On landing at Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport you will disembark the flight and walk to the terminal building where your OTS representative will be waiting to meet and greet you. You will then proceed to collect your luggage and board the vehicle for your road transfer to Rukiya.
The route out of the airport will take you past 'game fences' so do watch out for your first wildlife sightings!
On arrival, you will receive a complimentary On Track Safaris metal water bottle to help reduce the use of plastics during your safari. You will also be presented with a spoor card which will help you to identify animals and their tracks. You will have the use of this gift to refer to during game drives and walks.
You will arrive at Rukiya Safari Camp in time to settle in, rest and relax. Rukiya is a small luxury eco tented camp within the Wild Rivers Reserve and is a key area for our leopard research team. The camp nestles along the banks of the Blyde River which flows all year and among large mature trees, a truly stunning location.
On arrival there will be a welcome drink, indemnity form signing and you will meet your hosts. Depending on your time of arrival you will be offered an afternoon game drive (do remember to order sundowner drinks) on the Wild Rivers Reserve. You will return to the lodge for dinner, no doubt retiring early to your tent in preparation for your first early morning rise.
Be prepared for tomorrow mornings 'big 5' game drive as there will be a short journey along a tar road in an open vehicle so you WILL need to wrap up due to the wind chill. These game drives are longer than the norm and they also include a bush breakfast.
Your days at Rukiya start with a wake-up call and a warm drink and rusks (local biscuits) before setting off on a morning game drive. Your morning game drive will take you through the Wild Rivers Reserve and into the adjacent Balule Reserve (part of the Greater Kruger National Park) where you will be able to enjoy your first game drive on a 'big five' Reserve. These game drives may be longer than the norm as they may also include a bush breakfast, returning to the lodge late morning. Lunch is served at the lodge, followed by time to relax and enjoy the views from your private deck.
During your time at Rukiya there will an opportunity to experience our unique bush senses activity. This involves a short bush walk and an activity that we have developed over many years and has proven to be very popular with our safari guests. In a fun way it encourages you to use all of your senses when in the bush. Not just sight, but also smell, hearing and touch. Some of our senses are dulled by modern living, but this simple and fun exercise quickly hones one's bush senses, ideal preparation for any safari.
During your time at Rukiya there may also be an opportunity to listen to a presentation on the work of the Ingwe leopard research team.
Dinner will be served in the evenings.
You will depart Rukiya at around 07h00 in the morning on your guided 4 x4 road transfer to Mozambique. On the beginning leg of your cross country trip to Sava you will travel by road via the Kruger National Park, entering at Phalaborwa Gate. This trip will enable you to see the wonders of the country that are often missed due to flying! While in the park you will stop off at Letaba Rest camp for a refresh, leg stretch and pop into the rest camp shop if you need anything.
From here you will head on to the Giriyondo Border Post. This is where you will complete Customs/Visas/Border Control (Please note that we do advise that you carry some cash with you as card machines do not always work)
Once through Customs you will head on to Xingana Lodge Game Lodge in the Massingir where you can relax around the pool, enjoy a delicious dinner followed by a good night of sleep.
Rukiya Safari Camp / Wild Rivers Reserve Conservations fees R250 per person per night (2023 rates) have been pre-paid and included in your safari rate.
Don't forget to settle your bar bill before leaving.
If you wish to leave gratuities these are normally offered in cash on departure.Tips for general staff are pooled to share with all those on duty during your stay. Guides and a Tracker (if there is one) are usually tipped separately.
Today there are two game drives within the Karingani Game Reserve. Your morning game drive will depart in the clary morning and return to the lodge for breakfast at around 09:30. There will be time during the heat of the day to rest and relax. After a late lunch you will embark on your afternoon game drive returning to the lodge for dinner.
After Breakfast we will depart on the last leg of the journey to Sava. This time you get to see the scenic and rural life of Mozambique. We will arrive late afternoon at Sava.
Sava Dunes is owned by our good friends Lily and Conraad who also own and manage Rukiya Safari Camp (our Safari base in South Africa).
Arriving in the late afternoon there will be time to settle in, rest and relax and perhaps take a first dip, or enjoy a drink on your private balcony overlooking the Ocean. Dinner is served in the main lodge which has two decks from which to digest the wonderful Mozambique food and drink – an unforgettable dining experience.
Each day you can enjoy the peace and seclusion of this wonderful beach location. Watching the sun rise over the ocean from your bed. Perhaps take a dip in the pool or stroll along the beach.
Personal service and warm hospitality are the bywords for Sava Dunes operations. Days start with tea and coffee served on your private balcony, where the sun rises across the ocean offering up sightings of Dolphins and Whales, seemingly displaying just for your pleasure.
Meals are served either by the poolside or the balcony of the main lounge. And, as is to be expected from any lodge owned by Lily and Conraad, the quality of cuisine is both stylish and delicious. Fresh local produce makes up the mainstay of the menu on offer each day.
Lodge activities available throughout the day - snorkeling; surfing and boogie boarding, beach walks and lodge activities (board games, etc).
A full list of activities and excursions with rates can be viewed in the Documents section of this itinerary. They can be booked via the lodge.
After a leisurely breakfast you will be collected and transferred by road to Inhambane Airport (approx 45 mins) in time for check-in for your flight to Johannesburg.
Once you have landed at OR Tambo Airport, collect your luggage and make your way from Domestic Arrivals to International Departures - all within the same building - to check-in for your international flight home.
You will then proceed through security and airside. There are an array of duty free shops, restaurants and lounges.
We trust you have had a wonderful safari and your On Track Safaris Team, both in the UK and in South Africa, wish you a safe and smooth journey.
