6-Day Southern & Central Kruger Park plus Private Lodge

Meet your professional guide and leave Johannesburg in a 7-seater microbus. Travel east across the Highveld farmlands, then down into the Lowveld to Mbombela (Nelspruit), capital of Mpumalanga Province. After a lunch break, enter Southern Kruger Park for your first exciting game drive. Drive through lightly wooded bushveld where you can expect to see antelope, giraffe and possibly elephant. Before sunset, arrive at Sabie River Bush Lodge, where we stay for 2 nights. We'll book into a lodge room with aircon and modern furnishings. Then, it is time to relax on the deck looking across the extensive Sabie River, hoping to see some hippos or crocodiles. Your guide will arrange dinner in the Gecko Lapa restaurant. WiFi is available, so you can keep in touch with family and friends.

Main Destination: Southern Kruger National Park

Accommodation: Sabie River Bush Lodge

Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Southern Kruger NP

Meals & Drinks:

Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included)

Drinks not included

You will start early with a quick cup of coffee, then head into Kruger National Park for your first morning game drive. Travel through the bush and along the river looking for the Big 5 species (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo). The Sabie River, with its huge trees, is a dominant feature of Southern Kruger, and driving along the banks can be very exciting. You will stop at a small camp where your guide will arrange breakfast and allow time to relax. Continue on the mid-morning drive, visiting any special sightings reported for the day. Around lunchtime, stop for refreshments, browse the curio shop, then carry on with the afternoon drive returning to Sabie River Bush Lodge. You have 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. Join your guide for dinner in the restaurant or a braai (barbeque) and listen to the hippos in the river.

Main Destination: Southern Kruger National Park

Accommodation: Sabie River Bush Lodge

Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Southern Kruger NP

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)

Drinks not included

Leave the lodge for an exciting early morning game drive travelling north past Tshokwane to the open plains of Central Kruger where you may find herds of zebra, wildebeest and possibly some lions. Stop for breakfast at Satara and explore the camp. Continue on the morning drive, which heads up to the very scenic Olifants River, another one of the main waterways in Kruger Park. Your guide will allow you to walk along the Olifants bridge, where you will often see elephants, buffalo, and hippos. Olifants Camp has a spectacular river view and a great spot for photos. After a lunch break, we head back to Satara on the afternoon drive and check in for overnight. You can look forward to dinner in the Cattle Baron Bistro, where we recommend a juicy South African steak.

Main Destination: Central Kruger National Park

Accommodation: Satara Rest Camp

Mid-range rest camp located inside Central Kruger NP

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)

Drinks not included

Awaken to the sound of birds at Satara Camp, meet your guide for the morning drive, which usually goes past Nsemani Dam and then follows the Timbavati River along to Orpen Gate. We will exit Central Kruger Park and proceed to Shiduli Private Safari Lodge (or similar) near Hoedspruit. You can expect personalised service and a great bush atmosphere. Check into a traditional rondavel (round chalet) or safari lodge suite. Then, it is time to freshen up and enjoy lunch in the garden. At approximately 16h00, board the safari vehicle for a sunset safari drive, stopping en route for "sundowners ". Spotlights will be switched on for night viewing and hopefully some excitement to follow. You'll return to the lodge for drinks and dinner, often served in the boma with a campfire.

Main Destination: Central Kruger National Park

Accommodation: Shiduli Private Game Lodge

Luxury lodge located inside Karongwe GR

Meals & Drinks:

Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)

Drinks not included

You will enjoy a full day at the private lodge, starting with coffee at around 06h00, followed by the sunrise drive. In addition to animal sightings, the guides are also keen bird spotters. The early morning is one of the best times when it is still cool. You will learn more about the beautiful birds we have in South Africa. Return to Shiduli (or a similar lodge) for a delicious breakfast, then spend some leisure time at the pool. Alternatively, a morning bush walk can be requested at an additional cost. Lunch will be served at 14h00, then you can relax until sunset, drive to look for big cats or possibly rhinos. Back at the lodge, discuss the day's highlights with other guests before a delicious dinner in the boma or lodge restaurant. You will spend the night listening to hyenas and other nocturnal animals, which all adds to a memorable experience.

Main Destination: Karongwe Private Game Reserve

Accommodation: Shiduli Private Game Lodge

Luxury lodge located inside Karongwe GR

Meals & Drinks:

All meals included

Drinks not included

Wake up early and listen to the sounds of the bush as you drink a coffee. Board the safari vehicle, hoping to see the Big 5 species as well as the elusive cheetah. You will return to the lodge and freshen up before a full English breakfast. Pack up, say farewell to staff, and depart on a relaxing return journey. You'll arrive back in Johannesburg at O.R. Tambo Airport or nearby hotels by 16h30. Please allow 1.5 hours of connecting time for local flights or 3 hours for international flights.

Main Destination: Karongwe Private Game Reserve

Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)

Drinks not included