Overview
This safari encompasses game watching in both the esteemed Kruger National Park and the exclusive Big 5 Balule Game Reserve, providing an optimal South African safari experience.
Experience the advantages of residing in exclusive game reserves and discovering the renowned Kruger National Park.
- Evening wildlife drive at sunset in the Big 5 Balule reserve, followed by a bush barbecue in the exclusive area.
- Full-day guided safari in Kruger National Park utilizing open-sided vehicles with a trained guide.
- Accompanied morning bush walk on the private wildlife reserve with an armed game warden.
- Overnight stay in a private game lodge in en-suite chalets equipped with air conditioning.
- Camping in established permanent tents at a treehouse safari camp within a private wildlife reserve.
This remarkable Kruger Park and Kruger Private Game Reserves Safari surpasses a standard budget camping safari. An exceptional, cost-effective Kruger Safari experience.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Johannesburg to Balule Private Game Reserve, South Africa
The Kruger and Private Game Reserves Safari commences in Johannesburg. Upon retrieving our guests from their lodgings in Gauteng or OR Tambo International Airport, we proceed northward through the Lowveld to the Greater Kruger Park. Our destination is a private game lodge located in Balule Game Reserve, renowned for its Big Five wildlife.
Balule is a former farm that dismantled its fences to become part of Greater Kruger Park. A group of farmers has participated in this endeavor, resulting in an unfenced private wildlife park spanning 35,000 hectares, where animals wander freely. The Olifant’s River traverses Balule, drawing numerous animals to its waterholes and a diverse array of avian species.
Upon settling into our lodging, we embark on our inaugural game drive in the late afternoon. Common fauna observed in Balule comprises buffalo, lions, elephants, giraffes, wildebeests, hyenas, zebras, hippos, warthogs, mongooses, vervet monkeys, and several antelope species, including waterbuck, steenbok, impala, and kudu. We halt to observe the magnificent African sunset, and as night descends, we venture forth once more to seek nocturnal wildlife, illuminated by the powerful headlights on our safari van.
This evening’s meal is a classic South African braai, prepared over an open flame in the bush and served beneath the stars in a bush boma. Following dinner, we resume our game drive in pursuit of wildlife while returning to our private lodge, pausing to observe any animal activity encountered en route.
At our exclusive game lodge, guests can either relax in the communal area or go to their luxurious, en-suite, air-conditioned chalets, assured that no wildlife can penetrate the electric fencing encircling the property.
Dining: Bush Barbecue (Boma Dinner)
Safari Endeavors: Dusk to Nightfall Game Drive in the Big Five Balule Private Reserve
Day 2: Balule and Private Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger Area, South Africa
On the second day of our Kruger Safari, we rise at dawn. Following coffee and cookies, we proceed to a more secluded location within the Big 5 Balule Reserve for our guided bush walk.
Our bush trek traverses the Olifant’s River, offering an intimate examination of the micro-ecosystems within Greater Kruger Park. Traversing the African bush on foot enables one to perceive the auditory and olfactory elements of Africa, while observing animal footprints, insects, birds, and flora in proximity. Accompanied by a seasoned and armed ranger, we acquire a deeper understanding of the forest during our two-and-a-half-hour trek. Our expert guide takes pleasure in imparting the mysteries of the wilderness to guests while prioritizing their safety.
Upon returning to the game lodge, we indulge in a substantial brunch and then unwind by the pool or have a nap.
Subsequently, we commence an afternoon game drive in the Balule Private Reserve. Following the observation of additional wildlife in the private game reserve, we proceed to a distinctive Treehouse Safari Camp, where we will reside for the duration of our Kruger and Private Game Reserve Safari.
Our lodging at the treehouse camp consists of permanent tents situated along the Klaserie River. The tents are furnished with beds, linen, soap, towels, electric illumination, and a fan. While the tents provide additional space and comfort relative to dome tents, camping inherently entails exposure to cold winter nights. Additional blankets and hot water bottles are available to ensure your comfort in the tents.
We partake in dinner together and spend the night in the Treehouse Camp located in Motlala Game Reserve.
Repasts: Breakfast and Dinner
Safari Activities: Bush Walk and Afternoon Game Drive in Big Five Reserve Balule Private Game Reserve
Day 3: Safari in Kruger National Park – South Africa
Today we commence a safari at Kruger National Park, South Africa’s premier national park. We dedicate a whole day to explore Kruger National Park in a bespoke safari vehicle. Upon arrival at Orpen Gate, we will transfer to our elevated safari vehicle, designed for optimal visibility and open-sided for superior photographic opportunities.
The grasslands surrounding Orpen and Satara host numerous grazers and browsers, including substantial herds of giraffe, zebra, and antelope. Consequently, these attract predators, and the region is renowned for its significant lion population. Your knowledgeable guide will assist you in locating and identifying the many wildlife and avian species that render Kruger Park one of the premier game reserves globally.
Following our comprehensive day at Kruger Safari, we return to the Treehouse Safari Camp in the wilderness, where you partake in dinner at the boma and unwind by the fire, recounting stories of the day’s wildlife observations.
Repasts: Breakfast and Dinner
Full-Day Big 5 Safari Activities Kruger Safari
Day 4: Private Game Reserve to Johannesburg, South Africa
We rise early to accompany a game ranger on a little bush walk in the private wildlife reserve of the treehouse camp, contingent upon favorable weather conditions. This presents an excellent opportunity to engage intimately with nature, as your game ranger provides insights into the local ecosystem, highlighting minute features, insects, feces, and animal footprints.
Upon returning to the safari camp, we partake in breakfast prior to our journey down the Drakensberg Escarpment back to Johannesburg. We traverse the picturesque Panorama Route, renowned in South Africa for its breathtaking vistas of the Blyde River Canyon and additional landmarks.
We return to Johannesburg at approximately 17:00, where you will be dropped off at your accommodation or OR Tambo International Airport, concluding an exceptional 4-Day Kruger & Private Game Reserves Safari.
Repast: Breakfast
Safari Activities: Morning bushwalk in a private reserve and highlights of the Panorama Route
Concerning the Kruger Safari Camping and Lodge Accommodation
The inaugural night of our safari in Kruger and Private Reserves is accommodated in air-conditioned chalets at a serene and peaceful private lodge within Balule Game Reserve, Greater Kruger. This cozy cottage, situated in a verdant garden, is readily accessible throughout the year. A perimeter electric fence surrounds the private lodge to deter encroachment by lions, elephants, and buffalo.
Accommodation for the duration of this affordably priced Kruger Safari is at a treehouse safari camp.
The tranquil safari camp is situated within the Motlala Game Reserve, positioned between two private game reserves adjacent to the esteemed Kruger National Park. Motlala hosts a variety of wildlife, including two of Africa’s Big Five: the leopard and the buffalo.
Tour accommodations consist of permanent tents equipped with mattresses, located at the treehouse camp beside the Klaserie River. The tents are furnished with beds, soap, towels, electric lighting, and a fan, along with two distinct showers and two separate toilets for communal use. Winter nights can be cold (from April to October), hence additional blankets and hot water bottles are provided for your comfort.
This highly economical safari camp includes an outdoor boma for al fresco eating, a bush bar, and a swimming pool. After a substantial South African lunch, you can unwind by the campfire in this pristine African bush environment, fully immersed in nature.
Wild creatures frequently traverse the campgrounds, including nyala, impala, monkeys, hyenas, buffalo, and occasionally leopards, enhancing your authentic African experience at this distinctive safari lodge. During the night, the distant sounds of hyenas, jackals, bushbabies, and other wildlife can be heard. Awaken to a symphony of avian melodies emanating from the surrounding trees at this riverside campsite, inhabited by a diverse array of birds.
Kruger Safari Fuel Subsidy: Please be advised that due to persistent fuel price escalations, a fuel subsidy has been incorporated into this Kruger Safari. This is intended as a provisional measure to be revoked if fuel costs decrease. This minor gasoline subsidy guarantees the preservation of the exceptional quality of this Kruger Safari. To ascertain the expense of the gasoline subsidy, kindly consult the whole trip pricing.