4-Day Kruger Safari & Panorama Route from Johannesburg — Big Five, God's Window & Lisbon Falls
Leave Johannesburg for a four-day loop that pairs open-Jeep game drives in Kruger with the dramatic cliffs and waterfalls of Mpumalanga’s Panorama Route. Expect Big Five sightings, geological wonders like Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and practical tips for making the most of dawn-and-dusk wildlife windows.
The Experience
Before You Go
Book an early pickup and arrive rested
The tour departs around 8:00 AM; arriving in Johannesburg the night before reduces stress and maximizes your first-day game drive window.
Bring malaria advice and protection
Kruger is in a malaria area—talk to your doctor about prophylaxis and pack insect repellent with DEET.
Layer for temperature swings
Mornings are cool on the escarpment and hot by midday in the Lowveld—bring a lightweight insulating layer you can shed.
Camera and optics matter
An 200–400mm telephoto or good binoculars make a decisive difference for wildlife photography from an open Jeep.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Early morning walk at a designated rest camp for birding—little more than a 30–60 minute loop.
- •Short viewpoint detours along the Panorama Route that offer quieter views than the main pullouts (ask your guide).
Wildlife
- •African elephant
- •lion
Conservation Note
Kruger operates strict anti-poaching patrols and community outreach programs; visitors reduce impact by staying on tracks, avoiding littering and following ranger instructions.
Mpumalanga—literally ‘the place where the sun rises’—has long been a corridor for trade and migration; the Panorama Route’s names reflect 19th-century exploration and local Sotho-Tswana stories.
Photographer's Notes
- • God’s Window overlook (panorama of the Lowveld)
- • Bourke’s Luck Potholes platform
- • Lisbon Falls upper viewpoint
What to Bring
Binoculars (8x–10x)Essential
Close-ups of distant game for identification and photography without disturbing animals.
Lightweight layers and windbreakerEssential
Dawn and dusk can be cool on the escarpment; a windbreaker helps on open-vehicle drives.
Sunscreen & wide-brim hatEssential
Protects against strong Lowveld sun during midday stops and photo breaks.
Telephoto lens or point-and-shoot with zoom
A 200mm+ lens captures animals in the open Jeep; smartphone zooms are usable but limited.
Common Questions
Is Kruger National Park malaria-free?
No—Kruger’s Lowveld carries malaria risk; consult a travel clinic well before travel for current advice and consider prophylaxis and mosquito precautions.
How long is the drive from Johannesburg to Kruger on day one?
The scheduled transfer is about 5 hours (≈400 km) through Mpumalanga’s escarpment, with scenic stops en route.
What are my chances of seeing the Big Five?
The tour includes a full-day open-Jeep safari with experienced guides—sightings are common but not guaranteed; luck, season and animal movements affect results.
Are meals and accommodation provided?
The package includes three breakfasts and bed-and-breakfast accommodation at a Kruger-area lodge; lunch and dinner arrangements are typically at camps or local eateries as noted.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Is Kruger National Park malaria-free?
Do I need travel insurance or permits?
Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and trip cancellation is recommended; park entrance fees are included in this itinerary’s activities but confirm at booking.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4 days
Location
Hazyview, Mpumalanga
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average fitness—long vehicle days and short walks; be prepared for periods of standing and stepping in/out of open Jeeps.
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