5-Day Kruger National Park & Panorama Route Safari
Price
From USD 945 pps
Duration
Comfort Level
Budget (Lodge)
Departs From
Johannesburg, ZA
Ends At
Johannesburg, ZA
Come to life on this thrilling adventure, bringing inspiring destinations within reach and viewing Africa through the eyes as you immerse yourself in utterly unique wildlife.
Tour Highlights
- Afternoon Game Drive in Kruger National Park
- 2 Full Day Game Drives in Kruger National Park
- Full Day Panorama Tour
NOTE: This tour is available with accommodation in a standard lodge room (with en-suite bathroom) or safari-tented rooms (with en-suite bathroom). Departure is available daily, pending availability.
Join us for an exhilarating African getaway to a world-renowned safari paradise, teeming with diverse wildlife, captivating landscapes, and fascinating plant life. Your journey will be enriched with immersive, open 4×4 safari vehicles.
What you can expect on this tour:
Experience the iconic Big 5 of Kruger National Park on a shoestring with this 3-Day, 2-Night safari journey. On this authentic safari experience, you will enjoy one sunset/afternoon game drive on the first day of your tour, followed by an exhilarating full day guided game drive in the Kruger National Park. The accommodation for your stay is in a well-appointed, atmospheric lodge equipped with a peaceful deck/boma area and vibrant staff dedicated to enhancing your experience. This is our best-selling tour with a perfect balance of duration and price.
With guaranteed daily departure, you can join on any day whether a solo traveller or a larger group! Room availability applies.
Room Amenities
Available Room Types
Departure Type
Special Catering
Child Friendly
Day 1: Johannesburg to Kruger National Park & Afternoon Game Drive
This Kruger budget safari departs daily from Johannesburg OR Tambo airport. You need to be at the OR Tambo bus terminal by 06:30AM. We will send you full instructions when you book your safari. The shuttle departs no later than 07:00AM.
You travel East passing picturesque landscapes and farmlands on route to our lodge near Kruger. There will be two comfort stops along the way. You will also be able to buy snacks and refreshments and visit restrooms during these comfort stops. When arriving in Nelspruit (Mbombela) there will be a change-over to a different vehicle transporting you to our lodge, about an hour’s drive away. Expected time of arrival in Hazyview is around 12:30PM. You will be check-in by our friendly reception staff and shown to your accommodation.
After check-in you will have time relax and freshen up before boarding an open sided 4×4 game drive vehicle for an exciting afternoon game drive in Kruger National Park. The lodge is about 15 – 20 minutes’ drive from the Phabeni Kruger Gate.
After your safari game drive, you return to the lodge where you can unwind, have drinks on the deck at the bar and relax before dinner is served at 19:00PM in the restaurant area
Included: Transfer from Johannesburg, Afternoon Game Drive, Dinner
Excluded: All Other Meals (while in transit)
Day 2: Kruger National Park – Full Day Game Drive
This morning you, you need to wake up early and get ready for a full day out in the bush. You will enjoy coffee/tea and rusks before departing on full day of game viewing (approx 8 hours in total) in the Kruger National Park, entering at the Phabeni Gate. A Packed breakfast is included and will be served at a picnic area which is safe.
The Skukuza area of Kruger National Park is rich in wildlife and the elevated height of the 4×4 open sided vehicle makes for excellent viewing and photographic opportunities. You’ll enjoy lunch at one of the park’s restaurants (own account). After lunch we start the afternoon game drive in the Kruger National Park.
We will arrive back at the lodge at about 15:00PM, after which you will have some free time to relax and freshen up before joining us for dinner at the main restaurant at about 19:00PM.
You can retreat to your room afterwards, or relax on the deck at the bar a while longer before going to bed.
Included: Full Day Game Drive, Picnic-Style Breakfast, Dinner
Excluded: Lunch
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 07:00AM. At about 08:00AM, 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 include:
- 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 12:00PM 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 around by about 16:00PM.
You will have some free time to relax and freshen up before joining us for dinner at the main restaurant at about 19:00PM.
You can retreat to your room afterwards or relax on the deck at the bar a while longer before going to bed.
Included: Breakfast, Full Day Panorama Route Tour, Dinner
Excluded: Lunch
Day 4: Kruger National Park – Full Day Game Drive
This morning you, you need to wake up early and get ready for a full day out in the bush. You will enjoy coffee/tea and rusks before departing on full day of game viewing (approx 8 hours in total) in the Kruger National Park, entering at the Phabeni Gate. A Packed breakfast is included and will be served at a picnic area which is safe.
The Skukuza area of Kruger National Park is rich in wildlife and the elevated height of the 4×4 open sided vehicle makes for excellent viewing and photographic opportunities. You’ll enjoy lunch at one of the park’s restaurants (own account). After lunch we start the afternoon game drive in the Kruger National Park.
We will arrive back at the lodge at about 15:00PM, after which you will have some free time to relax and freshen up before joining us for dinner at the main restaurant at about 19:00PM.
You can retreat to your room afterwards or relax on the deck at the bar a while longer before going to bed.
Included: Full Day Game Drive, Picnic-Style Breakfast, Dinner
Excluded: Lunch
Day 5: Return to Johannesburg (Optional Morning Game Drive)
-
Optional Morning Game Drive @ approximately ZAR 1150.00 per person
Included in package
- Return transfer for Johannesburg (OR Tambo International Airport) to & from our lodge
- 1 x afternoon game drive
- 2 x full day game drive
- 1 x full day Panorama Route Tour
- 4 nights’ accommodation (Safari-Tented Room or Standard Lodge Room)
- Breakfast and dinner while checked in at the lodge
- Entry fees to Kruger National Park
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
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 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.