“Be enchanted with the beauty of South Africa”
4 Day Classic Kruger Park Safari in South Africa
Sabie River Bush Lodge, R536 Kruger Gate Road, Kruger National Park, Limpopo and Mpumalanga, South Africa
Exhilarating Safari South Africa
Come and join the Wildlife Safaris team in this amazing safari holiday in South Africa. Take a break from your everyday life and enjoy nature in all its wild splendor. Focus on maximized safari drives in the Big Five areas of Kruger National Park. Experience the world-famous ecological diversity of animals, great rivers, and changing vegetation, and get ready to witness memorable sightings. This is one trip that you surely can't miss.
Key information
- Private safari
- Minimum group size: 2 persons
- Maximum group size: 6 persons
- Starting point and ending point: Johannesburg
- Children policy: Children from the age of 6 years are allowed to participate under the supervision of a parent or guardian
- English speaking guides
- All park fees are included
Meet the guides
+3
Highlights
- 7 game drives
- Conservation and park entrance fees
- A chance to see the Big Five, birds, and nocturnal animals
- Game viewing and game drives in Kruger National Park
- Safari vehicle with spotlights and an open safari vehicle
- Daily breakfasts and dinners
- 3 nights accommodation
- Airport transfers
Styles
4 activity days
Group size: 2-6 participants
Airport transfer included:
O. R. Tambo International Airport
Airport transfer included:
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport
Accommodation
You will be accommodated in single or twin rooms. For the first and second nights, you will stay at the Sabie River Bush Lodge. And for the third night, you will stay at one of the rest camps inside Kruger National Park.
Sabie River Bush Lodge
Located on the banks of the perennial Sabie River overlooking the Kruger National Park, guests at this lodge can view the Big Five from a raised wooden pool deck while relaxing on sun loungers and enjoying a sundowner. The Sabie River Bush Lodge is a mere 19 kilometers from the Kruger Gate, the main entrance to the national park. The Kruger Gate allows guests access to the park's most prolific game viewing part - the southern section.
This southern section is well-known for its sightings of lions and leopards. Wild dogs are also a common sighting in this part of the park. The Sabie River Bush Lodge provides open-vehicle game drive safaris into Kruger National Park with a qualified game guide. Miniature golf (putt-putt) is provided to guests on-site free of charge. The Skukuza Golf Club is also within close proximity of the lodge, and you can play a round of golf while viewing the park's wildlife.
The Gecko Lapa restaurant and bar serves guests with refreshments with its well-stocked bar and wine list. The lodge's African boma, with a large, open fire pit overlooking the Kruger National Park on the banks of the Sabie River, allows visitors to enjoy the nighttime sights and sounds of the area. The lodge also has a swimming pool and a library.
The lodge's luxury rooms have en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, and tea and coffee stations. The luxury riverfront bush tents have their own wooden decks overlooking the Sabie River and Kruger National Park, en-suite bathrooms with outdoor shower, air-conditioning, and tea and coffee stations. The luxury self-catering bush tents also overlook the national park and are air-conditioned. These tents do not have en-suite bathrooms.
The luxury riverfront log cabins are situated on the banks of the Sabie River and also overlook Kruger National Park. These cabins have private decks, private lounges, tea and coffee stations, and two separate bedrooms.
Skukuza Rest Camp
Wondering what is the best camp to stay in Kruger National Park? Many visitors think Skukuza Rest Camp is the best camp in Kruger Park. The activities, attractions, and facilities are diverse, as are the animals and plants found both within Skukuza Rest Camp and the surrounding area.
Skukuza Rest Camp is an excellent rest camp from which to pursue the Big Five and birds in the vicinity. Lion are frequently spotted along this route. At night, look for the Fruit Bat that hangs under the eaves of the shop, and the Thick-tailed Bush Baby climbing the trees in search of gum.
Kruger Park
There are 12 main rest camps situated in different areas of Kruger Park which enable visitors freedom of movement to explore the reserve. The original term "rest camp" is misleading to most overseas tourists and implies a rather basic or temporary facility.
In fact, these rest camps are permanent structures similar to small resorts providing comfortable African-style chalets, licensed restaurants, shops, and other features. Overnight camps are chosen according to availability and conditions. There are different types of accommodation including standard chalets, luxury riverside chalets, family cottages, furnished safari tents, or economy huts.
National parks usually refer to these African chalets as bungalows. Each of the main rest camps is fenced off to prevent dangerous animals from entering. Guests must remain within the camp from dusk till dawn. There is a restaurant, shop, and swimming pool. Mobile phones should pick up a signal but otherwise, there are no telephones in the chalets.
Chalets are serviced daily, air-conditioned, and equipped with bedding, towels, a private shower, toilet, and basin. Guests are supplied with a front door key and insect screens are fitted to the windows. Most chalets have a small patio with a table, chairs, and a refrigerator. Standard SA 220v electric sockets are fitted to rooms and adaptors for charging videos or mobile phones are available from the shop.
The chalet accommodations have air-con, insect screens, a private shower, and toilet. Triple share rooms can usually be arranged for families. Meals arranged by your guide in privatized camp restaurants such as Cattle Baron, Mugg & Bean or Tindlovu.
Program
Day 1: Transfer to southern Kruger Park (Afternoon game drive and check into River Lodge)
Pick up and leave Johannesburg in an air-conditioned microbus with an experienced Kruger Park guide. Travel east across the Highveld farmlands and down into the Lowveld towards Mbombela (Nelspruit), the capital of Mpumalanga province. After a lunch stop, get your cameras ready and enter southern Kruger Park for the first exciting game drive.
You will be driving through lightly wooded bush and you can expect to see antelope, giraffe, and possibly elephant. Before sunset travel a short distance to Sabie River Bush Lodge where we stay overnight. Book into a lodge room or en suite safari tent with aircon and modern furnishings.
Time to relax on the deck looking across the extensive Sabie River hoping to see some hippos or crocodiles. You can order a drink before dinner in the Gecko Lapa restaurant which serves a three-course meal.
Day 2: Kruger Park (Full-day safari includes three drives and sundowner deck experience at River Lodge)
Early start with a quick cup of coffee, board the safari vehicle then head into Kruger Park for your sunrise game drive. Travel through bushveld areas and probably along the river looking for Big 5 species (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo). The Sabie River is a dominant feature of southern Kruger and traveling along the banks can be very exciting.
After about three hours, stop at a Camp such as Skukuza where your guide will provide breakfast packs and allow time to relax and search for animals in the river. Continue on the mid-morning drive including any top sightings reported for the day.
Around lunchtime, stop for refreshments at a picnic spot then continue with the afternoon drive which terminates back at your lodge. Time for a swim then enjoy sundowners on the deck overlooking the Sabie River with one of the best photo opportunities 'on safari in Africa'. Dinner and listen to the hippos in the river.
Day 3: Kruger Park (Full morning game drive, check into Skukuza and sunset drive)
After a quick coffee, head into Kruger for the first morning game drive searching for Big 5 species that can be found on most roads in southern Kruger. Stop at a camp such as Lower Sabie for breakfast and your guide will decide on the best route for the mid-morning drive when you can expect general game such as antelope, zebra, and giraffe.
Around lunchtime, arrive at Skukuza and book into an aircon chalet with screens to prevent insects. Time to cool off at the pool and go to the deli for lunch. Later board the National Parks safari vehicle with spotlights for a sunset drive (duration three hours) to search for predators and other nocturnal species.
After a memorable day on safari, join your guide for dinner in the Cattle Baron Bistro best known for its juicy steaks. Wi-Fi will be available near the restaurant. Walk back to your chalet under the starlit sky.
Day 4: Kruger Park - Johannesburg (Last chance for Big 5 on the sunrise drive and return transfer to Johannesburg)
Depart from camp for your final game drive searching for those elusive animals such as leopards often found in trees or rocky outcrops. For bird watchers, it’s one of the best times of the day when you can listen to the different calls in the bush. Breakfast and review the checklist, then leave the park to begin your homeward journey.
Travel past orchards and forests to Mbombela (Nelspruit) and back up to the Highveld. Arrive in Johannesburg at O R Tambo Airport or nearby hotels by 4 p.m. Please allow 1.5 hours of connecting time for local flights or three hours for international flights. Passengers staying at hotels in the northern suburbs are advised to use the Gautrain to Sandton or make arrangements for a transfer.
General information
- Refreshment/comfort stops will be planned every two to three hours during transfers. Please discuss the daily program with your guide
- Duration of each game drive is 2.5 hours to three hours. This itinerary includes at least seven game drives including the sunset drive in national parks
Guides
Nik Duxbury
Nik is the chief guide and has been conducting tours to Kruger Park and other top safari destinations since 1976. His natural good looks, charm and cheerful manner make him a favorite with the tourists. He qualified as a Kruger National Park Specialist Guide in 1990 and has studied the habits of the wild animals in great detail so that he can make his tours exciting. Nik is a very keen cyclist and passionate about health and fitness.
Anthony (Hoppy) Hawell
Anthony Hawell (Hoppy) has been described as a real gentleman who takes great care of his passengers. He is an ex-fireman and fortunately, a very useful mechanic. He has had many years experience as a field guide and obviously enjoys imparting his knowledge of the animals and environment to overseas tourists. One of his hobbies is photography, so he can give you some good tips on wildlife shots to take home.
Henry Zeiler
Henry has vast experience conducting guided safaris in Kruger Park and Pilanesberg. As an ex fireman he is most capable with emergency situations. He also pays great attention to the senior groups. He acquired his National Tourist Guide Cultural and Nature Guiding in 1996 and his hobbies include Photography of wildlife, historical buildings and landscapes
Simon Taylor
Simon is a National Culture and Nature Guide. He has been involved in the wildlife industry for 30 years. As a conservationist, is very knowledgeable on various aspects of South Africa’s fauna and flora, also having a keen interest in the various cultures and history of South Africa and its people. He is an outdoors person enjoying activities such as hiking and bird watching in his spare time. His qualifications include a National Diploma in Nature Conservation (1991) and National Culture and Nature (Bushveld Biome) obtained in 2016
Barney Smith
Barney is extremely passionate about the outdoors, having been a Game Ranger at Kruger National Park and Pilanesberg National Park between 1978 & 1985. He qualified as a National Cultural & Tourist Guide in 2003 and enjoys spending time in the bush on safari with guests.
Nick Snyman
Nick Snyman is a retired Naval Officer after 42 years’ service. After retirement he qualified as a National Tourist Guide and is working as a freelance Cultural Tourist Guide. He is married with 2 sons and 2 grandsons, is a keen sportsman and loves outdoor living. He likes working with people and does mainly small group tours, but has also done large group tours.
Location
Kruger National Park
This park, which attracts over one million visitors a year, is one of the oldest and largest national parks in Africa. Originally called the Sabie Game Reserve, it was proclaimed in 1898 by President Paul Kruger and later extended to its present size of approximately 19,000 square kilometers (8,000 square miles). It extends from the Limpopo river in the north to the Crocodile River in the south, a distance of nearly 380 kilometers.
To the east, it borders with Mozambique and on the west, it joins many private game reserves. The countryside throughout the park varies and has typical bushveld areas in the southern regions, which give way to grasslands towards the central and northern areas. There are six major rivers flowing throughout the year, in addition to dams and water holes.
The park's climate is subtropical. The wet season extends from October until May with much of the rainfall occurring as thunderstorms of short duration. Game viewing is possible any time of the year. Each season has its unique attraction, although springtime, with the arrival of baby impalas, tree blossoms, and wildflowers, is perhaps the most memorable.
There are nine entrance gates which lead to a network of roads that cover different areas of the park. 14 main rest camps (similar to resorts) provide comfortable en-suite accommodation, restaurants, shops, petrol stations, and telephones. Organized wildlife activities are available and can be booked at the camps.
Known to be one of the greatest natural sanctuaries of the world, Kruger National Park is home to an impressive number of species including 147 mammals, 507 birds, 114 reptiles, 34 amphibians, 49 fish, and 336 trees.
It is recommended that overseas visitors join a guided tour for three or four days to have the best opportunities for game viewing and to benefit from the knowledge of the professional guides. Since most of the animals are used to the presence of motor vehicles, the place is usually ideal for photos and videos.
Food
Daily breakfasts and dinners are included in the price of this safari. South African National Parks has decided to introduce popular family restaurants at the main camps in Kruger National Park. Mugg and Bean opened at the Lower Sabie, Satara, Olifants, and Letaba camps in 2014, while Skukuza has The Cattle Baron.
These restaurants have been refurbished and modernized so passengers can look forward to better meals and improved service in the park. Often, the guides visit Lower Sabie for breakfast. The restaurant is in a wonderful spot overlooking the Sabie River.
During the dry season, you can expect to see plenty of hippopotamuses and crocodiles as you sip coffee. Dinner each night will be at a camp restaurant, or your guide may plan a barbecue.
Lunches are available at the Deli Café for a fee. Camp shops sell groceries, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, books, maps, and curios. It is possible for vegetarians to find suitable meals in Kruger National Park, but please advise Wildlife Safaris of this specification upon booking.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Coffee
- Tea
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
- Other dietary requirements on request
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation
Things to do (optional)
- Book an afternoon bush walk instead of a game drive
- Capture photos of the sights and scenery
- Enjoy the game drives
- Explore the surroundings
- Relax at the camp swimming pool
- See the stunning views and wildlife
What's included
- 2 nights at Sabie River Bush Lodge
- 1-night chalet accommodation at the main camp (Skukuza) inside Kruger Park
- 2 meals per night stay served in the privatized camp restaurants
- Return transport from Johannesburg to Kruger Park by 7-seater air-conditioned microbus
- Services of a specialist Kruger Park guide for four days
- Entrance into Kruger Park and daily conservation fee
- 7 game drives usually by 9-seater open safari vehicle in Big 5 areas of Kruger Park
- 1 evening drive in Kruger Park by larger National Parks open safari vehicle using spotlights to see nocturnal species
- Optional afternoon bush walk instead of game drive
- Use of binoculars and maps on safari drives
What's not included
- Airfare
- Any additional activities, services, or trips
- Personal drinks
- Lunches (around 80 ZAR per day)
- Optional bush walk instead of a game drive
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities to guide, waiters and porters
How to get there
Recommended Airports
JNB
O. R. Tambo International Airport
333 km
Transfer included
MQP
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport
51 km
Transfer included
Arrival by airplane
Please book your flight to arrive at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) or O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB). Transfers from these airports are included. Collection or drop off at O. R. Tambo International Airport or Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport depends on timing and is on request from Wildlife Safari's sales consultant.
Arrival by shuttle
You will be picked up in Johannesburg, between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. at O R Tambo Airport and hotels nearby recommended. Other areas such as Sandton or Rosebank on request. Please avoid Johannesburg City Centre, Lanseria Airport, and Pretoria. Nelspruit Airport is from 12 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. and by arrangement only.
You will be dropped off at O R Tambo International Airport or nearby hotels usually by 4 p.m. Please allow 1.5 hours connecting time for local flights or preferably three hours for international flights. Passengers staying at hotels in the northern suburbs are advised to use the Gautrain to Sandton or make arrangements for a transfer.
Airport: O. R. Tambo International Airport
Airport transfer included: O. R. Tambo International Airport
No additional charges. You can request this in the next step.
Airport: Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport
Airport transfer included: Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport
No additional charges. You can request this in the next step.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 30% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookAllSafaris.com. All major credit cards supported.
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