Kruger Breakaway *incl air

9 days - from $1899

This excellent little adventure introduces the many wonders of games reserves of Greater Kruger National Park. On this short breakaway you experience a private game reserve within Greater Kruger National Park, with a particular highlight being the chance to track wildlife on foot, in the company of a highly professional guide. A specialist wildlife operator based in the Kruger area runs this trip. They pick you up from your hotel in Johannesburg and drop you back there at the end of your trip. Please note that this tour includes three to four hours of walking each day. While the walks are conducted over fairly flat terrain, a good level of fitness is required, especially in the hotter and more humid summer months.

What's it like
Grassroots adventures and great value are the hallmarks of this adventure, aimed at younger travelers (20-40) who prefer a fun, independent, convenient and responsible way to travel. The structure for a great travel experience is in place, but plenty of free time means you can go off and make your own discoveries. Expect a lot of fun on a Gecko's trip - the freewheeling style and freedom of choice gives you a flexible adventure, with lots of stories for the gang back home!

Itinerary:

Day 1: Depart the USA
Board your South African Airways flight to Johannesburg.
Day 2: Arrive Johannesburg
Sunday is an arrival day. You may arrive at any time as there are no activities planned for this day. If you wish to organise any activities, this can be done directly with the Lodge.
Day 3: Kruger National Park
You are collected Monday morning from your hotel by our specialist Kruger operator between 5.00am and 6.00am and transferred by microbus to the bush pub (approximately five to six hours driving). On arrival at the bush pub at the edge of the reserves you meet your ranger guide and get together for a safari briefing, where you will be required to fill out an indemnity form. After lunch we load up the open safari vehicle and depart for our bush camp. Driving to the camp we may sight zebra and some of the numerous species of antelope, as well many varietes of birds, all of whom call the reserve their home. Our camp lies in the heart of Klaserie Game Reserve, where we will stay in either thatched bungalows or tents with shared ablution facilities. After settling in we head out for an afternoon walk/drive, stopping for sundowners along the way. The night drive back provides us the perfect opportunity to search for the elusive nocturnal animals, such as leopard, aardvark and genet - a fine way to herald the end of a perfect African day.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner.
Days 4-6: Kruger National Park
Each morning we make an early start to see what adventures have unfolded during the night. The animals are usually lively with the onset of a new day and we can feel their vulnerability as the circle of life begins afresh. We head out on foot from camp to follow the tracks, which could lead us to an encounter with any of the 'Big Five': lion, rhino, buffalo, leopard or elephant. Our ranger interprets to us many of the signs left behind by the animals as they go about their daily struggle for survival. The walk can last up to four hours, so there's a hearty breakfast waiting for us when we return to camp.

Your days are spent exploring and discovering the fauna and flora of the area mostly on foot and occasionally by vehicle. During the heat in the middle of the day we usually stay in camp, where we have time to spot some birds, read a book or catch up on some sleep. Before heading out on the shorter afternoon game activity, a light lunch is served. The afternoon activity may be a game walk, game drive or a combination of the two, accompanied by our highly trained guides. We spend the time discovering the secrets of the wild, while keeping a lookout for wildlife in their natural environment. After the sun sets and on our way back to camp, we may stop to marvel at the abundance of stars in the night sky or listen to the animated nocturnal sounds as the predators stir.
Meals included: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
Day 7: Johannesburg
After a short morning activity and breakfast we return to the bush pub and connect with our transfer to Johannesburg, arriving in the early evening.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Day 8: Return to the USA
After breakfast, grab an hour or two for some last minute shopping, before making your way to Johannesburg Airport for your connecting South African Airways flights back home.
Day 9: Arrive back in the USA
Arrive back in the USA and connect onward to your home city.

Included: Roundtrip airfare from select cities in the USA, a professional guide while on safari; meals as specified, accommodation, linen (no sleeping bag is required), return transfers from Johannesburg in a microbus, guided walks and game drives in open 4WD vehicles.
Not Included:local payment of ZAR205 (approx $25), airport arrival and departure transfers, airport/departure taxes, visas, pre-tour or post-tour accommodation, all other meals, drinks, all optional additional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature, laundry and flights (unless specified).
Notes: These trips are operated by a specialist wildlife company based in the Kruger area. On arrival at the bush camp, you will be accompanied by a professional guide throughout your stay. Sleeping bags not needed as all bedding provided.