Adventure awaits!
Get the most out of you stay and explore what South Africa has to offer outside the gates of DAKTARI. From Kruger National Park to the Blyde River Canyon or Moholoholo Rehabilitation centre, there is so much to discover!
Here are some of the excursions we offer:
Kruger day trip
Experience a safari tour through the world-renowned Kruger National Park! Kruger, being one of Africa’s largest wildlife reserves, covers roughly 19,500 square kilometers of territory! Inside you can find almost every wild animal species of Southern Africa, from a little scrub hare to the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo).
On this excursion, you will leave camp early in the morning to get to the park right when the gates open. The guide will drive you through the park, providing information, and allowing you to take a wealth of photographs as you view these wonderful animals firsthand! You will stop for lunch at a restaurant inside one of the park’s many rest camps, before heading back out for more animal viewing in the afternoon. The guide will return you to camp after the park gates close just in time for dinner!
Don’t miss out on an amazing safari experience and a day you certainly will never forget!
Cheetah walk and Game Drive
On this excursion, you will experience the luxury of an African Safari Lodge in Big 5 territory.
Tshukudu Private Game Reserve is located just near Hoedspruit next to the Great Kruger Park. During your overnight stay, you will experience an evening game drive in an open game viewing vehicle guided by a professional ranger.
You will then return to the camp after dark where a lovely meal will be prepared for you under the stars! You will then wake up early the following morning to get back out into the bush to track down Tshukudu’s infamous cheetahs. They are comfortable with humans, as their mother was hand raised, however they live completely free in the reserve. You will be able to get out of the vehicle and walk alongside these magnificent animals.
After the morning bush walk, you will return to camp to pack your things before heading to Hoedspruit for breakfast!
Kruger overnight trip
During this excursion, you will have two full days of animal viewing while driving along in Kruger National Park and an overnight camping experience.
You will leave the camp early on the first day to arrive at Kruger for a full day of safari, stopping for a lunch break at one of the rest camps. Later in the evening, you will set up the tents and prepare a barbecue/braai for dinner. Ready to enjoy an evening under the stars, listening to the hyenas calling in the dark!
Blyde River Canyon
Do you have an extreme adventurous streak in you? If so, then this excursion is for you. The Panorama tour is a lovely scenic drive atop the Blyde River Canyon. The Canyon is the 3rd largest canyon in the world and the largest “green canyon” due to its sub tropical foliage. You will stop along the way at multiple viewpoints including Gods Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and the Three Rondovals.
You will then finish in Graskop and will have the opportunity to do the Big Swing. This is a 60m harnessed freefall over a cliff followed by a swing across a beautiful gorge. It is quite a thrill. Don’t worry, this part of the tour is optional for those that prefer the comfort of keeping their feet on the ground.
After the swing you will return to camp, stopping at a few more view points along the way!
Blyde River Canyon Boat Cruise
Enjoy a peaceful cruise on the Blyde River!
You will hop on a boat and enjoy a 1.5hrs cruise on the Blyde River Dam. An interpretation tour by a tour guide will take you to the Kadishi Tufa waterfall and the Three Rondavels.
An abundance of wildlife will keep you distracted while learning more about the natural history of the Blyde Canyon. During the cruise, you are very likely to see numerous fish and antelope species as well as hippos and crocodiles, primate species, and a diversity of birdlife such as the African Fish Eagle, African Finfoot, and much more.
Sunset Game Drive in Big 5 Reserve
You will leave camp mid-afternoon to reach a nearby reserve called Makalali Private Game Reserve, which is a Big 5 area. You will enjoy an afternoon tea served at the lodge before starting your game drive on an open vehicle at 4 pm.
The game drive is led by a professional ranger and guide, that will track the animals to make sure you see as many as possible! You will also have the chance to ask them questions about the wildlife, the trees or the tracks and learn a lot!
You will be able to stretch your legs when the guide stops for a sundowner drink. If you are lucky, you may even hear the lions roar in the bush!
You will then head back to DAKTARI just in time for dinner!
Reptile Centre
The Hoedspruit Reptile Centre in South Africa is a great place for reptile-loving volunteers to visit.
They can learn about various reptiles, including endangered species, and participate in hands-on experiences like feeding and handling. The center focuses on conservation and education, and the knowledgeable staff provides valuable insights.
Moholoholo Wildlife Rehab Centre
The Moholoholo Wildlife Rehab Centre is a popular destination for volunteers interested in wildlife conservation in South Africa.
Situated in the Limpopo province, the center offers an opportunity to learn about the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned animals and the conservation efforts being made to protect them. Volunteers can participate in an excursion to the center and experience hands-on activities like feeding and caring for the animals, as well as learning about the various species and their habitats.
The center is home to many different animals, including lions, leopards, vultures, and eagles. The dedicated staff provides an educational and rewarding experience for volunteers who want to make a positive impact on the natural environment.
OUTREACH EXCURSIONS
Homestay Experience at The Oaks Village
Get a chance to spend a night in a family in The Oaks village and support our community! Get to know life in the village like never before by following one of our host around their hometown. You will get to meet their family and friends, take part in their daily routine and even learn a bit of the local language ‘Sepedi’.
School Tour in The Oaks Village
Would you like to discover where our children come from? Get a chance to experience a tour of The Oaks Schools and discover the local primary school and have a deivious lunch prepared by your host, Maakosha. Enjoy a morning our of camp and discover how the local kids live! Maakosha, an elder from the village will show you her village, the school abd prepare for you a traditional lunch!