3-Day Kruger Safari and Panorama Route from Johannesburg
Three days of Mpumalanga compress grand panoramas and close-up wildlife into a compact itinerary: sweep the Panorama Route’s escarpment viewpoints, then settle into open-jeep game drives through Kruger National Park for repeated encounters with the Big Five. Early mornings, expert guides and two nights in Hazyview make this an efficient safari primer.
The Experience
Before You Go
Morning drives are best
Wildlife is most active at sunrise and late afternoon—plan to be on the vehicle early for predator and bird activity.
Bring binoculars and a zoom lens
Guides locate animals; binoculars and a 200–400mm lens help you see details without disturbing wildlife.
Stay on park roads
Always follow your guide’s instructions and remain inside vehicles except at designated stops to minimize risk and protect habitat.
Hydrate and layer up
Mpumalanga can shift from cool mornings to hot middays—carry water and wear layers you can add or remove.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Bourke's Luck Potholes—textured rock sculptures formed by river eddies
- •Pilgrim's Rest—historic gold-mining village with period architecture on the Panorama Route
Wildlife
- •African elephant
- •lion
Conservation Note
Kruger is active in anti-poaching and rhino protection; visitors help by following park rules, supporting local community-run lodges and minimizing waste.
The Sabi Game Reserve (later Kruger) began as a protected area in the late 19th century under President Paul Kruger and was expanded and formally declared a national park in the 1920s.
Photographer's Notes
- • God's Window overlook on the Panorama Route
- • Bourke's Luck Potholes viewpoint
- • Open-jeep position near waterholes in Kruger
What to Bring
Binoculars (8x-10x)Essential
Essential for scanning plains and identifying distant animals and birds.
Telephoto lens (200–400mm)
Helps capture close-up wildlife shots from the jeep without approaching animals.
Lightweight rain shellEssential
Mpumalanga's summer can bring sudden downpours—stay dry on open vehicles.
Neutral-colored clothing and sun hatEssential
Low-contrast colors reduce visibility to wildlife and protect you from sun exposure.
Common Questions
When is the best time to visit for game viewing?
Dry months (May–September) concentrate animals near waterholes for more predictable sightings; early morning and late afternoon drives yield the most activity.
Is Kruger a malaria area?
Yes—parts of Kruger and surrounding lowveld are malaria-risk; consult a travel clinic for prophylaxis and use repellents and nets where advised.
Are park entrance fees included?
Entrance fees are included in this tour as stated; confirm at booking for any updates or changes.
Can children join this trip?
Children can join but infants must sit on laps and operators advise suitability for age bands—check vaccination and safety guidance when booking.
What wildlife will I definitely see?
No sighting is guaranteed, but the park’s density makes sightings of elephant, buffalo and impala common; lions, leopards and rhino are frequent but less predictable.
How should I tip my guide?
Tipping is customary: plan for a modest daily amount for your guide and driver, scaled to service and group size.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
3 days
Location
Hazyview, Mpumalanga
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness—able to climb into open-jeep vehicles, stand for short game-viewing walks, and handle early starts.
Ready to Explore Hazyview?
Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.
Check Availability & Book Now