9-day Glamping Adventure: Kruger & Pongola Safari

Day 1: Hazyview

Upon arrival at Johannesburg Airport, collect your car rental and self-drive to Hazyview. 

Upon arrival at the Camp, you will be met by your hosts , who will after check in escort you to your unique Boutique Camping Tent where you will spend the next four days at own leisure. 

Day 2: Hazyview

Today, when planing your game drives in Kruger, wild animals indulge in different activities early in the morning, during the day, late afternoon and at night. In order to maximize your time during a self-drive, schedule your drive either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. These are the most active periods for the birds and animals

In the middle of the day most animals rest, so follow their example. Take a rest in the middle of the day so that you can do your game drive during the best times of the day.

Day 4: Hazyview

Today, enjoy The Panorama Route, one of many scenic drives in South Africa.  This is going to be  a fantastic day tour that allows  you to experience the awe-inspiring waterfalls, valleys, mountains and rivers of the magnificent Mpumalanga region that border the Kruger National Park.

Here is the following scenic viewpoints:

  • God’s Window
  • Bourke’s Luck Potholes
  • Blyde River Canyon
  • Three Rondavels
  • Lisbon Falls,
  • Lone Creek

We recommend you start your tour at 08h00. On route you will be able to have lunch at various restaurants and enjoy a spot of curious shopping.

AfriCamps at Mackers, Hazyview AfriCamps at Mackers, Hazyview AfriCamps at Mackers, Hazyview

Day 5: Pongola Game Reserve

Today, the road trip takes to you White Elephant Safari a 6 hour drive from Hazyview. Located in the thriving Pongola Game Reserve, at the foot of the majestic Lebombo Mountains in KwaZulu-Natal, just south of Eswatini.

To end off your day, soak up the African sunset from your outdoor wood-fired hot tub and, if you’re lucky, antelope roaming among the tents will pay you a visit.

Day 6: Pongola Game Reserve

Today you have the choice of the following activities: 

ACTIVITIES ON THE RESERVE

  • Project Elephant *TOP PICK*
    The Elephant Research Project is a unique educational full day activity. Guests depart early morning for a cruise on Lake Jozini to locate and watch the elephants from the boat. After a few hours on the water, guests return to camp. The activity continues in the afternoon with a game drive and a visit to our Research Camp where you will spend time with our research and conservation staff. At the Elephant Research Centre guests will watch the BBC production “Operation Elephant – The Mission” documenting the initial re-location of our elephants from the Kruger National Park. Guests examine elephant skulls and bones and participate in discussions and debates. Spending time in the world of elephants provides great insight into the reserve history, nature and elephant conservation.
  • Elephant Cruise

    A safari by boat focused on spotting herds of elephants on the other side of Lake Jozini. Guests will also see antelope, hippo and crocodile during this cruise.

Day 7: Pongola Game Reserve

Today you have the choice of the following activities: 

ACTIVITIES ON THE RESERVE

  • Bush walk
    This is the best way for bird watchers to spot some of the 350+ bird species on the reserve. Walking trails are very much a part of the White  Elephant Safaris experience. Being on foot is not only a more energetic way of experiencing the Bush but also provides a
    ‘closeup’ invigorating encounter with Nature. The sounds, smells and minute detail of the wilderness become much more apparent on a guided walk. The duration and speed of your walk will be tailored by your professional guide to suit your fitness and stamina. Walks go out daily, either early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
  • Fishing / Boat Hire
    Lake Jozini is the most southern lake where tiger fish are endemic. It’s the ideal location for the novice fisherman to the expert angler for a tiger fish catch of a lifetime, strictly catch and release, of course. Tilapia, Barber (sharp-toothed catfish), Yellowfish, Grass carp, Mozambique and Red-breasted Bream are also found in The Lake. The best time for tiger fishing at Lake Jozini is September through to April.

AfriCamps at White Elephant Safaris, Pongola Game Reserve AfriCamps at White Elephant Safaris, Pongola Game Reserve AfriCamps at White Elephant Safaris, Pongola Game Reserve

Day 8: Pongola Game Reserve

Today you have the choice of the following activities: 

ACTIVITIES ON THE RESERVE

  • Rhino Project
    This activity provides a glimpse into the WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project. With the use of a Telemetry device, we will follow the rhino’s signal, look for tracks and dung middens and examine our camera ‘trap’ locations as part of our rhino monitoring and conservation project. +/-3 hour excursion.
  • River Safari
    White Elephant Safaris is the only lodge in South Africa to offer Kariba-like, water-based safari activities. The 15000-hectare Lake Jozini provides the focal feature of Pongola Game Reserve and is the perfect setting for an early morning or late afternoon boat cruise. Spot herds of antelope, hippo, crocodile as well as an enormous variety of bird species during this cruise
AfriCamps at White Elephant Safaris, Pongola Game Reserve AfriCamps at White Elephant Safaris, Pongola Game Reserve AfriCamps at White Elephant Safaris, Pongola Game Reserve

Day 9: End of Itinerary

It's time to say goodbye to South Africa! At the designated time, you'll make the 4 hour drive to King Shaka International Airport where you will return the car and check in for your trip home. If you have time before the flight, check out more of the city before your departure. Safe travels!

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