4 Day Greater Kruger Budget Lodge Safari to Maseke

January 2, 2019January 2, 2019admin

Summary of this Budget Safari Package

Slip away for 4 days of relaxation in a traditional safari camp and exciting wildlife viewing drives in open, 4 x 4 safari vehicles. This 4 Day Greater Kruger Budget Lodge Safari to Maseke offers a great adventure that won’t break the budget.

There are surely few places in the world that can offer spectacular wildlife viewing, in a private, intimate reserve that has the advantage of open borders with other private reserves and the iconic Kruger National Park, so that the vast arena teems with wildlife moving through the undulating terrain. The advantage of staying in a private wildlife reserve means the lack of crowds and the excitement of your guide taking you off road into the bushveldt up close to all of the action. Watch the drama from the safety of your open, 4 x 4 safari vehicle which is in the hands of your armed, professional guides.

Between wildlife viewing relax in the comfort of your luxury tented accommodation or the family-friendly thatched chalet, located in an established garden complete with an inviting pool, a floodlit waterhole and a boma for al-fresco dining. Feel secure in the knowledge that the camp is fenced and safe from predators. This intimate camp can accommodate only twenty guests so it will never feel crowded and thanks to the attentive staff, the service is personal and friendly.

Itinerary for this Tour

Day 1: Johannesburg to Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa

Leaving Johannesburg early in the morning we head north-east to Three Bridges, Limpopo and our appointment with our guide who will be waiting to transfer us to an open, 4 x 4 safari vehicle for the last leg of our journey to our safari camp. On this final section of the journey, you will most likely have your first sightings of the wildlife that roam this vast area. Arriving at camp we settle in and then sit down to lunch and some relaxation whilst waiting for the afternoon to cool down before we embark on our first bush excursion.

Boarding our open safari vehicle we head out with our armed guides on the look-out for some exciting activity. It’s doubtful that you will be disappointed as the guides have an intimate knowledge of this area and the bush telegraph keeps them updated on any not to be missed sightings. They know all the best places to park to give you the best viewing spots and photo opportunities. With unfenced borders between Maseke, Kruger National Park and the other private reserves in Greater Kruger National Park there is a constant stream of wildlife on the move looking for the best grazing and waterholes. The Olifants River flows through Maseke and thirsty animals are drawn to its banks. Look out for the Big 5, antelope, giraffe, zebra, wild dog, spectacular birdlife and many more species to add to your sightings list.

We stop to watch the beautiful African sunset and indulge in sundowners and snacks, but as darkness falls we climb back into our vehicle and drive back to camp with our spotlight beam searching for the nocturnal animals who are beginning to stir. Dinner waits for us back at camp, served under the stars in the boma. We reflect on our day with our fellow travellers before heading off to bed to fall asleep to the sounds of the bushveldt.

Day 2 – 3: Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa

We are torn from our dreams by the sounds of African drums, our bushveldt alarm clock. The day starts early in the bush, as this is the best time to view wildlife, so after some restorative coffee and snacks we climb aboard our safari vehicle, cameras close at hand and head into the bush. Traversing the 9000 ha of Maseke we see first hand the interesting landscape that attracts the animals. The elephant herds head for the thickets of mopane trees, the antelope, baboon troupes and dassies are attracted to the rocky outcrops, which in turn attracts leopard. The open plains attract wildebeest, zebra and other plains game. This varied, undulating landscape is an ideal area for wildlife viewing. Our three-hour safari drive is broken with a stop for tea, juice, cake and fruit but the hearty breakfast waiting at camp is always a welcome sight.

On Day 3, after breakfast, a guide will offer a walk. Walking in the bush is an eye-opener and the guide will interpret the many signs and tracks left by animals going about their daily dramas of survival in the bush and explain how to estimate the ages and times of the sequence of events. He will also spend time birding and going into the fascinating vegetation and its traditional medicinal uses and folklore surrounding some plants. This area also has fascinating geology. Walking in Big 5 country has risks so the guide will be armed and competent in protecting guests, however, no children under 16 may go on the walks.

Now it’s time to chill, relax with a book, catch some rays, take a dip in the pool, find a spot near the waterhole for more wildlife viewing or take a rejuvenating nap in air-conditioned comfort. There’s still another foray into the bushveldt to be taken after lunch so relax and re-charge whilst you have the opportunity. We head out in the late afternoon, adding to our sightings’ list and photo collection. Once again we toast the sunset before heading back in the darkness, spotlight searching out the nocturnal animals. Back at camp we tuck into a hearty dinner and share exciting stories with our fellow guests of our day in the African bush.

Day 4: Greater Kruger National Park to Johannesburg, South Africa

Once again the drums alert us to the start of the day and our last opportunity to go in search of wildlife. We head out on our final three-hour drive armed with cameras and ready to capture each exciting moment. Back at camp, we are restored with a delicious breakfast and ready for our transfer back to Johannesburg. This 4 Day Greater Kruger Budget Lodge Safari to Maseke ends as we arrive back in Johannesburg.

About Maseke Game Reserve

Maseke Game Reserve, 9000 hectares in size, is part of the Greater Kruger Reserve which is made up of privately owned game reserves. Maseke is in the northern sector of Greater Kruger Park and borders on Balule and Olifants North reserves. The terrain is undulating with prominent mountain ridges and rocky outcrops which make it an interesting area for wildlife viewing drives. The Olifants River courses through the reserve attracting wildlife to its banks. All of the private reserves in Greater Kruger share open borders with each other and with Kruger National Park, which creates a vast landscape traversed by a huge collection of wildlife, including the Big 5. Open plains attract wildebeest and zebra while elephant herds crowd forests of tall mopane trees. Rocky outcrops are home to rare klipspringer antelope, baboon troops and dassies – a magnet for leopards. All in all a diverse area which makes for an interesting, exciting safari.

About our Camp

Our traditional safari camp, located in Maseke Game Reserve, offers relaxed accommodation interspersed with exciting, wildlife viewing adventures. Guests are accommodated in family-friendly, 2 bedroomed thatched chalets with an interleading lounge area or in luxury, safari-style tented en-suite accommodation. The luxury tents have the advantage of overlooking the waterhole, floodlit at night, and the private patios provide an ideal spot for relaxing, beverage in hand, whilst watching the animals gather at the waterhole. The camp is fenced so it is safe for children who may get the urge to wander. As often as possible meals are served al fresco, either in the lantern-lit boma around the campfire or in the well-established garden under shady trees. There is a cash bar available for those pre-dinner drinks. The large pool, set in the lovely garden, is a perfect spot to cool off on those glorious hot summer days. Able to accommodate only a maximum of twenty guests means no overcrowding and personal attention. The experienced, professional guides offer nature walks if there is time available, noting that only guests sixteen years and older may participate. And if you can’t bear to be separated from the outside world, there is wifi available at the camp.

About Tour Transfers

Collection and drop-off will be at either the OR Tambo Bus Terminal Building or the Sasol Fuel Station in Persequor Park (Pretoria). Transport to and from these two pre-appointed locations is not included in the tour price.

Collection times on the first day: