DAY 5
Destination: Kruger National Park – Sabi Sand
Game Reserve
……………………………………………………………………………
After a last morning activity in the Kruger we’ll exit via
Orpen Gate and enter the adjacent Sabi Sand Game
Reserve, a 65 000 hectare private conservancy that is
contiguous with the neighbouring national park. We’ll
check-in in time for lunch and have time to relax
before our first afternoon safari, lead by an
experienced field guide and tracker. Note that,
depending on the number of participants, your
Lawson’s guide may either stay on at the private
lodges to continue assisting you on the game drives,
or may leave you at the lodge, in which case you’ll be
looked after entirely by the lodge guide and staff.
The Sabi Sand Game Reserve offers what is widely
considered the best cat viewing in Africa, with regular
close-up encounters with both Lion and Leopard to be
anticipated. Cheetah and Wild Dog are also found in
the reserve, though they are usually fairly nomadic
within their large home ranges which takes them out
of the reserve and into the neighbouring Kruger
National Park and Manyaleti Game Reserves, so the
chances of seeing these two predators depends on
them being in the area at the time of our visit.
Over and above the wonderful animals we are likely
to see here, a true highlight will be observing the
Shangaan tracker practising his craft as we track the
big cats. Superb wine and cuisine will be enjoyed in
the evenings after the afternoon safari, and all
together this will add up to a truly awesome
experience. We have four nights in the reserve,
divided between two different camps, which will give
ample time out in the field photographing our
subjects.