Overview:
This four-day Kruger Safari includes guided 4×4 game drives in the renowned Kruger National Park and a private Big 5 game reserve within the Greater Kruger Park. A superb South African wildlife retreat featuring exclusive Private River Lodge accommodations.
Initially, we investigate the lodge’s exclusive nature reserve during an amazing sunset game drive that extends into the night. Subsequently, we embark on a full-day Big 5 Kruger Safari in an open-sided 4×4 vehicle to explore the reasons for Kruger National Park’s status as one of Africa’s premier wildlife reserves. During the subsequent two mornings of our economical Kruger Safari, we undertake 4×4 game drives in a private reserve within Greater Kruger. On the third day, we partake in a leisurely boat excursion on the Blyde River. During intervals between safari activities, you may relax at the serene lodge adjacent to the Blyde River, taking pleasure in the pool and the surrounding private nature reserve.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Johannesburg to Greater Kruger Park – South Africa
This economical Kruger Safari commences in Johannesburg, the economic center of South Africa. In the morning, our driver will retrieve you from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. We next proceed eastward into the harsh Highveld region of Mpumalanga Province. Our initial destination is a bush pub in Hoedspruit. Your safari guide from the lodge retrieves you and transports you to the adjacent private river lodge.
Establish yourself at the safari lodge and partake in lunch alongside the tranquil Blyde River. Subsequently, we embark on our inaugural 4×4 safari expedition in the Greater Kruger region. Board the open-sided safari vehicle and explore the private natural area adjacent to the river lodge. Relax and appreciate the views, sounds, and aromas of the South African bush while observing wildlife and birds during your exploration.
We pause at a picturesque location to observe the sunset while enjoying beverages. Remain vigilant for wildlife, particularly leopards, as dusk approaches. Following the observation of your inaugural stunning sunset in the African bush, we proceed to the safari lodge, employing spotlights to seek nocturnal fauna in the darkness.
At the private river resort, we dine in the expansive dining area or in one of the lantern-lit outside settings. Post-dinner, you may enjoy a beverage at the bar, gather around the campfire, or proceed directly to your cozy tented suite adjacent to the river for a restful night’s sleep. Look up at the stars and listen to the nocturnal noises of the bush following your initial day on safari in South Africa.
Included meals: Lunch and Dinner
DAY 2: Big Five Safari in Kruger National Park – South Africa
Awaken early for your exhilarating full-day safari in Kruger National Park. Following a brief coffee at the exclusive river lodge, we embark on our open safari vehicle and proceed to the Orpen Gate of Kruger Park.
The entirety of day two is dedicated to exploring South Africa’s most renowned national park on a guided 4×4 Kruger Safari. Your guide leads you to explore the stunning variety of wildlife and avian species present in Kruger Park. Recline and unwind while immersing yourself in the wild African savannah and its many ecosystems. Shortly thereafter, we halt at a rest place within Kruger National Park and consume our packed breakfasts from the safari resort.
Subsequently, our Kruger safari expedition proceeds till we reach a lunch intermission at one of the park’s rest sites. There will be an opportunity for curio shopping, resting in the shade, purchasing snacks and cold beverages from the shop, and having lunch at one’s own expense. Post-lunch, we reconvene in the untamed bush, seeking the diverse array of fauna, avifauna, and reptiles within Kruger Park, while intermittently capturing photographs of thrilling wildlife encounters.
Kruger National Park is around 19,485 km², yet offers exceptional game viewing due to its abundant wildlife. There are 147 species of mammals. This encompasses substantial populations of Africa’s Big Five: lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo. Frequent animal observations encompass herds of elephants, antelopes, and buffalo, prides of lions, packs of hyenas and wild dogs, pods of hippos, and basking crocodiles. Giraffes, zebras, monkeys, warthogs, baboons, and impalas are frequently observed, although leopards and cheetahs are less prevalent.
This evening at the river lodge, we enjoy a delectable dinner and unwind in the serene natural environment of the private nature reserve. Select a comfortable location to relax—either one of the lounges, the open-air boma, or the bush bar. Alternatively, enjoy a nocturnal swim or retreat to your cozy tented room, which features a private deck with views of the Blyde River.
Included meals: Prepared Breakfast and Dinner
DAY 3: Greater Kruger National Park & Blyde River Cruise – South Africa
Day three of our Budget Kruger Safari commences with a 4×4 game drive in a private reserve within Greater Kruger Park. Following our early morning coffee, we departed for the game reserve adjacent to our safari lodge.
Your safari guide leads you on an expedition through the African bush, pursuing wildlife and appreciating the wonders of this extraordinary ecosystem. The private game reserve accommodates substantial African animals, including the Big Five, as well as a variety of avian species, flora, and smaller fauna. Other commonly observed animals include hippopotamus, hyena, giraffe, zebra, kudu, bushpig, crocodile, and blue wildebeest.
Following our morning wildlife drive, we will have breakfast in the cozy safari lodge. Subsequently, we proceed to the Blyde River to commence a picturesque boat excursion amidst the steep mountains. This region possesses a fascinating history and features distinctive geological formations that the river guide can elaborate on. The river traverses the Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest vegetated gorges globally. Relax and observe the magnificence of the distinctive mountains and rock formations from the vessel. Appreciate the serene environment while observing hippos, crocodiles, and avian species along the pristine trajectory of the Blyde River.
Following our leisurely boat journey, we return to the secluded lodge, nestled within the native flora. Dedicate time to swim and immerse yourself in the natural environment before to indulging in a substantial dinner. Enjoy a meal beneath the stars or in the welcoming dining space. Conclude the day with a nightcap at the bar or relax on the lantern-lit deck, listening for distant lions. On chilly winter evenings, settle in at the inviting fireplace in the lounge or gather around the campfire.
Repasts: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
DAY 4: Greater Kruger National Park to Johannesburg – South Africa
Awaken with the avian chorus and savor a coffee alongside the serene Blyde River. Subsequently, we embark on the concluding game drive of our Big 5 Kruger Safari in Greater Kruger Park.
Relax and appreciate the South African bush as your knowledgeable guide locates the wildlife and avian species present in the private game reserve. Your safari guide will provide information about the fauna, insects, reptiles, avifauna, and flora of Greater Kruger Park during your excursion.
Following our exhilarating wildlife drive, we return to the safari resort for a delectable breakfast. It is now time to return to the bush bar in Hoedspruit for the trip back to Johannesburg. Upon returning to the vibrant city, you will be transported to O.R. Tambo International Airport (between 18:00 and 19:00), concluding this economical 4-day Kruger Safari.
Repast: Breakfast
Concerning the Private Greater Kruger Game Reserve
The private game reserve we visit during this Kruger Safari is a component of Greater Kruger Park. Greater Kruger comprises more than 20 private game reserves that maintain unfenced boundaries with Kruger National Park and/or one another. Consequently, the wildlife in the game reserve we frequent is permitted to traverse freely between Kruger National Park and the adjacent private game reserves of Greater Kruger.
The Greater Kruger Park and Kruger National Park are components of the large Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park. This enormous wildlife park offers a vast habitat for Southern Africa’s fauna to traverse freely. The movement of individuals among the several game reserves and national parks in this region is, nonetheless, constrained. This indicates that the quantity of visitors permitted in the private game reserves is restricted.
Our safari lodge is among the few that have access to the portion of Greater Kruger Park that we investigate. Consequently, it is improbable that you would see other safari vehicles on your game drives. Another benefit is the opportunity to observe the animals at your leisure, without the necessity of sharing wildlife encounters or yielding to other cars and spectators. The private game reserve encompasses a crossing area of 2000 hectares within Greater Kruger Park. This encompasses 12 kilometers of riverfront along the Olifants River, in addition to open bushveld and rocky outcrops.
Game drives in the private reserve focus on immersing oneself in the South African wilderness. Your safari guide leads you on a journey of exploration that emphasizes both the intricate features of the ecology and the majestic wildlife. The game drives provide insight into the fauna, avifauna, insects, and flora present in this area. The guides illustrate intriguing trails, excrement, and disturbances that elucidate animal behavior and facilitate species identification. Embarking on a wildlife safari in this region offers a profound experience that beyond merely pursuing the Big Five of Africa, despite their presence here.
Concerning the Greater Kruger River Lodge
The private river resort for this Kruger Safari is situated within a private nature reserve in the Greater Kruger Park region. The safari resort is located along the banks of the Blyde River, drawing a plethora of wildlife and avian species. It is a secluded and environmentally sustainable tented safari lodge nestled among ancient indigenous trees.
This strategically situated private safari lodge provides guests with subtle opulence in a tranquil, untamed environment. The dense forests, serene river, and mountainous vistas converge to form a picturesque bush retreat. The private natural reserve encompassing the safari lodge spans 3,000 hectares of forest. It is a component of the expansive Blyde Olifants Conservancy, encompassing 12,000 hectares of bushveld within the Greater Kruger safari zone. The lodge camp is situated 500 meters upstream from the confluence of the Blyde and Olifants Rivers. The nature reserve hosts a diverse array of wildlife and many avian species frequently observed at the safari camp. Wildlife species encompass leopards, hyenas, crocodiles, jackals, mongooses, civets, genets, zebras, giraffes, hippopotamuses, and other antelope species.
The property features a large infinity pool and a poolside terrace equipped with sun loungers for relaxation in the filtered shade. The big dining area and lounge extend to a vast communal deck including outdoor seats. A boma and informal bar area finalize the setting. The game lodge provides WiFi and electrical outlets for guests to recharge their electronics.
The private river lodge offers an exhilarating array of activities, including full-day 4×4 Kruger Safaris. Professional guides also lead open-sided 4×4 game drives in the private reserves of the Greater Kruger Park. Guests generally get the opportunity to explore a private Big 5 game reserve along with the adjacent private nature reserve around the safari resort. Guests on this Kruger Safari also partake in a boat excursion on the Blyde River. The private nature reserve features mountain bike paths that vary in length from 5 to 30 kilometers.
Lodging at the Private River Lodge
Accommodation at the exclusive safari lodge consists of expansive tented suites situated along the Blyde River. Each tent features a hardwood deck with an outdoor space that provides a view of the bush, allowing guests to relax and appreciate the stunning natural surroundings.
The canvas tents are positioned on wooden platforms beneath the shade of riparian trees, offering a refreshing refuge from the African heat. Only six tented suites are strategically positioned within the natural vegetation to ensure visitor seclusion. Two of the tented rooms accommodate four individuals in two interconnected tents, rendering them suitable for families with children. Four of the tented apartments have a vista of the Blyde River, while the two family tents afford views of the bush. Expansive windows and doors, equipped with mosquito netting, let guests to engage with nature and see visiting birds and wildlife.
The tented accommodations are interconnected with the main lodge, pool, and one another via illuminated wooden walkways. Each permanent safari tent features an en-suite bathroom, partitioned by a zippable canvas door. The en-suite facilities are equipped with a shower, toilet, and basin, supplied with fresh towels and complimentary toiletries.
The tented accommodations include standing fans and comfortable mattresses adorned with premium linen and bedding. The safari lodge incorporates sustainably produced and locally sourced timber furniture and bedding to minimize environmental effect. These adequately furnished tents are elegantly adorned in neutral hues, organic textures, and premium fabrics. Natural wood, traditional decorative motifs, and muted hues converge to provide a soothing ambiance.
Kruger Safari Notice: The sequence of the activities included in this Budget Kruger Safari may vary based to weather conditions and availability; nonetheless, you will experience all of them.