Day 1 Kruger National Park
The 3-day Kruger Park safari commences early in the morning from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, or pickups can be arranged from the surrounding airport hotels within a 5km radius. Enjoy a picturesque journey to the Kruger National Park in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus. African safari vacations in Kruger offer the chance to witness incredible wildlife up close.
At the Kruger Park entrance gate, the group switches to an open safari vehicle. Game viewing begins immediately upon entering the gates. While making the way to the camp, visitors search for wildlife and can expect to see a wide variety of animals, including giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, elephants, buffalo, kudu, impala, and various other species. The group will either check in at the camp first and then head out immediately for an afternoon game drive or continue the game drive from the moment of entering the park and only check in at the camp by sunset. Safari tours in Kruger provide flexibility to maximize wildlife sightings.
Dinner is the first included meal and may be prepared by the guide (all guides are excellent chefs too!). If the weather permits, dinner is usually enjoyed outside, featuring a traditional South African braai (barbecue). Alternatively, the camp restaurant or catering team may be utilized. Most dietary preferences can be accommodated, as long as they are communicated in advance.
The overnight stay is in the main rest camps in the southern part of the Kruger National Park. The exact choice of camp depends on availability. The camp is safely fenced with an electric fence and features a swimming pool, restaurant, curio shop, and viewing deck overlooking the river.
Accommodation is in a standard air-conditioned bungalow with mosquito screens, air-conditioning, and a small en-suite bathroom. The accommodation is rather basic but perfectly comfortable, cleaned, and serviced daily. Most units have either two or three single beds per room. If availability permits, upgrades to luxury bungalows or even luxury 4-star hotel accommodation may be possible (at an extra cost). Safari holidays in Kruger offer a range of accommodation options to suit different preferences.
Day 2 Kruger National Park
On the second day, visitors receive an early wake-up call from the guide. After enjoying some coffee, the group heads out for the morning safari drive, in search of the Big Five and any other wildlife they may come across.
Early morning is the optimal time for game viewing. Visitors may see hyenas returning to their den, baboons playing in the sun, or a herd of elephants coming to the river to drink. Sometimes, nocturnal predators such as lions or leopards are still active early in the morning. African safari adventures in Kruger require a bit of luck, particularly with only 3 days on safari. Every drive is different, and part of the excitement of a game drive is not knowing what will be seen.
A hearty brunch is enjoyed a bit later in the morning, either at a picnic site, one of the other camps, or perhaps back at the group's own camp. Brunch (breakfast and lunch in one) is a feast and is either prepared by the guide or by the catering team.
The game drives on this safari are flexible. There is no fixed time limit or daily schedule, unlike private safari lodges. The only limit is the park rule that requires everyone to be back in camp by sunset. If everyone feels fresh, the group may stay out on game drive for most of the day to cover more distance and see as much as possible in the short time available.
Alternatively, the group may head back to camp after the morning drive, relax a bit, or take a nap during the hottest part of the day. Visitors can browse in the curio shop, relax at the swimming pool, or watch animals from the deck overlooking the river. During the afternoon, another game drive takes place.
As the day cools down, the animals become more active, making it another good time for game viewing. Along the way, depending on the route, the group may stop at a lookout point, game viewing hide, or picnic spot to stretch their legs a little.
The group returns to camp around sunset and enjoys dinner around the fire or in the camp restaurant. Safari vacations in Kruger provide a balance of exciting game drives and relaxing moments in between.
Day 3 Kruger National Park
On the last morning, the group heads out on the final safari drive, in search of any wildlife that may have eluded them thus far.
The Kruger National Park spans over 2 million hectares, and the animals roam around freely. Unlike a zoo, there are never any guarantees as to what animals might be seen. Game viewing stats show that most of the iconic species such as elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, warthogs, hyenas, and various antelope species are seen on every safari. Even on the 3-day Kruger Park safari, short as the time is, an abundance of wildlife is usually encountered. On 90% of Kruger Park safaris, at least one or more of the big cats (lion, leopard, or cheetah) are also seen. A bit of luck is required to see cheetahs and wild dogs—they are seen quite often but not on every safari. While no specific sightings are guaranteed, what is guaranteed is that the guides will make every drive interesting and enjoyable, no matter what specific animals are seen. Safari tours in Kruger offer the thrill of the unknown and the excitement of spotting wildlife in their natural habitat.
After breakfast, it is time to pack up and start making the way toward the exit gate, as the 3-day Kruger Park safari comes to an end. The group switches back from the open safari vehicle to the air-conditioned minibus for the drive back to Johannesburg.
The arrival back in Johannesburg is usually between 5 - 6 pm, depending on traffic. This should be kept in mind when booking onward flights. Drop-offs are at the airport or any of the surrounding airport hotels. Due to traffic congestion, pick-ups or drop-offs are not available in Sandton, Pretoria, or other areas of greater Johannesburg outside a 5km radius from the airport. African safari adventures in Kruger provide a memorable and immersive wildlife experience in a short amount of time.
