Kruger Park Safari 5 Day Itinerary

B D Refers to meals provided - Breakfast and Dinner.

Departing at 07.00hrs. You travel east for four hours to 'Nelspruit'. At Nelspruit you have an opportunity to stock up the cooler box with drinks, film, snacks, etc. We continue driving for one hour to the game rich southern region of Kruger Park and enter the park at Crocodile Bridge at approx 13.00hrs.

We spend the afternoon game viewing following the Sabi River. The animals tend to move towards the Sabi River in the afternoon to quench their thirst from the sun's heat - you see herds of Impala or Waterbuck drinking at the waters edge. A herd of Elephant cross the river, splashing, play fighting once they arrive on the far side. Crocodiles are seen basking in the afternoon sun; mouths open regulating their body temperatures. A grunt from a Hippo is heard, we find them in a shallow section of the river sleeping with the biggest male keeping an eye on his territory and his females. This first game drive up the Sabi River sets up what's yet to come.

Arriving at 'Skukuza' camp just before the entrance gates close for the evening, you check in, move into your chalet to freshen up, ready for your first safari dinner. Your dinner is prepared, cooked and served outside under the stars. Traditional South African meals are prepared giving you a taste of our delicious, barbeque cuisine. D

The day starts early with a wake up call at 05.30hrs. At 06.00hrs the camp gates open so we can start the day's game viewing or you join a pre-booked National Parks morning 'Walking Safari'. For the game drive, we visit Lower Sabi camp at approx 10.00hrs when it's time to have some breakfast and of course, have a good stretch.

On the way your safari ranger found a Leopard walking on the edge of the road, marking it's territory by scenting trees and bushes. He's a big male, powerful. We slowly follow him as he proudly walks along the edge of the road. Later you see a White Rhino using a rubbing post then wanders off. Impala always next to or crossing the road. Three Lionesses on the road laying close to each other and then moving off into the bush. Later a Hyena crossed the road making it's way back to its den.

After breakfast at 'Lower Sabi' camp we continue game viewing, stopping off at water holes, following river lines, checking dams for the rest of the morning and early afternoon. Your safari rangers spots you lots of wildlife - a herd of Buffalo at a water hole, Eagles in the afternoon sky, Giraffes grazing off the acacia trees with their necks stretched to the limit. Birds are spotted all the time. We stop off at Nkombi lookout and enjoy this stunning view, seeing more Rhino in the distance. Zebra and Wildebeest grazing the open grass areas keeping a watchful eye out for predators. You see more Elephant passing near by.

Arriving back at camp for 16.00hrs you have a chance to stock up with drinks for your night drive, which departs from camp at 18.00hrs. A National Parks Board ranger in an open sided truck conducts the night drive, which lasts for approx three hours. On your return from your night drive at 21.00hrs your dinner would of been prepared, cooked and ready to be served outside under the stars. B D

Your safari ranger heard of a 'Lion Kill' happening the day before on the road to Satara camp. We make our way directly to the kill, we are one of the first to arrive. We position perfectly. A pride of seven Lions are still surrounding the carcass - a buffalo. Two Lionesses are feeding with the remaining Lions lazing with full stomachs, a few meters off.  A Hyena arrived but does not have the strength in numbers to irritate the Lions and push them off the kill. He'll have to wait till more Hyenas arrive. We wait and watch for an hour or so viewing the integration of the Lion pride with their kill. A black back Jackal arrives and darts in and out, picking up a few scraps of meat. 

We visit 'Tshokwane' picnic spot at approx 10.00hrs when it is time to have breakfast. We continue game viewing, stopping off at water holes, following the river lines and checking dams for the rest of the morning - you see loads of different wildlife.

We arrive at 'Satara' camp at 13.00hrs. You check in. You may wish to stay in camp and siesta the afternoon away or leave for an afternoon game drive with your safari ranger. At this time of the day it's hot so there is not much wildlife movement but it's still worth checking a few water holes and waiting for the sun to cool a little later in the afternoon.

After sinking a few beers or a glass of wine and after seeing more game we return back to 'Satara' camp just before the gates close for the evening/night. We meet up with those who had stayed in camp for the afternoon, return to your chalet to freshen up, ready for dinner and to further discuss the exciting day's events. B D

Day 4 Kruger Park - Satara Camp

The area around 'Satara' is good for Cheetah. Our morning game drive is spent driving around a few road loops around Satara. Your safari ranger spends some time searching for this splendid animal, stopping off at a few open plain areas, water holes etc.

We stop for a picnic breakfast. For the rest of the morning, we continue game viewing on a few more loops around Satara focussing on the Timbavati River loop. This area is good for all sorts of game with Elephant and Buffalo being most common.

Some time later we find two Cheetahs lying on a termite mound. Fantastic! It's not often you see Cheetah. We spend time with them taking photos each time they re-position on the termite mound.

Back at camp for 14.00hrs you can stock up with drinks and freshen up ready for a quick afternoon game drive. We decide to focus on the bird life. We see so many different birds of all sizes and colours. Finally arriving back at camp in time for your second night drive, with dinner on your return. B D

We start the morning's game viewing - loads of Impala are found. A troop of baboon block the road. We slowly drive through the baboons with our windows shut. More Elephant, close and in the distance, being destructive with their eating habits. A Steenbok standing in the middle of an open area. More Lions lazing around a base of a wild fig tree, the cubs playing with each other. A nice ending to the game drive.

We leave the park at 'Orpen Gate' at approx 08.00hrs and on our homeward bound journey; you enjoy the 'Panoramic Route' through the Drakensberg mountains. You will stop for a pancake breakfast at a small town called 'Graskop'. Afterwards, you visit God's Window, Berlin Falls, Bourkes Luck Potholes and the Blyde River Canyon, arriving back in Johannesburg at approx 17.00hrs - Another successful Big Five safari. B

South Africa Kruger Park Safari 5 Day Itinerary