Kruger Safari on a Budget Experience
This self-drive Kruger Safari on a budget, has been specially designed to incorporate the scenic Panoramic Route which offers a wealth of attractions which makes for one of the most spectacular self-drive routes in the country. Forge your own path as you discover this incredible landscape that many travellers overlook as they make their way to the Kruger. Besides quirky pad-stals and colourful locals you’ll meet along the way, it also offers a variety of outdoors and adventure activities.
The best part? It’s completely up to you what you want to do. With the add-on of the guided Kruger safari, you can sit back and really appreciate the magic of this incredible wildlife haven. With affordable, yet comfortable accommodation, you’ll get to take a well-earned rest, as well as making the most of the organised morning and evening game drives where all you need to do is make sure your camera is ready to roll.
Kruger Safari on a Budget Highlights
- Great value for money without compromising comfort
- Get the best of both a self-drive and guided Kruger safari experience
- Head out on excellent road networks that are well signposted
- Stop where you want, for as long as you want while on your self-drive route
- Meet and exchange trunk greetings with an African elephant
- See free-roaming Big 5 wildlife on guided game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles
- Explore the ever-changing landscapes of the Panorama Route at your own pace
- Visit the scenic Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and Three Rondavels
- Number of days are easily customisable to suit your needs
- Easily extendable with a few extra days in Cape Town or exploring the Garden Route
Day 1: Move at Your Own Pace
Once you collect your car in Johannesburg, you will feel more than ready to take on South Africa’s open roads with unlimited mileage, premium cover insurance with 24-hour assistance. Your final destination will be the area of Hazyview which is situated in the Mpumalanga province. It’s an easy route to your accommodation for the night at Hippo Hollow Country Estate for the night, but not before a stop at an elephant sanctuary in the late afternoon.
At this elephant sanctuary across the river from your accommodation on the Banks of Sabie River, you will get to meet and interact with orphaned elephants, learning more about their habits and discovering each of their unique personalities. Be sure to snap up your new profile pic with Tembo, who is the largest of them, measuring 3.3m at shoulder height!
Day 2: Canyons, Waterfalls and Wilderness
Today its off to explore The Panorama Route, best described as a self-drive lovers’ dream. It really is the ultimate road trip as you meander through some of the most exquisite scenery you could ever imagine visiting top sites such as Bourkes Luck Potholes, God’s Window and the awe-inspiring Blyde River Canyon- the third largest canyon in the world and the world’s largest ‘green’ canyon.
The tree iconic waterfalls along the Panorama Route are Lisbon Falls, Berlin Falls and Mac Mac Falls. Each boasting a unique view and history, while being conveniently in close proximity to each other.
After a good dose of adventure, you can catch up on some rest tonight you will be staying at a small lodge en-route with majestic views of the Drakensberg Mountains and the sparkling clear waters of the Blyde River.
Day 3 - 4: Kickback in the Kruger
After breakfast, you’ll get a chance to explore some of the Panorama Route attractions that you might have missed the day before. Thereafter, its a short drive to Balule Private Game Reserve which forms part of the Greater Kruger Park.
It’s time to take a rest and hand over the wheel to your experienced tracker-guides, who will take you out into the untamed African bush to discover a plethora of wildlife. Over the next two days, you will venture out on morning and evening game drives, where you can spot a pride of lion, buffalo, elephant, rhino, giraffe, impala, wildebeest and warthog, to name a few.
Your accommodation is cradled on the banks of the great Olifants River. This Kruger area is a bird-lovers utopia and a haven for you to indulge in some relaxation time as you enjoy the viewing deck, outdoor lounge, and swimming pool area- all ideal spots for catching the sunset.
Day 5: One Last Game Drive
This morning sadly marks the end of your self-drive Panorama Route and Kruger safari on a budget. However, there will be just enough time for one last morning game drive where you can witness your last sunrise and the opportunity to catch a glimpse of animals you might not have seen during your stay.
Once you have had breakfast, its back on the road to return to Nelspruit or Johannesburg where you will drop off your hire car. Being at the airport makes it easy enough for you to catch a connecting flight to another enthralling destination if you find that you would like to extend your adventure for a few days.
Included
- 5 days’ car rental for a mid-size automatic vehicle with unlimited mileage, GPS hire and premium insurance cover
- 1 nights’ accommodation at a country estate on the banks of the Sabie River
- 1 nights’ accommodation at a lodge situated along the scenic Panorama Route
- 2 nights’ accommodation at a classic safari lodge in a private game reserve
- Breakfast included from day 2 to day 5
- Lunch and dinner included on day 3 and 4
- Elephant interaction where you get to meet, feed and exchange trunk greets with an elephant
- Game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicle under the guidance of qualified and trained safari guides
Not Included
- Fuel, toll fees and additional driver fee
- Park fees and meals not mentioned above
- Drinks, optional activities and all other extras to be settled direct
