5 Days Rustic Kruger Safari
A 5-day Kruger safari through Timbavati, Sabi Sands and Kruger
Overview
5-day Kruger safari
Travellers wanting a 5-day Kruger safari stay in tented camps and lodges across Timbavati and Sabi Sands.
An incredible 5-day safari package hosted in 2 private concession of the Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands, and Timbavati private game reserve. Shindzela (named after the Honey badger in the African Shangaan language) is an authentic tented Safari camp set on wooden decks under thatch (grass) roofs each with their own en-suite shower, toilet and hand basin. Shindzela Tented Safari Camp is nestled within the Greater Kruger National Park, Timbavati Private Game Reserve, South Africa.
Umkumbe Safari Lodge is owner managed and run; ensuring guests enjoy a personal, rustic and real South African safari experience. The lodge consists of ten chalets/rooms with most overlooking the Sand River. Guests regularly see elephants, hippos, buffalo and antelope grazing in the river bed.
Travel logistics
Start / Finish
Start
- Johannesburg
- JNBO. R. Tambo International Airport
Finish
- Johannesburg
- JNBO. R. Tambo International Airport
Highlights
What Makes This Safari Special
Big Five game viewing
Guided walking safari
Sunset drives & sundowners
Panorama Route sightseeing
Explore Kruger National Park
Explore Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Day by Day
5-day Kruger safari itinerary
A professional driver will pick you up in Johannesburg on the morning of your departure. All transfers are done in a luxury air-conditioned vehicle, where you will be transported via the Panorama Route to Timbavati Private Game Reserve. Panorama route includes God’s Window, Lisbon Falls and Graskop and all entrance fees are included in the package. There are numerous stops along the way for comfort breaks and photo moments.
Arriving at Shindzela Tented Safari Camp, you will be greeted by the friendly lodge staff and have time to settle in and rest before embarking on the afternoon game drive. The breath-taking Timbavati Private Game Reserve is located in a conservation area, known as the Greater Kruger Park that stretches from Mpumalanga into the Limpopo province of South Africa. The Timbavati Private Game Reserve shares an unfenced border with the Kruger National Park, which allows animal species to move freely between these expansive parks. Guests can, therefore, look forward to exceptional game viewing moments.
Late afternoon and into the evenings is a great time to spot wildlife, after which you will make your way to the lodge for dinner and an opportunity to have a relaxed evening.
You will be greeted with a cup of coffee before heading off for the morning game drive in a 4x4 safari vehicle, hopefully with an opportunity to spot the Big Five waking and roaming in your path. There is an alternative to go on a morning bush walk rather than the drive if you so prefer. Upon return from your safari, you will be served a leisurely breakfast and have the remainder of the morning at the lodge to catch up on sleep or resting at pool. Lunch will be served and there will be some more time to unwind before returning for an afternoon/sunset safari drive with your guide. Sunset will be spent in the bush, after which you will be returned to the lodge for dinner and the evening at your leisure.
An early morning rise again to head out for your morning game drive to spot the animals that have been eluding you on your safari experience. Return to the lodge for breakfast and check out, where our driver will be waiting to transfer Umkumbe Safari Lodge. Arriving at Umkumbe, refresh and enjoy the views overlooking the dry river bed. Sit down for a high tea before heading off on your first game drive in the Sabi Sands. The game drive will extend from the afternoon into the night. Dinner is served in the boma.
Another early morning call and sunrises await. Today you will head out on two game drives. One morning and one sunset game drive. You will return during the day to enjoy breakfast and lunch. Why not spend some time by the pool? Don’t want to sit in a vehicle twice today? No problem, speak to your profession game ranger about doing a short bush walk. Dinner served at the lodge.
Waking up early, enjoy a cup of coffee and soak up the lodge's atmosphere before embarking on the final game drive of your safari package. Return back to the lodge, freshening up and enjoying a good breakfast before your professional driver picks you up and takes you back to Johannesburg.
Gallery
Photographs
Where You Stay
Handpicked
Retreats
Every lodge and camp is chosen for its location, character and comfort, so the place you rest is as memorable as the adventure itself.
What's Included
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
Not Included
- Conservation Fees
- Tips (tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Services not mentioned in the program
- Travel insurance and medical repatriation
- Items of a personal nature
Questions
Frequently Asked
The price covers all activities (unless labeled as optional); all accommodation as stated in the itinerary; a professional driver/guide; all transportation (unless labeled as optional); all Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section). Budget separately for conservation Fees; tips (tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day); personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.). Your personalized quote confirms the full breakdown line by line.
The prime months for this itinerary are May, June, July, August, September and October. That said, South Africa rewards visitors in every season. Tell us your travel dates and we'll advise exactly what to expect.
This is a private, tailor-made safari for your own party of 2 to 12 guests. You won't be grouped with strangers. The itinerary, vehicle and guide are yours alone.
You'll stay at Shindzela Tented Safari Camp and Umkumbe Safari Lodge, as laid out in the day-by-day itinerary. If availability requires it, we substitute properties of a similar or better standard and always confirm before you travel.
Send an inquiry through the form on this page and our safari experts will come back with a personalized quote within 24 hours, free and with no obligation. Once the plan feels right, we lock in your dates and lodges.
Absolutely. Treat the 5-day program as a starting point. We can adjust the pace, upgrade or change lodges, add days, or combine it with other destinations. Tell us what your ideal trip looks like and we'll shape it around you.
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