4-Day Kruger National Park & Panorama Route Budget Tented Safari
Price
From USD 718 pps
Duration
Comfort Level
Budget (Lodge)
Departs From
Johannesburg, ZA
Ends At
Johannesburg, ZA
Affordable 4-day Kruger safari featuring expert-led Big Cat drives, Panorama Route landscapes, and mountain-view tented stays. Discover wild Africa without breaking the bank.
Tour Highlights
- Afternoon Game Drive in Greater Kruger Blue Canyon
- Full Day Game Drive in Kruger National Park
- Full Day Panorama Route Tour
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.
Enjoy four days of world class game viewing at a world class safari destination (Kruger National Park) without breaking the bank. You will spend your evenings in a glorious wildlife reserve a short distance outside the main park, and your day spotting animals on a game drive inside Kruger National Park itself. In the evenings, relax in your safari-tented room or the marvellous outdoors, enjoying delicious meals and stargazing under the African sky.
Game drives inside Kruger National Park will start from the Orpen Gate and will focus on / around the Satara area. Satara is regarded as one of the best game viewing areas in the park and is particularly noted for the big cats, with lion, leopard and cheetah recorded regularly. General game includes blue wildebeest, zebra, waterbuck, giraffe and the ubiquitous impala. Rhino, buffalo and elephant are also easily seen. While spotting the entire Big 5 is never guaranteed, you have a very good chance in this area.
Game drives conducted by our expert guides in open-sided game viewing vehicles in the Kruger National Park (Day 2), as well as the private Blue Canyon Reserve (Day 1).
You will also spend a full day exploring the picturesque wonders of the Panorama Route, close by. This is a popular excursion for guests visiting Kruger National Park to see landscapes and natural wonders providing ample photographic opportunities. If you are keen on more game drives, you can exchange this day for another full day game drive in Kruger National Park.
Our camp is located in the well-known Hoedspruit area, offering spectacular views of the northern Drakensberg Mountain range. The camp offers budget safari-tented rooms with comfortable double or twin beds (including all bedding), well-kept shared bathroom facilities, free Wi-Fi available in most areas of the camp and an on-site restaurant. Should you visit during the warm summer months, an outdoor pool is available for a refreshing swim.
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 4-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 Safari-Tented Room with en-suite bathroom and fan
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 Safari-Tented Room with en-suite bathroom and fan
Excluded: Lunch & Beverages
Day 3: Full Day Panorama Route Tour
Today you will go on a tour of the Panorama Route. (Note: you can swop this out for another full day game drive in Kruger National Park at no additional cost, please just let reception know the afternoon before)
We start off with a scrumptious full breakfast at the lodge at 07:00 AM. Thereafter, around 08:00 AM, you will be collected from the reception area. This full day excursion will be about 8 hours in duration. Be sure to dress in comfortable clothes and shoes as there will be some walking involved.
Scenic stops along the Panorama Route normally include (time & weather permitting):
- God’s Window
- The Pinnacle
- Bourke’s Luck Potholes
- Blyde River Canyon
- Wonderview
- Three Rondawels
- Graskop & Pilgrim’s Rest
- At least 1 of the following waterfalls: Lisbon Falls, Mac-Mac Falls, Lone creek Falls. (Depends on time of year and rainfall)
We will stop for lunch at about 12:00 PM at a local eatery, please note that lunch will be for your own account. After lunch, we will continue our Panorama Route excursion, and return to camp by about 16:00 PM.
You will have some free time to relax and freshen up before joining us for dinner around the fire served at 19:00 PM. You can retreat to your room afterwards or relax around the fire a while longer before going to bed.
Included: Breakfast, Full Day Panorama Route Tour, Entry Fees & Dinner
Accommodation: Double or Twin Safari-Tented Room with en-suite bathroom and fan
Excluded: All Other Meals & Beverages
Day 4: 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)
- 1 x full day Panorama Route Tour
- 3 nights’ glamping accommodation (ensuite bathroom).
- Meals as specified above
- Kruger National Park entry fees
- Panorama Route entry fees
- 3 x complementary glasses wine with dinner (1 per dinner).
Optional Activities on Last Day:
- 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 you 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 your 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.