3 Days Kruger Park and Johannesburg Southern African Safari
This short 3 Days Kruger Park and Johannesburg Southern African Safari combines a "city of gold" and the most popular Kruger National Park in Africa. Known as "Jozi" or "Joburg", Johannesburg is the most populous city in SA and is classified as a megacity; it is one of the 100 largest urban areas in the world. It is in the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in SA. Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa. It covers an area of 19,623 sq km (7,576 sq mi) in the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga in northeastern SA.
During your Southern African Safari journey, you'll traverse the diverse ecosystems of Kruger National Park, known locally as "iHlosi" in Zulu, meaning "the place of thunder." This compact Southern African Safari itinerary maximizes your wildlife viewing opportunities with strategic game drives at peak animal activity times, while also providing insight into South Africa's complex history through carefully selected cultural experiences.
Your Southern African Safari concludes with an exploration of Johannesburg's most significant historical sites, including the powerful Apartheid Museum and vibrant Soweto township. This perfectly balanced Southern African Safari offers an authentic glimpse into both the natural wonders and cultural richness of South Africa, creating a truly unforgettable travel experience in just three action-packed days.
Tour highlights
Sunset and sunrise game drives in Kruger National Park
Opportunities to spot the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo)
Comfortable accommodation adjacent to Kruger National Park
Expert guides with extensive knowledge of local wildlife
Visit to the renowned Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg
Tour of historic Soweto township
Exploration of Johannesburg's urban landscape
Convenient pickup and drop-off in Johannesburg or Pretoria
Price Includes:
- Kruger National Park entrance fees and conservation levies
- All scheduled activities as mentioned in the itinerary
- Ground transport in a custom 4x4 safari vehicle
- Bottled water during game drives and transfers
- Full board accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Driver allowances and park fees
- Entrance fees to the Apartheid Museum and the Soweto tour
- All mentioned activities (excluding optional experiences)
Price Excludes:
- South African Visa (where applicable)
- International and internal flights
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Optional activities
- Laundry services
- Travel insurance
- Beverages beyond provided water
- Tips for staff and guides
Itinary in details
- Day1Pick Up and Transfer to Kruger National Park
Your Southern African Safari begins with an 8:30 AM pickup from your Johannesburg or Pretoria accommodation or O.R. Tambo International Airport for the 380 km journey eastward to the legendary Kruger National Park, approximately a 4.5-hour drive. This first Southern African Safari Day includes a refreshment stop at Dullstroom, a charming highland town known locally as "Emanzimnyama" (Place of Dark Waters), where you can stretch your legs and enjoy the scenic landscapes. Your Southern African Safari adventure continues with hotel check-in at 1:30 PM before entering Kruger through Numbi Gate at 4:00 PM for a thrilling sunset game drive across the iconic savanna, returning to your lodge by 7:30 PM for a traditional South African dinner.
- Day2Game Drive in Kruger National Park
Wake before dawn on your Southern African Safari for a 4:00 AM departure on an early morning game drive through Kruger's southern section, known among locals as "Skukuza" territory, offering prime opportunities to spot nocturnal predators returning from their hunts. This highlight of your Southern African Safari grants you access to the park during the golden hour when wildlife is most active around watering holes and open plains. After breakfast and hotel checkout, your Southern African Safari journey continues westward back to Gauteng Province (approximately 380 km), passing through the spectacular Panorama Route with its breathtaking vistas before arriving at your Pretoria accommodation by 5:00 PM.
- Day3Johannesburg City Tour and Departure
The final day of your Southern African Safari explores Johannesburg, known locally as "Egoli" (Place of Gold), starting with an 8:00 AM visit to the powerful Apartheid Museum, where you'll spend approximately 2 hours learning about South Africa's complex political history. Your Southern African Safari experience continues with a midday tour of vibrant Soweto township, including the famous Vilakazi Street where both Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu once resided, located just 20 km southwest of central Johannesburg. Your memorable Southern African Safari concludes with an exploration of Johannesburg's urban landscape, visiting Constitution Hill and the vibrant Maboneng district before drop-off at your accommodation or O.R. Tambo International Airport by 5:00 PM.