- USA Contacts +1 (218) 438-7289
- discover@africatouroperators.org
From $1,180 per person (based on 2 people sharing)
Short Safari Holidays in South Africa | Kruger Big Five Game Drives | African Wildlife Safari Packages
Your 4-day South Africa safari begins with a morning arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. A safari guide will meet you and transfer you by road (approximately 5–6 hours) to Kruger National Park, or you can opt for a short domestic flight to Skukuza or Hoedspruit Airport, depending on your lodge location.
On the way, enjoy scenic views of South Africa’s bushveld and rural villages. Lunch may be arranged en route or at your lodge upon arrival. Depending on the location, you may stay inside Kruger Park or in one of the adjacent private reserves such as Sabi Sand, Manyeleti, or Timbavati, which offer exclusive wildlife access.
Check in at your lodge or camp, options may include Skukuza Rest Camp, Mjejane Lodge, or Arathusa Safari Lodge, based on your chosen package.
In the late afternoon, head out for your first game drive, led by an experienced ranger in an open-sided 4×4 vehicle. As the sun sets, the bush comes alive with activity, and you may spot elephants, giraffes, impalas, zebras, and possibly lions or leopards on the prowl.
Return to your lodge for dinner and your first overnight in the African bush.
Start early with a sunrise game drive, the most active time for animal sightings. As you drive across savannahs, woodlands, and riverine habitats, your guide will help you track animals such as lions, white rhinos, leopards, hyenas, and herds of elephants or buffalo.
After returning for breakfast, enjoy some downtime at the lodge, relax at the pool, enjoy bush views from your deck, or explore the grounds. Some lodges offer optional spa services or photographic hides for guests.
In the afternoon, return to the bush for a sunset game drive, which may extend into early evening to look for nocturnal species. Animals such as civets, bush babies, genets, and owls become active after dark.
Dinner is served under the stars or in the lodge restaurant, depending on your accommodation. End the evening around a fireplace, listening to the night sounds of the wild.
After an early breakfast, you may choose between a guided bush walk and a cultural village experience, depending on the lodge’s offerings.
A bush walk is a fascinating way to understand the ecosystem up close, as your guide points out tracks, plants, insects, and animal behavior not always visible from a vehicle. Walks are conducted with safety measures and offer insight into smaller details of the bush.
Alternatively, visit a nearby local community or cultural center where you can learn about traditional South African customs, crafts, and daily life. Some programs include school visits, music, or storytelling.
In the afternoon, return to the reserve for your final game drive, making the most of your last chance to spot the Big Five. As the sun dips, predators often emerge, and your guide will help position the vehicle for ideal sightings.
Dinner and overnight at your lodge or camp.
Wake early for a final sunrise game drive, giving you a last opportunity to observe active wildlife before the heat of the day sets in. Your ranger will aim to track any animals not yet spotted during your stay, rounding off your Big Five checklist if possible.
Return to the lodge for breakfast and check out. You’ll then be transferred back to Johannesburg by road or domestic flight depending on your itinerary.
Your 4-day South Africa safari ends with unforgettable wildlife memories and the experience of South Africa’s best-known game reserve.