5-Day Kruger Park Safari: 4 Nights Guided Big Five Adventure from Johannesburg
A five-day circuit that pairs pre-dawn game drives in Kruger National Park with the scenic drama of the Mpumalanga Panorama. Expect Big Five sightings, canyon viewpoints, and practical advice for timing, gear, and wildlife etiquette.
The Experience
Before You Go
Start before sunrise
Wildlife is most active in the cool morning—be ready for departures around 04:30–05:30 and bring a warm layer for the first hour.
Bring binoculars and a zoom lens
Guides spot animals; optics let you compose clean photos without stressing wildlife by getting too close.
Hydrate and carry snacks
Long game drives and dry heat make a refillable water bottle and energy snacks essential between lodge meals.
Follow guide instructions
Stay inside the vehicle, keep noise low, and never exit without explicit permission—safety and conservation depend on it.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Early-morning visit to a small picnic rest camp for birdwatching away from main tracks
- •Short walk viewpoints in the Panorama Route at lesser-known overlooks near Graskop
Wildlife
- •African elephant
- •southern yellow-billed hornbill
Conservation Note
Kruger manages wildlife through anti-poaching units and community outreach programs; visitors help by following park rules and supporting licensed local guides.
Kruger National Park was formally established in 1898 and expanded across colonial and national eras into one of Africa’s largest reserves; the Panorama region developed around gold and later tourism.
Photographer's Notes
- • Blyde River Canyon rim at Three Rondavels
- • Waterholes within Kruger near rest camps
- • Lodge viewing deck at dawn
What to Bring
Binoculars (8x–10x)Essential
Helps you scan waterholes and pick out birds and distant mammals without disturbing them.
Lightweight layers and windbreakerEssential
Early mornings are cold; layers let you stay comfortable as temperatures rise.
Sunscreen & wide-brim hatEssential
Protection from strong midday sun during drives and viewpoint stops.
Telephoto camera lens (200mm+)
Enables close-up wildlife shots from the vehicle while maintaining safe distance.
Common Questions
Do I need vaccines or medications for Kruger?
Consult a travel clinic—yellow fever is required only if coming from an infected area; malaria is present in parts of Kruger so antimalarial medication and mosquito precautions are recommended for some seasons.
How likely am I to see the Big Five?
Guides maximize sightings by using knowledge of waterholes and spoor, but wildlife is wild—sightings are common but not guaranteed.
Are meals and park fees included?
Most breakfasts and dinners are included per the itinerary; confirm which park entrance fees or optional activities are covered when booking.
Can children join this tour?
Children can join but policies vary—check age restrictions and discuss safety guidelines, especially for malaria risk and long drives.
What currency and tipping practices apply?
South African rand is standard; tipping guides and lodge staff is customary—roughly 10–15% for good service or set amounts per day for guides and drivers.
Will I be on paved roads the whole time?
Transfers and the Panorama Tour use paved roads; inside Kruger expect gravel and park tracks—vehicles are prepared for both.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
5 days
Location
Hazyview, Mpumalanga
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; expect long periods sitting with occasional short walks at viewpoints and camps.
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