Discover Northern Kruger Expedition

Dumelang! Goeiedag! Welcome to our beautiful South Africa.

On arrival at Hoedspruit’s Eastgate Airport your guide will meet you and take you to your open safari vehicle for the 45-minute transfer to Bundox Explorer Camp in the Olifants West section of a Big Five reserve that’s part of the Greater Kruger National Park.

After entry formalities at the reserve’s Olifants West gate, you’ll be in Big Five country on the 20-minute drive to camp, game viewing en route. You’ll be greeted on arrival at the camp by our wonderful team of staff and after a welcome drink will be shown to your tent to settle in.

A light lunch will be served in the dining area before you have an expedition briefing and orientation session. You’ll then set off on an afternoon/evening game drive to discover the amazing landscapes of this breathtakingly beautiful region, which is a photographer’s paradise. You’ll stop along the way for sundowners in the bush before returning to camp for drinks around the crackling fire and a wonderful three-course dinner.

An early start to the day is essential to experience the magic of an African sunrise over the majestic rolling landscapes and dramatic rocky outcrops that make this region of South Africa so sensational. Your early morning game drive will take you down to the Olifants River for a coffee stop before returning to camp for breakfast.

There’s time to pack before the transfer to the airstrip for your private flight north to the Makuleke Contract Park in the Pafuri region that makes up the far north of the Kruger National Park. You’ll be met on landing by your private guide and transferred to Return Africa Trails Camp.

Located in a forest of winterthorn or ana trees, the seasonal camp sits on level ground wedged between the Luvuvhu River and an ancient elephant highway that winds its way from the hills of Hutwini Gorge to the Limpopo. It sits lightly on the earth, minimising its ecological footprint, but providing comfortable accommodation for keen walkers looking for the ultimate African adventure.

After being shown to your tent, there will be an orientation meeting around the campfire before heading out on a short walk to get the lay of the land, returning for sundowners and dinner.

The day begins early as you head out on foot to explore the ancient and diverse landscapes that make the Pafuri region so special. Feel the adrenalin surge when you encounter big game like elephant and buffalo on foot… Wet your feet in the Luvuvhu River on a coffee stop like no other… Experience the magic of Crook’s Corner where the Luvuvhu and Limpopo meet…

This is unrivalled walking country, allowing for exceptional safaris between April and October each year, exploring one of the most diverse regions of Southern Africa on foot. There will be regular rest and comfort stops en-route but expect to cover between 10km and 15km over the course of the day, returning to camp as the sun begins to dip.

You’ll then have time to freshen up with a bucket shower and enjoy drinks around the campfire, swapping tales of the day’s adventures before tucking into a hearty, home-cooked dinner under the stars.

Another full day of walking allows you to explore the magnificent Lanner Gorge and breath-taking fever tree forest that covers a good section of the vast floodplains along the wedge of land between the Luvuvhu and Limpopo rivers.

The gorge is home to Lanner falcons and breath-taking views over a spectacular swathe of wilderness where the Luvuvhu has carved its way through the surrounding bedrock over countless millennia. The area around it is also home to a rich diversity of species from the tiny elephant shrew to rhino.

Walking through the fever tree forest is like entering another world as this magical natural phenomenon creates an almost mystical landscape that’s filled with life, from herds of zebra and impala to secretive leopard and stealthy lion.

End your day around the campfire, in love with the African wilderness and its incredible fauna and flora.

An early start with a packed breakfast awaits as you leave Return Africa Trails Camp behind and begin a full-day adventure driving south through the Kruger National Park to the next part of your expedition at Bundox River Lodge, in the Balule North section of the Balule Private Game Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger National Park.

Located on the banks of the Olifants River with stunning views, you’ll arrive in the early evening, with time to settle into your beautiful tent before enjoying

drinks around the campfire on the deck overlooking the river and dinner under the stars with the sounds of wild Africa all around you. Paradise!

Rise early and head out on a morning game drive, exploring the beautiful landscapes around Bundox River Lodge, stopping for coffee on the way.

You’ll head back to camp for breakfast and enjoy some wonderful down time before lunch and an afternoon adventure, when you’ll head out on an afternoon cruise along the Olifants River, getting a unique perspective of the wilderness in the process.

Sit back and relax as the boat takes in the amazing views and spot game coming to the river to drink and bathe. After the cruise you’ll enjoy a leisurely evening drive back to camp in time for another spectacular dinner on the deck.

Wake up just before the sun rises, as early light begins to break on the horizon and the riparian trees around Bundox River Lodge fill with the dawn chorus. Coffee and rusks will be served on the deck before you depart on a morning game drive, looking for the signs and tracks that tell us what happened during the night. You may be lucky enough to spot lion or leopard, or find buffalo as they begin to stir…

Stop for coffee along the way, giving you the chance to stretch your legs before returning to camp for a leisurely breakfast overlooking the river. After breakfast you’ll have time to freshen up and pack before being collected for your 60-minute transfer to Hoedspruit’s Eastgate Airport for your onward journey.