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8 DAY 7 NIGHT KRUGER SAFARI
TOUR CODE RTI-SA25
Length: 8 DAYS
Experience the excitement of South Africa's Kruger National Park on this unforgettable safari adventure. This is the best value you will find in the Kruger area. We offer a full three star lodge in Tremisana and for the more adventurous the tree houses of Marc's Tree Camp! Both lodges include transfers from select Johannesburg hotels and drop off at either the airport or hotel upon your return. Please note that this itinerary combines the best of the private Balule game reserve were we can do game walks and night drives with the vast Kruger Park. Many lodges in the western Kruger are limited to their own property and can not follow animals into the National Park. We spend days there seeking out the best sightings possible as well as exploring the private areas. The best of both worlds for half the price!
Cost:
$1,298, sharing at Marc's Tree house | $1,398 single at Marc's Tree house
$1,799 sharing at Tremisana Lodge | $1,899 single at Tremisana Lodge
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Trip Itinerary
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Day 01:
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Pickup from your guesthouse/hostel or Johannesburg Airport or Nelspruit and
drive to Tremisana Game Lodge in the Balule section of the Kruger National
Park.
After a short break, during which you can unwind at the bar or enjoy
a quick swim, we board an open Land Cruiser for a Sunset Drive.
Toast the
magnificent African sunset with your favorite liquid "sundowner" .
After
dark, your ranger will use a powerful spotlight to identify nocturnal
animals.
Drive to Marc's Treehouse Lodge where you will be accommodated in
fascinating treehouses.
Dinner will be held in our boma, around a
crackling open fire.
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Day 02:
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After breakfast, we depart for the Orpen Gate of Kruger Park. From your
open Gameviewer you are afforded an outstanding opportunity to fully
experience Africa's wild animals. The elevated vantage position and absence
of glass windows allow for truly unforgettable sight, sound and scent
experiences and brilliant photographic opportunities. Spend the full day
game-viewing and bird-watching in the company of a knowledgeable guide.
Overnight in your romantic treehouse with the sounds of the African night
to lull you to sleep.
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Day 03:
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After breakfast visit the Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre, where
orphaned and injured animals and birds are cared for .
After lunch drive to Balule private Big Five Game Reserve for a late afternoon game drive on an open Land Cruiser.
After dark, your ranger will use a powerful spotlight to locate nocturnal animals.
Return to Marc's Camp for dinner and overnight.
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Day 04:
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Another full day of game viewing and
bird watching from the open Gameviewer. Your guide will use his
intimate knowledge of the Park and travel along different roads in
an attempt to show you the Big Five. From your open Gameviewer, your
chances of seeing the Big Five are greatly enhanced. Dinner and
overnight at Marc's Camp.
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Day 05:
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Visit the Endangered Wildlife Project at Kapama, where a guided tour
gets you close to cheetah, wild dogs and other endangered species.
After lunch, we go on a 3-4 hour hike in the Balule Reserve.
Your armed Park rangers lead you into the African bush on foot following the spoor of big game.
They will interpret spoor, scats and signs left by passing animals.
The thrill of walking, tracking and eventually getting close enough to photograph big animals is an unforgettable experience.
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Day 06:
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After early breakfast then we depart for a half day trip into the
Kruger Park. Time to look for the big 5 again and enjoy the spoils of
the Kruger National Park. Spend the afternoon at leisure. You will
depart early evening for the Shangana evening.
Midway between the Blyde River Canyon and the southern Kruger National
Park, the residents of the traditional villages of Shangana invite
guests to share in the way of life of the Shangaan people. The
picturesque villages are set in the shade of ancient trees in a reserve
of forest and grassland, and are open every day.
A bustling African market village forms the centre of Shangana, where
local craftspeople make and trade their craft. From here, trained
guides lead guests down to villages on daytime tours, midday tours with
lunch, and the famed Evening Festival in the Chief's Kraal.
Shangana has been created and built by local Shangaan people, and forms
a place of great pride and a way of preserving a rich heritage for us,
and an example of South Africa's great cultural diversity. Dinner will
be back at the lodge.
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Day 07:
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Today is your last full day and it will be spent in the Kruger Park.
After breakfast depart for Orpen gate and enter the Kruger park. It
will be the last chance to look for the big five. Enjoy the last nights
dinner at the lodge.
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Day 08:
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Drive to Tremisana Lodge in time for an early bushwalk, guided by an
armed ranger. The signs of elephant are everywhere and the adrenalin is
sure to be pumping ! After breakfast, we drive to the Blyde Canyon
where you view the breathtaking God's Window and the Three Rondawels.
We return to Gauteng, arriving by 16h00. Airport drop-off by
arrangement.
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Lodging Information
- Marc's Treehouse Lodge
- Tremisana Game Lodge
Safaris Staying at Marc's Treehouse Lodge
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Imagine... inhale the fresh balmy air of African Bushveld. Fall asleep to the gurgling of the river, interrupted by the eerie whoops of hyena, spine-chilling wails of jackals and the plaintive cry of the thick-tailed bushbaby. Awaken to the melodious chorus of birdsong and watch the activity of wildlife drinking at the river or at our spotlit waterhole. Walk along the pristine banks of the perennial Klaserie River amongst huge Sycamore Figs and giant Matumi trees...this is Marc's Treehouse Lodge.
View of Breakfast Dam
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Accommodation at Marc's is secure, comfortable and relaxed. We offer 12 treehouses : five original units built in the trees with designated private ablutions on the ground below and seven en suite units built on stilts within the tree canopy. Three treehouses overlook an illuminated waterhole, often frequented by our resident buffalo herd while nine treehouses are discreetly nestled in gallery forest along the river. Each treehouse is equipped with beds and linen, soap and towels, overhead fan, mosquito nets and wooden viewing deck. In addition we have added two brick and mortar guest houses as well as two equipped canvas tents for those of our clients that prefer these types of accommodation.
Rustic treehouse overlooking river
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Marc's Treehouse Lodge has a swimming pool, an elevated library, bush bar and rustic boma where 3 course meals are served. After your evening meal, which always has a typical African flavor, you can relax around the crackling campfire and share your impressions of the day's wildlife highlights and adventures.
Compared to similarly priced camping safaris for backpackers, Marc's offers so much more and it is easy to understand why it has become a favorite venue for the backpacking fraternity.
Interior of treehouse equipped with fan and mosquito nets
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Safaris Staying at Tremisana Game Lodge
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The Tremisana Game Lodge was a founding member of the Balule Game Reserve. Tremisana is the largest and leading lodge in this section, having a total of 12 chalets plus a two-bedroomed guesthouse. We can sleep a maximum of 35 guests. Every unit is en suite (shower, toilet, basin ) and all units are air-conditioned.
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The lodge is serviced by two excellent boreholes. Its proximity to the tar road means Tremisana is easily accessible all year round, including the rainy season. The presence of lions, elephant and buffalo necessitates the maintaining of an electric fence around the camp.
Perhaps the most striking feature of Tremisana Game Lodge is the beautiful gardens. The presence of numerous bougainvilleas and various palms and cycads gives the camp a subtropical feel. Water features add a soothing effect and the overall feel of Tremisana is very relaxing. At night, the subdued light from the illuminated paved walkways lend a romantic and magical flavour to this outstanding camp.
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