This 5 Days Kruger Southern Africa Safari and Panorama Route offers 5 days in the province of Mpumalanga. On this 5 day we extend the tour to the most travelled Panorama Route, a lovely scenic drive along the Drakensberg escarpment. Our accommodation choice is a combination of both mid-range and Luxury ones. A true getaway to the natural gem of Mpumalanga Province. Free transfers from Johannesburg and return.
Your Southern Africa safari experience begins in the world-renowned Kruger National Park, where skilled guides navigate you through diverse ecosystems teeming with wildlife. The adventure continues with an authentic cultural immersion at Matsamo Cultural Village before ascending the dramatic Drakensberg escarpment to witness some of Africa's most spectacular panoramic vistas.
This comprehensive Southern Africa safari offers the perfect balance of wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and natural wonders. From the moment you depart Johannesburg until your return, every detail has been meticulously planned to ensure maximum comfort and unforgettable memories of South Africa's most treasured landscapes.
Open-vehicle sunset game drive in Kruger National Park's southern section
Full-day safari in Kruger National Park searching for the Big Five
Authentic cultural experience at Matsamo Cultural Village
Private game drive through Kruger's diverse habitats
Panoramic views from God's Window and Blyde River Canyon
Exploration of the magnificent Bourke's Luck Potholes
Scenic drive along the Drakensberg escarpment
Comfortable accommodations throughout the journey
Your Southern Africa safari begins with an early morning departure from Johannesburg, traveling approximately 400km (4-5 hours) eastward to the iconic Kruger National Park. During this Southern Africa safari transfer, your knowledgeable guide will share insights about the region's history and wildlife as you traverse the scenic Mpumalanga province. Your Southern Africa safari experience continues with check-in at your lodge near Crocodile Bridge Gate, followed by an exhilarating sunset game drive in an open safari vehicle through the wildlife-rich southern section of Kruger.
Today, your Southern Africa safari adventure intensifies with a full-day immersion in the wilderness of Kruger National Park, locally known as "Skukuza" by the Tsonga people. Your Southern Africa safari guide will expertly navigate the park's network of roads, covering approximately 150-200km over nine hours in search of lions, elephants, rhinos, and other iconic wildlife. The Southern Africa safari experience includes a refreshing lunch break at one of the park's rest camps, such as Lower Sabie or Skukuza, before continuing your afternoon exploration and returning to your lodge for a relaxing dinner.
Your Southern Africa safari journey takes a cultural turn as you travel 100km (approximately 1.5 hours) to Matsamo Cultural Village near the Jeppes Reef border post. The Southern Africa safari experience is enriched by this authentic encounter with Swazi traditions, where local guides share ancestral knowledge through stories, demonstrations, and vibrant dance performances. After lunch, your Southern Africa safari continues with a private game drive through central Kruger as you travel northward to your new accommodation near Paul Kruger Gate, perfectly positioned for tomorrow's exploration of the Panorama Route.
Today's Southern Africa safari excursion ventures beyond wildlife into the dramatic landscapes of the Panorama Route, where the Great Escarpment rises 1,000 meters above the lowveld. Your Southern Africa safari guide will drive you along the 29km winding road to spectacular viewpoints including God's Window (Dientjie Uitsig), the 92-meter Lisbon Falls, and the fascinating geological formations of Bourke's Luck Potholes. The Southern Africa safari experience culminates with the breathtaking vistas of Blyde River Canyon and the iconic Three Rondavels (Drie Rondawels), before returning to your lodge after this full 8-hour day of exploration.
The final day of your Southern Africa safari begins with a leisurely breakfast at your lodge, providing time to reflect on the remarkable wildlife and landscapes experienced during your journey. Your Southern Africa safari concludes with a comfortable 400km (4-5 hour) drive back to Johannesburg, passing through the highveld grasslands. Your Southern Africa safari guide will ensure a smooth transfer directly to your Johannesburg hotel or O.R. Tambo International Airport, bringing your adventure through South Africa's wild treasures to a memorable close.