5-Day Walking Safari Through the Greater Kruger from Johannesburg
Day of arrival
On arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, please proceed to the bus terminal building, where your shuttle driver will meet you for your 06h45 transfer departure. The journey to the Greater Kruger Reserve takes approximately six hours on tarred roads, with well-maintained and clean service stations along the way. Two comfort stops en route allow you to stretch your legs and purchase drinks and snacks. On arrival, you will be collected at the drop-off point and driven to the camp, where you will meet your ranger, who will explain the rest of the day's activities. The area has two resident prides of lions - known as the Ross and Giraffe prides - and guests can expect to see the full Big Five, which are regularly sighted.
Days in Greater Kruger National Park
Your typical days will start with an early morning wake-up call, followed by coffee and a light breakfast as you take in the African sunrise. We then head off on our morning game walk, returning to camp for brunch after 3 to 4 hours. During the course of the walk, your highly qualified and trained field guide will teach you how to track, read the bush, and understand the various plant species. Taking place in this flat area, the walk is not too strenuous and gives you the opportunity to encounter giraffe, zebra, warthog, and kudu, to mention just a few.
You then have a few hours to relax at the camp facilities before meeting again in the afternoon for tea and a light lunch. The camp features a beautiful splash pool and deck, perfect for cooling off in the summer months, and the main lodge area offers guests the use of the library. As the camp is unfenced, guests should always be aware that any number of the Big Five could be close by.
We then head off on our afternoon and night game drive, which will again take about 3 to 4 hours. In the cooler hours of the late afternoon, the animals become more active, increasing the chances of seeing wild dog, aardvark, duiker, and hippo, among others. Night drives are done with a powerful spotlight, allowing you to search for animals and encounter nocturnal species not often seen during the day, such as leopard, bush baby, and, if you are lucky, the very rare and seldom-spotted pangolin.
On return to the camp, we share our day's experiences over a pre-dinner drink, followed by dinner at the lodge. End the day with coffee or tea around the campfire before retiring for the night, as you fall asleep to the sounds of lions prowling in the dark. One of the unique advantages of a small safari camp is that the activities can be tailored to your specific needs. For example, if the guides hear lions roaring close to camp at night, they will often knock on your door and ask if you would like to go and find them. In addition, if you only want to go on game drives, this too can be arranged.
Day of departure
On the day of departure, you will go out for one last walk in the morning. Breathing in the typical scents of the bush, you'll realize how much you've learned already. After breakfast, it's time to pack up, say your goodbyes, and transfer back to the city.
