5-Day Treehouse & Lodge Safari in Kruger National Park: Big Five, Bush Walks & Blyde River Canyon
Sleep above the savanna, track game on foot with armed rangers, and spend two full days in Kruger on an open gameviewer. This five-day lodge and treehouse safari balances close-up bush walks, sunset drives, and the sweeping panoramas of the Blyde River Canyon.
The Experience
Before You Go
Carry a warm layer for evenings
Evenings and early mornings can drop to cool temperatures, especially in the dry season — a fleece or light jacket is essential for dawn drives and the treehouse verandas.
Bring binoculars with 8–10x magnification
An entry-level 8x or 10x pair is ideal for spotting distant lion prides and birdlife from both the viewer and treehouse.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes
Bush walks include uneven, sometimes thorny terrain — trail runners or light hiking boots protect your feet and provide traction.
Follow ranger instructions at all times
Rangers are armed and trained; keep quiet during walks and drives and stay inside vehicles unless expressly invited to disembark.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Marula Tree Boma bush braai — an intimate evening under open sky with traditional cooking and stories
- •Early-morning riverbank birding along small tributaries near the treehouse lodges for skulking species and kingfishers
Wildlife
- •African elephant
- •Lion
Conservation Note
Operators work with local reserves and rehabilitation centres like Moholoholo to support rescue, rehabilitation and anti-poaching; stay on designated paths and follow guide instructions to minimize impact.
Kruger National Park was formalized at the turn of the 20th century to protect wildlife and has since become a cornerstone of South African conservation and ecotourism.
Photographer's Notes
- • From the open-sided gameviewer on the Orpen–Satara routes
- • Treehouse veranda at dusk
- • Blyde River Canyon viewpoints near Three Rondawels
What to Bring
Binoculars (8–10x)Essential
Close-focus optics reveal distant predators and small bird species without disturbing wildlife.
Closed-toe hiking shoesEssential
Provide traction and protection for bush walks and uneven lodge grounds.
Warm layer (fleece or insulated jacket)Essential
Nights and dawns are cold — pack a warm mid-layer for drives and open-air meals.
Camera with 200mm+ lens
A mid-telephoto lens captures wildlife details from the safety of the gameviewer or treehouse veranda.
Common Questions
How close will we get to the Big Five?
Guides use experience and vehicle positioning to get close enough for photos while maintaining a safe distance — you’ll see elephants, buffalo, leopards, lions and rhino in their natural behaviour but never approached on foot except by the ranger team when safety allows.
Is the 4-hour bush walk suitable for children?
Children can join if accompanied by an adult and are comfortable walking; guides set a manageable pace, but check age rules with the operator when booking.
What vaccinations or health precautions are required?
Check with your travel clinic for routine vaccines; malaria prophylaxis is recommended for Kruger-area travel — consult a doctor for personalised advice.
Are meals and drinks included?
Most meals are included as listed (breakfasts, dinners, some lunches); a cash bar operates at the lodge for extra drinks during evening gatherings.
How do pickups and drop-offs work?
Transfers from O.R. Tambo Airport or Johannesburg hotels are included with morning departure times — allow time for customs and plan flights accordingly; airport drop-off on return is by late afternoon.
What is the cancellation policy?
Full refund is available if canceled at least 24 hours before departure; cancellations inside 24 hours are not refunded.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
5 days
Location
Hazyview, Mpumalanga
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Reasonable mobility and stamina for a 4-hour bush walk and multiple long game-viewer days; suitable for most adults and older children.
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