Bush breakfasts on the edge of the river, daily game drives, sundowners and expeditions into the neighbouring big five Balule / Pridelands are just a few of things to expect while on safari with us.
We have a variety of safari activity options for visitors to our camp. Tailor-make your safari to match our set-daily activities.
Rukiya Safari Camp conducts game drives in the Big 5 Balule Nature Reserve, which is open to Kruger National Park, Pridelands and Wild Rivers Reserve where most of the big game species are absent, but there is an opportunity to see leopard, hyena, giraffe, zebra, antelope species and many bird species.
A bush breakfast is included in the morning activity, and roughly 3 - 5 hours are spent on each activity.
Guests are able to tailor their experiences at Rukiya to include extras, however a typical daily schedule might be as follows:
The popular safari season in the Lowveld occurs during the cooler, low-rainfall months of the year from around May to October. These months are the dry, winter months, packing chilly evenings and mornings, and mild daily temperatures. The bush is bare and beige, and game viewing is often easier during this period as the bush is not dense.
The average mean rainfall for the year is 350mm, with most rainfall occurring during mid-summer (November - February). The rainfall generally occurs in the form of thunderstorms where a downpour is experienced, very seldom lasting longer than a few hours.
Summer travel is rewarding in the sense of scenic beauty, and exceptional birdwatching, as migrant species flock southwards. This is also the less busy season to travel, offering a quieter, more exclusive safari experience.
Throughout the year, lightweight neutral-coloured clothing is recommended, as well as suitable walking shoes.
There is a swimming pool, so bring swimming togs along, hats, sun glasses, and sunscreen, and remember to pack cameras, chargers, binoculars, and other gadgets or reference books for the area’s wildlife and landscape if you would like.
Early morning game drives can be chilly, especially during the cooler months of the year (May to October) and it is recommended that guests pack enough warm clothing, such as scarfs, beanies, and jackets.
Rukiya is immediately striking – the location of the camp is unbeatable, exclusive, and serene. Guests can expect to feel themselves unwind and absorb the elements of nature in superb comfort at this unique, riverside spot.
Wild Rivers Nature Reserve is not Big 5, but is home to the sleek and agile leopard, which has frequently been spotted around the lodge. Game Drives take place in a private Kruger property, which is located 8km away from Wild Rivers, so early morning game drives begin with a short drive before arriving at Rukiya’s private game drive property.
Expect to eat and sleep very well! The chef at Rukiya – Constance – is professionally trained and produces sophisticated, scrumptious 3-course meals, ensuring guests are always satisfied with high quality dishes. This is a relaxing, incomparable retreat with excellent hosting, guiding, and accommodation.
