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4 Night/ 5 Day Kruger Vintage Safari
The Kruger National Park is the flagship of South Africa’s national parks and rated as the ultimate safari experience. By far the largest game reserve in South Africa, it is larger than Israel – nearly 2 million hectares of land that stretch for 352 kilometres (20 000 square kilometres) from north to south along the Mozambique border. It is considered to give you an almost indescribable wildlife experience. Certainly, it ranks as one of the best in Africa. Safaris in the Greater Kruger Park offers a unique range of luxury game lodges, safaris, activities and tours to make your wildlife experience nothing short of incredible.
In terms of wildlife, Kruger National Park is one of the world’s greatest national parks. The diversity, density and sheer numbers of animals are almost unparalleled, and all of Africa’s iconic safari species live out their dramatic days here, along with a supporting cast of 137 other mammals and over 500 varieties of birds.
The only way you can experience the magnificence of the Kruger Park is to come and experience it for yourself. The best time for wildlife viewing in Kruger Park is during the dry months of June to September when the vegetation is less thick. August to September is a recommended time as temperatures are higher than in mid-winter and the animals are concentrated around water sources, making for excellent game viewing.
Guernsey Private Nature Reserve
Superbly located outside the popular & safe tourist hub of Hoedspruit, we are centrally located for easy access to the Orpen Gate of the Kruger National Park and the Blyde River Canyon. Guernsey Private Nature Reserve is over 400 hectare of prime bushveld on the borders of the Greater Kruger National Park. Surrounded on all side by big 5 reserves, we delight in some of the sightings that provides while still being able to enjoy guided bush walks.
Set in the lush province of Limpopo, neighboring the world-renowned Kruger National Park and set roughly halfway between Mbombela and Phalaborwa, this private conservancy invites visitors from around the world to experience an authentic African safari experience. Guernsey Private Reserve is acclaimed for its unspoilt natural beauty and its variety of wildlife. Home to the Big Five, the reserve offers visitors the opportunity to tick this once in a lifetime experience off their bucket list.
Other commonly spotted species include buffalo, crocodile, rhino, hippo, cheetah, lion, wild dog, zebras, leopard, elephant, and honey badgers. Travellers can also see several unique geological formations such as the spectacular Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window, the Pinnacle, Bourke's Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels.
Sabi Sands Reviews
Sabisandlodges has been amazing in creating a dream holiday!!! They were attentive, quick to respond and arranged everything for us
Sabisandlodges has been amazing in creating a dream holiday!!! They were attentive, quick to respond and arranged everything for us in great detail!!
Thank you so much for arranging all our travel - Ulusaba, amazing. The pick ups were great - through vumba tours!!
The La Rochelle tours were fantastic too. Drivers were helpful, friendly and professional.
Really enjoyed our experiences and everyone involved made it even better!!!!
We’ve have just come back from a 3 night stay at earth lodge. One word incredible. We got to see
...read more
We’ve have just come back from a 3 night stay at earth lodge. One word incredible. We got to see the big 5 and a lot more animals. The game drives were amazing. The Knowledge of the tracker (Donald) and our guide (Helen) was exceptional and they ensured we were able to see everything. We seen leopards, cheetahs and lions. You stop for a morning coffee out in the bush and sundowners in the evening, this was also excellently organised. The rooms are absolutely stunning with the biggest mini bar I’ve ever seen. The drink options are fantastic. Super comfortable rooms and luxurious. Food was superb. Each evening there was a different location for dinner excellently curated by the team at the hotel, with food prepared to a very high standard. We also used the gym facilities which were great. The service and operational standards at this hotel are exceptional. I would 100% stay at this lodge again it was such an incredible experience
What a memorable stay.
Our experience was perfect from start to finish. Booking the experience through Andy set the tone
What a memorable stay.
Our experience was perfect from start to finish. Booking the experience through Andy set the tone for the stress-free bush experience.
From the vanilla scented towels, to the delicious food, exciting game drives and phenomenal staff, our stay at Shiduli was magical from the second we arrived and lives in our hearts long after we left.
Your helpful staff greeted us as we arrived and and were with us every step of the way... literally. We were escorted to our private villa by Gary, who my children absolutely adored. Richard, in the bar was on form and Gogo Dorris had faith that we would see lions... which we did.
Thandy and Karen were friendly, professional and made us feel like old friends. We will definitely be back and will bring our friends and family so they can share in this beautiful gem.
Our experience with Max from Sabi Sands Lodges was brilliant. His recommendation and attention to details were excellent. We highly
...read moreOur experience with Max from Sabi Sands Lodges was brilliant. His recommendation and attention to details were excellent. We highly recommend booking with Sabi Sands Lodges as it saved us time & effort. Experience counts and Max's knowledge was invaluable.
Recommendations were great and all the arrangements worked smoothly. Andy was always reachable and receptive to requests and modification. 100%
...read moreRecommendations were great and all the arrangements worked smoothly. Andy was always reachable and receptive to requests and modification. 100% recommended.
TOUR ITINERARY
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Greater Kruger Park Big 5 game drive
Shuttle transfers from Johannesburg airport at 06:45 to the lodge.
Africa has always captured the imagination of the world. Travelers from all walks of life have travelled great distances to come up close and personal with the magical ambience that is unique to this continent. Upon your arrival at Thornhill safari Lodge, we welcome you to our world class lodge and help you to settle into camp. Following this, you can look forward to a scrumptious lunch smack in the middle of the African bushveld.
Now is the time to relax and take in the sounds and sights of the African wilderness, before heading out on a late afternoon and early evening game drive. We track elusive creatures of the night while being guided by state-of-the-art spotlights. Always under the guidance of our seasoned rangers, you will learn about nature’s finer details while tracking game and learning about the diverse species making up this fascinating eco-system.
Upon returning from our drive, we enjoy a traditional African Boma dinner experiencing a around the campfire, while letting the sounds of the African night wash over you. (Weather permitting)
Day 2
Full day Kruger Park Safari
Look forward to an early rise as you are met by our team of friendly safari guides. This is where you depart for the highly anticipated Kruger National Park adventure, which is sure to leave you changed for the better. The Kruger National Park is truly the crowning jewel of South Africa’s national parks network, providing more than 2 million of unspoiled and unrivalled diversity of its many life forms. Enjoy the sights and sounds that this world famous park has to offer. The Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 517 birds and 147 mammals.
However, your safari experience isn’t done yet! This is the part where we explore some of the best game drive routes that the Kruger has to offer. After a morning of fun exploration, we stop off at a remote site where you enjoy a fun picnic brunch. After brunch, the rest of the day is spent exploring the many different Kruger view points and waterholes along the way. Following a memorable day of exploration and experiences, we return to the modern comforts of Thornhill Safari Lodge, we enjoy yet another taste of traditional African cuisine before retiring to the peaceful sounds of the African bush for the night.
Day 3
Leisure day
This is your day for leisure. Relax at the Lodge as you enjoy the African sun, lounge around our welcoming pool and sip on delicious cocktails all day, or partake in the various optional activities. These include taking an exciting Big Five game walk, or visiting a local animal rehabilitation centre or simply spending the day reading under the shade of our famous Marula trees.
Day 4
Game drive and Panorama Route
Enjoy tasty homemade rusks before heading out on an early morning game drive to a neighboring Reserve. Seeing as this isn’t a Big Five reserve, we can now place emphasis on all the other wonderful and interesting animal species, including the birds and reptiles that inhabit this magnificent area.
We depart the private reserve and enjoy spending the rest of the day exploring the sights along the Drakensberg Escarpment’s Panoramic Route, including the Blyde River Canyon, Three Rondawels, Gods Window and a few quaint little villages along the way. Following this, we make the trek back to Thornhill in the late afternoon in time to freshen up before again enjoying some delicious bushveld cooking.
Day 5
Nature Walk
Rising early we head off on a game walk where you can explore the reserve on foot. Our rangers know how to entertain guests with fascinating facts as they lead you in tracking game in the wild.
After a tasty breakfast, shuttle transfers from the lodge at 17:30 to Johannesburg airport.
What to pack:
- Comfortable light clothing for summer months, including a swimming costume.
- A very warm jacket for game drives during winter – conditions can be chilly!
- Walking shoes and socks.
- Sunhat, sunglasses and sunscreen (the African sun is harsh for the unprotected body).
- Camera and plenty of film/ memory space.
- A good book.
INCLUDES
- Four nights’ accommodation in en-suite chalets
- Meals as per itinerary
- Afternoon Big 5 game drive – departs at 2pm
- Full day game drive in Kruger in open vehicle
- Morning game drive in private reserve (not Big 5)
- Tour of the Drakensberg Escarpment and Blyde River Canyon
- Morning bush walk
EXCLUDES
- Transfers and gate fees into conservancy
- Optional activities
- Drinks
- Gratuities
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FOOD, DRINK AND CUISINE ADVICE
Standards of hygiene in relation to food health and safety in South Africa, are generally high in hotels, restaurants, pubs and nightspots. Tap water in South Africa is safe to drink and cook with when taken from taps in urban areas. Not all tap water in rural areas is safe for consumption, so take precautions if necessary.
It is safe to eat fresh fruit, vegetables and salads, and put ice in your drinks. South Africa's fish, meat and chicken are of excellent quality, so there is no need to limit yourself when enjoying the local cuisine. Restaurants are subject to South Africa's food safety control legislation, which is implemented by local government. Regulations include certification and regular inspections by health inspectors to ensure hygienic standards are maintained.
Street food is not as common in South Africa as it is in other countries, although vendors selling traditional snacks and meals can be found in city centers and townships. Food safety in such instances cannot always be guaranteed.
INTERNET AVAILABILITY
Most accommodation offer Wi-Fi (free or paid) in their business centers, rooms or restaurants. Internet cafes are found in most business areas and shopping malls. In addition, some South African restaurants offer WiFi access (free or paid).There are also outlets such as PostNet that offer internet, fax and postage facilities.
ELECTRIC PLUG STANDARDS
Electrical sockets in South Africa usually supply electricity at 230 volts AC / 50 Hz frequency. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 230 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliance isn’t compatible with 230 volts, a voltage converter will be necessary.