5 Days - Karongwe Reserve South Africa Safari
5 Days / 4 Nights Days
Hoedspruit Airport, South Africa → Hoedspruit Airport, South Africa
Why Choose This Safari?
This safari is based at Karongwe Game Reserve, in a family-run lodge setting within the reserve. Kruger National Park is within driving distance, as are the major points of interest in Limpopo and Mpumalanga. The reserve is bordered by the towering Drakensberg escarpment to the west and set in game-rich, lush vegetation, with breathtaking views, diverse landscapes and an unrivalled African safari experience. You have the opportunity to see the Big Five: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo. On a day trip you explore Kruger National Park, which was established as a national park in 1926, has 147 large mammal species, and is home to all of the Big Five.
Safari Highlights
- We may have to re-route the itinerary or accommodation in similar Lodges/Tented Camps in case of non – availability
- Upgrades is available for Mid – Range Luxury Accommodation Safari
- Tour above can be customized based on your needs or requirements
Destinations to Travel
Hoedspruit Airport · Karongwe Game Reserve · Karongwe River Lodge · Blyde River Canyon · Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (optional) · Kruger National Park
Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival at Karongwe Game Reserve
You are met on arrival at Hoedspruit Airport and transferred by road to the lodge. After lunch, you take your first game drive in an open 4x4 safari vehicle with a ranger and tracker. You have dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 2 — Bush Walk and Blyde River Canyon
You start the day with a guided bush walk and learn about the medicinal uses of various trees and the deep cultural connections between African people and the local fauna and flora. The walk gives you a closer look at animal tracks, birds and smaller creatures. After lunch, you follow the scenic route to the Blyde River for a boat trip through the canyon. The boat trip may be replaced with a visit to Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, depending on river conditions. You return to the lodge in time for a delicious dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 3 — Game Drives at Karongwe
You start with an early morning game drive with your ranger and tracker before breakfast. After relaxing for a few hours in the lush gardens, or reading in the well-stocked library, you meet your ranger on the deck in the afternoon for a game drive in an open 4x4 vehicle. You have the chance to see lion, elephant, leopard, rhino and buffalo up close, and you can look for nocturnal animals with a spotlight. When you return, you are welcomed with a sherry on the deck and enjoy a traditional dinner and show with traditional dancers. You overnight at the lodge.
Day 4 — Kruger National Park Day Trip
You enjoy an all-day trip to the renowned Kruger National Park. You depart early for a full day in the park and have a packed breakfast inside it. While you enjoy the variety of wildlife, you visit several lookout points in the park. You return to Karongwe in time for a fabulous dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 5 — Final Game Drive and Departure
You take a final early morning game drive before your transfer to Hoedspruit Airport.
What's Included
Rate Includes
- Government imposed increase of park fees and/or taxes
- Park fees
- All activities (Specified on itinerary above)
- Meals ((Specified on itinerary above)
- All accommodation (Specified on itinerary above)
- Accommodation (Specified on itinerary above)
- Round trip airport transfers
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (Specified on itinerary above)
- All flights during the tour
- All Taxes/VAT
Rate Excludes
- Accommodation before and after safari
- International flights (from/to home)
- Tips (tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- All not mention above
- Easter, Christmas & New Year’s supplements may apply
Best Time to Go
This safari can be taken all year round. In general, the drier winter months from about May to September suit game viewing best, because vegetation is thinner and animals gather at water sources. The wetter summer months from about November to March bring green landscapes and birdlife, though afternoon storms are common. The Blyde River boat trip depends on river conditions, which can change with the season. Our team can advise on the best dates for your trip.
Pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the safari start and end, and how long is it?
It starts and ends at Hoedspruit Airport. The safari lasts five days and four nights, all based at Karongwe Game Reserve except for the day trip to Kruger.
Which destinations do we visit?
You stay at Karongwe Game Reserve, visit the Blyde River Canyon (or Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, depending on river conditions) and take a full-day trip to Kruger National Park.
Are the game drives included?
Yes. You have open 4x4 game drives with a ranger and tracker, including early morning, afternoon and spotlight drives.
Is the Blyde River boat trip guaranteed?
Not always. The boat trip may be replaced with a visit to Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, depending on river conditions.
Are flights to Hoedspruit included?
No, flights are not included in the rate. Please ask our team about arrival and departure options.