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5-Day Panorama Route Tour, Pestana Lodge and Kruger Park Safari

Pestana Panorama Route Tour and Kruger Park Safari
Blyde River Canyon Three Rondavels viewpoint
Price From : ZAR 30655.00 (Per Person Sharing) Currency Converter
Blyde River Canyon Three Rondavels viewpoint

Price From: ZAR 30655.00 (Per Person Sharing)

The Panorama Route

This dramatically scenic northern Drakensberg escarpment route is close to the Kruger National Park. It includes such sights as Gods Window, Bourkes Luck Potholes, many beautiful waterfalls including the Mac Mac, Lisbon, and Berlin Falls. The Blyde River Canyon is the third deepest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon in the USA and the Fish River Canyon in Namibia but is the deepest green canyon in the world with regular rainfall. Pilgrims Rest is an old gold mining town preserved in its entirety. The Long Tom Pass rises to 2300 metres before descending to the Kruger National Park which is below 400 metres. The pass is named after the canon manufactured by Le Creuset in France, with which the Boers bombarded the advancing British, and of which a replica stands at the top of the pass.

The Crocodile River

The Crocodile River forms the southern border of the Kruger National Park. Crocodiles sun themselves on the sandbanks and hippos wallow in the shallows. To its banks come the animals of the Kruger Park to drink and enjoy the cool shade of the tall trees. Pestana lodge near the river has the privilege of views of the Kruger Park across the river often better than the private lodges inside the Kruger.

From here add an optional visit to the picturesque country of Eswatini (Swaziland). Please see Swaziland Tour add to Kruger Park Itinerary.

Location, location, location, this is key to a great safari!

Pestana Kruger Lodge is perfectly located next to the Crocodile River about 300 metres from the Malelane Gate to the Kruger National Park (KNP). The banks of the Crocodile River attract large numbers of animals and so it is one of the best animal spotting locations in the KNP easily equal to Sabi Sands and other more expensive private concessions. The terrain is also more interesting than the flatter regions to the north because its undulating, hilly nature and open river courses create better opportunities for viewing animals even in times of high vegetation such as our summer period.

The best animal concentrations in the KNP are in the south too, simply because of higher rainfall. Lower cost destinations to the north and middle of the Kruger have much less frequent sightings because of less food resources and thus lower animal densities.

Staying just outside the KNP at a location close by or right on the edge of it is the best way of doing a low-cost safari. This location is on the banks of the Crocodile River but just outside the park is open to the park and gives great views of animals close by the river. The accommodation too is great value for money compared to locations inside and there are some things unique to this safari that are not available at the more costly 5-star lodges ( please read below). Pestana has a great viewing deck looking right over the Kruger. You can sip a drink and spot animals passing by.

These are optional tours which can be added at extra cost if time allows.

  • Change one of your game drives to a dawn safari walk with an armed ranger at an extra cost of ZAR500.00 per person. This is an activity only available from SANPARKS the people who administer the KNP. This experience is unique and not generally available on safari at at 5-star lodges ( subject to availability on the day in question).
  • We can also arrange a night safari drive a service also not offered by the 5-star lodges. This would be in place of your sunset drive but would involve a 30-minute transfer to another gate of the Kruger and would cost ZAR1500.00 per person extra. If you are here in the winter months this option may not be necessary as part of your sunset safari is in darkness as explained. ( subject to availability on the night in question).
  • Next door to the Pestana Lodge is the Health and Wellness Centre and there is an arrangment with them for lodge guests to use the facilities for a small fee.
  • The Panorama Route Tour day can be changed to another morning and evening safari and night at the Kruger Lodge so then it will be four days all safari no extra.
  • There is also Chimp Eden and the Sudwala Caves. This would be in the middle of the day and so will not interfere with your safari drives.
  • From Pestana Lodge it is very easy to arrange a visit during the day when you are not on safari to Matsamo Village to see and interact with the local culture and music.
  • Visits to the neighboring countries of Swaziland and Mozambique can also be arranged.
  • You can continue the Panorama Route over the Abel Erasmus Mountain Pass and spend a night at Moholoholo Animal Rescue centre and also sail up into the Blyde River Canyon from here. Please see 2 Day Visit to Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre From the Panorama Route or Kruger National ParkWe highly recommend this for a family experience and you can learn much in-depth knowledge of the animals and the ecosystem at Moholoholo.

Prices:

2024

8 January 2024 – 23 March 2024 and 8 April 2024 – 20 December 2024 – ZAR30 655.00 per person sharing, ZAR53 810.00 for a solo traveller, and ZAR15 355.00 for a child sharing with one or two adults.

24 March 2024 – 7 April 2024 and 21 December 2024 – 5 January 2025 – ZAR32 460.00 per person sharing, ZAR56 530.00 for a solo traveller, and ZAR15 799.00 for a child sharing with one or two adults.

Pestana Panorama Route Tour and Kruger Park Safari Pestana Panorama Route Tour and Kruger Park Safari Pestana Panorama Route Tour and Kruger Park Safari

Itinerary for This Tour

Day 1

Depart Johannesburg to start the Panorama Route

Meet and greet by our guide and depart for Sabie via the Long Tom Pass (weather permitting). It is necessary to depart the Johannesburg area at around 8 am in order to cross the Long Tom Pass in the daylight hours. Passing through the town of Dullstroom you reach points on the central plateau (called the Highveld) that are over 2000 metres above sea level. Although it can have very pleasant temperatures during the day at night and during winter it can plunge well below freezing. Log fires are popular in all the guest houses. Trout, a fish that thrives in cold water, have been introduced to local rivers and streams. It is a popular destination for fly fishers and many north European trees and plants grow here too. Snow is common in winter. We will stop on route to have a quick “on the go” snack lunch.

The Long Tom Pass is filled with beautiful mountain vistas and views of the surrounding valleys. We will travel along the Panorama Route, which falls within the green belt mid-way down the escarpment. Your first night is in the forestry village of Sabie at the foot of the Long Tom Pass or at the charming Westlodge in the village of Graskop at the very edge of the towering escarpment. (Depending on availability and what time you are available to leave Johannesburg we will endeavour to include such sights as Gods Window, Bourkes Luck Potholes, and at least one of the many beautiful waterfalls such as the Mac Mac, Lisbon, and Berlin Falls. We will also try to include the new Gorge Lift in Graskop if time allows and we have started the day early. For the brave, there is also the Gorge swing ( extra fee if requested).

Accommodation Lunch, Dinner, Bed, and Breakfast at Sabie Townhouse Guest Lodge or Westlodge in Graskop

Day 2

Panorama Route and Arrival at the Crocodile River.

After an early breakfast at the lodge, our local guide will pick you up and take you further on the Panorama Route tour. All entrance fees and lunch (usually traditional filled pancakes, savoury or sweet, in the mist belt town of Graskop) included. There are some nice stimulating but not too strenuous walks to the various viewpoints and waterfalls to be done today and this, together with the clean high air will give you an appetite! Good walking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen are recommended. Your guide will drop you at Pestana Lodge late afternoon, right next to the Malelane Gate of the Kruger National Park. Evening at leisure.

Accommodation Dinner Bed and Breakfast Deluxe Room with balcony facing the Crocodile River at Pestana Kruger Lodge

Day 3

Sunrise and Sunset Safari Game Drives in the Kruger National Park

Rise before dawn and enjoy a sunrise safari with your 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 elephant and their babies or a savage but necessary lion kill, perhaps some majestic giraffes, and a herd of stern-looking African buffalo. Every safari drive is different you will encounter many animals. Not knowing which or when is what makes it exciting. You will return to the lodge for breakfast and spend the midday at leisure. Lunch is available at your own cost from the restaurant. It is also safe to take a stroll across the Crocodile River Bridge to stretch your legs. Then in the afternoon, you will gather to go for your sunset safari part of which will be in the dark getting glimpses of nocturnal creatures.

The lodge has Wi-Fi. There is the lodge restaurant for a la carte occasional snacks, lunch, and of course, dinner is included. It is also safe to take short walks to Pestana Restaurant across the road if you want some variety.

Accommodation Dinner Bed and Breakfast Deluxe Room with balcony facing the Crocodile River at Pestana Kruger Lodge

 

Day 4

Sunrise and Sunset Safaris in the Kruger National Park – Midday at Leisure.

Like yesterday, open vehicle sunrise and sunset safaris in the Kruger National Park.

Accommodation Dinner Bed and Breakfast Deluxe Room with balcony facing the Crocodile River at Pestana Kruger Lodge

Day 5

Sunrise Game drive and return to Johannesburg.

After your sunrise game drive in the Kruger National Park and breakfast, you will be collected for your private transfer back to Johannesburg.

End of Tour.

 

Tour Notes

Tour Notes

Included in Price:

  • Included in Price:
    • 4 Nights 4 Star accommodation as described in the itinerary
    • All meals that are mentioned in the itinerary.
    • Daily Sunset and dawn game drives in the Kruger Park in open safari vehicle whilst staying on the border of the Kruger National Park at Pestana Kruger Lodge
    • Private return transfer with guide to Johannesburg address of your choice in an air-conditioned vehicle.
    • Entrance Fees to all parks/places of interest mentioned in the itinerary
    • Panorama Route Tour includes all entrance fees and lunch with a qualified guide.

    Costs Excluded:

    • Flights
    • All passport and Visa fees excluded
    • All Beverages excluded, except for tea and coffee with breakfast
    • All meals not in the itinerary
    • Travel and Medical Insurance excluded
    • All Optional Activities excluded
    • All costs of a personal nature, e.g. laundry, telephone calls
    • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour

     

    Accommodation Note: All the hotels and lodges are as reflected in this itinerary, but if for reasons beyond the control of Mmilo Tours this is not possible, they will be replaced with establishments of the same star grading.

    All our tours and packages are subject to availability at the time of booking.

Accommodation for this Tour

Pestana Kruger Lodge

Pestana Kruger is a 4 star hotel, situated in South Africa just 70m from the Southern boundary of the Kruger National Park and only 150m from Malelane Gate, one of the most important access point to the park. Is surrounded by marvelous gardens and offers a fa

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The Sabie Town House Guest Lodge

Guest House constructed of river stone and local timber, peacefully situated overlooking the stunning natural beauty of the Sabie Gorge.

Westlodge Bed and Breakfast

Your holiday accommodation, ideally situated along the famous Panorama Route in mpumalanga, situated in the small town of Graskop. Westloge is beautifully designed, Victorian-Styled Bed and Breakfast.

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