5 Days Kruger National Park Safari and Panorama Route Tour
Our 5 Days Kruger National Park Safari and Panorama Route Tour takes you to Kruger National Park safari in one of our open safari vehicles for the ultimate safari feel before spending 2 nights in a luxury lodge within a private game reserve. This package includes 2 nights in a private villa on a wildlife estate in Hazyview, 2 nights at a luxury lodge in Balule Private Nature Reserve, a Panorama highlights tour, road transfers from Johannesburg via shuttle and all relevant entrance and conservation fees.
Your Kruger National Park Safari experience begins with an elephant encounter near Hazyview before venturing into the world-renowned Kruger National Park, home to an astonishing variety of wildlife, including 147 mammal species and over 500 bird species. From the open safari vehicles, you'll explore the park's diverse habitats, ranging from riverine forests to open savannah, maximizing your chances of witnessing unforgettable wildlife interactions.
The journey continues as your Kruger National Park Safari expands to include the stunning Panorama Route with visits to natural wonders like the Blyde River Canyon (Motlatse Canyon) and God's Window, before culminating in a luxurious private game reserve experience. Here, twice-daily game drives, optional bush walks, and evenings under African skies create the perfect finale to your South African wildlife adventure.
Tour highlights
Close encounter with African elephants in their sanctuary near Hazyview
Full-day open vehicle safari in Kruger National Park with expert guide
Scenic tour along the spectacular Panorama Route and Blyde River Canyon
Luxury private game reserve experience with twice-daily safaris
Opportunities to spot the Big Five and other iconic African wildlife
Sundowner drinks in the heart of the African bushveld
Night game drives in the private reserve
Optional guided bush walks with experienced rangers
Price Includes:
- Kruger National Park entrance fees and conservation levies
- All scheduled activities as mentioned in the itinerary
- Ground transport in custom 4x4 safari vehicles
- Bottled water during game drives and transfers
- Full board accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Professional English-speaking field guides and driver
- Driver allowances and park fees
- Elephant interaction experience
- 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 the provided water
- Tips for staff and guides
Itinary in details
- Day1JHB Transfer to Hazyview and Optional Activities
Your Kruger National Park Safari begins with an early morning departure from O.R. Tambo International Airport at 06:45, embarking on a 400km journey eastward that takes approximately 4-5 hours to Hazyview, the gateway to your Kruger National Park Safari adventure. This first day of your Kruger National Park Safari includes check-in at your charming guesthouse, The Zarafa, nestled in the lush subtropical climate of Mpumalanga Province, followed by an unforgettable hour-long elephant interaction at Elephant Whispers sanctuary just 10 minutes from your accommodation. Your Kruger National Park Safari experience continues into the evening with a delicious welcome dinner prepared by The Zarafa's skilled culinary team, featuring local ingredients and South African flavors.
- Day2Kruger National Park Safari
Day two marks the highlight of your Kruger National Park Safari as you depart before sunrise (around 05:00) in an open safari vehicle for a full-day exploration of South Africa's flagship conservation area, covering approximately 150-200km within the 2-million-hectare wilderness. Your Kruger National Park Safari guide will showcase the diverse landscapes from Numbi Gate through central Kruger's Skukuza region (Nkuhlu) to the open plains near Satara, maximizing wildlife viewing opportunities across different habitats. The immersive Kruger National Park Safari experience includes stops at scenic picnic sites like Afsaal or Nkuhlu for your packed breakfast, plus a lunch break at one of the iconic rest camps such as Lower Sabie or Skukuza, before returning to your Hazyview accommodation by 15:30 for relaxation and another memorable dinner.
- Day3Transfer to Luxury Lodge via the Panorama Route
After breakfast, your Kruger National Park Safari journey continues with a scenic transfer of approximately 250km (4-5 hours) along the famous Panorama Route, featuring spectacular viewpoints of the 26 km-long Blyde River Canyon (Motlatse Canyon). This fascinating day of your Kruger National Park Safari includes stops at iconic landmarks, including God's Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes, and the Three Rondavels (Magaboleng), where you'll witness some of South Africa's most dramatic landscapes formed over millions of years. Your Kruger National Park Safari experience elevates as you arrive at your luxury private game reserve near Hoedspruit or Timbavati region by midday, where you'll enjoy lunch before embarking on your first afternoon game drive culminating in traditional sundowners (sundackers) at a scenic location as the African sun sets over the bushveld.
- Day4Private Game Reserve Experience
Immerse yourself fully in your Kruger National Park Safari with a comprehensive day in a private concession adjacent to the greater Kruger ecosystem, where unfenced boundaries allow free wildlife movement across the 65,000-hectare conservancy. Your Kruger National Park Safari day begins with an early wake-up call at 05:00 for coffee before departing on a morning game drive through areas like Klaserie or Timbavati, returning for a leisurely brunch around 09:15. The exclusive Kruger National Park Safari experience continues with optional bush walks in the late morning and a light lunch before your 16:00 afternoon safari extends into a thrilling night drive, offering rare sightings of nocturnal creatures like aardvark or African civet before returning to camp around 19:30 for a memorable dinner under the stars at your luxury lodge.
- Day5Morning Safari and Transfer to OR Tambo International Airport
The final day of your Kruger National Park Safari begins with one last opportunity to connect with Africa's wildlife during an early morning game drive departing at 05:30, exploring the private reserve's hidden corners for approximately 3 hours. Your Kruger National Park Safari concludes with a farewell breakfast before commencing the return journey of roughly 450km (5-6 hours) westward to Johannesburg. This Kruger National Park Safari farewell includes scenic views of the Drakensberg escarpment as you descend from the Lowveld plateau through Dullstroom and the highveld grasslands, before reaching O.R. Tambo International Airport in the afternoon, carrying memories of South Africa's remarkable wildlife and landscapes.