8 Day Kruger Park Camping Experience

This safari is designed to give interested persons a perfect opportunity to camp in the Kruger National Park, but to do so comfortably while staying at the smaller camps. Experiencing the African bush, its smells and sounds is a must.

 

Accommodation for the first 6 nights in the Kruger Park will be in 2 man dome tents that are pre-erected. Each tent comfortably sleeps two persons and has camper beds, mattresses, bedding and pillows. On the last night (Day 7) you will be staying at Orpen Camp in an en-suit bungalow. These bungalows have recently been upgraded, and each has its own small kitchen and veranda from which to enjoy the bush.

This safari is designed to give interested persons a perfect opportunity to camp in the Kruger National Park, but to do so comfortably while staying at the smaller camps. Experiencing the African bush, its smells and sounds is a must.

The Kruger Park is home to over 145 mammal species, and has a bird list of over 500 species. On a weeklong safari we will hope to see in excess of 30 mammal species, many colourful and predatory birds. Besides these we may also encounter various reptiles, amphibians and you can expect to learn more about the trees too.

The camps throughout the park are fenced in order to keep dangerous animals out, but occasionally hyenas have managed to sneak into a camp. Some camps have various smaller species that roam through the camp both during the day and at night. Vervet Monkeys and occasionally Chacma Baboons will come into the camps. These animals can be aggressive and food should be properly stored away. They are only interested in food, so there is no need to worry that they will attack for no reason. Please do not approach any of the wild animals.

The camps we are staying at (with the exception of Orpen Camp on the last night) do not have any shops, restaurants or a swimming pool. Stops will however be made at bigger camps where these facilities are available.

Most of the Kruger Park has a fair to good cell phone network. There are one or two public Wi-Fi hotspots at the bigger camps but these can be unreliable and should not be depended upon.

Photography: If you are a casual photographer, you will love this trip! Both mammals and birds are easy to take pictures of, and because the Kruger Park is home to such a big diversity of species that are, tame and easily seen, there are plenty of opportunities for the casual photographer to indulge and enjoy shooting. It is important to be aware that the focus of this safari is not the photography, so if you are a serious photographer, remember that you will be sharing a vehicle with others and bumps and general movement can and should be expected.

What to bring with: Cool comfortable clothing; swimwear; sandals or other comfortable shoes during summer months. During winter months at least one warm jacket, gloves and a beanie for drives is recommended. Temperatures on an open safari vehicle can be very cold, especially with an added wind chill factor. Binoculars; camera; sunscreen; mosquito repellent; hat; spending money (can be cash or credit card); any personal medication and toiletries.

Day 1 – Johannesburg to Maroela Camp in the Kruger National Park

Departing Johannesburg this morning you will be transferred to the Kruger National Park and more specifically the Orpen Gate area. Your next two nights will be spent at the Maroela Camp, which is a camp dedicated to campers.

Upon arrival at Orpen Gate you will be met by your guide who will then transfer you to your camp in an open safari vehicle. Once at the camp you will be shown to your tents that would already have been setup for you and your guide will then do a proper briefing and introduction as well as to explain the program for the days ahead.

After all formalities have been taken care of you will head out on an afternoon game drive, returning at gate closing time to enjoy a dinner prepared by the chef.

Day 2 – Maroela Camp

With an early wake up call you enjoy a quick cup of coffee before departing on a morning drive. The Orpen and Satara region is primarily open grassland savanna with scattered Maroela and Knob-thorn Trees. Big elephant bulls may be seen, along with herds of zebra and blue wildebeest, giraffes and with a bit of luck we may have sightings of the large cats like lions, leopard and cheetah.

We will stop off at a picnic site for breakfast and then slowly make our way back to camp to spend the heat of the day relaxing. Snacks will be served in the early afternoon before we go out on another afternoon drive.

In the evening you will have some time to discuss the day's events around the crackling fire and enjoy the beautiful night skies.

Day 3 – Maroela Camp to Balule Camp

With another early morning we set out but this time to see a new area of the park. The Satara and Olifants regions is home to a big variety of species and we hope to tick off as many of these species as possible, while simply just enjoying the beauty of the bush.

We will stop for breakfast en-route to our camp and will enjoy a short break at Satara camp before heading north to Balule. Once again, upon arrival at Balule Camp your tents will be all setup and ready for you to move in and make yourselves comfortable. Balule Camp is close to the Olifants River and is one of the smallest and most prized camps of the Kruger National Park. Enjoy a short break, before we do an afternoon game drive in the area.

Day 4 – Balule Camp

We have another exciting day ahead and a lot more exploring to do. Today will consist of more game drive time, more good food and more great company. The Olifants Rivers can be a big attraction for wildlife and some time will be spent on two of the bridges crossing the river where we hope to see hippos, crocodiles and a variety of water birds. You will also have an opportunity to visit Olifants Camp itself where a wonderful view over the river can be enjoyed.

Another short break back at camp and another afternoon drive will be in order for the day. Return to camp just before the gates close to another dinner cooked by our own chef.

Day 5 – Balule Camp to Tzendze Camp

This morning we pack our bags and head further north into the Mopani bushveld and our camp called Tsendze. Tsendze Camp is one of the newer camps and is also a camp dedicated to campers. It has a very different feel to the previous camps and you will definitely enjoy this experience. En-route to our new camp we will drive into a new ecozone where we hope to see new and different plant and animal species. We will also stop off at Letaba Camp. This is where there is an elephant museum and wonderful views of the Letaba River. After breakfast we continue northwards and look to arrive at camp for a much needed leg stretch and break.

After afternoon snacks we go out on another game drive, but this time with the hope of seeing Tsessebe, one of Africa's fastest antelope and a species typically only seen in this region of the park.

We will also look out for the much smaller Sharpe’s Grysbok, and if we are lucky we may bump into a lion or two. The lions in this area are said to be the biggest and seeing one of the black-maned males can be a real treat.

Day 6 – Tsendze Camp

With a full day to explore the Mopani area we head out on a morning drive and may even go as far north as Shingwedzi Camp. During our outing we will cross the Tropic of Capricorn as well as stop off at one of the hides where hippos may be finding some reprieve from the hot sun in the river.

Depending on how much has been seen along your trip by now, you may have breakfast out at a picnic site, or choose to return to camp.

Some time will be spent relaxing during the midday heat. With another afternoon drive later in the day in search of those more elusive species.

Day 7 – Tsendze Camp to Orpen Camp

This morning we wake up to the calls of the resident birds, have a cup of coffee, and then start our journey back South to where we started our safari. This day gives us a final chance to enjoy the beauty of the park with all its fauna and flora. Stops will be made for leg stretches, toilet breaks and meals.

It’s a full day to get back to Orpen Gate, which will also be our camp for the night and our accommodation tonight will be in the chalets. This will give you an opportunity to repack bags if you have to and cool down in the camp swimming pool.

Its our last night together and time to share what you have considered to be the highlight of your safari.

Day 8 – Orpen Camp to Johannesburg (Via the Panorama Route)

Your safari may be over, but for those traveling back to Johannesburg there is the excitement of visiting the 3 rd largest green canyon in the world, waterfalls, enjoying spectacular views and finishing off a tour by visiting an area that is an absolute must see when touring South Africa.

En-route we will stop for lunch and look to get back into Johannesburg in the late afternoon.

Trip Considerations

Pace: This is a moderately paced safari, with minimal walking due to it being within a National Park.

Quite a lot of time will be spent within open safari vehicles driving in search of various species or simply sitting at a waterhole. Days can be long with most mornings requiring a 05h30am or earlier start. Where possible we will have a break during the midday heat. Stops may also be made at picnic sites or other areas where leaving the vehicle is permitted.

Climate: The Kruger Park is at an average altitude of around 350m above sea level and is within a summer rainfall area. The summer months (October to April) can be warm to hot and balmy. Late afternoon and evening thundershowers can be expected. The winter months (May to August) are dominated by clear skies and warm weather. Early mornings and evenings can be cool and even chilly. Rain is not expected during these months. It is advisable to choose a departure date that suits the climate you would prefer.

** Terms & Conditions apply ** Valid from 1 Jan 2021 – 31 Dec 2022 only. **

• Accommodation in tents for 6 nights and 1 night in an en-suit chalet while in the Kruger Park.
• Breakfasts, Dinners and afternoon snacks.
• Bottled water during drives.
• Coffee and tea before morning drives.
• Open safari vehicle for all drives within the Kruger Park.
• Daily conservation fees and entrance fees to the Kruger National Park.
• A professional, qualified guide for the duration of your safari in the Kruger Park.
• A printed and bound checklist to keep track of your sightings.

• Flights to and from South Africa.
• Pre and post safari accommodation – See www.outlooklodges.com for accommodation close to the airport in Johannesburg.
• Lunches.
• Alcoholic beverages.
• Travel insurance.
• Personal items.
• Medical fees.
• Other items or services not specifically mentioned as being included.