Day 1: Rukiya Safari Camp
The safari commences at Hoedspruit Airport (HDS), where a member of the team greets visitors on arrival and transfers them to Rukiya Safari Camp, just 25 minutes away. Eastgate Airport serves as the established gateway to the heartland of South Africa's wildlife game viewing reserves, with three daytime flights arriving each day from Johannesburg, scheduled to assist international visitors in easily connecting with Hoedspruit. Many visitors prefer to have their internal flight from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit (50 mins) arranged, or alternatively, a scenic road transfer (approx 5 hours) can be organized, taking the hassle out of arranging the final leg of the journey. This service is offered to visitors at cost price. African safari vacations in this region offer the chance to witness incredible wildlife up close.
Whether transferring by air or road, the price remains the same for singles or couples; however, a road transfer proves more cost-effective for a small group or family traveling together. Regardless of the preferred transfer method, visitors arrive at Rukiya Safari Camp in time to settle in, rest, and relax. Rukiya is a small luxury tented camp within the Wild Rivers Reserve and serves as a key area for the leopard research team. The camp nestles along the banks of the Blyde River among age-old trees, providing a truly stunning location. Later in the day, before sunset, visitors take a short stroll along the riverbank and enjoy a sundowner before returning to the lodge for dinner. Safari tours in the Wild Rivers Reserve offer a unique and immersive wildlife experience.
Day 2: Wild Rivers Reserve
Visitors wake up to an invigorating cup of coffee before setting off on a morning game drive. The morning game drive takes visitors through the Wild Rivers Reserve and into the adjacent Balule Reserve (part of the Greater Kruger Park), where they can enjoy their first big five game drive. Lunch is followed by time to relax and enjoy the views from private decks with river views before the afternoon game drive in the Wild Rivers Reserve. Visitors then return home for a sumptuous dinner. On the first full day of the safari, a unique bush senses experience is included. This activity, developed over many years, has proven to be very popular with safari guests. In a fun way, it encourages visitors to use all of their senses when in the bush, not just sight, but also smell, hearing, and touch. Some senses may be dulled by modern living, but this simple and fun exercise quickly hones one's bush senses, serving as ideal preparation for any safari. African safari adventures in the Wild Rivers Reserve offer a balance of thrilling game drives and engaging activities.
Day 3: Wild Rivers Reserve
An early morning game drive takes visitors through the Wild Rivers Reserve and into the adjacent Balule Reserve (part of the Greater Kruger Park). Breakfast is served in the bush before returning to Rukiya. There is time to rest, relax, and enjoy lunch. When the heat of the day has faded a little, visitors may join the rangers in learning to track leopards and other predators within the reserve, where the Ingwe Leopard team is monitoring the resident leopard population. Visitors return to camp for drinks and dinner. Safari vacations in the Wild Rivers Reserve provide opportunities to learn about wildlife conservation efforts and participate in tracking activities.
Day 4: Klaserie Game Reserve
After breakfast, visitors transfer to the nearby Klaserie Game Reserve, famed for its exceptional game viewing and a favored location for movie stars and the rich and famous, providing a lovely sedate bush atmosphere with personal and friendly service. Visitors have plenty of time to settle in and relax before afternoon high tea and a game drive, returning to the lodge for dinner. Klaserie is also an important location for the Leopard Research project, and visitors have an opportunity to see more of the work being done. African safari holidays in Klaserie offer a blend of luxury and adventure in a renowned wildlife destination.
Day 5 & 6: Klaserie Game Reserve
No two days on safari are the same. The next two days in the Klaserie Game Reserve start with an early morning game drive, with visitors returning to the lodge in time for a late breakfast/brunch. During the middle of the day, there is time to relax and enjoy watching animals coming and going. The afternoon game drive starts after high tea and covers previously unseen areas of the reserve, followed by dinner often taken around the fire in an outside boma. Safari tours in Klaserie provide diverse and ever-changing experiences in the African wilderness.
Day 7: Klaserie Game Reserve
On the last morning in Klaserie, the game drive aims to visit those parts of the concession that haven't been reached previously, offering an opportunity to get those final photographs before returning to the lodge for breakfast. Visitors then transfer to Johannesburg airport, taking the Panorama route through the mountains. Arrival at Johannesburg airport is around 17:00, in time for an evening onward flight. For those who have opted to fly back to Johannesburg, a transfer is provided to Hoedspruit Eastgate airport in time for an early afternoon flight. African safari adventures in Klaserie and the surrounding areas leave lasting memories of incredible wildlife encounters and the beauty of the African bush.
