Practical info ...
This trip can be done with a guide or self driving.
Trip start : Johannesburg airport.
Trip end : Johannesburg airport.
Groups...
Guided trip : 4 min - 9 max
Self drive : 2 min - 10 max
Age min: 16 years old.
Accommodation...
In bungalows with Ensuite bathroom in Umlani and in comfortable tents for 2 people in Klaserie (comfortable with beds, sheet and blankets).
Meals...
Meals are cooked by the staff. They are substantial and simple with an original African flavor.
Comfort...
In Blyde river Canyon, in the reserve of Timbavati and in the park Kruger, the accommodation is comfortable with private bathroom. For 3 nights in the private reserve of Kalserie, showers and common toilet...
Difficulty...
This trip is accessible to mostly everyone (kids over 16 years old). Walks are easy (except for the heat), flat land and a maximum of 15 kilometers per day. Anyway a good condition is required.
Note...
In the reserves, it is compulsory to sign a discharge of responsibility in case of accidents.
Conditions...
What is included...
Guided trip :
Minibus transfers outside the reserves and in 4x4 inside, all activities mentioned, full board (except breakfast of D1, lunch and diner of D8), all drinks (included alcohol, etc…) in Umlani camp, accommodation, armed ranger English speaking in game reserve, entrance fees in parks, plus French speaking guide on the complete duration of the trip.
Self drivetrip :
Car rental for the duration of the trip with insurance and unlimited kilometers. All activities mentioned, full board (except breakfast of D1, lunch and dinner of D8), all drinks (included alcohol, etc…) in Umlani camp, accommodation, armed ranger english speaking in game reserve, entrance fees in parks, plus french speaking guide on the complete duration of the trip.
What is not included...
Guided trip :
Internationals flights, souvenirs, gratuities.
Self drive trip :
International flights, meals either than mentioned, souvenirs, gratuities, petrol.
Day by day
D1 : Johannesburg...
Your guide will meet you at the airport. This is a day to get to know each other and prepare the trip with the rest of the group and the team. Depending on your time of arrival we may have time for a short visit of the city. Meals to your own account.
D2-4 : Timbavati private game reserve...
Private game reserves offer a more exclusive and often very luxurious safari option. The number of guests is limited and access to the reserve is only for those who overnight in one of the privates lodges. You will have the opportunity to do some bush walks and night drive safaris in an open 4x4. All activities are guided by qualified rangers and guides. Timbavati shares a border with the Kruger Park and game can freely wander from one side to the other as there are no fences in between. However, cars are not allowed the same freedom.
Umlani Bush Camp...
Umlani Bush Camp is a classic African safari camp, offering the ultimate experience of true wilderness and seclusion and accommodating only 16 guests in traditional African reed and thatched huts. Umlani's philosophy of simple luxury and 'getting back to nature' is enhanced by the romance of operating without electricity. Enjoy the warm atmosphere of candlelight and oil lamps as well as open-air bush showers fuelled by wood fires. The accommodation offers you all the privacy and superior comfort you need for uninterrupted relaxation. Umlani's award-winning cuisine will take you on a gastronomic tour of African-styled food.
A typical day would run as follows:
Early wake up at dawn, followed by a cup of coffee and cookies. The early hours of the day are the best for animal observation so we waste no time in the morning. We take a morning game drive and are back at camp around 10am for brunch ( meal between a breakfast and a lunch). Then you may want to do a bush walk, accompanied by an armed ranger. The hot hours of the day are spent at leisure in the camp and this is the best time to rest or enjoy the swimming pool! Lunch is at around 1pm. The afternoon game drive starts at about 4pm and will last until well after sunset, which will give us the opportunity to perhaps spot some nocturnal animals. Back in camp, you will be served a delicious meal. All meals are included, including drinks (alcohol, wine, etc.).
D5-7 : Walking safari in Klaserie private game reserve...
We move today to the neighbouring game reserve of Klaserie. This exclusive wilderness area is very private with no sharing sightings or camps with other people. Here, the focus is on game walking and we will spend most of our time just doing that, with only minimum use of our vehicle!
The camp...
The bush camp is tented, unfenced and situated on the river’s edge. There are 6 large walk-in tents (so 12 people maximum only!) with beds, linen, duvets, pillows, etc. provided. Sleeping bags are not needed. The ablution facilities are separate with (open) hot showers and flush toilets.
The walks ..
The walks aren’t strenuous but each can last up to four hours, depending on tracks or animal we spot along the way. In the mornings we set off at first light after a snack breakfast of rusks and coffee or tea. Enjoying the cool morning air we may walk directly from camp or else use a vehicle to venture further afield. Your ranger will decipher the tracks and signs left by the passing animals during the night. The thrill of walking, tracking and getting up close to one of the creatures of the bush is an unforgettable experience. On the walks there is a lot of emphasis on all of nature’s wonders, big and small, such as trees, plants, insects and birds. A big brunch is prepared back in camp and then there is time to unwind and siesta or spot some birds around the camp. After lunch is served it is time to head out again.
The afternoon activity is a walk / drive combination, looking for tracks and animal activity in other areas. After the walk we drive to a beautiful spot in the reserve, where we’ll have sundowners while waiting for a stunning African sunset. As the diurnal animals and birds anxiously get ready for bed, the stage and sounds change and a whole new world awakens. This is when we connect the spotlight and night-drive back to camp, looking for the nocturnal creatures that are so rarely seen during the day.
Back in camp, a hearty supper and a warm campfire will be waiting for you. After a long day in the bush there is nothing more rewarding then to sneak off to bed and listen to the sounds of the night under a blanket of twinkling African stars!
D 8 : Klaserie - Johannesburg...
After our last morning safari, we prepare ourselves for our journey to Johannesburg (lunch on the road, at your own expense). Your safari ends in Johannesburg.