Arrival
Arrival
Day 1
Departure from Johannesburg to Travel by Road (6 Hours) to The Greater Kruger
Departure from Johannesburg to Travel by Road (6 Hours) to The Greater Kruger
Catch the shuttle to the frontier town of Hoedspruit and to the pickup point on the Olifants River. Then proceed to Balule Game Reserve to the charming safari camp arriving for a late lunch. Have some time to relax before the afternoon open vehicle game drive. Engage with enthusiastic guides who interpret tracks and signs, sounds and smells. Big game abounds along the stretch of river frontage, birds are prolific and the diversity of antelope species is pleasing. The afternoon drive pauses to salute the sunset with drinks, snacks and a view to memorize. Then, by the light of the spotlight, the rangers seek the nocturnal animals just emerging to hunt. Back in camp, an inviting campfire welcomes you for pre-dinner drinks while the evening meal is set out in the "boma", an open sky dining area. Your accommodation is in luxurious en suite and air-conditioned safari tents or in two-bedroom chalets for families and friends.
- Main Destination:
- Balule Private Nature Reserve (Greater Kruger)
- Accommodation:
- nDzuti Safari Camp (Luxury Tent)
Wildlife in Balule NR
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Morning Walk With an Armed Guide who Interprets Tracks and Signs to Reveal Animal Behaviour
Morning Walk With an Armed Guide who Interprets Tracks and Signs to Reveal Animal Behaviour
You'll have an early start with tea and a light breakfast before setting off on a walk with an armed and qualified guide. The pace is easy, set to enjoy the surroundings, stopping often to discuss vegetation, tracks and maybe even follow some fresh spoor, learning about the animals habits as we go. There may be some big game encounters but the emphasis of the walk is on birding, spoor and the smaller but fascinating aspects of the African bush. Along the way, we'll find some shade where you'll have a break and the refreshments in your day pack. African wildlife is wary of people on foot and often rush off at the first scent or sight of the group. For this reason, we combine walks with drives to give you the best of both. Viewing animals on foot, should the wind direction and other factors be suitable is an unforgettable experience, exciting yet humbling. Back in camp, wash off the dust of the open trail before sitting down to a cooked breakfast.
Later, enjoy an afternoon game drive.
- Main Destination:
- Balule Private Nature Reserve (Greater Kruger)
- Accommodation:
- nDzuti Safari Camp (Luxury Tent)
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Walk / Game Drive Combination
Walk / Game Drive Combination
The morning activity is a walk-drive combination on this vast concession. The best time of day for game viewing is early morning and evening so we'll set off at sunrise. The sounds of the night before point us in a certain direction, to find those lions that were calling or the buffalo herd that passed by the camp. A picnic snack breakfast is shared in the shade of an ebony tree before the end of the drive. Back in camp, breakfast is prepared on the fire and cold fruit juice waits at the outside dining table. We'll relax in camp during the heat of the day and get in some bird watching. After a light lunch, we'll set off on the afternoon drive that continues after dark. During the night drive, we'll be using a spotlight to point out nocturnal wildlife. Dinner will be at the fire, engaging in bush tales. Later, you'll have a comfortable bed under a billowing mosquito net.
- Main Destination:
- Balule Private Nature Reserve (Greater Kruger)
- Accommodation:
- nDzuti Safari Camp (Luxury Tent)
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
A Journey Through the Central Region of Kruger National Park, Enter at Orpen Gate exit at Phalaborwa
A Journey Through the Central Region of Kruger National Park, Enter at Orpen Gate exit at Phalaborwa
We'll leave the camp at dawn in a closed vehicle and head for Orpen Gate into Kruger National Park. This section of the park has an underlying gabbro dyke (the rock type) that results in open plains with occasional acacia thickets. Plains game like zebra and wildebeest love this area and occasional cheetah sightings occur as well as ostrich. As we get closer to Setara Camp, we'll keep an eye open for lions. This area is well known for its many prides of lions. Breakfast is a packed affair and it may be taken at a viewpoint or sitting in the vehicle at a waterhole. Lunch will be at one of the "rest camps".
Later, we'll head north and to the Letaba area with its wide Sandy River and the massive elephant bulls that frequent the area. We'll exit the park gate at sunset and head back to nDzuti, only a short drive back.
- Main Destination:
- Kruger National Park
- Accommodation:
- nDzuti Safari Camp (Luxury Tent)
Wildlife in Kruger NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Awake to the Dawn Chorus and Meet in the Dining Pavilion for Coffee
Awake to the Dawn Chorus and Meet in the Dining Pavilion for Coffee
You'll wake up under the canvas, a special safari feeling and take a hot shower before walking to the dining pavilion for tea, coffee and toast or cereals. Listen to lions calling in the valley and possibly that rowdy troop of chacma baboons that roost in the rocky outcrop above the camp.
On this last game drive, you might be on the lookout for that animal still on your wish list or just enjoy the wind in your hair and the fresh morning holding so much promise in the coming day.
Both a continental style breakfast and an English cook-up are on offer when you get back to camp. You'll still have time to freshen up before taking leave with fellow adventurers and setting off for the short drive to the rendevous point at Three Bridges. The transfer typically arrives back in Johannesburg by 5:30 pm unless otherwise arranged.
- Main Destination:
- Balule Private Nature Reserve (Greater Kruger)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
