INCLUDED

5 Nights City Lodge Victoria & Alfreds (or similar)
2 Nights Kruger Gate Lodge (or similar)
2 Nights The Maslow Santon (or Similar)
Arrival/Departure Transfers
Luxury Tour Bus
All Tours, Activities including transportaion per Itinerary
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Daily
Professional Tour Guide
Professional Bus DriverArrival/Departure Transfers
All Tours &  Activities per Itinerary
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Daily unless otherwise indicated on the itinerary
Professional Tour Guide

NOT INCLUDED - OPTIONAL ADD ON
Gratuities - $20 per person per day
Estimated Airfare $1500

NOT INCLUDED
Airfare
Passport Fees
Travel Insurance - REQUIRED
Gratuities
All Beverages
Incidentals
Laundry

** Itinerary subject to change
All tours and entrance fees are included
Maximum 2 travelers per room

Whether you’re dining in one of the decadent restaurants, enjoying a sundowner in the cocktail lounges, chatting to one of the hotel's AI-enabled robots or listening to the automated Grand Piano play a song, Hotel Sky promises an experience like no other.

Set in a tranquil riverine woodland of immense African trees, Kruger Gate Hotel offers a range of luxury accommodation in Mpumalanga near Kruger National Park for couples, families, and groups. There’s a choice of Deluxe, Deluxe Family and Luxury rooms, as well as Executive Suites and the exclusive Nkanyi Suite for private groups. With contemporary African Safari-inspired décor and plush furnishings, all rooms have en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, complimentary wi-fi and smart TV. Other features include a lounge area, comfortable workstation, room safe, coffee and tea-making facilities, bar fridge with bottled water and in-room dining service.

 This Trip Is Non-Refundable

Cancellations made 60 days before the date of departure; a travel credit will be issued to the individual traveler. Cancellation fees will apply:  deposit, booking fees, donations, late fees, reinstatement, and any additional fees as stated on the specific registration. Other non-refundable fees may be incurred from, and are not limited to, the hotel, airline, ground transportation, and other service providers that override TBOG Travel's cancellation policy and can be up to 100% of the cost of the booking, regardless of whether travel has commenced. Cancellations made within 61 days of the departure date are non-refundable and not eligible to obtain the travel creditit.

If a reservation is cancelled by TBOG Travel prior to commencement of the trip, TBOG Travel shall have no responsibility beyond the issuance of credit for the monies paid related to the trip that was canceled by TBOG Travel without offset for cancellation fees imposed by TBOG Travel or third-party vendors. 

Example:  Reservations in arrears for 91 days will be canceled automatically for non-payment.  Any monies paid will be forfeited and not refunded.  Where TBOG Travel incurs any liability for a cancellation fee or charge for any booking you cancel, you agree to indemnify us for that fee or charge.

Travel Credits can be used to purchase other specific TBOG Tour the World Travel Experiences.  Travel credits issued from travel booked in
·        2024 will be valid through and must be used for travel before December 31, 2025
·        2025 will be valid through and must be used for travel before December 31, 2026

If you choose a TBOG Tour the World Travel Experience that costs more than your travel credit, you are responsible for any additional cost. If the new Travel Experience is less than the travel credit, a future travel credit will be issued for the difference.

TBOG Travel reserves the right to restrict any changes to a reservation. All changes are subject to availability. Please note that changes made to overall party size, date, or location may result in a rate change. For your peace of mind, we recommend the purchase of travel insurance, we have partnered with Travel Guard to offer travel insurance protection. Travel Guard insurance policies are underwritten by AIG.

These policies are subject to change at any time.

Be prepared with travel insurance coverage through Travel Guard. Plans can include coverage for medical expenses, trip interruption and more and include emergency travel services so you can be sure that Travel Guard has an insurance plan that meets your traveling needs. Travel Guard is available to assist 24 hours a day.  

Travel Guard's Trip Insurance Plans provide valuable coverage at an affordable price and includes an early purchase benefit of a waiver of Pre-existing Medical Condition Exclusion and Cancel for Any Reason option,  if purchased within 15 days of the initial trip payment.

The currency in South Africa is the Rand. Approximate exchange rate : USD 1 = ZAR 15. Unusually for African currency, the Rand can usually be exchanged back into hard currency, which means that it is widely used.

Currency exchange can take place upon arrival at the airport.

You'll only be able to spend in South African rand in South Africa. 

How much money should I bring?  This travel package is mostly inclusive, so  chances are your additional expenditures beyond tips will be very low.   Gratuities for the Drive and Tour Guides are included in your package, so you will need small bills to tip those who services are provided to you personally.  For the majority of people a reasonably cash resource would work out somewhere in the range USD 30 to 100 per person per day, backed up by credit or debit cards.  That is, however, based on your own personal spending.

Cash machines

Outside major cities you should not assume that cash machines or banking facilities will be widely available. Most lodges will be able to provide modest amounts of local currency and, in some cases, provide cash advances on credit and debit cards, but this should not be assumed.

Note that some USD banknotes may not be accepted due to the high levels of counterfeit currency in circulation, therefore, we recommend that you only travel with notes printed within the last five years, are not torn or have anything written on the bills.

Card payments

Credit and debit cards are now accepted at most major stores and lodges and can be used to make payments.

At the hotels and lodges credit cards are accepted.  We recommend always carrying a Visa or MasterCard as American Express, though widely accepted, is not accepted everywhere.

It is important to break large notes into smaller denominations for shopping in the markets. You're better able to bargain with market vendors with small bills and they're also handy to have for public transportation.

Be sure to notify your debit or credit card issuer of your travel dates and that you may be using the card outside the country of issue. Otherwise attempts to use your card may be denied.

XE-perience currencies on the go. 
The XE Currency app - Everything you need for international currencies.

You will need to consider what to pack, to ensure you can use your personal electrical appliances safely whilst abroad. This normally includes the use of a travel adapter, which is a device that simply allows you to plug any UK electrical appliance into a foreign electrical socket. It is important to note that it does not convert the voltage or frequency.

For South Africa there are four associated plug types, types C, D, M and N. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins, plug type D is the plug which has three round pins in a triangular pattern and plug types M and N both have three round pins. South Africa operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Voltage converters and transformers

Electricity supplies worldwide can vary from anything between 100V and 240V. It can be extremely dangerous to use an electrical appliance that is rated at a voltage different from the supply.

As voltage can differ from country to country, you may need to use a voltage converter or transformer whilst in South Africa. If the frequency is different, the normal operation of an electrical appliance may also be affected. For example, a 50Hz clock may run faster on a 60Hz electricity supply.  Most voltage converters and transformers come supplied with plug adapters, so you may not need to buy a separate travel adapter.  All converters and transformers will have a maximum power rating (AMPS or WATTS) so make sure that any appliance you intend to use does not exceed this rating.

Type N  

Type M

The weather during the spring months, September and October, is mild and comfortable 75° F, but temperatures at night can drop below 50° F, so you'll want to pack a jacket to stay warm.

The weather in Cape Town in September transitions from cool temperatures to more comfortable warmth, providing a pleasant atmosphere if you like mild but not too hot conditions. This time is ideal for exploring the city's natural beauty and historical sites

The weather in Kruger National Park is at its driest by September or early October. As water is scarce, the animals will be heading to the waterholes, making them easier to spot. This is one of the best times of the year to visit the Kruger for wildlife viewing. With that said, pack shorts and t-shirts to use during the day as well as comfortable jeans and long trousers for the evenings and cooler days. Keep note of the season as Kruger National Park can become quite cold in the early mornings and evenings during winter (May/June to August/September) so pack warmer clothes for these times.

South Africa has eleven official languages (see table): English, Afrikaans and nine ethnic languages, of which Zulu and Xhosa are the most widely spoken. While most South Africans can communicate in more than one language, English is the most commonly spoken and the language of official business and commerce.

• A water-resistant day/back pack to carry cameras and other items is handy while on wildlife drives and activities. 
• While on safari, it is suggested (although not required) that you do not wear bright or white-colored clothing, as it can sometimes spook the animals. In addition, army camouflage uniforms and hats are forbidden (although khaki is fine).
• We ask that you refrain from bringing hair dryers, irons, radios, excess clothing or toiletries, etc. All points of this adventure are quite casual, and we recommend that you keep your luggage down to the basics. Also, please remember not to pack your essentials in checked luggage in case it is delayed or lost by the airlines.
• How to dress for different seasons:
  — Mid-April through early-September – Remember, just because it is Africa does not mean it is always warm. During these months we recommend dressing in layers with a fleece pullover, a jacket/windbreaker, gloves and hat. This way, you can take off clothing as the sun warms throughout the day.
  — Mid to late September through late November – These months can be quite warm. Late October is generally the hottest time of the year, with temperatures often reaching into the 100s° F. We recommend dressing in layers in case of cooler temperatures during early morning and evening wildlife drives, followed by hot mid-day temperatures.
  — Late November through early April – These months are considered the green season. Lightweight, quick-drying clothing and waterproof rain jacket, with hood, are recommended.
• From a cultural perspective, tank tops/sleeveless shirts are acceptable for women to wear while on safari.

Clothing

• Lightweight neck gaiter (included in your pre-departure package)
  —Provides sun, wind and/or dust protection.
• Silk, wool or polypropylene long underwear for layering (tops & bottoms)
• Lightweight, “breathable,” windproof outer shell or jacket (only needed mid-April through early September) 
• 1-2 sweaters or fleece pullovers
• Lightweight down sweater/jacket (onlyneeded June through early September) 
• Warm hat, gloves and scarf (only needed mid-April through early September) 
• Lightweight, “breathable,” waterproof rain jacket, rain pants & inexpensive rain poncho (only needed during the green season, late November through early April)   
• Lightweight, low-cut hiking/walking shoes
• Extra pair of shoes and/or Teva-type sandals 
  — During the cooler months of June-September, you may want a second pair of comfortable closed-toe shoes as it can be quite cold, especially during wildlife drives. Sandals may still be worn while in camp, however you may decide to get by without them in order to save space in your luggage.
  — During the warmer months of October-May, we find that Teva-type sandals can be very comfortable on wildlife drives and are practical since they tend to dry quickly.
• 2-3 T-shirts or polo-style shirts 
  — If traveling late November through early April, we recommend bringing 3.
• 2 lightweight, long-sleeved shirts 
• 2-4 pairs long pants (Or nylon, zip-off pants—practical for cool mornings and warmer afternoons.)
• Swimsuit (optional)
  — Some camps have plunge pools/swimming pools.
• Warm sleepwear
• Hat with brim (for sun protection) 
• Socks
  — Moisture-resistant/moisture-wicking are preferred for safari walks and longer hikes. Smartwool is a comfortable brand.
• Undergarments
• Polypropylene or silk thermal underwear tops and bottoms (only needed June through early September)
• Instant cooling scarf such as EnduraCool (only needed mid-September through mid-November)
   

Additional Items

• Cash
  — For discretionary gratuities (you may want to bring envelopes for discreet presentation)
  — For personal spending (souvenirs, Internet use, or food and beverages not included in your trip fee)
• Binoculars
  — Binoculars are definitely a must! We strongly suggest that each client bring his or her own pair of binoculars as you will be using them continuously while on wildlife drives. If possible, we highly recommend investing in a good quality pair. Initially, the cost may be higher, but it definitely will enhance your wildlife viewing experience. You will get the most out of them if you practice using them at home and make a habit of having them with you regularly on the adventure. Waterproof binoculars work well, but are not required.
• Reusable water bottle (included in your pre-trip package)
  —In our continuing effort to operate our adventures with as little impact on the environment as possible, you will receive a reusable water bottle (unless you opted out on your Booking Form) to take with you on your adventure. We will provide drinking water throughout the adventure for you to refill your bottle. By doing this, you will avoid using multiple disposable plastic bottles.
• Insect repellent and anti-itch ointment (Although there are typically fewer mosquitos during the dry season, there is always a possibility of encountering them.)
  — Repellent is provided at all camps on our scheduled itineraries so you only need to bring it if you wish to use a specific brand.
  — Repellents containing DEET are the most effective against mosquitoes, but please be aware that DEET is a very strong ingredient which can damage plastics, clothing and equipment.
• Outlet adapter and/or power converter 
• Sunglasses (with U.V. filter and secure strap)
  — In addition to being helpful for sun protection, sunglasses can also be useful eye protection for walks or drives in the bush.
• Headlamp or small flashlight
  — Flashlights are provided at most camps, but we still recommend that each traveler bring a small, but powerful flashlight (or headlamp) to have for his or her own personal use.
• Earplugs
• Shampoo, conditioner, lotion and soap/body wash
  — Provided free of charge at all of our camps in Southern Africa so you only need to bring these items if you wish to use a specific brand.
• Toothbrush and paste
• Deodorant
• Brush or comb
• Sunscreen and lip balm (at least SPF15)
• Prescription medications and favorite remedies
  — For headaches, colds, upset stomach, skin irritations, diarrhea, etc.
  — If you are prone to motion sickness you may want to bring your favorite remedy for small plane transfers.
  — Again, if you are traveling to Zambia, please do not bring any over-the-counter medications containing diphenhydramine (active ingredient in Benedryl) as this ingredient is on Zambia’s list of controlled substances.
• Electrolyte/flavor crystal packets (optional)
  — Can be added to water to replace fluids in case of intestinal illness and/or to enhance the taste to encourage hydration.
• Prescription glasses/contact lenses
• Hand sanitizer and/or hand wipes
• Battery-operated alarm clock/wristwatch
• Reusable waterproof bags 
  — Several sizes for wet or dirty clothing and to protect camera equipment.

Besides a bank (only open Monday to Friday and Saturday morning) at Skukuza and an ATM at Skukuza and Letaba, no cash withdrawal facilities are available in the Park.

Early mornings and evening time are usually the most productive game viewing periods.

Day visitors will no longer be allowed to bring or consume alcohol in public areas such as parking lots, picnic sites, wildlife viewing areas or roads, gates and all other areas designated as public. The restrictions will not apply to overnight visitors who will be allowed to bring in own alcohol for consumption in the privacy of their booked accommodation and the restaurants. Like day visitors, overnight visitors will be bound by the same rules of not drinking in public.

Do not leave any food unattended, as thieving monkeys and baboons are a constant threat.

Remember to bring a camera, binoculars, bird and wildlife reference books, a hat and sunscreen lotion. Also remember to take along medicines such as anti-histamine and lotion for insect stings and bites.
 

Code of Conduct

Your safety and enjoyment of the Kruger National Park are very important to us. To ensure a pleasant and successful trip, it is essential that you adhere strictly to the regulations which are intended for your protection and enjoyment.

Rules and Regulations

To ensure a safe and joyful trip through our parks, kindly adhere to the Rules & Regulations as stipulated by South African National Parks.

• Travelling to and from Mozambique through Kruger National Park
• Visitors must remain in their vehicles unless in a designated area. Remember that no part of the body may protrude from a window or sunroof or any other part of the vehicle. Vehicle doors should be closed at all times.
• Stick to the speed limit! All general rules of the road apply within the Kruger National Park. The speed limit is 50 km/h on tar roads and 40 km/h on gravel roads. Please note that not all roads are accessible to caravans.
• Look at the gate times in your green gate permit. You must be inside the camp or out of the gate before these times. No travelling before or after these times are allowed. Gate times must be strictly adhered to and late comers may be subject to a fine.
• You are not allowed to drive “off-road” or on roads with a “no entry” sign.
• The feeding or disturbing of animals is a serious offence. Remember, animals see litter as food!
• Overnight visitors are only allowed to stay at a booked and recognised overnight facility and must report to reception before occupying accommodation or camping.
• All accommodation and camping sites may be occupied from 14:00 on the day of arrival and must be vacated by 10:00 on the day of departure.
• Vehicles of a carrying capacity exceeding 4 000kg, buses or any vehicles with more than 25 seats, are restricted to the tar roads.
• A stringent noise restriction is enforced between 21:30 and 06:00. The use of cell phones is permitted only in camps, gates and in cases of emergency.
• The use of roller skates, skateboards, bicycles and motorbikes is prohibited.
• The use of drones inside (and over) our national parks is strictly prohibited.
• The Kruger National Park is a malaria zone – we advise that all visitors adhere to their doctor’s instructions.
• Roadside assistance, toll free number 0800 030 666 (Vuswa).
• Rules and regulations are enforced under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act no. 57 of 2003) and transgression can result in a fine.
• To ensure that you see all the animals you want, have a look at the spotting board in the various receptions to track the latest game spotting.

Ecological Aspects

This enormous and magnificent park is one of the most popular public-entry game parks in the world. Its density of permanent game is unrivaled with hundreds of different species; 507 birds, 336 trees, 147 mammals, 114 reptiles, 49 fish and 34 amphibians!

Few visitors leave South Africa without visiting the Kruger National Park or one of the private reserves along its borders but it is also frequented by locals in their own vehicles, as you can drive yourself around and stay overnight in one of the many public rest camps. There are also a few exclusive private lodges that have been granted concessions within the Kruger National Park.

Animals You May Encounter

Rats, mice, bats and insects, snakes and other small mammals have been around in all the rest camps of the Kruger National Park (KNP) for many decades.

This is due to the artificial nesting and roosting sites created for them by the buildings, as well as vast sources of food brought about by visitors leaving foodstuff outside and all the insects attracted to the lights in the camps. Even in camps where special bat-houses are installed, bats still use the buildings as well. It is almost impossible to keep the rodents and bats out of buildings as they originate from the surrounding natural bush and are able to crawl through the tiniest of holes.

Fortunately the vast majority of visitors to the KNP realise that rodents, bats and other insects, reptiles and mammals are an integral part of the KNP ecosystem and accept them as such. Kruger Park boasts an impressive diversity of rodents: 25 species of rodents (mice and rats), 9 species of shrews, 3 species of elephant shrews and 43 species of bats.

Most people also accept that a visit to the Park may inevitably lead to some sort of a close experience with some ‘creepy crawly’, be it a bat, mouse, spider, scorpion or insect.

Bats and Insects

Light draws many flying insects and with these insects come their predators. These predators could take on the form of bats and frogs. Please remember to keep your screen doors closed as this will prevent these unwanted creatures from entering your room. Should you forget and a bat enters the room by mistake, please do not panic! Calmly place a towel over the bat and release it outside or call for assistance.They are some of the most interesting small mammals with some of the most extraordinary adaptations to find food and survive. Bats, for example, use ecolocation in flight to zoom in on insects and this is one of the wonders of the world in my view. An African night will never be complete without their feint but sharp sounds in the background.

Spiders, Snakes and Scorpions

Yes, these creatures are part of our environment but will most probably not harm you if not threatened. If you must walk around at night please DO NOT DO SO WITHOUT A TORCH. If you do come across a snake please do not try to catch it! Rather report this to the Manager on duty or to reception.

Monkeys, Baboons and Bushbuck

Monkeys, baboons and bushbuck can be entertaining for young and old, BUT PLEASE DO NOT FEED THEM. Remember that by feeding them, you are signing their death warrant, as they become aggressive and may have to be destroyed. By feeding these animals you do not only aggravate the situation but you also make these animals lazy and they become dependent on this food supply. The same applies to animals you may encounter along the fences of the camps in KNP, including Hyena. Do not throw food to them or attempt to touch or tease them.

Before going out in the morning in search of animals please make sure that you have put all foodstuffs securely away. Remember that these monkeys and baboons have learnt to open up fridge doors and cupboards.

1. The Big Five – Buffalo, Elephant, Leopard, Lion and Rhino.
2. The Little Five – Buffalo Weaver, Elephant Shrew, Leopard Tortoise, Ant Lion and Rhino Beetle.
3. Birding Big Six – Ground Hornbill, Kori Bustard, Lappet- faced Vulture, Martial Eagle, Pel’s Fishing Owl and Saddle-bill Stork.
4. Trees – Baobab, Fever Tree, Knob Thorn, Marula, Mopane.
5. Natural/Cultural Features – Letaba Elephant Hall, Jock of the Bushveld Route, Albasini Ruins, Masorini Ruins, Stevenson Hamilton Memorial Library, Thulamela.

Genuine comfort comes from letting your feet do what's natural: bending, flexing, moving, feeling. Xero Shoes let them do that.

If you are looking for an all-natural product to use to repel mosquitos, look no further. 

Lemongrass Whipped Shea Butter infused with Peppermint
$9.99

We highly recommend this product from our own personal experience.  When Lisa, TBOG Travel Owner, travels to the Caribbean, the mosquitos use to make he look like she had chickenpox.  Last year, Lisa started using Mine Botanical Whipped Shea Butter with Lemongrass and Peppermint when she traveled over a four month period to Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Jamaica, Australia and New Zealand over the course of 4 months she could count on one hand the number of bites she had.  Shocked is an understatement.    So if it works for Lisa, who the mosquitos love..we hope it will work for you!

MINE BOTANICALS LEMONGRASS INFUSED WITH PEPPERMINT SHEA BUTTER

Lemongrass Whipped Shea Butter With Mint Leaf Extract & Peppermint Oil Anti-Inflammatory, Soothing & Healing  Anti-Inflammatory Wonder Soothing Healing  Soothes and heals inflamed skin, providing relief for existing...

Female Urination Device
Reusable Silicone Female Urinal Foolproof Women Pee Funnel Allows Women to Pee Standing Up,
Women's Urinal with Drawstring Bags is The Perfect Companion for Travel and Outdoor

For any outdoor activity, You can fold the female urinal device into the drawstring bag and carry it around. so easy and convenient, does not take up space.With it, you no longer have to worry about the dirtiness of public toilets.

Highly recommended for all women who travel.  Keep in it a pouch along with Cottonelle Flushable wipes, Wet Ones or Wet Wipes, Travel Soap Sheets, and any other item you may need when using the restrooms.

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Antibacterial Paper Soap Sheets for Hand Washing - (300 Sheets) Orange, Tea Tree, Lavender Portable Travel Soap Sheets,
Dissolvable Camping Mini Soap, Portable Hand Soap Sheets

AMAZON PURCHASE
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• 𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗟 𝗦𝗜𝗭𝗘: Light, small, and portable soap sheets for hand washing offer discreet and convenient to use as hiking soap, camping soap, and family travel soap. Alternate to soap bars, these portable mini soap sheets are safe and useful for school trips and are ideal camping toiletries. A perfect paper camping for traveling.
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• 𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘 & 𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚: This mini soap is small in size yet huge in functionality. This travel soap can be used on all bodies, at any time. Kids-friendly and suitable for all skin types, our natural hand soap with potent plant extracts is family-safe, wholesome, and leaves no residue.
• 𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗬 𝗧𝗢 𝗨𝗦𝗘: Take a fomin paper soap sheet in your hands. Add water and rub your hands to form a lather. Rinse, dry, and enjoy clean hands.
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