3-Day Kruger National Park Budget Tented Safari
Price
From USD 542 pps
Duration
Comfort Level
Budget (Lodge)
Departs From
Johannesburg, ZA
Ends At
Johannesburg, ZA
Tour Highlights
- Afternoon Game Drive in Greater Kruger Blue Canyon
- Full Day Game Drive in Kruger National Park
NOTE: This tour is available with accommodation in double or twin budget safari-tented rooms (with en-suite bathroom). Departure is available daily, pending availability.
Discover the best of South Africa’s premier wildlife destination on our most affordable 3-day budget safari. This high-value package combines the thrill of the Big 5 with comfortable, rustic accommodation, ensuring you experience the magic of the bush without exceeding your budget. Your journey includes expert-led game drives in open-sided vehicles through the private Blue Canyon Reserve and the iconic Satara region of Kruger National Park, an area world-renowned for its frequent sightings of lion, leopard, and cheetah.
Your base is a scenic camp located in the Hoedspruit area, offering breathtaking views of the northern Drakensberg Mountains. Between excursions, you can relax in budget-friendly safari tents, cool off in the outdoor pool, or stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi. Evenings are spent enjoying delicious meals and stargazing under the vast African sky, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the wilderness.
For those wanting to see even more, there is an option to add a guided tour of the stunning Panorama Route on your return journey to Johannesburg, pending availability. This safari is the perfect choice for travelers seeking an authentic, expertly guided wildlife experience that balances adventure, comfort, and exceptional value.
Room Amenities
Available Room Types
Departure Type
Special Catering
Child Friendly
Day 1: Johannesburg to Greater Kruger National Park & Afternoon Game Drive
Get ready for your 3-Day safari adventure! Departure will be from the OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg. Please arrive and be ready at the OR Tambo shuttle terminal by 06:30 AM. We will send you full instructions regarding your shuttle when you book your safari. The shuttle departs no later than 07:00 AM.
You will travel East, passing scenic landscapes and farmlands on route to our lodge just outside Hoedspruit near Kruger National Park. There will be some comfort stops along the way. You will also be able to buy snacks and refreshments and visit restrooms during these comfort stops. A brief switch over from the shuttle vehicle will happen at Kamogelo Centre near Hoedspruit, where our lodge driver will fetch you and transfer you to our camp, a mere 10 minute drive away. Expected time of arrival at camp is around 14:00 PM.
Upon arrival, you will be checked-in by our friendly reception staff and shown to your glamping accommodation. You will have some time to freshen up before boarding an open sided 4×4 game drive vehicle at about 15h00 for an exciting 3-hour afternoon game drive in Greater Kruger Blue Canyon Reserve.
After your safari game drive, you return to camp where you can unwind, have drinks around the fire and relax before dinner served at 19:00 PM in the boma area under the stars.
Be sure to have a good night’s rest as we embark on a full day game drive in Kruger National Park tomorrow morning.
Included: Transfer from Johannesburg, Sunset/Afternoon Game Drive, Park Entry Fees & Dinner
Accommodation: Double or Twin Budget Safari-Tented Room with shared bathroom facilities
Excluded: All Other Meals & Beverages
Day 2: Full Day Game Drive in Kruger National Park
Wake up to the magnificent sounds, and smell of fresh African air, ready to explore Kruger National Park on safari.
Today can proceed in two ways:
1. an early departure to Kruger National Park with a bush breakfast along the route and return to camp earlier, or..
2. have breakfast at the lodge first, departing and returning later.
The departure times will be communicated to you the night before as it will be decided according to the animal activity at the time (for optimal time spent in the park). Your game drive will last about 7 to 8 hours, during which you will venture deep into the Orpen-Satara area.
After spending the morning spotting animals on the game drive, we will stop for a lunch break at one of the park’s restaurants, where you can enjoy a snack or meal of your liking (for your own account). After lunch, we embark on the afternoon leg of the game drive in the Kruger National Park, slowly heading back towards the Orpen Gate for exit.
You will have some free time to relax and freshen up when we arrive back at camp. Join us for a delicious dinner around the fire at about 19:00 PM.
You can retreat to your room afterwards or relax around the fire a while longer before retiring to bed.
Included: Full Day Game Drive (Incl. Park Entry Fees), Bush Breakfast OR Cooked Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Double or Twin Budget Safari-Tented Room with shared bathroom facilities
Excluded:/ Lunch & Beverages
Day 3: Return to Johannesburg (Optional Activities in the morning)
This is the last day of your safari. You can enjoy a cooked breakfast, before departing for your transfer back to Johannesburg. Please discuss the specific time to be ready with your guide or reception the evening before.
You might still have time for one last activity before you leave, ending your trip on a high note. Add any of the below activities to the morning before your departure. Please book and pay directly at camp.
What is Included in package?
- Return transfer for Johannesburg (OR Tambo International Airport) to & from our Lodge.
- 1 x sunset/afternoon game drive (in Greater Kruger Blue Canyon)
- 1 x full day game drive (in Kruger National Park)
- 2 nights’ glamping accommodation (shared ablution).
- Meals as specified above
- Kruger National Park entry fees
- 2 x complementary glasses wine with dinner (1 per dinner).
Optional:
- 1-hour bushwalk before breakfast (subject to availability) – ZAR 350.00 per person sharing.
- 1-hour ATV quad bike safari – ZAR 1250.00 per person.
- 3-hour sunrise game drive in Blue Canyon, Greater Kruger – ZAR 1250.00 per person sharing (minimum 1 pax).
What is Excluded from package?
- All flights and visa costs
- Travel insurance (proof of comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for this tour)
- Lunch (you will not be at the lodge, therefore for your own account)
- Items of a personal nature
- Drinks and beverages – for your own account. (note: coffee, tea and juice are offered with breakfast)
- Tips and gratuities to staff – this is entirely optional and up to your own discretion.
- Activities not specified in the itinerary.
Option 1 – Boarding directly from the Airport:
To keep the cost of this tour so affordable, all our shuttles only depart from OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg. This is well suited to most guests, who arrive on a flight at the airport and then just go to the shuttle terminal. You will be provided with specific notes on boarding the shuttle once you have booked this tour.
FAQ – Do you offer hotel pickups or drop-offs with this option?
No. To keep the cost of the package as low as possible, we make use of the scheduled shuttle which only departs from, and arrives back at, OR Tambo International Airport. We strongly suggest making use of the Uber service, which is safe, very dependable, and affordable in Johannesburg OR arranging a shuttle with your accommodation the night before. We strongly advise against making use of unknown public transport or using minibus taxis.
Option 2 – Custom / Private Shuttle from Johannesburg:
A more convenient option to suit your specific schedule but quoted at additional cost. We can arrange a private shuttle for pickup directly at your hotel. Be advised the private shuttle transfers to Kruger National Park can be quite expensive.
What is the cost of a custom / private shuttle?
A fully private shuttle is normally charged per vehicle (not per person) and ranges from ZAR 6500.00 upwards, depending on the vehicle type.
Option 3 – Flying to Hoedspruit International Airport and taking a shuttle to the lodge:
While this is a more expensive option (still cheaper than a private transfer from Johannesburg), it is by far the quickest option to get to Kruger National Park (or back to Johannesburg) which allows you maximum time to spend in the bush. Speak to us if you are considering this option, for us to advise the most suitable flight arrival and departure times.
Option 4 – Arriving by self-drive:
Every now and then, we get enquiries by guests wanting to arrive by self-drive. While this is certainly possible, please note that it will be your own responsibility to arrive on time to not negatively affect the times stipulated in the standard tour itinerary. Arriving late, getting lost etc will result in a forfeit of activities not join on time. Please note that some lodges are only accessible for rough gravel roads, requiring a high clearance vehicle (full 4×4 not necessary).
FAQ – What happens if I have a question on the day my tour starts, or cannot find my transport?
For urgent problems and delays – please give us a call / WhatsApp message on the phone number provided before your departure date. A dedicated booking consultant will always be available to assist.
Malaria Information
Kruger National Park is a low-risk malaria area, with mosquito activity more prevalent in the warmer summer months. While the negative effects of malaria medication can potentially affect your safari experience, we still encourage you to speak to your doctor or medical professional for authorized medical advice on the matter.
Proper precautions and measures can however go a very long way, including:
- A proper mosquito repellant – the easiest is in a spray form (e.g. Peaceful Sleep or Tabard)
- A room mosquito spray (e.g. Peaceful Sleep or Doom) to keep the room mosquito free
- Wearing light trousers and long sleeve shirts in the early morning or evening
- Keeping you room / tent door closed to keep bugs outside.
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Disclaimer, Booking Terms & Conditions
- Availability & Pricing: All packages are subject to availability at the time of booking. Rates are indicative, based on current Rate of Exchange (ROE), and are only finalised upon receipt of a formal quote and at least a deposit payment (if a deposit is applicable).
- Provisional Bookings: Can be held for a maximum of 48 hours and will be automatically released if not confirmed with a deposit.
- Intermediary Role: For certain packages, or parts of packages, Mzansi Experience acts as an agent or intermediary only. All bookings are subject to the specific Terms & Conditions of the third-party service providers (airlines, hotels, and operators). This will be advised as part of each quote.
- Responsibility: It is the traveller’s sole responsibility to ensure all passports, visas, and health documents are valid for the duration of the trip.
- Insurance: We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance to cover cancellations, medical emergencies, or baggage loss. While we cannot strictly enforce it, we view it as absolutely mandatory for an international trip.
- Liability: Mzansi Experience shall not be held liable for any injury, loss, delay, or damage caused by third-party suppliers or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control (Force Majeure).
Please read our complete Terms & Conditions for further information.