Departing Tuesdays @ 09:00 from Cape Town International Airport to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport
Day 1 – Tuesday: Arrival and Introduction
Afternoon: Upon arrival at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, meet your African Outdoor Fanatics guide. You will be transferred to the Paul Kruger Gate from where you will enter Kruger National Park. Enjoy a short scenic and game-rich drive along the Sabie River to Skukuza Rest Camp.
Late Afternoon: Arrive at Skukuza Rest Camp, situated on the banks of the Sabie River. Unwind on the deck with a refreshing sundowner as you take in the river views and watch the day transition into evening.
Evening: A memorable welcoming dinner is served under the African night sky. Enjoy traditional South African cuisine cooked over the fire while being kept company by the sounds of the African night.
Day 2 – Wednesday: Southern Kruger Wildlife Exploration
Morning: We start the day with a leisurely guided game drive to the Nkhulu Picnic Spot. Enjoy a delightful brunch surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the park.
Afternoon – After brunch, we continue eastwards on a leisurely mid-day drive to Lower Sabie, we traverse one of the park’s premier game-viewing areas and pass the famous sunset dam that is usually home to loads of crocodiles and hippos. This region is known for its abundant wildlife, including large herds of herbivores and predators such as lions and leopards. After a quick stop to stretch our legs at Lower Sabie Rest Camp, we make our way back westwards to Skukuza.
Evening: We enjoy an early dinner at Skukuza, and afterward, embark on a thrilling night drive in an open safari vehicle. This adventure provides an opportunity to spot nocturnal animals and experience the park’s nighttime wildlife activity.
Renowned as the flagship of South African National Parks, Kruger National Park is one of the world’s top game reserves. A must-visit for anyone traveling to South Africa, this 2 million-hectare big five wildlife reserve attracts both international tourists and locals, offering self-drive options and overnight stays in various rest camps. Kruger features 12 main rest camps, 5 bushveld camps, 2 bush lodges, and 4 satellite camps.
Established in 1898 to safeguard the wildlife of the South African Lowveld, Kruger National Park stands out for its incredible biodiversity and advanced environmental management. Visitors can encounter 336 tree species, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 bird species, and 147 mammals.
The park also preserves evidence of human history, from ancient bushman rock art to significant archaeological sites like Masorini and Thulamela, reflecting the rich cultural heritage intertwined with its natural splendor.
Skukuza Rest Camp
Skukuza, the largest rest camp and administrative hub of Kruger National Park, is located along the southern banks of the Sabie River. The camp is nestled among lush vegetation, with tall trees lining the river’s edge. It offers a wide range of activities and facilities, reflecting the diverse wildlife and plant life that thrive both within the camp and in the surrounding region.
Satara Rest Camp
Satara is Kruger’s second largest bustling camp and with good reason. It is located in a prime game viewing area renowned for predator sightings where the landscape is relatively open, allowing for excellent sightings of abundant and diverse fauna and flora.
The camp boasts a rustic charm, with its accommodations arranged in a series of circular layouts. Surrounded by lush vegetation, Satara is also a haven for birdwatchers, with an impressive variety of avian species. At night, the sounds of fruit bats mingle with the chirping of cicadas and crickets. The nocturnal symphony is further enhanced by the calls of owls and nightjars, occasionally interrupted by the whoops of hyenas, the screeches of jackals, and the roars of lions.
Day 3 – Thursday: Scenic Transition Into Central Kruger
Morning: We depart from Skukuza at dawn with coffee and a light breakfast on the road as we head on northwards to our next destination Satara Rest Camp in central Kruger.
Afternoon: On the way we stop for lunch at the Nhlanguleni Picnic Spot. Relax and enjoy your meal in a picturesque setting, overlooking a pan that attracts wildlife from all over. This section of the park provides the opportunity to spot the rare sable antelope a highlight in this area. After lunch, we continue our game drive to Satara Rest Camp.
Evening: Arrive at Satara Rest Camp late in the afternoon and settle in for the evening. Enjoy a hearty dinner at the camp, reflecting on the day’s adventures and wildlife sightings.
Day 4 – Friday: Experience Lion Country
Morning: Begin the day at dawn with a guided bush walk hosted by a Sanparks trail guide. This activity offers a close-up look at the smaller details of the Kruger ecosystem and interpretive insights into the park’s flora and fauna.
Afternoon: After the morning walk relax at camp and enjoy a hearty brunch. In the early afternoon, we drive to N’wanetsi Picnic Spot, along the famous S100 road, this road is known as the premier drive for spotting lions in Kruger. N’wanetsi is perched on a hilltop so we take some time to savor the view over over the bushveld and the surrounding landscape.
Evening: As we arrive back in camp at Satara, enjoy sundowners at the camp’s restaurant and afterward a celebratory farewell dinner to reminisce on our time spent in Kruger.
Day 5 – Saturday: Farewell to Kruger
Early Morning: It’s another early start at dawn as we commence our final day. Coffee and a light breakfast will be served on the go as we traverse Central Kruger southwards one last time, hopefully capturing a final memorable wildlife sighting before departure from the park. We exit the park at Paul Kruger Gate and from there we transfer to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport for your return flight.
Afternoon: Board your 2 hour flight at noon back to Cape Town International Airport.
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