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.

Highlights
  • 2 nights in Kruger National Park, staying in a rest camp in the best game-viewing area
  • 2 nights at a private game lodge, customised to your budget & preferences
  • Morning & afternoon game drives in open safari vehicles
  • Night drives at the private lodge, extending into the dark to spot nocturnal predators
  • Guided bush walk at the private lodge for an immersive wildlife experience
  • Explore different ecosystems, from riverine forests to open savanna
  • Off-road game drives at the private reserve, allowing closer wildlife encounters
  • Customisable itinerary—add more nights in Kruger or at the lodge

Map of the 5-Day Kruger Park and Private Lodge Combo Safari

Experience the Best of Kruger & a Private Game Reserve

What's better— a Kruger National Park safari or a private game lodge? This 5-day Kruger safari package lets you experience the best of both. Enjoy the vast, game-rich landscapes of Kruger National Park, then discover the exclusivity and off-road game drives of a private game reserve for up-close encounters with the Big Five. All game drives take place in open safari vehicles with experienced guides, ensuring an affordable Kruger safari that delivers a diverse and unforgettable experience.

Kruger National Park: Affordable Safari in an Iconic Destination

Days 1-3: Authentic Kruger Safari Experience

Kruger safari and private lodge combo wild wings safaris 1 lion in the long grass

Young male lion spotted on one of our Kruger safaris

(Image: Simon Vegter)

Your journey begins with a transfer from Johannesburg or Nelspruit to Kruger National Park, where you'll embark on a 3-day Kruger safari. Spend two nights at one of the best Kruger camps, such as Skukuza or Lower Sabie, overlooking the Sabie River.

  • Enjoy open-safari vehicle game drives across different landscapes, maximising wildlife sightings.
  • Spot the Big Five and an incredible diversity of animals.
  • Benefit from an expert English-speaking guide who knows Kruger inside out.
  • Stay in comfortable thatched bungalows inside the park.
  • Breakfasts & dinners included (lunch is available at camp restaurants).

National park safaris allow you to cover a larger area of Kruger, giving you a wide-ranging safari experience before heading to a private game reserve for a more exclusive adventure.

Private Game Lodge: Customisable Safari in a Private Reserve

Days 3-5: Tailored Safari Experience in Greater Kruger

Kruger safari and private lodge combo wild wings safaris 2 people watching elephants from pool deck in timbavati

Close up encounters at a private safari lodge

(Image: Bateleur Safari Camp)

On Day 3, transfer to a private game lodge in one of the best private reserves adjacent to Kruger—such as Sabi Sand, Timbavati, or Klaserie. These private reserves are part of Greater Kruger, with no fences separating them from the national park, allowing wildlife to move freely.

      • Customisable accommodation options, from affordable Kruger safari lodges to high-end retreats.
      • Morning & afternoon game drives, with off-road access for the best wildlife sightings.
      • Closer encounters with leopards, lions, and wild dogs, thanks to expert guides & radio tracking.
      • Night drives in search of nocturnal predators.
      • A guided bush walk with an armed ranger (optional but highly recommended).
      • All meals included, with the option of fine dining or a traditional bush dinner under the stars.

      Since private game lodges vary in price, you can customise this part of your safari based on your budget and preferences. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly private lodge or a high-end luxury safari, we'll help you find the perfect fit.

      • All meals and game drives
      • At many lodges, drinks are also included
      • Off-road game drives for closer wildlife encounters
      • Budget-friendly lodges: $250 – $450
      • Mid-range lodges: $450 – $750
      • Luxury lodges: $750+

      We offer a price match guarantee, ensuring you get the best rate for any lodge we quote. No hidden costs—what you see is what you pay!

      Final Day & Return to Johannesburg

      On your last morning, enjoy a final game drive followed by breakfast at your lodge before checking out. You can fly out from Hoedspruit or Nelspruit (closest airports) or return to Johannesburg by road (5-6 hours) or flight (1 hour).

      Customise Your Kruger Safari Lodge Experience

      This Kruger Park & Private Game Lodge Safari is a flexible itinerary, and you can:

      • Add extra nights in Kruger National Park for a longer safari.
      • Stay additional nights at the private game lodge to make the most of the off-road game drives.
      • Combine Kruger with Cape Town, Victoria Falls, or Botswana—just ask us!

      Why Book Your Kruger Safari Package With Us?

      • Expert safari specialists to help plan your perfect trip.
      • Handpicked private game reserves & Kruger lodges to suit your budget.
      • Fully transparent pricing—no hidden costs.
      • Price match guarantee for private safari lodges.
      • Customisable itineraries—tailor your safari to your preferences.

      Book Your Kruger Safari Today!

      Availability on our Kruger Park safaris and at private game lodges is limited, so we recommend booking early to secure your preferred dates. Contact us now to start planning your Kruger safari adventure!

      Rates (see dropdown for other currencies)
      Period Price per person (pp)
      2025 - Estimate based on budget-friendly lodge - STARTING FROM
      ZAR30,385
      $1,718
      £1,328
      €1,588
      CA$2,469
      A$2,748
      2025 - Estimate based on mid-range lodge - STARTING FROM
      ZAR45,170
      $2,554
      £1,975
      €2,361
      CA$3,670
      A$4,086
      2025 - Estimate based on luxury lodge - STARTING FROM
      ZAR70,330
      $3,977
      £3,075
      €3,675
      CA$5,714
      A$6,361
      2026 - Estimate based on budget-friendly lodge - STARTING FROM
      ZAR32,820
      $1,856
      £1,435
      €1,715
      CA$2,666
      A$2,969
      2026 - Estimate based on mid-range lodge - STARTING FROM
      ZAR48,785
      $2,759
      £2,133
      €2,550
      CA$3,964
      A$4,413
      2026 - Estimate based on luxury lodge - STARTING FROM
      ZAR75,960
      $4,295
      £3,321
      €3,970
      CA$6,171
      A$6,870

      This approximate rate is intended as a guideline only and includes all transfers, accommodation, meals and game drives, but excludes flights and visas. Your final quoted rate may differ depending on date of travel, choice of lodge, room type and exchange rate fluctuations.

      All rates on our website are provided to give a price estimate only and should not be seen as a firm quote. Likewise, our currency converter will give you a rough idea of the price in another currency, but should not be seen as a firm quote. It is only intended as a guideline, based on the current exchange rate. The total price includes our tour arrangement fee and local support fees, if applicable. Please contact us to check availability and receive an accurate, free quote with no obligation.

      Includes
      • Road transfer from Johannesburg or Nelspruit to Kruger National Park
      • Kruger Park entrance fees and daily conservation fees
      • Two nights' accommodation in comfortable bungalows with air-con and a small private bathroom
      • All breakfasts and dinners in Kruger National Park
      • All game drives on open safari vehicles with an expert guide
      • Road transfer from Kruger to your private lodge
      • Two nights' accommodation at a private safari lodge
      • All meals at the private safari lodge
      • Daily conservation fees for private reserve
      • Road transfer back to Hoedspruit or Nelspruit airport on the last day
      Excludes
      • International flights and visas
      • Flight or road transfer back to Johannesburg on your last day
      • Lunches in Kruger Park
      • Drinks
      • Gratuities (not compulsory)
      • Personal expenses and optional extras
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