Kruger National Park /  Sabi Sands Fly-In Safaris

GREATER KRUGER PARK ACCOMMODATION

• 5-Day Luxury Safari: Sabi Sands
• 4-Day Luxury Safari: Sabi Sands

We offer a variety of “fly-in” wildlife safaris from Johannesburg to the luxury game lodges in the world renowned Sabi Sands Game Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park.
These safaris are ideal for the discerning traveler who does not have time to spend on the road between the city and the reserve, and who wishes to experience the best that a safari in Africa has to offer in this game and predator rich reserve.

The Sabi Sands Game Reserve shares a common 50 km unfenced boundary with the Kruger National Park to the east and two perennial rivers, the Sabi and the Sand Rivers, flow through this park, sustaining the diverse fauna and flora of the area, which enjoys one of the highest and most bio-diverse wildlife populations of any area in Africa. Such is the integrity of the environment that there is consistently a year round population of animals that remain within the area.
There is migration between this, the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and the Kruger National Park, ensuring genetic diversity with an integrated biodiversity within the entire 2, 7 million hectare protected area.
Due to considerate game viewing practises where clients remain within the 'profile' of the open vehicles and the animals have priority, the trackers and game rangers of the various lodges are able to offer exceptional game viewing of all the general game species, as well as the high profile animals.

The success of viewing leopard within this area is legendary and allowing sufficient time in this area, such animals as elephant, lion, rhino, leopard, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, zebra and a vast variety of antelope and other species, may be closely observed within their own ranges. This greater area is home to 336 tree, 49 fish, 34 amphibian, 114 reptile, 507 bird and 147 mammal species.
Our preferred lodges for these safaris in the Greater Kruger National Park / Sabi Sands are the following:

• Mala Mala
• Londolozi
• Singita
• Leopard Hills
• Exeter
  • Dulini Private Game Lodge
  • Kirkman's Camp
  • Lead Wood Lodge
  • River Lodge
• Lion Sands
  • Ivory Lodge
  • River Lodge

ENQUIRIES AND RESERVATIONS

Mala Mala Main Camp
Situated in the Sabi Sands adjacent to the Kruger National Park with ochre coloured buildings are clustered amid shady trees and manicured lawns overlooking the Sand River. The individually decorated, spacious and comfortable accommodation under traditional thatching, enjoy spectacular views and are equipped with “his” and “hers” bathrooms, 24 hour temperature control, insect proofing, direct dial telephones, a mini-bar and a mini safe. Despite the comfort offered, Mala Mala retains an authentic wildlife safari camp atmosphere, where the attention to detail for which Mala Mala is world famous is obvious.
Rattray’s on Mala Mala
Located in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, open and adjacent to the Kruger National Park, the Rattray’s on Mala Mala Camp experience is exclusive, with each of the eight comfortable accommodation suites occupying its own elevated site overlooking the Sand River. Filtered plunge pools complete each of the secluded verandas and an outdoor dining area provides the ideal vantage point from which to enjoy bush cuisine in complete privacy. Each guest has the choice of remaining connected to the outside world from the sanctuary of his or her room via continuous internet connectivity and satellite television.
Londolozi Pioneer Camp
This classic colonial-style wildlife safari camp is situated on a gentle rise affording breathtaking views of the bushveld and African wildlife. Set in a secluded bush location, each accommodation suite has a stylish bedroom, living room with fireplace and personal bar, romantic bath set into the curved bay windows, and a private veranda and sala (outdoor covered deck). The thatched chalets boast beautiful riverside views from spacious bedrooms and private verandas.
Londolozi Bateleur Camp
Characterised by classic safari accommodation in the Sabi Sands adjacent to the Kruger National Park. Bateleur Camp’s suites, chalets and impressive guest areas afford remarkable views of the Sand River. The main deck is the perfect setting for delicious breakfasts and lunches, and dinners of Pan-African cuisine are enjoyed in the dramatic boma (outdoor dining area) illuminated by dozens of lanterns. The wildlife safari experience is outstanding.
Londolozi Tree Camp
In the Sabi Sands adjacent to the Kruger National Park, Tree Camp’s exclusive accommodation suites feature luxurious bathrooms with large baths set in a stone base, pebble-inlaid floors and standing candelabras. Each suite has its own private oasis – a plunge pool and sala (outdoor covered deck) overlooking the lush banks of the Sand River.
Spacious living areas are furnished in classic African wildlife safari style, and lead out to a generous wooden deck shaded by an ancient ebony tree. Elegant candlelit dinners of Pan-African cuisine are served in the boma (outdoor dining area), or enjoyed in a spectacular bush setting.
Singita Ebony Lodge
Ebony Lodge in the Sabi Sands adjacent to the Kruger National Park languishes in a cool silence in the shade of jackal berry trees on the bank of the Sand River, in the heart of the Sabi Sands Reserve. Ebony is man's love affair with Africa, timeworn colonial furniture and ethnic craft merge with vibrant hand-woven fabrics and relics collected from the land - a tribute to nature's eternal struggle.
The suites at Ebony are places of quiet contemplation, where the silence and solitude is measured only by the harmony of the forest and plains beyond. Ebony is the epitome of the luxury safari experience, combining quality and simple refinement to define the wonder of the wild.
Singita Boulders Lodge
In the Sabi Sands adjacent to the Kruger National Park the Boulders Lodge towers over the landscape, a monolith of curving thatch and piled stone that joins seamlessly with the rocky geometry that holds it to the Earth. Senufo artefacts and bold sculpture offset smooth linen in blue and silent white, as cascading water cools the summer air. Boulders rests on the banks of the Sand River in the heart of the Singita Private Game Reserve, unlocking the senses to views that stretch to the edges of the imagination.
Boulder's suites feature magnificent stone bathrooms and bedrooms that encapsulate in luxury. Quiet, simple and luxurious, moments spent on the vast sundecks will leave you at the mercy of the breathtaking wild distance.
C. C. Africa’s Dulini Lodge
One of Africa's classic Safari Lodges is now open to the public for the first time. The beauty of Dulini Lodge lies in the exclusivity of its luxurious accommodation, exceptional personal service levels and outstanding wildlife safari experience which will fulfil your every romantic dream.
C. C. Africa’s Kirkman's Camp
 This is a wildlife safari experience dedicated to the yester-year bushveld style. The camp is named after W. Harry Kirkman, who was one of South Africa‘s first conservationists
C. C. Africa’s Leadwood Lodge
Situated on a well-wooded bank of the Sabi River in the heart of Big Five Country, the recently re-build Leadwood Lodge in the Sabi Sands brings a new dimension to the African Wildlife Safari experience. The lodge accommodation is a visual and sensual delight, appealing to all one's senses.
C.C. Africa’s River Lodge
Nestled in the shade of a grove of Ebony trees and on the banks of the Sand River, you will find 8 individually designed and decorated ultra luxury accommodation suites. As your eyes gaze into the nearby savannah, magnificent views from your private patio enhance the wildlife safari experience.

A example of a fly-in safari, using Leadwood Lodge as an example, (it could also be any other lodge, or any combination of lodges), could then be as follows:

Day One: You will be met at the Johannesburg International Airport upon your arrival by a rep from Federal Air who will escort you to the Federal Air departure lounge for your one-hour flight into the Sabi Sands. Upon arrival at Sabi Sands you will be met by your guide from Leadwood Lodge and driven to the lodge for lunch and to check-in and freshen up.
After lunch you have the opportunity to relax before your afternoon tea/coffee/juice and game drive, which continues after your sundowner stop into the evening, making use of a spotlight to search for the nocturnal species. At the conclusion of your drive it’s back to the lodge for dinner and a well-earned sleep.
Day Two: An early wake-up call is followed by snacks before you depart on your morning drive, which can be anything from 3-5 hours, before returning to the lodge for breakfast. After breakfast you have the option of a short guided walk with an armed ranger to learn more of the smaller animals, tracks, nests, etc. There is also the option to relax by the pool, stretch out in the gym or just relax before lunch.
This afternoon our programme follows that of the previous day, i.e., tea, game drive, sundowner drinks, night drive, dinner and bed.
Day Three: Here you have a choice to extend your stay by any number of days, or you can choose to transfer to another lodge after breakfast, or even end your tour – the choice is yours. Should this be your last day, you would then do the morning game drive, enjoy breakfast and then be transferred to the airstrip for your flight back to Johannesburg.

Kruger Park Fly-In Safaris
We also offer optional fly-in safaris into the Kruger National Park for our standard guided safaris. This is for those persons who do not wish to drive, choosing instead to fly to the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, which is situated in Nelspruit near the Kruger National Park. These flights commence from either Johannesburg or Cape Town.
At the airport our guide who will then drive the short distance into the Kruger National Park where our tour commences immediately upon entering the gate will meet you. These tours can then be anything from three days and longer. At the conclusion of the tour you then have the option of flying back to either Johannesburg or Cape Town from KMIA, or extending your tour to link up with any of our other tours. Alternatively, you can opt to be transferred back to Johannesburg by road.

Kruger Park Concession Lodges
On offer here is more or less the same as for the Kruger Park Fly-In Safaris, but instead of doing our standard guided Kruger National Park safaris, you then choose from one of the stunning private concession lodges situated within the Kruger National Park. You would be met at the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport by a rep from the lodge and transferred from the airport directly to whichever lodge you choose. Here the length of stay is your decision, and you can also opt to stay at a number of lodges. At the conclusion of your visit you will then be transferred back to KMIA for your return flight.
Our preferred lodges for these tours are:
Plains Camp:
Plains Camp is perfect for safari traditionalists, who want the pioneering feeling of an old-style African safari, which includes bush walking in African Big 5 territory. Plains Camp suits the 'Out of Africa' theme, right down to white linen, leather sofas, pith helmet, ancient gramophone and canvas chairs overlooking grass plains. Plains Camp is essentially a walking safari camp, where the emphasis is on getting the earth beneath your feet and seeing what is around the next corner. You don't see as much as in a vehicle, but proximity to African animals on their own terms is exciting and the anticipation is thrilling. Plains Camp safari guides proved to be extremely capable and instilled great confidence in the novice safari walkers. This had little to do with the fact that they were carrying guns and more to do with their expert bush knowledge and obvious skills.
Rhino Post Camp:
This is a 16-bed lodge, set on the banks of the Mutlumuvi Riverbed, in a 12,000 ha private wilderness concession in the Kruger National Park. This unique wilderness area offers eco-tourists the ideal place for encounters with the Big Five and allows visitors to track elephant and rhino from the comfort of open safari vehicles. The nature of a wilderness area is that there are no permanent structures, so Rhino Post Camp was built using natural materials of stone, wood, thatch and canvas to create an authentic bush ambience. Each luxury suite is exquisitely decorated and includes bedroom and lounge with impressive views of the riverbed from the bathroom, outdoor shower and decked patio.
Camp Shonga:
In the hills of the Lebombo Mountains is Camp Shonga. With emphasis on conservation, Camp Shonga's guides take you in search of not only the big five but the little five as well. With breath taking views of the bushveld, Camp Shonga offers an authentic safari experience in comfortable accommodation.
Camp Shawu:
With authentic buffalo dung walls, the accommodation at Camp Shawu paints a picture of the 'real Africa' described by famous explorers of colonial times. Private decks overlooking the Mpanamana Dam and beyond, present a masterpiece of an African landscape, weaved into which include many stories from a rich cultural heritage. With an emphasis on walking trails, guests can experience a typical old-fashioned wildlife safari first-hand. When early mornings were fresh with the smell of a new day, and a sunset was reminiscent of days gone by.
Jocks Safari Lodge:
Your expectations of comfort and quality will probably be exceeded at Jock Safari Lodge, as renovations and additions to the suites have elevated the lodge to a luxurious level of accommodation. Each suite has a huge bed surrounded by walk-in mosquito netting, a small lounge and twin basin bathroom, plus a refreshing outdoor shower and indoor bath. Your private terrace has its own plunge pool and a wooden walkway to a lapa - a secluded balcony screened by bamboo - overlooking the riverbed. Vervet monkeys play in the branches above the lapa, and are cheeky and inquisitive enough to rifle through your belongings while you are not looking. This is Africa..!
Lukimbi Safari Lodge:
Lukimbi Safari Lodge is a stunning luxury lodge situated in the easily accessible southern portion of the Kruger National Park, South Africa. Taking guided walks or game drives on private roads, or just relaxing in the magnificent lodge, it all happens on over 37 000 acres (15 000 hectares) of exclusive use, prime game and wilderness area. This is a lodge with art, colour and exciting accommodation and furnishing, but at the same time your eye is drawn outwards to the beckoning bush beyond.

ENQUIRIES AND RESERVATIONS