Exploring Kruger - safari & beach

Day 1: Arrive in Johannesburg

After arriving in Johannesburg you’ll be transferred by air to Skukuza before being transferred by road to Rhino Post Safari Lodge in Kruger National Park. Built on the banks of the Mutlumuvi Riverbed, stilts raise the the 8 spacious suites along the river bank giving wonderful views along the riverbed. With a deep bath and thatched roofs, staying at this lodge is a great way to experience nature – animals even walk beneath your room, winding through the thick reed poles.

Day 2: Rhino Post Lodge

Today you’ll be able to explore the area, with game drives offering fantastic wildlife spotting opportunities. Game drive safaris are conducted in specially adapted Land Cruisers giving you 360 degree views of Kruger National Park – look out for groups of galloping zebras, roaring lions and bathing elephants, perhaps even a leopard lounging in a tree. After cocktails watching the sun go down, go out again to look for the elusive nocturnal animals that inhabit the dark nights of Kruger, from porcupines and caracals to ferocious honey badgers. After a delicious dinner, fall asleep to the night sounds of the bush.

Day 3: Rhino Post Lodge to Plains Camp

After a final game drive and a delicious fresh brunch, you’ll be transferred to Plains Camp in an open 4x4 vehicle. Situated in the heart of Kruger and overlooking Timbitene Plain and Waterhole, this traditional lodge offers comfortable furnished tents with the African wilderness right on your doorstep. After settling in to your camp, depart on your first of many walks throughout the plains on the lookout for some of the wonderful wildlife that lives here. Catch a glimpse of grazing buffalo and elephants drinking at the watering hole as you walk through the cool shade of the acacia trees. After enjoying some sundowners, embark on another drive to spot nighttime creatures like aardvarks and pangolins.

Day 4: Plains Camp

After a small breakfast you’ll depart on your early morning safari walk. The professional guides will share their wealth of “bush culture” knowledge, identifying animals, trees, insects and birds as you wander through the grassy plains. Returning to camp to avoid the midday sun, you’ll be treated to brunch and relax over lunchtime, perhaps taking a dip in the plunge pool that overlooks the waterhole. In the afternoon you’ll take a short drive before continuing on another walk, looking for native birds, from huge spoonbills to tiny bee eaters. Another alternative for the afternoon and evening is to experience an overnight sleep out – gazing at the stars from a raised platform overlooking the waterhole, after a dinner cooked on an open fire and being lulled to sleep by the sounds of the bush – what better way to experience Africa?

Day 5: Plains Camp to Kosi Forest Lodge

After a morning walk and delicious brunch, you’ll be transferred by air to Kosi Forst Lodge in Kosi Bay Nature Reserve. On arrival you’ll check into your bush suite and have time to unpack before enjoying an early dinner and lazy evening. The suites are surrounded by beautiful trees and are a haven for the prolific bird life that inhabits the area. The Kosi Forest Lodge offers the opportunity of exploring this pristine wetland by boat – this morning you’ll explore the Kosi Lakes by canoe, winding through the lush forest spotting birds like the Palm Nut Vulture and Pel’s Fishing Owl. While the lodge has no electricity, this is the perfect opportunity to explore the forest and enjoy this unique open air African experience.

Day 6: Kosi Forest Lodge

Today you’ll have time to explore the wetlands - you could take a trip to the mouth of the Kosi, where you can snorkel in the crystal clear water and enjoy the kaleidoscopic fish or take a guided walk among the magnificent Raffia Palm Forest. Why not take a full day excursion through the wetlands, learning about the traditional fishing techniques and how the Tsonga community live in balance with the lake system. Enjoy a picnic lunch before heading to the beach for a swim in the warm Indian Ocean. As night falls, gas lamps will light the paths of the lodge as you drift to sleep after an exciting day.

Day 7: Kosi Forest Lodge to Thonga Beach Lodge

After another tasty breakfast you’ll be driven to Thonga Beach Resort just 2.5 hours away. After checking into your sea view room and relaxing after the journey you can head down to enjoy the beach on your doorstep or head out on one of the many activities the lodge has to offer. Why not make the trip to Lake Sibaya, the largest freshwater lake in Southern Africa where you could spot hippos and crocodiles as you explore by guided kayak. Tonight you’ll dine under the stars and fall asleep to the sound of the waves.

Day 8: Thonga Beach Lodge

Today is yours to explore the area, whether you just fancy lounging on the beautiful beach all day or trying a few activities in this beautiful corner of South Africa. Why not head out on an open ocean experience, where your boat will pass through the surf and emerge through the breakers into a world of dolphins, whales, whale sharks and stunning snorkelling. If you’re lucky you might even get to snorkel with manta rays and giant turtles! Scuba diving is also a great way to explore the coastline or if you’d rather stay off the water, then bird watching along the wetlands is sure to tick off some spectacular species off the list like the Rufousbellied Herons and Pinkthroated Longclaws that live among the marshes.

Day 9: Depart Johannesburg

Unfortunately your time in South Africa has come to an end and this morning you’ll be transferred to Johannesburg Airport for your onwards flight.