5 Day Kruger and Sabi Sand Luxury Tented Lodge Safari in South Africa
Thrilling Safari in South Africa
Embark on an unforgettable safari adventure in a luxury-tented camp. Experience the wonders of Kruger and Sabi Sand. Enjoy thrilling twice-daily activities, such as exhilarating game drives in open-sided safari vehicles and invigorating bush walks. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to spot an array of African wildlife, including the majestic Big Five.
Key information
- Group safari
- Maximum group size: 10 participants
- Children from the age of 12 years are allowed to participate under the supervision of a parent or guardian
- Starting and ending point: Johannesburg
- English speaking guide
- All park fees are included
Highlights
- 7 game drives
- Chance to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, and giraffes
- Ride in pop-up roof and open-sided 4x4 vehicles
- Visit Sabi Sand Nature Reserve and Kruger National Park
- 4 nights accommodation
- Daily meals
- Airport transfers
- All park fees included
Styles
Accommodation
The en-suite tents are fully equipped with bathrooms, aircon, comfortable beds, linen, electric outlets, chairs, and bed light. The tented camps have bomas as well as swimming pools. It is an intimate and rustic experience in the comfortable chalet and friendly host (game ranger). You will be on safari with just a few other travelers (maximum 10 people).
Program
Day 1: Johannesburg - Sabi Sand
Kick off your luxury tented camp safari with a smooth shuttle pick-up from OR Tambo Airport or your nearby hotel in Kempton Park as early as 6:30 a.m. Arriving in Hazyview around midday, take a moment to explore the lively Perry’s Bridge, a bustling hub filled with shops and eateries. Next, a dedicated transfer will take you to the Sabi Sand Reserve, where you will reach your luxurious lodge by 2:00 p.m. After check-in, enjoy a delectable buffet lunch with chilled water or juice at your table. In the afternoon, set off on an exhilarating game drive in an open-air safari vehicle.
Departing around 3:00 p.m., your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the varied terrain of Sabi Sand, providing close-up views of extraordinary wildlife. Keep your eyes open for lions, leopards, cheetahs, and giraffes. As dusk falls, the adventure continues with a thrilling night drive, offering the chance to encounter nocturnal creatures like hyenas and owls. Conclude the day with a scrumptious three-course buffet dinner, accompanied by chilled water. Retire to your lavish accommodation for a peaceful night’s rest beneath the stars.
Day 2: Sabi Sand
Start your day with a light snack of home-baked biscuits and coffee before heading out on an early morning game drive, where you will have another chance to spot the Big Five. After your exciting wildlife encounters, enjoy a hearty breakfast with hot and cold options, and your choice of coffee, tea, or juice. For an additional charge, consider joining a guided bush walk (subject to weather and guide availability).
Spend the rest of the morning unwinding by the pool, enjoying a nap, or basking in the African sun. In the afternoon, embark on another thrilling game drive through the reserve, looking out for even more wildlife sightings. Enjoy a flavorful three-course dinner in the evening, with chilled water served at your table. End your day by relaxing in your luxurious accommodations under the African night sky.
Day 3: Sabi Sand - Kruger Park
Start the day with a light snack and coffee before setting off for an early game drive in Sabi Sand, maximizing your chances of encountering the elusive Big Five. Afterward, savor a delicious buffet breakfast, complete with coffee, tea, juice, and water. Please note: Accommodation at the Sabi Sand Lodge is subject to availability. Room prices may vary based on the type and availability.
After checking out of the Sabi Sand Lodge, a dedicated transfer will take you to the Midrange Rustic Tented Camp, located just five to 10 minutes from Kruger National Park’s Paul Kruger Gate. Once you have settled into your serene tent, complete with nature-inspired décor and modern comforts, you can unwind on your private deck or enjoy the beautiful views from your veranda. The camp offers king-size beds, plush pillows, charging outlets, a hairdryer, and a cozy lounge area.
For added convenience, there are backup power and gas geysers. In the afternoon, embark on a thrilling game drive within Kruger National Park in open-sided safari vehicles, searching for the Big Five and other magnificent wildlife. End the day with a tasty three-course dinner featuring South African dishes, with chilled water provided. Finally, retire to your air-conditioned tent for a restful sleep under the stars.
Day 4: Kruger Park
Start the day with light snacks and coffee, then head out for an early morning game drive in Kruger, aiming to spot the Big Five and other wildlife you may have missed so far. After the game drive, enjoy a satisfying breakfast with hot and cold options, plus your choice of coffee, tea, or juice. Take some time to relax by the pool, soaking up the sun or taking a nap to recharge for the next adventure. Later, embark on another exciting game drive in Kruger National Park.
Stay alert for incredible wildlife sightings and photo opportunities. Conclude the day with a delicious three-course dinner showcasing local South African cuisine, complete with chilled water at the table. From July 2025, a selection of local alcoholic beverages will be included with your package. Retire to your air-conditioned tent for a peaceful night’s rest under the African stars.
Day 5: Kruger Park - Johannesburg
On your final morning, enjoy light snacks and coffee before heading out for one last early morning game drive, giving you one last chance to spot the Big Five. After the drive, enjoy a hearty breakfast with a variety of hot and cold options, accompanied by your choice of coffee, tea, or juice. Following breakfast, meet up with your safari group for a comfortable transfer back to Hazyview. Finally, a dedicated shuttle will transport you back to OR Tambo International Airport or your nearby hotel in Kempton Park, arriving in the late afternoon. Drop-off at other nearby airports is also included.
About the safari
Enjoy thrilling twice-daily activities, such as exhilarating game drives in open-sided safari vehicles and invigorating bush walks. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to spot an array of African Wildlife, including the majestic Big Five. Moreover, this exclusive safari includes a luxurious overnight stay at a renowned Sabi Sand Lodge. Subsequently, you will enjoy the comfort of a Midrange Rustic Tented Camp situated near Shaws Gate of Sabi Sand, conveniently located just five to 10 minutes from the Paul Kruger Gate of Kruger National Park.
Immerse yourself in the safari magic at a luxury tented camp. Upon arrival at the Sabi Sand Lodge, brace yourself for an exciting afternoon to evening game drive in an open-air safari vehicle. This thrilling adventure offers an up-close encounter with the magnificent wildlife that roams freely in the reserve. After an exhilarating game drive, savor a mouthwatering three-course buffet dinner that promises to tantalize your taste buds. For your overnight stay, unwind in a cozy superior suite at the Umkumbe Bush Lodge. Water and juice in ice jugs as well as coffees and teas are included with meals throughout this safari.
Bottled beverages are at an additional cost. Please note that stays at the Sabi Sand Lodge are also subject to availability, so it is advisable to plan ahead. Start your day early with a game drive in an open-air safari vehicle, where you can witness the splendor of the African wilderness as the sun rises in Sabi Sand. Following the drive, enjoy a delicious breakfast to fuel you for the next adventure. For those looking for a deeper connection with nature, an optional guided bush walk in Sabi Sand is available at an additional cost.
Afterward, you will be transferred to a luxurious tented camp located just outside the Shaws Gate of Sabi Sand, near Paul Kruger Gate. This exclusive camp offers a peaceful and immersive experience, allowing you to fully absorb the sights and sounds of the African bush from the comfort of your tent. Your safari to Kruger Park will take place from this tented camp. Twice daily game drives are included in an open-sided safari vehicle. In Kruger National Park, each day begins with an early wake-up call, accompanied by coffee and light snacks to energize you.
Then, embark on an exciting game drive through Kruger, with opportunities to spot a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat. Following the drive, indulge in a hearty breakfast, complete with hot and cold dishes, as well as coffee, tea, and juice. The afternoon provides free time to relax or explore your surroundings before another thrilling game drive.
Afterward, savor a three-course dinner that captures the essence of the African bush. Dietary preferences can be accommodated, ensuring a memorable and comfortable experience. Whether you are out on a game drive, enjoying a delicious meal, or relaxing in your luxury-tented camp, every moment of your safari journey will be unforgettable.
Location
This safari takes place in Sabi Sand and Kruger Park, South Africa. On your visit to the wildlife locations, you will find quite a variety of animals right at your doorstep. Below you will see only a few that you will often come across. Sabi Sand has the highest leopard population in the world. The Kruger National Park is popular for its wide variety of wildlife and different animal types and offers such a fortunate experience as some of these animals move around the immense Kruger National Park. You get the opportunity to see wildlife close-up in the Kruger Park by partaking in game drives or activities.
Elephants
As one of the Big 5, elephants are regularly spotted in the Kruger National Park. Elephants can live up to 70 years in the wild and are herbivorous. They can also live in different habitats, including deserts and forests, and are normally found close to water. There are two types of elephants, African elephants, and Asian elephants. The elephant species found in the Kruger National Park is the African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana) and weighs up to seven tonnes and reaches a height of 3.3 meters to the shoulder.
Bush babies
There are two types of bushbabies (Galagos) found in Kruger National Park, which are the Lesser bushbaby and the Thick-tailed bushbaby. The Lesser bushbaby (Galago moholi), tree-dwelling and active by night, can make remarkable distance between trees. When walking on the ground they can either walk on their hind legs or all four legs. Their diet consists of tree gum and insects and eating fruit is likely recorded.
The thick-tailed bushbaby is nocturnal with child-like cries, this is also where the English vernacular name originated due to its diet and larger body size, and is the most social of all bushbabies. At dusk, groups disperse to feed alone while foraging for insects, but they will congregate with members of other groups at well-established gum licks and in fruiting trees.
Warthogs
The warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) found in the Kruger National Park are day animals and mostly spend their time looking for food and are normally found in family groups. Warthogs have the peculiar habit of kneeling on the front knees while feeding and foraging in a localized area. They shelter in burrows at night, which they enter tail first. Socially, three main groups are encountered, namely solitary boars, bachelor groups, and matriarchal groups. Its diet is omnivorous, composed of grasses, roots, berries, and other fruits, bark, fungi, insects, eggs, and carrion.
Vervet monkeys
Vervet monkeys are commonly found in the Kruger National Park as well as surrounding areas. Also known as (Cercopithecus Aethiops). The vervet monkey is classified as a medium-to-large monkey. Different types of vervets vary in color, but generally, the body is a greenish olive or silvery grey.
Fruit bats
There are three species of fruit bats found in the Kruger National Park and are quite large and can weigh up to 1.5 kilograms. They do not have a tail of a very short tail. Fruit bats require a habitat where fruit trees bear fruit all year long. The three species found in the Kruger National Park are Peter’s Epaulette fruit bat (Epomophorus crypturus), Wahlberg’s Epaulette fruit bat (Epomophorus wahlbergi), and Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus).
Glossy starling
In the Kruger National Park, there are four species of glossy blue starlings, namely Cape glossy, greater Blue-eared, Burchell’s, and Meve’s starlings. These birds are actually quite commonly found especially in the Kruger National Park rest camp. You will also notice that they normally surround areas such as restaurants and picnic spots in the Kruger National Park, to try and source any leftover food.
Blue-headed tree agama
The blue-headed tree agama is also known as the Southern tree agama and is very commonly found in different habitats you will most definitely come across this beautiful lizard in the Kruger National Park. Their diet mostly consists of ants and termites, although they also eat other insects. The female will lay up to 14 eggs, normally in a hole in the ground which they cover. Be on the lookout in the Kruger National Park, in trees, or on the ground as you will definitely spot them around your rest camp.
Food
You will be served daily meals and drinks included in the price.
Early morning snacks
- Hot beverages (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cappuccino, and juice)
- Rusks or biscuits
Breakfast
Breakfast buffet or a variety of breakfast options such as full English breakfast, omelets, etc. With a hot breakfast, tea, coffee, or juice is included. The hot breakfast can include scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, peri-peri chicken livers, sautéed mushrooms, potato roast, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, grilled onions, and toast with a selection of jams and butter. Cereals, fruits, and cheeses are also included.
Lunch
At the Sabi Sand Lodge, you get to choose from the buffet. Juices and water are available in ice jugs. At Kruger Park, you get the set planned lunch according to dietary requirements. Juices and Water are also included at the Kruger Lodge.
Dinner
Tasty meal South Africans usually enjoy with a starter and dessert too. At the Sabi Sand Lodge, you get to choose from the buffet (three-course variety). Juices and water are available in ice jugs. At Kruger Park, you get the set planned dinner according to dietary requirements (three-course). Juices and water are also included at the Kruger Lodge.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Snacks
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Coffee
- Tea
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Lacto-ovo Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten Free
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
- Pescatarian
- Hallal
- Lactose Free
- Whole food
- Other dietary requirements on request
Things to do (optional)
- Bush walk
- Couple's massage with the massage therapist coming directly to the lodge
- Panorama route tour
What's included
- 2 daily open-sided game drives in Kruger Park (open-sided)
- Early morning game drive in Sabi Sand (open-air)
- 4 nights accommodation
- Daily full breakfast (hot and cold)
- Lunches
- 3-course dinners
- Early morning hot beverages and snacks
- Coffee, tea, and juice with breakfast
- Water jug with ice on the table
- Park and conservation fees
- Afternoon to night drive in Sabi Sand (open-air)
- Inter-lodge transfer
- 2 shuttles between OR Tambo and Hazyview or pick-up from nearby airports at set times
- 2 transfers between Hazyview and the tented camp
What's not included
- Flights
- Transfer between OR Tambo and pre-post safari accommodations
- Any other alternative or extra and alcoholic beverages payable on check-out
- Personal items
- Additional activities
How to get there
Recommended Airports
O. R. Tambo International Airport
356 km
Transfer included
Skukuza Airport[1]
18 km
Transfer included
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport
73 km
Transfer included
Arrival by airplane
Please book your flight to arrive at O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), Skukuza Airport[1] (SZK), or Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP). Transfers from and to these airports are included. For O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), the pick-up time is 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (only offered for safaris accommodated in the rest camps of Kruger Park on the first night - then the first activity will be a night game drive) and the drop-off time will be between 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
For Skukuza Airport[1] (SZK), arrival should be preferably around 12:00 p.m. and departure around 12:30 p.m. A 30-minute check-in or check-out is fine for domestic flights. Please do an online flight check-in before departure. Also do take note that this airport is located inside the Kruger National Park. The airport charges the park entry fee after you have landed. Kruger Park Tours will deduct this landing fee from your quoted price.
Park entry fees on-route back to the airport are included (they include additional park fees required, as they replace the shuttle costs). Please just note that they will not pay for these entry fees, should you change from a shuttle to a flight on short notice. For Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP), arrival flights before 12:00 p.m. and departure flights after 1:00 p.m. are preferable.
Arrival by shuttle
The drive to Kruger Park or Sabi Sand from Johannesburg takes about six to seven hours. The transportation from OR Tambo in Johannesburg starts with a shuttle (a small reliable and quality bus company that does regular drives from and to the airport). The shuttle starts at the OR Tambo airport and ends in Hazyview. The shuttle is a great road trip tour and quite fun. You do get to see much of South Africa when driving and get to meet new people from interesting backgrounds.
The road travels through towns and past coal mines, down the escarpment (with nice scenic mountains and forests) down to the Lowveld, and ultimately the Kruger Park or Sabi Sand. It is a long trip, however most of the way is highway and most guests do the safaris via road transfer, due to the affordability of it. Thinking about it, it is not really that far (just manageable). From Hazyview, you will have a transfer to the safari location on a private vehicle or with other passengers doing the same safari. The shuttle cost is part of the safari package rate and is the most affordable way to get to the safari location.
In case your flight logistics just do not fit, they can also offer an any-time private transfer at an additional cost of 9000 ZAR on top of the safari price (one way) for the whole group. Please just note that you still need to take the start time of your first activity into account in this case. Groups with five people or more get private transfers included as standard at no additional cost on all safaris.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 50% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
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