5 Day Lodge/Tent Safari - Marcs Tree House Lodge

Route:

Imagine……………….. inhale the fresh balmy air of African Bushveld. Fall asleep to the gurgling of the river, interrupted by the eerie whoops of hyena, spine-chilling wails of jackals and the plaintive cry of the thick-tailed bushbaby. Awaken to the melodious chorus of birdsong and watch the activity of wildlife drinking at the river or at our spotlit waterhole. Walk along the pristine banks of the perennial Klaserie River amongst huge Sycamore Figs and giant Matumi trees……….this is Marc’s Treehouse Lodge.

Accommodation at Marc’s is secure, comfortable and relaxed. We offer 12 treehouses : four original units built in the trees with designated private ablutions on the ground below and eight en suite units built on stilts within the tree canopy. Three treehouses overlook an illuminated waterhole, often frequented by our resident buffalo herd while nine treehouses are discreetly nestled in gallery forest along the river. Each treehouse is equipped with beds and linen, soap and towels, overhead fan, mosquito nets and wooden viewing deck. In addition we have added two brick and mortar guest houses as well as four equipped canvas tents for those of our clients that prefer these types of accommodation.


Marc’s Treehouse Lodge has a swimming pool, a bush bar and a rustic boma where 3 course meals are served. After your evening meal, which always has a typical African flavour, you can relax around the crackling campfire and share your impressions of the day’s wildlife highlights and adventures.

 

Itinerary:

DAY ONE : Pick up from your hostel in Johannesburg or Pretoria or O R Tambo airport and drive to Tremisana Game Lodge in the Balule Section of Kruger. There is time for a rest in your air-conditioned chalet or a swim or a drink at the bar. Board our open Landcruiser for a 3h game drive on Balule Plains. After stopping to watch the magnificent African sunset, we use spotlights to identify nocturnal species. Dinner and overnight at Tremisana Game Lodge.

DAY TWO : Awaken before sunrise for a cuppa and rusks. We drive to the Olifants River where our armed ranger conducts a 4h Big Five Game Walk. Adrenalin rushes will be acute, notwithstanding the presence of your armed field guide. Return to Tremisana for Brunch. At around 14h30 we enjoy a 2hr game drive on the open Landcruiser. Transfer to Marc’s Treehouse Lodge where accommodation is reserved in a charming and fascinating treehouse. Dinner and overnight at Marc’s Treehouse Lodge.

DAY THREE : Full day on an open Gameviewer in Kruger Park. Your ranger will attempt to show you all of the Big Five. The area we visit has excellent visibility of open plains, home to numerous herds of zebra, giraffe, wildebeest and other antelope, that attract many lions. Elephant, buffalo and rhino are also abundant.

DAY FOUR : After breakfast, we travel to the Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre for injured and orphaned animals and birds. You will have an opportunity to get close and personal to some of the residents, including lions and leopards. After lunch, you drive to Tremisana. At around 17h00, we enjoy an open vehicle game drive in the Balule Game Reserve, home to numerous animals including the elusive Black Rhino.

DAY FIVE : Early morning game walk accompanied by an armed ranger who will show you spoor and droppings of animals big and small. The walk concentrates on plants, birds and insects that are not normally appreciated from a vehicle. From time to time, dangerous animals such as Buffalo, Black Rhino and Leopard are encountered. After breakfast, we drive via the Three Rondawels of the Blyde River Canyon en route to Johannesburg where we arrive in the late afternoon. Airport drop off by arrangement.

Inclusions & Exclusions

TARIFFS INCLUDE: all transfers, all entry fees, all game drives and game walks and accommodation on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

EXCLUDE: lunches, drinks, gratuities and personal items

 

Extra information

HIGHLIGHTS:
- 3 hour Sunset Drive at Balule Plains Big 5 Reserve
- 4 hour Big 5 Bush walk
- 2 hour Game Drive on Balulue
- Full Day in Kruger on Open Gameviewer
- Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre
- Additional Game Drive on Balule
- 1 hour Morning Bush Walk
- Blyde Canyon Highlights

PLEASE NOTE: Transfers from Gauteng are in an air-conditioned Toyota Quantums. Secure door-to-door collection from your hotel/hostel/airport ensures peace of mind re your safety concerns. We can collect clients from Dullstroom or Nelspruit.

SAFARIS VEHICLES: Conducted on open Gameviewers. Your elevated vantage point ensures enhanced game viewing and photos.

BUSH WALKS: Conducted by qualified armed rangers.

INDEMNITY FORMS: Must be signed at the start of your safari.

What to bring?
- casual neutral-coloured clothes by day and a coat for sunset drive.
- sunhat, sunglasses, swimming gear, walking shoes.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Flashlight, binoculars and photographic equipment.
- Money for lunches, drinks and personal expenses.
- A keen pair of eyes to help us spot all the animals!