Explore, Discover, Experience
Kruger National Park overnight Safaris:
Choose Your Perfect Journey: Budget, Standard, or Luxury
Our commitment is to deliver an unforgettable experience regardless of your chosen package. Minimum 2 people required - Single option rate available on request. The fundamental difference between the tiers lies in the level of comfort, exclusivity, and inclusions provided throughout your journey:
1. The Budget Package (The Adventurer)
- Accommodation: Focuses on clean, comfortable, and well-located self-catering units, backpacker lodges, or guesthouses. Accommodation is simple, functional, and value-driven, typically located just outside the main tourist hubs.
-
Inclusions: Entrance fees to all major attractions. Meals are excluded to offer maximum flexibility and cost savings, allowing you to sample local eateries or self-cater.
- Experience: Perfect for the independent traveler who prioritizes seeing the spectacular sights while keeping costs low.
2. The Standard Package (The Explorer)
- Accommodation: Mid-range hotels, well-appointed country lodges, and highly-rated guesthouses (often 3- to 4-star equivalent) with private en-suite facilities and superior service. Accommodation is generally centrally located near the tour highlights.
- Inclusions: Entrance fees to all attractions as per itinerary, daily breakfast & Dinner. Transport is provided via comfortable, non-private vehicles (shared transfers/tours).
- Experience: A perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and value, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable trip with good quality lodging and meals provided.
3. The Luxury Package (The Connoisseur)
- Accommodation: Exclusive 4- to 5-star hotels, designer lodges, or private villas located in prime, often secluded, locations. Expect amenities like private balconies, stunning views, fine linens, and personalized service.
- Inclusions: All meals (often gourmet dining), a full range of non-alcoholic and selected alcoholic beverages, private transfers and an expert guide, and inclusion of premium activities such as the Blyde Dam Boat Cruise. All entrance are included.
- Experience: The ultimate in comfort and exclusivity. Everything is taken care of, allowing you to relax and soak up the magnificence of Mpumalanga in sophisticated style with bespoke service.
Tented Accommodation: An Immersive Bush Experience
For a closer connection to nature, you can opt for tented accommodation within each package:
1. The Budget Package (The Adventurer) - Tented Option
- Accommodation: Simple, fixed-tented safari units or permanent "safari tents" in main or satellite rest camps, often with communal or simple private bathroom facilities (e.g., in SANParks camps or budget tented camps). The focus is on a true wilderness feel with basic comforts and self-catering or on-site restaurant options.
- Inclusions: Entrance fees to all major attractions as per itinerary. Meals are generally excluded, allowing you to self-cater or use camp restaurants for maximum cost savings.
- Experience: A rustic, affordable, and authentic safari-style stay, placing you directly inside or on the border of a wildlife area, perfect for the traveler who loves the bush and is comfortable with fewer amenities.
2. The Standard Package (The Explorer) - Tented Option
- Accommodation: Comfortable, well-appointed permanent "glamping" safari tents or tented camps in private concessions or highly-rated mid-range lodges. These feature proper beds, private en-suite bathrooms, and small viewing decks. Expect superior service and a semi-exclusive location.
- Inclusions: Entrance fees to all attractions, daily breakfast and dinner, and selected local activities (like a guided bush walk or a half-day game drive). Transport can be provided via comfortable, non-private vehicles or as a well-guided self-drive package.
- Experience: A perfect blend of a genuine safari experience (sleeping under canvas) with the convenience and comfort of a mid-range lodge, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable trip with good quality lodging and meals provided.
3. The Luxury Package (The Connoisseur) - Tented Option
- Accommodation: Ultra-exclusive, large, fully-equipped luxury tented suites (often referred to as 'tented villas' or 'designer tents') at 4- to 5-star private safari lodges. These are located in prime, secluded wildlife areas and include amenities like private plunge pools, outdoor showers, and dedicated butler service.
- Inclusions: All gourmet meals, a full range of non-alcoholic and selected premium alcoholic beverages, private transfers, and a dedicated expert safari guide with a private
Our Signature Tours Await You
Browse the detailed itineraries below—the quick-hit Two-Day Blitz Tour to the immersive Seven-Day Majestic Tour—and select the package tier that aligns with your travel style and budget. Your adventure through South Africa's most scenic route starts here!!!
Child policy:
- Children under 5 years stay and eat for free (Game drive rate not included)
- Children 6 – 12 years pay 50% of the adult sharing rate, when sharing with 2 full paying adults.
- Children over 12 pay adult rate
Kruger National Park Safari Tours are based from OR Tambo (JNB).
All prices are Per Person Sharing (PPS) and are in South African Rand (ZAR), based on a two-person booking. Prices are subject to change based on the season, accommodation and availability. The belowed named accommodation or simmilar will be used.
Kruger National Park Safari Packages Rates and accommodation. Example based on a 3day package.
Travel Options Overview
The rondavel is a classic and iconic type of accommodation in the Kruger National Park's main rest camps.
- Design: A rondavel is a small, circular building with a traditional thatched roof. This distinctive shape gives them a charming, rustic African look.
- Atmosphere: They offer a self-catering, park-run experience and are often clustered in groups within the large, fenced main rest camps (like Skukuza, Satara, and Pretoriuskop).
- Facilities: While basic compared to private lodges, modern rondavels are generally comfortable and equipped with essentials. They typically include:
- A single room with two or three beds.
- En-suite bathroom (shower and toilet).
- Air-conditioning or an electric fan.
- Refrigerator and a small patio area.
- Some may have a basic kitchenette or an outside cooking area (braai / barbecue), but others rely on communal kitchen and ablution facilities, especially the most economical versions.
They represent the authentic, original style of tourist lodging in the park, providing a cost-effective way to stay inside the gates and experience the bush independently.
A Tented Camp just outside Kruger is your ticket to an authentic, exciting, and comfortable bush experience—it's essentially 'Glamping with Game Drives'!
What to Expect (The Fun Part!):
- Accommodation: Think sturdy, furnished canvas tents instead of typical rooms. They are cozy, have real beds, linens, and often proper bathrooms. You get the incredible sounds of the bush without sacrificing a comfortable sleep.
- Atmosphere: It's all about being close to nature. You'll hear the crackle of the campfire, the distant calls of the wild (maybe a lion!), and dine under a blanket of African stars in the boma (outdoor dining area).
- Location: Being just outside the main Kruger Park gate or in an adjacent Private Game Reserve means you often get a mix of game drives in the public park and in the private reserve, sometimes offering unique experiences like sunset drives or off-roading.
- Vibe: They often feel intimate, budget-friendly compared to luxury lodges, and are run by passionate guides who love to share the magic of the bush.
Example: Sekekama Tented Camp (Motlala Game Reserve)
Sekekama Tented Camp is a fantastic example of a budget-friendly 'glamping' experience.
- The Vibe: It’s affordable, authentic, and focuses on getting you out on safari!
- The Set-up: You'll stay in permanent canvas tents that are solar-powered and furnished with all the essentials. They often have a central communal area where everyone gathers to swap safari stories.
- The Action: They are perfectly positioned for daily open-vehicle safaris into the incredible Kruger National Park, plus you get exciting sunset game drives in the surrounding Motlala Game Reserve—a double dose of Big Five action!
- The Evening: Expect delicious African dinners around a crackling boma fire, often with a complimentary glass of wine, as you relax after a full day of spotting wildlife.
In short: You’re trading walls for canvas, high-rises for the horizon, and city noise for the lion's roar!
Gecko Lodge is a charming, comfortable lodge-style accommodation set on a sprawling 35-hectare farm in Hazyview, just minutes from the Kruger National Park gates. Think of it as your serene, nature-surrounded hub for exploring the bush and the stunning Panorama Route.
What to Expect:
- The Vibe: Relaxed and welcoming, with an owner-managed focus on comfort and personalized service—a true "home away from home" atmosphere.
- The Room: You'll be staying in a comfortable, individually decorated en-suite room (not a tent!). These cozy spaces are set within beautiful, lush gardens, featuring real beds, private bathrooms, and amenities like a safe and tea/coffee facilities.
- The Facilities: There’s a rustic rock pool for cooling off, a comfortable bar for a classic South African 'sundowner' (cocktail), and a dining area that serves delicious home-cooked meals, often with a traditional boma (outdoor fire) dinner experience.
- The Location: It’s an ideal, central launchpad. You're perfectly positioned for early morning game drives into Kruger and for exploring the breathtaking waterfalls and viewpoints of the Panorama Route (like God's Window and Blyde River Canyon).
Kapama River Lodge offers a magnificent, five-star resort-style safari experience nestled within the vast, Big Five-rich Kapama Private Game Reserve. It is a sanctuary where contemporary luxury meets the thrilling authenticity of the African bush, set against the majestic backdrop of the Drakensberg Mountains.
What to Expect:
- The Vibe: Elegant, spacious, and social. As the largest of the Kapama lodges, it boasts a vibrant atmosphere that's perfect for groups, couples, and families looking to share their safari adventure and make new friends.
- The Room: Your accommodation will be in a luxurious, air-conditioned Suite. These spacious rooms feature full en-suite bathrooms, private balconies with uninterrupted bush views (often overlooking a nearby waterhole), and a blend of modern design with African elegance.
- The Facilities: Expect world-class amenities, including a dramatic tiered rim-flow swimming pool, a lavish bar and lounge, a well-stocked wine cellar, and the award-winning Kapama Spa for post-safari relaxation. Dining is a feast of Pan-African cuisine, frequently enjoyed under the stars in the traditional boma.
- The Experience: You are perfectly positioned for exceptional Big Five game viewing. Your stay includes twice-daily game drives with expert rangers and trackers, as well as the option for guided bush walks, providing an immersive, all-inclusive safari adventure.
Important Note on Accommodation
The accommodations on this itinerary are chosen for their comfort, great location, and authentic Lowveld atmosphere.
Please be aware that while we strive for consistency, we occasionally use similar lodges or guesthouses in the Greater Kruger area due to availability. Any alternative accommodation will be of an equivalent standard in terms of comfort, room type, and proximity to the main attractions, ensuring your experience remains exceptional!
2 Day / 1 Night Kruger National Park Safari Itinerary from Johannesburg
This itinerary assumes a pre-booked safari package that includes transport from JHB, accommodation near a southern gate (like Phabeni or Numbi), conservation fees, and game drives.
Day 1: Travel, Afternoon Safari & Sunset
|
Time |
Activity |
Notes |
|
06:00 |
Pick-up in Johannesburg (JHB) |
Pick-up from a central location like O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) or a pre-arranged hotel/guesthouse. |
|
06:30 - 12:30 |
Transfer to Kruger Region |
Long drive (approx. 5-6 hours) from JHB/Pretoria area to the Kruger National Park region (e.g., Hazyview or a lodge near a gate). A comfort stop for coffee/snacks will be included en route. |
|
12:30 - 14:00 |
Check-in and Lunch |
Arrive at your lodge/accommodation near the park gate. Quick check-in and an included lunch (or time for a quick meal at a nearby restaurant). |
|
14:30 - 18:30 |
Afternoon Open Vehicle Game Drive |
Transfer to an open safari vehicle (if not done already) and enter Kruger National Park. The first game drive is critical for spotting active animals before sunset. Focus on the southern section, which is known for high wildlife density. |
|
19:00 - 20:30 |
Dinner & Leisure |
Return to the lodge. Enjoy dinner (often a traditional South African barbecue or boma dinner) and relax. Get an early night in preparation for an early start. |
Day 2: Sunrise Safari, Breakfast & Return to JHB
|
Time |
Activity |
Notes |
|
05:00 |
Early Wake-up |
Coffee, tea, and rusks (a traditional hard biscuit) before departure. Gates open at sunrise. |
|
05:30 - 09:30 |
Sunrise Open Vehicle Game Drive |
The best time for game viewing! Animals are most active and predators are often still visible before they retreat for the heat of the day. This drive maximizes your chances for the "Big Five" and other spectacular sightings. |
|
09:30 - 10:30 |
Breakfast/Check-out |
Exit the park. Return to the lodge for a full breakfast and to quickly check out. Some tours may include a packed breakfast eaten at a designated picnic spot inside the park. |
|
10:30 - 17:00 |
Transfer back to Johannesburg |
Depart the Kruger region for the return journey to JHB. Comfort stops will be included en route. |
|
17:00 - 18:00 |
Drop-off in JHB |
Arrive back in the JHB/OR Tambo area for drop-off. Allow for potential traffic delays if catching a connecting flight. |
BUDGET
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Game drives
- conservation fees
R9,200
per person
solo travel
R15,500
STANDARD
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Dinner and Breakfast
- Game drives
- conservation fees
R11,800
per person
solo traveler
R18,300
TENTED
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Game drives
- Breakfast & Dinner
- conservation fees
- Budget option
R9,500
per person
solo traveler
R15,500
LUXURY
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast
- Game drives
- conservation fees
R17,300
per person
solo traveler
R28,300
- Day 1: JHB to Kruger & Afternoon Safari.
- Drive Option: Early morning shared shuttle (approx. 7:00 AM) or private transfer from JNB to lodge/camp near Kruger. Check-in, afternoon game drive (either in Kruger or private reserve). Dinner.
- Fly Option: Morning flight from JNB to SZK or MQP. Transfer to lodge/camp. Lunch, afternoon game drive. Dinner.
- Day 2: Full Day Safari.
- Early morning open-vehicle game drive (when predators are most active). Return for brunch/lunch and rest, or continue on a full-day drive with a picnic/camp lunch. Late afternoon/sunset game drive or optional night drive. Dinner.
- Day 3: Morning Safari & Return to JHB.
- Optional final early morning game drive. Return for breakfast. Transfer to the airport or meeting point for the road shuttle/transfer back to JNB. Arrive at OR Tambo late afternoon/early evening (approx. 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM).
BUDGET
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Breakfast & Dinner
- Game drives
- conservation fees
R11,500
per person
Solo traveler
R20,100
STANDARD
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Dinner and Breakfast
- Game drives
-
conservation fees
R15,300
per person
solo traveler
R25,500
TENTED
- Transportation
- Accommodation
-
Breakfast & Dinner
- Game drives
-
conservation fees
-
Budget option
R13,300
per person
solo traveler
R23,100
LUXURY
- Transportation
- Accommodation
-
Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast
- Game drives
-
conservation fees
R18,950
per person
R29,500
per person
5-Day Itinerary
- Day 1: JHB to Kruger & Afternoon Safari.
- Similar to the 3-day tour, focusing on travel and a first afternoon game drive.
- Day 2: Full Day Safari - South/Central Kruger.
- Early morning and late afternoon game drives in the national park, exploring specific areas known for wildlife (e.g., the Sabie River area).
- Day 3: Full Day Safari & Bush Walk.
- Morning drive. Optional morning bush walk with armed ranger. Afternoon game drive.
- Day 4: Full Day Safari.
- Full day of activities within the reserve and potentially a bush walk. Focus on off-road driving for close sightings.
- Full day of game drives in the northern or central parts of Kruger.
- Day 5: Final Morning Safari & Return to JHB.
- Final early morning game drive/bush walk. Return to the lodge for breakfast. Transfer to the airport or meeting point for the road shuttle/transfer back to JNB. Arrive at OR Tambo late afternoon/early evening (approx. 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM).
BUDGET
- Transportation
- Accommodation
-
Breakfast & Dinner
- Game drives
- conservation fees
R19,500
per person
solo traveler
R33,500
STANDARD
- Transportatiom
- Accommodation
- Dinner and Breakfast
- Game drives
- conservation fees
R23,600
per person
solo traveler
R37,600
TENTED
- Transportatiom
- Accommodation
-
Breakfast & Dinner
- Game drives
- conservation fees
-
Budget option
R18,600
per person
solo traveler
R32,500
LUXURY
- Transportatiom
- Accommodation
- Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast
- Game drives
- conservation fees
R29,800
per person
solo traveler
R39,700
Day 1: Arrival & First Safari Experience (Greater Kruger)
- Morning/Noon: Arrive at JNB and transfer to your Kruger accommodation (approx. 5-6 hours drive) OR fly to MQP/Hoedspruit (HDS) and transfer (approx. 1-2 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into your lodge in the Greater Kruger Area (e.g., near Hazyview or in a Private Reserve).
- Late Afternoon: Embark on your first Sunset/Night Game Drive in an open safari vehicle (if staying at a private lodge/concession) or an evening drive in Kruger National Park (if near a gate). This is an excellent opportunity to spot nocturnal animals and predators.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at the lodge.
- Accommodation: Lodge near Kruger Gate/Hazyview. or
- Accommodation: Inside Kruger National Park (SANParks Rest Camp or Private Concession Lodge).
Day 2: Full Day in Kruger National Park (Southern/Central)
- Morning: Early start for a Full-Day Game Drive in an open safari vehicle into Kruger National Park. The southern/central regions (like Skukuza, Lower Sabie, Satara) are renowned for high animal concentrations, including the Big Five.
- Breakfast/Lunch: Enjoy a packed breakfast at a scenic viewpoint and lunch at one of the main rest camps (e.g., Skukuza Rest Camp).
- Afternoon: Continue your game drive, following riverbeds and waterholes.
- Late Afternoon: Check into your pre-booked accommodation inside the Kruger National Park.
- Evening: Dinner at the rest camp restaurant or a traditional braai (BBQ) at your chalet.
- Accommodation: Lodge near Kruger Gate/Hazyview. or
- Accommodation: Inside Kruger National Park (SANParks Rest Camp).
Day 3: Exploring Kruger's Interior (Game Drives & Bushveld)
- Morning: Early morning Sunrise Game Drive to catch the animals at their most active. This is the prime time for predator sightings.
- Mid-Morning: Return to your camp for a late breakfast, or move to a different rest camp for the night, continuing your game drive as you travel.
- Day: Time for leisure, swimming, or viewing wildlife from a camp deck overlooking a river. You can also opt for a guided Bush Walk for a thrilling on-foot experience (must be pre-booked).
- Evening: Sunset or Night Game Drive (optional) followed by dinner.
- Accommodation: Lodge near Kruger Gate/Hazyview. or
- Accommodation: Inside Kruger National Park (SANParks Rest Camp or Private Concession Lodge).
Day 4: Last Safari Morning & Private Concession Luxury
- Morning: Final early morning Game Drive in the park or a Bush Walk in your private concession (if applicable).
- Late Morning: Enjoy breakfast and check out of your Kruger accommodation.
- Mid-Day: Drive to your final, luxurious safari lodge/concession for an exclusive safari experience.
- Afternoon: Settle in and enjoy the facilities.
- Late Afternoon: Embark on a highly personalized Afternoon/Sunset/Night Game Drive in the private concession. These lodges often have excellent sighting records and go off-road, which is not permitted in the public areas of the National Park.
- Evening: Enjoy a fine dining experience, often in a traditional outdoor boma.
- Accommodation: Lodge near Kruger Gate/Hazyview. or
- Accommodation: Inside Kruger National Park (SANParks Rest Camp or Private Concession Lodge).
The Panorama Route Exploration (Day 5 & 6)
Day 5: Kruger to Panorama Route South (Check-out & Escarpment)
- Morning: After a final coffee and rusks, enjoy a last short Morning Game Activity. Return for a hearty breakfast and check out.
- Mid-Morning: Drive west towards the town of Graskop/Sabie (approx. 1.5 - 2 hour drive).
- Day: Begin your Panorama Route exploration, focusing on the southern part:
- God's Window (weather permitting, offers stunning views over the Lowveld).
- The Pinnacle Rock.
- Lisbon Falls (South Africa’s highest waterfall).
- Berlin Falls.
- Optional stop in Graskop for the famous Graskop Gorge Lift (takes you down into the forest below the cliff).
- Late Afternoon: Check into your Panorama Route accommodation in the Graskop/Hazyview/Blyde area.
- Evening: Dinner at your hotel or a local restaurant in Graskop/Sabie.
- Accommodation: Panorama Route Hotel/Boutique Lodge (e.g., Graskop Hotel or a lodge near Blyde).
Day 6: Blyde River Canyon Highlights (Panorama Route North)
- Morning: Explore the northern, most spectacular section of the Panorama Route:
- Bourke's Luck Potholes (fascinating rock formations carved by water erosion at the confluence of the Treur and Blyde Rivers).
- Three Rondavels Viewpoint (iconic view of three distinctive, round mountain peaks and the massive Blyde River Canyon).
- Blyde River Canyon Boat Trip (optional, highly recommended: 1.5-hour boat cruise on the Blyde Dam to see the Tufa waterfall and the Rondavels from below).
- Lunch: Stop for lunch at one of the local restaurants or a viewpoint cafe.
- Afternoon: Visit local towns like Pilgrim’s Rest (a historical gold rush town) or relax and enjoy the stunning views from your lodge.
- Evening: Enjoy your final tour dinner, reflecting on the safari and scenery.
- Accommodation: Panorama Route Hotel/Boutique Lodge (same as Day 5 or move to a different location).
Day 7: Departure
- Morning: Enjoy a final breakfast with a view of the escarpment.
- Mid-Morning: Depart for O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) (approx. 5-6 hour drive) or Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) (approx. 1.5-2 hour drive) for your flight home.
BUDGET
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Game drives
- conservation fees
R23,600
per person
solo traveler
R39,850
STANDARD
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Dinner and Breakfast
- Game drives
- conservation fees
R29600
per person
solo traveler
R43,580
TENTED
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Game drives
- Breakfast & Dinner
- conservation fees
- Budget option
R24,800
per person
solo traveler
R39,500
LUXURY
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast
- Game drives
- conservation fees
