Exploring Kruger - safari & beach

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    Südafrika Krüger Nationalpark Büffel

    See waterbuffalo at the waterhole in Kruger National Park

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    Explore Kosi Bay Nature Reserve and Lake Sibaya

    Explore Kosi Bay Nature Reserve and Lake Sibaya

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    Südafrika Krüger Nationalpark Elefanten

    Get up close to majestic elephants on a game drive

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    Will you be lucky enough to see a lion cub?
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    Stay in the heart of Kruger National Park at Rhino Lodge

    Stay in the heart of Kruger National Park at Rhino Lodge

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    Spot a zebra? Just one of the amazing animals you could see in Kruger National Park

    Spot a zebra? Just one of the amazing animals you could see in Kruger National Park

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    Thonga Beach Lodge, South Africa

    Thonga Beach Lodge, South Africa

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    Watch out for the hippos lurking in the water!

    Watch out for the hippos lurking in the water!

Trip ideas

Duration(in days): 9

From: Johannesburg

To: Johannesburg

From

£2,530

Exc. International flights (per person, based on 2 sharing)

Get a quote

or Call 01273 320580

See more ideas for: South Africa

    Explore the colourful wildlife and stunning beaches of South Africa on this week long luxury trip through the bush. From being guided through the flora and fauna of Kruger National Park to watching the animals bathe from your lodge’s plunge pool this trip is a great way to experience the wilds of Africa without losing your creature comforts. Head to the wetlands to spot pelicans and flamingos and snorkel amongst the colourful marine life offshore before relaxing on the beaches of the East Coast, where lying on the beach and enjoying the sunsets are the perfect way to finish your trip to Africa.

    Day 1: Arrive in Johannesburg

    After arriving in Johannesburg you’ll be transferred by air to Skukuza before being transferred by road to Rhino Post Safari Lodge in Kruger National Park. Built on the banks of the Mutlumuvi Riverbed, stilts raise the the 8 spacious suites along the river bank giving wonderful views along the riverbed. With a deep bath and thatched roofs, staying at this lodge is a great way to experience nature – animals even walk beneath your room, winding through the thick reed poles.

    Day 2: Rhino Post Lodge

    Today you’ll be able to explore the area, with game drives offering fantastic wildlife spotting opportunities. Game drive safaris are conducted in specially adapted Land Cruisers giving you 360 degree views of Kruger National Park – look out for groups of galloping zebras, roaring lions and bathing elephants, perhaps even a leopard lounging in a tree. After cocktails watching the sun go down, go out again to look for the elusive nocturnal animals that inhabit the dark nights of Kruger, from porcupines and caracals to ferocious honey badgers. After a delicious dinner, fall asleep to the night sounds of the bush.

    Day 3: Rhino Post Lodge to Plains Camp

    After a final game drive and a delicious fresh brunch, you’ll be transferred to Plains Camp in an open 4x4 vehicle. Situated in the heart of Kruger and overlooking Timbitene Plain and Waterhole, this traditional lodge offers comfortable furnished tents with the African wilderness right on your doorstep. After settling in to your camp, depart on your first of many walks throughout the plains on the lookout for some of the wonderful wildlife that lives here. Catch a glimpse of grazing buffalo and elephants drinking at the watering hole as you walk through the cool shade of the acacia trees. After enjoying some sundowners, embark on another drive to spot nighttime creatures like aardvarks and pangolins.

    Day 4: Plains Camp

    After a small breakfast you’ll depart on your early morning safari walk. The professional guides will share their wealth of “bush culture” knowledge, identifying animals, trees, insects and birds as you wander through the grassy plains. Returning to camp to avoid the midday sun, you’ll be treated to brunch and relax over lunchtime, perhaps taking a dip in the plunge pool that overlooks the waterhole. In the afternoon you’ll take a short drive before continuing on another walk, looking for native birds, from huge spoonbills to tiny bee eaters. Another alternative for the afternoon and evening is to experience an overnight sleep out – gazing at the stars from a raised platform overlooking the waterhole, after a dinner cooked on an open fire and being lulled to sleep by the sounds of the bush – what better way to experience Africa?

    Day 5: Plains Camp to Kosi Forest Lodge

    After a morning walk and delicious brunch, you’ll be transferred by air to Kosi Forst Lodge in Kosi Bay Nature Reserve. On arrival you’ll check into your bush suite and have time to unpack before enjoying an early dinner and lazy evening. The suites are surrounded by beautiful trees and are a haven for the prolific bird life that inhabits the area. The Kosi Forest Lodge offers the opportunity of exploring this pristine wetland by boat – this morning you’ll explore the Kosi Lakes by canoe, winding through the lush forest spotting birds like the Palm Nut Vulture and Pel’s Fishing Owl. While the lodge has no electricity, this is the perfect opportunity to explore the forest and enjoy this unique open air African experience.

    Day 6: Kosi Forest Lodge

    Today you’ll have time to explore the wetlands - you could take a trip to the mouth of the Kosi, where you can snorkel in the crystal clear water and enjoy the kaleidoscopic fish or take a guided walk among the magnificent Raffia Palm Forest. Why not take a full day excursion through the wetlands, learning about the traditional fishing techniques and how the Tsonga community live in balance with the lake system. Enjoy a picnic lunch before heading to the beach for a swim in the warm Indian Ocean. As night falls, gas lamps will light the paths of the lodge as you drift to sleep after an exciting day.

    Day 7: Kosi Forest Lodge to Thonga Beach Lodge

    After another tasty breakfast you’ll be driven to Thonga Beach Resort just 2.5 hours away. After checking into your sea view room and relaxing after the journey you can head down to enjoy the beach on your doorstep or head out on one of the many activities the lodge has to offer. Why not make the trip to Lake Sibaya, the largest freshwater lake in Southern Africa where you could spot hippos and crocodiles as you explore by guided kayak. Tonight you’ll dine under the stars and fall asleep to the sound of the waves.

    Day 8: Thonga Beach Lodge

    Today is yours to explore the area, whether you just fancy lounging on the beautiful beach all day or trying a few activities in this beautiful corner of South Africa. Why not head out on an open ocean experience, where your boat will pass through the surf and emerge through the breakers into a world of dolphins, whales, whale sharks and stunning snorkelling. If you’re lucky you might even get to snorkel with manta rays and giant turtles! Scuba diving is also a great way to explore the coastline or if you’d rather stay off the water, then bird watching along the wetlands is sure to tick off some spectacular species off the list like the Rufousbellied Herons and Pinkthroated Longclaws that live among the marshes.

    Day 9: Depart Johannesburg

    Unfortunately your time in South Africa has come to an end and this morning you’ll be transferred to Johannesburg Airport for your onwards flight.

    Summer (Dec-Feb) is rainy season in Kruger Park meaning the bush looks lush and green, this can mean the animals are harder to spot however, temperatures are high at 30 degrees so camping can be tough. Towrads the end of November and early December Kruger is filled with newborns, spotting an animal with their babies is an amazing experience! The dry winter season (Jun-Aug) is the best time to spot animals, with day time temperatures still warm at 20+ degrees but getting colder in the evenings.

    All of our itineraries are tailor-made to give you an idea of just some of what is possible; this means we can adjust as necessary to completely suit your needs!  Let your travel consultant know how long you plan to spend away, what you like to do, what properties you like to stay in and an idea of your budget and we will do the rest!

    8 nights in clean and comfortable lodge style accommodation.

    Accommodation at this standard include:

    Rhino Post Lodge, Kruger Park

    Thonga Beach Lodge, Elephant Coast