Kruger National Park and its adjacent private reserves in South Africa are famous for their high concentration of wild game, stunning scenery, and rich cultural heritage. In addition to an exceptional landscape, the area is also known for having some of the best-known and exclusive safari lodges in the world, including places like Singita, Londolozi, Tintswalo, and Mala Mala.
With a wide spectrum of varying terrain and eco-systems throughout Kruger National Park, the various lodges in this region offer activities that take you through the Parks’ intricate wildernesses and give you a fresh point-of-view on the world—a point-of-view that is impossible to achieve on a vehicle safari.
Whether you want to view the world from a bird’s perspective or from a mammal’s perspective, Kruger National Park is the perfect place to test your sense of vision, hearing, touch, and adventure. Although vehicle safaris are a must in Kruger National Park, you may find other activities, that offer the slightest variation in perspective, can awaken the senses in a whole new way.
View the world from . . .
A bird’s point-of-view: Unless you’re on a mountain top or soaring above ground, you’ll never get to see the distinct differences between neighboring terrains, and view the world from a vertical perspective. But what if there were a way you could take flight above the mountains, over the treetops, and through the light winds of South Africa? It’s possible on a hot air balloon safari through Kruger National Park.
A hot air balloon safari is a one-of-a-kind experience that takes you high above the ground and shows you the earth as only the birds can see. If you’re looking for some exceptional photography opportunities, this is the safari for you.
As the hot air balloon rises at dawn, you’ll be able to see the perfect curves of the earth and the glistening hues of the sun reflect on the Park’s lush wilderness. During your smooth flight, expect to see rolling hills, quaint countryside, orchards, mountain tops, thick forests, and the famous Blyde River Canyon.
If you’re looking for a completely exclusive experience, most lodges offer extremely detailed hot air balloon itineraries that cater to your every wish. Whether you want to enjoy a bottle of champagne above the treetops with your loved one, or have a professional photographer accompany you and your family in the sky, your requests will be fulfilled.
A mammal’s point-of-view: You cannot get any closer to nature than riding on the back of an animal as it runs with a herd of zebra or gallops with a group of antelope. A horseback safari brings you right in the middle of the action.
Feel the exhilaration as you encounter a lion stalking its prey, or trot next to a baby elephant and its mother. From the very beginning of this safari to the very end, you’ll come face-to-face with some of the world’s most photographed creatures and experience what it’s like to run with the herd.
A horseback safari allows you to immerse yourself in the mountainous terrain of some of South Africa’s most amazing countryside, and experience the land as it was from the very beginning. Depending on which horseback safari you choose and which lodge you stay at, you can travel through cascading waterfalls, old mining towns, sunken valleys, bushveld, and rolling terrain, while viewing nature from horseback.
The world’s largest land animal’s point-of-view: Several lodges within the Kruger National Park offer elephant back riding—one of the most exciting and unique experiences to be had in all of Africa. As you sit behind an experienced guide, you’ll feel the sheer power of the elephant as it walks slowly across the earth.
Before your elephant back experience, you’ll be educated briefly on elephant behavior and safety regulations. On elephant back, you’ll pass through the bush and encounter some exciting game viewing opportunities from a unique perspective. Frequently spotted animals on an elephant back safari include lion, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and other elephants. Once your journey is at its end, you’ll be able to feed the elephants and learn about their behavior, eating habits, and physical characteristics.
