Kruger Park safari holiday
| country: | South Africa |
| location: | Kruger National Park |
| trip type: | A small group adventure |
| departures: | Departs most Sundays throughout the year |
| price: | From £1225 (6 days) excluding flights. We can arrange flights from the UK |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
the amazing things you'll be doing
Kruger National Park and the adjoining private reserves of Greater Kruger National Park form one of Africa's finest wildlife areas, offering superb viewing opportunities all year round. In one of the first national parks to be established in Africa, the custodians of Kruger faced tragedy, triumph and hardship, as they have strived to protect a pristine wilderness region that is sanctuary to over 700 species of mammals, reptiles and birds. Our safari is conducted by a professional guide, who works in conjunction with the specialist local guides of Timbavati Private Reserve. After a night in Johannesburg we set out for Greater Kruger National Park using an air-conditioned microbus. Once we reach camp all game drives are conducted in open 4WD vehicles. We spend three nights in a private game lodge in Timbavati Game Reserve, part of Greater Kruger National Park, which boasts a similar range of animals to those found in the park proper. These include the 'Big Five', but the private reserves offer more opportunities for varied and close-up encounters. With the open 4WD vehicles and a maximum of nine people in each, there is ample space to observe the many different species as they interact with each other and their environment. Keen photographers also have the chance to take those special shots of unexpected and sometimes dramatic wildlife interactions, as well as of peaceful bushveld scenes.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | (Sun) Arrive in Johannesburg and transfer to hotel. |
| Day 2 : | Travel to Timbavati Game Reserve, Greater Kruger National Park. Afternoon/night game drive. |
| Day 3-4: | Morning game drives, game walks and afternoon/night drives. |
| Day 5: | Explore Blyde River Canyon. Dinner and cultural visit in Shangaan Village. |
| Day 6: | Travel to Johannesburg International Airport where our trip ends on arrival (Fri). |
small group adventure holiday
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places. highly commended
This tourism business was Highly Commended in our 2007 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards - the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society.Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.
how this holiday makes a difference
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Just outside Kruger National Park is the Sizanani Mission, providing an important community service to the children and local villages of the surrounding region. Managed by Father Charles (as he is affectionately called by the locals), the mission includes a permanent care facility for physically and mentally challenged children; an emergency shelter for abused children; and a hospice for people of all ages with AIDS.
Sizanani is completely self-sufficient and many of its residents are encouraged to assist with the horticultural and agricultural duties required in the gardens and farmlands. This helps to give the teenagers 'real-life' skills they can take with them when they leave. Trained nurses regularly visit local villages to educate them in various health issues, as well as assisting any sick villagers, and the gift shop sells handicrafts made by the children and locals. You'll have the chance to visit the mission, where the children are the real stars of the show. In addition to any gift you might wish to make, we also donate a small amount for every guest that visits Father Charles and his ever-growing 'family'. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |