5 Day Ivory Moon & Greenfire Safari

You start bright and early, leaving OR Tambo at 7 a.m. in a comfy shuttle headed to Ivory Moon Lodge in Hoedspruit. (If flying from Joburg or Cape Town sounds better, we can sort that out for an extra fee—just give us a heads-up.) You’ll roll in around 1:30 p.m., greeted with a yummy lunch that’s all about fresh, local vibes. By 2 p.m., you’re checked into your swanky room, and then it’s game on: a 3-hour sunset drive in Blue Canyon Reserve kicks off at 3 p.m. Imagine cruising in an open vehicle, spotting animals as the sun sets, with sundowners and snacks in hand. Back at the lodge by 7- 7:30 p.m. for a hearty dinner—maybe swapping stories with fellow travelers under the stars. (Lunch, sundowners & snacks, dinner included)

Up at the crack of dawn, we head out at 5 a.m. for a full day in Kruger’s Orpen-Satara area. This spot’s legendary for its lion prides and killer Big 5 views—elephants splashing around, rhinos grazing, you name it. We’ve got bottled water and a packed breakfast to keep you going. We wrap up and get back to Ivory Moon in the late afternoon. Kick back, maybe dip in the pool or just chill, then dig into dinner. It’s the kind of day that leaves you buzzing. (Packed breakfast and dinner included)

After breakfast, we hit the road around 6:45 a.m. for the Panorama Route. It’s like nature’s greatest hits: the dramatic Drakensberg cliffs, roaring waterfalls, and those insane views at Blyde River Canyon (third biggest in the world!), Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and God’s Window overlooking endless green. You arrive at Greenfire Game Lodge by 2 p.m., perfect timing for a light lunch in their peaceful bush spot. Take the afternoon easy— lounge in your room or wander around. Then, around 4 p.m., it’s off on a sunset game drive in Balule Reserve. Watch the light fade as elephants and rhinos roam—pure bliss. Dinner back at the lodge seals the deal. (Breakfast, light lunch, dinner included)

Start with hot coffee or tea, then jump into a 3-hour sunrise game drive in Balule. The morning light? Unreal. You’ll spot leopards on the prowl, birds everywhere, and that fresh bush smell. Back for a big breakfast, then the day’s yours—relax by the pool, spy birds from a hide, or just soak it all in. Late afternoon brings another sunset drive, where everything glows and the animals put on a show. Crash in your luxury suite, lulled by night sounds. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner included)

Rise for your final sunrise game drive in Balule—savor those last Big 5 moments in the cool morning air. Back for a leisurely late breakfast, then we check out and hit the road late morning. You’ll land back at OR Tambo between 5 and 6 p.m., timed just right for your flight out. Or hey, why not stick around and explore more of South Africa? (Breakfast included)