Choosing your safari
With its fascinating diversity of wildlife, variety of game lodges catering to different budgets, professional rangers and excellent infrastructure, South Africa provides a magical setting for a safari experience with three types of safari destinations – private, state-owned, or the world-renowned Kruger National Park.
A few hints and tips
We recommend you carry neutral-coloured light clothing, comfortable shoes, a warm pullover (mornings and evenings can be quite chilly), insect repellent, camera, binoculars and soft baggage not exceeding 15 kilograms per person. Malaria precautions are advisable. Children under eight years are not permitted on game drives at private game reserves and under the age of five in semi-open vehicles in Kruger National Park.
A typical safari Itinerary
At O R Tambo International Airport you will be met by one of our representatives, who will guide you to the domestic departure hall for your flight to the airport or airstrip from where it is a short drive to your choosen game reserve. On arrival, transfer to your lodge. We recommend at least a 3 days/2 nights safari, where you can get to enjoy picnic lunches and exciting morning and evening game drives with professional game rangers in semi-open safari vehicles. During the drives you are likely to see not only the Big Five – leopard, lion, rhinoceros, elephant and buffalo but a host of other animals as well, including zebra, giraffe and many varieties of antelope. The dinners are mostly served in open-air ‘Boma’ (outdoor reeded enclosures) with romantic fires and lights. After the last morning game drive, transfer to the airport or airstrip for your flight to Johannesburg.
Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is one of the world’s most renowned conservation areas famous for its variety of wildlife. Kruger with its 3,000 kilometres of well-maintained roads is a relatively inexpensive way to discover South Africa’s wildlife.
Accommodation: Kruger offers a range of accommodation from basic tourist rest camps to luxurious lodges.
Game drives: Game drives are conducted on the excellent network of tarred or gravelled roads, as off-road driving is not permitted. Clients who have booked a fly-in safari will be escorted by a ranger for morning and afternoon game drives in semi-open vehicles.
Private game reserves
The popular private game reserves of Sabi Sands, Thornybush and Singita are close to Kruger National Park and offer excellent chances to see the Big Five.
Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve lies on the banks of the Sabi River within one of the oldest and largest private reserves – the renowned Sabi Sand Wildtuin. Ecologically and geographically integrated with the vast Kruger National Park, home to the greatest variety of animals in any African game park, at Sabi Sabi an astounding variety of wildlife may be seen, including a wonderfully diverse selection of mammals, reptiles, birds and amphibians, all set amidst spectacular scenery.
Accommodation: You may choose to stay at either the Earth Lodge or Bush Lodge – both descriptions are given below.
Singita, a member of the exclusive ‘Relais & Chateaux’ group, is a name synonymous with opulent and exquisite luxury in a tranquil and jewel-like setting. Relax with a sun-downer amidst the peaceful stillness of the African bush. Freshen up after you return from your game drive and enjoy dinner in a cosy setting either on the dining deck or perhaps in the open-air ‘boma’ (outdoor reeded enclosures for dinner) next to the crackling flames of a warm log fire. The lodges also offer private plunge pools and massages on the deck of your suite or at the spa.
Accommodation: You may choose to stay at either the Ebony Lodge or Le Bombo Lodge – both descriptions are given below.
Adjacent to the Kruger National Park lies the pristine fenced bushveld of Thornybush Game Reserve – home to some outstanding lodges, each with its own unique ambience and spirit. Abundant in bird and mammal species including the Big Five, Thornybush provides excellent game- viewing opportunities. Between the exciting safaris, you can pamper yourself at the spa, take a moment to browse through the library, or simply relax by the pool or on your private deck with your favourite cocktail as you bask in Africa’s glorious sunshine.
Accommodation: You may choose to stay at either the Main Lodge or the Serondella Lodge – both descriptions are given below.