2-night Kruger Park Highlights Safari (4 star lodge)

Activity Description

A three-day getaway in the safari capital of South Africa combining a full-day Kruger Park safari as well as a sunrise safari in a private reserve and a scenic cruise on the Blyde Dam in the Blyde River Canyon.

This classic two night three-day safari delivers a wildlife experience paired with the dramatic scenery of the Blyde River region. Operating with return road transfers from Gauteng, guests spend two nights at a conveniently-located 4 star lodge. This serves as a base for a comprehensive, full-day safari in the Kruger National Park in an open safari vehicle. The itinerary balances game viewing with a relaxing cruise on the Blyde Dam offering magnificent views of the Blyde River Canyon, Guests are also treated to a sunrise safari on a private reserve to conclude their bush adventure.

Day1: ARRIVAL AT LODGE: Your safari adventure begins with a 6-hour road transfer from Gauteng. This scenic cruise on the Blyde Dam is the perfect way to unwind after your journey. This excursion offers an impressive view of the canyon’s towering cliffs with excellent opportunities to spot resident hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. Following the cruise, you be transferred your home for the next two nights – a 4 star lodge located in a tranquil private reserve in the Greater Kruger, Here you can unwind and settle into your bush surroundings before gathering for dinner at the lodge. Get a good night’s sleep as the next day involves an early start as you prepare to head into the world famous Kruger National Park.

DAY 2: FULL-DAY KRUGER NATIONAL PARK SAFARI: Departing your lodge before dawn, you’ll enter the Kruger National Park as the sun rises for a full day in the legendary park. You’ll spend the day traversing the park in an open safari vehicle under the expert guidance of our one of our safari guides starting with a coffee stop in the middle of the bush. After a productive drive through grassland, you’ll have breakfast at a picnic spot surrounded by nothing but wilderness. Your guide will share insights into animal behaviour as you move through riverine forests and dense drainage lines to waterholes where game congregates. Most of the Kruger is covered in open grassland with large trees and plenty of plains game like zebra as well as plenty of elephants and hopefully a big cat sighting or two. You’ll then have a break at Satara Rest Camp where you can enjoy a meal at the camp restaurant. After a thrilling afternoon on the plains and a magnificent African sunset, you will return to your lodge to relax and enjoy another peaceful evening and dinner.

DAY 3: BLUE CANYON SUNRISE SAFARI AND RETURN TRANSFER: Your final morning begins with another early wake-up call at 05:00. Armed with breakfast packs from the lodge, you will embark on an exclusive 3 hour sunrise safari. This final game drive takes place in the Blue Canyon Private Game renowned for its lion, cheetah and rhino sightings. Here you will be accompanied by your guide and a tracker and your change of seeing predators in the early morning light is relatively high. After a rewarding morning of tracking animals from an open safari vehicle, your adventure concludes as you connect with your return road transfer back to Gauteng.

Arrangements

Duration76 hours

WhenAll year round

WhereHoedspruit with a return transfer to Johannesburg

WeatherIn the Kruger Park, no matter the weather, your safari will proceed. Animals frequent the roads when it is raining to avoid walking in the wet grass. The roads also retain heat which the animals enjoy in cooler weather. If the weather is inclement or if it has rained for a few days, Blue Canyon might become inaccessible and if that is the case, your safari there maybe cancelled. We will keep you informed and will offer an alternative activity if this is the case.

What to WearWhat to Wear: Even in winter, temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celcius so we recommend comfortable cool clothing. No need to purchase special neutral-coloured clothing - a normal t-shirt and shorts or jeans in winter are appropriate for a Kruger Safari. We recommend that you have closed shoes or sneakers for climbing in and out of the open safari vehicle but as it does get really hot, flip flops or sandals can also work. Please bring a windbreaker / jacket no matter the season as the OSV can be windy and chilly in the early mornings and evenings. In winter, a scarf and beanie are definitely worth bringing. We also recommend a tight-fitting hat or cap and sunglasses.

Things to BringID/Passport, binoculars and camera are recommended, sun protection/sunscreen, insect repellant, credit card for SANPARKS entrance/conservation fee & purchases as the Kruger is generally a cash-free zone, cash for gratuities.

Guests or Spectators

Requirements

Minimum Age0 years

Minimum Height0.0 m

Maximum Height0.0 m

Fitness LevelNo Fitness Requirement

Maximum Weight0.0 kg

CertificationNot Applicable

Experience LevelNo Experience Requirement

Inclusions and Exclusions

InclusionsReturn road shuttle transfers from Gauteng, 2 nights accommodation at a 4 star bush lodge in the Greater Kruger, open safari vehicle, qualified professional guide, admission fees for the Blyde Dam Cruise and Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve, bush coffee, tea, and rusks, cold bottled water on the open safari vehicle and all evening meals and breakfast.

ExclusionsKruger Park conservation/entrance fees (payable at the gate), all lunches, lunch and beverages in the Kruger National Park, personal items, guide gratuities.

Notes

1) Identification: Guests must bring an original Passport or ID for entry into the Kruger National Park
2) Kruger Park Gate Payments: Conservation and gate entry fees for the Kruger National Park are payable at the gate
3) Other Payments: For your convenience, card machines are used for all park payments as the Kruger is generally a cash-free zone
4) The Greater Kruger is considered a malaria risk area all year round. Please contact your travel clinic or your GP prior to travel. No vaccinations are required for South Africa except if you have travelled to or through a yellow fever risk country in the last 14 days