EXPLORE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
A Blisfull Safari experience – 7 Days
Explore the Greater Kruger area on an exhilarating journey to South Africa. Travel along the jaw-dropping Panorama Route; track elephants, lions, and cheetahs at one of the continent’s most celebrated national parks, and venture out on safari with a researcher from the Cheetah Metapopulation Project, part of National Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative. Spend the evenings relaxing at your scenic safari lodges, taking in the spectacular African sunset from the deck.
A BLISSFUL SAFARI EXPERIENCE – 7 DAYS
FROM USD 3 636 PP
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Carnivore Conservation Experience, Karongwe Private Game Reserve
Your Foodie Moment: Boma Braai, Karongwe Private Game Reserve. Arrival transfer. Panorama Route scenic drive with entrances. Kruger National Park and private nature reserve wildlife safari drives in open vehicles. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities. This is a Scheduled Tour. It is not an everyday departure. Rates are per person sharing.
Highlights
- Grab your camera and snap a shot of the Big Five.
- Witness the circle of life in action on the African plains.
- Get up close to some of Africa’s most stealthy predators.
- Travel with a researcher from Nat Geo’s Big Cat Initiative.
DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN JOHANNESBURG
Arrive at any time and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a traditional South African braai (barbecue) for dinner tonight. Our accommodation is in the Kempton Park area in a guesthouse or family-run lodge. The location is convenient to the airport and should you have additional time, taxi’s can be easily arranged to get you around.
Accommodation:
– Accommodation at Selected Hotel(or similar).
Meals Included:
– Dinner
Transport:
– Arrival Transfer 00:30 – 00:45 Hr(s)
Included Activities:
– Traditional South Africa Braai (Barbecue)
– Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
Additional Notes: If you are interested in spending more time in Johannesburg, it is recommended to book pre-accommodation to enjoy the sights of the city at your own leisure.
DAY 2 JOHANNESBURG/GREATER KRUGER AREA
Set out towards Kruger National Park via the magnificent Panorama Route, one of the world’s most picturesque drives. Make stops at the dramatic Blyde River Canyon and Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and take in panoramic views of the forest-covered valley from the God’s Window viewpoint. Continue to our lodge near Kruger National park, savour a delicious South African Dinner in this picturesque location.
Accommodation:
– Accommodation at Selected Hotel or similar.
Meals Included:
– Breakfast
– Dinner
Transport:
– Private Vehicle 07:00 – 08:30 Hr’s
Included Activities:
– Panorama Route Scenic Drive
Additional Notes: Today is a very long driving day; however, we will make many stops along the way at sites along the Panorama Route
DAY 3 KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Rise early and climb aboard an open jeep for a full-day safari in Kruger National Park—home to an extraordinary array of large mammals. Spot elephants, lions, giraffes, and perhaps elusive leopards as we explore this breathtaking wilderness of savanna and scrubland. Return to our lodge in the evening, where you can take some time to relax and enjoy the nocturnal sounds of the bush. At over 19,000 sq km (7,500 sq mi), South Africa’s Kruger National Park is one of the largest and most impressive animal reserves in the world. With 147 species, Kruger has more species of large mammals than any other park on the continent.
Accommodation:
– Accommodation at Selected Hotel(or similar).
Meals Included:
– Breakfast
– Dinner
Included Activities:
– Kruger National Park Open Vehicle Wildlife Safari Drive – Full day
DAY 4 GREATER KRUGER AREA/KARONGWE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Travel to the Karongwe Private Game Reserve, a pristine wildlife sanctuary located in the Greater Kruger area. Meet with a researcher from the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Cheetah Metapopulation Project—a program funded in part by National Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative—and learn about efforts to protect the region’s cheetahs and other carnivores. The researcher then joins us for a wildlife-viewing excursion through the reserve. For the next two days, enjoy ranger-led morning and evening wildlife safari drives in an open safari vehicle in Karongwe Nature Reserve, searching for Africa’s famed Big Five. With over 9,000 hectares (22,240 acres) of supreme African bushveld, Karongwe Private Game Reserve is home to many creatures, and our safari drives provide several opportunities for wildlife viewing.
We use various accommodations within the reserve (the location is based on availability). During your time here, you will either stay in lodge rooms or very comfortable permanent tents (both of equal quality and with similar amenities).
Accommodation:
– Accommodation at Selected Hotel(or similar).
Meals Included:
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Transport:
– Private Vehicle 03:00 Hr(s)
Included Activities:
– Carnivore Conservation Experience
Additional Notes: Wildlife safari drives are conducted with qualified wildlife rangers and local expert trackers who will share their vast experience of the African bush. On some occasions, if space is unavailable, we may need to change accommodations or even use a different private reserve. In such a case, be assured we will choose other lodges or comfort camps (of equal quality) within the Greater Kruger area.
DAY 5 KARONGWE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Spend the day exploring Karongwe on morning and afternoon safaris with our local guides. Search for Africa’s famed “big five” as we drive through the shrublands of the bushveld. Back at camp, relax on deck or take a walk around the grounds. Wake up before the sun (around 5am) and sip your morning coffee before heading out on a morning wildlife safari drive. Return to the lodge for brunch and some leisure time. Converse on the deck, walk the grounds and gardens, and enjoy high tea. Following tea, it’s time for a late afternoon safari drive. After spotting tons of wildlife, it’s time to return to camp and freshen up before dinner.
Accommodation:
– Accommodation at Selected Hotel or similar.
Meals Included:
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Included Activities:
– Karongwe Private Reserve Open Vehicle Wildlife Safari Drive
DAY 6 KARONGWE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE/JOHANNESBURG
Embark on one last safari this morning, keeping a lookout for Karongwe’s iconic inhabitants. Then head back to the city, where you’ll enjoy dinner in our family run lodge.
Accommodation:
-Accommodation at a Selected Hotel
Meals Included:
– Breakfast
– Dinner
Transport:
– Private Vehicle: Karongwe Private Game Reserve to Johannesburg 07:00 Hr(s)
Included Activities:
– Karongwe Private Reserve Open Vehicle Wildlife Safari Drive
DAY 7 JOHANNESBURG
DEPARTURE | END OF EXPERIENCE
Depart at any time.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Included Activities: Departure Day
Essentials: Sun hat, glasses, Sun screen, Jacket
Includes: Luxury transport, Breakfast, Accommodation
TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
- Return International flights are not included
- INTERNAL FLIGHT WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS: Planes used to fly into the Delta are small and weight restrictions are mandatory. For this reason luggage restrictions are 15kg per person for checked in luggage and 5kg for Hand luggage for a maximum of 20kg per person. As well, the airline requires the weight of each passenger, this information will be collected from you privately, at the beginning of the trip
- Insurance: please ensure you are insured before you travel. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required.
- Visa: please ensure you obtain the correct visa documentation before you travel.
- Optional activities not described in What’s Included
- Meals: “on your own”
- Gratuities
- Tourism levy/Tax in each country visited. This entry tax is payable at all points of entry.
MONEY EXCHANGE
The currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR). Rand can be obtained locally by changing foreign currency or by using ATMs (where available) which will disperse local currency. Your Chief Experience Officer will inform you where you can change money throughout the tour.