Classic Kruger Big 5 Safari – 3 Days
Maximum time in the park. Small groups. Big 5 focus.
This 3-day safari is all about quality time inside Kruger National Park, with a strong focus on Big 5 sightings and meaningful wildlife encounters. Game drives begin the moment we enter the park and continue until we leave — no time wasted. You’ll stay inside the park at a rest camp well-positioned for excellent game viewing, maximizing your chances to experience wildlife at its most active.
This safari includes morning and afternoon drives, as well as one night drive, giving you a full spectrum of wildlife activity — from sunrise to after dark, when the nocturnal world comes alive.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Afternoon Game Drive
We’ll collect you from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA), Skukuza Airport, or your accommodation in Nelspruit, White River, Malelane, Hazyview, or Komatipoort. Once we enter the park, your safari begins.
Your first afternoon game drive takes you deep into the bush in an open safari vehicle. Expect great sightings in the golden hours before sunset. Afterward, settle into your rest camp inside the park and enjoy a warm dinner surrounded by the sounds of the wild.
Day 2: Sunrise Safari, Flexible Midday & Night Drive
Wake up early for a sunrise game drive — one of the best times to see predators and other animals on the move.
You can then choose between:
– A full-day safari, exploring more of Kruger with meals at rest camps and picnic spots, or
– Returning to camp for a midday break, with time to relax before heading out again for an afternoon drive.
After dinner, you’ll head out on a SANParks-operated Night Drive, guided by professional rangers in a park vehicle. It’s your chance to see the lesser-known nocturnal side of Kruger – hyenas, civets, genets, owls, and even hunting predators under cover of darkness.
Day 3: Final Safari & Departure
On your last morning, enjoy one more early game drive — the perfect way to wrap up your safari and tick off any final sightings. After breakfast at camp, we’ll transfer you back to KMIA, Skukuza, or your drop-off point in the area.
Dates & Rates
01 November 2024 – 31 October 2025
– R 14,400 per adult sharing
– R 16,500 for solo travellers
Children’s rates available on request.
01 November 2025 – 31 October 2026
– R 15,900 per adult sharing
– R 18,150 for solo travellers
Children’s rates available on request.
Pickup Options
- Included: Transfers from KMIA (Nelspruit Airport), Skukuza Airport, or lodges in Nelspruit, White River, Hazyview, Malelane, or Komatipoort
- Optional (Extra Cost): Transfers from Johannesburg can be arranged by road or air — just let us know and we’ll assist with logistics. *Flying into KMIA or Skukuza is the most time-efficient option.*
Game Drives & Wildlife Viewing
All drives are conducted in open safari vehicles, led by experienced, passionate guides.
Game viewing begins the moment we enter Kruger and continues until we exit.
This safari includes morning and afternoon drives, plus one guided night drive, giving you full exposure to both daytime and nocturnal wildlife.
Optional Add-On: Guided Photo Safari Experience
Want to level up your photography or just come home with great memories on camera?
Add the services of a professional wildlife photographer who’ll guide you through camera settings, light use, and composition — whether you shoot with a DSLR, mirrorless, or mobile phone.
(Optional extra, subject to availability.)
Group Size & Flexibility
- Maximum 9 guests per vehicle
- Most bookings are small and personalised
- Solo travellers welcome
- Want a private safari? Just let us know — we’ll arrange it for an additional fee, based on your group size and preferences
Included:
- 2 nights’ accommodation inside Kruger National Park
- Morning and afternoon game drives in open safari vehicles
- 1 SANParks-operated Night Drive
- Park entrance and conservation fees
- 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners
- Bottled water on drives
- Transfers from KMIA, Skukuza Airport, Nelspruit, White River, Hazyview, Malelane, or Komatipoort
Excluded:
- Flights
- Johannesburg transfers (available on request)
- Lunches (available at rest camps or picnic sites)
- Beverages and personal expenses
– Travel insurance
– Gratuities
– Photographer add-on (on request)
Want more time in the bush?
We also offer 5-day and 7-day Kruger safaris for travellers who want to explore further, unwind deeper, and spend more time in nature’s rhythm.
