Overview
- Excellent value-for-money tour of Kruger Park and Timbavati Tented Camp.
- Two nights in Shindzela Tented Safari Camp, Timbavati Private Nature Reserve.
- Spend a night at the much-loved, owner- operated Rissington Inn in Hazyview on the border of Kruger National Park.
- Open safari vehicle guided tour through Kruger.
- Twice daily open vehicle safaris on bush tracks in a private concession in Timbavati Reserve.
- Transfers from Johannesburg and Pretoria available- minimum 2 people.
Detailed Itinerary
We really recommend this straight forward, value-for-money tour starting with good old fashioned inn-keeping, leading into a genuine safari in an unfenced tented safari camp.
Guests are collected at first light from selected hotels in Pretoria and Johannesburg. The 4 hour journey is headed for Hazyview, a bustling village on the border of the vast Kruger National Park. Outside town the secluded tranquillity of the Rissington Inn is a welcoming retreat. This owner-operated hotel is well known among foodies and is the obvious introduction to the quirky ways of the Lowveld with is colourful characters and laid back reputation. The sunny swimming pool is a convivial meeting place or an easy walk around the valley will produce good birding and even some sightings of small game. The free standing units are a distance apart and one often can hear hippo grazing outside late at night.
After a restful night sleep on fine bedding the day begins early with collection in an open safari vehicle headed for destination Paul Kruger Gate into the Kruger National Park. It is a leisurely 5 hour drive from Skukuza to Orpen Gate stopping along the way to enjoy a drink under huge trees where birds chatter and solitary bush buck forage. The many waterholes along the way are very productive and there are bound to be some exciting sightings along the way.
At Orpen Gate we change vehicles and hit the tar for 80 km stretch to our meet and greet at the control gate into The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is now open to the Kruger Park allowing free movement of game but not for vehicles that still have to go around. Shindzela Tented Camp is about 30 minutes from the gate with game viewing beginning right away. The camp has is laid out on a grassy plain above a dry river bed. The en suite safari tents have the added protection of a thatched roof over making the interior cool in summer. The genuine safari tents have twin three quarter beds, solar powered lighting and a private veranda out front. They are arranged in a semi circle around a central campfire with an open sided dining tent with views over the river bed. After a light lunch an open vehicle game drive sets off guided by a well experienced and knowledgeable ranger guide. At sunset we seek out a distinctive spot and pause for sundowner drinks and snacks- an old and indisputable tradition in the African bush. Then, under darkness and with the aid of a hand held spot light we set off in search of some of the fascinating nocturnal animals. Back in camp we meet at the fire and later head to the table for a delicious bush cooked dinner. The convivial atmosphere around the table or back at the fire can provoke story- telling thereby creating unforgettable nights under the stars. Shindzela Tented Camp is unfenced and often has nocturnal visitors making the en-suite bathrooms a blessing. The following day brings morning and afternoon game drives with the option of some walking with the armed guide – perhaps following the tracks of one of the big 5. Midday is spent relaxing in camp, at the plunge pool or enjoying a siesta. On day 4 of this value for money tour, the last morning drive gets back to camp for breakfast and a slow drive back to the gate to meet with the transfer back to the city.
