The Kruger Experience

Overview

Kruger National Park is world famous for its abundance of wildlife, including the Big Five. Close to its western flank are many private game reserves including Sabi Sands which forms part of Greater Kruger National Park. Spend three days searching for wildlife from open safari vehicles with knowledgeable guides. Opt to join a guided Bush walk which offers a completely different perspective from being in a vehicle as you are able to get closer to nature and can spot some of the smaller, yet still beautiful, wildlife.

Highlights

• Game drives in open safari vehicles searching for the Big Five
• Guided bush walks looking for smaller animals and learning more about the local flora
• Accompanied by knowledgeable rangers and trackers

What's Included

• Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
• All meals
• Game drives and activities as per itinerary
• Airport transfers

Full description

Kruger is the largest game reserve in South Africa and is approximately the same size as Wales. There are over 20 private game reserves that neighbour the National Park and share an unfenced border. These private reserves limit the number of people who can stay there, allowing for a more intimate wildlife experience.
Home to over 140 animal species and more than 150 bird species, Kruger also has the world’s largest rhino population and the Sabi Sand Game Reserve boats the highest density of the elusive leopard in the world.
On this itinerary you will set out on two game drives a day with an experienced ranger and tracker in open safari vehicles, which are perfect for wildlife viewing and provide great photographic opportunities. Trackers sit at the front of the vehicle looking for fresh animal tracks. The afternoon game drive includes a sundowner stop before the game drive continues into the night searching for nocturnal animals and predators coming out to hunt.Guided walks may also be arranged. Bush walks allow you to track animals on foot, view wildlife from a different perspective and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Africa.

Itinerary & Accommodation

Day 1: Arrive Kruger
Transfer from Hoedspriut Airport to your lodge. Late afternoon, you will set out on your first game drive. The afternoon game drive sometimes includes a Sundowner to watch the sunset before a night drive using a spotlight to search for nocturnal animals, such as bush babies, civets, genets, hyena, honey badgers and leopards. the spot light reflects on the animals eyes but does not disturb them. Afterwards, return to the lodge for dinner and a chance to discuss the day’s game viewing with your fellow guests.

Day 2: Search for wildlife on game drives
Rising early this morning, you will set off on a morning game drive. Early morning is a good time to spot animals, either heading back to their dens after nocturnal activities or starting the morning’s grazing. Return to the camp for breakfast.

You will then have some free time before lunch to either relax by the pool or catch up on some sleep. Alternatively, you may choose to go on a guided bush walk with an armed ranger (seasonal, some lodges offer this instead of the morning game drive), this gives you a chance to concentrate on the smaller wonders of the Kruger such as insects and birds. The ranger will tell you stories of the bushveld as well as the traditional cultural and medicinal properties of trees and plants..

In the late afternoon, there is another game drive before returning to the lodge for dinner.

Day 3: Search for wildlife on game drives
Today you will again enjoy game drives and the option of a bush walk to search for more wildlife.

Day 4: Depart Kruger
Set out on one last game drive before your adventure ends and you are transferred back to Hoedspriut Airport. You can extend you stay in South Africa or add Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Or continue onto Mauritius where you can relax in the stunning hotels and enjoy the beaches, cuisine and hospitality.

Accommodation Details

Arathusa Safari Lodge
Luxury Room on a Full Board with Activities basis for 3 nights
Arathusa Safari Lodge is located in Mpumalanga, South Africa, within the northern sector of the coveted Sabi Sand Reserve, adjacent to the world-renowned Kruger National Park. Arathusa Safari Lodge is unique and highly sought after by visitors because of its prime location. Together these two areas comprise one of South Africa’s most incredible and pristine preserved wilderness sanctuaries. Arathusa offers an exceptional safari experience, expect a high concentration of an assortment of game, including the Big Five, and frequent leopard sightings. The lodge is situated on a large waterhole, ensuring interesting game and bird viewing from the comfort of the camp. Private luxury accommodation options, exceptional service, value for money and luxury spa services from Arathusa’s Safari Spa, are just a few of the things that put Arathusa Safari Lodge in a league of its own.Fabrics are natural, furniture classic and the interior design both simple and elegant. Additional amenities include a mini bar (stocked with a selection of beverages), an electronic safe, hairdryer, air conditioning, direct-dial telephone, mosquito net and tea/ coffee making facilities. There are no televisions in the rooms at Arathusa.

Option includes: Accommodation, meals, teas & coffees, local branded beer, house-wine, spirits and soft drinks. Twice-daily game drives in open safari vehicles, a guided bush walk and wifi.