3 Day Kruger Backpackers Chalet Safari

February 6, 2019February 6, 2019admin

Summary of this Budget Safari Package

This 3 Day Kruger Backpackers Chalet Safari is aimed at guests on a tight budget and short on time, who want a world-class wildlife viewing safari experience but don’t enjoy camping.

On this quick hop into Kruger National Park take a sunset wildlife viewing drive in an open safari vehicle, spend a whole day exploring Kruger National Park on the look-out for the Big 5 and spot an amazing variety of wildlife and incredible birdlife. To round off the safari take a thrilling walk in the wild with an armed, professional ranger. All this and accommodation in basic, but clean and comfortable en-suite chalets for an affordable price.

Enjoy the experience of a lifetime without breaking the bank!!

Itinerary for this Tour

Day 1: Johannesburg to Motlala Game Reserve, South Africa

Our air-conditioned transfer vehicle collects guest from their accommodation or the airport before heading out of the city and into the African bushveld. Our journey takes us to Hoedspruit where we meet up with our ranger for the transfer to our camp.

Without wasting time we soon set out in our open safari vehicle for a sunset wildlife viewing drive in Motlala Game Reserve. There is an abundance of wildlife here including three of the famous Big Five, namely leopard, rhino (white and black) and buffalo, all of which are regularly sighted on game drives. The animals tend to be relaxed around safari vehicles, which makes for excellent wildlife sightings and photographic opportunities in this pretty and uncrowded reserve. Motlala covers a range of vegetation types, from riverine forests of big, old trees to open plains, providing rich habitats for the healthy animal and bird populations.

Late afternoon is a great time for spotting wildlife because the day is becoming cooler and whilst some of the wildlife are gathering at the waterholes for a last drink before settling for the night, lion are preparing to hunt, hippos begin to emerge from the river to graze and hyena is preparing for their evening scavenger hunt. As dusk approaches, we head back to camp whilst looking for the glowing eyes of nocturnal animals such as leopard, African Civet, Aardwolf and the Striped Polecat.

Back at camp after a two and a half hour game drive, we refresh ourselves, enjoy a pre-dinner drink and tuck into a hearty dinner, in the boma, around the campfire and under the starry night skies. We spend the night in our ‘brick and mortar’ chalets with clean beds and en-suite facilities – a step up from basic camping.

Day 2: Kruger National Park – South Africa

Today we will spend a full day in Kruger National Park, so we’re up early to breakfast and get on our way. Our open safari vehicle not only gives us unobstructed viewing (great for photo opportunities), but it also awakens our senses to the sounds and smells of the bush.

Kruger is a world-famous safari destination, especially for sighting the Big Five of Africa – lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo, so we go in search of these icons and spot an abundance of other wildlife and birdlife as we drive. The 19 485 km² Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s biggest game parks, is home to about 150 mammal species, more than 500 bird species and 100 reptile species, among other life forms. Common sightings include hippos, giraffes, zebras, various antelope species and endangered African Wild Dogs. Our professional rangers are Kruger experts and know where to go for the best wildlife sightings. We take time to stop for lunch at Satara rest camp which is situated in an open grassland area that is frequented by herds of antelope, zebra, giraffe and buffalo – a magnet for predators.

As the day fades we head back to camp, relax a little and prepare for dinner under the stars again. After dinner linger around the campfire with fellow guests and listen to the tales of the exciting day on safari.

Day 3: Motlala Game Reserve to Johannesburg, South Africa

This may be our last day but there is still some excitement ahead. Take a thrilling walk in the bush along the Klaserie River, a popular spot for buffalo, the dainty nyala and various other animals. Your armed ranger is equipped to safeguard guests but it is very important to follow his instructions. Who knows what is around the next bend in the river? He has accumulated so much knowledge of the bush, the ways of the animals, the plants and what to look for when tracking an animal. He happily shares his knowledge with guests and may regale you with his own experiences on this one to one and a half hour walk.

Leaving our camp behind we head to the Blyde River Canyon and the spectacular views of this and the Three Rondavels before continuing our journey on to Johannesburg. We arrive late in the afternoon around 17h00.

Masango Camp

Masango Camp, set in the African bushveld, has only 8 chalets equipped with en-suite facilities and mosquito nets on all beds. Cool off in the swimming pool and relax in the lapa that overlooks a floodlit waterhole where animals come to drink. Dinner is served in the outside Boma around the campfire and under the stars. A great spot to relax after dinner.

Public facilities include a lounge, dining room and bar area where guests may socialise and enjoy a game of pool. These facilities may be basic but they offer comfort, hearty meals and relaxation areas.