10-day Northern Kruger and 15-day North to South Kruger Safaris

Highlights

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Both of these amazing experiences of the Kruger National Park in South Africa include small group, fully guided and hosted experiences of the Kruger National Park. The maximum group size is six people but can increase to 8 or 12 should a large family or group book the experience. Our month to month itineraries are subject to date availability and listed below. The Kruger is a South African and African icon in natural diversity boasting huge opportunities to experience Africa’s big 5 and much more.

 

The highlight of this safari is the detailed and intimate experience that Neil Heron and his safari assistant provide while exploring the reserve. All accommodation (in en-suite cottages or units) are serviced and neat with fresh linen and towels – no camping! And all meals included. Bearded Heron Safaris even includes local beer and wine and soda and bottled water with meals as well as all safari snacks and drinks while you game drive in the vehicle.

 

There is simple no other way to define 5-star service other than to point out Neil’s 20 years of guiding in the reserve, and the many testimonials of his commitment to guest safety and comfort. Neil offers professional photography tips, fantastic cooking skills and a vast and qualified knowledge of the Kruger, its animals and their behaviour. Neil is a naturalist and author of hundreds of articles, opinion pieces and creative works on animal communication.  

 

Both our 10- day and 15-day safari experiences of the Kruger National Park are unique as we keep away from the busier, more commercial aspects of the reserve and utilise smaller and quieter areas in the Kruger where we conduct our safaris. A huge amount of planning goes into dates and times to extract the best possible nature experience for our guests.

 

There are no other safari companies in the Kruger conducting these amazing bushveld experiences. The organisation and effort to produce seamless fully hosted, services and guided itineraries require years of experience and knowledge. Bearded Heron Safaris has these qualities. From the minute you make your first enquiry to the end of your once-in-lifetime-adventure, our level of service and hospitality ensure a unique experience.

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NORTHERN 10-DAY SAFARI AND RESTCAMP ITINERARY

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Guests should fly into Hoedspruit airport from Johannesburg or Cape Town on the Midday flight.

 

Guests will be transferred to either Shimuwini, Letaba or Mopani restcamps for an overnight and in time for an introduction safari drive with Bearded Heron Safaris.

 

A combination of the following (depending on availability) restcamps will be used to explore the Northern Kruger National Park.

 

Shingwedzi

Sirheni bushveld camp

Punda Maria

Pafuri border camp

Bateleur bushveld camp

Mopani

Letaba

 

A typical itinerary will include:

Night 1 is an overnight and introduction to the Northern adventure

Nights 2, 3 and 4 in either Shingwedzi or Sirheni

Nights 5 and 6 in the far North at Punda Maria or Parfuri border post

Nights 7 and 8 at Bateleur or Shingwedzi or Sirheni (different from the trip north)

Night 9 at Letaba/Mopani or Shimuwini (different from the 1st night)

 

An additional 5 nights in two camps are added to make up the NORTH TO SOUTH experience. These include a central restcamp for 3 nights, and a Southern restcamp for 2 nights. Olifants, Satara, Orpen or Talamati are the central restcamps and Lower Sabie, Skukuza, Biyamiti, Crocodile Bridge, Berg en Dal or Pretoriuskop are used as the Southern camps.

 

Safaris with 2 or 3 only. Meals are provided in a combination of cooked by your guide for dinner and breakfasts bought at restcamp restaurants.

Single vehicle (OSV) with luggage trailer is used

Full board safaris including camp assistant/cook and a second luggage vehicle are used for safaris with 4-6/7 people

A second game viewing vehicle and guide is added for groups between 9-12.

 

Safari in Season

Rainfall and temperature changes in the Kruger are the providers of her many different faces. Depending on her seasons in any year, the Kruger will change the sights, the sounds and the colours of her majestic beauty to enthral you each time you visit.

Our knowledge of the Kruger allows us to include a few obvious or most likely changes for you to ponder.  One thing though – because climatic changes are very unpredictable in Southern Africa – the seasons may change from year to year, and sightings of ‘the big five’ are certainly not dependent on the season you visit. The greatest season in the Kruger National Park are the 365 days in any particular year.

 

October – November           

Nhlangula (The flowering of the magic guarri

Hukuri (The month of breeding birds)

The bush has held out through the dry winter and longs for the first summer showers.  Most of the Kruger’s migratory birds have returned, bulbous plants and grasses splash colour across the plains soon after the first showers. The sounds of the Kruger are fantastic during this season.

 

December – January             

Nwendzamhala (the visiting of young impala)

Sunguti (the first month)

Young animals are abundant, and with one year giving way to another, new plants, flowers, hatchling birds and young mammals provide exciting and entertaining game viewing opportunities.

 

February – March                  

Nyenyanyana (The approaching of summers end)

Nyenyankula (The ending of summer)

These are the months of abundance. The plants are at their most nutritious, and the animals can rest in the knowledge that food is easy to come by. For the visitor, pools from rain showers, and the park’s rivers and streams as well as silhouetted trees against a sun setting behind rain clouds provide great photographic opportunities.

 

April – May                                                

Dzivamisoko (The protecting of the crops)

Mudyaxihi (The time of reaping)

Cooler temperatures, the rain is over, and the Kruger trees and grasses begin to change colour. Animals blend in to their environment – impala rams prepare for the mating season and the migratory birds flex their wings for the journey to warmer homes. This is a great month for visitors wanting a cooler bushveld experience.

 

June – July                                                  

Khotavuxika (Touching the winter season)

Mawuwani (The sound of wind)

Kruger trees have lost their leaves. Water is scarce, and large concentrations of game are seen around watering holes. Lion sightings are more common now. This is the season of the dry and harsh African bush.

 

August – September             

Mhawuri (The strong windy month)

Ndzati (The line between winter and summer)

Temperatures start to rise. The days lengthen, and new buds and leaves start sprouting. It’s a humid time in the bush – the early morning moisture glistens in the rising sun. This is the time of two seasons – winter has been difficult, summer is filled with promises of new life.