Boat & Safari Combo - Blyde Dam Boat Cruise & Private Safari
Description
Join us on an unforgettable wildlife safari starting at the Leadwood entrance of the Rietspruit Nature Reserve. This private reserve boasts the same diverse animals found in Kruger National Park, offering the added benefit of a more intimate safari experience. During our journey, we'll stop at one of the various scenic viewpoints for a coffee/tea break with a traditional rusk in hand. We'll proceed to the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve which is just a 10-minute drive away. Brace yourself for the awe-inspiring vistas of the canyon, where we'll keep a keen eye out for the elusive Samango monkey and Leopard. As we make our way to the boat, bird enthusiasts may be treated to delightful sightings like the stunning Narina Trogon. The guided pontoon will transport us to the very heart of the canyon with it's breathtaking views such as the iconic Gorilla Face, Tufa Waterfall, and enchanting encounters with hippos & crocodiles. This is one of those "Must Do" trips when in Hoedspruit!
Tour Options
Itinerary
Embark on an exhilarating adventure as we kick off our day with a captivating safari game drive through the exclusive Rietspruit Nature Reserve. This sanctuary offers unparalleled opportunities for wildlife observation, and you may have the chance to encounter the majestic big five animals. Before our journey to the breathtaking Blyde River Canyon, we'll take a delightful pause for coffee or tea accompanied by traditional rusks. Get ready for a day filled with awe-inspiring natural wonders and unforgettable experiences.
Explore the wonders of the world's third-largest canyon nestled in the Drakensberg mountain range. Embark on a captivating hour-and-a-half boat cruise that delves into the heart of this magnificent canyon. Ensure you bring along your binoculars and a wide-angle or landscape lens to capture the breathtaking scenery. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted by the presence of the stunning Narina Trogon, and keep an eye out for the rare Samango monkey, a special treat for wildlife enthusiasts. Get ready for a journey filled with natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and delightful surprises.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(9)
We had the privilege of joining Jake for two game drives during our stay, and we can say without hesitation: he is exceptional. From the moment we set off, it was clear we were in the hands of someone with a deep, genuine passion for wildlife and the bush. Jake’s knowledge of nature is impressive, he spotted animals long before any of us could, and always took the time to explain behaviour, tracks, and the ecosystem around us. Thanks to his sharp eye and patience, we witnessed an incredible variety of wildlife: lions, a cheetah, a leopard, hippos, and much more. Every drive felt like a true adventure. What sets Jake apart is not just his expertise, but his warmth and dedication. He also gave us excellent tips for other activities in the area and recommended a fantastic restaurant. And when we needed him ,including one memorable evening when a hippo decided to block our car ,he was reachable and calm, exactly the kind of guide you want by your side in those moments. If you’re looking for a guide who combines professionalism, knowledge, and genuine care for his guests, look no further. Jake made our time here truly unforgettable. We cannot recommend him highly enough.
Thank you so much for the incredible review and for the kind words. It was truly a pleasure spending time in the bush with your family and sharing those special sightings together. The hippo blocking the road was very special and you handled the situation very well and calmly! I’m really glad you enjoyed the drives and appreciated the small details of the bushveld as much as the big sightings. Sharing the stories behind the tracks, behaviour, and ecosystem is always one of my favourite parts of guiding. Thank you as well for your trust and enthusiasm throughout your stay. Guests like you make my job incredibly rewarding. I hope the memories of your time here stay with you for many years, and I’d love to welcome you back for another adventure with All or Nothing Adventures in the future. Safe travels and hope to see you again soon! Jakes All or Nothing Adventures
We had a fantastic day in Marieskop with Jake! He picked us up at Leadwood and took us on a beautiful drive via Rietspruit, even spotting a lion. The drive on to Marieskop was good and beautiful. The view from Marieskop was stunning, the coffee/tea with brusks delicious, and two other viewpoints, also with a view of the Three Rondavels, were also very nice. The lunch, prepared by Jake on the braai near the waterfall, was delicious and relaxing. The return drive was also good, especially at the beautiful Rietspruit. What definitely made the day a fantastic one—besides the stunning scenery—was Jake. Jake is very pleasant, relaxed, and friendly. He knows a lot, tells interesting and entertaining stories. He takes all the time you need and isn't rushed. Another plus is the exclusive nature of the tour, with only your own group. We highly recommend this day tour and Jake and would definitely do it again.
Thank you for your wonderful review! I’m so glad you enjoyed the Marieskop tour. It’s a privilege to share this beautiful area with people like you! I fully agree that an exclusive tour is so much more personal. Thanks again and I hope our paths will cross again
The views are amazing, we had a lot of fun. Staff very friendly and the food was great. Stunning views . Recommend it if you love nature.
Thanks for the kind words and taking the time to write a review. Looking forward seeing you back again
The whole experience from ariving to leaving. Friendly staff and really neat accomodation. I would go back there any day. Well done!!!
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed every aspect of your stay, from arrival to departure. Our team takes great pride in providing friendly service and maintaining neat accommodations, so your kind words mean a lot to us. We can't wait to welcome you back anytime!
The boat captain was very entertaining and informative. He knew the history of his surroundings and always kept us laughing. The views were breathtaking. Saw some cross and Hippo's. Will definately reccommend doing the tour.
Thank you for your fantastic review! We're delighted to hear that you had such a great time on the tour and that the captain kept you entertained while sharing the local history. It sounds like you had an amazing experience with the breathtaking views and wildlife sightings. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you on another tour soon!
Awesome experience and the guides were extremely knowledgeable about the surrounding and wild life. It is a must see when you are in the area, you won't be sorry
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you had an awesome experience with us and that our guides could make your visit memorable. It's always our goal to ensure that our guests leave with great memories and a deeper appreciation for the area and its wildlife. We agree—it's a must-see, and we're glad you enjoyed it! We hope to welcome you back again soon!
We couldn't do the tour due to unprofessional work. First I contacted them directly by email and received an answer that it was not possible. My girlfriend also tried to book the same evening by email and received an answer that it is possible, but then we have to pay for three people because the tours are booked for groups of three people or more. (Okay, I understand, but why contradictory answers?) After confirming the tour we received no response for a week and it was only the evening before the tour that the message came that there was no room! How is this possible when people ask to reserve the place??? I'm very sorry we couldn't come along, but the way we heard about it is simply unprofessional and rude. We decided to do the boat trip on the Blyde River separately. Never again with this organization. All or nothing? For us it was "nothing"
Dear Kathleen and Christaien, We sincerely apologize for the confusion and frustration you experienced. It was never our intention to cause any inconvenience. We understand your disappointment. Unfortunately, as we mentioned earlier, we require a minimum of three participants to make the tour viable. We tried to accommodate your request but were unable to form a group in time, leading to the last-minute cancellation. Your feedback is very important to us, and we will work on improving our communication to avoid such misunderstandings in the future. We genuinely care about providing a positive experience for all our guests, and we hope you enjoyed your time on the Blyde River. We would appreciate the opportunity to serve you better in the future. Once again, we apologize for the inconvenience. Best regards, Jakes Oosthuizen
A very nice excursion with a start in the form of a safari. We saw a lot of animals there. and then a boat trip in a magnificent setting.
Merci de partager votre expérience. We were very lucky to see so many animals before the boat trip. The cruise in the third largest canyon on earth, is spectacular to say the least. Glad I could share it with you and your family. Hope to meet you again in our beautiful country.
Cruising in the third largest canyon on earth is spectacular. Lots of animals as part of the safari and can highly recommend
One of my favorite activities as well. Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for taking the time to inform others about it.
