5-Day Kruger Glamping Safari & Panorama Route: Orpen-Satara Big Five Adventure
Wake before dawn for coffee under canvas and follow guides into the Orpen–Satara plains, then trade lions for canyon vistas along the Panorama Route. This 5-day glamping safari pairs intimate game drives with scenic geology and solar-powered nights at a private tented camp.
The Experience
Before You Go
Start early for the best sightings
Game drives leave before sunrise to match predator activity—pack a headlamp and warm layer for the pre-dawn cold.
Bring malaria protection
Kruger is a malaria-risk area year-round; consult your doctor for prophylaxis and carry DEET insect repellent.
Comfortable binoculars and a telephoto
A 300–400mm lens or 8–10x binoculars make low-light wildlife encounters memorable from an open vehicle.
Respect park rules around wildlife
Stay in the vehicle unless your guide says otherwise and keep noise and movement minimal to avoid disturbing animals.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Early-morning waterhole views at the private camp—often active with birds and small mammals.
- •A quieter Panorama Route stop: a local pancake house in a Graskop hamlet for homemade treats and craft stalls.
Wildlife
- •Lion
- •Elephant
Conservation Note
Operators work in partnership with private reserves to limit vehicle numbers and emphasize solar power at the camp; visitors should stick to paths and avoid single-use plastics.
The Highveld–Lowveld corridor has long been a movement route for both wildlife and human communities; the Panorama Route’s quartzite escarpment records hundreds of millions of years of geological uplift.
Photographer's Notes
- • Satara–Orpen plains during early drive
- • Three Rondavels overlook at Blyde River Canyon
- • Camp waterhole at Sekekama at dusk
What to Bring
Lightweight layered clothingEssential
Cool mornings and hot afternoons require breathable base layers plus a warm mid-layer for early drives.
Binoculars (8–10x)Essential
Essential for identifying distant game without disturbing animals.
Insect repellent & malaria prophylaxisEssential
Crucial health protection for Kruger’s lowveld environment.
Telephoto lens or compact camera with zoom
Helps capture close-up wildlife shots from the safety of the vehicle.
Common Questions
How do I get picked up?
Pickup is arranged from OR Tambo Bus Terminal (time is typically 7:00 AM); confirm your exact pickup point when booking.
Is the trip suitable for children?
The operator notes it’s suitable for all fitness levels, but children must be supervised and follow guide instructions; game drives can be long for young kids.
Are park fees included?
The itinerary lists game drives and park access but does not explicitly state public park fees—confirm at booking what is covered.
What is accommodation like?
You’ll stay in solar-powered, furnished tents at Sekekama Tented Camp with communal boma dinners and basic amenities suited for glamping.
Can I add the bushwalk to the itinerary?
Yes—there’s an optional morning bushwalk on day five (approx. $20/person), subject to availability and group size.
Is tipping expected?
Tipping guides and camp staff is customary; standard practice is to tip guides on the last day according to your satisfaction.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
5 days (full days; early starts)
Location
Hazyview, Mpumalanga
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers with average fitness—able to tolerate long days on rough roads, short bushwalks, and early wake-ups.
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