KRUGER PARK
5 DAY KRUGER SAFARI
FULLY ACCOMMODATED
Johannesburg to Johannesburg
4 Nights Lodge

 INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS

  • Historical Towns
  • Private game reserve
  • Exclusive bush lodge
  • ”Big Five” game exploring
  • Open vehicle game drive
  • Night game drive
  • Panorama route drive
  • Blyde River Canyon
  • 3 Rondawels
  • Bourke’s Luck Potholes
  • God’s Window
  • Kruger National Park

The Mpumalanga area is one of great contrast, bordered in the west by the towering escarpment, with lush indigenous forests, crystal-clear streams and plunging waterfalls, and then falling away into the flat Lowveld bushveld, home to one of the richest diversities of fauna and flora in the world. Well known private reserves and the renowned Kruger National Park are located in this area.  We spend time, both in Kruger National Park, and on our own private reserve, which is unfenced to Kruger Park. Being privately owned, we have the freedom to conduct open vehicle game drives and night drives on our property.

DAY 1: JHB – BUSH LODGE
Departing from Johannesburg at 06h30, we set off on the scenic road to the north east of the country where we encounter beautiful natural scenery and many wild animals in natural parks and game reserves.

Lunch is enjoyed in the historic town of Haenertsburg, located on the edge of the escarpment with beautiful surrounding views. The road is filled with picturesque beauty, from mountain passes to the Acacia trees scattered across the African bushveld.

The next two nights we get cosy at our well-appointed Bush Lodge, situated in a private reserve within the greater Kruger National Park, where animals roam freely and unrestricted. This privately owned reserve allows us the freedom to explore the wilderness in search of a variety of animals in open game drive vehicles, day and night.

The tented lodge casually blends into the bush and offers crisp comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, a refreshing splash pool, and stunning views over the surrounding wilderness, including a water hole frequented by a variety of animals. Retire to bed with a symphony of sounds from the animal kingdom.

Meals: D (Lunch own expense)
Distance: 530 Km 
Accommodation: Bush Lodge – twin-bedded en suite tented units
Included Highlights/Activity:

  • Scenic drive down to the Lowveld region
  • Private Game Reserve Accommodation

Optional Activities:

  • None, all included

DAY 2: BUSH LODGE
After a peaceful nights rest we start with an early riser light breakfast of fresh coffee and rusks (a traditional South African biscuit), before embarking on our morning experience within this Big 5 area.

Guided by a qualified guide/Ranger we explore the wilderness, with heightened senses, always on the lookout for an animal encounter while discovering the smaller treasures often hidden from the eye.

Before the heat of the day sets in, we return to the lodge for a scrumptious brunch, after which it’s time to relax around the lodge and enjoy the serenity of the surrounding wilderness. A nearby waterhole in front of the camp attracts a variety of wildlife that come to quench their thirst, displaying the pecking order ever so present. Unwind with a refreshing drink and game viewing from the swimming pool or from your deck.

With the heat subsiding in the late afternoon an open game drive is in order, which develops into an extensive night drive in search of nocturnal animals.

As dusk approaches we pull over and enjoy a sun-downer drink or two, while watching the magnificent sunset over the African bushveld.

Meals: Brunch, D
Distance: Game Drive
Accommodation: Bush Lodge – twin-bedded en suite tented units
Included Highlights/Activity:

  • Exclusive Private Reserve
  • Morning and afternoon guided experience in Big 5 area

Optional Activities:

  • None, all included

DAY 3: PANORAMA ROUTE – HAZYVIEW
Rising with the African sun, a hearty breakfast is enjoyed, before setting off to explore the highlights of the Panorama Route, famous for many natural wonders and viewing points. First stop will be to view the impressive Blyde River Canyon – the world’s largest “green canyon”, then on to Bourke’s Luck Potholes where abundant gold was found and finally the breath-taking God’s Window. (Weather Permitting) An own expense lunch is enjoyed giving guests the opportunity to meet the locals.

Mid-afternoon we make our way to the tranquil Greenfire Lodge Hazyview, a log cabin built spectacularly on stilts in the indigenous forest on the banks of the impressive Sabie River or “Fearful” river as dubbed by the locals.

Time permitting, guests are able to do a nature walk on the property and the adjoining coffee farm and enjoy the mysterious forest. We spend two nights here.

Meals: B D (Lunch own expense)
Distance: 195 Km 
Accommodation: Greenfire Lodge Hazyview – log cabin
Included Highlights/Activity:

  • Panorama Route
  • God’s Window
  • Bourke’s Luck Potholes
  • 3 Rondavels

Optional Activities:

  • Gorge swing

 DAY 4: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Waking with the birds, we depart the lodge at sunrise and travel a short distance to enter a different area of the Kruger National Park for a full day of game viewing.

Driving slowly through this iconic National park the size of Israel or Wales we search for the many animals that inhabit this area. From the high vantage point and comfort of our well-equipped vehicle, our expert guide will take time to explain the behaviour of the many animals we see in this fascinating environment.

Most of the day will be spent game viewing, while stopping at various designated sites to stretch our legs and to enjoy an own expense lunch at one of the rest camps in the park. Late this afternoon we exit the park and return to the comfort of our Greenfire Lodge Hazyview.

Meals: Packed Breakfast Snacks, Dinner
Distance: +- 160 Km
Accommodation: Greenfire Lodge Hazyview – log cabins
Included Highlights/Activity:

  • Southern section of Kruger National Park
  • Full day game drive

Optional Activities:

  • None, all included

 DAY 5: JOHANNESBURG
After a relaxed breakfast, we depart Hazyview and make our way back to Johannesburg using the route originally pioneered by the early gold diggers. The tour will conclude late afternoon, on arrival at the hotel in Johannesburg or at O R Tambo airport.

Meals: B (Lunch own expense)
Distance: 430 Km
Included Highlights/Activity:

  • Scenic drive

 Airport Drop-off:
On the last day of tour the guide will make a short stop at the Johannesburg airport (O R Tambo International) in order for guests that have evening flights to leave the tour.

Please note: Drifters cannot guarantee a specific time of arrival at the airport and will not take any responsibility for delays on the road.

Should guests need to fly back on the last day, the flights must be evening departures.

DEPARTURES
This tour departs from Johannesburg every Sunday

At time of going to print the above itinerary was correct, but Drifters continually strive to offer our clients the best available tour options, and as such we reserve the right to change aspects of the itinerary at our discretion. During the validity period of the published itinerary, conditions may change, roads may be improved or deteriorate, contracted camps and accommodation facilities may change standards, optional activities might become available or be discontinued, etc.  Drifters are continuously monitoring all of the factors that contribute to a successful tour, and will make amendments to the published itinerary if circumstances so demand, or if we believe that the change will enhance the tour.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This tour is fully accommodated and all linen and towels are supplied.  Seasonal malaria precautions may be advisable and are locally obtainable. Game varies, so we also place importance on some of the interesting smaller aspects of the bush. It can get very hot so suitable precautions against sunburn should be taken.

Our price includes all transport, food, coffee, tea, accommodation, game drives, entry fees and permits, group equipment and two Drifters crew.

The price does not include alcohol, bottled water and soft drinks, curios, tips and meals whilst in transit to and from Johannesburg. A valid passport is required by everyone. This tour will remain in South Africa and it is the client’s responsibility to ensure they have the appropriate visas required for this trip.

Before departure, clients will be required to enter into an agreement and indemnity pertaining to our booking conditions and general information.

It is compulsory for clients to have their own comprehensive personal travel insurance that includes cover for (but not limited to) any medical emergencies as well as Covid 19 related cancellations or deviations prior or during the tour.