Explore an alluring trio of private game reserves on this safari, all augmented by the extended wilderness of the Kruger National Park.
Guests are met at O R Tambo International Airport and transferred to a flight bound for Hoedspruit. Guests are met at Hoedspruit Airport and are transferred to the Kapama Private Game Reserve's Buffalo Camp. This camp consists of only eight en suite safari tents and is the base from which the Kapama Big Five reserve is explored. The afternoon includes a first Kruger Park safari at Kapama as guests enjoy an open 4x4 game drive in this reserve, which protects no less than 42 mammal species in an area with magnificent views of the Drakensberg in the distance.
The team at Kapama are the hosts on the first full day of your safari in the Greater Kruger Park . Well-trained camp staff will ensure your comfort while experienced rangers and trackers enhance the enjoyment of the two 4x4 safaris of the day. The first of these safaris is conducted shortly after sunrise. The second starts in the late afternoon and extends into the early evening. Both are around three hours in duration.
A last morning game drive in Kapama is followed by a late breakfast after which guests are transferred to the Timbavati Private Game Reserve's Umlani Bush Camp. The Timbavati Private Game Reserve forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park. It is an area of approximately 53 000 ha and is dedicated to protecting the natural environment and over 40 different mammal species. Umlani Bush Camp offers an authentic Kruger Park safari experience. The accommodation at Umlani consists of comfortable reed and thatch huts with en suite facilities. The camp offers a true African experience and operates without electricity. The late afternoon is devoted to a first game drive in Timbavati.
A rare phenomenon in the area is the occurrence of white lion cubs, born on occasion to the lion prides in the area. This phenomenon appears to be limited only to this area and the potential of spotting a white lion in its natural surroundings is sure to be an exciting prospect. It must be said that the chances of spotting a white lion are remote, but the morning and afternoon game drives are sure to be rewarded by sightings of grassland game species and other members of the Big Five in an area where a large number of plant and mammal species can be observed untouched by time and humanity.
The morning game drive in Timbavati is followed by a late breakfast after which the safari travels south to the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve and Arathusa Safari Lodge. The lodge is situated in the northwestern area of the Sabi Sand and offers sweeping views of a waterhole, which is frequented by a great diversity of different species. The afternoon is devoted to a first open 4x4 safari in the Sabi Sand. This reserve is reputed to offer the finest game viewing opportunities of all South Africa's private game reserves. It is the premier private reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park. The frequency of leopard sightings is especially high, as these cats are typically spotted four out of every five days.
Nowhere in Africa can a greater diversity of animal species be spotted than in the Greater Kruger National Park. This fact should become apparent on the two game drives of the day. You might consider utilizing the checklist provided in your room to make a note of the variety of animals seen on the early morning and late afternoon safaris. The most common birds found in the area can also be checked off - a tangible reminder that can be savored for years when reflecting on your safari in South Africa.
You will be delighted by a few last encounters with the mammals of Africa on the morning safari before enjoying a late breakfast. Guests are then transferred to Hoedspruit Airport for a flight to Johannesburg, where a remarkable week spent on a Three Area Kruger Park safari comes to an end.