MILIMA Big 5 Safari Lodge

When staying at MILIMA you will have the chance to visit some of the most gorgeous mountains in the world, - The Drakensberg Mountains.

The mountains are the highest mountain range in South Africa, with peaks that rise to 3,482 metres in height and simply an area of spectacular natural beauty.

The mountains themselves span approximately 1,000 kilometres from southwest to northeast and meets Lesotho at its northeastern border.

We travel along with what is known as the Panoramic Route, where you will find several amazing look-out points.

We follow the 60 kilometre (35 mile) long Blyde River Canyon and along the rout you will stop at the "Three Rondavels", Gods Window", and either Lisbon or Berlin falls.

The included lunch is served in the small village of Graskop with time for some shopping.

A fantastic and different safari, where nature and wildlife sets the agenda. Experience the south African bush far from the beaten track on a quad bike. It is a four-wheeled motorcycle suitable for off-road driving.

A fun activity for the family and for everyone who wants to have another chance to get close to the wild nature and get the pulse up a bit. Because the trails are more about game viewing than quad biking, there are no daredevil stunts. The speed is slow and the animals always have right of way.

Guests are driven approx. 15 minutes up the terrain, from where the tour starts under the guidance of a local guide. The tours depart early morning before breakfast and late afternoon and lasts approx. 1,5 hours (2 hours incl. transfer to and from the lodge).

Min. 2 participants and max. 3 participants per time. Minimum age 12 years. No experience required.

During your stay, why not start your morning with a bushwalk through the scenic South African bush while one of our professional rangers explains about everything you see, big and small.

On a bush walk you might also be lucky to spot the "Little five"

Our professional team of rangers are trained in spotting even the smallest animals, so you have a good chance of catching a glimpse of the little residents of the Krugerpark too. Actually, there are five small animals which share part of their names with "The Big 5".

These fine little creatures are often spotted on our bush walks where you get an even closer look at nature on foot. They include the rhino beetle, which is one of the largest beetles in the world, as well as the red-billed beetle buffalo weaver, the leopard tortoise, the eastern rock elephant shrew and the antlion, which digs little pits to trap passing ants or other prey.

The Bushwalk takes place on either Monday or Wednesday mornings and is weather dependent. Please book at the reception desk.

To hover silently over the landscapes is a truly magical experience.

The balloon ascends at sunrise, so you get to experience the awakening bush from high above.

The tour will take you over the scenic, Lowveld section of the Blyde River offering stunning views of the Drakensberg Escarpment and the South African bush.

Sparkling wine and snacks will be served after the balloon flight and a full breakfast will await you back at the Lodge.

The activity is highly weather dependent and will only be offered on days when the local balloon skipper believes it to be “balloon weather”. Departure from the lodge may be as early as 3 in the morning and will be confirmed the day before the flight (minimum of 4 participants).

Including sparkling wine & snacks after flight

In March 2000, Tony and Shirley Joubert found a little starved orphaned baby hippo at the edge of Blyde River. The couple "adopted" the little hippopotamus, and therefore it has grown up among humans and domestic animals. Today, the tame hippo, named Jessica, is one of the biggest attractions in Hoedspruit, where both adults and children visit it. On this excursion you will have the chance to experience a day with Jessica, where she, for example, plays with the family's dog, gets feed from the hand and petted. Jessica is very affectionate and love beeing close to people.

Only bookable on request, minimum requirement of 4 guests and subject to 48 Hour cancelation policy.

Endangered species centre

As South Africans we do as much as we can to protect our wildlife.

Enjoy a one and a half hour walking tour through the Moholoholo Rehabilitation centre to get a better insight on the recue and rehabilitation of numerous animals.

Moholoholo is sure to raise awareness not only on the natural injuries/deaths caused to the animals but also the human impact these animals have to suffer

Moholoholo is home to numerous birds of pray including Africa’s largest eagle and endangered Vultures, Lion, White Lion, White Duiker, Dassie, Cheetah, Hyena, Rhino, Zebra, Wild Dog, Leopard, Black Leopard and more.

(if not included in your itineary please request a price)

Timings as follows:

07h00 – Breakfast at the lodge
07h30 – Departure from the lodge
09h30 – Start of Tour at Moholoholo (Approximately 1hour 30 min light walk)
13h00-13h30 – Back at the lodge
14h00 – Lunch at the lodge

Join an eventful trip on foot, on the river and in open safari vehicles through The Greater Kruger National Park.

The tour starts early in the morning with a safari walk through the bush, where one of the rangers from MILIMA tells about the flora and fauna along the way.

The walk ends with a delicious breakfast cooked by MILIMA's chefs in the bush at one of the beautiful view points.

Continue by car to the dammed part of the Olifants River, where you arrive approx. in the middle of the day.

Embark on an incredible river cruise offering close encounters with the South African wildlife such as crocodiles, hippos and elephants along the river banks of the Olifants River bordering and open to Kruger National Park. The river cruise is also a fantastic way to experience the rich bird life along the river.

You will have lunch on the boat while you enjoy the sounds of the bush and the beautiful view of the wildlife.

After the boat trip another safari adventure awaits.

You will be picked up by an open safari vehicle from MILIMA and go on an evocative sunset game drive through The Greater Kruger National Park with a good chance to see "Big 5".

The safari experiences ends at one of our beautiful sundowner spots, where you can enjoy the sunset over the South African bush with cold drinks and snacks before going back to the lodge

The tour includes:

• Departure from the lodge early morning
• Return right after sunset.
• Lunch is included.
• The tour is weather dependent.

Minimum requirement of 4 guests and 48 Hour cancelation policy apply.

Please note: Prices are subject to change with short notice

South Africa is a country with great contrasts.

On one hand, a modern country with well-functioning economy and infrastructure - and on the other hand, the original and authentic Africa.

A visit to a local township is one of the best ways to get an impression of the local culture and its traditions. You will visit a pre-school, you will be invited home to a local family and you will experience the local witch doctor at work.

A light lunch will be served underway, where you will have an opportunity to taste local specialties.

Minimum requirement of 4 guests and subject to 48 Hour cancelation policy.