Description
The Tour
A 10-night holiday including a 4-day, 3-night unsurpassed wilderness camping experience in the world-renowned Kruger National Park. Followed by 4 nights either relaxing on the island of Mauritius or 5 nights exploring the city of Cape Town. Experience the natural beauty of Kruger National Park, South Africa's premier wildlife reserve. Our guests are driven in open vehicles or can enjoy walking safaris through the bush, while a support team goes on ahead to set up camp.
Day 1: London - Johannesburg
Depart London Heathrow on Virgin Atlantic's direct flight to Johannesburg.
Day 2: Kruger National Park
Morning arrival at Johannesburg international airport, then take a connecting flight to Kruger Mpumalanga airport. Transfer to Hippo Hollow for a 1-night stay. Afternoon at leisure. Located on the banks of the Sabie River, this lodge-style hotel is the perfect place to enjoy the warm African sun and hospitality. In the heart of tropical gardens you may choose to relax by 1 of 2 swimming pools, or arrange one of the many activities available nearby. Activities include fishing, hiking, river rafting and golf with a choice of 2 courses less than a mile away. Overnight: Hippo Hollow.
Day 3: Kruger National Park
Today, depart from Hippo Hollow at 12 noon in an open safari vehicle to Skukuza Camp. In the heart of southern Kruger, Skukuza and its surrounds offers excellent game viewing, and you can expect to see a variety of large game browsing from the acacia woods. Our guides prefer to use little-driven back roads on their way to the overnight camp; a great advantage in avoiding the crowded areas of the park and increasing the chances of wildlife encounters at close quarters! On arrival, guests are shown to their tent, where no comfort has been sacrificed. Each of the walk-in dome tents are provided with mattresses and comfortable duvets. In the camp, hot showers and your own chef are also provided. Enjoy your first bush sundowner and sumptuous home-cooked dinner, served under a canopy of acacias and a star-filled sky - welcome to a real African experience. Overnight: Wolhuter Camping Safari. (B/D)
Day 4: Kruger National Park
An early morning wake up, accompanied by freshly brewed tea, coffee and biscuits, is followed by your first game drive of the day, enjoying the natural beauty of Kruger National Park. Return to camp for freshly prepared brunch and perhaps a bush walk, or even a siesta! Bush walks are an ideal way to learn about the indigenous flora and fauna with a guide who provides a great insight into recognising the local bird life, the many uses of local foliage and the signs that enable wildlife tracking. Later in the afternoon, you will enjoy a short afternoon game drive. Dinner is served around the campfire and, as per the previous evening, opportunities exist to view game by spotlight from the campsite. Overnight: Wolhuter Camping Safari. (B/D)
Day 5: Kruger National Park
Traditionally, early mornings are the best safari times, with the wildlife taking advantage of the cool air to drink from waterholes or take advantage of the dew that clings to the trees and grass. Equally, the cold morning air can be the best time for the big cats to hunt! So again, it is an early rise, before setting out to explore the area around Satara. Glimpses of hyena in this part of Kruger are not uncommon, Satara has become one of the best spots in the world for spotting lion, leopard and cheetah because of the fertile grazing land that attracts smaller species of game such as antelope. After lunch, time at leisure and as the afternoon cools down, head back out into the bush for an evening safari, returning to camp by spotlight. Overnight: Wolhuter Camping Safari. (B/D)
Day 6: Kruger National Park
Today, after breakfast, we drive back to Hazyview and overnight at Hippo Hollow, enjoying time to reflect on your bush adventure, the wildlife encounters and the stunning scenery of Kruger National Park. Overnight: Hippo Hollow. (B)
Days 7-11: Kruger - Cape Town/Mauritius
This morning, fly back to Johannesburg for your onward flight to Cape Town or Mauritius. If you have opted for Cape Town, you will spend the 5 nights at the Protea Hotel President. Completing a South African holiday, Cape Town has become a vibrant city worthy of a long stay to explore the surrounding coast, the whales in Hermanus (seasonal) or the beautiful Winelands. Choose from one of our pre-bookable excursions or hire a car and enjoy the freedom of your own itinerary (B). If you have chosen Mauritius, you will spend 7 nights at the Merville Beach (see Worldwide brochure). Alternatively, choose from one of the many hotels and resorts featured within our Mauritius brochure. (B/D)
Day 12: Cape Town/Mauritius - London
Transfer back to the airport for your return flight to Heathrow.
Tour Notes
- Tour departs Sun from the UK.
- Min child age is 12 years.
- Rating: Taste of Adventure.
- Take a torch, warm jacket/fleece for the evenings, sun hat and sunscreen, camera and binoculars.
- Not suitable for the less mobile.
Please Note: Participating in a Wolhuter Tented Safari is a back-to-nature experience, with neither en-suite bathrooms nor electricity. Catering is 5-star 'bush cuisine' and the experience is first class.