4 Day Safari in Kruger Park via Blyde River Canyon on Panorama Route in South Africa
Big 5 Safari South Africa
Join this thrilling safari in South Africa and experience the world-famous Kruger National Park with its diverse animals, great rivers, changing vegetation, and memorable sightings. You will journey through this famous park led by a professional guide. Spend your days searching for the big five: lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants, and rhinoceros. If you want to experience a memorable African Safari, then this holiday package is for you.
Key information:
- Private safari
- Minimum group size: 2 persons
- Maximum group size: 6 persons
- Starting point and ending point: Johannesburg
- Children policy: Children from the age of 6 years are allowed to participate under the supervision of a parent or guardian
- English speaking guides
- All park fees are included
Meet the guides
Highlights
- 7 game drives in Kruger Park
- Entrance and daily conservation fees in Kruger Park
- Spot Big Five, giraffes, zebras, hippopotamus, crocodiles, birds, nocturnal species
- Experience the scenic Panorama Route
- Safari vehicle with spotlights and an open vehicle
- Daily delicious breakfast and dinner
- 3 nights accommodation
- Airport transfers
Types
4 activity days in English
Accommodation
During this safari holiday, you will be staying at Sabie River Bush Lodge for two nights and 1 night at chalet accommodation inside Kruger Park.
Sabie River Bush Lodge
Sabie River Bush Lodge is located on the banks of the perennial Sabie River looking across the Kruger National Park. Guests at the lodge can spot big five species from the raised wooden pool deck while enjoying a sundowner. The lodge is a mere 19 kilometers from the entrance to southern Kruger National Park. There is a selection of accommodations including lodge rooms, river-facing chalets, and luxury river-facing tents.
The rooms have private showers, toilets, and are air-conditioned.
The Gecko Lapa restaurant serves meals and drinks and provides a wonderful view of the river and typical bushveld scenery as you enjoy breakfast and watch animals grazing in Kruger. Groups can arrange an evening meal in the boma with a campfire and listen to the sounds of the nocturnal species such as hyenas and jackals.
Program
Day 1: Transfer to Panorama Route – Visit Blyde River Canyon & Other Attractions
Pick up and leave Johannesburg in the 7-seater micro bus with an experienced Kruger Park guide. Travel East across the Highveld grasslands towards the Drakensberg mountains before lunch. Visit Three Rondavels in the magnificent Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window & other highlights of the Panorama Route. Browse in the informal markets for African curios. Drive down Kowyn’s Pass to Hazyview then on to Sabie River Bush Lodge for overnight. Book into an en suite lodge room with air conditioner & modern furnishings. Time to relax on the deck looking across the extensive river for hippos & crocodile. Your guide will arrange dinner in the Gecko Lapa restaurant which serves a 3 course meal. WiFi is available so you can stay in touch with family & friends.
Day 2: Full Day Game Drives in Kruger Park – Sunset Deck Experience at River Lodge
Awaken at sunrise, board the safari vehicle then head into Kruger Park for the early morning game drive. Travel through bushveld areas and probably along the river looking for Big 5 species (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo). The Sabie River is a dominant feature of southern Kruger and travelling along the banks can be very exciting. After about 3 hours, stop at a Camp where your guide will provide breakfast packs and allow time to relax. Continue on the mid-morning drive with cameras ready for anything crossing the road then visit a waterhole to look for birds, crocodile and animals drinking. Later stop for a lunch break, check out the curio shop then continue with the afternoon drive. Most animals (including lions) move from shady trees as it gets cooler & begin grazing. Arrive back at Sabie River Bush Lodge – cool off in the pool, have a refreshing drink & watch the African sunset from the deck. Your guide will arrange dinner in the Gecko Lapa restaurant which offers a set menu for the day.
Day 3: Full Morning Game Drive - Check into Skukuza Camp plus Sunset Drive
After a quick coffee, head into Kruger for the first morning game drive searching for Big 5 species which can be found on most roads in Southern Kruger. Stop at a Camp such as Lower Sabie for breakfast & your guide will decide on the best route for the mid-morning drive when you can expect general game such as antelope, zebra & giraffe. Around lunchtime, arrive at Skukuza & book into an aircon chalet with screens to prevent insects. Time to cool off at the pool & go to the deli for lunch. Later board the National Parks safari vehicle with spotlights for a sunset drive (duration 3 hrs) to search for predators & other nocturnal species. After a memorable day on safari, join your guide for dinner in the Cattle Baron Bistro best known for its juicy steaks. WiFi will be available near the restaurant. Walk back to your chalet under the starlit sky.
Day 4: Early Morning Game Drive - Return Transfer to Johannesburg
Join the group for coffee then head out for another exciting early morning game drive hoping to see elusive animals such as leopard, often found in trees. For the bird watchers this is also the best time to listen to the calls in the bush and photograph colourful birds. Your guide will plan a breakfast stop then drive out of the Park to begin the return journey. Travel past the Lowveld citrus farms to Mbombela (Nelspruit), capital of Mpumalanga province then continue through the beautiful Schoeman's Kloof and up to the Highveld for lunch. Arrive in Johannesburg at O R Tambo Airport or nearby hotels by 16h00. Please allow 1.5 hours connecting time for local flights or 3.0 for international flights.
Included excursions
Blyde River
Blyde River Canyon which is a significant feature of the Panorama Route extends for about 20 kilometers from Bourke's Luck Potholes to Swadini. Flanked by the Blyde nature reserve, the road follows the course of the Blyde river. The Three Rondavels (round houses) is the name of three typical sandstone rock formations situated at the northern end of the canyon. Visitors may take a short walk to photograph and view the Three Rondavels, Blyde Dam, and vistas of the Lowveld.
God's Window
God's Window is a lookout at the edge of the escarpment. It is located on a cliff which is "framed" by the mountain cliffs. On a clear day, it provides a wonderful view looking east across the plantations towards Kruger Park. There are several observation areas with railings and steps leading to the rainforest. Visitors to this venue will remember the aroma of mountain herbs.
Sabie River Bush Lodge is located on the banks of the perennial Sabie River looking across the Kruger National Park. Guests at Sabie River Bush Lodge can spot the big five species while relaxing on the raised wooden pool deck and enjoying a sundowner. The lodge is a mere 19 kilometers from the entrance to southern Kruger National Park. There is a selection of accommodations including lodge rooms, river-facing chalets, and luxury river-facing tents.
The rooms have private showers, toilets, and aircon. The Gecko Lapa restaurant serves meals and drinks and provides a wonderful view of the river and typical bushveld scenery as you enjoy breakfast and watch animals grazing in Kruger. Groups can arrange an evening meal in the boma with a campfire and listen to the sounds of the nocturnal species such as hyenas and jackals.
The Panorama Route
This popular tourist destination is situated within the Drakensberg mountains to the west of Kruger Park.
Guides
Anthony (Hoppy) Hawell
Anthony Hawell (Hoppy) has been described as a real gentleman who takes great care of his passengers. He is an ex-fireman and fortunately, a very useful mechanic. He has had many years experience as a field guide and obviously enjoys imparting his knowledge of the animals and environment to overseas tourists. One of his hobbies is photography, so he can give you some good tips on wildlife shots to take home.
Henry Zeiler
Henry has vast experience conducting guided safaris in Kruger Park and Pilanesberg. As an ex fireman he is most capable with emergency situations. He also pays great attention to the senior groups. He acquired his National Tourist Guide Cultural and Nature Guiding in 1996 and his hobbies include Photography of wildlife, historical buildings and landscapes
Simon Taylor
Simon is a National Culture and Nature Guide. He has been involved in the wildlife industry for 30 years. As a conservationist, is very knowledgeable on various aspects of South Africa’s fauna and flora, also having a keen interest in the various cultures and history of South Africa and its people. He is an outdoors person enjoying activities such as hiking and bird watching in his spare time. His qualifications include a National Diploma in Nature Conservation (1991) and National Culture and Nature (Bushveld Biome) obtained in 2016
Barney Smith
Barney is extremely passionate about the outdoors, having been a Game Ranger at Kruger National Park and Pilanesberg National Park between 1978 & 1985. He qualified as a National Cultural & Tourist Guide in 2003 and enjoys spending time in the bush on safari with guests.
Nick Snyman
Nick Snyman is a retired Naval Officer after 42 years’ service. After retirement he qualified as a National Tourist Guide and is working as a freelance Cultural Tourist Guide. He is married with 2 sons and 2 grandsons, is a keen sportsman and loves outdoor living. He likes working with people and does mainly small group tours, but has also done large group tours.
Location
Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park which attracts over one million visitors a year is one of the oldest and largest national parks in Africa. The original Sabie Game Reserve was proclaimed by President Paul Kruger in 1898 and later extended to its present size of approximately 19,000 square kilometers or 8,000 square miles.
It extends from the Limpopo river in the north to the Crocodile river in the south, a distance of nearly 380 kilometers. To the east, it borders with Mozambique and on the west, it joins many of our private game reserves. The countryside throughout the park varies and has typical bushveld in the southern regions which give way to grasslands towards the central and northern areas.
There are six major rivers flowing throughout the year, in addition to dams and water holes. The climate is subtropical. The wet season extends from October until May with much of the rainfall occurring as thunderstorms of short duration. Game viewing is possible any time of the year. Each season has its unique attraction although perhaps springtime, with the arrival of the baby impalas and the blossoms on the trees and wildflowers, is the most memorable.
There are nine entrance gates which lead to a network of roads covering different areas of the park. The fourteen main rest camps (similar to resorts) provide comfortable en-suite accommodation, restaurants, shops, petrol stations, and telephones. Organized wildlife activities are available and can be booked at the camps. Kruger, one of the great natural sanctuaries of the world, is home to an impressive number of species including 147 mammals, 507 birds, 114 reptiles, 34 amphibians, 49 fish, and 336 trees.
It is recommended that overseas visitors join a guided tour for three or four days to have the best opportunities for game viewing and to benefit from the knowledge of the professional guides. Since most of the animals are used to the presence of motor vehicles, the place is usually ideal for photos and videos.
Food
South African National Parks has decided to introduce popular family restaurants at Main Camps in Kruger Park. Mugg and Bean opened at Lower Sabie in 2014 while Skukuza and Satara has The Cattle Baron. Restaurants have been refurbished and modernized so passengers can look forward to better meals and improved service in Kruger Park.
Often, the guides visit Lower Sabie for breakfast. The restaurant is in a wonderful spot overlooking the Sabie River. During the dry season, you can expect to see plenty of hippopotamuses and crocodiles as you enjoy a hot beverage. Dinner each night will be at a camp restaurant or your guide may plan a barbecue. Lunches in Kruger are available at the Deli Café for a fee.
Camp shops sell groceries, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, books, maps, and curios. It is possible for vegetarians to find suitable meals in Kruger, but Wildlife Safaris must be advised when booking. Sabie River Bush Lodge serves breakfast and dinner in the Gecko Lapa restaurant overlooking the Sabie River. It's located on the deck near the pool.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Coffee
- Tea
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
What's included
- 2 nights at Sabie River Bush Lodge bordering Kruger Park
- 1 night chalet accommodation inside Kruger Park
- Total 6 daytime game drives in Big 5 areas of Kruger Park
- 1 sunset drive with National Parks open game viewer
- Entrance into Kruger Park and daily conservation fee
- Return transport from Johannesburg to Kruger Park by seven-seater air-conditioned micro bus
- Collection or drop off at O. R. Tambo International Airport or Kruger Mpumalanga International Airports dependent on timing and is on request from Wildlife Safari's sales consultant
- Services of a specialist Kruger Park guide for 4 days
- Dinner and breakfast served in the privatized camp restaurant (The Cattle Baron or Mugg & Bean restaurants will be used and your guide will make arrangements)
- Meals on the deck or in the Gecko Lapa Restaurant
- Sightseeing along the Panorama Route visiting 3 Rondavels in Blyde River Canyon, God's Window, and other highlights
- Time for browsing at informal markets for African curios
What's not included
- Airfare
- Personal Drinks
- Lunches
- Personal items
- Gratuities to guide, waiters and porters
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Transfer included
O. R. Tambo International Airport
333 km away from your destination
Transfer included
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport
51 km away from your destination
Arrival by shuttle
You will be picked up in Johannesburg, between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. at O R Tambo Airport and hotels nearby recommended. Other areas such as Sandton or Rosebank on request. Please avoid Johannesburg City Centre, Lanseria Airport, and Pretoria. Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport is open from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. and by arrangement only.
Wildlife Safaris will drop you off at O R Tambo International Airport or nearby hotels usually by 4 p.m. Please allow 1.5 hours of connecting time for local flights or preferably 3.0 hours for International flights. Drop-off for passengers staying at hotels in the northern suburbs such as Sandton & Rosebank is on request.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 30% 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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