Treehouse Safari Highlights
- Sunset Game Drive in the Private Game Reserve
- Full-day Kruger National Park Safari
- Ranger Course & Half-day Kruger National Park Safari
- Full-day Panorama Route Tour
- Morning Guided Bush Walk in the Private Game Reserve
Day 1: Johannesburg to Greater Kruger Area – South Africa
Our 5-Day Kruger Treehouse Safari in South Africa begins with a transfer from OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg to the Kamagolo Centre in Hoedspruit. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our safari lodge driver, who will take you to your charming treehouse nestled in a private game reserve near Kruger National Park.
This idyllic location, outside Hoedspruit’s vibrant and safe tourist hub, offers easy access to the Orpen Gate of Kruger National Park and the breathtaking Blyde River Canyon, a highlight of the renowned Panorama Route. Covering over 400 hectares of prime bushveld, the private reserve in Greater Kruger borders Kruger National Park and other Big 5 reserves, allowing wildlife to roam freely and enhancing your safari experience.
Once at the lodge, enjoy a delightful lunch before settling into your unique treehouse. Each treehouse chalet is thoughtfully designed around the natural tree canopy, harmoniously blending the beauty of nature with modern comforts for a truly magical stay. Your treehouse features cosy bedrooms with double or single beds, en-suite bathrooms, outdoor showers, electricity, hot running water, and private viewing decks where you can unwind and immerse yourself in the surroundings.
Set off on your first sunset game drive in a 4×4 vehicle this afternoon. Over the next two hours, you’ll have the chance to spot a variety of wildlife in this private reserve adjacent to Kruger National Park, including various antelope species, zebras, and an impressive array of birdlife.
After an exhilarating first day on safari, return to the treehouse lodge for a delicious dinner and relax around the Boma fire. Finally, retreat to your enchanting treehouse for stargazing from your private deck, enjoying a peaceful night’s sleep under the expansive African sky.
- Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
- Activity included: Sunset Game Drive in the Private Game Reserve
Day 2: Kruger National Park Safari – South Africa
On the second day of our Kruger Treehouse Safari, we rise early for an exhilarating full-day safari adventure in Kruger National Park. After a quick morning coffee at our treehouse lodge, we board an open-sided safari vehicle and set off towards the Orpen Gate.
Today is all about exploring South Africa’s premier national park on a guided wildlife safari. Our knowledgeable guide will lead us in search of the legendary Big 5: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and African buffalo, as well as the diverse bird species that inhabit Kruger.
We’ll pause at one of the park’s rest areas to enjoy a packed breakfast provided by the lodge. Afterwards, we’ll delve deeper into the African bush, where our guide will share fascinating insights about the rich ecosystems and habitats we encounter. At lunchtime, we’ll stop at a rest camp within the park, allowing you to stretch your legs, enjoy lunch (at your own expense), shop for souvenirs, or relax in the shade.
Following our midday break, we’ll embark on an afternoon game drive, looking out for the park’s diverse wildlife, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. Our expert guide will ensure we stop at notable animal sightings, allowing ample time for photographs.
As the sun begins to set, we’ll conclude our Kruger National Park safari at one of the park’s gates and return to our treehouse lodge in the private game reserve. Back at the lodge, we’ll enjoy a delicious starlit dinner around the Boma fire, soaking in the tranquil ambience of the reserve. Enjoy the evening sharing stories of the day’s adventures with fellow travellers or retire to your treehouse to observe the nocturnal wildlife from your private viewing deck. Enjoy another restful night in your charming treehouse beneath the stars.
- Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
- Activity included: Full-day Kruger National Park Safari
Day 3: Greater Kruger Ranger Course & Kruger National Park Safari – South Africa
Day 3 of our thrilling Kruger Treehouse Safari immerses us in a hands-on wildlife experience with a Ranger Course at the private reserve followed by a half-day Kruger National Park safari.
After breakfast, we dive into the adventurous life of a wildlife ranger. Guided by expert instructors, we’ll participate in a three-hour course, learning essential bush skills like fire-building. As a highlight of the experience, we’ll prepare a delicious lunch cooked over the open flame. At the end of the course, you’ll receive a certificate to commemorate your ranger experience, adding to your stunning photographs and unforgettable memories from your treehouse safari in South Africa.
Following the Ranger Course, we’ll head out for a half-day safari in an open 4×4 game-viewing vehicle, providing another opportunity to explore the wonders of Kruger National Park. These two activities may be swapped depending on weather conditions, with the half-day safari in the morning and the Ranger Course in the afternoon.
As the day winds down, we’ll return to the tranquil treehouse lodge to relax and enjoy another delectable dinner around the Boma fire. Finally, retire to your enchanting treehouse for a peaceful night’s sleep beneath the starry African sky.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Activities included: Ranger Course & Half-Day Kruger National Park Safari
Day 4: Panorama Route – South Africa
Today we spend a full day exploring the famous Panorama Route of South Africa, one of the highlights of this Kruger Treehouse Safari. After a delicious breakfast at the treehouse lodge, we embark on our full-day Panorama Route Safari where the landscape transitions from bushveld to lush green mountains and valleys.
The Panorama Route is a picturesque roadway in South Africa linking various cultural and natural attractions in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa. It stretches approximately 40 kilometres from Graskop to Sabie and revolves around the awe-inspiring Blyde River Canyon, ranked as the world’s largest green canyon. This breathtaking route showcases numerous waterfalls, expansive forested areas, and iconic landmarks like Berlin Falls, God’s Window, The Pinnacle and 3 Rondawels.
Prepare to be mesmerized by the breathtaking beauty of Blyde River Canyon, with its cascading waterfalls and ancient geological formations. Look out for the Three Rondawels, three conical peaks that evoke traditional African huts, standing proudly against the skyline. Marvel at Bourke’s Luck Potholes, where centuries of swirling waters have carved dramatic deep hollows into the sandstone. Experience the enchanting misty rainbows created by the impressive 94-meter drop of Lisbon Falls. Don’t miss the awe-inspiring views from God’s Window, which offers unparalleled vistas of the canyon below, and take in the striking Pinnacle, a solitary rock formation that provides sweeping panoramas of the landscape.
We’ll pause for a scenic lunch (at your own expense) along the route and continue our Panorama Route safari afterwards. Following our incredible Panorama Route tour, we’ll return to our treehouse lodge for a delicious dinner around the Boma fire, making the most of our last starry night at our enchanting treehouse lodge.
- Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
- Activities included: Full-day Panorama Route Tour
Day 5: Greater Kruger Area to Johannesburg – South Africa
On the final day of our Kruger Treehouse Safari, we rise early for an exhilarating bush walk through the private nature reserve surrounding the lodge—one of the highlights of our adventure in South Africa.
Led by our expert guide, we’ll explore the intricate wonders of the South African bushveld. This early morning walk provides a unique chance to observe the diverse ecosystems around the lodge and potentially spot wildlife, including various birds and plains game. The reserve is alive with avian and wildlife activity and home to predators like the elusive leopard. This bush walk allows you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning African wilderness, as your guide shares fascinating insights about the animals, insects, reptiles, birds, and plants that make this area so exceptional.
After our adventurous bush walk, we’ll return to the lodge for a delicious breakfast. Soon after, we’ll prepare to depart for the park gate near Hoedspruit, where you’ll catch your shuttle back to Johannesburg. Once in the city, you’ll be transferred to O.R. Tambo International Airport (between 18:00 and 19:00), bringing this unforgettable Kruger Treehouse Safari to a close.
- Meal included: Breakfast
- Activity included: Morning Guided Bush Walk in the Private Game Reserve
Pre and Post-Kruger Safari Lodge Rates
Please note that we offer convenient pre-tour and post-tour lodge accommodation before and after this Kruger Safari, which can be added to your safari booking upon request. This 4-star lodge accommodation is 10-15 minutes from the O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
About the Private Nature Reserve of the Treehouse Lodge
On this South Africa safari, we stay at a charming treehouse lodge within a private nature reserve in the Greater Kruger Park area. The treehouse lodge is conveniently located in the private nature reserve just outside the vibrant tourist hub of Hoedspruit with easy access to both the Orpen Gate of Kruger National Park and the breathtaking Panorama Route.
Spanning over 400 hectares of prime biodiverse bushveld, the private game reserve borders the Greater Kruger National Park and is surrounded by neighbouring Big Five game reserves. With no fences to restrict their movement, the wildlife roams freely, enhancing your South Africa safari experience. Among the Big Five, the reserve is home to leopards, buffaloes, African wild dogs, honey badgers, wildcats, genets, and civets. You’ll also encounter large mammals like giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and various antelopes, including kudu, klipspringer, and impala. Birding enthusiasts will delight in the impressive array of over 200 recorded bird species.
The private reserve is a tranquil environment for both wildlife and guests, making a treehouse safari here a peaceful getaway. It offers opportunities to observe and be immersed in South Africa’s rich biodiversity. The game reserve features a selection of safari accommodations that allow guests to get close to nature in comfort. Guests can choose from varied safari experiences, including 4×4 game drives, guided walks, birdwatching and cultural experiences, making it a popular South African safari destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
About the Treehouse Safari Lodge
Accommodation on this 5-day Kruger Safari in South Africa is at a unique and enchanting treehouse lodge within a private nature reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park region. The treehouse lodge can accommodate up to 15 guests in the standard treehouse chalets where this Kruger Safari will stay. Luxury and family treehouses are also available at an additional cost for those wanting to upgrade. In total, the treehouse lodge can accommodate up to 37 guests.
The treehouse lodge is conveniently located near the renowned Panorama Route, home to Blyde River Canyon the world’s third-deepest canyon, as well as renowned Big Five game reserves, including the famous Kruger National Park.
With breathtaking views of the Limpopo Valley landscapes and abundant wildlife, the treehouse lodge offers a one-of-a-kind African safari experience that deeply connects visitors to the untamed bush. On this Kruger Treehouse Safari in South Africa, guests enjoy luxurious treehouse accommodations elevated among the treetops to offer breathtaking views of the surrounding bush and Limpopo Province of South Africa. Set within a private game reserve, the treehouses enable you to spot diverse wildlife, including elephants and giraffes, right from your treetop lodgings.
A South African safari experience like no other, children and adults alike will delight in staying high up in a treehouse adding an extra touch of magic to your Kruger safari. Each unique treehouse is thoughtfully designed around an existing canopy of growing trees with towering branches weaving through the treehouses, harmoniously blending nature with modern comfort allowing you to immerse yourself in nature while indulging in exquisite luxury.
Each treehouse is thoughtfully spaced and positioned to ensure privacy, creating a tranquil retreat in the treetops. Solid wooden walkways lead to the treehouse accommodations, each featuring a spacious balcony overlooking the wildlife roaming below. Each unique treehouse offers comfortable furnishings with ceiling fans, beds with mosquito nets, private bathrooms and outdoor showers or baths for a refreshing experience. Enjoy electricity, hot running water, mini-fridges, and tea/coffee-making facilities to complete your comfortable treehouse safari stay.
The thatched main lodge building is enchantingly interweaved with a large marula tree. Inside, you’ll find the charming main area featuring a cosy lounge, reception, dining area and bush bar. There is a sparkling rock pool for a refreshing swim, and enjoy a drink at the panoramic lookout point as the sunsets over the Drakensberg Mountains. Enjoy a 3-course dinner around the log fire under the stars in the beautiful Boma area in the evening and relax with drinks at the bush bar.
Guests can enjoy safari activities like 4×4 game drives, guided bush walks, baobab tree planting, and Ranger and Junior Ranger courses all connecting you with nature for an unforgettable treehouse safari in South Africa.
With its proximity to the Panorama Route, Kruger National Park and the surrounding Big 5 game reserves, the treehouse camp is the perfect base for easy access to these attractions on day trips and safaris while enjoying the tranquil setting of the lodge. Nearby attractions and activities include Kruger National Park safaris, Big 5 game reserve safaris, Panorama Route day tours, Blyde River boat cruises, Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre, scenic helicopter flights, Reptile Park, cultural village tours, quad biking safaris, and horseback safaris.
About the Big 5 Private Game Reserve near Greater Kruger
Our Kruger Treehouse Safari takes you to a remarkable private South African game reserve within the Greater Kruger National Park. Greater Kruger is a vast expanse that includes over 20 private reserves sharing unfenced borders with Kruger National Park and one another. This unique setup allows wildlife to roam freely across these lands, enhancing your South Africa safari experience as you encounter animals in their natural habitat. Movement between game reserves is restricted for visitors, ensuring a more intimate connection with nature.
Limited visitor numbers in the private Greater Kruger game reserves create an exclusive African safari experience. The safari lodge is one of the few that grants access to this stunning wildlife area, meaning you’re unlikely to encounter other safari vehicles during your 4x4x game drives. This exclusivity allows you to take your time observing the animals, enjoying the moment without the distraction of crowded sightings or the need to make way for other guests.
Spanning an impressive 23,000 hectares of pristine bushveld, this hidden gem lies between the renowned Sabi Sands Game Reserve and the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. With no fences separating the game reserves from each other or Kruger National Park, the wildlife roams freely, making it a prime location for spotting the iconic Big 5 animals, including the elusive leopard.
However, this private reserve offers much more than just the Big 5 of Africa. Your 4×4 game drives will immerse you in the rich tapestry of the South African bush, where you can discover the diverse flora and fauna that call this land home. Birding enthusiasts will delight in the opportunity to spot some of the over 300 bird species that inhabit the reserve, making every outing a unique adventure.
About Kruger National Park in South Africa
Kruger National Park is South Africa’s premier safari destination and a natural wonder. Boasting an expansive 19,485 km² of unspoiled wilderness, this vast landscape teems with wildlife, ensuring exceptional game-viewing and safari adventures that reveal the full richness of this incredible wilderness.
Home to approximately 147 mammal species, Kruger National Park is a haven for biodiversity. In addition to its impressive mammal population, the park is rich in birds, plants, insects, reptiles, and even fish. Among the large mammals, you’ll find thriving populations of Africa’s Big 5: lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants, and buffaloes. Expect to encounter majestic herds of elephants, graceful antelopes, formidable prides of lions and playful packs of hyenas and wild dogs. You might also spot pods of hippos and basking crocodiles, alongside the ever-present giraffes, zebras, monkeys, warthogs, baboons, and impalas.
On your Kruger National Park Safari, your expert guide will lead you on a captivating journey of discovery, exploring not just the iconic large animals but also the intricate details of the ecosystem. Each game drive offers a chance to gain deeper insights into the diverse animals, birds, insects, and plant life that thrive in Kruger National Park and the Greater Kruger Park area.
Leave a Reply