On day 7, we fly to Hoedspruit, gateway to the luxury private reserves of the “Greater Kruger National Park”. After a delicious lunch and check-in to your luxury lodge, set out on your first exciting open-jeep safari. With the help of off-road access and specialized game-trackers, getting close to the “Big 5” has never been easier. But this is NO zoo, and there are NO guarantees- anything can happen at any time on safari! Some of the animals we hope to see include various antelope species, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, hippo, crocodile, and of course the famous “Big 5 “: elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion, and leopard. Even more elusive are the African wild dog and cheetah! A freshly prepared, gourmet kosher dinner awaits us on our return to the lodge! On day 8 and 9, we go on safari. The routine of safari is geared to take advantage of the best hours of the day for game-viewing: early mornings, and late afternoons since animals generally are less active in the heat of the day. We rise early before dawn for coffee and biscuits, and enter the park in search of the still-active nocturnal animals such as lion and leopard, as well as the antelope and other species they prey on.
Even the leopard needs a siesta, and the middle of the day is relaxed, consisting of time to daven, a splendid late breakfast, an optional bush walk, time to relax by the pool or take a spa treatment, and of course, a delicious light lunch! In the late afternoon, we continue our safari, searching for species we have not yet seen, and more of those we have already seen. Every game-drive is completely unique, and the bushveld is always on the move – what one vehicle is lucky enough to spot, the next might miss by a few seconds! On dya 10, when the sun has not yet risen over the African bush, our last exciting game-drive is upon us. Every safari is completely different – animals can be a lot like human beings, and every aspect of their behavior is fascinating to watch and observe. The incredible sight of a lioness playing with her cubs, a hippo yawning, leopard stalking her prey, or a baboon family playing together, can now be seen by those lucky enough, not just on a National Geographic, but in real life! After a delicious breakfast, we fly to Johannesburg on time for our flight back home, enriched by all the magnificent creatures and scenic wonders we have seen.
