Kruger game drives - An inquisitive elephant

Exclusive Kruger Game Drives

Combine a visit to Blyde River Canyon with a stay at an exclusive private game reserve. You'll spend the night in the heart of the Timbavati or Manyeleti reserve. They are some of the most highly populated wildlife reserves in South Africa and also part of the Greater Kruger National Park. These reserves are considered the best places to see the Big 5. You'll awaken amidst wild animals and you'll shower outdoors. During the day you'll go on game drives through the Greater Kruger with professional guides and trackers. On the last day of this module you'll stay near Hazyview; an ideal location just outside the Kruger's Orphen Gate, giving you the opportunity to take a famous Kruger game drive of your own.

Route: Dullstroom - Private Game Reserve - Hazyview

Duration5 days, 4 nightsDepartureDaily
Comfort (1-5)4 See accommodationAccommodation1 night at Dullstroom guest house
2 nights at Timbavati or Manyeleti exclusive reserve
1 night at Hazyview
Price£396 per person - based on 2 people
IncludesDullstroom Hazyview and breakfast included, Timbavati/Manyeleti based on full board and 2 game activities per day (one game activity on day 2, two activities on one activity on day 3 and day 4), coffee / tea, rangers and trail information
TransportationRental car (not included in rates mentioned above)Excludes

Car rental, Entrance fees


Day 1: Johannesburg/Pretoria - Dullstroom

Leave Pretoria early in the morning by rental car and take the N4 to the eastern province of Mpumalanga. Slowly but surely, the countryside will become more meadow-like and hilly and traffic will become scarce. Arrive in Dullstroom in the afternoon; this is one of the best fly fishing areas in South Africa and the area is also known for its birds of prey and breathtaking horseback rides. This picturesque town is a great place to spend the night between Pretoria and the Kruger National Park. You'll sleep in a charming guest house with a fireplace and a large garden in which you'll find many different types of birds.

Total distance on day 1 is approximately 300 km or 3,5 hours.
Kruger game drives - Catch your own fish
Kruger game drives - A fantastic view of the Blyde River canyon

Day 2: Dullstroom - Private Reserve (via Blyde River Canyon)

Today you'll have plenty of time for sight-seeing in this spectacular area. Drive past Blyde River Canyon and visit the uniquely shaped hills at the Three Rondavels. Along the way stop to see the effects of wind and erosion on stone at Bourkes Luck Potholes. Another must-see is the view from Gods Window, where you can see all the way to Mozambique if skies are clear. A fun stop along the way is the former mining town Pilgrim's Rest with its historic houses and friendly cafés.

Once you reach the private reserve, freshen up on a porch overlooking the a dry riverbed and an animal watering hole. In most cases the first of your Kruger game drives through this beautiful reserve will take place shortly after your arrival (be sure to arrive before 15.00).

Total distance on day 2 is approximately 200 km or 2,5 hours.

Day 3: Private Game Reserve

Spend the entire day in the Private Reserve. You'll go on organised game walks and Kruger game drives deep into the bush lead by professional Shangaan trackers. Approximately 40 large animal species live here such as lions, elephants, cheetahs, leopards, rhinos, hyenas and wild dogs. However, don't forget about the smaller animals; there are 350 or so different species of birds. Take time out in between game walks and Kruger game drives to relax on the terrace of your bungalow or to take a nap in a hammock near the swimming pool.

In the evening you'll have your dinner by campfire, where the most delicious meals will be prepared. Behind your bungalow lies an authentic, thatched, open air bathroom with shower and toilet. After an exciting day of safari you'll be able to enjoy a warm shower, under the stars or in the glow of an oil lantern.

Kruger game drives - Out and about with professional rangers
Kruger game drives - Lion in the wild

Day 4: Private Reserve - Kruger Park - Hazyview

After a game drive and breakfast, head off towards Kruger's Orpen Gate. Pass Satara and the Orpen dam and slowly head south towards Skukuza. You'll have most of the day free to go on your own Kruger game drives and spot wild animals in the park. The roads are in excellent condition and most of them are paved. Keep in mind that the speed limit is only 40 km/hour, so make sure you leave enough time to leave the park. You'll spend the night right outside of Kruger Park in the village of Hazyview, where you'll stay in a cosy hotel with pool.

Total distance on day 4 is approximately 250 km or 3,5 hours.

Day 5: Hazyview - Swaziland/Johannesburg

This morning you'll travel by car to Johannesburg or further on to Swaziland (approximately 240 km or 4 hours) and Mlilwane Park, where you can continue your journey.  

Click here for a module that combines well with this trip: Beehive huts and St. Lucia.

Total distance on day 5 is approximately 400 km or 5,5 hours.

Kruger game drives - It's wise to stay in your vehicle at all times!
Kruger game drives
Accommodation pictures
 

Kruger game drives - Timbavati accommodation
Stay in the private reserve camp
Kruger game drives - Timbavati lodge
Inside the private lodge
Kruger game drives - Dullstroom guest house
Guest house in Dullstroom
Kruger game drives - Hazyview interior
Hazyview guest house interior



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