Day 1: Johannesburg to Kruger National Park – South Africa

This 5-day South African Safari begins when we depart from Johannesburg this morning. Leaving Joburg we head for the renowned Kruger National Park spanning the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa. Hailed as South Africa’s premier safari destination, Kruger National Park is one of the world’s last vast protected wilderness areas. Covering nearly 2 million hectares, Kruger National Park is a testament to Africa’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Our journey from Johannesburg to our accommodation at a safari lodge in Skukuza, located in southern Kruger National Park is about 465 km. We stop for lunch at your own expense en route and continue our journey to our safari lodge in the afternoon game viewing en route. Kruger National Park is famous for the iconic African Big 5 (lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos), and boasts an incredible biodiversity with 336 tree species, 49 fish species, 34 amphibian species, 116 reptile species, 507 bird species, and 147 mammal species. We arrive at the safari lodge in the late afternoon and savour a delightful dinner at the lodge restaurant. Enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep, waking ready for our first full day on safari in Kruger National Park tomorrow.

• Meal included: Dinner
• Accommodation: Safari Lodge at Skukuza in Kruger National Park
• Activity included: Afternoon Game Drive from a Kruger National Park gate to Skukuza rest camp
• Travel: 465 km

Day 2: Kruger National Park Safari – South Africa

Today we embark on an exhilarating full-day Kruger National Park safari in South Africa. Get ready to explore Kruger aboard an open safari vehicle guided by expert rangers. We begin the day early with a serene sunrise coffee and fresh rusks, a beloved South African biscuit dunked in tea or coffee, before setting off on our thrilling Kruger safari adventure. You will receive a breakfast pack to enjoy at a scenic picnic spot within the park, where we stop for breakfast.

We venture into the wilderness with heightened awareness, keeping our eyes peeled for the famed Big 5 of Africa while marvelling at the diverse wildlife and birdlife on our Kruger Park game drive. We may catch glimpses of graceful giraffes among the thorny trees and spot vultures circling over recent animal activity, as we listen for the haunting call of the African Fish Eagle or the powerful roar of a lion echoing through the landscape on our Kruger National Park safari.

At midday we stop for a peaceful lunch break (own expense) at a picturesque picnic spot, surrounded by the untamed beauty of Kruger Park. Relax and absorb the unique ambience of the African bush on your safari in Kruger National Park. We return to the lodge in the late afternoon, with time to unwind and enjoy dinner under the starlit sky sharing stories of the day’s safari adventures around the campfire or in the lodge restaurant.

• Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
• Accommodation: Safari Lodge at Skukuza in Kruger National Park
• Activity included: Full-day Kruger National Park Safari

Day 3: Kruger National Park to Makalali Private Game Reserve – South Africa

While it may be difficult to bid farewell to the captivating wilderness of Kruger National Park, our next destination beckons with captivating wildlife experiences.

After breakfast, we have one more opportunity to spot wildlife on our Kruger National Park safari in South Africa. Embark on your final 3-hour game drive to Orpen Gate, where we leave Kruger Park and head to the Makalali Private Game Reserve. Makalali is renowned for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes, featuring the majestic Drakensberg Mountain Range on its horizon. This South African safari park is also a sanctuary for the critically endangered African wild dog.

Along the way, we will stop for lunch at your own expense, before arriving at our riverside safari lodge in Makalali Private Game Reserve. Once there, we enjoy an afternoon high tea and relax by the pool, or take in the magnificent views from the viewing deck. Later in the afternoon, we explore this expansive private game reserve, spanning 26,000 hectares of pristine bushveld. We explore the bush aboard an open game-viewing vehicle with an expert game ranger. With two game drives, you can expect hours of excitement and amazement on this safari in South Africa. We indulge in a fine dining experience on the lodge deck in the evening before returning to our suites for a peaceful night’s sleep at our riverside safari lodge in Makalali Private Game Reserve.

• Meals included: Breakfast, High Tea & Dinner
• Accommodation: Riverside Safari Lodge in Makalali Private Game Reserve
• Activities included: Two 4×4 Game Drives
• Travel: 255 km

Day 4: Makalali Game Reserve to Panorama Route & Graskop – South Africa

Day 4 of our Kruger, Makalali & Panorama Safari in South Africa takes us to Graskop via the renowned Panorama Route of South Africa. The Panorama Route is a picturesque roadway in South Africa linking various cultural and natural attractions. It is situated in Mpumalanga Province and revolves around the awe-inspiring Blyde River Canyon, ranked as the world’s third-largest canyon. This breathtaking route showcases numerous waterfalls, expansive forested areas, and iconic landmarks like Berlin Falls, God’s Window, The Pinnacle and Three Rondawels.

We wake up early this morning to engage deeply with nature in Makalali Private Game Reserve once more on an early morning guided bush walk or an open vehicle game drive. Early mornings in the bush offer a truly captivating safari experience. As the sun ascends, the air resonates with melodious bird songs, while animals commence their morning routines around watering holes.

Following a satisfying breakfast at the lodge, our South African Safari continues along the Panorama Route, where the landscape transitions from bushveld to lush green mountains and valleys. We visit renowned highlights of this famous route, stopping for lunch at your own expense around midday.

Our first destination on our Panorama Route tour is the awe-inspiring Blyde River Canyon, celebrated as the world’s largest green canyon, with waterfalls and ancient geological formations. We stop to admire the Three Rondavels, three towering peaks reminiscent of traditional African huts. Next, we visit Bourke’s Luck Potholes, where centuries of water flow have carved impressive formations into the sandstone, often adorned with misty rainbows. If time permits, we may take a brief walk to the base of Lisbon Falls and witness its majestic 94-meter drop.

Continuing our safari, we arrive at God’s Window, offering unparalleled views of the Canyon from its highest point. Finally, we explore the Pinnacle, a striking rock formation providing panoramic vistas of the surroundings.

Following our Panorama Route tour, we head to our accommodation at a hotel near Graskop, a historic town dating back to the 1880s gold rush and now a thriving town in the local timber industry. We enjoy a relaxing dinner at the hotel, reflecting on the day’s safari adventures.

• Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
• Accommodation included: Hotel in Graskop
• Activities included: Early morning guided bush walk or game drive, Panorama Route Highlights Tour
• Travel: 135 km

Day 5: Graskop to Johannesburg – South Africa

The final day of our 5-Day Kruger, Makalali & Panorama Safari in South Africa starts with breakfast at the hotel before we depart for Johannesburg. On our way back we’ll stop for lunch at your own expense, and arrive at OR Tambo International Airport or the primary hotels in Sandton and Rosebank in the afternoon, where our unforgettable South African Safari ends.

• Meal included: Breakfast
• Travel: 385 km

South African Safari Note

This 5-day South African Safari has scheduled departure days and dates but is also available as a private safari following the same schedule that can be done any day of the week.

Please contact African Budget Safaris for more information and rates.