Getting out into the African wilderness is an experience enjoyed by many, both locally and for those that travel to South Africa with the express purpose of taking part in Big-5 Kruger Park safari tours and packages.
But whether you’ve been on numerous game drives through the park or are looking for a more exciting way to spot game, you might be wondering how many different ways you can take part in a safari adventure, see a side to nature often unseen, and personalise your experience when doing so.
Fortunately, there are plenty of different ways to enjoy a Big-5 safari tour that break away from the traditional driving experience.
Let’s look at a few of them here…
Wilderness Trails or Guided Walks
When people think of safari tours, the term ‘stretching your legs’ isn’t always the first thing to come up. Most people associate safari tours with hours spent in a car, driving slowly through the terrain with eagle eyes at the ready to spot an exciting encounter.
As one of the oldest and noblest ways to tour the park, there is nothing wrong with doing it by car, but why not get a little closer to nature with wilderness trails and guided walks.
Get the blood flowing and get closer to the excitement with an experience tailored to those looking for a more intimate experience that is a little more secluded.
Take in the details that you would miss in a car and get hands-on with the Bushveld with wilderness trails and rest camps that are close to the following Kruger National Park gates:
- Malelane
- Numbi
- Orpen
- Phalaborwa
- Punda Maria
Early morning and late afternoon guided walks are also a great way to relax and enjoy a safari on foot, where you can explore areas surrounding nearby camps, where you can glean insights about the local fauna and flora from experienced guides, while coming face-to-face with large game in the area.
Off-Road & Eco-Trails
Getting your hands on a 4WD vehicle opens up quite a few entertaining options for those looking for Big-5 safari tours and packages with a bit more of an edge and challenge. One such offer embarks from Crocodile Bridge (starting on the first Sunday after 1 April and ending on the last Sunday in October), moving through to Pafuri.
This particular trail takes five days to complete and takes you on an adventure through tricky terrain, steep slopes, muddy banks, and genuinely untamed African wilderness.
Keep in mind though, that this trail is not available during the rainy seasons, since rain makes large portions of it completely inaccessible and unsafe to traverse.
For something a little more relaxed, but still steeped in adventure, consider the Mafunyane Eco Trail that goes between the Olifants and Luvuvhu Rivers over a 270km distance.
You will be required to drive your own 4×4 on this route, however. But even though it has steep inclines, streams, and mud, the road conditions are reasonable for those with even a little experience.
Mountain Biking
Head to the Olifants Camp to take part in mountain biking activities that let you explore certain areas of the Kruger National park by cycling. You will be taken to the start of the trail on a game-viewing car, bikes in tow, either in the morning or late afternoon.
These trails do present a bit of a challenge for cyclists, which means that those with the experience and fitness to make the most of them, will be treated to an unforgettable experience. You can use your own bikes, or hire ones available at Olifants Camp.
Keep in mind, though, that you need to be over the age of 16 years to participate.
Immerse Yourself in Africa: Stay at Timbavati Safari Lodge
With so many wonderful ways to enjoy Big-5 Safari tours and packages in and around the Kruger National Park, you’ll want to find hospitable accommodation that makes staying in the area easy and comfortable.
Visit us here at Timbavati Safari Lodge for accommodation that fits perfectly with your next Kruger Park adventure.