Kruger and Canyon Hikes-big 5 game reserve and canyon

Overview-Kruger and Canyon Hikes

Experience the Kruger National Park– South Africa’s premier inland tourism destination and Blyde River Canyon– one of the largest canyons in the world.
Viewing game and immersing yourself in the wilderness enjoying the magnificent landscapes and scenic landmarks of the Blyde Canyon- Kruger and Canyon Hikes

Type	Self-guided drive and hike
Location	Kruger National Park and Blyde River Nature Reserve, South Africa
Group size	2 or more
Duration	6 nights / 7 days
Grading	Easy/Moderate
Day Stages	Scenic drives and hikes
Distance	Easy walking
Terrain	Tracks and trails
Accommodation	3/4 star resort, cottage and/or lodge
Meals	Breakfast included or self-catering
Cost	Available on request
Dates	Whole year

Walk and game drives in the Kruger Park. Hikes in Blyde River Nature Reserve and scenic drive- the Panorama route.

Highlights

The Kruger National Park

It is one of Africa’s largest game reserves. A high density of wild animals includes the Big 5: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos. Hundreds of other mammals make their home here, as do diverse bird species such as vultures, eagles and storks. Mountains, bush plains and tropical forests are all part of the landscape. Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals.

Blyde River Canyon

The Blyde River Canyon is one of the largest canyons in the world (now renamed Molatse River Canyon). It is within the Blyde River Nature Reserve. The 29 000 hectare Blyde River Nature Reserve rests against the Greater Drakensberg escarpment and preserves not only the canyon but other natural wonders of Mpumalanga. The beautiful Panorama route offers magnificent landscapes and scenic landmarks like Three Rondawels, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Lisbon Falls, Wonder View, God's Window and the Pinnacle.

Day 1- Travel

Travel to the Swadini Valley, about 35 km from Hoedspruit in Limpopo

Day 2- Blyde river boat trip and hikes
Early morning Peninsula trail (2,1 km-01h30) and the Waterfall trail (1,8 km-01hr15). Follow the trail through riverine forest to the waterfall and back.
2 hour Boat ride on Blyde Dam which covers the base of the Blyde Canyon. You will discover Tufa waterfall and see some hippos and maybe a crocodile or two.
Trails along the Blyde river. Riverine forest trees are abundant. Kudus, Bushbuck, Duiker, Monkeys and Baboons can be seen (Kudu and Vervet Trails- about 2 km and the Bushpig trail 1,9 km or Bushpig circle route of 9,1 km)

Day 3- Kruger Park wildlife day trip
Enter the Kruger Park at Orpen Gate. Drive to Orpen camp and explore the camp. View over waterhole.
Drive to Satara Camp. Great birding, view over waterhole at restaurant as well as at the guesthouse area.
Drive to Sweni Bird Hide via the tarred road, Nwanetsi Picnic site with toilets and viewpoint nearby hide.
Sunset drive from Satara (optional).
Overnight at Satara Rest camp

Day 4- Kruger Park walk & drives
Morning walk in the Kruger park with 2 rangers- 4/5 hours
Kruger Park game drives and drive to the Blyde River Canyon Reserve Park

Day 5- Canyon hike
Leopard, Guinea Fowl and Kadishi-Tufa trails- 7,3 km- about 4-5 hours (circle). It offers spectacular views of the Blyde river, the Blyde dam, Three Rondawels and Mariepskop before descending into the lush vegetation of the Kadishi river valley, a lovely swimming spot and Tufa waterfall.

Day 6- Panorama route
Enjoy a scenic drive through the mountains towards the escarpment from where panoramic views of the Blyde River Canyon will greet you. You will view the Three Rondawels and visit Bourkes Luck (“Potholes”), Berlin- and Lisbon Falls and God’s Window along the way then break for lunch in the small town of Graskop. Short hikes of 1-2 km at the stops along the route. Option to do the Belvedere hike- 9,8 km (or shorter).

Day 7- Travel
End of tour. Drive to your next destination

Extra day:
Visit an animal rehabilitation centre (Moholoholo) where you can interact with large birds of prey, cheetahs, vultures and whichever orphaned baby animal that are in their care (hippo, rhino, giraffe or zebra). Pay a visit to the world renowned Hippo called Jessica. You can feed, touch and even give this wild Hippo a massage with your feet. Other visits

Day 1- Travel

Travel to the Swadini Valley, about 35 km from Hoedspruit in Limpopo

Day 2- Blyde river boat trip and hikes
Early morning Peninsula trail (2.3km-01h30) and the Waterfall trail (2.1km-01hr15). Follow the trail through riverine forest to the waterfall and back.
2 hour Boat ride on Blyde Dam which covers the base of the Blyde Canyon. You will discover Tufa waterfall and see some hippos and maybe a crocodile or two.
Trails along the Blyde river. Riverine forest trees are abundant. Kudus, Bushbuck, Duiker, Monkeys and Baboons can be seen (Bushpig trail=2.2km, Kudu trail=1.4km & Vervet Trail=1km)
Alternative option is Mariepskop for a 4 or 5 km circular route hike with panoramic Blyde Canyon views

Day 4- Kruger Park walk & drives
Morning walk in the Kruger park with 2 rangers- 4/5 hours
Kruger Park game drives and drive to the Blyde River Canyon Reserve Park

Day 5- Canyon hike
Leopard, Guinea Fowl and Kadishi-Tufa trails- 7 km- about 4-5 hours (circle). It offers spectacular views of the Blyde river, the Blyde dam, Three Rondawels and Mariepskop before descending into the lush vegetation of the Kadishi river valley, a lovely swimming spot and Tufa waterfall.

Day 7- Travel
End of tour. Drive to your next destination

You will be accommodated in the Kruger Park and in resorts and/or lodges in the Blyde River area.

Blyde River Canyon Lodge	Swadini Forever Resort
Kruger Park Chalet	Blyde Forever Resort

Rates

Rates available on request, depending on accommodation choices.

Rates are quoted per person for two people sharing and are subject to change without prior notice. Rates include government taxes, where applicable.
If taxes increase, we reserve the right to increase the rate accordingly.

Included

Accommodation and breakfast. Boat ride on the Blyde dam. Morning guided walk with 2 rangers in the Kruger National Park.

Not included

Items not mentioned above, eg : Transport, medical and travel insurance, entrance fees at parks and attractions, lunch, dinner, drinks and alcoholic beverages.

Grading

Overall rating: "Easy". You do not need to be ultra-fit but if you choose to do the walks you should be able to walk between 10 and 20 km per day. The route takes you along paths, tracks and through the veld.

See Walking grades for more details about "Easy" rating.

Game

The area affords you the opportunity of excellent game viewing in this diverse habitat of mountains and plains. More species of mammals than in any other African wildlife area

Additional activities

You can add attractions in the vicinity to your program-before or after the tour. We can recommend a number of interesting options and can assist with bookings to compliment your Kruger and Canyon Hikes. The costs of these options are available on request.

When to do the Kruger and Canyon Hikes

Bookings can be made throughout the year.

Climate

Mild winters, with chilly evenings The summer months (September to April) are hot with occasional rains.

Getting there

Getting to Hoedspruit

For international visitors:

Fly to OR Tambo International Airport. From there an internal flight to Hoedpruit or you can self-drive.

Route from Johannesburg by car:

Take R21 from OR Tambo International Airport, then N12, N4, R540, R36 en R527 to Hoedspruit (About 430 km- 4/5 hours). When we confirm your booking suggestions will be given about places to visit along the way from Johannesburg

What to take

Comfortable, well ventilated clothes in keeping with the season. Wear neutral coloured clothing. Always bring a thick windbreaker/jacket, good walking boots (already worn-in), hiking sandals and several pairs of cotton or wool socks. For your daily needs, you are advised to have a day-bag, a plastic bag to waterproof your day-pack, sun-hat, sunglasses, sun block, a water bottle, personal first-aid kit, camera, binoculars. A torch and headlamp are important. Basic solar heating is provided. Cell phone charging facilities available.

Insurance

We recommend that you arrange appropriate holiday insurance giving you cover against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for any reason.