5-Day Kruger National Park Deluxe Safari
Price
From USD 1372 pps
Duration
Comfort Level
Upmarket (3-4 Star)
Departs From
Johannesburg, ZA
Ends At
Johannesburg, ZA
Join the Mzansi Experience for a 5-day safari. 4-star lodging, riverfront views, and unforgettable wildlife encounters in the heart of the southern Kruger region.
Tour Highlights
- Full Day Game Drive in Kruger National Park
- Morning Game Drive in Kruger National Park
- Evening Game Drive with Bush Dinner in Kruger National Park
- Full Day Panorama Route Tour
Nestled within the 3000-hectare Marloth Park conservancy, your 4-star lodge offers well-appointed, air-conditioned en-suite rooms, a two-level swimming pool for those balmy summer days, and a welcoming boma to gather around during crisp winter nights. Here, the game viewing truly never stops; iconic wildlife such as zebra, giraffe, kudu, and warthog roam freely past your deck. While the conservancy is generally free of large predators, lions or leopards occasionally breach the fence from the neighbouring Kruger National Park at night before naturally retreating to their home territory.
Between scheduled activities, you can explore designated walking trails for an intimate bushveld encounter or enjoy world-class birdwatching, with over 300 species calling this area home. The highlight of your stay is the exhilarating game drives into the southern Kruger National Park. Conducted in open safari vehicles by expert guides, these three- to four-hour excursions offer prime opportunities to spot the Big Five while learning about the park’s fascinating ecosystems, diverse habitats, and vital conservation efforts.
The southern region is renowned for its dense wildlife populations and stunning landscapes, ranging from vast plains to the winding Crocodile River. Whether you are spotting wildlife from the lodge deck with a beverage in hand or traversing the rugged safari trails, this experience promises a pristine celebration of the African bush.
Room Amenities
Available Room Types
Departure Type
Special Catering
Child Friendly
Day 1: Transfer to Kruger National Park
Your transfer will depart the airport at 12:00 PM strictly, with an estimated arrival time at the lodge around 18:00 PM to 18:30 PM – just in time to check in before a scrumptious dinner is served.
You will meet us at the Shuttle Terminal at OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) for your transfer. Please be ready and waiting from 11:45 AM. Detailed instructions and confirmation numbers for the shuttle will be provided after your booking has been processed. As you are transported towards Marloth Park, you will enjoy convenience stops along the way and observe a gradual change in surrounding landscape while travelling from South Africa’s Highveld to Lowveld region.
The friendly staff with check you in and show you to your room. After a brief freshening up, you can join us for a delicious dinner at the dining area or deck. You will have the opportunity to get more information about the area, and your itinerary from the manager on duty.
There is a cash bar available for beverages and alcoholic drinks.
After dinner, you can relax on the deck or retire to your room for the night. We recommend getting a good night’s rest as an early morning rise is required for your thrilling full day game drive tomorrow.
Accommodation: Well-appointed Lodge Room, with en-suite bathroom
Included: Transfer from Johannesburg & Dinner
Excluded: All Other Meals & Beverages
Day 2: Full Day Game Drive in Kruger National Park
Wake up early morning and prepare to embark towards Kruger National Park for your full day game drive. We typically depart the lodge at 05:00 AM – with an estimated arrival just as the Kruger gates open to visitors. The drive through Marloth Park, and towards the Crocodile Bridge Gate of Kruger National Park will be about 30 mins in total. Please note the game drive vehicle might also collect other guests along the way to join on the game drive. A packed breakfast will be provided as you leave the lodge, to enjoy in the park while on your safari.
We will enter Kruger National Park between 05:30 AM and 06:00 AM. The southern section of Kruger National Park is notorious for wildlife sightings almost right into the gate, and a favourite area for herds of elephants to graze close by the river. The game drive will continue throughout the Park, with stops at nearby rest camps and picnic areas positioned along the way. This will be your opportunity to take advantage of the restrooms, giftshops, or convenience stores and enjoy a leg stretch.
Lunch can be enjoyed at one of the restaurants located within the spacious rest camps, which will be for your own account. Your guide will allow enough time for you to enjoy a quick meal, before getting back onto the game drive vehicle to continue your safari adventure.
The game drive will conclude around about 15:00 PM, after which we exit the Crocodile Bridge Gate and head back to the lodge in Marloth Park. You should arrive back at the lodge latest 16:00 PM.
You’ll have the opportunity to unwind and rejuvenate on the deck or explore the nearby bird hide for birdwatching during your free time.
Dinner is served at 19:00 PM on the deck or dining area.
After dinner, you can choose to retire underneath the starlit sky, lending your ear to surrounding nocturnal sounds, or retreat to the comfort of your room for a good night’s rest.
Accommodation: Well-appointed lodge room, with en-suite bathroom
Included: Full Day Game Drive in Kruger National Park, Packed Breakfast, Dinner
Excluded: All Other Meals, Lunch & Beverages
Day 3: Full Day Panorama-route Tour
This morning requires an early morning rise to embark on your full day Panorama Route excursion, leaving the lodge at around about 06:15 AM (please remember to wear comfortable walking shoes as there will be some short walking/hiking involved to each viewpoint). A packed breakfast will be provided for you to enjoy on your way to the main attractions. Please note that the panorama route requires approximately an hour’s drive to reach the main attractions. Throughout the journey, your qualified and knowledgeable guide/driver will share captivating information about the main attractions while guiding you to the most breath-taking viewpoints along the way.
A full day panorama excursion includes the following destinations:
– Three Rondawels
– God’s Window
– Pinnacle Rock
– Bourke’s Luck Potholes
– At least two of the following waterfalls: Mac Falls, Lisbon Falls, Berlin Falls
– Graskop (if enough time then a visit to Graskop Gorge can be included as an additional option)
Note that if weather conditions are not optimal, some of these destinations will not be open to visitors for safety reasons (e.g., rain making pathways slippery).
Just after noon we will stop at one of the characteristics and well-known eateries positioned along the way in a vibrant town. Please note that a light lunch in included and additional items (e.g., beverages), it will be for your own account.
We will continue our panorama route excursion after lunch, returning towards Marloth Park at about 15:30 PM. Your estimated arrival time at the lodge is just after 17:00PM.
Upon arrival, you will have some leisure time to freshen up after the exciting day, enjoy a drink on the deck or relax in your room.
Dinner will be served at the dining area around 19:00PM.
After dinner, you can relax on the deck or retire to your room for a well-deserved rest. Tomorrow we will get up early for an exciting early morning game drive in Kruger National Park.
Accommodation: Well-appointed lodge room, with en-suite bathroom
Included: Packed breakfast, Light Lunch, Dinner, Full-Day Panorama Route Excursion
Excluded: Dinks & beverages
Day 4: Morning Game Drive, Sunset/Evening Game Drive with Bush Dinner in Kruger National Park
In the morning, you’ll wake up early and get ready for an exhilarating early game drive in the Kruger National Park. You will depart the lodge around 05:00 AM in the morning.
You’ll be given a packed breakfast to enjoy during your game drive in the Kruger National Park, which will take approximately 30 minutes to reach after departing Marloth Park to Crocodile Bridge Gate. Please be aware that the game drive vehicle may also pick up additional guests along the way.
We will enter Kruger National Park between 05:30 AM and 06:00 AM. The southern section of Kruger National Park is notorious for animal sightings right as you enter the gate, and a favourite area for herds of elephants to graze close by the river. The game drive will continue throughout the park, with stops at the rest camps and picnic areas positioned along the way.
We will exit the park at Crocodile Bridge Gate by about 11:00AM and head back to the lodge in Marloth Park.
You will have free time to refresh, relax on the deck (or cool down in the pool during summer), walk some of the river trails in the conservancy or visit the nearby bird hide for some birdwatching. Please take care to have proper sunscreen applied while being outdoors and staying hydrated.
A light lunch will be served – please discuss this with the lodge reception which time you prefer your meal.
This afternoon at 15:30 PM, we will depart on one of the highlights of this safari package. Please ensure to wear long sleeved clothing and take a warm jacket with for later, as it can become cold during evening drives. We will head towards the Crocodile Bridge Gate to start our sunset and evening game drive safari in Kruger National Park, followed by a traditional bush dinner inside the park itself.
The alure of this particular game drive is to see the animals active during the day coming to rest, while the nocturnal animals start to emerge. Wildlife during sunset safari game drives are known to be highly active as it is a prime grazing time for animals after the day’s heat has subsided.
After sunset there will be spotlights on the safari vehicle (or handed to the guests) to light up the surrounding bushveld as we drive on the meandering roads to try and catch sight of passing animals. Your guide will provide fascinating insights and information about the spotted animals.
We will reach the fenced-off open air dining area by about 19:30 PM, where you will be welcomed by the friendly staff and showed to the designated seating area next to a crackling boma fire. Drinks will be offered for refreshment before dinner. There are also bathroom facilities onsite.
Once all guests are ready to join, a buffet-style dinner with unique South-African dishes will be served. Guests will join the intimately lit dinner table to discuss the animal sightings and interesting stories from the guides during dinner. After the main course, guests can relax next to the open fire or dinner table, after which delicious desserts will be served.
After dessert we will get ready to embark on a short, but sweet, game drive towards the Crocodile Bridge Gate exit – hopefully catching glimpse of the resident lion pride soaking up the heat from the tar road.
Expected arrival back at the lodge is about 22:00 PM.
Accommodation: Well-appointed lodge room, with en-suite bathroom
Included: Packed Breakfast, Light Lunch, Guided Morning Game Drive, Sunset Game Drive & Bush Dinner
Excluded: All Other Meals & Beverages
Day 5: Return Transfer to Johannesburg
This morning, you need to be up and ready for the shuttle to collect you from the lodge at about 05:15 AM, for your return transfer to Johannesburg. A snack pack will be provided for the road with bottled water or juice.
Convenience stops will be made along the way where you can utilize restrooms or stretch your legs. Your expected arrival time in Johannesburg at OR Tambo International Airport will be about 12:00 PM.
This is the end of your tour.
Included in package:
- Return transfers from Johannesburg / Marloth Park
- 1 x Full Day Game Drive in Kruger National Park
- 1 x Morning Game Drive in Kruger National Park
- 1 x Sunset / Evening Game Drive & Bush Dinner
- 1 x Full Day Panorama Route Tour
- 4-Nights accommodation in an upmarket safari lodge room with en-suite bathroom and air-conditioning / heating
- All meals stated as included.
Excluded from package:
- All flights (local, international), visas and other entry requirements
- Travel insurance
- Items of a personal nature
- Drinks and Beverages
- Meals stated as excluded.
- Tips and gratuities (optional)
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 an alternative pick-up time (from available options) to depart from OR Tambo International Airport, or 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?
Taking an alternative (scheduled) shuttle will cost about ZAR 800.00 additionally per person (one way only). 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 Kruger Mpumalanga 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. It is a one-hour flight vs. 5 or 6 hours by road transfer. 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.
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.