WELCOME TO SOUTH AFRICA

On the 17^th of  August 2024, we will embark on a nine day South African Wildlife Adventure of a lifetime with our families. On this adventure, we will spend our first day making our way toward Kruger National Park enjoying a welcome dinner together, before embarking on two magical nights camping in the famous Kruger National Park and five nights participating on a mini ‘Family Safari Ranger’ adventure.

Picture it, the daytimes will be spent it open safari vehicles in search of lions, elephants, giraffes, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs on the biggest adventure of our lives.  Seeing the “Big Five” in the wild is one of the most memorable things one can ever experience, imagine sharing that with your children.  In the evenings, smores around the camp fire under the African stars listening to the sounds of the lions roar and monkeys chatter – a totally magical experience. For part of our time in Kruger, we will spend time with the Endangered Wildlife Trust tracking packs of collared Wild Dogs which are one of the most Endangered carnivores in Africa.

After bidding farewell to the Kruger, we head off on our next adventure  – Safari Ranger training with some of the best rangers in South Africa. We will head to Leopards Lair &  Pridelands Game Reserve. This is real Lion King stuff – how excited are the children going to be!

We will spend 5 nights participating on a mini ‘Family Safari Ranger’ adventure. This has been specifically designed for our group as a wildlife conservation experience.  Learning to be a safari ranger is designed to immerse people of all ages into the African wilderness.  We will be spending the day on foot and in open safari vehicles tracking animals, learning about African bush life.  The African continent is the only place in the world where big game still roams freely in great numbers. By providing an inspirational adventurous experience, hearts and minds of both young and old are will foster an interest and nurture opportunity and curiosity that will change the world.

WHO IS THIS TRIP FOR?

All families and adventurers 4 years and above are welcome on this South African trip.

If you and your family have just a little piece of wild in you, are curious, love the outdoors and are ready to immerse yourselves in the African wilderness, then take that leap – remember, we are here with you!

I can promise you, from the moment you step on to African soil, you will fall in love. That’s really how Wild Hearted began, 20 years ago when I made that very first visit to Africa, and now I just can’t stop.

It is why I wanted to take other families there too. To share the magic of Africa with you. To see you and your families faces light up as you become immersed in African wildlife for the first time!

Day By Day Itinerary

Day 1: 17th August – Meet the Wild Hearted Adventures team and embark on our African adventure

After touching down at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, you’ll take your connecting flight to Nelspruit (Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP)) where you will be collected by the team and driven to a guesthouse nearby to meet us and embark on an adventure like no other. In the evening, we’ll have a welcome dinner and briefing, where you’ll learn more about the exciting days ahead. Get ready to make some unforgettable memories!

MEALS INCLUDED: Dinner

Day 2: 18th August – Enter Kruger National Park and take our first game drive in search of the ‘Big 5’

After a hearty breakfast we will make our way to Kruger National Park. On our morning game drive through the south eastern plains towards Lower Sabie, we’ll take in the breathtaking scenery and wildlife sightings. Lower Sabie is voted the best rest camp in Kruger National Park, and that’s where we’ll spend this part of the tour. Upon arrival, we’ll allocate tents, and you’ll have time to relax, settle in, and explore the camp. We’ll enjoy lunch at the camp before embarking on an afternoon game drive. After a magical day, we’ll fall asleep under the stars to the sounds of roaring lions, snorting hippos, and the soft croaking of frogs in the river – honestly, this is so magical and I promise they can’t get us!

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

Day 3: 19th August – Meet the Endangered Wildlife Trust and Track Wild Dogs in Kruger National Park

We’ll start the day with an early morning wake-up call and head out on a morning game drive. Today, we’ll meet up with the Endangered Wildlife Trust and their Wild Dog team expert, as we go in search of Wild Dogs. The Endangered Wildlife Trusts purpose is to boldly prevent carnivore extinction in southern Africa. Carnivores are one of the most charismatic yet threatened orders and require innovative strategies to ensure their survival. They boldly implement large-scale, collaborative, field-based projects to increase the range, numbers and status of Africa’s threatened carnivores. They achieve this by re-establishing, maintaining and expanding safe space for carnivores, actively reducing threats to carnivore survival and persistence, ensuring positive changes in human-based values to carnivores, and supporting legislation to protect carnivores. 

The organisation do not host tourists, so this experience is exceptionally rare to be hosted by one of the top conservationists and wildlife experts in Africa. A donation has been built into the trip to help fund the ongoing efforts of the EWT team.

We’ll return to camp in the late afternoon, and if it’s warm enough, we’ll take a refreshing swim in the sparkling camp pool or explore the river frontage.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: 21st August – Connect with Africa on a bush walk before heading out on an afternoon safari in the Pridelands

In the morning, we’ll embark on a bush walk in the Heodspruit Wildlife Reserve, which will introduce you to general walking safety and help you focus on the surrounding areas. Heodspruit Wildlife Reserve is a plains game reserve meaning there are not predators around so we will be safe.

Walking through the African bush will give you the opportunity to discover every tiny detail, from plants to bird calls and insects, as well as travel through some spectacular landscapes. The bush walk offers a unique opportunity to connect with Africa. You’ll embark on an adventure where your feet tread in the tracks of Africa’s wild inhabitants, your nostrils fill with the scent of crushed wild grasses as you push through the bush, and all six senses reawaken as Africa touches you and you touch Africa.

After lunch, we’ll head out on a game drive in search of the Big Five, as well as an array of other fascinating creatures such as wild dogs, hippos, cheetahs, and a plethora of bird species. Every single excursion into the wilds holds the promise of a new and unique magical moment in nature – you never know what is around the corner!

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: 22nd August – Introduction to tracks and tracking – Lets learn about footprints and poo!

Today, after breakfast, we’ll head out on a trail and learn how to navigate and orient ourselves in the bush, making our way to our midday picnic spot. We’ll be taught how to track and trail, as well as read “signs” in the bush. The children will love this activity as they will learn to identify poo!

This is an introduction to animal tracks and tracking. You’ll be required to find your lunch that would have been pre-transported to a designated halfway stopover. Each group will have an experienced guide accompanying and assisting them during this activity.

After lunch, we’ll head out on a game drive in search of wildlife, with an emphasis on navigation and orientation using the skills learned to track the wildlife – let’s see if you can remember who’s poo is who!

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: 23rd August – Bush survival skills, fire building, game drives and an evening with the stars

A morning activity which will either be in the form of game drive or bush walk. Activities on what you need and how you plan to survive in the bush – What can you use from your surroundings.

Over the lunch period we will have an interactive discussion by a ranger based on wildlife conservation. This will also include topics focused on the African Night Sky including Southern Cross, Milky Way, common constellations to prepare for a very exciting evening!

Our afternoon game drive/bush walk will incorporate bush survival skills of locating and sourcing water and preparing a fire!

Dinner in the Bushveld with storytelling and tonight will continue late into the evening to focus on the Night Sky including the Southern Cross, Milky Way and Common Constellations!

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: 24th August – Visit Jabulani Elephant Sanctuary and Cruise the Blyde Canyon

Today is our final full day together and what a treat we have for you. We will be taking in two magical experiences – A visit to Blyde Canyon and Jabulani Elephant Sanctuary.

Get ready to be inspired, enlightened, educated and enthused by this memorable opportunity to meet and learn more about the orphanages of rescued elephants, with proceeds going to the HERD Elephant Trust. We will learn about their behaviour, unique character traits, incredible stories and what it entails to take care of them. The experience takes place while the elephants are in their natural environment  – it’s a very special experience the whole family will love.

The Blyde’s spectacular canyon, nearly 30 kilometres long, is one of South Africa’s scenic highlights. Along the way there are many various sights to see, including the Three Rondavels which are huge cylinders of rock with hut-like pointed ‘roofs’ rising out of the far wall of the canyon. You can enjoy a walk and the views at God’s Window, which has amazing lookouts over the valley below.

In the evening, we’ll have a farewell dinner and a chance to reflect on our incredible journey together.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9: 25th August – It’s time to bid farewell to the African bush and new found friends

Today we say goodbye to our new found friends and we head home, or onwards to your next destination. After breakfast, we’ll pack up and head back to Johannesburg, where we’ll drop you off at Hoedspruit Airport for your flight home. We hope you’ve had an unforgettable adventure with us and that you’ll take home memories that will last a lifetime. The trip will finish at Hoedspruit Airport where you can fly back to Johannesburg (flights not included) or if you prefer, we can organise a private minibus transfer for your family. 

Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch

BOOK YOUR SOUTH AFRICAN FAMILY ADVENTURE HERE!

During our time in Kruger we will stay in comfortable dome-shaped canvas safari tents, suitable for 2-3 people. While the accommodation may be basic, it offers a wonderful and unforgettable experience, especially for families who can be accommodated closely together. The necessary amenities are readily available and conveniently provided. Guests can enjoy the convenience of clean flush toilets and hot showers, which are located just a short walk away. Additionally, the camp is fully fenced, ensuring safety while walking around and exploring the various viewpoints, shops and cafe.

Leopards Lair lodge is the perfect destination for us. It’s a place where we can unwind and relax in the tranquillity of nature. It’s hidden gem is ideally situated along the Mohlabetsi River in the exclusive area of the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate and within driving distance of the world famous Blyde River Canyon and Kruger National Park.

They offer 3 beautifully furnished Luxury Suites with en-suite bathrooms, a dressing room, outdoor shower, jacuzzi bath, mosquito net, mini fridge and aircon. All suites are free-standing units that sleep 2 guests and have small verandahs overlooking the river or garden, where you can sit back and indulge yourself in the natural beauty. We also have a Family room that consist of a 2-bedroom unit with an interleading door. Each room consists of 2 single beds and an en-suite bathroom and aircon.

Separate from the rooms, they offer a large, fully equipped communal kitchen, lounge, deck and braai area with a spectacular pool overlooking the Mohlabetsi riverbed that is available to all guests staying at Leopard’s Lair Bush Lodge.

The Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate consists of 400ha of beautifully conserved bushveld which allows you to explore the abundant natural wonders that flourish in the area with hiking and cycling tracks, bird hides and game drive routes. At night, enjoy the sounds of lions roaring and hyenas calling as the Greater Kruger National park is less than 1km from the lodge.

The Estate is located on the edge of town and although Hoedspruit is a small, quaint town, it has all the amenities necessary for a comfortable stay in the bush, from well-known retail outlets, to great restaurants, exciting activities in the area and the most amazing view of the Drakensberg mountain escarpment.

Leadwood Lodge is next door to Leopards Lair and we have exclusive use of both properties. It offers 4 comfortable, upmarket, bush-style lodges situated in the tranquil area of the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate, where “plains game” such as Impala, Kudu, Wilderbees, Giraffe, Nyala, Waterbuck and much more roam freely between houses and the wilderness area. The communal pool boasts superb sunset views over the riverbed.

All units come equipped with comfortable beds, an en-suite bathroom, Kitchen/ kitchenettes, lounge area, and Wi-Fi. These units also come equipped with a patio and a private entrance. On-site facilities include a swimming pool, a braai area, and secure parking.

Leadwood Tree Safari Lodge evolved from years of desire to be an owner, managing superior yet simplistic self-catering accommodation, where guests will feel at one with “nature”, hosted in your very own private “home away from home lodge’. Offering you all the facilities and amenities one needs to make your break away, the best ever.

INSPIRED VENTURES
OUR PARTNERS ON THE GROUND

INSPIRED VENTURES – OUR PARTNERS ON THE GROUND

Your trip will be operated in partnership with Inspired Ventures, a UK B-Corp challenge and events company who are the principal for your trip. This ensures the booking process, licenses, bonding and insurances are taken care of in accordance with UK law, your funds are secure and your trip is fully risk assessed before we depart.  Wild Hearted Adventures benefits from ABTOT bonding.

The booking conditions for this trip can be found here.

See you in South Africa!