“If you want to see the ‘big five’ this is the place to go – safari country at its best.
“If you want to see the ‘big five’ this is the place to go – safari country at its best. The Kruger National Park is one of the most famous national parks in the world and the oldest one in Africa. It is 350 km long from North to South, at most 60 km wide and covers a surface area of 16 685 square kilometers (almost the size of Wales). At present the park boasts 148 mammal species, 500 bird species, 45 lizard and 34 amphibian species. Approximately 400 types of trees and shrubs have been recorded. There are more than 3000 km of roads to explore and 24 camps catering for rustic to luxurious accommodation styles.”
| Tour Code | ZKS01 (three star rating) |
| Duration | 5 days / 4 nights |
| Start | 18h00 at a Johannesburg Airport hotel |
| Vehicle | Air-conditioned vehicle to suite group size |
| Minimum | 5 passengers |
| Price | Price available on request |
| Single | Price available on request |
| Included | SATOUR Registered Guide, porterage, transportation as per itinerary, accommodation, meals as per itinerary, entrance fees, information pack. |
| Excluded | Gratuities, drinks, laundry and items of a personal nature. |
| Meals | 4 x breakfast, 4 x dinner & 3 x lunch |
| Accommodation | The Airport Grand, Hannah Lodge and National Parks Chalets or similar should the accommodation need to be changed. |
| Comments | The tour will cover the best of the world-famous Kruger National Park and the scenically spectacular Panorama Route. Malaria precautions are recommended – Please consult with your GP. The tour will run subject to minimum numbers being reached. |
| Activity Level | Moderate |
Day 1 – 18h00
Johannesburg Airport Grand Hotel or similar ( Dinner)
Make your own way to the hotel (to be advised). Meet your guide and fellow participants in the hotel reception area at 18h00. Dinner will be taken in the restaurant where the guide will discuss the tour. Overnight at the hotel (included in tour package price)
Accommodation: The Airport Grand or similar
Day 2
Hannah Lodge or similar (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
After breakfast we depart from your hotel, for Mpumalanga. Travel out of Johannesburg on the N4 towards Maputo, bypass Middleburg and near Belfast we detour from the freeway. We pass through Dullstroom and proceed to Lydenberg which, was established in 1849. The English translation of this name is the ‘Town of Suffering’ and it was named after its founders who had suffered greatly as a result of malaria and floods in the original town of Ohrigstad. From here we take the scenically spectacular Long Tom Pass over the Mpumulanga Drakensberg to Sabie. The pass is 57 km long with a summit of 2149 metres. The origin of the pass goes back to 1871 when a wagon track was built to connect Lydenberg with Lourenco Marques (Maputo).
In September 1900, the British recaptured Lydenberg during the Anglo-Boer war. The Boers used a 15cm cannon to shell the British and the gun was nicknamed ‘Long Tom’ by the British troops – a name which, has survived to this day. A light lunch is taken en-route in the Sabie or Graskop area and in the afternoon we spend time exploring the scenically spectacular Panorama route visiting sights such as Bourkes Luck Potholes or Gods Window.
In the evening we arrive at the lodge and dinner is taken in the restaurant.
Accommodation: Hannah Lodge or similar.
Distance: Johannesburg to Hanna Lodge via the Panorama Route – 500km
Day 3:
Satara (or similar) Rest Camp – Kruger National Park (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Breakfast is taken in the restaurant. We leave the Drakensberg escarpment via the Abel Erasmus Pass – another scenic route which, drops 800m in its 24km length and includes a 133,5 m long tunnel. There are panoramic views of the Olifants River Valley and the Lowveld. We travel via Klaserie and the Orpen Gate into the Kruger National Park. Expect some superb game viewing as we drive the 50km, through the park. A light lunch is taken en-route or at the camp.
Overnight in the tranquil setting of the Kruger Park rest camp. Towards evening we board the open vehicles for a game drive in search of the nocturnal animals – remember to dress warmly and to have a windproof jacket if possible. Dinner is taken at the lodge and is included.
Tomorrow is another eventful day so make sure you get your beauty sleep! Our first night in the African bush and we are lulled to sleep by the calls of the wild!
Accommodation: Satara Camp – Kruger National Park or similar
Distance: Hannah Lodge to Satara – 220km
Day 4:
Skukuza (or similar) – Kruger National Park (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
A full day today, after an early breakfast in the restaurant. You need to have packed your luggage and ensured that it is ready for loading on the coach as the open vehicle game drive will end at the next camp where we overnight. Dress warmly and take hats and sun-creams for later on in the morning. We spend the whole day in the open safari vehicle with the opportunity to see many of the exciting animals, including the Big Five, which Kruger has to offer.
The direct distance between the two camps is about 95 km however, depending on the animals seen and the route taken it could be longer. A picnic lunch and soft drinks are included and taken at one of the rustic picnic sites or camps along the way. The coach will be waiting for you at the overnight camp with your luggage. A leisurely evening and dinner is taken in the restaurant with time to discuss the sightings of the day (an optional extra would be another open vehicle night drive).
Accommodation: Skukuza Camp – Kruger National Park or similar.
Distance: Satara to Skukuza – 95 km
Day 5:
Depart for Johannesburg (Breakfast)
A leisurely start to the day after our previous early mornings (another open vehicle game drive would be an optional extra for your own expense). A relaxed breakfast in the restaurant and then we leave the park and start our journey back to Johannesburg.
Lunch today will be at a restaurant en-route and is for your own account. The tour will end at approximately 16h30, when you will be dropped off at Johannesburg International Airport or a Sandton Hotel.
Distance: Kruger to Johannesburg – 480km
