We visit the northern region of Kruger Park with riverine forest along the Luvuvhu river, Dense Mopane woodlands, Sandveld areas, lots of Baobab trees, Fever Tree Forest. The area also has some animals that is not normally seen further south like Roan, Eland and a few others.  Stretching over more than two million hectares, the famous Kruger National Park is one of the world’s largest game reserves and a truly remarkable destination. Owing to its exceptional size, visitors are able to experience fantastic diversity – from changing scenery and ecosystems to an impressive array of animals, plant life and birdlife. The park is home to over 130 mammals and over 500 bird species.

Day 1:            Mopani Rest Camp, Kruger National Park     (Sun, 1 June)

As it is a long day ahead of us, we depart early morning from Johannesburg to avoid most of the peak hour traffic. We will enjoy a brunch on the way to Kruger Park. Game viewing until we reach our camp, where we will check in for the first 3 night’s stay. Relax in the camp until it is time for dinner.  Dinners for the whole trip will be prepared by your host 

Overnight: Mopani Rest Camp         

The Mopani tree, which is in abundance in the Pioneer Dam area, lends both its beauty and its name to the Mopani Rest Camp. 

You can view abundant water birds over the Pioneer Dam, without having to leave the camp. There is also a unique 'sleep-over' game viewing hide near the Mopani Rest Camp.

Day 2 & 3:    Mopani Rest Camp, Kruger National Park     (Mon, 2 June & Tues 3 June)

We will do various drives from the camp, enjoying breakfasts and lunches at either picnic spots, or at some of the surrounding camp’s restaurants. Enjoy coffee and rusks before departing on the game viewing for the day. The days are set out to explore the area but also to relax and enjoy our camp. 

Day 4:            Shingwedzi Main Camp, Northern Kruger     (Wed, 4 June)

Northern Kruger

Although located close to the Indian Ocean, northern Kruger experiences high levels of aridity because of the Limpopo high-pressure system. Covered in a blanket of shrub mopane, the low-lying northern Kruger area is dissected by the Olifants and Letaba rivers and other, smaller rivers that are more like large pools of water.

Early morning wake up with coffee and rusks. We check out of the chalets for the day’s travel to the next rest camp searching for the elusive big 5. On arrival at our next camp, we will check into the chalets for the next two nights stay in the park. Spend the day exploring around our camp on different roads and waterholes. Dinners will be either at the camp restaurant or prepared by your host.

Overnight: Shingwedzi Main Camp

Shrouded in mopane trees, the area produces sightings of waterbuck, nyala, kudu, and elephant, as well as a variety of bird species. While the river does dry up in summer months, animal sightings are more frequent in winter as groups challenge each other over quickly disappearing pools left in the wake of the disappearing river.

Day 5:            Shingwedzi Main Camp, Northern Kruger     (Thu, 5 June)

We will explore the areas further north and visit Crooke’s corner where we will enjoy a lovely picnic next to the river before we drive through the Fever Forest. On the way back stop at Punda Maria for lunch and then back to our camp.

Day 6:            The Critchley Hackle Lodge, Dullstroom        (Fri, 6 June)

Breakfast and we then depart to Phalaborwa gate. Lunch on route and we check into Dullstroom late afternoon. Dinner at the Lodge

Overnight: The Critchley Hackle Lodge        

Day 7:            End of Itinerary      (Sat, 7 June)

We depart after breakfast for our return to Johannesburg. Arrival in Johannesburg will be late afternoon