We Love —
- Seeing the Big Five on this buket-list safari through sweeping savannah landscapes, grasslands and dense forest.
- Visiting th Kruger National Park where lions, leopard and elephants roam the plains.
- Returning to Kubu Lodge for some rest and relaxation during your safari, and diping in the refreshing pool in Premier Hotel OR Tambo during your stays in Johannesburg.
Customer reviews —
Your itinerary in brief —
Discover the impressive Kruger National Park Nature Reserve and spot lions and elephants across the endless savannah.
Find serenity and lush vegetation in tranquil Khaya Ndlovu Park where its rich biodiversity of indigenous flora and fauna offers an immersive safari experience.
Choose the length of your stay
7 nights: 1 night in Johannesburg + 5 nights at Kubu Safari Lodge + 1 night in Johannesburg
8 nights: 1 night in Johannesburg + 6 nights at Kubu Safari Lodge + 1 night in Johannesburg
10 nights: 1 night in Johannesburg + 8 nights at Kubu Safari Lodge + 1 night in Johannesburg
Your itinerary in detail —
7-night tour
Day 1 – Arrival in Johannesburg
Upon arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, you will be met by a representative, who will assist you to the bus terminal, where you will board your shuttle bus to your hotel.
- Meet and assist at OR Tambo International Airport
- Shuttle transfer to hotel
- Night in Premier Hotel OR Tambo
Day 2 – Johannesburg to Kruger National Park
Early morning departure at 7 am from the OR Tambo International Airport terminal to Hoedspruit, where you will arrive at around 1:45 pm, before heading to Kubu Lodge.
- Transfer from Premier Hotel OR Tambo to Kubu Lodge
- Please note: You'll need to take a shuttle from the hotel to the airport as the shuttle to Kubu departs from the airport.
- Breakfast and dinner included
- Night in Kubu Lodge
Day 3 – Kruger National Park
Enjoy a full-day game drive in Kruger National Park. Located in northeastern South Africa, it is one of Africa's largest and most renowned wildlife reserves.
Spanning over 19,000 square kilometres, it is home to an incredibly diverse array of wildlife, including the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros) along with numerous other species like cheetahs, hippos, and crocodiles. The park's varied landscapes range from savannahs and grasslands to dense forests and riverine ecosystems
- Departing around 6 am and return between 2 pm and 4 pm
- Breakfast and dinner included
- Kruger National Park fees included
- Night in Kubi Lodge
Day 4 – Khaya Ndlovu Reserve
Depart early in the morning for a game drive in the Rietspruit Big Game Reserve. Home to a variety of wildlife, it offers breathtaking views of the magnificent Drakensberg Range and the Blyde River Canyon. Encounter wildlife such as lions, elephants, cheetahs, leopards, leopards, African wild dogs, black and white rhinos as well as a host of other game species.
- Depart at 5:30 am in summer and 6 am in winter for a 3 to 4 hour excursion
- Conservation fees included
- Breakfast and dinner included
- Night in Kubi Lodge
Day 5 – Kruger National Park
Spend another day on safari in the Kruger National Park.
- Breakfast and dinner included
- Kruger National Park fees included
- Night in Kubi Lodge
Day 6 - Kruger National Park
Head out on a morning bush walk at Kubu Lodge along the banks of the beautiful Klaserie River, and learn tracking, animal behaviour, and plant and tree identification from your expert guides.
- Bush walks start around 7 am and last approximately 1-2 hours
- Conservation fees included
- Breakfast and dinner included
- Night in Kubi Lodge
Please note: during these walks, it is possible to encounter wild animals and the guide will ensure the safety of the group and the animal.
Day 7 – Kruger National Park to Johannesburg
Dig in to breakfast at your lodge, before heading to the Premier Hotel OR Tambo for a restful night's sleep.
- Breakfast included
- Transfer to the airport at 10:15 am
- Departure at 10:45 am from Hoedspruit airport to Johannesburg
- Arrival in Johannesburg at 5:15 pm
- On arrival, take the shuttle service to the Premier Hotel OR Tambo
Day 8 – Johannesburg
After breakfast, drive to the airport (taking the shuttle service) to take your return flight home after an incredible trip.
8-Night Tour
Day 1 - 6: similar to the 7-night tour.
Day 7 – Blyde River Canyon
Head along the Scenic Road to the Blyderiver Canyon, the third largest canyon in the world with excellent panoramas from the viewpoints of God's Window, The Pinnacle, and The Three Rondawels. Admire Berlin Falls and Lisbon Falls where the water cascades down the steep cliff to a pool 92 metres below.
See the Bourke's Luck Potholes from specially built bridges, and visit the historic town of Pilgrim's Rest, built during the 1870s gold rush and now a living national monument.
- Breakfast and dinner included
- Depart at 8 am and arrive between 4-5 pm
Day 8 – Kruger National Park to Johannesburg
Dig in to breakfast at your lodge, before heading to the Premier Hotel OR Tambo for a restful night's sleep.
- Breakfast included
- Transfer to the airport at 10:15 am
- Departure at 10:45 am from Hoedspruit airport to Johannesburg
- Arrival in Johannesburg at 5:15 pm
- On arrival, take the shuttle service to the Premier Hotel OR Tambo
Day 9 – Johannesburg
After breakfast, drive to the airport (taking the shuttle service) to take your return flight home after an incredible trip.
10-Night Tour
Day 1 - 6: similar to the 7-night tour.
Day 7 – Kruger National Park
Spend another day on safari in the Kruger National Park.
- Breakfast and dinner included
- Kruger National Park fees included
Day 8 – Kruger National Park
Enjoy a day at your leisure
- Breakfast and dinner included
Day 9 – Blyde River Canyon
Head along the Scenic Road to the Blyderiver Canyon, the third largest canyon in the world with excellent panoramas from the viewpoints of God's Window, The Pinnacle, and The Three Rondawels. Admire Berlin Falls and Lisbon Falls where the water cascades down the steep cliff to a pool 92 metres below.
See the Bourke's Luck Potholes from specially built bridges, and visit the historic town of Pilgrim's Rest, built during the 1870s gold rush and now a living national monument.
- Breakfast and dinner included
- Depart at 8 am and arrive between 4-5 pm
Day 10 - Kruger National Park - Johannesburg
Dig in to breakfast at your lodge, before heading to the Premier Hotel OR Tambo for a restful night's sleep.
- Breakfast included
- Transfer to the airport at 10:15 am
- Departure at 10:45 am from Hoedspruit airport to Johannesburg
- Arrival in Johannesburg at 5:15 pm
- On arrival, take the shuttle service to the Premier Hotel OR Tambo
Day 11 – Johannesburg
After breakfast, drive to the airport (taking the shuttle service) to take your return flight home after an incredible trip.
Your hotels —
Hand-picked just for you
Maximum room capacity
At each of your stops, you will be staying in comfortable rooms in thoughtfully chosen hotels.
Your hotels during the tour:
- Johannesburg: Premier Hotel OR Tambo 4*
- Hoedspruit : Kubu Safari Lodge 4*
If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.
Your dining choices
Throughout your stay at Kubu Safari Lodge 4* enjoy a half board stay, and at Premier Hotel OR Tambo, enjoy a bed & breakfast stay.
Your Journey to South Africa —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking, in either Economy, Premium, or Business class, depending on the destination and carrier. This flight may include one or more stopovers. Please review your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ, in order to offer the best price.
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need to pay for it at the airport counter.
You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Your destinations —
South Africa
Discover South Africa, a captivating destination bordered by two oceans and renowned for its breathtaking landscapes. From majestic mountains and vibrant cities to serene beaches and charming villages, this diverse country offers a wealth of experiences for every traveller.
Must-Sees:
- Table Mountain: Iconic for its flat-topped silhouette, this natural wonder provides panoramic views of Cape Town.
- Kruger National Park: One of Africa's largest game reserves, it is celebrated for its rich wildlife and exceptional safari opportunities.
- The Garden Route: A scenic coastal drive featuring stunning landscapes, quaint towns, and diverse ecosystems.
Culinary Culture:
South Africa’s culinary culture reflects its rich heritage, offering a delightful blend of flavours. Indulge in traditional dishes such as bobotie (a spiced meat dish), braai (barbecue), and biltong (cured meat), paired with exquisite local wines from the Stellenbosch region.
Dive Deeper:
To gain a deeper understanding of the country’s culture, explore the vibrant art scene in Johannesburg or visit the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Engage with local communities to discover traditional crafts, music, and dance that highlight South Africa's diverse cultural tapestry.
Good to Know:
- The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). The best time to visit varies by region, but the dry winter months (May to September) offer excellent game viewing.
- Cape Town's Wine Route includes Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl, renowned for world-class wineries, picturesque vineyards, and Cape Dutch architecture.
- In contrast, South Africa's Garden Route is a scenic coastline from Mossel Bay to Storms River, featuring diverse landscapes of beaches, forests, and mountains, along with charming towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.
Kruger National Park
The Kruger National Park, one of South Africa’s most renowned wildlife reserves, spans nearly two million hectares and offers a vast array of landscapes. From granite hills in the south to the savannahs of the east and the tropical forests in the north, this park is a haven for nature lovers. Known for its diversity, the park is a top destination for spotting the Big Five and offers rich wildlife experiences throughout the year.
Must-sees:
- The Big Five: Elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, and buffalo
- Historical and archaeological sites, including ancient rock engravings
- Scenic spots such as Sabie River and Shingwedzi for wildlife viewing and birdwatching
Culinary culture:
Kruger National Park's culinary scene is deeply rooted in local flavours. Most lodges and camps offer traditional South African braais (barbecues), where visitors can enjoy freshly grilled meats and locally grown produce. For an authentic experience, try biltong, a type of dried, cured meat, and pair it with South African wine, particularly from the nearby regions of Stellenbosch or Paarl.
Dive deeper:
Beyond the well-known game drives, the Kruger offers unique experiences such as guided walking safaris and birdwatching tours, where you can spot rare species like the African Fish Eagle. The park is also home to a variety of indigenous tribes, and several cultural tours give insight into the area's rich history, from the Shangaan and Zulu cultures to the stories of early explorers.
Good to know:
The Kruger National Park operates year-round, with the dry winter months (May to September) being the best time for game viewing. The park is easily accessible by road from Johannesburg or via daily flights to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. South African Rand (ZAR) is the local currency, and it’s recommended to bring cash for purchases within the park.
