5-Day Classic Kruger National Park Safari: Big Five, Bush Walks & Blyde Canyon
Trade the city for five days of open Land Cruisers, sunrise bush walks with armed rangers and sundowner drives through reserves that feed into Kruger National Park. This classic safari combines Big Five viewing, a bush braai and the dramatic sweep of Blyde River Canyon.
The Experience
Before You Go
Rise with the sun
Wildlife is most active at dawn—arrive at morning drives dressed in layers and with binoculars ready.
Pack for temperature swings
Bring a warm jacket for pre-dawn walks and a sunhat for hot afternoons; evenings can feel much colder than daytime.
Follow ranger instructions
Game walks are led by armed guides—always keep to their route and distance guidance for safety.
Bring cash for tips and the bar
There’s a cash bar at the lodge and tipping guides in local currency is customary—carry small bills.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Sunrise views along the Olifants River floodplain—quiet and productive for birds and elephant sightings
- •Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre—intimate look at wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, a short stop outside the parks
Wildlife
- •lion
- •elephant
- •giraffe
Conservation Note
Park fees and lodge contributions support anti-poaching patrols and community outreach; follow leave-no-trace principles and avoid single-use plastics.
Kruger was established at the end of the 19th century to protect wildlife from hunting pressures; local communities have long stewarded portions of the landscape.
Photographer's Notes
- • Open-sided game viewer for low-angle animal shots
- • Olifants River sunrise banks for reflections and elephants
- • Blyde River Canyon viewpoint at the Three Rondavels for landscape panoramas
What to Bring
BinocularsEssential
A compact 8x42 is ideal for spotting distant game from open vehicles.
Lightweight walking shoesEssential
Comfortable, closed shoes with good tread are needed for bush walks and lodge paths.
Warm jacket or fleeceEssential
Pre-dawn and evening drives can be cold—bring an insulating layer that packs small.
Telephoto camera lens (200–400mm)
A mid-range telephoto helps capture distant wildlife from the open game viewer.
Common Questions
Is this safari suitable for children?
Children are allowed but must be accompanied by an adult; activities like bush walks may have age restrictions—check with the operator.
Do I need malaria medication?
Parts of Kruger are in malaria zones; consult your doctor about prophylaxis and use insect repellent and covered clothing at dawn/dusk.
What level of accommodation is provided?
You’ll stay in air-conditioned, en-suite chalets at the lodge—comfortable lodging with communal dining and a boma for the bush braai.
Can I charge devices and is there Wi‑Fi?
Lodges typically offer charging points; Wi‑Fi is limited or slow—expect to be largely offline during game drives.
What should I tip and to whom?
Tipping is customary for guides and lodge staff; plan small cash tips for rangers, trackers and hospitality staff at the end of your trip.
Are transfers included from Johannesburg or the airport?
Yes—hotel and O.R. Tambo Airport pickup/drop-off are included; allow time for customs and disembarkment for airport pickups.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
5 days
Location
Hoedspruit, Limpopo
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; bush walks are moderate and guided so no technical fitness is required
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