3 Day Kruger Safari

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Kruger National Park tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaKruger National Park travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Day Kruger National Park Itinerary, incl. Johannesburg and Skukuza

  Three dynamic days in Kruger National Park cost approx. $280 per day, including 2 nights at comfortable lodges near Phabeni Gate. Full-day game drives in open-sided Landcruisers traverse the wildlife-rich Skukuza area. A 6-hour scenic drive from Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo Airport starts your adventure, with 2 breakfasts and dinners, plus expert ranger-guided safaris seeking the Big Five.

  

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  • Day 1

    Johannesburg to Kruger National Park

    Plan to arrive at O.R. Tambo Airport by 6:30 AM for the 6:50 AM departure. The drive to Hazyview takes about 6 hours with two quick 15-minute stops for snacks and stretching. If you get car sick bring motion sickness medication since the roads twist and turn quite a bit. Once you're settled at your lodge near Phabeni Gate you'll set out for your first game drive at sunset when nocturnal predators start to emerge.

    
  • Day 2

    Full-Day Safari in Skukuza Area

    Your day starts early with coffee and rusks (South African dry biscuits) before sunrise. The full-day game drive through Skukuza gives you the best shot at seeing the Big Five. One visitor shared: "We saw all the Big 5 - the highlight was watching a leopard dragging its impala kill up a tree while a hyena circled below." Bring lots of water and sunscreen since the open vehicles offer great views but minimal shade. The high vantage point from the 4x4s makes for excellent photos especially in the soft morning light.

    
  • Day 3

    Optional Morning Drive and Return

    On your last morning you can sleep in and enjoy breakfast at the lodge or take an optional pre-dawn game drive for about 950 ZAR. Many guests recommend the early drive. As one visitor noted: "The early morning mist created magical lighting for photos and we had a pride of lions all to ourselves before other vehicles arrived." The return trip to Johannesburg leaves at 11 AM getting in around 5:30 PM. Book flights after 8 PM to account for potential traffic.

    

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• 3 Days in South Africa, incl. Cape Town and Kruger National Park

  Rich wildlife encounters fill three days at Kruger National Park with 2 nights at Hazyview lodge. Morning and afternoon game drives maximize viewing opportunities, earning perfect 5.0 ratings for both itinerary and transport.

  

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  • Day 1

    Cape Town to Kruger National Park

    Your day starts at 4:00 AM with hotel pickup for your flight to Johannesburg. "The drivers were courteous and personable, and all transfers were well-coordinated." From Johannesburg airport take the shuttle to Kruger (4-5 hours). Get your camera ready for the afternoon game drive. This is when leopards often come out so your chances of spotting them are good.

    
  • Day 2

    Full Day in Kruger National Park

    Start early with a morning game drive when the animals are most active. The open vehicles give you great views but bring layers. Mornings can be cold while afternoons get hot. You'll spend the day looking for the Big Five and other wildlife. According to one visitor: "The safaris were amazing - we saw all of the Big Five within our first two drives." Head back to the lodge in the afternoon to rest and look through your photos.

    
  • Day 3

    Final Safari and Return to Cape Town

    Take one last morning drive to spot any animals you might have missed. Different species are active at different times so this gives you another chance to see something new. Check out around midday and take the shuttle to Johannesburg for your Cape Town flight. About the lodging: "The rooms were comfortable though there's no AC, so request a fan if visiting during summer months."

    

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• 3-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Glamping Safari

  Your safari adventure combines Blue Canyon Reserve and Kruger National Park's Orpen-Satara region over 3 days. A 3-hour afternoon drive, full-day Kruger safari, and optional morning activities like ATV safaris or guided bush walks await, while glamping near Hoedspruit with mountain views.

  

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  • Johannesburg South Africa

    269 mi

  • Kruger National Park South Africa

    269 mi

  • Johannesburg South Africa

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