5 Day Safari in South Africa to Kruger Park & Private Lodge

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 Kruger Park conservation fees.
• Total of 9 game drives usually by 9 seater open safari vehicle in Big 5 areas of Kruger Park & Private Reserves. If you are interested in a bush walk - please discuss with your Sales consultant & enter it on your Booking Instructions.
• Two evening game drive in the selected Private Reserve by open safari vehicle using spotlights to see nocturnal species.
• 2 nights at Sabie River Bush Lodge overlooking the river – includes dinners & breakfasts.
• Two nights at a Private Safari Lodge (such as 4 star Mohlabetsi, Shiduli & Ku Sungula all situated near Hoedspruit) with game drives in 4 x 4 open vehicle. Includes all meals.
• Wildlife Safaris is one of the original Tour Operators to Kruger Park.

Currency used is South African Rand ( R ) or ZAR as shown on Forex.
2025 prices effective from 01 December 2024

KRUGER GATE HOTEL UPMARKET ACCOMMODATION UPGRADE

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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. Passengers staying at hotels in the northern suburbs - please send us the hotel name & address to check if drop off is available.

PLEASE NOTE: TRIPLE SHARE FOR 3 ADULTS IS NOT AVAILABLE ON THIS ITINERARY

Itinerary:

1st Day - Transfer to Southern Kruger Park plus Afternoon Game Drive
Pick up and leave Johannesburg in a 7 seater microbus with an experienced Kruger Park driver/guide. Travel East across the Highveld farmlands, down into the Lowveld to Nelspruit, 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 drive 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 serves a 3 course meal. WiFi is available so you can keep in touch with family and friends.

2nd Day - Full day game drives including Sabie River viewpoints
Early start with a quick cup of coffee 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. Stop at a small Camp where your guide will arrange breakfast 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 - Early Morning Game Drive, Private Lodge check-in & Evening Game Drive
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 Kruger Park via Orpen Gate & proceed to a Private Game Lodge (Mohlabetsi or Karongwe) near Hoedspruit. You can expect to find personalised service and a great bush atmosphere - book into an en suite chalet ,lodge suite or safari tent with aircon. 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 - Sunrise Game Drive, Day at the Private Lodge & Evening Game Drive
Enjoy a full day at the private lodge starting with coffee at around 06h00 followed by the sunrise drive in the open safari vehicle. The guides are keen bird spotters & early morning is one of the best times whilst it's cool to spot some rare birds. Return to the private lodge for a delicious breakfast followed by a mid-morning bush walk ( on request ) with an experienced field guide. Lunch will be served at 14h00 & then snooze until the late afternoon drive or sit by the pool. Return to the lodge; discuss the day's highlights with other guests at the bar before a traditional dinner with bush cuisine & finally a good night's sleep!

5th Day - Morning Game Drive, Breakfast & Transfer to Johannesburg
Early morning call & listen to the chorus of birds as the day begins. Join the armed ranger on the sunrise drive and learn about the smaller creatures including insects & lizards. Return to the lodge & freshen up before a full English breakfast. Pack up, farewell to staff & depart on a relaxing homeward journey through the farmlands & trout fishing areas of Dullstroom stopping for refreshments en-route. Arrive back in Johannesburg at O R Tambo Airport or nearby hotels by 16h30. Please allow 1.5 hours connecting time for local flights or 3.0 hours for International flights.

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 10 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.
• For Malaria Updates kindly visit https://www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger/tourism/malaria.php
• Bring sunglasses, a small hat, swimsuit, a camera, torch / flashlight, light casual clothes for daytime and 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 drivers/guides, waiters and porters is not included.

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