3 Day Kruger Park Safari
Our popular 3 Day Kruger Park Safari is designed for those who want a quick and affordable way to experience the incredible wildlife of the Kruger National Park in the company of an expert guide. With regular scheduled departures from Johannesburg or Nelspruit, custom departure dates and private departures can also be arranged on request. Book early to avoid disappointment!
Highlights
- Duration: 2 nights / 3 days
- Quick and affordable way to experience Kruger
- Convenient departures: Regularly scheduled from Johannesburg or Nelspruit
- Open vehicle game drives in Kruger National Park
- Expert, highly experienced safari guides
- Small group experience: Maximum 9 participants
- Comfortable accommodation: En-suite bungalows or chalets inside Kruger Park (no camping)
- Prime game viewing areas
- Optional night drive (at extra cost)
- Extras included: Bottled water, a map book, and an animal checklist
3 Day Kruger Park Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and First Game Drive
Game viewing begins the moment you enter Kruger National Park
The safari departs early morning from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg or nearby airport hotels within a 5km radius. Enjoy a scenic drive to Kruger National Park in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus. At the Kruger Park entrance gate, we switch to an open safari vehicle, and game viewing begins immediately. You'll have the opportunity to spot a variety of animals, including giraffes, zebras, elephants, buffalo, kudu, and impala, as we make our way to the camp.
Dinner: Enjoy a traditional outdoor South African braai (barbecue) prepared by your guide (who's also an excellent chef) or a meal at the camp restaurant. Dietary preferences can be accommodated with prior notice.
Accommodation: Stay in a standard air-conditioned bungalow with mosquito screens and a small en-suite bathroom. The bungalows are comfortable, clean, and serviced daily, offering a cosy retreat after a day of adventure. Most units include two or three single beds per room.
Option to upgrade: For those seeking an elevated experience, upgrades to luxury bungalows or even 4-star hotel accommodation can be arranged at an additional cost, subject to availability. Let us know your preference, and we'll make it happen!
Rest camps in Kruger: We overnight in the main rest camps located in the southern region of Kruger National Park, ensuring prime access to excellent game-viewing areas. The exact camp is subject to availability, but all options are safely enclosed with electric fencing. These camps provide a range of convenient amenities, including a swimming pool, a restaurant, a curio shop, and a viewing deck overlooking the river—perfect for relaxing and enjoying the surrounding wilderness after a day of adventure.
Day 2: Full Day of Game Viewing
The Kruger Park with Wild Wings Safaris
Rise early for coffee before embarking on a morning game drive, the best time to see wildlife. Look for hyenas returning to their dens, baboons playing, or elephants gathering at watering holes. If you're lucky, you might even spot nocturnal predators like lions or leopards.
Brunch: Enjoy a hearty meal at a picnic site, another camp, or back at base.
Flexible game drives: We adapt to the group's preferences. You can choose extended drives to cover more ground or relax at the camp during the hottest part of the day.
Afternoon game drive: As the day cools, animals become more active. Along the way, we may visit lookout points, game viewing hides, or picnic spots.
Dinner: Served around the campfire or at the camp restaurant.
What Animals Can You Expect to See?
During an average three-day Kruger Park safari, you can expect to encounter a wide range of wildlife:
- Big Five: Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino (76% of our safaris report Big Five sightings).
- Other Large Mammals: Giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, kudu, waterbuck, and hippo.
- Predators: Hyena, cheetah (with some luck), and African wild dog (also a rare but thrilling sight).
- Smaller Mammals: Warthogs, jackals, and smaller antelope species such as impala, steenbok, and duiker.
- Birds: Martial eagles, lilac-breasted rollers, hornbills, colourful kingfishers, and African fish eagles are just a few of the stunning bird species you might spot.
- Reptiles: Keep an eye out for crocodiles along riverbanks, as well as monitor lizards, terrapins, or even a python basking in the sun
Day 3: Final Safari and Return
Start your last day with an early morning game drive to seek out any animals you may have missed. The Kruger National Park spans over 2 million hectares, and every game drive offers a unique experience. Unlike a zoo, there are never any guarantees as to what animals you might see. However, our game viewing statistics show that we frequently encounter iconic species such as elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, warthogs, hyenas, and various antelope species on every safari. Even on a short 3-day safari, we usually see an abundance of wildlife.
On 90% of our safaris, guests are treated to sightings of at least one of the big cats—lion, leopard, or cheetah. While cheetahs and African wild dogs require a bit more luck, they are seen often enough to keep excitement levels high. While no specific sightings can ever be guaranteed, our guides ensure that every game drive is engaging, educational, and enjoyable, regardless of the animals encountered.
After breakfast, we begin our journey back to Johannesburg, switching to an air-conditioned minibus for the drive. You can expect to arrive at OR Tambo International Airport or nearby hotels between 5-6 pm. Please plan onward flights accordingly.
Key Information
- Ideal for short stays: This safari is perfect for those with limited time, but who want to experience Kruger's wildlife.
- Travel options: Road transfers from Johannesburg take approximately 5-6 hours. Flights to Nelspruit (MQP) or Skukuza (SZK) are available at extra cost.
- Focus on wildlife: This safari emphasizes exceptional game viewing rather than luxury amenities.
Why Choose Wild Wings Safaris?
- Expert Guides: Knowledgeable, passionate, and skilled in ensuring a memorable experience.
- More Wildlife: Many guests report seeing more wildlife with us compared to private lodges.
- Affordable Excellence: Quality experiences without unnecessary frills.
Book Now
- Scheduled Departures: Check the dates below and enquire today.
- Custom and Private Safaris: Available at an additional cost.
- Don't miss out! Availability is limited, especially for short-notice bookings.
- Check Reviews on TripAdvisor.
- Follow Us on Facebook for our latest Kruger Park wildlife sightings.
Explore More Kruger Park Safari Options
Kruger Park Budget Safari | 4 Days
- An affordable safari adventure with expert-guided game drives and comfortable en-suite accommodation inside Kruger National Park.
Best of Kruger Safari | 5 Days
- A top-rated safari experience combining thrilling game drives and superb wildlife sightings in Kruger National Park.
Kruger Park & Private Lodge Safari Combo | 5 Days
- Enjoy the best of Kruger with a mix of park-based and luxury private lodge experiences.
Cape Town & Kruger Park Safari | 9 Days
- Explore South Africa's highlights, from vibrant Cape Town to the incredible wildlife of Kruger National Park.
Victoria Falls, Cape Town & Kruger Park Safari | 12 Days
- A bucket-list adventure combining the awe of Victoria Falls, the charm of Cape Town, and the wildlife of Kruger National Park.
Includes
- Return road transfers from Johannesburg/Nelspruit in an air-conditioned minibus
- Kruger Park entrance and daily conservation fees
- 2 Nights' en-suite bungalow accommodation inside Kruger Park
- 2 Breakfasts/brunches and 2 dinners
- Flexible game drives in an open safari vehicle
- An experienced English speaking guide as your host and tour leader
- Limited refreshments, tea and coffee. Bottled water on game drives.
Excludes
- Flights, visas and airport tax
- Personal travel insurance
- Lunches/meals not specified
- Drinks
- Optional extras
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
Scheduled Tour Departures
This trip departs and ends at Johannesburg on the following dates. If you know which dates suit you, go ahead and make a selection below. If none of these dates suit you, please do contact us to request a custom departure at an additional cost on the date of your choice, subject to availability.
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4 Day Kruger Park and Panorama Route Safari
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5 Day Best of Kruger Safari | Classic Big Five Adventure
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