5 Day Kruger Park Safari via the Panorama Route in South Africa
Guided Safari in South Africa
If you wish to go on a safari and live in the middle of wildlife, joining this 5-day safari with Wildlife Safaris will be perfect for you. This safari will take you to Kruger National Park in South Africa, one of the oldest and largest national parks in Africa. Having been attracting over one million visitors a year, this national park will allow you to encounter a real wilderness that you will never forget. Get ready for the wild experience!
Key information
- Private safari
- Group size: Minimum of 2 and maximum of 6 persons
- Children policy: Children from the age of 6 years are allowed to participate under the supervision of a parent or guardian
- Starting point and ending point: Johannesburg
- English speaking guides
- All park fees are included
Meet the guides
Highlights
- A total of 8 fun and exciting game drives
- See elephant, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, lion, hyena, leopard, etc
- Visit beautiful Kruger National Park and Sabie River
- Transportation by a nine-seater open safari vehicle
- Kruger National Park entrance and conservation fees are included
- Daily delicious breakfast and dinner
- 4 nights' accommodation
- Airport transfers are provided
Styles
Accommodation
During this safari, you will stay for 2 nights at the Sabie River Bush Lodge which has a great riverfrontage with opportunities for spotting hippos, crocodiles, and elephants, 1 night in a chalet accommodation inside Kruger Park at Satara where Wildlife Safaris will arrange a sunset drive extended to include night spots, and 1 night at Hippo Hollow or Hazyview Sun Hotel with superior accommodation, a pool, bar, and restaurant.
Sabie River Bush Lodge
Located on the banks of the perennial Sabie River overlooking the Kruger National Park, guests at this lodge can view the Big Five from a raised wooden pool deck while relaxing on sun loungers and enjoying a sundowner. The Sabie River Bush Lodge is a mere 19 kilometers from the Kruger Gate, the main entrance to the national park.
The Kruger Gate allows guests access to the park's most prolific game viewing part - the southern section. The Sabie River Bush Lodge provides open-vehicle game drive safaris into Kruger National Park with a qualified game guide. The Skukuza Golf Club is also within close proximity of the lodge, and you can play a round of golf while viewing the park's wildlife.
The Gecko Lapa restaurant and bar serves guests with refreshments with its well-stocked bar and wine list. The lodge's African boma, with a large, open fire pit overlooking the Kruger National Park on the banks of the Sabie River, allows visitors to enjoy the nighttime sights and sounds of the area. The lodge also has a swimming pool and a library.
Kruger Park Camp
There are 12 main rest camps situated in different areas of Kruger National Park which enables your freedom of movement to explore the reserve. Wildlife Safaris chooses overnight camps according to availability and their knowledge of conditions. There are different types of accommodation including standard chalets, luxury riverside chalets, family cottages, furnished safari tents, or economy huts.
National parks usually refer to these African chalets as bungalows. Each of the main rest camps is fenced off to prevent dangerous animals entering and you must remain within the camp from dusk till dawn. There is a restaurant, shop, and a swimming pool.
Chalets are serviced daily, air-conditioned, equipped with bedding and towels, and have a private shower, toilet, and basin. You are supplied with a front door key and insect screens are fitted to the windows. Most chalets have a small patio with a table and chairs plus a refrigerator. For a family guest, Wildlife Safaris will request family units where possible and these may include 3 or 4 bedded rooms.
Hippo Hollow Hotel
Nestled amongst lush indigenous gardens on the outskirts of Hazyview lies Hippo Hollow, a short 10-minute drive from the Kruger National Park, making it the perfect choice of accommodation for your safari in Africa. Guests are accommodated in unique thatched gardens river chalets and courtyard hotel rooms, either overlooking the beautiful gardens or the impressive Sabie River.
A variety of tasty dishes, accompanied by an amazing selection of South African wines can be enjoyed all while watching kingfishers and other beautiful water birds or hippos grazing on the lawn against the backdrop of a beautiful African sunset.
Get up close to an elephant and witness their intelligence and compassionate nature. Immerse yourself in a feast of culture with a night of Shangaan dancing and an unforgettable African Banquet. Relax in the beautiful gardens or simply watch the hippos, crocodiles, and other wildlife congregate at the river.
Whatever you decide to do, you will leave Hippo Hollow feeling relaxed and refreshed having experienced the timelessness of Africa. Hippo Hollow is perfect for families and couples on safari and offers an unforgettable African experience.
Program
Day 1: Transfer to southern Kruger Park (Afternoon game drive in the bushveld)
Pick up and leave Johannesburg in a 7-seater microbus with your experienced Kruger Park guide. Travel East across the Highveld farmlands and down into the Lowveld to Mbombela (Nelspruit), the capital of Mpumalanga province. After a lunch break, enter southern Kruger Park for your first exciting game drive. Travel through lightly wooded bushveld where you can expect to see antelope, giraffe, and possibly elephant.
Before sunset, travel a short distance to Sabie River Bush Lodge where you'll stay overnight. Book into a lodge room or en suite safari tent with AC and modern furnishings. Time to relax on the deck looking across the extensive Sabie River hoping to see some hippos or crocodiles.
Your guide will arrange dinner in the Gecko Lapa restaurant which is a three-course meal. Wi-Fi is available so you can keep in touch with family and friends.
Day 2: Full-day game drives including Sabie River viewpoints
Early start with a quick cup of coffee, board the safari vehicle then head into Kruger Park for your sunrise game drive. Travel through bushveld areas and along the river looking for Big 5 species (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo). The Sabie River with its huge trees is a dominant feature of southern Kruger and traveling 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 including any top sightings reported for the day. Around lunchtime stop for refreshments, browse in the curio shop then continue with the afternoon drive, which terminates back at Sabie River Bush Lodge.
Time for a swim then enjoy sundowners on the deck overlooking the Sabie River with one of the best photo opportunities "on safari in Africa". Join your guide for dinner in the restaurant with a varied menu and listen to the hippos in the river.
Day 3: Transit game drive to Satara in Central Kruger Park (Sunset drive in open plains)
Pack up, depart from the river lodge, and enter Kruger Park for the early morning game drive in search of elusive Big 5 species such as leopards. Travelling North expect to see open grasslands near Tshokwane where you have a comfort stop. Your guide will check the sightings board and then set off for the second-morning drive towards central Kruger and some popular waterholes.
Breakfast is either at Tshokwane or at Satara depending on timing. Around lunchtime check into an AC chalet at Satara with screens over the windows to prevent insects. Explore the camp which has a pool, large shop, deli-café, and main restaurant. Wi-Fi signal is limited in this area.
Later, your guide will book you onto the sunset drive with a national park's open safari vehicle equipped with spotlights to search for nocturnal species such as hyenas or big cats. Return to camp for dinner in the Cattle Baron Bistro, well-known for its juicy steaks.
Day 4: Sunrise game drive - Panorama Route visiting Blyde Canyon and other attractions
Pack up, take a quick coffee, and depart on your final morning game drive heading towards the exit gate of Kruger Park. Review your checklist as you travel to a country restaurant for coffee and breakfast. The rest of the day is devoted to sightseeing on the Panorama Route, visit 3 Rondavels in the Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window, and other attractions. Browse at the informal markets for African curios and stop for lunch.
Drive down Kowyn’s Pass to Hazyview and check into Hazyview Sun Hotel (or Hippo Hollow Country Estate) with a pool, bar, and restaurant. Your guide will arrange a table for dinner and check on any special diets.
Day 5: Leisurely breakfast - Return transfer to O R Tambo Airport (JNB) or your hotel
5Enjoy breakfast at the hotel discussing the highlights of your safari and the tourist attractions nearby. It is a rich agricultural area, especially for sub-tropical fruit. Depart from Hazyview and travel past orchards and forests to Mbombela (Nelspruit) then back up to the Highveld. Arrive in Johannesburg at O R Tambo Airport (JNB) or nearby hotels by 4 p.m. Please allow 1.5 hours of connecting time for local flights or 3 hours for international flights.
General information
- Refreshment/comfort stops will be planned every 2 - 3 hours during transfers. Please discuss the daily program with your guide.
- The duration of each game drive is 2.5 to 3 hours. This itinerary includes 8 drives with an optional bush walk at an additional cost.
- It is advisable to take precautions against malaria, especially during the rainy season from October to May. Wildlife Safaris recommends insect repellent and protective clothing in the evenings.
- Bring sunglasses, a hat or cap, a swimsuit, your camera, a torch/flashlight, light casual clothes for daytime, and warmer clothes for night drives. *Remember there will be a chill factor traveling in the open safari vehicle, especially from June - August.
- Wi-Fi is available at Sabie River Bush Lodge, Skukuza & the Hazyview hotels.
- Gratuities to driver/guide, waiters, and porters are not included.
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.
The Panorama Route
This popular tourist destination is situated within the Drakensberg mountains to the west of Kruger Park.
Guides
Nik Duxbury
Nik is the chief guide and has been conducting tours to Kruger Park and other top safari destinations since 1976. His natural good looks, charm and cheerful manner make him a favorite with the tourists. He qualified as a Kruger National Park Specialist Guide in 1990 and has studied the habits of the wild animals in great detail so that he can make his tours exciting. Nik is a very keen cyclist and passionate about health and fitness.
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
This safari will take place in Kruger National Park, South Africa. 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 it has typical bushveld in the southern regions which gives way to grasslands towards the central and northern areas. There are 6 major rivers flowing throughout the year in addition to dams and water holes.
Kruger is one of the great natural sanctuaries of the world and is home to an impressive number of species including 147 mammals, 507 birds, 114 reptiles, 34 amphibians, 49 fishes, and 336 trees. Since most of the animals are used to the presence of motor vehicles, it 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
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Coffee
- Tea
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
- Other dietary requirements on request
Things to do (optional)
Optional afternoon bush walk at an additional cost replaces a sunset drive. For more information, please send an inquiry.
What's included
- 4 nights accommodation
- Total of 8 game drives usually in a 9-seater open safari vehicle in Big 5 areas of Kruger Park
- Return transport from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park by a 7-seater air-conditioned microbus
- Collection or drop off at Johannesburg or Nelspruit Airports (depends on timing so please ask your Wildlife Safari's sales consultant)
- Services of a specialist Kruger Park driver/guide for 5 days
- All entrances and daily conservation fees in Kruger Park
- Use of binoculars and maps on safari
- All dinners and breakfasts (Served in the privatized camp restaurant. The Cattle Baron or Mugg & Bean restaurants will be used and your guide will make arrangements.)
- Sightseeing along the Panorama Route to see Blyde River Canyon, God's Window, and waterfalls with time for browsing at local markets
- 1 sunset drive with a national parks open game viewer
- Meals on the deck or in the Gecko Lapa Restaurant
What's not included
- Airfare
- Additional drinks
- Lunches (At lunchtime your guide will stop at a suitable restaurant which is at your expense)
- Personal items
- Tips
- Gratuities to guide, waiters, and porters
- Guided bush walks (Can be arranged on selected 5-day itineraries but will replace a game drive. Ask a sales consultant about details and additional costs by sending an inquiry.)
How to get there
Recommended Airports
O. R. Tambo International Airport
333 km
Transfer included
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport
51 km
Transfer included
Arrival by shuttle
You will be picked up in Johannesburg, between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. at O R Tambo Airport (JNB) and recommended hotels nearby. Other areas such as Sandton or Rosebank on request. Please avoid Johannesburg City Centre, Lanseria Airport (HLA), and Pretoria. Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) 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 (JNB) 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.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookAllSafaris.com. All major credit cards supported.