How long is the drive from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park?

The journey between Johannesburg and Kruger National Park takes about 5-6 hours by road depending on traffic and chosen route. Tour operators often plan stops at key points along the Panorama Route including Blyde River Canyon and Three Rondavels making the trip more engaging. A recent traveler noted: "The drive was longer than expected about 6-7 hours but our guide made interesting stops which broke up the journey nicely."

What are the best accommodation options near Kruger National Park when starting from Johannesburg?

Accommodations near Kruger National Park fit various budgets and preferences. The Mdluli Safari Lodge inside the park provides luxury tents with private bathrooms and infinity pools. Other quality options include Tshukudu Game Lodge with air-conditioned rooms Braai Safari Lodge in Hoedspruit and Rafiki Bush Lodge. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Enjoyed stay in lodge unique experience on sunrise walking tour in Kruger park as well as sunset game drive."

What wildlife can I expect to see on these tours?

Kruger National Park houses the Big 5 (lion leopard elephant buffalo rhino) alongside 140 additional mammal species and 500 bird species. Regular sightings occur during game drives from locations like Marloth Park. A TourRadar traveler shared: "5+ Stars! We saw all the big 5 ate well felt safe and had an absolutely amazing once in a lifetime type guide at Timbaviti game lodge."

What's the best time of year to take a Kruger tour starting from Johannesburg?

The dry winter season from May to September offers prime game viewing opportunities as animals gather around water sources in Kruger National Park. The Skukuza region shows particularly high wildlife activity during this period. A TourRadar traveler noted: "We saw all the Big 5 and loads of other animals during our winter visit. The elevated height of the 4x4 open-sided vehicle makes for excellent viewing and photographic opportunities."

What are the common pickup locations in Johannesburg for these tours?

Tour pickups typically happen at O.R. Tambo International Airport Sandton hotels and most Johannesburg accommodations. Common collection points include the City Lodge at O.R. Tambo Airport and hotels in Kempton Park. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The pickup from our Sandton hotel was smooth and right on time at 7:00 AM."

How many game drives are typically included in Johannesburg to Kruger tours?

Standard 3-4 day tours feature 2-3 daily game drives scheduled during morning and afternoon/evening hours. Lodges such as Simbavati George Camp organize dawn and dusk drives. According to a TourRadar traveler: "We had amazing game viewing opportunities with both early morning and sunset drives plus optional night drives to spot nocturnal animals."

Kruger National Park Tours from Johannesburg

What if you could drive through scenic Eastern South Africa, past Drakensberg's jagged peaks and Blyde River Canyon? You'll witness landscapes transform from highveld grasslands to lowveld bushveld as you head toward Kruger's Skukuza camp where the Big Five roam freely and game drives start at dawn. This is one trip that will leave a mark on you forever, filling your mind with memories.

10 best Kruger National Park tours from Johannesburg

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Safari
4-Day Kruger National Park Essential Safari
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Kruger National Park
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Kruger National ParkLimpopo+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
The Mzansi Experience
From
US$991per person
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Safari
6 Day Safari Guide Experience Explorer
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Hoedspruit, Kruger National Park
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Kruger National ParkLimpopo+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Drifters Adventure Tours
From
US$1,705per person
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Price based on Shared Room
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Safari
Ultimate Kruger Park Big 5 Safari
4.9 (8 reviews)
"Great knowledge about animal behaviour, animal identification, South African politics, and Rugby rules!"
KyleKushnier, traveled in February
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Kruger National Park
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Kruger National ParkLimpopo+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Endless Summer Tours
From
US$2,250per person
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Safari
5 Day Classic Kruger Park Safari
4.9 (7 reviews)
"We got to see all big-5 and many other animals and birds. Each day was different and well organized."
Luba, traveled in December
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Kruger National Park
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Kruger National ParkLimpopo+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Viva Safaris
From
US$1,287per person
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Safari
Exclusive Kruger National Park Safari
5.0 (1 review)
"All included tour - professional guide, comfortable transportation, very good hotels, all meals and taste of great South Africa's wines."
Sandra, traveled in October
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Hazyview, Malelane
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
National Park
Kruger National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
Amatungulu Tour
From
US$1,090per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Safari
From Johannesburg: 4 Day Classic Package Safari Tour To Kruger Park.
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Kruger National Park
Age Range
Ages 10+
Regions
Kruger National ParkLimpopo+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Kabura Travel & Tours
From
US$2,500per person
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Safari
3 Days Kruger National Park Guided Safari Tour & Panorama Route.
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Kruger National Park
Age Range
Ages 10+
Regions
Kruger National ParkLimpopo+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Kabura Travel & Tours
From
US$1,980per person
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Safari
5-Day Kruger Safari from Johannesburg
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Hazyview
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
National Park
Kruger National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
Africa Moja Tours And Safaris
From
US$1,282per person
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Safari
3-Day Kruger Safari With Panorama Route from Johannesburg
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Kruger National Park
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Kruger National ParkLimpopo+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Africa Moja Tours And Safaris
From
US$844per person
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Safari
6-Day Kruger National Park Panorama route from Johannesburg
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Kruger National ParkLimpopo+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Africa Moja Tours And Safaris
From
US$1,719per person
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Safari
3-Day Classic Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari
4.5 (28 reviews)
"Amazing, best way to do Kruger on a budget. Got to love it!"
JR, traveled in January
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park, Skukuza
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
National Park
Kruger National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
The Mzansi Experience
From
US$734per person
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City & Culture
Amazing South Africa
4.6 (8 reviews)
"We could not be happier about our experience. The office support was great with our ongoing delays."
Arlene, traveled in February
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park, Cape Town,Table Mountain,Hout Bay,Seal Island,Chapman's Peak,Robben Island+5 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
National Park
Kruger National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
Wonderful Holidays UK
9% Off
From $3,409
US$3,102per person
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Safari
Kruger & Coast
4.8 (22 reviews)
"Great itinerary, fantastic organization, wonderful crew, and enjoyable comrades. Our first experience in Africa was incredible."
Lee, traveled in July
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Kruger National Park,Bourke's Luck Potholes,Eswatini,Hlane Royal National Park,St Lucia,Isimangaliso Wetland Park,Durban+6 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
National Park
Kruger National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From $1,670
US$1,336per person
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Safari
Kruger National Park 4D/3N
4.1 (4 reviews)
"Was good, enjoyed the safari."
Petrus, traveled in March
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Kruger National Park
Age Range
Ages 16+
Regions
Kruger National ParkLimpopo+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
20% Off
From
US$1,350per person
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Safari
3-Day Ultimate Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari
5.0 (1 review)
"Beautiful lodge, beautiful grounds & great room."
Bob, traveled in May
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Mbombela, Hazyview, Kruger National Park,Skukuza+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
National Park
Kruger National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
The Mzansi Experience
20% Off
From
US$850per person
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