$799 pp (USD)
This tour is offered in ZAR.
Show rate in ZAR
Arrival
Arrival
Day 1
A 5-6 hr road transfer from Johannesburg to the tented bushcamp for lunch and afternoon game drive
A 5-6 hr road transfer from Johannesburg to the tented bushcamp for lunch and afternoon game drive
The shared road transfer from Johannesburg departs at 7:30 am. After a 5 -6 hour journey, you will arrive at the Three Bridges Restaurant overlooking the Olifants River. From here, it is only a short drive to nDzuti Tented Bushcamp. A late lunch is served in the shady gardens. Accommodation is in mini Meru-style tents (cottage style) with a private, outdoor bathroom alongside. The tents are furnished with beds, bedside tables, mats, reading lamps and luggage racks. The tented patio has chairs and a table and looks out over a waterhole.
After lunch we set off on the afternoon game drive of about 3 hours, returning after dark. We cross a large section of Balule Game Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger Park, with a pleasing diversity of landscapes, from rocky outcrops to river frontage and hence, the corresponding wildlife is varied and rewarding. All of the Big Five are found in this area and the chances of seeing them are good, but never guaranteed. Many other animals also abound here.
- Main Destination:
- Balule Private Nature Reserve (Greater Kruger)
- Accommodation:
- nDzuti Bush Camp
Wildlife in Balule NR
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
A full day in Balule staying in the tented camp with game drives in the morning and evening
A full day in Balule staying in the tented camp with game drives in the morning and evening
Go on an early morning game drive in an open safari vehicle with a knowledgeable and enthusiastic ranger guide. Explore the vast area of Balule Nature Reserve, making up a part of the Greater Kruger Park. This area is well-known for its regular lion sightings and plentiful elephant herds. There is also the possibility of seeing less common animals like the klipspringer which is specially adapted to living on rocky outcrops, as well as the regal sable antelope. The drive is about 3 hours with stops for refreshments along the way, and maybe a short stroll where you interpret animal tracks.
Breakfast may be a surprise picnic set out in a shady grove if the weather allows. Relax in the camp during the heat of the day at the splash pool or in the upstairs lounge, keeping an eye on the waterhole where animals come to drink. Enjoy a light lunch and then an afternoon/night game drive. After dinner, take a hot shower under the stars before climbing into bed, sleeping under canvas in the bush.
- Main Destination:
- Balule Private Nature Reserve (Greater Kruger)
- Accommodation:
- nDzuti Bush Camp
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
A thrilling guided walk on the tracks of big game and afternoon/night game drive
A thrilling guided walk on the tracks of big game and afternoon/night game drive
At dawn, we drive out of the camp. While driving, we check the sandy roads for fresh animal tracks that give us an indication of where the animals are and what went down during the night. Telltale tracks or "spoor" are fascinating to interpret and to estimate the age of the animals. During the bush walk, we often stop to examine spoor and visualise the sequence of events. We also stop for birds to listen to their calls and other sounds, learn about fascinating insect actions, discover the natural vegetation and its traditional uses and hopefully see some mammals.
Enjoy an open-air shower back in the camp and test your new birding skills. Have a light lunch and maybe a G&T to punctuate midday, and perhaps a nap before the afternoon drive. This is nature-based relaxation of the simple kind. After the afternoon game drive, we have dinner in the boma alongside the fire, listening to the sounds of the night.
- Main Destination:
- Balule Private Nature Reserve (Greater Kruger)
- Accommodation:
- nDzuti Bush Camp
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Wake to coffee at the fire, a last morning game drive and breakfast before meeting the shuttle back
Wake to coffee at the fire, a last morning game drive and breakfast before meeting the shuttle back
Meet your guide and fellow travellers for coffee at the fire as dawn breaks, listening for the last calls of the animals of the night. Set out on the last morning game drive, hoping to check off the last few species on your wishlist. Enjoy a last outdoor shower and a full breakfast before departing for the shuttle stop on the Olifants River. Proceed with your transfer back to Johannesburg and the airport.
- Main Destination:
- Johannesburg (City)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
