BIG 5 Kruger 3 Days Safari from Johannesburg

If you’re dreaming of spotting elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo—all in their natural habitat—then a Kruger National Park safari might be exactly what you need. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, extensive reviews and detailed itineraries paint a picture of an enriching, value-packed adventure that puts you right in the heart of Africa’s wildlife.

What really catches the eye? First, the high probability of seeing the Big Five—a wildlife enthusiast’s dream. Second, the comfort and convenience of included accommodation and some meals. And third, the expert guiding, which makes early mornings and long drives both informative and enjoyable. One potential consideration: the tour’s price is on the higher side, but when you factor in all the included features, it often offers good value. This trip seems best suited for travelers eager for a well-organized experience that balances wildlife viewing with comfort, especially those who want to maximize their time in Kruger without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

Key Points

• High success rate of wildlife sightings, particularly the Big Five
• Comfortable lodge accommodation and some included meals
• Guided game drives led by knowledgeable guides
• All park entrance fees included for hassle-free travel
• Round-trip transport from Johannesburg simplifies logistics
• Booking well in advance indicates popularity and high demand

An Overview of the Experience

This 3-day safari unlocks the magic of Kruger National Park, South Africa’s oldest and one of Africa’s largest game reserves, renowned for its incredible biodiversity. The tour offers a balanced mix of guided game drives, relaxing lodge stays, and opportunities to witness some of Africa’s most iconic animals in the wild.

The itinerary is thoughtfully designed to maximize wildlife sightings while ensuring comfort. From a scenic drive through Mpumalanga on the way to Kruger to multiple safari drives inside the park, you’ll get plenty of chances to see the Big Five, hippos, crocodiles, and a host of bird species. Plus, visits to inside park locations like Skukuza provide convenient spots for meals and rest.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxed Start

Your adventure kicks off with hotel or airport pickup. The driver/guide from Africa Moja Tours & Safaris transports you through the stunning landscapes of Mpumalanga, characterized by lush greenery, rolling hills, and occasional rainfalls that keep the scenery vibrant. This part of the journey often receives praise for its scenic beauty, with one reviewer noting “breathtaking nature sightings.”

Arriving at the game lodge in Hazyview, you’ll check-in and settle into your accommodation. The lodge is usually described as comfortable, with reviews highlighting the “nice view from the room” and “clean, lovely bathrooms.” Dinner is served later, offering an opportunity to unwind before the next day’s early start.

Later, a visit to Skukuza inside Kruger adds a taste of park life, with free admission and a chance to see some wildlife even during the lunch break. One reviewer enjoyed this stop, mentioning that it was a great spot for a quick safari experience and a chance to stretch.

Day 2: Full-Day Wildlife Encounters

The morning begins at dawn, around 5 am, because in Kruger, early mornings are when wildlife is most active. Reviewers like Patrick praised the knowledgeable guides, mentioning how they “found a pride of lions hunting” and made the experience engaging with humor and passion.

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll head back into the park—this time for more extensive game drives. The goal? Spot the elusive Big Five, which the tour boasts a 99% chance of achieving. Expect to see elephants wading through waterholes, lions lounging in the shade, and possibly a leopard perched on a tree. The longer drives (up to 8 hours) allow for deeper exploration, with stops at waterholes to watch crocodiles, hippos, and myriad bird species.

One review mentions the guide’s expertise, highlighting how he “was very good at finding animals,” which is essential in such a vast park. Lunch is usually at Skukuza Camp, renowned for its convenience and facilities, making it a practical halfway point during the day’s adventures.

Day 3: Wrapping Up and Scenic Return

The final morning involves another early safari drive—many guests feel this is the best chance to catch anything they might have missed. After this, you’ll begin your scenic drive back through the highlands of Mpumalanga, characterized by fertile farms and occasional white patches of waterfalls.

The return journey to Johannesburg is approximately four hours, providing time to reflect on your trip or share photos and stories. One review mentions how the “breathtaking highlands” make the drive just as memorable as the safari itself.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Wildlife Viewing

The key highlight is the probability of spotting the Big Five, with most guests reporting successful sightings. The guided drives are led by experienced guides, whose knack for finding animals and interpreting their behaviors makes a difference. As one reviewer noted, “Our guide was very passionate, and we saw a ton of animals including a pride of lions hunting,” which sounds like a wildlife lover’s dream.

Comfortable Accommodation and Food

Staying in a game lodge inside Kruger offers a level of comfort and immersion that many travelers appreciate. The lodge provides a cozy base after long days of safari, and the reviews mention clean rooms and nice views. Although meals are not included every day, you can expect some meals to be taken care of, adding to the overall convenience.

Expert Guides and Park Fees Included

The tour’s guides are described as knowledgeable, funny, and passionate. Their expertise enhances the safari experience, turning what could be a standard drive into an educational and exciting adventure. Plus, all park entrance fees are covered, removing extra costs and hassle.

Value for Money

At roughly $907 for three days, this is a considerable investment. However, considering the included accommodation, guided drives, park fees, and transport from Johannesburg, many feel it offers good value—especially if wildlife sightings and comfort are priorities.

Logistics and Booking

The pickup from Johannesburg or Pretoria simplifies planning, and the tour operates with a small group maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience. Booking often requires reservations up to 272 days in advance, reflecting how popular this safari is.

Real Experiences and Insights from Reviews

One guest highlighted the fun and friendly nature of the guide, saying, “He was very good at finding animals,” which is critical in such a vast park. Another appreciated the beautiful scenery during the drive through Mpumalanga, describing it as “breathtaking.”

While the safari itself gets high praise, some reviews mention the lodge’s amenities, with guests calling the hotel “very nice” and praising the views from the rooms. The overall experience seems to strike a good balance between wildlife adventure and comfortable relaxation.

Practical Considerations

• Timing: The start time of 7:00 am means early mornings, but this is prime time for wildlife activity.
• Duration: The long drives could be tiring for some, but they’re necessary for maximizing sightings.
• Group size: With a maximum of 15 travelers, you’ll find a more intimate experience, though this also means early booking is advisable.
• Inclusions: The tour covers park fees, bottled water, some meals, and transport—making it easier to budget.
• Not Included: Transportation to and from attractions (beyond pickup/drop-off), food, and drinks outside the meals provided are on you.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This safari is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts eager for consistent Big Five sightings with guidance from experienced guides. It’s also a great choice for those who prefer comfort and convenience, as everything from park fees to accommodation is taken care of. It suits travelers who are prepared for early mornings and long days of safari drives, and who want a well-organized, all-inclusive experience.

The Sum Up

For those wanting a comprehensive, guided safari experience in Kruger, this 3-day tour offers a compelling blend of wildlife viewing, comfortable lodging, and expert guidance. While it requires an upfront investment, the value is apparent in the included amenities, high success rate of sightings, and the ease of logistics.

It’s an excellent option for first-time safari-goers who want to see the Big Five without the stress of planning every detail. Nature lovers, wildlife photographers, and anyone craving authentic African wildlife encounters will find this trip both rewarding and memorable.

FAQ

What is the chance of seeing the Big Five?
The tour boasts a 99% chance of spotting the Big Five, thanks to guided drives and experienced guides who know where to look.

Are park fees included?
Yes, all national park entrance fees are covered, so there are no hidden costs upon arrival.

What’s the accommodation like?
Guests stay at a comfortable game lodge inside Kruger, with reviews mentioning clean rooms and lovely views, offering a cozy base after long safari days.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, round-trip transport from Johannesburg is included, making logistics straightforward and stress-free.

How early do the safaris start?
Safaris begin around 5 am, aligning with wildlife activity peaks. Be prepared for early mornings!

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, allowing flexibility if needed.

Is this tour suitable for families or solo travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and the group sizes are limited to 15, making it a friendly, manageable experience suitable for a variety of travelers.

This well-rounded, authentic safari experience provides a fantastic opportunity to witness Africa’s iconic wildlife with ease and comfort. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned safari lover, it’s a trip that promises unforgettable moments in the wild.