The reserve is in Sabi Sands home to the ‘big five’ (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo), as well as cheetah, wild dog and hundreds of other species of animals, birds and plants indigenous to the area. The phrase “big five” was coined by hunters of yesteryear – before the advent of the photographic safari – and refers to the animals considered the most dangerous to hunt.
DAY 1: Arrival Johannesburg (D,L)
Staying at Umkumbe River Lodge
Personal pick up from Kruger International Airport (MQP), following evening flight from the UK and internal flight from Johannesburg International Airport (JNB).
Transfer to Umkumbe River Lodge, perfectly situated in one of the best big five game viewing destinations in Africa. Arrive in time for the afternoon game drive with sundowners followed by evening meal in traditional boma around the fire.
DAY 2: Umkumbe River Lodge (B,L,D)
Our game drives you are able to get a lot closer to big game. The animals are generally habituated to the vehicle. This means that they are used to the vehicle approaching them and know that it never causes them harm. All game drives are conducted in open 4 x 4 game viewers, which allow for 360 degree views of wildlife and wilderness
Game drives are planned for mornings and evenings as this is the time when the animals are most active. The game drive lasts for about three hours and includes a coffee stop for the morning drive.
DAY 3: Umkumbe River Lodge(B, L, D)
For the more energetic, each day after breakfast there is the option of a morning bush walk , which is in English only. The walk is weather and safari guide permitting. The walk is an opportunity to experience the bushveld at close quarters. All walking safaris are led by qualified rangers. They will explain the animal tracks and what animals passed through during the night, in addition to the sophistication of termite mounds and other interesting facets of the bush that go unnoticed on game drives.
DAY 4: Umkumbe River Lodge (B, L, D)
Afternoon game drive, we will go out 16.30/15.30 depending if its summer or winter. We will stop for sundowners. After sundowners guests will get to experience a night drive. The night drives allow guests the opportunity to see the nocturnal animals not encountered during the day. You can see a wide variety of animals not normally seen during the day, including leopards, hyenas, serval, porcupines, bush babies, genet cats and nocturnal birds like owls and nightjars.
DAY 5: Umkumbe River Lodge(B, L, D)
Our game drives you are able to get a lot closer to big game. The animals are generally habituated to the vehicle. This means that they are used to the vehicle approaching them and know that it never causes them harm. All game drives are conducted in open 4 x 4 game viewers, which allow for 360 degree views of wildlife and wilderness
DAY 7: Home (B)
Morning game drive and breakfast.
11.00 – departing guests to kindly vacate chalets
Transfer to Kruger International Airport (MQP) for your flight to Johannesburg International Airport (JNB) and onward to your destination.
TOUR INCLUDES :
• Transfers from airport to hotel and vice-versa by private air-conditioned car/van with driver.
• 6 nights lodge accommodations in single/ double/twin room with private facilities at the mentioned
or similar hotels as per itinerary inclusive of any applicable room taxes and service charges.
• Nature drives into the Park as per the itinerary by park private vehicle with Park naturalist.
• Full board meals included as mentioned B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner on table d’ hote basis
(Not A la Carte)
• Mineral water on board the vehicle.
TOUR EXCLUDES :
• Return international airfares to South Africa,
• Internal airfares.
• Any passport and visa fees.
• Any airport taxes.
• Any insurances including Travel, Personal and Medical.• Any immigration charges
• Any meals, alcohol and soft drinks except those specifically detailed in the itinerary.• Tips/ gratuities to drivers, guides,
waiters for included meals, tips to room boys.
• Laundry charges.
• Any massages/spa treatments, telephone calls, faxes or any other charges of personal nature.
Essential Info
Visa needs to be obtained before travel if required.
Internal Flights
Make sure you have a enough time from your international flight to your internal flight. Please leave at least 3 hours for delays, customs and transfer to internal flight.
All airfare as well as flight timings are subject to change by the
airlines without prior notice.
All prices shown are the best value prices applicable at the time of booking. Booking prices are subject to change owing to ground product increases and currency rate fluctuations.
Accommodation
Umkumbe River Lodge
Species
While seeing wildlife is never guaranteed.
These are the species that we would hopeful see on your safari/tour.
Lion, leopard, elephant, Impala, giraffe, Zebra, Rhino, Hyena and many species of birds
Tour Guide
Self guided.
