5 Day Kruger & Sabi Sands Lodge Safari

March 29, 2016March 29, 2016admin

Summary of this Budget Safari Package

On this comfortable, yet affordable lodge safari you experience the ideal mix of outstanding game viewing in both Kruger National Park and the private Sabi Sand Game Reserve of Greater Kruger!

Explore two of South Africa’s top wildlife reserves on morning, afternoon, and sunset to night game drives, spotting the Big Five and numerous other wild animals. Stay at two peaceful lodges in lovely settings along the Sabie and Sand rivers where animals and birds are frequently spotted. Hippo Hollow is your relaxing base for exploring the world-famous Kruger Park and the stylish Umkumbe Safari Lodge is set inside the prestigious Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

Itinerary for this Tour

DAY 1: Johannesburg to Kruger Park via Panorama Route – South Africa

This Kruger & Sabi Sands Lodge Safari begins with collection in Johannesburg, early on the morning of day one. Leaving the biggest city in South Africa we travel northeast through the rural Mpumalanga Province, making our way towards Greater Kruger Park in an air-conditioned mini-bus.

Our journey takes us along the Panorama Route, one of the most beautiful parts of the country. Along the way we stop at the God’s Window viewpoint of Blyde River Canyon to take in the spectacular vistas over the Lowveld. We visit the historic small town of Pilgrims Rest, founded during the gold rush of the 1800s, as well as the village of Graskop. We also pause at a pretty waterfall along the edge of the Drakensberg Escarpment and enjoy lunch (own account) en route.

We aim to arrive at Hippo Hollow Safari Lodge in time to settle in and relax before setting off on our first game viewing excursion. In the early evening we make our way into the nearby Kruger National Park for a thrilling sunset to nighttime game drive.

Exploring Kruger at dusk and into the night offers excellent game viewing opportunities, including exciting nocturnal wildlife sightings. After our first exhilarating game drive in the world-renowned Kruger National Park we return to the comfortable safari lodge for dinner and a good night’s sleep.

Overnight Hippo Hollow (standard room)
Dinner

DAY 2: Kruger National Park – South Africa

An early start on day two – we set off for Kruger Park before breakfast. The early morning is an ideal time for game viewing so keep your eyes open. You have the option of taking a packed breakfast with, from the lodge (included in cost), or getting breakfast at one of the rest camps (own account) when we make our mid-morning breakfast stop.

After our breakfast stop we drive deeper into the game-rich wilderness, looking out for the wide array of wildlife and birds inhabiting Kruger. Sightings include the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant) along with an abundance of other mammals, reptiles, birds, and amphibians. We often see giraffes, zebras, various antelope species and hippos, as well as predators such as wild dogs, cheetahs, hyenas and jackals.

Later we stop for lunch (own account) at one of the rest camps in Kruger Park. Then the game viewing adventure continues, revealing more wild animals and the wonders of the African bush. The afternoon game drive takes us back towards the lodge. Arriving at the lodge in the late afternoon you can take a quick dip in the pool and freshen up, before tucking into a delicious dinner and spending the rest of the evening relaxing.

Overnight Hippo Hollow (standard room)
Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 3: Kruger & Sabi Sands Game Reserve – South Africa

On day three we drive into Kruger National Park, early in the morning. After exploring the diverse wildlife area and spotting a variety of free-roaming animals, we return to Hippo Hollow for breakfast.

Then we continue our safari adventure, heading to the private Sabi Sands Game Reserve where our next lodge is located. Arriving at Umkumbe Safari Lodge, you will be greeted by the friendly lodge staff who take over from your tour guide.

There is time to settle in and rest, before embarking on a late afternoon game drive, which lasts into the evening. Sabi Sands hosts a high concentration of wildlife, forming part of Greater Kruger Park and sharing unfenced borders with the national park itself. This private game reserve offers a more exclusive safari experience, with fewer safari vehicles and visitors exploring the restricted wildlife area. Evenings are an excellent time for spotting wildlife, especially the nocturnal creatures emerging.

After our first game viewing drive in Sabi Sands we make our way back to the safari lodge in time for dinner and a laid-back evening.

Overnight Umkumbe Safari Lodge (standard room)
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 4: Sabi Sands Game Reserve – South Africa

Today we wake up bright and early for our last full day on safari in Greater Kruger. After a cup of coffee at the lodge we venture into the untamed wilderness that is Sabi Sands.

Driving through the bush in a 4×4 safari vehicle we look out for the abundance of animals and birds found here. The Big Five are frequently sighted, especially the leopards for which Sabi Sands is famous. After our morning of exploration we head back to the loge for breakfast and spend the heat of the day relaxing at the lodge. Alternatively you can embark on a guided bush walk with one of the professional rangers, by arrangement with your guide.

After lunch you have more free time to unwind and nap at the lodge,followed by a late afternoon game drive. Return to the bush, game viewing as the sun sets and into the evening. Back at the lodge we have dinner and celebrate the final night of our safari together.

Overnight Umkumbe Safari Lodge (standard room)
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 5: Sabi Sands to Nelspruit or Johannesburg – South Africa

On the last day of our Kruger & Sabi Sand Safari we embark on a game drive early in the morning. After our final game drive in Sabi Sand, we return to the lodge for a tasty breakfast. Then it is time to hit the road again, making our way back to Johannesburg via Nelspruit.

Those opting to catch onward flights from Nelspruit will be transferred to the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, about two and a half hours’ drive from the lodge. Alternatively, you will be transferred five to six hours by road, to the O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg for onward flights.

Breakfast

About Hippo Hollow Lodge

This peaceful lodge is surrounded by indigenous gardens, situated along the Sabie River, a mere 10 minutes from Kruger Park. Various animals and birds can be spotted on the lodge’s grounds and at the river, from hippos to monkeys and kingfishers, and even elephants!

The standard rooms look out over the lovely gardens of the courtyard,and have balconies and en suite bathrooms. The courtyard rooms feature comfortable beds and simple furnishings, as well as air-conditioning, ceiling fans and heating. There are two swimming pools with lush lawns, deck chairs and shaded areas for lazing around. A variety of delicious dishes and fine South African wines are served in the lodge restaurant which opens out onto a deck overlooking the tranquil Sabie River and gardens.

About Umkumbe Safari Lodge

Umkumbe Lodge is located inside the prestigious Sabi Sand Game Reserve, along the seasonal Sabi River. The owners of this authentic safari lodge manage the lodge themselves ensuring that personal service and the highest standards are maintained.

Most of the ten en-suite chalets look out over the Sand River where wildlife is often seen in the riverbed and at the river. The comfortable chalets feature verandahs with camping chairs, ideal for enjoying the views and spotting animals and birds. Animal sightings include elephants, buffalos, hippos, warthogs and various antelopes.

Umkumbe has a swimming pool and outdoor deck under shady trees, a fully-stocked bar, indoor and small outdoor lounge areas. Hearty meals are served in the thatched dining area as well as in the open-air boma with a campfire.