“Big Five” Heaven!

Kruger has a stellar reputation for being one of Africa's great wildlife reserves. It harbors a huge variety of animals in astonishing numbers, including the celebrated "Big Five" (elephant, leopard, lion, rhino, and Cape Buffalo) and many other predators. Since Kruger also attracts lots of visitors, we take this classic safari-a "must" for any visit to Southern Africa-one step fruther.

You will visit a private reserve adjoining the park (part of the Kruger ecosystem). No fences encircle these areas, so the animals roam freely. Here you'll go on early morning and evening game drives, take short bush walks, and in between enjoy the ambiance of a deluxe intimate lodge. And because these are private reserves, you'll be far from the crowds and have the special opportunity for night drives.

Choose between Simbambili Game Lodge or the more upscale Leopard Hills: each lodge boasts gorgeous views of the surrounding African veld, while thatch-roof chalets feature a deck leading to individual plunge pools (not quite big enough to do laps in, but great for cooling off!).

Other "Build Your Own" African Adventures
We've selected our favorites of the best wildlife areas and exclusive tented camps and lodges in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. Choose two or more and create the safari of your dreams!
Botswana: Kalahari Desert Private Adventure
Botswana: Okavango & Linyanti Flying Safari Private Adventure
Malawi: Lake Malawi Private Adventure
Mozambique: Bazaruto Archipelago Private Adventure
Namibia: Exploring the Sand Dunes of Sossusvlei Private Adventure
Namibia: Skeleton Coast Private Adventure
South Africa: Cape Town Private Adventure
South Africa: Kruger "Giving Back" Private Adventure
Zambia: Safari Kafue National Park Private Adventure
Zambia: Walking in Zambia Private Adventure

Combine this trip with other journeys in Africa to create the ultimate dream safari vacation.

Activities

Game viewing by vehicle, optional nature walks and night tours

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• See the "Big Five" in one of Africa's greatest wildlife reserves
• By pass the crowds and visit a private reserve adjoining the park where the animals roam freely
• Enjoy a relaxing evening at one of two beautiful lodges

2010 PRICES

Premier Accommodation—Leopard Hills
$3,995 per person (2 or more members)

Classic Accommodation—Mala Mala
$1,995 per person (2 or more members)

Duration: 4 days Start Location: Johannesburg End Location: Johannesburg Best time to go: May - September

Itinerary

• Day 1 : Kruger National Park

  You will be met at Johannesburg international airport and assisted to your flight from a regional airport servicing Sabi Sand Game Reserve. From here you will be transferred by road to the lodge of your choice in Sabi Sand, a private game reserve bordering Kruger National Park.

• Days 2 - 3 : Kruger National Park

  Each morning you’ll awake early for a game drive in an open 4x4 safari vehicle. Sunrise is a magical moment in the Kruger bushveld and the game is active. You’ll have the chance to see a tremendous variety of birds and wildlife: lion, elephant, giraffe, leopard, antelope, river-going hippos, rhinos—the works.You’ll also have the chance to see wild dogs (the Cape hunting dogs), one of the rarest predators in Africa.

  Kruger’s habitats range from mopane red bushwillow scrub and open savannas to the deep bush of mixed forest—the full range of lowveld habitats. Return to the lodge for breakfast. Afterwards, game walks are available to see the endemic birds, ungulates, and small mammals. Lunch is served at the lodge, and you may wish to take a dip in the plunge pool during the heat of the day or just relax and take a nap.

  In the late afternoon, you’ll enjoy another game drive that develops into a night drive during which a spotlight is used to reveal some of the nocturnal creatures, such as aardvarks, aardwolves, porcupines, and bushbabies. Predators are also more active at night. Back at the lodge, you’ll enjoy dinner served around the campfire under the stars.

• Day 4 : Depart

  This morning, enjoy a morning game drive or hike. Road transfer to the regional airport to connect with your flight to Johannesburg and your next destination.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

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