Kenya and Kruger

13 days - from $5200

This great safari combines spectacular game-viewing and cultural experiences in Kenya and South Africa over 13 days. Beginning in the classic safari tradition in East Africa, the tour continues on to the newer and more dynamic private game reserves of Greater Kruger National Park, providing a feast of wildlife opportunities.

Kenya's wildlife reserves are among the best in the world, with large quantities of animals inhabiting vast tracts of lands that are easily accessible from Nairobi. Our classic safari features three very different habitats, with the opportunity to observe a variety of unusual species common only to this part of Africa. The ecosystems, landscapes and variety of wildlife highlight the diversity of this region and our guide will be happy to explain the intricacies of it all to us. Other key features of our safari include the utilisation of comfortable lodges and an atmospheric permanent tented camp, as well as travelling in 4WD safari vehicles during your game-viewing excursions. The pop-top roof system ensures excellent wildlife viewing experiences, whilst the use of 4WD rather than minivans ensures comfort and allows access to off-the-beaten-track places. Our specialist local guides not only share with us their incredible wildlife knowledge, but also their passion for their homeland.

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. We spend 3 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 open 4WD vehicles and a maximum of 9 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.

The tour spends one night in Hazyview, a base from where we explore the impressive Blyde River Canyon and visit Bourke's Luck Potholes, as well as enjoy views of the Three Rondavels and the vista from God's Window. We also visit a local Shangaan village, where we gain an insight into their unique way of life.

Highlights

• Samburu National Reserve
• Menengai Crater
• Lake Nakuru National Park
• Masai Mara National Reserve
• Timbavati Game Reserve
• Greater Kruger National Park
• Blyde River Canyon
• God's Window
• Shangaan Culture

Itinerary:

Day 1 (Sun) Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to hotel.2-3 Drive to Samburu National Reserve. Morning and afternoon game drives.4-5 Drive to Nakuru. Afternoon nature walk in Menengai Crater. Full-day game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park.6-7 Drive to tented camp in Masai Mara National Reserve. Game drives, game walks and night drives.8 Game walk in private reserve adjoining Masai Mara. Fly to Nairobi and transfer to international airport for flight to Johannesburg (flight not included).9-11 Drive to Timbavati Private Game Reserve in Greater Kruger National Park. Game walks, morning and afternoon game drives and night drives.12 Morning game drive. Explore Blyde River Canyon region. Traditional dinner in a Shangaan village.13 Return to Johannesburg where tour ends on arrival (Fri).
Included: An experienced English-speaking local leader, arrival transfer, transport, domestic flight Masai Mara to Nairobi, accommodation, meals, game activities and entrance fees.
Not Included: International flights including flight from Nairobi to Johannesburg, airport departure taxes, visas, meals unless specified in the itinerary, insurance, laundry, any optional tours or activities during free time, tips and items of a personal nature.
Meals: 12 breakfasts,9 lunches,10 dinners
National Parks: This trip includes 2 days in Samburu National Reserve, 1 day in Lake Nakuru National Park and 2 days in Masai Mara National Reserve.
Notes: Please note that the roads in Kenya can be quite bad at times. The tarred roads are badly pot-holed in sections and the dirt roads can be very dusty and corrugated. We need to be prepared for a fair bit of bouncing around, on these roads. Infrastructure is also unpredictable and electricty may fail or be turned off at times. Lodges generally have back up generators in these situations.
Starts/Ends: Nairobi to Johannesburg
Trip Reference: PFKK