The Crocodile River is the focal point of this tour. It forms the southern border of the Kruger National Park; aptly named for the crocodiles that sun themselves on the sandbanks and hippos that wallow close by. The lodge near the river provides clients with privileged views of the park with animals coming close by. From the lodge, you are taken on 2 sunrise and two sunset 3 hour-long safari drives in pursuit of the Big 5 in Africa's best maintained and protected wildlife area. The southern Kruger National Park has the highest animal concentrations in the park. You can change one of your safari drives for a safari walk with an armed ranger if you want the on-foot experience of being on the menu for some of the denizens of this wilderness. There is a small extra charge for this change. Unlike most lodges you are on safari even from your room as your room balcony lies over the Crocodile River and you will view animals while relaxing there.
Bus terminus behind the Intercontinental Hotel at O.R. Tambo International Airport - Johannesburg. Follow signs to Bus/coach Terminus.
Depart from the OR Tambo International Airport on a shuttle service to the city of Nelspruit where a driver will meet you and privately transport you to Hamilton's Lodge. After checking-in you can take a walk onto the Crocodile River Bridge. The bridge is actually in the Kruger National Park where you can safely stand and see animals such as crocodiles and hippos in the river and other animals coming to drink. Later in the day you will take part in a sunset game drive, returning later in the evening for dinner at the lodge (Dinner will be at your own cost; choosing from the a la carte menu which caters for most tastes). Enjoy the sights and sounds of the bush and connect with nature all around you as you relax under the African stars on the lodge's open deck, take a late evening swim, buy a drink from the bar and then turn in for the night.
Late afternoon/early evening open vehicle safari in the Kruger National Park.
You will rise before dawn and go for a sunrise safari with an experienced park ranger. This is a special time of day as the Kruger awakens and comes to life. Dawn is the busiest time of the day for wildlife viewing. Watch the iconic Fish Eagles cry as they soar along the river. Hopefully there will be a matriarchal herd of mother elephant and their babies or a savage but necessary lion kill, perhaps a majestic bull elephant and a herd of stern looking African buffalo. You will return to the lodge for breakfast and then spend the rest of the day at your leisure. There are optional choices like a visit to a local town, a private tour that offers elephant or horse back safaris, microlight flights over the reserve and nature walks or again you may just feel like relaxing and having lunch at the lodge. Later in the evening you will return to Hamilton's Lodge for dinner at your own cost and your overnight stay.
Sunrise safari in the Kruger National Park and late afternoon/sunset safari in the Kruger National Park.
You will rise early for your last safari drive at dawn, with the choice of either a morning game drive or a safari walk. Arrangements need to be made in advance - you must let us know a week or two at least before your trip. A walk in the bush gives an entirely different perspective to the area than driving. After breakfast at the lodge you will start your journey back to Johannesburg or if going on to Cape Town there is a very convenient flight leaving at lunchtime every day from a local airport. We can drop you off there (in which case we refund/discount the cost of the shuttle back to Johannesburg). This is where your safari will end. You can extend your trip by spending an extra night in the independent Kingdom of Swaziland. There is also a trip along the Panorama Route, which rivals the Grand Canyon in the US and an overnight stay there. If pushed for time we can fly you in and out to a local airport at surprisingly low rates. Talk to us about these extra options.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Show more
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience