This morning you make your way to the Cape Town Airport for your direct flight to Nelspruit. Upon arrival at Nelspruit Airport, you will be met by your driver, who will transfer you to the Kruger National Park.

You have time to settle in at your lodge before you set off on the afternoon game drive. You return to the lodge for a hearty dinner around the fire.

Flight time: Cape Town to Nelspruit – approx 2½ hours

Transfer time: Nelspruit to Kruger National Park – approx 2 hours

The Kruger National Park was established in 1898 and is the oldest National Park in Africa. The 2-million hectare Park provides sanctuary to 147 mammal species, including the Big Five, as well as over 500 bird species. The Kruger National Park has more than its fair share of the Big Five, with an estimated 1,500 lion, 12,000 elephant, 2,500 buffalo, 1,000 leopards and 4,000 rhino. Cheetah, wild dog, spotted hyena, hippopotamus, giraffe, zebra, warthog and many antelope species are also regularly seen on game drives.

Boundary fences have been dropped between Kruger and its neighbouring private game reserves, such as Sabi Sand, Timbavati, Klaserie and Manyaleti, meaning that the animals are free-roaming over an area the size of Switzerland, resulting in an immense gene pool. Kruger is unrivalled in the diversity of its life forms and a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies.

This morning you enjoy the early morning game driver, followed by a hearty breakfast at the lodge and then check out. Your driver will meet you in reception at 10H30 for your transfer to the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, where you spend two nights.

You have time to settle in at your lodge before High Tea and the afternoon game drive. You return to the lodge for a hearty dinner and drinks.

Forming part of the Greater Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sand Reserve has no fences and the wildlife is able to cross freely between the Sabi Sands and the rest of the Greater Kruger National Park. The safari experience in the Sabi Sand is highly personalised because game drive vehicles have exclusive traversing rights in their area. The Sabi Sand Reserve is a remarkable natural sanctuary known for its exceptionally high concentration of animal and bird life. Close contact encounters are guaranteed as the animals are not threatened by the presence of vehicles thanks to sound conservation management policies. Safaris are led by experienced rangers coupled with local Shangaan trackers. With exceptional sightings of leopard (usually the most elusive of cats), lion, rhino, elephant and buffalo during game drives – visitors are never lacking in exciting photographic content.

After your morning game drive and breakfast, you check out of your room. You can relax at the lodge until your driver collects you fr your transfer from the lodge to Nelspruit Airport. From here you make your way to International Departures and check in for your flight home.