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Wildlife & Trails

This thoughtfully paced journey blends classic Kruger wildlife encounters with hands-on conservation, horseback adventures, and relaxed lodge stays. From the moment you land in Johannesburg, every transfer, experience, and overnight stay has been carefully considered to balance immersion, comfort, and a touch of magic. Expect big skies, wild places, and a few unexpected moments that make this trip quietly unforgettable

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Is this a horseback safari?

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Wildlife & Trails is primarily a wildlife safari with two specially selected horseback trail experiences. Guests spend most of the journey experiencing the Greater Kruger region through game drives, conservation experiences and time in nature.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Welcome

  • Arrive at Johannesburg

  • Meet and greet with your local guide.

  • Transfer to Hoedspruit for an overnight stay In Wildlife Estate at Umembeza Boutique Lodge

  • Evening briefing and welcome dinner 

Day 2: Into the Wild

  • Morning Bush walk or Outride in the Conservation area of Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate

  • Lunch in town – own account

  • Down to the Wire Workshop

  • Dinner at the Lodge

Day 3: Full-Day Game Drives

  • Early departure for Full day in Kruger for maximum wildlife viewing.

  •  Birdwatching and photography opportunities.

  • Overnight in KNP

Day 4: Half-Day Game Drive

  • Half-day game viewing before heading to Hazyview

  • Lunch in Hazeyview

  • Afternoon free to relax at the pool/ enjoy a spa treatment

  • Overnight in White River – Monkey Thorn Lodge and Spa

Day 5: Kaapsehoope visit with Outride

  • Travel to the old goldmining town of Kaapsehoope, where the horses roam free in the forest and in the town. Experience an outride in this gorgeous mountain setting.

  • Overnight in White River – Monkey Thorn Lodge and Spa

Day 6: Travel back to Johannesburg 

  • Breakfast at the Lodge

  •  Transfer to KMIA for flight to Jhb or by road to Johannesburg to OR Tambo Airport

                               Who is this Safari For?

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For couples, friends and solo travellers who want a more personal African safari, with a small group, comfortable accommodation and a mix of wildlife, nature and local experiences.

It’s ideal if you enjoy being outdoors, seeing wildlife, exploring beautiful places and having someone who knows the area take care of the details.

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Who is it NOT for?

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This isn’t a large group tour or a full-time riding safari.

Wildlife & Trails combines traditional game viewing with two guided horse-riding experiences, each around two hours. You’ll also have time to relax, explore and enjoy the bush at a slower pace.

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Group size

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Maximum 8 guests.

Keeping our groups small means the experience stays personal, relaxed and flexible.

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Accommodation

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We choose comfortable, characterful lodges and safari accommodation in and around Hoedspruit, the Greater Kruger and the Panorama region.

Each property is chosen for its location, atmosphere and the experience it adds to your stay.

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Price

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From per person sharing.

Single supplements are available on request.

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What's included

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  • Accommodation as described in the itinerary

  • Road transfers

  • Airport transfers as specified

  • Breakfasts and dinners

  • All activities included in the itinerary

  • Kruger National Park fees

  • Two guided horse-riding experiences

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What's excluded​

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  • International flights

  • Lunches and snacks where not specified

  • Drinks

  • Spa treatments

  • Personal expenses

  • Travel insurance

  • Gratuities

  • Optional activities​

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Fitness level​

 

Easy to moderate.

You should be comfortable walking on uneven ground and getting in and out of safari vehicles.

For the riding experiences, you should have some previous riding experience and feel comfortable around horses. You don't need to be an experienced trail rider.

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Departure dates

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We deliberately keep our departures limited. Dates for 2027 are scheduled for May and Sept 2027

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Private or customised trips may also be possible outside our scheduled departures, subject to availability.

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How to get there

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Your safari takes place around Hoedspruit in Limpopo, at the heart of the Greater Kruger region.

Hoedspruit is approximately 1 hour by air from Johannesburg, or around 5 hours by road from OR Tambo International Airport.

We can help arrange the transfers included in your itinerary and advise on adding Cape Town, the Garden Route or Victoria Falls to your African journey.

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Why Sandfire?

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Because we know this place personally.

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Sandfire Safaris was created by mother and daughter, Caroline and Raquel, who have a lifelong connection to the African bush.

Caroline has worked as a specialist guide in Kruger National Park and across South Africa, and has lived in Hoedspruit for many years. Raquel grew up riding horses along bush trails and has a natural connection with wildlife and horses.

We keep our groups small, choose our experiences carefully and believe the best safaris aren't about ticking things off a list.

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They're about being there.

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