Date: 19 – 23 September 2016
“If you want to see the ‘big five’ this is the place to go -safari country at its best. The Kruger National Park is one of the most famous national parks in the world and the oldest one in Africa. It is 350 km long from North to South, at most 60 km wide and covers a surface area of 16 685 square kilometers(almost the size of Wales). At present the park boasts 148 mammal species, 500 bird species, 45 lizard and 34 amphibian species. Approximately 400 types of trees and shrubs have been recorded.
Day 1:
Johannesburg (Dinner)
Make your own way to the Airport Grand Hotel and check in after 14:00. The Airport Grand has a complimentary shuttle, every 30 minutes from O.R. Tambo from 06h00-23h30, 7 days a week. The Shuttle parks behind the Intercontinental Hotel at the Airport in the shuttle bay and the vehicles are marked with “Airport Grand Hotel”. Meet your tour guide at 18h00 in the hotel reception.
Dinner is included and will be taken with the group in the hotel restaurant. Your guide will discuss the tour itinerary and it will give you an opportunity to meet your fellow tour participants.
You will only depart on the coach the following morning for Mpumalanga.
Accommodation: Airport Grand Hotel or similar in Johannesburg
Day 2:
Johannesburg to Ohrigstad (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
After breakfast we depart from the Airport Grand Hotel, for Mpumalanga. We travel out of Johannesburg on the N4 towards Maputo. We bypass Middleburg and near Belfast we detour from the freeway. We pass through Dullstroom and proceed to Lydenberg which, was established in 1849. The English translation of this name is the ‘Town of Suffering’ and it was named after its founders who had suffered greatly as a result of malaria and floods in the original town of Ohrigstad. From here we take the scenically spectacular Long Tom Pass over the Mpumulanga Drakensberg to Sabie. The pass is 57 km long with a summit of 2149 metres. The origin of the pass goes back to 1871 when a wagon track was built to connect Lydenberg with Lourenco Marques (Maputo). In September 1900, the British recaptured Lydenberg during the Anglo-Boer war. The Boers used a 15cm cannon to shell the British and the gun was nicknamed ‘Long Tom’ by the British troops -a name which, has survived to this day. A light lunch is taken en-route in the Sabie or Graskop area and in the afternoon we spend the time exploring the scenically spectacular Panorama route. We visit one of the waterfalls of the area as well as Gods Window and time permitting the Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavals. In the evening we arrive at the lodge and dinner is taken in the restaurant.
Accommodation: Hannah Lodge or similar
Distance: Johannesburg to Hannah Lodge via the Panorama Route -500km
Day 3:
Ohrigstad – Kruger National Park (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Breakfast is taken in the restaurant. We leave the Drakensberg escarpment via the Abel Erasmus Pass -another scenic route which, drops 800m in its 24km length and includes a 133,5 m long tunnel. There are panoramic views of the Olifants River Valley and the Lowveld. We travel via Klaserie and the Orpen Gate into the Kruger National Park. Expect some superb game viewing as we drive the 50km, through the park. A light lunch is taken en-route or at the camp. Overnight in the tranquil setting of the Kruger Park rest camp with dinner taken in the restaurant. Towards evening we board the open vehicles for a game drive in search of the nocturnal animals. Remember to dress warmly and to have a windproof jacket if possible. Tomorrow is another eventful day so make sure you get your beauty sleep! Our first night in the African bush and we are lulled to sleep by the calls of the wild!
Accommodation: Satara Camp -Kruger National Park or similar
Distance: Hannah Lodge to Satara – 220km
Day 4:
Kruger National Park (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
A full day today, after an early breakfast in the restaurant. You need to have packed your luggage and ensured that it is ready for loading on the coach as the open vehicle game drive will end at the next camp where we overnight. Dress warmly and take hats and sun-creams for later on in the morning. We spend the whole day in the open safari vehicle with the opportunity to see many of the exciting animals, including the Big Five, which Kruger has to offer. The direct distance between the two camps is about 65 km however, depending on the animals seen and the route taken it could be longer. A picnic lunch and soft drinks are included and taken at one of the rustic picnic sites or camps along the way. The coach will be waiting for you at the overnight camp with your luggage. A leisurely evening and dinner is taken in the restaurant with time to discuss the sightings of the day (an optional extra would be another open vehicle night drive).
Accommodation: Skukuza-Kruger National Park or similar
Distance: Satarato Skukuza-65 km
Day 5:
Kruger National Park – Johannesburg (Breakfast)
A leisurely start to the day after our previous early mornings (another early morning open vehicle game drive would be an optional extra for your own expense). A relaxed breakfast in the restaurant and then we leave the park and start our journey back to Johannesburg. Lunch will be at a restaurant en-route for your own expense. The tour will end at approximately 16h30, when you will be dropped off at Johannesburg International Airport or a Sandton Hotel.
Distance: Kruger to Johannesburg -480km
Passenger Information
| Dates | 19 – 23 September 2016 |
| Duration | 5 days / 4 nights |
| Depart | 18h00 at Johannesburg Hotel |
| Vehicle | Air-conditioned vehicle to suite group size |
| Minimum | 5 passengers |
| Price | Adult Sharing – R 16,950.00; Adult Single – R 21,350.00 |
| Included | SATOUR Registered Guide, transportation as per itinerary, accommodation, entrance fees, activities as per itinerary, porterage and information pack |
| Excluded | Gratuities, beverages, laundry, optional extra activities and items of a personal nature |
| Meals | As per itinerary |
| Accommodation | The Airport Grand Hotel, Hannah Lodge and National Parks Chalets or similar |
| Comments | This tour will cover the best of the world-famous Kruger National Park. Malaria precautions are recommended -Please consult with your GP. The tour is subject to minimum numbers being reached |
| Activity Level | Moderate -High |
