A Greater Kruger Safari Where the Olifants River Becomes Part of the Journey

Bundox Safari Co. has introduced Live Wild & Retreat, a five-day, four-night Greater Kruger safari that keeps traditional game drives central while bringing the Olifants River, two different bush stays and slower experiences into the journey.

The package is bookable now for travel from 1 December 2026 and combines Bundox Explorer Camp in the Olifants West Nature Reserve with Amava River Lodge in the Olifants View Nature Reserve, within Balule.

Rather than building the entire safari around vehicle-based wildlife viewing, Live Wild & Retreat gives travellers several ways to experience the Greater Kruger landscape.

The Olifants River Changes the Safari Perspective

The river is one of the defining elements of the package.

Breakfast near the Olifants River extends the safari morning beyond the game drive, giving travellers time to stop and enjoy the surroundings rather than immediately returning to camp.

An included boat cruise changes the perspective again. Wildlife viewing moves from reserve roads onto the water, where hippos, crocodiles, birdlife and other species associated with the river environment can form part of the experience.

These activities do not replace the traditional safari. Game drives remain central to the itinerary, but the river adds another way to experience the destination.

Two Bush Stays Create Different Rhythms

The journey combines two Greater Kruger properties with different roles within the safari.

Bundox Explorer Camp provides the familiar rhythm of a tented bush stay and guided safari activities in the Olifants West Nature Reserve.

The move to Amava River Lodge introduces a more retreat-focused setting within Olifants View Nature Reserve. Here, the river environment, time at the property and wellness touches become a larger part of the stay while safari activities continue.

The contrast between the two properties allows the journey to change naturally without moving away from the wildlife experience that defines a Greater Kruger safari.

More Than Filling the Itinerary

Live Wild & Retreat also reflects a different approach to safari planning.

A full schedule is not necessarily the same as a varied one. Repeated game drives may suit travellers focused almost entirely on wildlife viewing, while others may want different ways to experience the bush during the same trip.

A river breakfast, boat cruise, game drive and time at a bush lodge each create a different relationship with the landscape.

For travellers considering a safari retreat in South Africa, that distinction matters. The retreat element is not about removing safari activity, but about balancing active wildlife experiences with time to enjoy the destination itself.

Relevant to Longer South African Journeys

The package also gives travel advisors and tour operators another option when planning broader South African itineraries.

Greater Kruger is often one part of a longer journey, and not every traveller wants each stage of the holiday to operate at the same intensity.

Live Wild & Retreat provides a defined Greater Kruger component for travellers who want game drives and wildlife viewing alongside river experiences, comfortable bush stays and a more considered pace.

The package includes accommodation across Bundox Explorer Camp and Amava River Lodge, meals, scheduled safari activities, transfers between the two properties, transfers to and from Hoedspruit’s Eastgate Airport, the Olifants River boat cruise and a wellness gift.

Travellers can view the full Live Wild & Retreat package, while travel professionals can access trade information through the Bundox Agent Sign Up.

About Bundox Safari Co.

Bundox Safari Co. is a Southern African safari company offering safari accommodation, packages and destination management services in South Africa and Botswana.

Its South African portfolio includes Bundox Explorer Camp, Khanya Tented Camp and Amava River Lodge. The company works with direct travellers and international travel partners to connect accommodation, wildlife experiences, transfers and broader destination planning.

Released in collaboration with WildBeest Media.