This tour is available with accommodation in a standard lodge room (with en-suite bathroom and air conditioning). Departure is available daily, pending availability. Take a walk on the wild side and escape on a journey into (and next to) Kruger National Park. This budget Big 5 safari package offers incredible bang for your buck, making an attainable bucket list item when visiting South Africa even if you are travelling on a shoestring. This budget Big 5 Kruger Safari tour spans over four days, encompassing fascinating wildlife viewing and jaw-dropping sightseeing opportunities. With options and activities to fit your budget, you can join optional activities or simply enjoy nature at no additional cost. Enjoy a stay inside a game reserve (Marloth Park), containing 4 of the Big 5 within its own boundaries. However, as the Crocodile River forms the boundary between Marloth Park and the Kruger National Park you are lightly to spot elephants playing in the river – on the other side of the fence. Marloth Park is situated on the Southern boundary of Kruger National Park. During your visit, the animal viewing never stops. The southernmost region of the Kruger National Park boasts a reputation for spectacular animal viewing as animal densities are higher in these parts of the Park. Start and end your days with views of antelope, warthog, and other small game right from your doorstep. The lodge for your stay is in the heart of Marloth Park, a leisurely walk away from both small shopping centres and various restaurants available at this holiday destination. The accommodation offered is well-appointed standard rooms with a double bed, own bathroom with shower only, and air-conditioning. The lovely deck area is great for socialising with other guests, and a splash pool is available to cool down during hot summer months. The braai area is a popular spot for guests to join around the fire, while a traditional South African Braai (barbeque) is prepared on some nights. Uncapped Wi-Fi is generally available, but please keep into account that this is a rural area and sometimes there are interruptions in supply. You will be welcomed by our friendly staff, always ready to assist or advise on any questions you might have. Come and enjoy the tranquil bush and wildlife experience in the unforgettable African Bushveld! Please note, for single/solo travellers, there will be a mandatory single supplement of ZAR 1100.00 which can be paid directly at the lodge upon arrival.
What is included in the tour
- Accommodation
- Private Guide
- Meals
- Transport
What is NOT included in the tour
- Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Taking you into the Kruger National Park via the Crocodile Bridge Gate
- Explore Crocodile River
- Drive in Kruger National Park
Day 1: Transfer from Johannnesburg to Kruger National Park
This morning you will meet up with your experienced driver at OR Tambo International Airport, ready to depart at 12:00 PM for your transfer to Marloth Park. Departure will be from the bus shuttle terminal at the airport (detailed instructions will be provided upon booking). This transfer is provided by a trusted transport company who runs on the route daily. Along the way, as you make your way out of the concrete jungle, you will observe luscious waves of greenery, farmlands and bushveld unfold in front of your eyes. The total transfer will be about 6 hours in duration, with various stops along the way. As you travel towards Kruger National Park, the route will take you through panoramic spaces offered up by the Highveld region, down an escarpment, leading you through wondrous views offered by the Lowveld – also known as “The Real Africa”. Upon arrival, our friendly staff will check you into the lodge for your stay, whereafter a refreshing drink and leg stretch can be enjoyed as you observe animals from the spacious verandah with bird songs to fill your ears. If you are lucky, you will be able to spot the elusive bushbaby (small nocturnal monkey) coming out to eat fruit that has been set out by the lodge staff. Dig into a scrumptious traditional dinner prepared by our staff, followed with a brief introduction discussion to your activities scheduled over the next few days. Accommodation: Standard Double Room (ensuite) with air conditioning Included: Transfer from Johannesburg, Dinner Excluded: All other Meals
Day 2: Full Day Game Drive Kruger National Park
Start your morning off with a cup of coffee/tea in before embarking on a thrilling open-air vehicle safari, taking you into the Kruger National Park via the Crocodile Bridge Gate. Be sure to take your passport along as it is required for gate entry. The drive from Crocodile’s Bridge is one of the best Big 5 roads to drive in the Park, with possibilities of spotting other predators such as wild dog and cheetah. A packed breakfast will be provided at the lodge to take along on the game drive, consisting of various snacks and juice or bottled water. The specially designed open-sided safari vehicles are driven by qualified guides – trained to provide you with the best chance of spotting fascinating, often rare animals (including the Big 5) that are roaming the Park. The guides will provide commentary and interesting facts on the animals, birds or scenery along the way. As mid-day approaches, you will enjoy a stop and leg stretch at one of the restaurants in the park for lunch (for your own account). There will also be other convenience stops along the way, for a short break or a bathroom visit. As your game drive draws to an end, you will head for the Crocodile Bridge exit, leaving the park for the evening. We will return tomorrow for more animal viewing! After a memorable game drive, you will have some time to freshen up before nestling around the fire as you lend an ear to the sounds of nocturnal animals coming to life. The night will be topped off with a traditional braai (barbeque) in the boma area at the lodge. Accommodation: Standard Double Room (ensuite) with air conditioning Included: Breakfast, Dinner, Full Day Game Drive in Kruger National Park Excluded: All other Meals
Day 3: Sunrise Game Drive & Sunset/Evening Game Drive in Kruger National Park
As the saying goes ‘early bird catches the worm’, you will rise before the sun this morning to enjoy a coffee/tea before departing to the Kruger Park for a 2 - 3 hour sunrise safari. Be sure to take your passport along as it is required for gate entry.Early morning game drives are typically actionpacked with predators that are frequently found walking, hunting, or snoozing on the tar roads before retreating to the camouflage offered up by the bush. Enjoy a spectacular sunrise as you observe wildlife that is not typically seen during the day times. You will return to the Crocodile River gate by about 08h00AM, where you will be collected by our lodge staff to be taken to the lodge. Upon arrival, a delicious freshly prepared breakfast will be ready to enjoy. Thereafter, you can take advantage of the relaxation period by catching up on some sleep, walking around in the nature reserve, or unwinding at the lodge. Nearby restaurants and a shop can be found for some additional exploration and to grab a tasty lunch (own cost) to refuel for your upcoming sunset game drive. This afternoon at about 16h15, you will be transferred from the lodge to the Crocodile Bridge gate in time to embark on an exciting sunset game drive that will run into the evening. This provides an opportunity to catch glimpse of the furtive nocturnal creatures that are residents to the Park. Your night game drive will come to an end at 20:15 PM as you are collected from Kruger gate to be transported back to the lodge. Upon arrival at the lodge, you will be served a delicious traditional dinner to relish around the fire with great conversation with other guests. Accommodation: Standard Double Room (ensuite) with air conditioning Included: Breakfast, Dinner, Sunrise Game Drive, Sunset/Evening Game Drive in Kruger National Park Excluded: Lunch
Day 4: Morning Departure to Johannesburg
Wake up early, ready to depart the lodge at 5:30 AM for an early transfer back to Johannesburg. A packed breakfast will be served along the way for you to enjoy as you observe the change in scenery from Lowveld back to Highveld. Our friendly staff at the lodge bid you a farewell and safe travel home. Included: Breakfast, Transfer to Johannesburg Excluded: All other Meals
