AMAZING SOUTH AFRICA
Kruger Wildlife Safari
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What's included
- Accommodation based on twin share room
- Expert local guides
- Meals as per the itinerary
- Small group tour
- Airport transfers
- Any items or services not specified in the itinerary
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- International flights from Australia
- Meals, unless expressly states
- Medical and emergency insurance
- Optional tours and activities
- Personal expenses
South Africa Wildlife Safari Overview
This short South Africa tour is packed with inclusions, but the big attraction is obviously the incredible wildlife viewing!
The Mpumalanga area is one of great contrast, bordered in the west by the towering escarpment with lush indigenous forests, crystal-clear streams and plunging waterfalls. Then falling away into the flat Lowveld, home to one of the richest diversities of fauna and flora in the world.
Impressive private reserves and the renowned Kruger National Park are located in this area. We spend time both in the park and on a private reserve that’s unfenced to Kruger Park.
Being privately owned, there’s the freedom to conduct game walks and open vehicle game drives on the property. Private reserve game viewing experiences and optimised game driving time gives travellers the ultimate wildlife and Panorama route experience in an exciting and compact package.
SEE THE BROCHURE
Special features
- See the best of South Africa on a short, value-packed tour.
- Loads of inclusions, with many meals, sightseeing and wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Expert local guides will look after you and proudly share their Africa with you!
Included highlights:
- Historical Towns
- Private game reserve
- Exclusive bush lodge
- ‘Big Five’ game exploring
- Open vehicle game drive
- Night game drive
- Panorama route drive
- Blyde River Canyon
- 3 Rondawels
- Bourke’s Luck Potholes
- God’s Window
- Kruger National Park
- DAY 1
- DAY 2
- DAY 3
- DAY 4
- DAY 5
JOHANNESBURG – BUSH LODGE
Departing from the Greenfire Johannesburg Lodge at 06h30, we set off on the scenic road to the east of the country where we encounter beautiful natural scenery and many wild animals in natural parks and game reserves.
Lunch is enjoyed in the historic town of Dullstroom, Africa’s premier fly-fishing area before we wind our way down the Drakensberg escarpment. The road is filled with picturesque beauty, from mountain passes to the Acacia trees scattered across the African bushveld.
The next two nights we get cosy at our well-appointed GREENFIRE BUSH LODGE, situated in a private reserve within the greater Kruger National Park, where animals roam freely and unrestricted. This privately owned reserve allows us the freedom to explore the wilderness in search of a variety of animals in open game drive vehicles, day and night.
The tented lodge casually blends into the bush and offers crisp comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, a refreshing splash pool, and stunning views over the surrounding wilderness, including a water hole frequented by a variety of animals. Retire to bed with a symphony of sounds from the animal kingdom.
Meals: D (Lunch Own Expense)
Included Highlights/Activity:
• Scenic drive down to the Lowveld region
• Private Game Reserve Accommodation
BUSH LODGE
After a peaceful nights rest we start with an early riser light breakfast of fresh coffee and rusks (a traditional South African biscuit), before embarking on our morning experience within this Big 5 area.
Guided by a qualified guide/Ranger we explore the wilderness, with heightened senses, always on the lookout for an animal encounter while discovering the smaller treasures often hidden from the eye.
Before the heat of the day sets in, we return to the lodge for a scrumptious brunch, after which it’s time to relax around the lodge and enjoy the serenity of the surrounding wilderness. A nearby waterhole in front of the camp attracts a variety of wildlife that come to quench their thirst, displaying the pecking order ever so present. Unwind with a refreshing drink and game viewing from the swimming pool or from your deck.
With the heat subsiding in the late afternoon an open game drive is in order, which develops into an extensive night drive in search of nocturnal animals.
As dusk approaches we pull over and enjoy a sun-downer drink or two, while watching the magnificent sunset over the African bushveld.
Meals: Brunch Dinner
Included Highlights/Activity:
• Exclusive Private Reserve
• Morning and afternoon guided experience in Big 5 area
PANORAMA ROUTE - HAZYVIEW
Rising with the African sun, a hearty breakfast is enjoyed, before setting off to explore the highlights of the Panorama Route, famous for many natural wonders and viewing points. First stop will be to view the impressive Blyde River Canyon – the world’s largest “green canyon”, then on to Bourke’s Luck Potholes where abundant gold was found and finally the breath-taking God’s Window. (Weather Permitting)
An own expense lunch is enjoyed giving guests the opportunity to meet the locals.
Mid-afternoon we make our way to the tranquil GREENFIRE LODGE HAZYVIEW, a log cabin built spectacularly on stilts in the indigenous forest on the banks of the impressive Sabie River or “Fearful” river as dubbed by the locals.
Time permitting, guests are able to do a nature walk on the property and the adjoining coffee farm and enjoy the mysterious forest. We spend two nights here.
Meals: B D (Lunch Own Expense)
Included Highlights/Activity:
• Panorama Route
• God’s Window
• Bourke’s Luck Potholes
• 3 Rondavels
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Waking with the birds, we depart the lodge at sunrise and travel a short distance to enter a different area of the Kruger National Park for a full day of game viewing.
Driving slowly through this iconic National park the size of Israel or Wales we search for the many animals that inhabit this area. From the high vantage point and comfort of our well-equipped vehicle, our expert guide will take time to explain the behaviour of the many animals we see in this fascinating environment.
Most of the day will be spent game viewing, while stopping at various designated sites to stretch our legs and to enjoy an own expense lunch at one of the rest camps in the park.
Late this afternoon we exit the park and return to the comfort of our GREENFIRE LODGE HAZYVIEW.
Meals: Packed Breakfast Snacks, Dinner
Included Highlights/Activity:
• Southern section of Kruger National Park
• Full day game drive
JOHANNESBURG
After a relaxed breakfast, we depart Hazyview and make our way back to Johannesburg using the route originally pioneered by the early gold diggers. The tour will conclude late afternoon, on arrival at the Greenfire Johannesburg Lodge or at O R Tambo airport.
Meals: B (Lunch Own Expense)
Included Highlights/Activity:
– Scenic Drive
More about South Africa
My Travel Experience Review
This South Africa tour puts wildlife front and centre of your amazing safari experience. Travelling in purpose-built vehicles is a big plus and the local guides are renowned for being the best in the business. What stands out on this tour is that time is spent in Kruger National Park and the tour operator's private reserve. That means there's the freedom to conduct game walks and open vehicle game drives on the property.
More about this tour
See the brochure
Click here to view, download or print a copy of this tour brochure.
The brochure includes details of the inclusions, itinerary and other relevant travel information. Information contained in the brochure is subject to change and at the time of booking you will be provided with an updated copy that includes the current details for your reservation.
Tour departures
This tour departs every Sunday in 2023 and 2024. Please ask us for your preferred departure date and we will advise availability and current cost.
Tour start time
The start time listed for this tour is 6:30am. It is advisable to book a pre-tour night in Johannesburg to make sure you don't miss the start of the tour.
If you book international flights, you will be advised of your flight details and check-in times when your booking is confirmed.
Tour notes
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Please note that Southern African weather conditions vary tremendously from season to season. During summer months temperatures of up to 40°C can be experienced. During the winter months of June, July and August the nights are very cold, temperatures may drop well below 0°C, although the day temperatures will be pleasant at around 20°C.
CLOTHING & PERSONAL EFFECTS
Herewith a recommended guide of what to bring along:
Sport Shoes / Sneakers & Sandals
Hat & Sun Cream
Water Bottle
Smaller day pack
Camera, Binoculars
Books (Birds, Mammals, personal reading books, Optional)
For general travelling (to keep yourself entertained on the longer drives):
Personal iPod, iPad/tablet etc.
Personal reading books
A deck of cards or something similar
Battery chargers for your personal devices (iPads, E-Readers, Mobile phones, Cameras etc)
Vehicles are equipped with charging facilities while driving. A Two-pin charger is perfect.
Clothing and Toiletries:
Long Trousers / Tracksuit
Hat or cap
Shorts
Swimming Costume & Towel
Waterproof Windbreaker
Personal toiletries
Jersey / Jumper
Insect Repellent
Socks & Underwear
T-Shirts / Shirts
General Accessories:
Mosquito Net (Optional)
Malaria Prophylaxis (please enquire from your general Doctor at home)
Money (Sundry expenses, gratuities)
Torch / Flashlight / Batteries
Refreshments
Pen
Passport/Visa
Luggage to fit packing space on vehicles*
* Luggage should be limited to a maximum of 15kg
Each traveller will have their own locker on the trucks which is accessible even while driving. Backpacks, Barrel bags or Soft Suitcases are strongly advisable as your standard Hard Suitcases sometimes don’t fit in the lockers. Each locker could be locked with your personal lock (which you can also purchase from the Greenfire Johannesburg Lodge upon arrival).
MEALS AND REFRESHMENTS
Meals are provided as indicated in the itinerary/website. Soft drinks, bottled water and alcohol are for your own expense; there is ample opportunity during the tour to buy refreshments. The guide will advise when you need to stock up for a couple of days.
PERSONAL EXPENSES
A reasonable amount of personal spending money should be bought with you. This is to cover own expense meals as indicated in the Brochure, bottled water, soft drinks, alcohol, sundry goods purchased - such as suntan cream etc., curios, optional extra excursions, airport tax, transfers and tips.
In Africa things work a little different to the rest of the World. Tipping or gratuity, unless otherwise specified, is not included in the price you pay for services delivered. This accounts for restaurant meals, casual help and the services of the guide or guides that you will meet on your tour.
In Southern and East Africa it is classified as a common courtesy to TIP “casual help (guides)”.
This TIP is not something that is forced upon you by any means, but in many industries of tourism it is customary. It works as follows: if you believe your guide has lived up to your expectations and has performed his/her job in a way that you respect and are happy with the services rendered, an amount of R 50 per person per day or equivalent in any major currency would constitute a fantastic tip. Remember that this is just a guideline and is not by any means compulsory, but seen as common courtesy in Africa.
Important to remember...
The day-by-day tour descriptions are intended as an indicative guide only. Travel by nature is unpredictable. Weather patterns, sea or river conditions, road accessibility, public holidays, travel restrictions and a multitude of other factors may necessitate itinerary changes that are ultimately for the client's benefit. It is essential that travellers are flexible and open minded in this regard.
Speak to a travel specialist
The My Travel Experience team are travel experts and we're here to help you enjoy the best holiday - from the time you start to plan your trip until the day you return home. We are only a phone call or email away whenever you need us, so please contact us today with any questions.
Email [email protected]. Phone 1300 168 910 (in Australia) or +61 400 226 454 (from overseas or via mobile).
New safety measures and greater peace of mind.
The wellbeing and safety of our passengers and staff is always a priority, especially as we adjust to a new world for travellers. My Travel Experience is committed to ensuring your peace of mind with customer-friendly booking practices and enhanced health and safety standards on our trips.
Safe Travel Requirements:
The tour operator may implement a number of enhanced health and safety protocols on their trips. These additional precautions have been introduced to help ensure that travellers and the tour team are as protected as much as possible while on tour.
Negative PCR or Antigen Tests
This helps to ensure the safety of travellers and staff, travellers may be asked to produce a negative PCR test or negative Antigen test in order to embark on the escorted tour, regardless of vaccination status.
Self-monitor for Covid-19 symptoms
Travellers are asked to self-monitor daily before the tour for any COVID-19 related symptoms. Travellers may be required to complete a Covid-19 Acknowledgement of Risk or to sign a Responsible Traveller Pledge (committing to the safety and wellbeing of yourself and fellow travellers).
Face masks and sanitising
It's recommended that travellers bring their own face masks for use throughout the journey, as well as spares. Always remember to practice good hygiene and wash or sanitise your hands frequently.
Adequate Travel Insurance
All tour travellers are required to show proof of adequate travel insurance before embarking on tour. Your policy of insurance is required to cover you and your party against the cost of cancellation by you; the cost of assistance (including repatriation - medical and non-medical) in the event of accident or illness; loss of baggage and money; protection against any Covid-related claims and other expenses.
Check the current requirements
Travel guidelines are subject to change as the global situation evolves. The enforcement of certain measures (i.e. social distancing and mask-wearing) will vary in different regions. The tour operator will defer to local health authorities for best practices in their region.
It's your responsibility to check with your home country's policies, as well as destinations that you will be visiting, on testing, travel requirements and the latest travel advisories.
It's important that you confirm that you have all the necessary documentation and are eligible to travel prior to booking and your departure.
How to make a booking:
This travel deal is valid for a limited time and may change without notice.
Price was correct as of 23 February 2023. Please contact us for current rates.
Advertised price is based on lead-price departure(s) and rates will be advised for your preferred travel date prior to any payment being required.
All prices are per person, based on twin share, and listed in Australian dollars (AUD). The package is subject to confirmation at the time of booking and prices may change without notice. Booking conditions and cancellation fees apply.
Please read My Travel Experience Booking Terms & Conditions prior to making a reservation. By booking any travel service with us, you have agreed to be bound by these terms and conditions.
To make a booking please call My Travel Experience on 1300 168 910 or email [email protected].
You can also select a trip and request it via this website - please enter your preferred departure date (if known) and the number of people travelling. If you wish to submit an enquiry, please let us know your travel dates plus any other information that will help us provide a quote, such as departure city and travel preferences.
No payment is required to submit an online booking request - your booking is pending confirmation and no place is being held.
Your reservation status will be advised when you hear from our travel consultants. Bookings are normally actioned within 24 hours - Monday to Friday.
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