DAY OF ARRIVAL:
You will fly from Johannesburg to the Sabi Sabi Airstrip, from where your guide will collect you and your first "mini" game drive will start on your way to the amzing and family-friendly Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge.
Enjoy a welcome drink and familiarise yourself with the breathtakingly beautiful surroundings before going on your first game drive, followed by a meal fit for a king afterwards.
DAILY PROGRAMME:
Each morning and evening you will depart from this luxury safari lodge into the wilderness, either by open safari vehicle or on foot for a walking safari, accompanied by your armed and knowledgeable Game Ranger and Shangaan Tracker. Close enough to share in a thrilling encounter with Africa’s beautiful wild creatures.
While on safari, escape to the Spa at Bush Lodge and indulge in holistic body, skin, and beauty rituals, treatments, and massages.
MORNING SAFARIS
An early morning call from the Ranger will wake you before the first light, while the kitchen brews hot coffee or tea, and prepares cool fruit juices with a muffin, rusk or other freshly made delicacies. So begins the morning safari.
The bush is already alive, the air filled with birdsong as the rising sunlight dances off beads of dew on spiders’ webs. Nobody, not even the tracker who can read the bushveld like a book, knows what’s in store. He will watch the road for spoor, leaning forward intently to find any print left by a predator during its hunt in the dark. There may be hushed discussions in Shangaan between Ranger and Tracker, and brief radio interactions from one vehicle to another. Sharing information ensures that the occupants of each safari vehicle have the best chance of a wide range of sightings during their drives – and also ensures control and responsible behaviour as the vehicles move in close to the animals.
MORNING GUIDED BUSH WALK
Renowned for luxury experiences, Sabi Sabi isn’t all about phenomenal game drives and exceptional dining. Opportunities for education and adventure are definitely on the cards for those interested and energetic. On the morning environmental awareness walking safari you can be part of a small group that sets out on foot after breakfast. The walk is an opportunity to feel the pulse of Africa through the soles of your feet and experience the bushveld at close quarters.
Sabi Sabi boasts approximately 350 different species of birds, a paradise for birdwatchers. Raptors are plentiful, including 11 species of owl, the seldom-seen cuckoo hawk and the rare bat hawk. There is an endless diversity of trees, shrubs and flowering plants, and whatever the time of year, no two walks are ever the same.
EVENING SAFARIS
Evening falls and you prepare for the night safari. As the fierce heat of the day cools, the inhabitants of the bush become restless, and the animals move out of the shade of the trees. The call of the crested francolin reverberates through the bushveld and birds increase the volume of their song. You will be aware of colours softening to the beautiful, gentle hues that vary with each season. New scents fill the air and as the sun dips behind the horizon your Ranger will choose a spot where you can stretch your legs and enjoy sundowners alongside the vehicle. Watch in awe as the sky turns to the sensational vibrant reds, golds and oranges typical of an African sunset. There is a lull as the animals sense the transition into a time of increased danger. It is during evening safaris that the nocturnal hunters start stirring, and their prey needs to be alert for survival through the night.
- Travel Insurance: Don’t travel without travel insurance. You never know what can happen while traveling so it’s best to be prepared for anything.
- Travel water bottle: Comes in exceptionally handy around Africa on your game drives / nature walks.
- Camera Gear: Chances are you’ll want a camera for your trip to Africa. Remember lots of memory cards / storage options!
- Safari Clothes: Lightweight, beige / light greens / browns / earthy colours, and moisture-wicking clothing are great for traveling. Also, bring a warm jacket and pants for the early morning and evening game drives.
- Safari Hat: A good wide-brimmed hat is both necessary and functional.
- Binoculars and sunglasses: You will be very glad that you brought these.
- Safari Pants: We recommend neutral-colored pants as they’re great at hiding dirt and can match most shirt colors.
- Safari Shirt: Lightweight, and remember that full sleeves will keep the bugs away!
- Boots / Comfortable sneakers: While you don’t need to wear sturdy shoes every day, at least one pair of safari / hiking boots will make your trip more enjoyable.
- Travel Adapter: You’ll need a special travel adapter for traveling to Africa. Get one before you get there so you don’t pay a premium on the ground.
- Mosquito spray / roll-on stick - Most lodges supply this but please pack your own just in case.
DAY OF DEPARTURE:
After your morning game drive and a scrumptious breakfast, your friendly driver/guide will transfer you to the Kruger Mpumalanga Airport or to the Sabi Sabi Airstrip, from where you will journey onwards to your next destination.
