic highlights of the Panorama Route including Blyde River Canyon. Comfortable lodge accommodation throughout means you can enjoy authentic bush experiences without sacrificing comfort, while starting and ending in Johannesburg makes this safari easily accessible for international travelers.
Kruger National Park is a public national park where you follow designated roads and park rules. Private game reserves like Balule, Tshukudu, and Motlala offer more exclusive experiences with off-road driving, guided bush walks, and fewer vehicles. This Kruger and private reserve safari combines both experiences for the best of both worlds.
This 6-day Kruger private reserve safari visits three different private game reserves—Balule (2 days), Tshukudu (half day), and Motlala (morning walk)—plus two full days exploring Kruger National Park. This variety gives you diverse wildlife experiences across the Greater Kruger ecosystem.
This is a small group safari with a maximum of 10 guests, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience compared to larger safari groups.
Yes, Balule Private Reserve shares an unfenced border with Kruger National Park, allowing wildlife to move freely between the two areas. This means you can see the same Big 5 animals in both Kruger and the private reserves on this safari.
You'll stay in a mix of accommodations: a backpacker-style lodge in Balule Private Reserve (basic but comfortable with en-suite bathrooms and air-conditioning) and a semi-luxury tented lodge with splash pools and both indoor/outdoor showers. All lodges provide comfortable beds, mosquito protection, and authentic bush settings.
Yes, solo travelers are welcome on this small group safari. With a maximum of 10 guests, it's easy to meet fellow travelers and share the safari experience.
This tour does take children.
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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