8 Night Ultimate Big 5 Safari
Our 8-night Ultimate Big 5 Safari is ideal for safari-goers wanting to experience the full spectrum of safaris, from authentic lodge stays to more luxury stays.
This package introduces you to the leopards of the Sabie Game Reserve; the local lion prides of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve; the beasts of the Balule Nature Reserve and the giants of the Olifants West Nature Reserve.
Spot leopards with the passionate guiding from Umkumbe, and enjoy their swimming pool deck area overlooking the seasonal Sand River. Stay in wooden treehouse chalets overlooking the wilderness at nThambo and watch the elephants soak up water from the in-camp swimming pool.
Combine these quintessential safari experiences with simple, yet luxurious experiences at Nyala and Nambu. Nyala's boma area overlooking the floodlit waterhole is the perfect place to unwind, stargaze and spot wildlife from camp. Known for its superb cuisine and elegant safari experiences, Nambu is a top choice.
Please note that these are suggested packages, and the rate listed is the from rate, subject to availability, and doesn't included extras or single supplement.
- Road transfer or self-drive to Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside
- Sunset game drive
Upon arrival from KMIA Airport, embark on a swift two-hour journey directly to the lodge, enjoying the scenic vistas along the way. Alternatively, choose to fly into Skukuza Airport followed by a brief one-hour drive, exiting the National Park to reach the lodge.
Upon your arrival, receive a heartfelt welcome and briefing/orientation of the camp from your host. Your dedicated camp manager/host will then personally escort you to your room, allowing you to settle in and admire the views of the Sand River. At around 14:00, a delectable lunch will be served in the main area.
Later in the day, venture out for an exciting evening game drive in the Sabie Game Reserve and discover an array of wildlife in the area. Pause for sundowners at a breathtaking scenic spot and admire the beauty of golden hour in the bushveld.
The night drive back to the lodge is exciting, and opens up a world of opportunity to spot leopards. Return to a welcoming campfire in the boma area, providing the perfect setting to share stories of the day's sightings and experiences.
Indulge in a delightful buffet-style dinner served in the outdoor, rustic boma area, where you'll be served homestyle fare around the fire while surrounded by the loud contact calls of nocturnal creatures.
- Morning game drive
- Optional bush walk after breakfast
- Afternoon game drive
Awaken to an early wake-up call, greeted by the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and rusks at the main area of the lodge. Prepare for an exhilarating morning game drive, where the possibility of encountering the Big 5 awaits.
Upon your return to the lodge after the morning adventure, refuel with a satisfying breakfast before considering an optional bush walk (weather permitting).
Take advantage of the Umkumbe's amenities, which include everything from a curio shop to a small gym and pool overlooking the seasonal Sand River. There's even a lounge where you can spend some downtime. Don't forget to keep a close eye on the riverbed below - it's usually frequented by wildlife like elephant, buffalo, impala, and occasionally a curious leopard.
Later in the day, indulge in a buffet-style lunch before embarking on an afternoon game drive, complete with sundowners to enhance your safari experience (same as the day before).
As dusk settles, embark on a night drive back to camp, immersing yourself in the nocturnal wonders of the African bush. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner served in the boma, marking your last night at Umkumbe Safari Lodge Riverside.
- Morning game drive at Umkumbe
- Self-drive or road transfer to nThambo Tree Camp
- Afternoon game drive
The day starts the same way as yesterday. A wake-up call, followed by rusks and coffee in the main area, and a game drive. This is your final drive at Umkumbe, so make it count!
After your three-hour drive, return to the lodge for breakfast before departing for your onward journey. There is still time for a guided morning bush walk before you depart.
An easy self-drive route along the R40 will take you to Hoedspruit town where you can easily navigate to nThambo Tree Camp, using our directions. Upon arrival, enjoy your welcome drink with a safety briefing and orientation of the camp.
Settle in at camp and enjoy the wilderness views from your private balcony with some refreshments before being served lunch in the main area. There'll be some time to relax before departing for a evening game through the renowned Klaserie Private Nature Reserve.
Enjoy sundowners at a scenic spot and a short night drive back to camp where a campfire will be waiting to welcome you. Dinner will be served in the stylish dining area overlooking the wilderness and waterhole.
- Morning game drive
- Optional bush walk after breakfast
- Afternoon game drive
An early wake-up call will be met with coffee and rusks at the main area of camp before you depart on a morning game drive. Your guide will take you on a three-hour adventure through the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, where it's possible to spot anything from African wild dogs to lions, leopards and adorable hyena cubs.
After your morning activity, you’ll return to the lodge for breakfast, followed by an optional bush walk (weather permitting).
Spend some time overlooking the waterhole in front of camp, which is frequented by abundant bird species and wildlife. Lunch will be served later in the day before you depart on an afternoon game drive, including sundowners and a night drive back to camp.
Dinner is served, followed by your last night at nThambo Tree Camp. Enjoy your final night in a wooden treehouse chalet on stilts, listening to the scurry of nocturnal animals beneath your chalet.
- Morning game drive
- Self-drive or road transfer to Nyala Safari Lodge
- Sunset game drive in the Balule Game Reserve
This morning follows the same routine as yesterday, with the standard wake-up call and quick coffee in the main area. Today is the last Klaserie game drive with the nThambo Tree Camp team, after which you'll return to camp for a hearty breakfast. You have the option of a bush walk after breakfast (weather permitting).
Also, there'll be time to freshen up and get ready for your onward journey to Nyala Safari Lode. From Nyala's Jejane Gate, it's a quick 40-minute drive to the lodge. If self-driving, you will leave your car at the gate where you'll be escorted to the lodge by their guiding team (estimated arrival times will be needed).
Arrive to a welcome drink, and receive a briefing by the camp host before being shown to your classic rondavel style chalet under the trees.
After settling in, you'll be treated to lunch in the main area overlooking the riverbed and waterhole. Late afternoon is when you'll depart on game drive.
Your guide will pack a cooler box with your choice of drinks to celebrate golden hour in the Kruger. Enjoy the Mohlabetsi beauty and wildlife for a couple of hours before returning to camp for dinner and your first night at Nyala Safari Lodge.
- Morning game drive
- Afternoon game drive
Rise to an early wake-up call followed by coffee and rusks. After a warm cuppa, you will depart for a morning game drive and (hopefully) encounter some of the Big 5 on drive. The guiding and tracking team at Nyala are experts at tracking wildlife across their 5000 hectare traverse.
Upon returning to camp, breakfast will be served. Sit down and enjoy a good meal, followed by an afternoon siesta, or a spot of birdwatching around camp.
There are amazing wooden walkways meandering their way around the lodge, offering incredible wilderness views along with some great relaxation nooks.
Lunch is served later in the afternoon and a sunset game drive complete with sundowners awaits to end the day. After your game drive, return to camp to enjoy the campfire and a three course dinner before tuning in for your last night on Nyala Safari Lodge.
- Morning game drive
- Self-drive or road transfer to Nambu Camp
- Sunset game drive in the Olifants West Nature Reserve
Start your day with an early wake-up call, followed by a quick cup of coffee and rusks in the main area of the lodge, before departing on your final game drive with the team from Nyala.
After your exhilarating activity, return to camp for your last gourmet meal at Nyala. Gather your belongings in preparation for your next destination.
Upon arrival at Nambu Camp, you'll be greeted with a warm welcome from the friendly team, who will be your gracious hosts for the safari ahead.
Receive an informative camp briefing from the camp host before being escorted to your room to settle in, after which lunch will be served in the main area.
For the afternoon game drive, which departs between three and four, your experienced guide will prepare a cooler box with your preferred drinks for the journey. You'll stop at sunset to enjoy a drink of your choice, while taking in the wonders of the wilderness.
Immerse yourself in the expertise of the guides during the game drive before returning to camp for a sumptuous three course dinner served in the main area, where you can unwind and recount the day's adventures amidst the serene ambiance of the camp.
- Morning game drive
- Afternoon game drive
Rise to an early wake-up call followed by the usual coffee and rusks before departing on your morning game drive, where you'll hopefully encounter some of the Big 5.
Upon your return to camp, indulge in a delicious breakfast to refuel for the day's adventures. Take some time to relax with an afternoon siesta or opt for a game viewing from the lodge viewing platform.
Later in the afternoon, enjoy a satisfying lunch before embarking on a picturesque sunset game drive, complete with refreshing sundowners to cap off the day's exploration.
After your memorable game drive, return to camp to unwind around the campfire, swapping stories of the day's sightings. Indulge in a delectable three-course dinner, marking your final night at Nambu Camp before bidding farewell to this remarkable wilderness retreat.
- Morning game drive
- Self-drive or road transfer back to Hoedspruit Airport
Start your day with an informative early morning game drive, soaking in the sights and sounds of the African bush as you search for wildlife in the company of experienced guides.
Following your adventure, indulge in yet another incredible breakfast prepared by the talented chef at Nambu Camp. After breakfast, take some time to freshen up and bid farewell to the dedicated team at the camp.
Then, embark on your journey back to Hoedspruit Airport, reminiscing on the unforgettable experiences and cherished memories created during your stay in the heart of the wilderness.
