5 Day Safari to Kruger National Park, Private Lodge & Panorama Route

Includes:

• Return transport from Johannesburg to Kruger Park by 7 seater air-conditioned microbus. Collection or drop off at Johannesburg or Nelspruit Airports depends on timing & is on request from our Sales Consultant.
• Services of our specialist Kruger Park guide for 5 days.
• All entrances & daily conservation fee in Kruger Park.
• Total 7 game drives mainly by 9 seater open safari vehicle in Big 5 areas of Kruger Park.
• 2 night accommodation at a Sabie River Bush Lodge with dinners & breakfasts served in the lodge restaurant.
• 1 night accommodation at a Private Safari Lodge with 2 further game drives in open safari vehicle. Superior en-suite lodge room or safari tent and all meals.
• Sightseeing along panorama route to see Blyde River Canyon, God's Window & waterfalls.
• Time for browsing at ethnic markets.
• Overnight at an upper midrange hotel in Hazyview with dinner, bed & breakfast.
• Wildlife Safaris is a SATSA member & one of the original Tour Operators to Kruger Park.
• Guided bush walks can be arranged on selected  4 day or 5 day itineraries & this replaces 1 game drive -  ask Sales consultant about details & additional cost.

Please be aware that during the summer months of December, January and February we may have some rain or misty conditions affecting the visibility along the Panorama Route. This will interfere with your sightseeing up in the mountains, but the weather down in Kruger Park can be quite clear for watching the animals.

Currency used is South African Rand ( R ) or ZAR as shown on Forex.
2023 prices valid until 30 November 2023 and 2024 effective from 01 December 2023

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Excludes:

• lunches which are available for own account, drinks, personal items & tips.

SPECIAL REQUESTS:

• We are a small group Operator so if you have any Special Requests please ask your Sales Consultant.

PICK-UP:

In Johannesburg between 07h00 and 08h00 at O R Tambo Airport and hotels nearby recommended. Other areas such as Sandton or Rosebank on request. Please avoid Johannesburg City Centre, Lanseria Airport and Pretoria. Nelspruit Airport is from 12.00 - 12.30 or by arrangement.

DROP-OFF:

At O R Tambo International Airport or nearby hotels usually by 16.00. Please allow 1.5 hours connecting time for local flights or preferably 3.0 hours for International flights. Drop off at hotels in the northern suburbs such as Sandton is "on request" with your Sales consultant.

Accommodation with air-con, insect screens, private shower & toilet. Triple share rooms can usually be arranged for families. Meals are arranged by your guide

SABIE RIVER BUSH LODGE for information and pictures.

HIPPO HOLLOW HOTEL for more information.

HAZYVIEW SUN for pictures of the hotel interior and a brief desciption.

PANORAMA ROUTE for pictures of Blyde River Canyon & nearby.

Itinerary:

1st. Day
Pick up and leave Johannesburg in a 7 seater microbus with our experienced Kruger Park guide. Travel east across the Highveld farmlands and down into the Lowveld City of Nelspruit/Mbombela, capital of Mpumalanga province. After a lunch break, enter southern Kruger Park for your first exciting game drive. Travel through lightly wooded bushveld where you can expect to see antelope, giraffe and possibly elephant. Before sunset travel a short distance to Sabie River Bush Lodge where we stay overnight. Book into a lodge room or en-suite safari tent with aircon and modern furnishings. Time to relax on the deck, looking across the extensive Sabie River hoping to see some hippos or crocodile. Your guide will arrange dinner in the Gecko Lapa restaurant, which is a 3 course meal. Wi-Fi is available so you can keep in touch with family and friends.

2nd Day
Early start, with a quick cup of coffee, board the safari vehicle then head into Kruger Park for your sunrise game drive. Travel through bushveld areas and probably along the river looking for Big 5 species (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo). The Sabie River with its huge trees is a dominant feature of southern Kruger and travelling along the banks can be very exciting. After about 3 hours, stop at a Camp where your guide will provide breakfast packs and allow time to relax. Continue on the mid-morning drive including any top sightings reported for the day. Around lunchtime stop for refreshments, browse in the curio shop then continue with the afternoon drive which terminates back at Sabie River Bush Lodge. Time for a swim then enjoy sundowners on the deck overlooking the Sabie river with one of the best photo opportunities 'on safari in Africa'. Join your guide for dinner in the restaurant with a varied menu and listen to the hippos in the river.

3rd Day
Depart on another memorable early morning game drive to look for elusive species such as leopard often found in trees. Travel north towards the open plains of central Kruger & stop for breakfast at Satara. Drive out of the Park and proceed to a Private Safari Lodge (Mohlabetsi or Shiduli) near Hoedspruit. You can expect to find personalised service and a great bush atmosphere - book into an en suite chalet / African safari tent with aircon. Time to freshen up and then enjoy lunch in the garden. Approximately 16h00, after a quick swim, board the safari vehicle for an evening game drive stopping en route for "sundowners ". Return to the lodge for drinks and dinner often served around a campfire. Overnight listening to hyena or other nocturnal animals which all adds to a memorable experience.

4th Day
Join the armed ranger for an early morning game drive and it's an excellent time for bird watching. Return to the lodge and join other guests for a delicious breakfast before departure. The rest of the day is devoted to sightseeing as you travel via Valley of the Olifants towards the spectacular Blyde River Canyon. Visit 3 Rondavels then proceed along the Panorama route stopping at viewpoints and a waterfall. Browse around ethnic markets for curios. Drive down Kowyns Pass to Hazyview and book into your 4 star hotel (Hippo Hollow or Hazyview Sun) for dinner and overnight.

5th Day
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and don’t forget some final photos. Leave Hazyview for the return journey travelling past pine forests and sub-tropical orchards to Nelspruit/Mbombela then back up to the Highveld. Arrive in Johannesburg at O R Tambo Airport or nearby hotels by 16h00. Please allow 1.5 hours connecting time for local flights or 3.0 hours for international flights. Thank you for travelling with Wildlife Safaris.

General Information

• Refreshment / comfort stops will be planned every 2 - 3 hours during transfers. Please discuss the daily program with your guide.
• Duration of each game drive is 2.5 to 3.0 hours. This itinerary includes 7 drives.
• It is advisable to take precautions against malaria especially during the rainy season from October to May . We recommend insect repellent & protective clothing in the evenings. If you decide to use medication - Malarone tablets are the best for Kruger Park.
• Bring sunglasses, a small hat, swimsuit, a camera, torch / flashlight, light casual clothes for daytime and a warmer clothes for night drives. Remember there will be a chill factor travelling in the open safari vehicle especially from June - August.
• A policy of "no smoking" and rotation of seats in the vehicle is recommended.
• Gratuities to driver/guide, waiters and porters is not included.

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