Traveling solo means encountering yourself – intensely, honestly, and freely. These 6 nights in Kruger National Park are not your average safari; they're an invitation to escape the everyday and connect with nature. In a charming tent cabin near the Paul Kruger Gate, you'll live in the bush, among giraffes, elephants, and lions. The animals will come close – and perhaps life itself will, too. You'll travel light, but with an open heart.
As soon as I got out, my driver was waiting for me with an open safari vehicle. And even before I arrived at my lodge, the first wild animals greeted me: buffaloes, crocodiles, elephants, and even a giraffe on the horizon. This "transfer" was actually my first game drive. When I finally arrived at the lodge, I was warmly welcomed, took my tent, explored the pool area, and immediately felt at home. The first evening ended quietly with a drink at the bar and the gentle rustling of the African night.
I immediately informed myself about all possible excursion offers. A full-day trip to the Panorama Route could be booked through the lodge. There was also the possibility of a safari to the world-famous Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve. As well as a visit to the local village where the lodge staff comes from. I highly recommend that you take these wonderful excursions – especially the Panorama Route with the Three Rondavels Viewpoint over the canyon and waterfalls!
Early in the morning, it was finally time for my first real safari. The cool air, the rising sun, the tense silence in the vehicle – everything felt like the beginning of something big. And it was: giraffes, elephants, a buffalo, even a rhinoceros – the animals showed themselves today directly from their best side.
The afternoon drive was even more intense. It was hot, but the mood in the jeep was electrifying. Suddenly a lioness appeared behind us, running right past the vehicle. This moment – so close, completely calm, eye to eye with a wild animal – made my heart skip a beat. I could hardly believe what I was experiencing. Finally I could get out my camera equipment and take some beautiful first photos.
The morning began with a slight tiredness, but I didn't want to miss anything. So off we went again for the morning safari - hippos bathed in the distance, the atmosphere was peaceful. In the afternoon, the driver in the vehicle asked if we wanted to go on a longer tour – there was a chance to see cheetahs. Of course we did!
After a while we discovered them: Three beautiful cheetah brothers resting in a clearing. It was one of those moments where I could only marvel. And then came the realization: I was so grateful to be here, right now. In the evening at the camp, I felt for the first time that this trip was not just a safari – it changed me. I truly wish everyone could experience something so magical.
The fourth day started early – again. Today I was on safari all by myself; nobody else had signed up for the drive. The driver asked me what I wanted to see. I said: a male lion. We planned a route we’d never driven before. And then, as if from nowhere, there they were in the bushes: two male lions, right next to the road, eating. So close, so impressive. It was surreal. Later we discovered lionesses with a dead buffalo – and nearby a few young lions. This drive was the best of my life. And I had it all to myself. It was my moment.
In the morning I treated myself to some rest before going on safari again in the afternoon with two women I had met at the camp. We were a colourful mix: a German, a Guatemalan, a Filipina – each with their own story. Together we drove through the hot, shimmering savannah. It was a wonderful feeling. The sky grew darker and darker, lightning flashed in the distance. How dramatic!
Then another vehicle stopped us: A leopard had been sighted. And indeed – we found him. Elegant, mysterious, in the rain. I could observe him for minutes. Together with only one other car. Seeing my second leopard that day was like a gift. The atmosphere in the vehicle was special – four people, four languages, but connected & understood through this moment.
I skipped the morning safari today – I needed sleep. It was the last full day, and I wanted to start it with fresh energy. So I relaxed and enjoyed the beautiful lodge pool with my favorite book and delicious cocktails from the lodge bar. In the afternoon, we went out again, this time together with a German expat from Pretoria who spontaneously joined us. There were four of us, and it was once again simply harmonious. The sightings were almost secondary – it was about the shared experience, the feeling of being part of something bigger.
At the end of the drive, I sat quietly in the jeep and reviewed the past few days. Everything had fallen into place. The animals, the encounters, the conversations. And I knew: I will never forget this trip.
On my last morning, I packed my hand luggage again, said goodbye to the lodge, and let my gaze wander over the African bush one last time. The drive back to Skukuza Airport was quiet, almost solemn. I didn't carry any souvenirs with me – but hundreds of photos, and my heart was full. I left with a feeling of freedom, humility, and gratitude. And with the firm resolve that this would not be my last solo trip.
Traveling solo means encountering yourself – intensely, honestly, and freely. These 6 nights in Kruger National Park are not your average safari; they're an invitation to escape the everyday and connect with nature. In a charming tent cabin near the Paul Kruger Gate, you'll live in the bush, among giraffes, elephants, and lions. The animals will come close – and perhaps life itself will, too. You'll travel light, but with an open heart.
As soon as I got out, my driver was waiting for me with an open safari vehicle. And even before I arrived at my lodge, the first wild animals greeted me: buffaloes, crocodiles, elephants, and even a giraffe on the horizon. This "transfer" was actually my first game drive. When I finally arrived at the lodge, I was warmly welcomed, took my tent, explored the pool area, and immediately felt at home. The first evening ended quietly with a drink at the bar and the gentle rustling of the African night.
I immediately informed myself about all possible excursion offers. A full-day trip to the Panorama Route could be booked through the lodge. There was also the possibility of a safari to the world-famous Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve. As well as a visit to the local village where the lodge staff comes from. I highly recommend that you take these wonderful excursions – especially the Panorama Route with the Three Rondavels Viewpoint over the canyon and waterfalls!
Early in the morning, it was finally time for my first real safari. The cool air, the rising sun, the tense silence in the vehicle – everything felt like the beginning of something big. And it was: giraffes, elephants, a buffalo, even a rhinoceros – the animals showed themselves today directly from their best side.
The afternoon drive was even more intense. It was hot, but the mood in the jeep was electrifying. Suddenly a lioness appeared behind us, running right past the vehicle. This moment – so close, completely calm, eye to eye with a wild animal – made my heart skip a beat. I could hardly believe what I was experiencing. Finally I could get out my camera equipment and take some beautiful first photos.
The morning began with a slight tiredness, but I didn't want to miss anything. So off we went again for the morning safari - hippos bathed in the distance, the atmosphere was peaceful. In the afternoon, the driver in the vehicle asked if we wanted to go on a longer tour – there was a chance to see cheetahs. Of course we did!
After a while we discovered them: Three beautiful cheetah brothers resting in a clearing. It was one of those moments where I could only marvel. And then came the realization: I was so grateful to be here, right now. In the evening at the camp, I felt for the first time that this trip was not just a safari – it changed me. I truly wish everyone could experience something so magical.
The fourth day started early – again. Today I was on safari all by myself; nobody else had signed up for the drive. The driver asked me what I wanted to see. I said: a male lion. We planned a route we’d never driven before. And then, as if from nowhere, there they were in the bushes: two male lions, right next to the road, eating. So close, so impressive. It was surreal. Later we discovered lionesses with a dead buffalo – and nearby a few young lions. This drive was the best of my life. And I had it all to myself. It was my moment.
In the morning I treated myself to some rest before going on safari again in the afternoon with two women I had met at the camp. We were a colourful mix: a German, a Guatemalan, a Filipina – each with their own story. Together we drove through the hot, shimmering savannah. It was a wonderful feeling. The sky grew darker and darker, lightning flashed in the distance. How dramatic!
Then another vehicle stopped us: A leopard had been sighted. And indeed – we found him. Elegant, mysterious, in the rain. I could observe him for minutes. Together with only one other car. Seeing my second leopard that day was like a gift. The atmosphere in the vehicle was special – four people, four languages, but connected & understood through this moment.
I skipped the morning safari today – I needed sleep. It was the last full day, and I wanted to start it with fresh energy. So I relaxed and enjoyed the beautiful lodge pool with my favorite book and delicious cocktails from the lodge bar. In the afternoon, we went out again, this time together with a German expat from Pretoria who spontaneously joined us. There were four of us, and it was once again simply harmonious. The sightings were almost secondary – it was about the shared experience, the feeling of being part of something bigger.
At the end of the drive, I sat quietly in the jeep and reviewed the past few days. Everything had fallen into place. The animals, the encounters, the conversations. And I knew: I will never forget this trip.
On my last morning, I packed my hand luggage again, said goodbye to the lodge, and let my gaze wander over the African bush one last time. The drive back to Skukuza Airport was quiet, almost solemn. I didn't carry any souvenirs with me – but hundreds of photos, and my heart was full. I left with a feeling of freedom, humility, and gratitude. And with the firm resolve that this would not be my last solo trip.
itinerary by Samy Bornholdt
Traveling solo means encountering yourself – intensely, honestly, and freely. These 6 nights in Kruger National Park are not your average safari; they're an invitation to escape the everyday and connect with nature. In a charming tent cabin near the Paul Kruger Gate, you'll live in the bush, among giraffes, elephants, and lions. The animals will come close – and perhaps life itself will, too. You'll travel light, but with an open heart.
As soon as I got out, my driver was waiting for me with an open safari vehicle. And even before I arrived at my lodge, the first wild animals greeted me: buffaloes, crocodiles, elephants, and even a giraffe on the horizon. This "transfer" was actually my first game drive. When I finally arrived at the lodge, I was warmly welcomed, took my tent, explored the pool area, and immediately felt at home. The first evening ended quietly with a drink at the bar and the gentle rustling of the African night.
I immediately informed myself about all possible excursion offers. A full-day trip to the Panorama Route could be booked through the lodge. There was also the possibility of a safari to the world-famous Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve. As well as a visit to the local village where the lodge staff comes from. I highly recommend that you take these wonderful excursions – especially the Panorama Route with the Three Rondavels Viewpoint over the canyon and waterfalls!
Early in the morning, it was finally time for my first real safari. The cool air, the rising sun, the tense silence in the vehicle – everything felt like the beginning of something big. And it was: giraffes, elephants, a buffalo, even a rhinoceros – the animals showed themselves today directly from their best side.
The afternoon drive was even more intense. It was hot, but the mood in the jeep was electrifying. Suddenly a lioness appeared behind us, running right past the vehicle. This moment – so close, completely calm, eye to eye with a wild animal – made my heart skip a beat. I could hardly believe what I was experiencing. Finally I could get out my camera equipment and take some beautiful first photos.
The morning began with a slight tiredness, but I didn't want to miss anything. So off we went again for the morning safari - hippos bathed in the distance, the atmosphere was peaceful. In the afternoon, the driver in the vehicle asked if we wanted to go on a longer tour – there was a chance to see cheetahs. Of course we did!
After a while we discovered them: Three beautiful cheetah brothers resting in a clearing. It was one of those moments where I could only marvel. And then came the realization: I was so grateful to be here, right now. In the evening at the camp, I felt for the first time that this trip was not just a safari – it changed me. I truly wish everyone could experience something so magical.
The fourth day started early – again. Today I was on safari all by myself; nobody else had signed up for the drive. The driver asked me what I wanted to see. I said: a male lion. We planned a route we’d never driven before. And then, as if from nowhere, there they were in the bushes: two male lions, right next to the road, eating. So close, so impressive. It was surreal. Later we discovered lionesses with a dead buffalo – and nearby a few young lions. This drive was the best of my life. And I had it all to myself. It was my moment.
In the morning I treated myself to some rest before going on safari again in the afternoon with two women I had met at the camp. We were a colourful mix: a German, a Guatemalan, a Filipina – each with their own story. Together we drove through the hot, shimmering savannah. It was a wonderful feeling. The sky grew darker and darker, lightning flashed in the distance. How dramatic!
Then another vehicle stopped us: A leopard had been sighted. And indeed – we found him. Elegant, mysterious, in the rain. I could observe him for minutes. Together with only one other car. Seeing my second leopard that day was like a gift. The atmosphere in the vehicle was special – four people, four languages, but connected & understood through this moment.
I skipped the morning safari today – I needed sleep. It was the last full day, and I wanted to start it with fresh energy. So I relaxed and enjoyed the beautiful lodge pool with my favorite book and delicious cocktails from the lodge bar. In the afternoon, we went out again, this time together with a German expat from Pretoria who spontaneously joined us. There were four of us, and it was once again simply harmonious. The sightings were almost secondary – it was about the shared experience, the feeling of being part of something bigger.
At the end of the drive, I sat quietly in the jeep and reviewed the past few days. Everything had fallen into place. The animals, the encounters, the conversations. And I knew: I will never forget this trip.
On my last morning, I packed my hand luggage again, said goodbye to the lodge, and let my gaze wander over the African bush one last time. The drive back to Skukuza Airport was quiet, almost solemn. I didn't carry any souvenirs with me – but hundreds of photos, and my heart was full. I left with a feeling of freedom, humility, and gratitude. And with the firm resolve that this would not be my last solo trip.
Traveling solo means encountering yourself – intensely, honestly, and freely. These 6 nights in Kruger National Park are not your average safari; they're an invitation to escape the everyday and connect with nature. In a charming tent cabin near the Paul Kruger Gate, you'll live in the bush, among giraffes, elephants, and lions. The animals will come close – and perhaps life itself will, too. You'll travel light, but with an open heart.
As soon as I got out, my driver was waiting for me with an open safari vehicle. And even before I arrived at my lodge, the first wild animals greeted me: buffaloes, crocodiles, elephants, and even a giraffe on the horizon. This "transfer" was actually my first game drive. When I finally arrived at the lodge, I was warmly welcomed, took my tent, explored the pool area, and immediately felt at home. The first evening ended quietly with a drink at the bar and the gentle rustling of the African night.
I immediately informed myself about all possible excursion offers. A full-day trip to the Panorama Route could be booked through the lodge. There was also the possibility of a safari to the world-famous Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve. As well as a visit to the local village where the lodge staff comes from. I highly recommend that you take these wonderful excursions – especially the Panorama Route with the Three Rondavels Viewpoint over the canyon and waterfalls!
Early in the morning, it was finally time for my first real safari. The cool air, the rising sun, the tense silence in the vehicle – everything felt like the beginning of something big. And it was: giraffes, elephants, a buffalo, even a rhinoceros – the animals showed themselves today directly from their best side.
The afternoon drive was even more intense. It was hot, but the mood in the jeep was electrifying. Suddenly a lioness appeared behind us, running right past the vehicle. This moment – so close, completely calm, eye to eye with a wild animal – made my heart skip a beat. I could hardly believe what I was experiencing. Finally I could get out my camera equipment and take some beautiful first photos.
The morning began with a slight tiredness, but I didn't want to miss anything. So off we went again for the morning safari - hippos bathed in the distance, the atmosphere was peaceful. In the afternoon, the driver in the vehicle asked if we wanted to go on a longer tour – there was a chance to see cheetahs. Of course we did!
After a while we discovered them: Three beautiful cheetah brothers resting in a clearing. It was one of those moments where I could only marvel. And then came the realization: I was so grateful to be here, right now. In the evening at the camp, I felt for the first time that this trip was not just a safari – it changed me. I truly wish everyone could experience something so magical.
The fourth day started early – again. Today I was on safari all by myself; nobody else had signed up for the drive. The driver asked me what I wanted to see. I said: a male lion. We planned a route we’d never driven before. And then, as if from nowhere, there they were in the bushes: two male lions, right next to the road, eating. So close, so impressive. It was surreal. Later we discovered lionesses with a dead buffalo – and nearby a few young lions. This drive was the best of my life. And I had it all to myself. It was my moment.
In the morning I treated myself to some rest before going on safari again in the afternoon with two women I had met at the camp. We were a colourful mix: a German, a Guatemalan, a Filipina – each with their own story. Together we drove through the hot, shimmering savannah. It was a wonderful feeling. The sky grew darker and darker, lightning flashed in the distance. How dramatic!
Then another vehicle stopped us: A leopard had been sighted. And indeed – we found him. Elegant, mysterious, in the rain. I could observe him for minutes. Together with only one other car. Seeing my second leopard that day was like a gift. The atmosphere in the vehicle was special – four people, four languages, but connected & understood through this moment.
I skipped the morning safari today – I needed sleep. It was the last full day, and I wanted to start it with fresh energy. So I relaxed and enjoyed the beautiful lodge pool with my favorite book and delicious cocktails from the lodge bar. In the afternoon, we went out again, this time together with a German expat from Pretoria who spontaneously joined us. There were four of us, and it was once again simply harmonious. The sightings were almost secondary – it was about the shared experience, the feeling of being part of something bigger.
At the end of the drive, I sat quietly in the jeep and reviewed the past few days. Everything had fallen into place. The animals, the encounters, the conversations. And I knew: I will never forget this trip.
On my last morning, I packed my hand luggage again, said goodbye to the lodge, and let my gaze wander over the African bush one last time. The drive back to Skukuza Airport was quiet, almost solemn. I didn't carry any souvenirs with me – but hundreds of photos, and my heart was full. I left with a feeling of freedom, humility, and gratitude. And with the firm resolve that this would not be my last solo trip.
