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| Black Leopard - fourteen days |
'We've designed this 14 day safari package to enable our guests to become involved, and experience African wildlife rather than just view animals. We balance game viewing with time for some R&R as you wish, to create a unique and authentic African experience. The schedule can be tailored to suit your requirements (normally at no extra charge) and extra days can be added on a pro-rata basis.' Day 1 Pick up at Johannesburg Airport (O R Tambo International) and transfer to the Paperbark Bush Retreat to unwind and recuperate. Dinner under the African stars; experience the sounds and beauty of an African night. Day 2 Bush appreciation and introduction to wildlife tracking. We find this activity quickly hones your bush senses and gives a feel of the African bush. Ideal preparation for any safari. Afternoon at leisure. Early evening escorted bush walk followed by sun downers in the bush and transport back to the main lodge for dinner. Day 3 Early morning bush walk before breakfast. Morning Leopard tracking followed by afternoon at leisure. Late afternoon sighting of camera traps before dinner. Day 4 Breakfast and then a visit to Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, (a real must see - their work in wildlife conservation is inspirational). Overnight stay at the luxurious Zulieka Country House over looking the Blyde River Canyon. Day 5 Early morning visit to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (home of the Hoedspruit Cheetah project) and then on to the Kruger National Park. Daytime game viewing; return to your Kruger Park Lodge to refresh prior to evening meal. Day 6 Kruger National Park – Very early morning game drive, followed by breakfast, with the remainder of the day game viewing. Lunch will be taken at a Kruger Park Rest Camp, location dependant on animal movement. Evening Braai. Day 7 Morning game drive followed by transfer to the exclusive Sabi Sands Game Reserve. On arrival, you will have time to settle in before an evening game drive, skirting the river basin and returning to your lodge for a sumptuous dinner in the main lapa. After dinner, you will be afforded the unique opportunity to enjoy a late night game drive (should you wish). This exclusive event provides a chance to share the wilderness at night and enjoy sounds and senses, which are heightened in big five country. Coffee is served on our open vehicles as we silently wait and listen to the sounds of the night, ready to move to centre stage as the drama of the nocturnal opera begins. Day 8 Early morning wake-up and an invigorating cup of fresh coffee in the lounge. Groups will then set off on their early morning game drive. We hope to check out scenes from the previous evenings events; however, each safari offers a new exciting experience. The early morning game drive will return to your lodge for brunch, after which guests have the option of taking an accompanied bush walk. An opportunity to trail in the Sabi Sands game reserve is an experience that will never be forgotten. The trail will return for a well-deserved rest during the heat of the day, where you have time to relax or enjoy the plunge pool overlooking the riverbed, which is often host to zebra, buffalo, giraffe, elephant, rhino, and lion. The afternoon safari activity will start after high tea and will usually comprise of a short drive in the game vehicle to a specific location, after which guests will depart on foot for a short trail, then, having returned to the vehicle will enjoy sundowners away from camp before returning to a delicious supper that awaits them. After dinner, groups are again afforded the chance to enjoy an extended late night game drive if they wish. We may stay out late into the night or early into the next day so that we can fully appreciate all the nocturnal events, the choice is yours. Day 9 A morning game drive aims to visit those parts of the concession that we haven’t had time to reach previously. Offering an opportunity to get those final photographs. Time permitting we will take the chance to take a short bush walk from the vehicle, before returning to your lodge. Brunch will be served upon return after which we will transfer to the Paperbark Bush Retreat in time for dinner. Day 10 Late morning bush walk after breakfast. Morning Leopard tracking activity and lunch followed by afternoon at leisure. Late afternoon sighting of camera traps before dinner. Day 11 Breakfast prior to retrieval of camera traps and return to the main lodge for lunch and review of images, all results form an integral part of Ingwe Leopard Project research. Early evening bush braai, followed by a night game drive. Day 12 Leisurely breakfast followed by a day visit to a nearby private game reserve. Your day will include opportunities for guided game drives and bush walks as you wish. Previous clients have enjoyed a bush walk with Rhino getting some exciting photographs. Return to Paperbark Bush Retreat for dinner. Day 13 We leave this day open, to allow for some flexibility in your itinerary. Of-course in nature nothing can be predicted but we have usually found that other interesting events occur as part of our work with the Ingwe Leopard Project, where guests normally like to accompany us. Alternately you can choose from a selection of sight seeing tours, or perhaps a photo safari. For your last evening in Africa, dinner will be served in the bush around the campfire, under the African stars. Day 14 Breakfast followed by a final Bush walk. We very much hope that by this point, you feel confident to take an unaccompanied stroll through the Paperbark Estate, however as ever, our rangers will be on hand should you wish. Late lunch and afternoon transfer to Johannesburg airport. Note: This is an all inclusive package with the following excluded: International flights, alcohol, entry to attractions (Kruger National Park, Moholoholo Rehab Centre and Hoedspruit Cheetah Project) and one three course meal in the Zuleika Country House. |
