Impact Safari in the Greater Kruger
Overview
- Holiday Package
- Dates Flexible
- Starts & Ends in Hoedspruit (Greater Kruger)
Welcome to your
Impact Safari
This 6-day, 5-night Impact Safari combines world-class safari experiences in two of Greater Kruger’s most iconic wildlife destinations: Sabi Sands and Thornybush. While you’ll enjoy the comfort of luxury lodges and thrilling game drives, this journey goes far beyond a traditional safari. This Impact Safari invites you to immerse yourself in conservation, connect with local culture, and contribute to meaningful change; blending authentic adventure with purpose.
Holiday includes:
- Airport transfers: Hoedspruit airport to lodge and return
- 3-night all-inclusive stay at Thornybush Game Lodge or Saseka Tented Camp in Thornybush Game Reserve, Greater Kruger
- Inter-lodge transfer (Thornybush to Simbambili)
- 2-night all-inclusive stay at Simbambili Game Lodge in Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Greater Kruger
- Morning & afternoon game drives with professional guides & trackers
- All meals and snacks
- Local beverages (soft drinks, house wines, selected beers & spirits)
- Transfers to scheduled activities
- Interactive helicopter anti-poaching experience
- Community programme volunteer activities
- Anti-poaching K9 Unit demonstration
- Community tours
- Professional photography at selected activities
- Conservation fees
Holiday excludes:
- Flights (please ask your consultant about charter flights directly into your lodge’s private airstrip)
- Champagne, premium wines & spirits
- Spa treatments & curio purchases
- Gratuities
Holiday itinerary:
Greater Kruger, Thornybush Game Reserve
On arrival at Hoedspruit Airport, a driver will meet you and transfer you to your lodge, where you’ll settle into the African bush environment.
Your first stay will be at the luxurious Thornybush Game Lodge or the stylish Saseka Tented Camp, both set within the renowned Thornybush Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger area. Over the next few days, you’ll enjoy a balance of impact activities (detailed below) and morning and afternoon game drives led by expert guides.
This reserve is celebrated for its exceptional game viewing, giving you the chance to encounter Africa’s iconic wildlife, lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino, along with zebra, giraffe, hippo, and a wide array of other species. It’s a rare opportunity to witness these animals in their natural habitat while also engaging in experiences that make a positive difference.
Day 1-4 highlights
Included meals:
Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner & house drinks
Included activities:
Airport transfer from Hoedspruit Airport (+/- 30 minutes)
Morning & afternoon game drives daily
Impact activities:
Interactive helicopter anti-poaching experience
Sigagule Village Tour
K-9 unit demonstration and anti-poaching tracking experience
Immersive bush walk
Optional activities:
Spa treatments and massages
Overnight:
Greater Kruger: Thornybush Game Lodge or Saseka Tented Camp
(3 nights)
Greater Kruger, Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Your journey continues from Thornybush to the world-renowned Sabi Sands Game Reserve, where you’ll spend the final part of your safari at the luxurious Simbambili Game Lodge.
Here, your time in the bush goes beyond the traditional safari experience. This stay is rooted in conservation and community empowerment, enabling you to see how your safari actively contributes to wildlife protection, education, and sustainable livelihoods in this part of Africa.
Between morning and afternoon game drives, you’ll take part in impact-focused experiences that connect you with the ongoing efforts to safeguard both the wilderness and the people who depend on it.
Day 4-6 highlights
Included meals:
Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner & house drinks
Included activities:
Transfer from Thornybush to Simbambili
Morning & afternoon game drives daily
Airport transfer to Hoedspruit Airport (+/- 2 hours)
Impact activities:
Community gardening programme
Endangered Wildlife Trust talk
Local village immersion
Community programme visits & volunteering
Optional activities:
Spa treatments and massages
Overnight:
Greater Kruger: Simbambili Game Lodge (2 nights)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Participate in anti-poaching initiatives including helicopter surveillance experiences
- Meet and learn from K9 units working on the frontlines of rhino protection
- Engage directly with community projects through volunteering and cultural exchanges
- Every activity is designed to show you the real work behind conservation while creating meaningful human connections.
Road transfers: From Johannesburg to Hoedspruit takes approximately 5-6 hours by road. We can arrange private transfers if preferred.
All airport transfers from Hoedspruit Airport to lodges and between reserves are included in your package.
- Large elephant herds moving through riverbeds
- Buffalo and antelope species across open plains
- Hippos and crocodiles in water systems
- Wild dogs in certain seasons
- Over 500 bird species including raptors, waterbirds, and colorful woodland species
October to April (Summer/rainy season): Lush landscapes, newborn animals, spectacular birding, and fewer visitors. Afternoon thunderstorms are common but brief. Temperatures can exceed 35°C in December-January.
For optimal balance of wildlife viewing, comfortable temperatures, and conservation activity availability, we recommend May-August.
- Anti-poaching helicopter experience: Fly with rangers to understand surveillance operations
- K9 Unit demonstration: Meet the dogs and handlers working to protect rhinos from poachers
- Endangered Wildlife Trust talks: Learn about specific species protection programs
- Community engagement: Work alongside locals in gardens and development projects
- Cultural immersion: Visit Sigagule Village to understand community challenges and initiatives
- Minimum age varies by lodge (typically 6+ years at Thornybush properties, 12+ at some Sabi Sands areas)
- Children must be able to sit quietly during game drives (3-4 hours)
- Impact activities are adapted for families where possible
- Private vehicle options available for families who prefer flexibility
- Some conservation activities (like anti-poaching helicopter experience) have strict age/weight limits
We recommend this safari for families with children 10+ who have an existing interest in wildlife and conservation.
- May-September (Low season): Malaria risk is minimal but prophylaxis is still recommended
- October-April (High season): Higher malaria risk during warm, wet months
All lodges have medical emergency protocols and rapid evacuation procedures in place.
- Adjacent to Kruger National Park with no fences between
- More varied terrain with river systems and open plains
- Excellent general game viewing and good predator sightings
- Less crowded than some Sabi Sands areas
Sabi Sands Game Reserve:
- Famous for exceptionally habituated leopards and close sightings
- Higher density of luxury lodges, but game viewing areas are vast
- Strong conservation partnerships and anti-poaching initiatives
- More exclusive feeling with limited vehicle numbers at sightings
Both reserves offer outstanding wildlife experiences while supporting vital conservation work.
- Sturdy walking shoes (for bush walks and community visits)
- Lightweight gloves (for community gardening activities)
- Reusable water bottle (community projects often lack single-use plastic facilities)
- Small backpack for day activities
- Sun hat and high-SPF sunscreen (impact activities often occur during daylight hours)
- Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing for bush walks
- Small amount of cash in local currency for community craft purchases
Formal attire isn’t required at any point – this is a purpose-driven safari where comfort and practicality matter most.
Holiday Map
Pricing
| 1 Jan – 31 Dec 2025 | 1 Jan – 31 Dec 2026 | ||
| Price per person (sharing) | Simbambili Game Lodge & Thornybush Game Reserve |
R 111 445 | R 120 085 |
| Price per person (sharing) | Simbambili Game Lodge & Saseka Tented Camp |
R 133 945 | R 144 685 |
Rates are indicative; final price varies by specific travel dates and room category availability. Please enquire for a fixed quote – our private tour consultants will be happy to advise on options to meet your available dates.
This package can be booked in a different order.
Single rate: Add 50% to sharing rate.