South Africa
5 Day Wild and Scenic Kruger
- Tour Overview
- Itinerary
- Tour Details
- Pre and Post accommodation
- Rates & Availability
- General Overview
from € 1499 per person
book this tourGeneral Overview
Touring Kruger National Park offers an unforgettable safari experience, where you can spot the “Big Five” and immerse yourself in the park’s rich wildlife and diverse landscapes. Alongside this, the Panorama Route showcases breathtaking views of natural wonders like Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window, and the Three Rondavels, making it a perfect combination of thrilling wildlife encounters and scenic beauty.
- 5 Day Itinerary
from € 1499 per person
book this tour5 Day Itinerary
Your adventure begins as we depart Johannesburg, towards the Kruger National Park – South Africa’s top-ranked safari destination and one of the planet’s last vast preserved wildernesses. We stop en route for lunch (at your own expense).
We enter the park in the afternoon and enjoy game viewing as we make our way to our lodge at Skukuza Rest Camp. Kruger National Park is home to what is famously known as the ‘Big 5’ (lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, and rhino), along with 336 tree, 49 fish, 34 amphibian, 116 reptile, 507 bird, and 147 mammal species. Arrive at the lodge in the late afternoon. We dine at the lodge restaurant.
Meals
- Breakfast at the hotel (own expense – own arrangement)
- Lunch en route (own expense)
- Dinner at the lodge (included)
Accommodation
- Overnight at Skukuza Safari Lodge or similar
Highlights
- Afternoon game viewing to the touring vehicle to Skukuza Rest Camp
Wake up early with a sunrise cup of coffee and fresh rusks (a traditional South African biscuit). Expect an exciting safari as we head out on a full day game drive with expert guides in an open safari vehicle. You will receive a breakfast pack to enjoy at a picnic spot in the park.
Explore the wilderness with heightened senses on the lookout for creatures big and small. Be ready to add to your animal and bird viewing list! There is a lot to look for, including the ‘Big 5’. Find graceful giraffes among the thorn trees, while in the vast African skies, vultures circle, marking a kill. Listen out for the compelling cry of a Fish Eagle or the unforgettable, full-throated roar of a lion.
As the day unfolds, relish a tranquil lunch (at your own expense) at a scenic picnic spot, surrounded by the park’s untamed beauty. Relax and take in the special energy of the African bush. We return to the lodge in the late afternoon. Enjoy dinner under the starry galaxy, and share stories around the campfire or at the restaurant.
Meals
- Early breakfast at the hotel (included)
- Truck-catered lunch en-route (included)
- Dinner at the camp (included)
Accommodation
- Samburu Riverside Camp or similar
Highlights
- Scenic drive crossing the equator with views of Mount Kenya
- Afternoon game drive in Samburu in the Drifters truck (included)
You will be reluctant to leave the wild world of the Kruger National Park, but Hoedspruit is a wildlife mecca. After breakfast, there are more opportunities to spot wildlife on the 3-hour drive to Orpen Gate, where we exit the Park and head towards the Makalali Private Game Reserve. Makalali is renowned for its diverse wildlife and beautiful landscapes, with a signature skyline of the Drakensberg Mountain Range. It is also home to the highly endangered African wild dog. We stop for lunch (at your own expense) en route.
Once at the lodge, you can enjoy an afternoon high tea, cool off in the pool, or relax on a viewing deck. You will explore this private reserve, spanning 26,000ha of pristine bushveld, in an open safari vehicle with an expert game ranger in the afternoon. With two game drives, you can expect hours of excitement and wonder. You are in for a treat this evening with fine dining on the deck, before retiring to your suite for the night.
Meals
- Breakfast at the lodge (included)
- Afternoon High Tea (included)
- Dinner at the lodge (included)
Accommodation
- Overnight at aha Makalali River Lodge or similar
Highlights
- Game viewing in Kruger National Park in the closed touring vehicle from Skukuza to Orpen Gate
- Afternoon open safari vehicle game drive (included)
Early morning in the bush is extraordinary. The clear air is filled with birdsong; animals make their way to drinking holes. Be part of the wilderness on a guided walk through the bush, or head out on an open vehicle game drive. After a lodge breakfast, we drive along the Panorama Route where the scenery shifts from bushveld to the lush green mountains and valleys.
We stop for lunch (at your own expense) along this route. First, we visit the Blyde River Canyon, the world’s largest green canyon filled with waterfalls and ancient geological formations that will astound you, including the Three Rondavels – three conical peaks resembling African huts. Stand on the bridges over the Bourke’s Luck Potholes, where millennia of swirling water have carved giant holes into the sandstone. Watch misty rainbows formed by the cascading Lisbon Falls as it plunges 94m of sheer rock face.
If time permits, take a short walk to the bottom of the falls. We continue to the highest point of the day, at God’s Window before seeing the Pinnacle – a tall, freestanding rock formation that offers unrivalled views of the Canyon. We overnight near Graskop, a town established in the 1880s at the height of the gold rush, and now part of the local timber industry. Enjoy a relaxing dinner at your hotel.
Meals
- Breakfast at the lodge (included)
- Lunch en route (own expense)
- Dinner at the hotel (included)
Accommodation
- Overnight at Hoyohoyo Angel’s View or similar
Highlights
- Morning open safari vehicle game drive (included)
- Blyde River Canyon and The Three Rondavels (included)
- Bourke’s Luck Potholes (included)
- Lisbon Falls (included)
- God’s Window (included)
- The Pinnacle (included)
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before we make our way back to Johannesburg. We will stop for lunch (at your own expense) en route and arrive in Johannesburg in the afternoon at OR Tambo International Airport or the main Sandton and Rosebank hotels.
NOTE for airport drop-off: It is advisable to book a local flight departing after 18h00
Meals
- Breakfast at the hotel (included)
- Lunch en route (own expense)
- Included highlights
- Pre-Departure Information
- Optional Activities
- Important Information
- General Information
from € 1499 per person
book this tourIncluded highlights
- “Big Five” game viewing
- Game viewing in open safari vehicle
- Panorama Route
- Kruger National Park
Pre-Departure Information
This trip requires a valid passport and for certain nationalities. Spending money required will be for the restaurant meals, drinks, visas, tips, curios, airport transfers, and any other optional excursions.
Our price includes 4x breakfast and 4x dinners, as per the itinerary, transport in an airconditioned Quantum, a professional driver/guide, accommodation based on 4 to 5 stars and entrance fees, as stipulated. Our price does not include any other meals, which are not stipulated, visas, tips, curios, optional excursions, alcohol, bottled water and soft drinks, airport tax, airport transfers and airfares. Before departure clients will be required to enter into an agreement pertaining to our booking conditions and general information as defined on our website and in our brochure. Clients are required to have their own comprehensive personal travel insurance.
Departure Point
The tour starts from Rosebank/Sandton Hotels around 06h00 and finishes back at these hotels on the last day around 17h00 (drop off at the OR Tambo International Airport can also be arranged).
Accommodation on Tour
The accommodation during this tour is based on 4 to 5 star properties
- Batteries can be charged from a 220 volt source
- Currency exchange opportunities: the first one is at OR Tambo International Airport and at various properties/cities.
- Internet facilities available at various properties
Optional Activities
No optional day activities on offer.
Important Information
Travel documents
Please ensure that you are in possession of valid travel documents (passport/visas) for South Africa and that your passport has at least six months’ validity from your planned date of return to your home country. Make two photocopies of valuable documents such as your passport, tickets, visas. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
Please note that all guests travelling to South Africa will require two blank facing pages in their passport.
Please note it is your responsibility to have the correct travel documents (Visas -if applicable and valid passports) for each and every country you will be visiting on your tour.
Foreign currency
Upon arrival you will be able to find a Bureau de Change OR ATM Facilities at the airport and at various points throughout the tour. It is advised to withdraw some ZAR at the ATM upon arrival, in order to have some cash for tips or small curio purchases along the way.
The preferred currency for your tour is as follows:
- South Africa – ZAR; Rand
Credit cards are widely accepted in most parts of South Africa but please ensure to have enough cash for personal expenses and possible gratuities.
Insurance
It is compulsory that all passengers make arrangements for adequate travel insurance to financially safeguard against unforeseen circumstances. If you need further information please do not hesitate to contact us. Drifters do not accept responsibility for any loss, injury, damage, accident, fatality, delay or inconvenience experienced whilst on tour. You will be required to complete and sign a full indemnity prior to your tour departure.
Your insurance should include all the countries and territories that your tour will pass through. You must ensure that you have sufficient cover for medical and evacuation costs, and should base this on advice from your insurer. A minimum benefit of USD 60 000.00 is recommended for evacuation from any area in which Drifters operates in Africa to South Africa, with further benefits for medical costs in South Africa, and for possible repatriation to your home country. Please note that you will be required to furnish details of your travel insurance to Drifters before you will be allowed to travel with us. Please ensure that these details are completely and accurately recorded in order to facilitate a claim should this be necessary.
Health precautions & requirements
The only necessary prophylaxis for South Africa is against Malaria, but on this tour there is no eminent danger as South Africa is regarded mostly as a Malaria free zone however prevention is better than cure, so we do advise to also use insect repellent on exposed areas after sunset. Please consult with your general practitioner regarding this. All Drifters guides have first aid boxes for use in emergencies, however we recommend that you bring a long your own basic supply of medication, headache tablets etc.
**Personal medication
Please bring along any personal medication that you might need on your tour as specific medication could be difficult to find or might not be obtainable in most places we visit. General medication for headaches, colds and fever are easy to get.
Please also inform your guide of any medical conditions. This information will be received professionally and kept confidential.
General Information
Weather conditions
Please note that Southern African weather conditions vary tremendously from season to season. During summer months temperatures of up to 40°C can be experienced. During the winter months of June, July and August the nights are very cold, temperatures may drop well below 0°C, although the day temperatures will be pleasant at around 20°C.
For more accurate information, please visit AccuWeather and choose your destination.
http://www.accuweather.com/en/browse-locations
Clothing and personal effects
Herewith a recommended guide of what to bring along:
For walking, hiking and safaris
- Sport Shoes / Sneakers
- Sandals
- Hat
- Sun Cream
- Water Bottle
- Smaller day pack
- Camera, Binoculars
- Books (Birds, Mammals, personal reading books, Optional)
For general travelling (to keep yourself entertained on the longer drives)
- Personal iPod
- Personal Reading Books
- A deck of cards or something similar
- Battery chargers for your personal devices (Ipods, Ipads, E-Readers, Handy’s etc)
Our vehicles are well equipped with charging facilities while driving. A Two-pin charger is perfect.
- Clothing and Toiletries
- Long Trousers / Tracksuit
- Hat or cap
- Shorts
- Swimming Costume & Towel
- Waterproof Windbreaker
- Personal toiletries
- Jersey / Jumper
- Insect Repellent
- Socks & Underwear
- T-Shirts / Shirts
General Accessories
- Malaria Prophylaxis (please enquire from your general Doctor at home)
- Money (Sundry expenses, gratuities)
- Refreshments
- Pen
- Passport/Visa
Luggage and Packing space on our vehicles
Luggage should be limited to a maximum of 20kg’s
Meals and refreshments
4 Breakfast and 4 dinners are included in the itinerary. Please note that any beverages, such as soft drinks, bottled water and alcohol are for your own expense; there is ample opportunity during the tour to buy refreshments. All beverages and other meals are for own account.
Personal expenses
A reasonable amount of personal spending money must be brought on our tours. This is to cover own expense meals as indicated in our Drifters Brochure, bottled water, soft drinks, alcohol, sundry goods purchased- such as suntan cream etc., curios, optional extra excursions, airport tax, transfers and tips.
In Africa things work a little different to the rest of the World. Tipping or gratuity, unless otherwise specified, is not included in the price you pay for services delivered. This accounts for restaurant meals, casual help and the services of the guide or guides that you will meet on your tour.
Gratuity guidelines
This TIP is not something that is forced upon you by any means, but in many industries of tourism it is customary. It works as follows: if you believe your guide has lived up to your expectations and has performed his/her job in a way that you respect and are happy with the services rendered, an amount of R50 per day or equivalent amount of R50 per day in any major currency per person per day would constitute a fantastic tip. Remember that this is just a guideline and is not by any means compulsory, but seen as common courtesy in Southern and East Africa. General gratuity at restaurants is 10% of the total cost of the receipt.
- Pre & Post Accommodation
from € 1499 per person
book this tourPre & Post Accommodation
Pre/Post-Tour Accommodation in JOHANNESBURG:
- 4-star Protea Hotel by Marriott Balalaika Sandton
- 5-star Sandton Sun Hotel
- Rates & availability 2025
- Rates & availability 2026
from € 1499 per person
book this tourRates & availability 2025
Please find rates and availability below
Departures & rates
2025 Season
1 Nov 2024 - 31 Dec 2025
Tour rate
€ 1 499 per person sharing
German Guided Tour Rate
€ 1 499 per person sharing
Live Availability
Rates & availability 2026
Please find rates and availability below
Departures & rates
2026 Season
1 Jan 2026 to 31 Dec 2026
Tour Rate
€ 1 649 per person sharing
Live Availability
Traveller Tour
Everything was very well organized on site and we always felt comfortable. Great attention was paid to safety, our guide was excellent and always explained everything to us. You could tell that he had a lot of experience. The vehicle was in perfect condition, and the accommodations always met our expectations — we were very satisfied. The best part of the journey: The evening/night safari and the sunset picnic — in general, all the safaris.
Traveller Wild & Scenic TourDucanovic Family
Traveller Tour
We had a wonderful, eventful, and amazing vacation with many great impressions and wonderful people. The support from you was exceptional. Since our travel group consisted of just the two of us, we had a very personal and intimate trip with a private, very empathetic, unique, and caring guide — his name is Moses. Anyone would be lucky to be guided through Africa by him, as he has excellent knowledge and is also very funny. We had a lot of fun with him!
Traveller Wild & Scenic Tour Mr & Mrs Jensen
Traveller Tour
The safari was an absolute highlight and we really enjoyed it. We always felt safe and comfortable. The accommodations were great and matched the pictures. The guide was very friendly and had good knowledge of German. The most beautiful experience was the evening safari.
Traveller Wild & Scenic TourNico & Franzis Schwark
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