3 Days Kruger National Park Safari – Big Five Game Drives from Johannesburg

From $780 per person (based on 2 people sharing)
Kruger National Park Tours | Short South Africa Safaris | Big Five Wildlife Viewing

Day 1: Transfer from Johannesburg to Kruger – Afternoon Game Drive

Your safari begins with an early morning pick-up from OR Tambo International Airport or your hotel in Johannesburg. After meeting your driver-guide, depart by road for Kruger National Park, one of the largest and oldest protected areas in Africa, covering nearly 20,000 square kilometers.

Enjoy the scenic 5–6 hour drive through the Mpumalanga province, passing citrus farms, rolling hills, and rural villages. Stop along the way for refreshments and stretch breaks.

Arrive at the Kruger Gate or one of the southern access points by early afternoon. After check-in at your lodge or rest camp, such as Skukuza, Pretoriuskop, or a nearby private lodge, enjoy a quick orientation and lunch.

In the late afternoon, set out on your first game drive in an open-sided 4×4 vehicle. These drives are led by qualified rangers who help track wildlife using experience and up-to-date sightings. Animals commonly seen include elephants, zebras, giraffes, buffalo, impalas, and lions.

Return before park gate closure. Dinner is served at the lodge’s restaurant, and you’ll overnight in a comfortable en-suite room or safari tent inside or near the park.

Day 2: Full Day of Game Viewing in Kruger National Park

Rise before dawn for a sunrise game drive, the best time to see predators like leopards, lions, and hyenas before they retreat from the morning light. Tea, coffee, and light snacks are served before departure.

The drive takes you across a variety of landscapes, acacia woodlands, open savannah, riverbeds, offering diverse wildlife sightings. Birdlife is prolific, with over 500 species recorded, including hornbills, eagles, and kingfishers.

Return to the lodge for a mid-morning breakfast and rest period. You can relax by the pool, visit a curio shop, or take a short walk within the fenced camp area.

After lunch, embark on an afternoon safari, heading to new areas of the park. Southern Kruger is especially rich in wildlife, with frequent sightings of rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, and large herds of herbivores.

Return before sunset. Dinner is served at the lodge, and your guide may provide a fireside briefing about animal behavior and park ecology. Optional: For an additional fee, you may choose a night drive operated by SANParks for nocturnal species like bush babies, civets, or porcupines.

Day 3: Morning Game Drive – Return to Johannesburg

Begin your final morning with one last early game drive before breakfast. The cooler temperatures often bring animals close to roads and water sources. This is another good opportunity to spot species you may have missed the previous day.

After returning to camp, enjoy breakfast and check out. Depart for Johannesburg via the Panorama Route (time permitting) or take a more direct route back to the city. Arrival in Johannesburg is expected in the late afternoon or early evening.

This concludes your 3-day Kruger safari, filled with unforgettable game sightings and scenic beauty in one of Africa’s top wildlife destinations.

Inclusions:

• Round-trip transport from Johannesburg to Kruger
• 2 nights’ accommodation (Kruger Rest Camp or Private Lodge)
• Daily meals as specified (2 breakfasts, 2 dinners)
• 4 guided game drives in open vehicles
• Park entrance and conservation fees
• English-speaking driver-guide
• Bottled water during drives

Exclusions:

• Lunches and snacks
• Optional night drives or bush walks
• Personal travel insurance
• Drinks and gratuities
• Flights to and from Johannesburg