Kruger, Panoramic Combo
( 4 Days / 3 Nights )
Where will it take me
Johannesburg – know as the commercial and Industrial hub of South Africa and the Mpumalanga Province which hosts the world renowned Kruger National Park – nestled in the eastern part of South Africa sharing borders with Mozambique and Swaziland.
What is there to see
Endless vistas of scenic beauty along the northern Drakensberg mountain range and a small part of the 2 million hectares of unspoilt terrain of the Kruger National Park which is home of the world’s largest diversity of wildlife.
You should know
This tour also include stops at viewpoints of the largest green canyon in the world which runs for 33km and is about 1 400 meters deep.
Look out for
Trained craftsmen at work on a special range of diamonds cut to precision with the utmost delicacy.
Bonus
Travel via the Long Tom Pass at 2154 meters above sea level, one of the highest tarred roads in South Africa.
Do not miss
Tales of the Anglo Boer war, the Long Tom cannons, the 1873 gold rush days and the travels of the famous Stafforshire Bull Terrier, Jock of the Bushveld during 1880’s.
Worth a splurge
The Stevenson-Hamilton Memorial library at Skukuza Rest Camp. Stevenson-Hamilton was the first ranger in the Kruger National Park and ruled from 1902 until his retirement in 1946.
Something to consider
Spending an additional night in Johannesburg and arrange a tour to Soweto, one of the townships in the area. Here you will find former homes of Nelson Mandela and Artsbishop Tutu. Here you can swap stories with the locals in typical shebeens (African bars) or try authentic African cuisine in a township restaurant.
Itinerary
Day 1: Johannesburg – Hazyview
South Africa is not just well know for quality diamonds and jewellery but also for the largest diamonds ever found, the “Great star of Africa” in 1905 and the “Lesser Star of Africa” in 1985. We depart early morning to visit a diamond factory in town who offers quality and investor diamonds direct to the public. See how highly trained craftsmen produce a special range of diamonds precision-cut with outmost delicacy to maximize brilliance and fire.
After the visit to the factory we make our way to the Mpumalanga Province, we stop in Dullstroom – the fly fishing mecca with its alluring waterfalls, streams and dams for lunch. Hereafter we head out to the town of Pilgrims Rest where the biggest gold rush of the time initiated with some 1500 fortune seekers flocking in from all over the world. A scenic route of mountains and forestry areas will bring us to Hazyview late afternoon.
Day 2: Hazyview – Kruger National Park
Winding our way through the largest pine and eucalyptus forest in Africa, we travel towards God’s Window where the escarpment abruptly plunges 1000 meters down to the Lowveld. This day includes visits to various scenic lookout points, waterfalls, Bourke’s Luck Potholes – cylindrical holes in the limestone riverbed formed over centuries by swirling waters and unquestionably being the largest Green Canyon in the world – the Blyde River Canyon. After Lunch we leave the mesmerizing views of the panoramic route for the Kruger National Park. This vast reserve covers 2 million hectares of unspoilt terrain and is home of the world’s largest diversity of wildlife. We are likely to see a great variety of wildlife including perhaps some of the Big 5, Leopard, Lion or Elephant already on our way to the camp, where we will arrive by sunset. Tonight your guide will prepare a true South African barbecue meal before settling in for a well deserved rest. (Kruger National Park or similar) (BD)
Day 3: Kruger National Park
Smell the sun warmed grass and aroma of Elephant dung as we leave camp bright and early for a full day of game viewing. We spend time at waterholes, lookout points and stop at picnic spots, at regular intervals to enjoy meals and refreshments. A full day game drive will increase chances of viewing Africa’s famed “Big five”. As an optional activity, you can embark on a sunset/night drive equipped with spotlights. (Kruger National Park or similar) (BD)
Day 4: Kruger National Park – Johannesburg
Waking up at dawn, might bring a few surprises. After a few hours of game viewing and breakfast, we exit the Kruger Park and head back to Johannesburg. En route we might have time to shop for local crafts and curios. (B)
It includes:
- Return transfer from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park in air-conditioned vehicles except for Game drives
- Accommodation and all entrance fees into the Kruger National Park The service of a fully qualified and knowledgeable Place of Rock Tour & Field guide.
- Meals as per your itinerary
- Game viewing on-board Open Safari Vehicles.
It excludes:
- Drinks, gratuities, telephone calls and items of a personal nature
- Optional Kruger Park bushwalks and sunset drives
- International and domestic flight (more information available on request)
