Safari

Johannesburg/Cape Town to Kruger National Park

From guided safaris to canoeing trips and more! The Mpumalanga area, where the famous Kruger National Park is situated is, know as the "place of the rising sun" - where wildlife viewing is at its best!

Most visitors to Kruger start their safaris by traveling 400 kms west of Johannesburg before they embark on a tour that includes stops at all major location within the park including hiking trails - with panoramic views along the way - for those looking for an adventure as an add on to their safari!

The African bush is well within striking distance of Johannesburg - an easy road trip (rougly 4.5 hours) for those that are inclined towards a self-drive safari. Of course, there are many flight options to get you there whether you are coming from Johannesburg or Cape Town.

Kruger park consists of private reserves (like Sabi Sand area) which offers their guests exclusive access to private concessions where the general public aren't able to get to when they self-drive. Yet there are plenty of rest camps for you to chose from for the more experienced self drive safari enthusiasts.

To explain the difference between going on a safari in one of Kruger's Private Game Reserves vs. a Self-drive:While staying within a private reserve ... You would be taken by the safari lodge or camp's Guide on an open safari vehicle for your game drives. Typically you experience morning game drives and late afternoon/early night drives. Depending on the lodge, they may offer bush walks/guided walks which offers a completely different perspective when it comes to animal sightings.

Seeing wild animals on foot, immerses you into a wider scope of what is happening around you. From the warning sound of the birdlife, various antelope will pick up the signal and warn their own kind that you are approaching.

When you visit Kruger, you have everything at your 'finger tips' from a multitude of safari lodges that offer luxury accommodation. There are many tented camp options for you to choose from that embrace that old world charm. While on a self-drive safari and staying in rest camps you are not allowed to go on an evening game drive as the rules state you must be in your camp by sundown. As a matter of fact, as a self-drive, you would be required to stay in your vehicle at all times while out on a game drive.

It is highly recommended that you are accompanied by a certified Guide or, by someone who has an immense knowledge of the African bush and about wildlife in order to make the most of your safari experience.

The Big 5 known to include: elephant, rhino, leopard, buffalo and lion who roam the vast plains of Kruger National Park. A huge variety of other mammals also call the Kruger park their home, while hundreds of bird species soar overhead.

Below we look at some of the top Kruger National Park Safaris.

Three Day Kruger National Park Budget Safari in South Africa

Your safari begins in Johannesburg and includes a two night stay at a Kruger Lodge, situated on the border of the Kruger National Park which is second largest game park in Southern Africa. Explore Kruger's offerings, including Big Five sightings! This safari caters for those who are not fussed about the frills of a luxury safari but still would like to enjoy the magic of the Kruger National Park.

Enjoy amazing open vehicle game drives escorted by a professional guide! With 98 percent success rate on viewing the big five, this is your chance at an unforgettable adventure in South Africa. Breakfasts and dinners are included. 2 nights accommodation is included. Johannesburg inclusive transfers are included. Learn more about pricing and booking this safari

Four day Kruger National Park Budget Safari

Find your safari experience with this 4-day private tour of the famous Kruger Park. During this magical experience you’ll venture into the African bush on open safari vehicles for your game drives (including a unique sunset game drive) with a professional Kruger guide

There will be ample opportunity to see African wildlife (possibly all of the Big Five) including the (lesser known) Little Five as you drive around in a 4×4 safari vehicle through varied terrain. Included are your breakfasts and dinners, transfers from and to Johannesburg. See the program here.

Compact Kruger National Park Safari

If you’re looking for a unique safari experience, then look no further. This is the perfect opportunity to see some of South Africa’s most fascinating wildlife at close range at an affordable rate. The fully equipped tented accommodation will enhance your safari experience while giving you the opportunity to be one with nature and African wildlife. Game drives are offered in the morning and late afternoon so that guests can enjoy both day and night life in Kruger National Park home to incredible game viewing!

Have a look at the overview of this safari here.

Mpumalanga Panorama Route and Kruger National Park Safari

The Mpumalanga Panorama Route is a scenic drive that takes visitors through the heart of South Africa's most iconic landscape. Visitors will enjoy spectacular scenery and be able to see animals in their natural habitat as well as stay in comfortable accommodation (close to the Blyde river canyon and Letaba or Satara rest camp) when nighttime comes. This route includes game drives with the chance to see the Big Five (elephant, rhinoceros, lion, leopard and buffalo). These tours are perfect for those who want an African safari experience without all of the hassle! With affordable prices, this tour is sure to please any traveler looking for an unforgettable experience in Africa.

Learn more about the Panorama route safari tour.

Luxury Panorama and Kruger National Park Safari Tour

The wildlife experience is the best of South Africa. Spend four days in breathtaking scenery, and enjoy game drives to see the Big Five. Enjoy a scenic panorama route tour that will mesmerize you with its beauty.

Pack your bag and start your adventure!

This tour offers an excellent opportunity for travelers who want to explore the African wilderness by vehicle (and one game boat ride) while staying in luxury accommodations. You'll have ample time to visit a minimal impact safari lodge as well as the great Kruger National Park where you can spot animals from afar.

Airport transfers from Johannesburg are included. The first night accommodation is at the Forever Blyde Canyon resort and the 2nd and 3rd night at the Rhino post Safari for an authentic bush experience.

Learn more about this Luxury safari tour.

Join a Classic Luxury Safari in Kruger National Park

Do you want to experience the African safari of your dreams? Then join Classic Kruger Park Safari. On this safari, you will journey through the famous Kruger Park led by a professional guide. This safari will focus on maximum safari drives in excellent game viewing areas of the famous Kruger National Park, including early morning, mid-morning, afternoon, and evening drives.

Experienced guides are ready to share their knowledge with you about all aspects of wildlife: from observing animal behaviour to photographic techniques that can be used for capturing African wildlife in their natural environment. Airport transfers, daily breakfast and dinners are included.

Learn more about this Classic safari.

5 Days Exclusive Kruger National Park and Private Game Reserve Safari in South Africa

Experience the African bushveld with a taste of luxury. This safari includes 2 nights at a luxury lodge within a private game reserve and is ideal for people who want to experience an authentic African safari without sacrificing their creature comforts.

With golden sunsets, memorable game viewing and the serene sounds of the South African bush, this adventure will leave you feeling fulfilled. You can enjoy your stay knowing that you're in good hands with a dedicated team to ensure everything goes smoothly and, professional guides.

This tour starts and ends in Hazyview however, airport transfers can be arranged on request. Or, you could hire a vehicle at the airport.This tour is highly rated and deserves to be on this list.

Learn more about this exclusive Safari.

Animal Checklist

Kruger National Park - The Big Five

• Elephant
• Buffalo
• Lion
• Leopard
• Rhinos (both Black Rhino and White Rhino)

Kruger National Park - Mammal Checklist

While this list is not complete, it certainly gives you an idea of what kind of wildlife viewing is to be had in Kruger Park

• Hippo
• Giraffe
• Spotted Hyenas
• Burchells Zebra
• Wild dog
• Cheetah
• Bat-Eared Fox
• Banded Mongoose
• Dwarf Mongoose
• Slender Mongoose
• Black Backed Jackal
• Side Striped Jackal
• Warthog
• Bush Pig
• Cape Hare
• Chacma Baboon
• Vervet Monkey
• Civet
• Large Spotted Genet
• Small Spotted Genet
• Honey Badger
• Porcupine
• Pangolin
• Caracal
• Bush Baby

21 Antelope species in Kruger Park

• Kudu
• Eland
• Sable Antelope
• Roan Antelope
• Waterbuck
• Impala
• Nyala
• Bushbuck
• Lichtenstein's Hartebeest
• Common Duiker
• Red Duiker
• Steenbok
• Sharpe's Grysbok
• Klipspringer
• Common Reedbuck
• Mountain Reedbuck
• Blue Wildebeest
• Tsessebe
• Suni
• Oribi
• Grey Rhebuck

Kruger national park Birdlife

There are hundreds of birds that come through the National Park which makes for excellent birding opportunities! Here is a very condensed list of the birds that can be seen in Kruger Park.

• Kori Bustard
• Secretary Bird
• Martial Eagle
• Lappetfaced Vulture
• Hooded Vulture
• Pel's Fishing Owl
• Saddle-billed Stork
• Marabou Stork
• Southern Ground Hornbill
• Yellow Billed Hornbill
• Common Ostrich
• Grey Heron
• Greenbacked Heron
• Little Egret
• Cattle Egret
• Hamerkop
• Hadeda Ibis
• Egyptian Goose
• African Pygmy Goose
• Grey Go Away Bird
• Giant Kingfisher
• Pied Kingfisher
• Lilac Breasted Roller
• Glossy Starling
• Southern Masked Weaver
• Darkcapped Bulbul
• African Paradise Flycatcher