This safari combines the best of the Kruger National Park with a luxury big 5 experience at one of the private lodges in the famous Sabi Sands Game Reserve. The itinerary is flexible and you also have the option of spending a day exploring the scenic Lowveld escarpment. The Kruger National Park is a must-see destination and offers some fantastic game viewing opportunities. The beauty and size of this vast wilderness area will leave you inspired and amazed, but when it comes to big 5 sightings you stand the best chance at a private game lodge in the Sabi Sands, where the Landrovers are allowed to drive off-road in search of the big cats, guided by an experienced local tracker. This fantastic 5-day package involves one of the following itinerary options:

Option 1: Spend one night along the scenic Panorama Route, two nights in the world-renowned Kruger National Park followed by one night at a private game lodge in the heart of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve.

Option 2: Spend three nights in the Kruger National Park followed by one night at a private game lodge in the heart of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve.

Option 3: Spend two nights in the Kruger National Park followed by two nights at a private game lodge in the heart of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve.

This safari does not have scheduled departures, and can depart on any day of the week as requested, subject to availability. Please inform us which of the above itinerary options you prefer.

This example itinerary is for option 1 above. We spend the first night at a quality lodge or guesthouse in the heart of the 'Panorama Route'. Accommodation in the Kruger Park is in comfortable 2-bed bungalows with en-suite bathroom/shower and air-conditioning. In the Sabi Sands we make use of a luxurious 4-star game lodge, where your en-suite, air-conditioned room is stylishly decorated and designed for indulgent comfort. This safari can depart from Johannesburg or Nelspruit, and ends in Nelspruit. All game drives and activities mentioned below are included in the tour price.

Day 1:
Departing from Johannesburg at around 08h30, we take the scenic route to the beautiful province of Mpumalanga, where we explore the breathtaking views, waterfalls and rock formations of the 'Panorama Route'. We take in the highlights of this area before making our way to our first overnight stop in the town of Graskop.

Day 2:
After a leisurely breakfast we visit some more of the spectacular waterfalls and view points in the area, with names such as 'God's Window'. Then we continue our journey to the Kruger National Park, where we arrive in the afternoon and transfer to an open safari vehicle. Game viewing begins as soon as we enter the gates. On our way to our camp overlooking the Sabie River, we are likely to encounter a great variety of wildlife, and we hope to see elephants, buffalo and perhaps lions. Dinner may be enjoyed in the camp restaurant, or take the form of a traditional South African "braai" (barbecue).

Day 3:
We rise before the sun and embark on a morning game drive in the Kruger National Park, in search of animals like giraffe, zebra, gnu's, baboons and of course the big 5 - lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino. These are known to be the 5 most dangerous animals to hunt. While looking for wildlife we visit waterholes, lookout points and beautiful picnic spots, stopping at regular intervals so you can stretch your legs and enjoy some refreshments. After a delicious breakfast at a picnic site in the bush, we return to the camp around lunchtime, where you can spend the hot midday hours relaxing at the pool, browsing through the curio shop or watching animals from the deck.

Late afternoon, we depart on another exciting game drive, and we may encounter hippos, crocodiles, wildebeest, various antelope species and perhaps one of the rare predators like cheetah or wild dog. We return to camp by sunset. After dinner, your guide may set up a powerful telescope and take you on a fascinating guided tour of the night sky (weather permitting). This is an extra activity, included free of charge on some of our safaris.

Day 4:
Today you can choose whether to sleep in, or join the guide on a short early morning game drive before returning to camp for a leisurely breakfast. After breakfast we pack up and make our way to the world-famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve, which is part of the Greater Kruger Park conservation area. We arrive in time for lunch at a luxurious 4-star game lodge. After lunch, embark on an afternoon/evening game drive on an open land rover. We enjoy sundowners at a scenic spot in the bush and then continue after dark to search for the big cats and other nocturnal animals, using a powerful spot light. Return to the lodge for a superb dinner around the fire in the open-air boma.

Day 5:
This morning begins with an early game drive in an open safari vehicle, looking for cheetah, rhinos and other wildlife that may have eluded us thus far. Early morning is usually the best time for game viewing. Return to the lodge for a delicious breakfast. After breakfast it is time to pack up and be transferred by road back to Nelspruit, where you arrive around lunch-time. From Nelspruit there are regular scheduled flights to Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Included:
4 Nights accommodation with air-conditioning and private bathroom, breakfasts and dinners, limited refreshments, all entrance fees, game drives on open vehicles, road transfers from Johannesburg and back to Nelspruit. At the private game lodge all meals are included (lunch, dinner and breakfast on the last morning).

Not included:
International and domestic flights, airport tax, visas, personal expenses, lunches, drinks, tips, optional extras.

Alternative option:
As mentioned above, it is also possible to skip the Panorama Route and spend 3 nights in the Kruger Park, followed by one night at a private game lodge, or 2 nights in the Kruger Park and 2 nights at a private game lodge.

Advance booking is essential to ensure availability.

Cost:
The cost will depend on the choice of game lodge, time of year and number of people in your group. Please send us an email to request a quote or make a booking enquiry. When you email us, please include your intended date of travel and the number of people.