5 Day Best of Kruger Safari | Classic Big Five Adventure
Discover the ultimate Kruger National Park safari on this 5-day African safari, featuring open vehicle game drives, a guided bush walk, and an exciting night safari. Stay at two different camps in Southern Kruger Park, maximising your chances of spotting the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—as well as cheetahs, wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, and abundant birdlife. Whether you're looking for an affordable Kruger Park safari or a well-rounded Kruger Park tour, this is one of the best Kruger safari options available.
Highlights
- Scheduled departures from Johannesburg & Nelspruit
- Stay in two different Kruger camps in the best wildlife areas for varied game-viewing
- En-suite, air-conditioned bungalows for comfort in the bush
- Thrilling open-vehicle game drives led by expert guides
- Guided bush walk with an armed ranger to explore on foot
- Exciting night drive using spotlights to find elusive nocturnal wildlife
- Small groups (2–9 people per vehicle) for a personal safari experience
- Great value-for-money Kruger Park budget safari option
- Experience the best of Kruger in 5 days
Itinerary: 5 Day Kruger Park Tour
Day 1: Arrival & First Game Drive
Your 5-day Kruger safari departs from Johannesburg at 07h00 or Nelspruit at 12h30. A scenic road transfer in a comfortable air-conditioned minibus takes you to Southern Kruger Park, where you'll switch to an open safari vehicle for your first Kruger Park safari experience.
As you enter Kruger National Park, your game viewing begins immediately! Look out for grazing herds of zebra, impala, giraffe, and wildebeest, often followed by predators such as lions and cheetahs. Upon arrival at camp, settle into your air-conditioned bungalow before enjoying a traditional braai (barbecue) under the stars.
Day 2: Full-Day Safari & Bush Walk
5-Day Best of Kruger Safari | Classic Big Five Adventure
Rise early for a sunrise game drive—one of the best times to spot leopards returning from a hunt or elephants heading to waterholes. As the sun rises, you may also encounter hippos basking by the riverbanks or hyenas finishing off a nocturnal feast.
Later, join a guided bush walk, where an armed ranger from the Parks Board will introduce you to Kruger's smaller wonders—animal tracks, medicinal plants, and perhaps even a thrilling encounter with rhinos or buffalo on foot. This activity is not compulsory, subject to availability, and weather-dependent.
Day 3: Explore a New Area of Kruger
After breakfast, we move to a different Kruger camp, giving you the chance to experience a new vegetation zone and different wildlife sightings. This is a prime area for spotting grazing antelope, large elephant herds, and predators on the hunt. Keep your eyes peeled for African wild dogs, one of Kruger's rarest and most exciting sightings!
Unless you have booked a bush walk or chosen to go on the night drive, the day usually unfolds as follows: Our game drives are flexible. We typically set out early for a morning game drive, making the most of the cooler hours when wildlife is most active. After a rewarding morning in the bush, we return to camp for a hearty brunch. The midday hours are yours to enjoy—relax in camp, take a dip in the swimming pool, or simply soak in the sights and sounds of the wilderness. In the afternoon, we set off on another game drive, returning to camp by sunset. Dinner is enjoyed under the starry African night sky, or, if it's raining, at the camp's restaurant.
If you're up for an adventure, we can also spend the entire day game-viewing, stopping at scenic picnic spots and waterholes along the way. Our expert safari guides—the best in the business—are always willing to go the extra mile to ensure an unforgettable Kruger Park safari experience!
Day 4: More Game Drives & Night Safari
Honey badger seen on a night drive
Enjoy another full day of open vehicle game drives, stopping at scenic viewpoints and waterholes. The southern region of Kruger is home to large prides of lions, while shady riverbeds provide the perfect habitat for elusive leopards.
In the evening, embark on an exciting night safari, where powerful spotlights help you spot nocturnal creatures like bush babies, owls, porcupines, and even hunting leopards or hyenas on the prowl.
Day 5: Final Game Drive & Departure
After a final early morning Kruger National Park safari drive, we return to Johannesburg or Nelspruit, arriving in the late afternoon. This is your last chance to tick off any species you may have missed—perhaps a rare sighting of a cheetah, a giant herd of elephants, or a martial eagle soaring overhead.
Kruger National Park is one of Africa's most wildlife-rich destinations, offering some of the best game-viewing opportunities on the continent. During your 5-day Kruger Park safari, you may see:
- Big Cats: Lion prides, elusive leopards, and possibly even a cheetah
- Large Mammals: Elephants, buffalo, rhinos, and hippos
- Rare Predators: African wild dogs, hyenas, and jackals
- Plains Game: Zebra, giraffe, impala, wildebeest, and kudu
- Nocturnal Wildlife: Bush babies, porcupines, owls, and genets
- Birdlife: Eagles, hornbills, kingfishers, and vultures
Each day offers new surprises, with expert guides helping you spot hidden wildlife and explaining fascinating animal behaviours.
Why Choose This 5-Day African Safari?
- Perfect for first-timers & seasoned safari-goers
- Incredible wildlife sightings in Southern Kruger Park
- Budget-friendly & upgrade options available
- No hidden fees – best price guarantee
- Book early to secure your spot!
This carefully curated safari truly offers you the Best of Kruger National Park. Stay in two different rest camps in diverse vegetation zones, maximising your chances of encountering Kruger's legendary wildlife. Enjoy three full days of open vehicle game drives with an expert guide, a thrilling night drive with spotlights, and a guided bush walk—one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of the African bush.
Our safari guides are among the best in the business, always willing to go the extra mile to enhance your experience. Whether you're hoping to spot the Big Five, track elusive predators, or enjoy a relaxed day soaking up the scenery, we tailor each day to ensure the most rewarding game-viewing opportunities.
This itinerary offers excellent value for money, with comfortable air-conditioned bungalows and guaranteed departures for a minimum of two people. For families or groups, we can arrange a private safari vehicle—just ask us for details! Contact us today to reserve your 5-day Kruger Park safari and experience the best of Africa's wildlife!
Plan Your Kruger Safari
Transfers, Availability & Booking Tips
- Your adventure begins with a road transfer from OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) to Kruger Gate, a scenic journey of approximately 5-6 hours. If you'd prefer to skip the drive, we can arrange one-way or return flights to Kruger at an additional cost.
- Our safari ends with a return to Johannesburg, arriving between 17h00 and 18h00, depending on traffic. If you have an evening flight from OR Tambo, we recommend allowing plenty of time or booking an overnight stay in Johannesburg, which we can arrange for you.
- Book early! Kruger National Park safaris are in high demand, and availability is limited, especially at short notice.
- Before booking, we recommend reading our informative guide to Comparing Safaris to ensure you choose the best option.
Quick Links to Other Popular Kruger Park Safaris
- 3-Day Kruger Park "Quickie" Safari – A short but thrilling Kruger safari!
- 4-Day Kruger Park Budget Safari – Affordable African safari with great wildlife sightings.
- 5-Day Kruger Park & Private Lodge Safari – A blend of Kruger Park and a private luxury lodge experience.
- 9-Day Cape Town & Kruger Park Safari – Explore Cape Town's highlights and enjoy a Kruger safari.
- 12-Day Victoria Falls, Cape Town & Kruger Safari – The ultimate Southern Africa adventure!
Includes
- Return road transfers from OR Tambo International Airport (or surrounding hotels) in air-conditioned minibus
- Kruger Park entrance and daily conservation fees
- 4 nights' accommodation inside the Kruger Park in standard en-suite bungalows with air-conditioning
- All breakfasts and dinners
- Limited refreshments, tea and coffee
- All game drives on open safari vehicle with an expert guide
- One sunset drive or night drive with one of the Kruger Park's rangers
- A guided bush walk (subject to availability, max 8 per walk)
Excludes
- Flights, visas and airport tax
- Personal travel insurance
- Lunches/meals not specified
- Drinks
- Optional extras
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities (optional)
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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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!
4 Day Kruger Park Budget Safari
Our 4 Day Kruger Park Budget Safari is a cost-effective yet authentic way to experience South Africa's most famous wildlife destination. This small-group safari departs regularly from Johannesburg or Nelspruit, offering expert-guided open-vehicle game drives and comfortable en-suite accommodation inside Kruger National Park. Book early to secure your spot!
5 Day Kruger Safari & Private Lodge Combo
Choosing between a Kruger National Park safari and a private game lodge can be tough—each offers unique advantages. This 5-day Kruger safari package gives you the best of both worlds! Spend two nights inside Kruger Park, where expert-guided game drives take you through diverse habitats teeming with wildlife. Then, transfer to a private game lodge in Greater Kruger, where off-road game drives bring you closer to the action, offering intimate encounters with the Big Five and other iconic species. This customisable Kruger safari lets you experience the best of both, with flexible options to suit your travel style.
