Northern Kruger & Soutpansberg Safari

Manyeleti Game Reserve | Kruger National Park | Pafuri Walking Safaris | Soutpansberg

Details

Priced From

Per Person Sharing
ZAR34,500
  • Pricing subject to change based on travel dates and accommodation booked. 

Back Road & Sand Track Driving

%

Enjoy the lesser traveled back roads of the Kruger National Park and the rugged terrein of the Soutpansberg. 

Accommodation Mix

  • Kruger Park Rest Camps 34% 34%
  • Tented Camping Safari 44% 44%
  • Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Chalet 22% 22%

We use a range of accommodation types to make your trip more unique. All our itineraries are tailormade based on your travel prefernces. 

Jimny Hire

10 Days Jimny Hire – Partially Equipped

Pick-up Johannesburg & Return  Hoedspruit

Manyeleti Game Reserve

2 nights at Pungwe Camp in a tented room

All meals & game Drives

Kruger National Park

3 nights in two Satellite Camps in the Kruger National Park

Self-Catering

Pafuri Walking Safari

2 nights on a guided walking safari with Pafuri Walking Safaris

All meals & guided activities

Soutpansberg Mountains

2 nights at Leshiba Wilderness in a luxury chatel

Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Trip Highlights

Guided Safari

Enjoy a fully guided safari in the Manyeleti Game Reserve for excellent wildlife viewing

Self-Drive Safari

Explore Kruger at your own pace on a self-drive safari in search of unique wildlife encounters

Guided Walking Safari

Go back to basics on a guided walking safari in the picturesque Pafuri region

Beautiful Scenery

Spend time in the Soutpansberg Mountains – the northern most mountain range of Southh Africa

Elephant sighting in the Kruger National Park on a self-drive vacation with Tread Lite
Guided walking safari with Pafuri Walking Safaris in northern Kruger
Self-drive Kruger safari with a Tread Lite Suzuki Jimny
Leshiba Wilderness in the Soutpansberg on Kruger self-drive safari

Itinerary Description

Embark on an extraordinary 10-night safari adventure through South Africa’s wild and untamed landscapes. Your journey begins in the mystical Soutpansberg Mountains, where you’ll spend two nights at the beautiful Leshiba Wilderness. This private reserve offers a back to nature experience with its diverse flora and fauna, ancient rock art sites, and stunning vistas.

Next, venture to the northern reaches of the Kruger National Park for an unforgettable adventure with Pafuri Walking Safari’s. Your two night adventure is in unique tended accommodation where you’ll explore the remote and pristine Pafuri region on foot, guided by expert rangers who will introduce you to the area’s rich biodiversity and fascinating history.

Continue your safari with the freedom of a self-drive adventure through the Kruger National Park. Spend three nights in two of the parks satellite rest camps, offering a more exclusive self-drive safari. Here you can explore at your own pace, encountering Africa’s iconic wildlife in their natural habitat. Each day brings new opportunities to discover the park’s diverse ecosystems and witness unforgettable wildlife sightings.

Your journey culminates with two nights at an all-inclusive tented lodge in the Manyeleti Game Reserve. Nestled on the border of the Kruger National Park, Manyeleti offers a private and exclusive safari experience. Enjoy game drives and guided walks, savour delicious meals, and relax in iconic safari lodge accommodations, all while surrounded by the beauty and tranquility of the African bush.

This 10-night safari adventure promises an immersive and varied experience, from walking safaris and self-drive explorations to uique lodge stays, showcasing the best of Soutpansberg and Northern Kruger. 

Interactive Map

Detailed Itinerary

Johannesburg to Soutpansberg – Leshiba Wilderness

Depart the city of Johannesburg and make your way north to Leshiba Wilderness in the Soutpansberg. The beginning of the trip is an easy drive, giving you time to get settled in and used to the vehicle for the adventures ahead. The last stretch to Leshiba Wilderness requires a high ground clearance vehicle, where the Jimny will shine.

Accommodation at Leshiba Wilderness in the Soutpansberg

YOUR STAY: leshiba wilderness

Nights: 2

Room: Standard Chalet

Meals Included: Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Activities Included: One safari activity per day

ABOUT ESHIBA WILDERNESS

Leshiba Wilderness, located in the remote Soutpansberg Mountains, offers a truly back-to-nature experience. Surrounded by rugged mountains and diverse flora and fauna, Leshiba provides an idyllic retreat for nature lovers. The reserve is home to ancient rock art sites, rich biodiversity, and breathtaking vistas. Guests can enjoy the tranquility of the wilderness, exploring hiking trails, encountering wildlife, and experiencing the serene beauty of the Soutpansberg. Leshiba Wilderness is the perfect destination for those seeking peace, solitude, and a deeper connection with nature.

Things to do in Leshiba Wilderness & The Soutpansberg
  • Guided Nature Walks: Explore the diverse flora and fauna of the Soutpansberg Mountains on guided nature walks. Knowledgeable guides will introduce you to the region’s unique biodiversity, including rare and endemic species.
  • Ancient Rock Art Tours: Discover the ancient rock art sites scattered throughout Leshiba Wilderness. These tours offer a glimpse into the history and culture of the indigenous peoples who once inhabited the area.
  • 4×4 Off-Road Adventures: Take advantage of the rugged terrain with an exhilarating 4×4 off-road adventure. Navigate through challenging trails and remote landscapes, offering stunning views and the thrill of exploring less accessible parts of the Soutpansberg.
  • Bird Watching: The Soutpansberg region is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to a wide variety of bird species. Spend a day with binoculars and a guidebook, spotting everything from vibrant sunbirds to elusive raptors.
More About The Soutpansberg

The Soutpansberg Mountains, a lessor known treasure in South Africa, offer a unique and captivating destination for travellers. Renowned for their rugged beauty and diverse ecosystems, the mountains are home to an array of wildlife, including rare and endemic species.

Visitors can explore ancient rock art sites, hike through lush forests, and marvel at panoramic vistas. The region’s rich cultural heritage, coupled with its stunning landscapes, makes it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

The Soutpansberg’s remote location ensures a tranquil escape, providing a perfect setting for immersive experiences and unforgettable memories amidst South Africa’s natural splendor.

Soutpansberg Mountains to Pafuri Walking Safari

Today, your journey takes you away from the Soutpansberg Mountains and into the far northern reaches of the Kruger National Park. Drive through the Pafuri entrance gate, leading you to the meeting point for the Pafuri Walking Safari.

It’s time to leave the vehicle behind and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime two-night walking safari in the Pafuri region. This guided walk offers a unique way to experience the African bush, immersing you in its sights and sounds. Your rustic tented accommodation ensures a deep connection to nature, enhancing the authenticity of this unforgettable adventure. 

 

Pafuri Walking Safaris on a Tread Lite self-drive adventure to the Kruger National Park

YOUR STAY: Pafuri Walking Safaris

Nights: 2

Room: En-Suite Tent

Meals Included: Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Activities Included: All scheduled safari activities

ABOUT PAFURI WALKING SAFARIS

Pafuri Walking Safaris by Return Africa offers an memorable adventure in the remote and pristine Pafuri region of the Kruger National Park. Over two nights, you’ll explore the African bush on foot, guided by experienced rangers who share their in-depth knowledge of the area’s rich biodiversity and cultural history. This unique safari experience allows you to observe wildlife up close and appreciate the smaller details of the bush, often missed on vehicle-based safaris. The rustic tented accommodation enhances the experience, providing a deep connection to nature and an authentic taste of wilderness living. Pafuri Walking Safaris promises an unforgettable African adventure.

Things to see and note about Pafuri

  • Pel’s Fishing Owl: A rare and elusive species, the Pel’s Fishing Owl is a highlight for birdwatchers. These nocturnal birds are often found along the Luvuvhu River, where they hunt for fish at night.

  • Lanner Gorge: This dramatic gorge offers breathtaking views and is a must-visit in the Pafuri region. The towering cliffs and winding river below create a stunning landscape, perfect for photography and appreciating the natural beauty of the area.

  • Crooks Corner: Located at the confluence of the Limpopo and Luvuvhu rivers, Crooks Corner is a historic and scenic spot where the borders of South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique meet. 

  • Baobab Trees: Pafuri is home to some of the oldest and largest baobab trees in the Kruger National Park. These iconic trees, often called “upside-down trees,” are impressive to behold and provide a unique photo opportunity. 

More About the Pafuri Region of Kruger National Park

The Pafuri region of the Kruger National Park is a unique and captivating area, renowned for its diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity. This remote northern section of the park features stunning attractions such as Lanner Gorge, with its dramatic cliffs and panoramic views, and Crooks Corner, where the borders of South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique meet.

The region is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 350 bird species, and is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, and rare antelope. Pafuri’s lush riverine forests, baobab trees, and cultural heritage sites offer an unparalleled and immersive safari experience.

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK SELF DRIVE

Having enjoyed your time on foot exploring Pafuri, it’s now time to get back into your Jimny for a self-drive adventure through the Kruger National Park over the next three nights.

A self-drive safari allows you to experience the Kruger at your own pace, focusing on the wildlife and experiences that interest you most. We have chosen two of the park’s more remote camps to provide a more exclusive and immersive safari experience. Your Jimny comes equipped with essentials like a fridge and a kitchen box, ensuring your self-drive adventure is comfortable and enjoyable.

Bateleur Bushveld Camp on a self-drive safari to the Kruger National Park

YOUR STAY: Bateleur Bushveld Camp & Balule Satellite Camp

Nights: 3 

Room: Chalets

Meals Included: Self-Catering

Activities Included: Explore on your own

ABOUT BATELEUR BUSHVELD CAMP & BALULE SATELITE CAMP

Bateleur Bushveld Camp and Balule Satellite Camp are both smaller rest camps in the northern region of the Kruger National Park. Nestled amid the rugged beauty of the African bushveld, these camps provide a traditioanl  safari experience where wildlife roams freely. Encounter the Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros—alongside a rich diversity of birdlife and smaller mammals. The region’s diverse landscapes, from savannah to riverine forests, promise captivating self-guided game drives, revealing the park’s natural wonders. Whether exploring the ancient baobab trees or enjoying sunset vistas over waterholes, each moment at these camps offers visitors a taste of South Africa’s untamed beauty.

Unique wildlife to spot in Northern Kruger

  • Cheetah: Known for its incredible speed and sleek build, the cheetah roams the open plains of the northern Kruger, making it one of the most exhilarating predators to spot. 

  • African Wild Dog: Also known as painted hunting dogs, African wild dogs are highly social and efficient hunters, often found in large packs

  • Nyala: These elegant antelopes are predominantly found in dense woodlands and riverine forests, showcasing distinctive vertical white stripes on their sides.
  • Sable Antelope: Known for its striking black coat with contrasting white facial markings and impressive curved horns, the sable antelope is a symbol of grace and strength. 
More About Northern Kruger

The northern section of Kruger National Park, (Orpen Gate and above), unveils a distinct wilderness characterised by vast landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Contrasting with the south, this area showcases more rugged terrain with rocky outcrops and ancient baobab trees dotting the savanna. Its remoteness and longer travel distances deter large crowds, offering a serene escape from the park’s more frequented southern regions. Wildlife flourishes in this less-explored region, where encounters with the Big Five are complemented by sightings of elusive species like wild dogs and sable antelope. Exploring this section of the park allows visitors to enjoy the the tranquility and untamed beauty of the Kruger National Park. 

 

GUIDED SAFARI  – MANYELETI GAME RESERVE

Your safari concludes with two nights in the Manyeleti Game Reserve, which shares an unfenced border with Kruger National Park. Situated near Orpen Gate in the central region, Manyaleti offers exceptional wildlife encounters during guided safari activities.

We recommend enhancing your experience by combining a self-drive safari with a stay at one of the private lodges. Guided safari drives with expert local guides add a deeper dimension to your journey, offering insights and sightings you might miss on your own.

Ending your safari at an all-inclusive lodge allows for relaxation as you reflect on your adventure amidst the Bushveld.

Pungwe Safari Lodge in the Manyaleti Game Reserve on a self-drive vacation with Tread Lite

YOUR STAY: Pungwe Safari Camp (or similar)

Nights: 2

Room: En-Suite Tented Room

Meals Included: Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Activities Included: Daily Game Drive

ABOUT PUNGWE SAFARI CAMP

Pungwe Safari Camp, nestled in the pristine wilderness of Manyeleti Game Reserve, offers a unique blend of comfort and adventure. The camp features spacious tented rooms that seamlessly blend rustic charm with modern amenities, providing a cozy retreat amidst the African bush. Each tent boasts en-suite facilities and private verandas from which to enjoy the bushveld scenery. 

Guided safari experiences at Pungwe Safari Camp are excellent, led by knowledgeable guides who uncover the secrets of the Bushveld. From thrilling game drives to tranquil bush walks, encounters with the Big Five and other wildlife are abundant. As the sun sets, the camp comes alive with stories shared around the campfire, creating unforgettable memories of the African safari experience.”

Things to do in the Manyeleti Game Reserve
  • Guided Safari Drives: Explore the expansive wilderness of Manyaleti on guided safari drives, led by knowledgeable rangers. Encounter the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros—along with cheetahs, wild dogs, and a variety of antelope species.
  • Bush Walks: Embark on guided bush walks to experience the smaller wonders of the Bushveld up close. Learn about tracking wildlife, identifying medicinal plants, and appreciating the intricate ecosystems of the savannah and riverine forests.
  • Bird Watching: Manyaleti Game Reserve is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with over 300 bird species recorded. From raptors soaring overhead to colorful bee-eaters and hornbills in the trees, birdwatching here offers a diverse array of sightings.
  • Cultural Encounters: Learn about the local culture and traditions through community visits or cultural experiences offered by lodges in the reserve. Engage with local communities to gain insights into their way of life and contribute to sustainable tourism practices.
More About The Manyeleti Game Reserve

Manyeleti Game Reserve, nestled in the central region of the Kruger National Park, boasts a rich history and exceptional wildlife encounters. Established with a commitment to conservation, Manyeleti enjoys unfenced borders with Kruger, allowing wildlife to roam freely across vast stretches of acacia-dotted savannah and riverine forests. This unique feature enhances the safari experience, offering unobstructed views of the Big Five and a variety of other wildife species.

Visitors can explore the reserve through guided game drives and bush walks, guided by expert rangers who share their deep knowledge of the Bushveld. With its serene landscapes and abundant wildlife, Manyeleti invites travelers to enjoy an authentic African safari in the Greater Kruger National Park.

Manyeleti to Eastgate Airport (Hoedspruit)

On your final day of safari, you’ll depart from Pungwe Safari Camp and head towards Eastgate Airport in Hoedspruit to return your vehicle for onward travel arrangements. Enjoy a last morning safari in the Manyeleti Game Reserve, followed by a relaxing breakfast amidst the bushveld.

With Manyeleti’s proximity to the airport, there’s ample time to soak in the wilderness before your departure. We recommend extending your vacation with a scenic drive along the Panorama Route, where majestic views of canyons and waterfalls await. Alternatively, consider a flight to Cape Town to embark on a unique self-drive adventure along the famed Garden Route, starting with a new Jimny vehicle. Whether you choose to explore dramatic landscapes or coastal wonders, your African journey concludes with unforgettable experiences and memories.

Start Your Journey

Like what you see in this itinerary and ready to start planning your adventure! To get started, fill out our simple contact form and our team will be in touch with you to begin the planning process.

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We are looking forward to welcoming you to South Africa. 

Regards, 

Stuart and the Tread Lite team

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Remember our itineraries are tailored-made for our clients so feel free to request changes so we can assist.