Day 1: Arrival day (Gauteng - Tremisana Game Lodge)
You will be picked up from your hotel in Gauteng or O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) and travel via the Highveld grasslands to the subtropical Lowveld. At Tremisana Game Lodge in the Balule section of the Kruger National Park, unwind at the bar, enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool, and relax in the beautiful tropical gardens.
You will board an open land cruiser for a three-hour sunset drive for your first opportunity to experience the varied fauna and flora of Africa. Watch the magnificent African sunset and after dark, use spotlights to locate nocturnal animals. Dinner at the Marula Tree Boma will be a bush braai. Continue the night drive after dinner and overnight at Tremisana Lodge.
Day 2: Balule Big Five Game Reserve
Upon sunrise, you will drive to the mighty Olifants River to enjoy a four-hour bush walk. Your rangers will lead you through the bush at a pace you can handle. The thrill of following big animals will remain with you forever. Adrenalin surges will be acute, not withstanding that your rangers are adequately armed. Return to Tremisana for brunch.
Later you may sleep in your air-conditioned chalet, swim or read wildlife magazines in the Lapa lounge. A light lunch will be served and at around 15:30, and you will enjoy a four-hour game drive at the Balule Big Five Game Reserve. Stop for sundowners and have a toast for the splendor of Africa. The rangers are in constant contact so as to be informed of the movements of the animals. You will return to Tremisana at 19:30.
Day 3: Orpen-Satara-Nwanedzi open plains
You will drive to the Orpen Gate of Kruger on a custom-built open-sided game viewer. You will have an opportunity to view game without intervening glass windows and also listen to and smell the denizens of the bush. There will be regular stops at picnic spots, rest camps, and places of interest.
The Orpen-Satara-Nwanedzi region’s open plains attract large herds of zebra, giraffe, and antelope, that, in turn, attract many predators. In fact, the plains has the highest concentration of lions in Africa.
Day 4: Moholoholo Animal Rehabilitation Centre
Today, you will enjoy a morning tour of the Moholoholo Animal Rehabilitation Centre for injured and orphaned animals and birds. You will have an opportunity to get up close and personal to some of the residents, including lions and leopards. Then, you will return to Tremisana Lodge for a light lunch. At around 15:00, you will drive to Tshukudu Game Lodge for a three-hour game drive in the enclosed Big Five Reserve where your chances of seeing the Big Five are high.
Day 5: Blyde River Canyon
On this day, you will enjoy a sunrise drive. After breakfast, drive via the Panorama Route to see the scenic splendors including the Three Rondawels and the Blyde River Canyon. You will return to Gauteng in the late afternoon. Airport drop-off will be available by arrangement.
