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

An adventure starting in Johannesburg is a great way to see Kruger National Park. We have 72 tours that range from 3 days up to 22 days. The most popular time for tours from Johannesburg is August, which has the most tour departures.

10 best Kruger National Park tours from Johannesburg

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Explorer
Kruger National Park & Panorama Route Safari - 3 days
5.0 (10 traveler reviews)
"All trip was good planed with focus on timing while up and down drive gaming accorded by annimal behavior."
alexander, traveled in September
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve,Kruger National Park+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
National Park
Kruger National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
Amatungulu Tour
From
US$850per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Overland Truck
Kruger & Coast
4.8 (22 traveler reviews)
"Our recent journey through South Africa was truly unforgettable. Cardi, Ricardo, and Patrick made our trip extraordinary."
Stephanie, traveled in August
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Kruger National Park,Hlane Royal National Park,St Lucia,Durban+3 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
National Park
Kruger National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
From
US$1,340per person
Price based on Shared 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
From
US$7,923per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
South Africa Road Trip: Adventure Between Kruger, Cape & Coast (30 destinations)
4.9 (6 traveler reviews)
"The entire route and the selected hotels were fantastic, making it an unforgettable experience."
Julia, traveled in October
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Pretoria,Tsitsikamma National Park,Plettenberg Bay,Oudtshoorn,Swellendam,Table Mountain,Robben Island,Cape Town+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Kruger National ParkGarden Route+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Journaway
30% Off
From $3,506
US$2,462per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
8 Day | Kruger National Park and Cape Town
4.7 (3 traveler reviews)
"Perfect organization."
Gediminas, traveled in March
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Cape Town,Table Mountain+1 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
National Park
Kruger National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
Timeline Travel DMC
30% Off
From
US$2,225per 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
30% Off
From
US$991per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Overland Truck
Real Southern Africa (13 destinations)
5.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
17 days
Destinations
South Africa Botswana Namibia Zimbabwe
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Regions
Kruger National ParkVictoria FallsChobe National ParkOkavango+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
30% Off
From
US$2,550per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
4 Day | Heritage Trail Mapungubwe NP to Kruger NP
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Mapungubwe National Park,Kruger National Park+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Kruger National ParkLimpopo+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Timeline Travel DMC
30% Off
From
US$3,800per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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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
30% Off
From
US$1,980per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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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
30% Off
From
US$2,500per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
South Africa: Tryst with the Wild Life & the Iconic Cape Town
4.7 (3 traveler reviews)
"Great itinerary, would have added Soweto as part of the standard to make the experience complete."
Lorna, traveled in May
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park, Cape Town
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
National Park
Kruger National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
Wanderful Holidays LLC
21% Off
From $3,599
US$2,843per 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
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
National Park
Kruger National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
Wonderful Holidays UK
15% Off
From $3,365
US$2,861per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Safari
Kruger & Panorama Escap: 5-Day South African Safari & Scenic Adventure
5.0 (1 traveler review)
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
15% Off
From
US$2,200per 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, Kruger National Park
Age Range
Ages 10+
Regions
Kruger National ParkLimpopo+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
15% Off
From
US$817per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Overland Truck
Kruger to Vic Falls
4.4 (13 traveler reviews)
"The truck was good and purpose built the equipment was in good condition."
Helena, traveled in January
Duration
8 days
Destinations
South Africa Botswana Zimbabwe
Age Range
Ages 15+
National Park
Kruger National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
30% Off
From $2,360
US$1,652per person
Price based on Shared Room
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