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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Overland Truck
Kruger & Coast
4.8 (22 traveler reviews)
"The views and scenery are incredible, make sure you have loads of storage on your phone or camera!"
Roisin, traveled in November
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 $1,455
US$1,164per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Overland Truck
5 Day Kruger Safari Explorer (Accommodated)
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"Accommodations were perfect locations. Would definitely travel with Drifters again."
Susan, traveled in February
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Hazyview
Age Range
Ages 12+
National Park
Kruger National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
Drifters Adventure Tours
20% Off
From
US$1,078per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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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
20% Off
From
US$991per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Overland Truck
Real Southern Africa (15 destinations)
Duration
17 days
Destinations
South Africa Botswana Zimbabwe
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Regions
Kruger National ParkVictoria FallsChobe National ParkOkavango+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From
US$2,550per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Ultimate Kruger Park Big 5 Safari
4.9 (8 traveler reviews)
"Everything was run by the company and we just had to enjoy. This stay allowed us to discover the big 5."
Maxim, traveled in August
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
20% Off
From
US$1,650per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Kruger National Park Xplorer
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Kruger National Park
Age Range
Ages 10+
Regions
Kruger National ParkLimpopo+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
SouthernXplorer
20% Off
From
US$866per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
South Africa Luxury Safari Itinerary: 7 Days Kruger, Sabi Sands & Panorama Route
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Kruger National Park
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
National Park
Kruger National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
Across Africa Tours & Travel
20% Off
From
US$7,923per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Safari
Kruger Safari on a Budget: Johannesburg to Kruger & Cultural Experiences 7 Days
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Kruger National Park
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
National Park
Kruger National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
Across Africa Tours & Travel
20% Off
From
US$1,570per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Safari
3 Day Kruger BIG 5 Safari from Johannesburg
"The itinerary was well balanced, allowing plenty of time for wildlife viewing. Seeing the Big 5 in their natural environment was unforgettable."
Leslie, traveled in October
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
20% Off
From
US$872per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Geluxe: South Africa: Kruger, Cape Town & Stellenbosch Vineyards
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Stellenbosch,Cape Town+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
National Park
Kruger National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
From $5,299
US$3,974per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Amazing South Africa
4.6 (8 traveler 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
8% Off
From $3,359
US$3,090per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Kruger in Depth
5.0 (20 traveler reviews)
"excellent tour, wonderful experience."
Valerie, traveled in September
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Kruger National Park
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Kruger National ParkLimpopo+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
From $2,099
US$1,574per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Kruger & Panorama Escape: 5-Day South African Safari & Scenic Adventure
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Dullstroom,Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve,Graskop,Malelane,Skukuza,Kruger National Park+5 more
Age Range
Ages 9+
National Park
Kruger National Park
Operated in
English, German
Operator
T.S TOURS
25% Off
From
US$2,200per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
4 Day Classic Kruger Park Safari
4.5 (4 traveler reviews)
"Transportation was well-coordinated, the lodge was beautiful, and our accommodations were comfortable and cool."
Lauren, traveled in January
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Kruger National Park
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Kruger National ParkLimpopo+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Viva Safaris
25% Off
From
US$1,125per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Kruger National Park 3D/2N
4.9 (6 traveler reviews)
"Very friendly staff, great service, amazing breakfast and dinner and well arranged trips."
Haytham, traveled in December
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park, Skukuza
Age Range
Ages 10+
National Park
Kruger National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
25% Off
From
US$817per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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