My 17-Day Journey Through Kruger National Park:
A Tour Operator’s Dream! Embarking on a 17-day journey through Kruger National Park was a transformative experience, deepening my expertise as a tour operator and reaffirming my love for this stunning part of the world. From luxurious lodges to intimate game drives, this trip was filled with breathtaking wildlife sightings and unparalleled hospitality.
Royal Malewane: A Majestic Start
My adventure kicked off at Royal Malewane, a place that epitomizes luxury in the heart of the bush. With two nights here, I was treated to opulent accommodations and thrilling game drives. The professional guides and trackers ensured that each drive was a memorable encounter with Africa’s iconic wildlife. A tour operator’s dream, as it was one of the best guiding I ever experienced. Royal Malewane do advertise with “the most qualified guiding” and I can now say, it isn’t just an advertisement to catch the attention!
We had a fantastic sighting at an African wild dog dan.
Kapama’s Buffalo Camp and Beyond
Next, I headed to Kapama’s Buffalo Camp, a charming lodge with a unique tented experience. Staying here, and visiting all the other Kapama lodges, I appreciated the seamless blend of comfort and wilderness. The twice-daily game drives never failed to excite, with highlights including a leopard with a kill.
Cheetah Plains Private Villas: Unmatched Luxury
The journey continued to the ultra-luxurious Cheetah Plains Private Villas. The personalised service and exclusive feel of this place were extraordinary. The game drives were in electric game viewers and a great experience. It is so different to go on a game drive and not hearing the sounds of the diesel engine that you are normally used to. This is a very silent drive and it is amazing to hear so much more sounds of nature. You can hear the warnings of the baboons when a predator is around or all those lovely bird sounds .
Elephant Plains Lodge: Embracing Simplicity
For a change of pace, I spent two nights at the more rustic Elephant Plains Lodge. Despite its simplicity, the lodge offered incredible game viewing opportunities. Here, I experienced a different, yet equally enchanting, side of Kruger National Park and the northern part of the famous Sabi Sands.
Lunch at Arathusa Safari Lodge and On to Chitwa Chitwa
A delightful lunch at Arathusa Safari Lodge provided a perfect interlude on my way to Chitwa Chitwa. The latterās luxurious suites and superb hospitality made my stay unforgettable. The game drives were nothing short of spectacular, with close encounters with leopards being a highlight. Another highlight was the delicious bush lunch.
Southern Kruger: Jocks Safari Lodge
Driving to the southern part of Kruger, I stayed at Jocks Safari Lodge, nestled within a private concession. The lodgeās historical charm and prime location made it an ideal spot for viewing a diverse range of wildlife. The drives here were especially rich in big cat sightings.
Londolozi Varty Camp and More
Next was the iconic Londolozi Varty Camp, a truly amazing place with great people. It was very interesting to experience what Londolozi does for its community and Wil showed us ‘behind the scene’ and all their other properties as well. Each camp had its unique charm, but all shared a commitment to excellence in service and wildlife conservation. The game drives here were cooperative and communicative, ensuring optimal predator sightings.
Londolozi is famous for its leopards and it did do this justice, as I saw leopards on every game drive and was even lucky to see 3 leopards in one scene. They document all their leopards and they are identified by the marks on their face.
Idube: A Basic but Stunning Experience
My stay at Idube was a return to basics but with no compromise on the quality of game viewing. The intimate atmosphere and knowledgeable guides made for unforgettable drives, with frequent sightings of the Big Five.
In this part of the southern Sabi Sands, several lodges do have traversing rights on the neighbour concessions. This gives guests a great game viewing option, as all lodges do keep in touch via radio and spread the news of a sighting.
Dulini Leadwood and Dulini Properties
Moving on to Dulini Leadwood, I was immersed in understated elegance. Visiting the other Dulini properties highlighted the brand’s dedication to creating intimate, luxurious experiences. The game drives were always fruitful, with standout sightings of wild dogs, hyenas and more leopards. Yes, this is why Sabi Sands is so famous!
Savanna Private Game Reserve: A Landscape of Wonders
Savanna lives up to its name, offering a stunning variety of landscapes from open savannas to dense bush land. Each game drive was a visual feast, with the highlight being a rare sighting of a cheetah hunting ā a truly exhilarating experience. The diverse terrain made every drive unique, ensuring no two safaris were the same.
Here I was very privileged to witness a rare cheetah sighting and even a hunt.
Leopard Hills: Modern Elegance in the Wild
Leopard Hills provided a refreshing blend of modern elegance and wild adventure. The lodge’s innovative design and panoramic views offered a unique perspective of the bush. The game drives were expertly guided, with frequent leopard sightings that lived up to the lodge’s name. This perfect mix of contemporary luxury and thrilling wildlife encounters made Leopard Hill an exceptional end to my journey through Kruger National Park.
Nottens Bushcamp: A short stop to say ‘Hello’
Nottens Bush Camp is a very special place and has a special place in my ā¤. 5 years ago I got married here in the middle of the bush. This was the most incredible wedding and all so well organised.
Nottens is an owner run, small and intimate camp that recently won an award for ‘Best Value Safari Property in Africa’, which is well deserved!
Reflection and Insights
This 17-day odyssey through Kruger National Park was a tour operator’s dream and has not only deepened my understanding of the area but also equipped me with firsthand experiences to share with my clients. Each lodge and camp offered something unique, from the lavish comforts of Royal Malewane and Cheetah Plains to the authentic bush experiences at Idube and Elephant Plains.
The cooperative nature of the lodges, especially in the southern part of Sabi Sands, enhanced the game viewing experience. Rangersā radio communications ensured that every predator sighting was maximized, giving guests a thrilling safari experience.
For anyone looking to explore Kruger National Park, I can confidently say that there is a perfect lodge for every taste and budget. Whether you seek luxury, simplicity, or a blend of both, Kruger has it all. This journey has reaffirmed my passion for African safaris, and I look forward to crafting personalised adventures for my clients with newfound insight and enthusiasm.
Written by Daphne Wijnveldt
Top Travel Tip
“..Waking up at 5am, doesn’t get better than in theĀ African Bush! Waking up to the sounds of the wildlife, the smell of fresh coffee and the knowledge that soon you will see amazing things during a morning game drive” – Daphne, Africa Safari Specialist
