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Embark on an unforgettable 11-day immersive wildlife experience in Kruger National Park, staying in 5 iconic lodges and reserves for 2nights each, where each day promises exhilarating encounters with Africa’s iconic wildlife. Starting in Ngala Private Game Reserve in the North East sector of the park and ending in the game rich Lukimbi in the South, the safari traverses through the famous game reserves of Imbali and Mluwati, Idube and Sabi Sabi. This one is for the ardent wildlifer.

South Africa  |   11 Days

Highlights

Your adventure begins with early morning wake-up calls, starting at 0600 hours, followed by tea, coffee, and snacks before embarking on morning game drives (some private, some shared), led by expert rangers in open safari vehicles. These drives offer prime opportunities to witness the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—in their natural habitat, alongside a myriad of other fascinating species.
After returning to the lodge for breakfast, the days unfold with options for guided bush walks, visits to scenic viewpoints, and leisure time to relax by the lodge’s pool or indulge in spa treatments. Lunches are enjoyed at the lodge, providing a chance to refuel amidst the day’s adventures. In the late afternoon, resume your wildlife exploration with game drives that extend into the evening, allowing you to witness the park’s nocturnal creatures in action.
Evenings are spent under the African sky, savoring delicious dinners at the lodge while recounting the days sightings and stories with fellow travelers. With accommodations ranging from luxury lodges to tented camps, each offering comfort and immersion in the natural surroundings, this comprehensive itinerary ensures an enriching and deeply memorable wildlife experience in one of Africa’;s most renowned
national parks.

ITINERARY SCHEDULE

Day 1 :- Arrival at JNB and fly to Hoedspruit + 2hr transfer to Kruger NP (Ngala Private Game Reserve)

Arrive at OR Tambo (JNB) International Airport, upon arrival the guests will be greeted by a representative who will assist with their connecting flight to Hoedspruit. In the event of flight delays causing a missed connection, ground transportation can be arranged at an additional cost.

Upon landing at Hoedspruit Airport at 13:45, guests will be met by their driver for a private transfer to Ngala Tented Camp, a scenic two-hour drive away. The afternoon is dedicated to a private safari experience in a specially equipped vehicle, extending into the early evening for nocturnal wildlife viewing. Dinner is served at the luxurious And Beyond Ngala Tented Camp, nestled within the Ngala Private Game Reserve, promising an exclusive and immersive safari adventure for two nights.

Day 2 :- Game drives in Ngala Private Game Reserve

Your day starts early at 0600 hours with a refreshing wake-up call, followed by a delightful selection of
tea, coffee, and snacks. At 0630 hours, your ranger will escort you to his open safari vehicle for a private
morning game drive, offering you an exclusive opportunity to witness the wildlife in their natural habitat during the early hours. After a few exhilarating hours of exploring, you will return to the lodge around 0900 hours to enjoy a hearty breakfast. The rest of the morning and early afternoon are yours to spend at
leisure, perhaps relaxing at the lodge, indulging in some reading, or taking a peaceful nap. Lunch will be
served at the lodge, providing a delicious mid-day meal. At 1400 hours, you’ll embark on a private afternoon game drive that seamlessly transitions into an evening safari, allowing you to experience the magic of the bush as the sun sets and nocturnal creatures become active. The drive concludes at 1930 hours, and you’ll return to the lodge for a sumptuous dinner, capping off a day filled with adventure and culinary delights. Meals for the day include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, ensuring you are well-nourished throughout your safari experience.
Lookout for: elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion, leopard, African wild dog; Birds: Woodland Kingfisher, Scops
Owl, Crested Barbet, Marico Sunbird, Spotted-backed Weaver and White-throated Robin

Day 3 :- Ngala Private Game Reserve; 2hr transfer to Hoyo Hoyo; PM: Imbali private concession within Kruger NP

Your day starts with an early morning wake-up call. From 0600 to 0900 hours, enjoy tea, coffee, and
snacks before your ranger takes you on a private morning game drive in an open safari vehicle.
Afterward, return to the lodge for breakfast and then check out. At 1045 hours, your driver will meet you
for a private transfer to Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge, approximately a two-hour drive. Lunch is served at the
lodge from 1300 hours, and check-in is at 1400 hours. From 1500 to 1930 hours, experience a private afternoon game drive that may extend into the early evening to view nocturnal animals. After the drive, enjoy dinner at the lodge. You will stay overnight at Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge (unfenced) in a 5-star suite, with two nights of private game drives included.
Lookout for: Big 5, wild dogs, leopard, elephants; Birds: Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill, Crested Barbet
and Burchell’s Glossy Starling.

Day 4 :- Morning and afternoon Game drives in Mluwati concession and Imbali concession

Your day begins with an early morning wake-up call. From 0600 hours onwards, enjoy tea, coffee, andsnacks before your ranger escorts you to an open safari vehicle for a private morning game drive. The timings and duration of the game drives will be discussed with you, including whether you prefer a packed lunch for the day. After the morning drive, return to the lodge for breakfast. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, or continue with more safari activities as desired. Lunch will be served at the lodge. In the afternoon, embark on another private game drive, which will continue into the evening, providing opportunities to observe both diurnal and nocturnal wildlife. Dinner will be served at the lodge after your evening adventure.

Day 5 :- Imbali concession; 3hr Transfer to Idube. PM: Idube Game Reserve

Your day begins with an early morning wake-up call. From 0600 to 0900 hours, enjoy tea, coffee, and
snacks before your ranger escorts you to an open safari vehicle for a private morning game drive. After this exciting start to the day, return to the lodge for breakfast and check out. At approximately 1030 hours, your driver will meet you for a private transfer to Idube Game Reserve, a journey of about three hours. Upon arrival, you will check in and have lunch at the lodge at 1400 hours. From 1600 to 1900 hours, participate in a scheduled and shared afternoon game drive, which may extend into the early evening to view nocturnal animals. After the game drive, dinner will be served at the lodge. You will stay overnight at Idube Game Reserve in the Makubela Suite, a 4-star accommodation, for two nights.

Day 6 :- Morning and afternoon Game drives in Idube Game Reserve

Your day begins with an early morning wake-up call, setting the stage for an exciting safari adventure.
From 0600 to 0900 hours, you will enjoy tea, coffee, and snacks before being escorted by your ranger to an open safari vehicle for a scheduled and shared morning game drive. This early expedition offers the chance to observe wildlife in their natural habitat during the prime hours of activity. After the drive, return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax, explore, or engage in optional activities provided by the lodge. A delightful lunch will be served at the lodge. In the afternoon, from 1600 to 1900 hours, you will embark on another scheduled and shared game drive, which continues into the evening, providing a unique opportunity to see both diurnal and nocturnal animals. After this thrilling experience, return to the lodge for a delicious dinner, concluding a day filled with memorable
wildlife encounters and excellent dining.

Lookout for: Big 5, leopard, elephants, giraffe, impalas, zebras, wildebeest, hyaenas and jackals; Birds:
Pearl spotted owlet, pale chanting goshawk, endangered ground hornbill.

Day 7 :- Idube Game Reserve; 1hr 15min transfer to Sabi Sabi bush Lodge. PM: Game drive in Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve

Your safari journey commences with an early wake-up call at 0600 hours, signaling the start of an
exhilarating day amidst the African wilderness. Following a refreshing selection of tea, coffee, and
snacks, your ranger will escort you on a scheduled and shared morning game drive in an open safari vehicle, offering prime opportunities to witness wildlife in their natural habitat. After the drive, return to the lodge for a satisfying breakfast. Post-breakfast, prepare for your departure and at around 1100 hours, your private driver will meet you for a picturesque transfer to Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, approximately a 1 hour and 15-minute drive away.
Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, situated in the Sabie Game Reserve in the South-Western section of the Greater Kruger National Park, is a wildlife oasis where you can observe at close quarters the age-old natural relationship between predator and prey. Upon arrival at Sabi Sabi, check-in is at 1230 hours, followed by a delectable lunch served at 1300 hours. In the afternoon, from 1600 to 1900 hours, join a scheduled and shared afternoon game drive, extending into the early evening for a chance to observe nocturnal animals. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at the lodge, reminiscing over the day’s wildlife encounters and adventures under the starlit African sky.
Nestled in luxurious surroundings, you will enjoy a two-night stay in a 5-star Luxury Suite at Sabi Sabi
Bush Lodge.

Day 8 :- Morning and afternoon Game drives in Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve

Your adventure begins with an early morning wake-up call at 0600 hours, signaling the start of an exciting
day on safari. After enjoying a selection of tea, coffee, and snacks, your knowledgeable ranger will accompany you on a scheduled and shared morning game drive in an open safari vehicle from 0600 to 0900 hours. This guided expedition offers prime opportunities to spot wildlife in their natural habitat, capturing the essence of the African bush during its most active period. Returning to the lodge after the morning drive, you’ll indulge in a hearty breakfast, recharging for the day ahead. With the afternoon at leisure, you can choose to relax at the lodge, explore the surroundings, or partake in optional activities
offered by the lodge. A satisfying lunch will be served, providing a midday break amidst your safari adventures. In the late afternoon, from 1600 to 1900 hours, join a scheduled and shared afternoon game drive that extends into the evening. This part of the day offers a chance to witness the transition from diurnal to nocturnal wildlife activity, providing unique sightings and photo opportunities. After the drive, return to the lodge for a delightful dinner, where you can share stories of the day’s discoveries and experiences with fellow travelers, under the African night sky.

Lookout for: Lions, Southern White and Southern Black Rhino, Leopard, wild dogs.
Birds: Woodland Kingfisher falls into, accompanied by the lesser seen Grey-headed Kingfisher, Saddle-
billed Stork, Greater-painted Snipe, European Bee-eater, Southern Ground Hornbill (Zazu), White Stork

Day 9 :- Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve; 3hr private transfer to Lukimbi safari lodge; PM: Private game drive in Lukimbi

Start your day with a 0600 hours wake-up call followed by tea, coffee, and snacks before joining a scheduled morning game drive until 0900 hours. After breakfast at the lodge, check out and at approximately 1000 hours, embark on a scenic three-hour private transfer to Lukimbi Safari Lodge. Arrive around 1300 hours for lunch and check-in. Enjoy a private afternoon game drive from 1500 to 1900
hours, offering opportunities to view both diurnal and nocturnal animals. Wrap up your day with dinner at
the lodge, reflecting on your wildlife encounters in the African wilderness.

Day 10 :- Full day private safari in the private Lukimbi concession

Your safari day begins with an early morning wake-up call, setting the tone for a full day of adventure.
From 0600 to 1900 hours, you’ll have exclusive use of a private safari vehicle, allowing flexibility in planning your day’s activities. The previous evening, coordinate with your driver guide and lodge to customize your itinerary and discuss lunch preferences. After enjoying tea, coffee, and snacks, your ranger will accompany you on a private morning game drive in an open safari vehicle, offering
unparalleled opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. Following the morning drive, return to
the lodge for a satisfying breakfast. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure, whether relaxing at the lodge or continuing with additional safaris and activities available. Lunch will be served at the lodge, providing a break during your day of exploration. In the afternoon,  embark on another private game drive that extends into the evening, providing a chance to witness both diurnal and nocturnal animals as the day transitions. Conclude your adventure-filled day with a delightful dinner at the lodge, reflecting on the day’s wildlife sightings and experiences.
Lookout for: Wild dogs, cheetahs, leopards; Birds: Grey Loerie, spook voel, black sunbird, yellowfronted
tinker barbet, Ayres’ cisticola. Other notable bird records for the area include the pennantwinged nightjar,
redcollared widow and bush shrike. Among the riverine bird species found here – also uncommon in other
areas of the reserve – are the purple crested turaco, green Pigeon, African fish eagle, African goshawk,
whitecrowned plover, black duck, halfcollared kingfisher, whitefronted bee-eater, trumpeter hornbill, natal
robin and bearded robin.

Day 11 :- Private game drive in Lukimbi + 2hr30mins transfer to Nelspruit airstrip

Your safari departure day begins with an early morning wake-up call at 0600 hours. After tea, coffee, and
snacks, your ranger will escort you to his open safari vehicle for a shortened morning game drive, ensuring you have ample time to return to the lodge for a quick bite to eat and check-out. If preferred, the lodge can prepare a snack pack for you to take along instead of dining at the lodge. Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before checking out. At 09h00, your private driver will meet you for a transfer to Nelspruit, which is approximately a 2.5-hour drive. Arrive in Nelspruit in time for your flight from Kruger Mpumalanga (MQP) International Airport to Johannesburg.
This concludes your safari experience, ensuring a smooth transition from the African wilderness to your
onward journey.

Package cost

₹Cost on Request

Inclusions / Exclusions

What is included

All game drives (shared and private) and permits

10nights stay in lodges and camps as mentioned with all meals

Inter camp transfers

Flights from JNB to Kruger and back.

What is not included

Refer to the Terms and conditions for outbound tours

Weather Info

Summer months (November to March) are hot and humid. Temperatures start to cool slightly in April, where the winter months (May to June) are warm with cold nights. July to September is very dry, with cold night and early morning / late afternoon temperatures. Spring (September to October) is very dry, with hot winds.

Get your timing right!

For the ardent wildlifer, here’s a tip to help you choose the right time to visit
Kruger National Park:

The ideal time for a tracking or walking safari (in the private reserves) is during winter when it’s cooler in the middle of the day: May to September.
Summer is the best time for a photographic safari as landscapes are greener and watering holes fuller: Sep to March.
Although offered year-round, night drives are ideal during the winter months when the grass is shorter: April to August
The ideal time to view baby animals in the bush is during summer, usually at the start of the rainy season: Nov to Feb.
Best game viewing, as animals gather around waterholes and are easier to spot in the thinned-out bush: May to October.
Year-round birding, but if you want to see lots of birds then summer is best when the migrant birds return: October to March.

Note

GENERAL NOTES:
1. In the above itinerary, inter lodge transfers are a mix of game drives and road drives and usually done post breakfast, so as to reach the next lodge in time for lunch and the afternoon game drive there.
2. This 11 day safari is a mix of private and shared game drives, due to availability of vehicles and to optimize the costs while also giving you the opportunity for enjoying exclusive game drives
3. Children under 12 years are not allowed in some lodges like Hoyo Hoyo. Alternate, child friendly lodges will be offered in case you are traveling with children below 12 years of age.
4. Some lodges are unfenced, so it is not advisable to walk around alone after dark. Our guides will escort you to and from dinner.
5. Walks are available to our guests in some lodges in private concessions accompanied by highly qualified guides (can be requested in advance at an additional charge subject to logistics).
6. There is Wi-Fi available in some lodges only and that too in the guest area only. There is no cellphone signal at some lodges (eg Hoyo Hoyo), allowing complete relaxation for the guests.
The suites offer a radio link to the manager at the lodge. In case you want wifi connection and telephone access in every place of stay, do let us know in advance and we will recommend lodges that have such connectivity.
7. All clients must take out comprehensive travel insurance covering them for personal effects, personal accident, medical and emergency travel expenses, cancellation and curtailment.
8. In order to comply with international insurance requirements all airline tickets must clearly show the passenger’s title, surname, name and initial (as indicated in their passport). Please also provide us with this information at the time of confirmation.
9. Foreigner passport holders planning to travel to South Africa now require a minimum of two (2) blank visa pages in their passport to enable the entry visa to be issued.  If there is insufficient space in the passport, entry will be denied & the person is likely to be detained pending return to their country of origin.
10. Please note new baggage regulations at OR Tambo International Airport:
1. Only regular-shaped bags will be allowed at check-in counters.
2. Check-in bags must have at least one flat surface to be accepted on the check-in system
3. Round or irregular-shaped bags will not be allowed at check-in counters
4. Luggage with long straps will not be allowed at check-in counters

Terms and conditions

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