A Safari Tour Through the Big Five Region

Safaris, game drives and tours are a much sought after experience, especially when the Kruger National Park and the "Big Five" are involved.
For centuries, the big game in Africa has intrigued visitors and locals alike. The term safari was used originally to describe an overland trip involving a hunt for game.

Today the term refers to an overland trip to observe and learn about the game and their habitats.
When hunting of animals such as lions and buffalo was still legal, the term "Big 5" was created to describe the five most difficult animals to hunt on foot: the lion, elephant, rhinoceros, leopard and African buffalo. These five animals form one of the greatest tourist attractions in Africa today.
Game drives are carried out with experienced rangers who are trained in how to track the animals in order to view them in their natural habitat. Some Game drives include a picnic or stop for drinks and snacks to cool off from the hot African sun.
Taking a game drive at night is also a favorite amongst visitors as the nocturnal activities of the animals can be seen, as well as the animals which shy away from the day time sun.

Perhaps it is the extreme vulnerability which humans face when alone with big game, or perhaps it is the rarity and unfamiliarity of experiencing such impressive creatures up close which attracts visitors from all over the Globe. Whatever the reason, taking an African Safari in one of South Africa's many game parks is an unforgettable experience. A road trip through the area is the perfect way to explore these wonderful creatures and their habitats.
Fun In The Sun
To begin with, the tour starts with three days in Sun City, a two hour drive from Johannesburg. Sun City is an enormous resort filled with action and intrigue and is situated adjacent to the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Game Park, which is home to South Africa's Big 5.
Apart from taking a short drive to the park to enjoy a game drive, you can swim at Sun City's beach replica, gamble in the top class casino, play golf on the exquisite golf courses or dance the night away in one of the nightclubs.
The accommodation in Sun City ranges from camping to five star hotels, so there is an option for any budget. There are also many lodges at the Pilanesberg National park ranging from luxury to basic comfort. After having explored Sun City and the adjacent National Park, you could move on to the next destination to spend a night in Parys.

The town of Parys is well regarded for its extreme sports such as rock climbing, 4x4ing, quad biking and river rafting. Despite these modern sports, the town began its history many years ago. Parys is situated along the outer areas of a dome which is the remnants of a crater from a meteorite which struck 2000 million years ago.
The dome is called the Vredefort Dome, and is the oldest and largest meteorite impact site on earth, measuring about 200km in diameter.
The accommodation available in Parys ranges from bed and breakfasts, guest lodges and even a game lodge situated in the Vredefort Dome. The town has museums and is well known for its antique shops and eateries where one can experience true South African delicacies.

After spending the night in Parys, it is suggested to move on to Dullstroom, a quiet village en route to the Kruger National park, famed for its peaceful atmosphere and fresh air. The town has accommodation ranging from basic to luxury and has guest houses, bed and breakfasts and even a luxury hotel. The main activities Dullstroom has to offer are fly-fishing and clay pigeon shooting. The village also has horse riding, art galleries, fine restaurants and a variety of interesting drives. There are also hiking and 4x4 trails to be explored.
The Kruger National Park
After spending the night in Dullstroom, you can leave for Skukuza, a rest camp in the Kruger National Park. The Kruger National Park serves as the largest and most impressive park in South Africa and is world famous.
The park has the Big 5, yet is of such a size that the element of being in "deepest Africa" is not lost. Skukuza is the largest camp in the park and is situated on the banks of the Sabie River.
Game drives, game viewing, bird walks and wildlife films screened every evening are the main activities of the camp. A bush breakfast and braai (South African barbeque) is also available and there is a golf course for those missing a bit of city life.
The accommodation ranges from safari tents, camp sites and bungalows to luxury bungalows and guest houses. You should allow three days to discover this part of the Kruger National Park, after which it is is suggested to move on to Hazyview for the a few more days.

Hazyview is situated near the Paul Kruger Gate of the Kruger National Park and is in close proximity to the Blyde River Canyon and the Sabi Sand nature reserve. Hazyview offers a lot of accommodation and is favoured by those who prefer to stay outside of the Kruger Park.
The accommodation offered is a range from basic to the most luxurious and the Sabi Sand nature reserve offers luxury accommodation too. The Sabi Nature reserve has an excellent record of big five sightings as the reserve is adjacent to the Kruger Park yet there is no fence separating them.
Apart from the obvious game drives, walks and safari activities, the town offers health spas, restaurants and even ballooning to spot game from above.

At the end of this adventure, you should have a great safari tale to tell for the rest of your live!