Budget Friendly Mpumalanga Lowveld Kruger Magic – 1 night Hazyview | 1 nights Blyde River Canyon | 3 nights Timbavati
Overview
I can’t thank Heidi enough for what she did for us. She arranged the perfect safari for us. We had very little time – only six days – and a small budget but she made sure we had enough time on safari and also made it possible for us to do some touring along the Blyde River Canyon on the way to the game reserve. As we wanted to see as much as possible in our short time, Heidi said we should travel by road to the game reserve instead of flying. This was the best advice! She arranged an excellent tour guide to show us around. The safari in the Timbavati Game Reserve was absolutely fantastic. We stayed at Simbavati River Lodge and the accommodation was really luxurious. The staff were very nice and we enjoyed the food. The game viewing was fantastic. We were there for 3 nights and went on 6 game drives. The ranger was so good and could see animals hiding that we could not see until he pointed them out to us. We saw so many different animals but our favourites were the giraffes, elephants, baboons and hyenas. We even saw hyena cubs! Thank you, Heidi, for being so patient and answering all our questions and for making sure that everything was perfect.
This morning, you will be met by our representative and taken through the scenic route from Johannesburg to Hazyview via Dullstroom, Lydenburg, the Long Tom Pass and Sabie. The Long Tom Pass has a number of viewpoints and sites along the road. Devil’s Knuckles is a unique rock formation next to the side of the road and over the road is a magnificent view of the town of Sabie. You can also stop at the Long Tom Cannon site, which is a replica of a Creusot siege cannon. The monument marks the spot where, from 8 to 11 September 1900, two of these cannons were used for the last time by the Boer commandos against the British army. These cannons – with their long barrels – were nicknamed the “Long Toms” by the British forces. You check in for your one night stay.
This morning you are met at reception and taken on a full day Panorama Route Tour; exploring the beautiful sights of God’s Window, Bourkes Potholes and the Mac Mac Falls. The tour includes a light lunch at the world famous Harry’s pancakes. After your Panorama Tour you are transferred back to your lodge where you check out. You are then transferred to your new accommodation in the heart of the Blyde River Canyon for your one night stay.
This morning you are met and transferred by road to the Timbavati Game Reserve, forming part of the Greater Kruger National Park. There is time to settle in at your new lodge before setting off on your afternoon game drive.
Transfer time: Blyde River Canyon to Timbavati lodge – approx. 1½ hours
The Timbavati forms part of the two million hectare Greater Kruger National Park. It was the first private game reserve to be incorporated into the Kruger National Park and is part of one of Africa’s most innovative conservation partnership agreements. The Timbavati is 14 700 hectares (36 300 acres) and shares an unfenced boundary with the Kruger National Park.
Here you can track the Big Five, as well as a rich variety of other game such as antelope, zebra, warthog, giraffe and hippo, in the company of an armed ranger and local Shangaan tracker. Bird viewing is spectacular, with over 360 recorded species including various eagles, vultures, kingfishers, woodpeckers, buzzards, herons, egrets, owls and weavers. The Timbavati is also home to the world-famous “White Lions of Timbavati”.
This morning you are met at reception and transferred to Hoedspruit Airport where you will board your flight to Cape Town International Airport.
Transfer time – Timbavati accommodation to Hoedspruit Airport – approx. 1 hour
