The surrounding area boasts an array of safari activities enjoyed at your leisure, and on the island there are plenty of walks around the river and the surrounding eden.
The safari experience at the Island is an adventure waiting to happen. There are no set safari activities, but the surrounding area contains an array of things to do.
The actual lodge property has plenty of meandering pathways around the 8 hectares of riverine vegetation on the island.
There's a beautiful bridge that goes over the river, and provides a fantastic tranquil vantage point.
The day is at your leisure, and there are no set activities. The only structured times are dinner and breakfast for catered guests. You can work your pre-arranged activities around the set meal times.
The daily schedule for Kruger day trips do start early, so it's important to organise your time wisely and allow enough time to get to the meeting point prior to deprture.
Game drives in neighbouring reserves normally take place at dawn (5:30 - 6:30) and dusk (3:30 - 4:30), as these are when predators are most active.
On site there are plenty of birding opportunities and island walks that provide opportunities to spot otters, hippos and other water dwelling creatures.
The average rainfall per year in the Hoedspruit area is 350 mm with most of it occurring during mid-summer (November-February). The rainfall generally occurs in the form of thunderstorms where a heavy downpour is experienced, very seldom lasting longer than a few hours. The climate in the Kruger lowveld brings hot summer months between October and April when the rainfall is high, and so is the temperature, reaching over 40 degrees Celsius. The dry winter months begin in May and carry on until October/November, during which time the weather is mild during the day with temperatures averaging mid-high 20s, while chilly (5 degrees) in the evenings and early mornings.
Throughout the year, we recommend packing lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing with short sleeves. We recommend bringing sun protection in the form of sun block, sun hats, and glasses, even during winter months. Scarves, fleeces, jackets, beanie, hat and gloves are advisable for early mornings between April and September - especially on game drives in open sided vehicles. Comfortable walking shoes as well as open sandals for when the weather is hot are a must. Bring along cameras, binoculars and recording gadgets to keep a record of the many wildlife sightings. If self-catering, you will need to bring your own food and drinks.
Guests can expect to stay in a riverine paradise in the Blyde River Canyon area on an island surrounding by the Blyde River. On the property there is plenty of birdlife and gentle walks around the property. The experience is entirely up to you - relax at the swimming pool while listening to the river flowing below, or plan a myriad of adventurous day trips and safari experiences into the Kruger National Park and surrounding reserves. The Blyde River area is an eden in itself, and there's plenty of outdoor activities to do in conjunction with the safari experience.
African Retreats conducts the marketing and reservations for a portfolio of safari lodges based in South Africa's esteemed Kruger Lowveld. These carefully selected safari properties occupy enviable locations in the Greater Kruger Park area, some with astounding riverfront views and others nestled comfortably in game reserves surrounded by the tranquility of nature. African Retreats sews together itineraries incorporating South Africa's most sought after destinations including the Kruger National Park, Kruger and Canyon boat cruises, Panorama Route tours, hot-air ballooning and wildlife activities (game drives and bush walks) within private game reserves. The focus here is on experiencing the Kruger region in its entirety while staying in accommodation surrounded by the bushveld.
