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Solidarity ecotourism

South Africa

Big Five expedition in Kruger Park

Three days in the bush around Kruger: a sunset game drive, a bush barbecue, nights under canvas, a full day in the park and the Blyde River Canyon on the way back.

Big Five expedition in Kruger ParkBig Five expedition in Kruger ParkBig Five expedition in Kruger ParkBig Five expedition in Kruger ParkBig Five expedition in Kruger Park

The tour

This three-day, two-night safari sets off from Johannesburg for the Balule Nature Reserve and Kruger National Park, in search of the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. You head out on a sunset drive, spend a full day in the park with a guide who knows its wildlife and plants, and finish with an early-morning walk escorted by an armed guard.

Nights are spent in equipped tents, first at the Campfire Academy in the Balule reserve, then at Marc’s Camp. A bush barbecue, the campfire and time with your fellow travellers fill the evenings. On the way back, the road passes the Three Rondavels on the edge of the Blyde River Canyon.

The tour is open to adults, families and groups, and to young people from 15, with a supplement for under-18s.

What makes it different

  • A sunset game drive and bush barbecue
  • A full day in Kruger National Park
  • Two nights under canvas in the bush
  • The Three Rondavels of the Blyde River Canyon

Day by day

Day 1: arrival and sunset game drive

Pick-up at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg between 8am and 9.30am, then the drive to the Balule reserve. At 5pm, from Tremisana Lodge, a sunset game drive followed by a bush barbecue. Your luggage is taken to the tents at the Campfire Academy, about ten minutes away, where you are then shown to your tent.

Day 2: a full day in Kruger National Park

An early start around 6.45am for a hearty breakfast at Tremisana, then into the park through Orpen Gate. A full day of birdwatching and game viewing with an expert guide, before driving to Marc’s Camp for dinner and the night.

Day 3: dawn walk and the Blyde River Canyon

An early-morning walk with an armed guard around Marc’s Treehouse Lodge. After breakfast, on to the Three Rondavels in the Blyde River Canyon. Back around 5pm to your Johannesburg hotel or hostel, or to O.R. Tambo Airport.

On site

Accommodation

Two nights under canvas: the first at the Campfire Academy in the Balule reserve, the second at Marc’s Camp. Each tent has a bed and bedding, electric light, a fan, plugs, mosquito nets and its own deck. Bathrooms (three showers and three toilets) are shared, with a tea and coffee station.

Meals

A bush barbecue on the first evening, breakfast at Tremisana Lodge on day 2, dinner at Marc’s Camp, then breakfast on the final morning.

Arrival

Pick-up at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg between 8am and 9.30am on day 1. Choose a flight that lands early enough to collect your bags; we strongly recommend spending the previous night in Johannesburg. On the last day, you are back at the airport or your Johannesburg accommodation around 5pm.

Included

  • Two nights in a single tent
  • Experienced field guides for all three days
  • Activities in the programme
  • Meals in the programme
  • A full day in Kruger National Park
  • 24/7 assistance and supervision

Not included

  • Flights
  • Travel and repatriation insurance

Volunteer in South Africa

The tour can be combined with a Freepackers volunteer programme in the same country, before or after.

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Kruger Park safari in South Africa (3 days) | Freepackers