Luxurious Greater Kruger Safari
6 nights in two Private Reserves, forming part of the Greater Kruger. Excellent game viewing, and a good Cape Town add-on
Day 1
Upon arrival at Hoedspruit Airport, a representative of Pondoro Game Lodge will meet you, and transfer you to the Lodge, approximately 1 hour's drive away. Pondoro Game Lodge lies on the banks of the Oliphant's River in Balule Private Game Reserve. Balule Private Game Reserve or Balule Nature Reserve is home to the Big Five and famous for its abundance of African wildlife. Balule shares an unfenced border with the renowned Kruger National Park, and was created when farm owners decided to drop the game fences between their farms. It is the ideal place to see leopards, rhinos, lions, elephants and Balule’s namesakes, magnificent herds of buffalo. Situated on an idyllic stretch of land that envelops the Orange River, the park is home to a high concentration of wildebeest, waterbuck and giraffe, which attract the majority of lion kills. Although only recently established, the reserve is quickly becoming a prime safari destination. Open vehicle game drives and expertly guided game walks guarantee good sightings in a completely wild and natural environment. Pondoro offers its visitors comfort, sophistication, elegance and a canvas on which to create a truly unforgettable African safari. This small, exclusive 16-bed game lodge fits the mould perfectly with 8 chalets spread out along the largest perennial river in Kruger National Park. Pondoro’s attractive, comfortable and air-conditioned chalets, designed by a leading architect, are nestled amidst the cooling breeze of riverine vegetation, including pristine Jackalberry and Leadwood trees. You will stay in a Luxury Suite. Meals are an extraordinary culinary experience where traditional African cuisine fuses effortlessly with modern European trends. Select any of the fine wines from the award winning wine cellar to compliment the food. All meals are served on a wooden deck high up in the tree canopy overlooking the Oliphant's River. Days 2 and 3 Situated in the exclusive Balule Private Game Reserve, Pondoro Game Lodge is the perfect setting for unforgettable game viewing. With Hippo and Crocodile sightings a certainty, you will also enjoy encounters with Lion, Leopard and Buffalo along with that of beloved African game such as Giraffe, Zebra and a wide variety of antelope. You are also likely to spot the lesser-known creatures such as the Caracal, Honey Badger, and Red Duiker, Sharpe's Grysbok, Bush Pig and the Klipspringer. With over 450 species of birds identified in the valley of the Oliphant's, this is surely a birder's paradise. A morning and evening safari every day in open safari cruisers in search of the Big 5 (lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo) and other plains game are conducted by expert rangers and trackers and promise an unforgettable safari. The vehicles in the concession are limited and with only 2 allowed at a sighting, exclusivity is ensured. During your stay, all meals, 2 game drives and a bush walk are included. Vertical Divider
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Day 4
After breakfast, you will be transferred back to Hoedspruit Airport by a representative of the Lodge, where a representative of Kapama Karula Lodge will be waiting to transfer you to the Lodge. Kapama Private Game Reserve is one of the largest in Limpopo with abundant Big Five game, along with many other mammal species and around 350 types of birds. Expert game rangers and trackers take guests on a journey into the bush for thrilling close encounters. This intimate lodge accommodates just 24 people in secluded en-suite luxury safari tents or chalets. The riverside setting is shady and ideal for watching game at the water's edge. Kapama Karula has five superior suites, each exquisitely decorated and with generous private space. These suites measure 130 m² each, with an opulent en-suite bathroom featuring indoor and outdoor showers, his and hers basins, and a bath. Standard in each superior suite is a minibar stocked with a selection of fine wines and champagne, a Nespresso coffee machine, a lock-up safe, an international adaptor, a Wi-Fi connection and an iPod docking station. For guest comfort and convenience, each suite has a telephone, overhead fan and air conditioning, as well as a gas-heated fireplace for cool winter nights. The superior suites are wrapped by glass sliding doors, which enable seamless views over the Klaserie River. Each suite also has its own outside deck area, with a full-size heated swimming pool and sun loungers for relaxation. The feature swimming pool offers a peaceful place to refresh and recharge between game drives. For total relaxation, transfers can be made to the Kapama Wellness Centre at Kapama River Lodge for luxurious Spa treatments or a work out at the top class gym. There are hot and cold meal choices for breakfast and lunch, while dinner is served around the camp fire in the traditional circular Boma (open-air enclosure). Days 5 and 6 The Klaserie River and surrounding vegetation offers a superb habitat for Leopard, Hippo and Crocodile. This water source attracts many game species within the Reserve. Guests at Kapama Karula Lodge can enjoy excellent game viewing from the veranda and guest areas which are raised over the riverside. Two daily game drives are part of the fully inclusive tariff and your skilled ranger and tracker do their best to find the animals of Africa for you to admire. Bush walks after breakfast. Explore the environment with your ranger, learn about curative properties of plants and identify animals from their footprints and dung. Large game is avoided when on foot but animals can often be seen from a safe distance. Please note that this will be done under ranger discretion. Additional activities - at an additional price: Spa treatments; Hot air ballooning; Elephant back safaris; Hoedspruit Centre for Endangered Species; Romantic Sleep out in the Reserve Day 7 A representative of Kapama Karula will transfer you to Hoedspruit Airport in time to check in for your onward flight. |
Included in this Safari:
• Road transfer from Hoedspruit Airport to Pondoro Game Lodge
• 3 Nights at Pondoro Game Lodge in an en-suite Luxury Suite
• Three meals per day, morning and afternoon game drives, a bush walk
• Road transfer from Pondoro Game Lodge to Kapama Karula Camp
• 3 Nights at Kapama Karula in an en-suite Superior Suite
• All meals, teas, snacks, twice daily game activities, drinks on activities
• Road transfer from Kapama Karula to Hoedspruit Airport
Not Included:
• Travel and medical insurance
• Visa requirements
• Drinks not mentioned and laundry
• Balule park entry fee of ZAR50.00 each
• Flights
• Gratuities and items of a personal nature
• Road transfer from Hoedspruit Airport to Pondoro Game Lodge
• 3 Nights at Pondoro Game Lodge in an en-suite Luxury Suite
• Three meals per day, morning and afternoon game drives, a bush walk
• Road transfer from Pondoro Game Lodge to Kapama Karula Camp
• 3 Nights at Kapama Karula in an en-suite Superior Suite
• All meals, teas, snacks, twice daily game activities, drinks on activities
• Road transfer from Kapama Karula to Hoedspruit Airport
Not Included:
• Travel and medical insurance
• Visa requirements
• Drinks not mentioned and laundry
• Balule park entry fee of ZAR50.00 each
• Flights
• Gratuities and items of a personal nature