4-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 & Panorama Route Backpacking Safari

4-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 & Panorama Route Backpacking Safari

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4 Days From

$748

4-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 & Panorama Route Backpacking Safari

4 Days Starting and ending in 1 Jones Rd, Kempton Park, Johannesburg, 1632, South Africa

Visiting: Kruger National Park

Tour operator:

The Mzansi Experience

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 8

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

0-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Kosher, Halal

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Budget, Safari Tours

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $748

NB: Prices correct on 22-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

The majestic animals of Kruger National Park await! Join us for an exciting Big 5 Safari experience in the world-renowned Kruger National Park with accommodation at a well-appointed lodge… at a surprisingly affordable price. This is our best-selling tour with a perfect balance of duration and price. We have created this marvellous 4-Day Kruger National Park & Panorama Route Budget Safari for the traveller who wants to see the Big 5 and have comfortable accommodation in a standard lodge room at an affordable price. On this Safari, you will enjoy awesome guided game drives in Kruger National Park and access to the well-appointed lodge communal areas. Plus, you will spend one full day exploring the breath-taking views and scenery of the Panorama Route – which includes God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Blyde River Canyon and much more.

Highlights

  • Kruger National Park

  • Big 5 game drives

  • Panorama Route

Places You'll See

Lions Laying On The Road

Impala

Panorama Route

Waterfalls

Mom And Baby Elephant

Blyde River Canyon

Main Lodge Building And Pool View

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Johannesburg To Kruger National Park & Afternoon Game Drive

Location: O.R. Tambo International Airport, Kruger National Park

Accommodation: Lodge, LodgeLodge

Accommodation Name: Kruger Adventure Lodge

Meals Included: Dinner

This Kruger National Park safari departs daily from Johannesburg, OR Tambo International Airport. You need to be at the OR Tambo shuttle terminal by 06:30AM. We will send you full instructions when you book your safari. The shuttle departs no later than 07:00AM.
You travel East passing picturesque landscapes and farmlands on route to our lodge near Kruger National Park. There will be some comfort stops along the way. You will also be able to buy snacks and refreshments and visit restrooms during these comfort stops. When arriving in Nelspruit (Mbombela) there will be a change-over to a different vehicle transporting you to our lodge, about an hour’s drive away.
Expected time of arrival in Hazyview is around 12:30PM. You will be check-in by our friendly reception staff and shown to your accommodation. A light lunch will be served at the restaurant (included)
After check-in, you will have time relax and freshen up before boarding an open sided 4×4 game drive vehicle for an exciting afternoon game drive in Kruger National Park. The lodge is about 15 – 20 minutes’ drive from the Phabeni Kruger Gate. After your safari game drive, you return to the lodge where you can unwind, have drinks on the deck at the bar and relax before dinner served at 19:00PM in the restaurant area.

Day 2 : Kruger National Park - Full Day Game Drive

Location: Kruger National Park

Accommodation: Lodge, Lodge

Accommodation Name: Kruger Adventure Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, you need to wake up early and get ready for a full day out in the bush. You will enjoy coffee/tea and rusks before departing on full day of game viewing (approx. 8 hours in total) in the Kruger National Park, entering at the Phabeni Gate. A Packed breakfast is included and will be served at a picnic area which is safe. The Skukuza area of Kruger National Park is rich in wildlife and the elevated height of the 4×4 open sided vehicle makes for excellent viewing and photographic opportunities. You’ll enjoy lunch at one of the park’s restaurants. (own account). After lunch we start the afternoon game drive in the Kruger National Park.
We will arrive back at the lodge at about 15:00PM, after which you will have some free time to relax and freshen up before joining us for dinner at the main restaurant at about 19:00PM.
You can retreat to your room afterwards, or relax on the deck at the bar a while longer before going to bed.

Day 3 : Full Day Panorama Route Tour

Location: Kruger National Park

Accommodation: Lodge, Lodge

Accommodation Name: Kruger Adventure Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We start off with a scrumptious full breakfast at the lodge at 07:00AM. At about 08:00AM, you will be collected from the reception area. This full day excursion will be about 8 hours in duration. Be sure to dress in comfortable clothes and shoes as there will be some walking involved. We will stop for lunch at about 12:00PM at a local eatery, please note that lunch will be for your own account. After lunch, we will continue our Panorama Route excursion, and return to camp around by about 16:00PM.
You will have some free time to relax and freshen up before joining us for dinner at the main restaurant at about 19:00PM. You can retreat to your room afterwards or relax on the deck at the bar a while longer before going to bed.

Day 4 : Return To Johannesburg (Optional Morning Game Drive)

Location: O.R. Tambo International Airport

Meals Included: Breakfast

This is the last day of your African Kruger budget safari. This morning you have a choice between another morning game drive or relaxing at the lodge and enjoying the great facilities it offers.
Should you choose to stay at the lodge, you can enjoy a hearty cooked breakfast at the restaurant. If you join us on the morning safari, a picnic-style breakfast will be served at one of the picnic spots in the park.
The morning game drive is entirely optional and for own account (payable at the lodge). It is a great way to spend your last morning on tour if you feel the need to see wild animals one last time.

What's Included

  • 1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day

    Small bottle served every meal

  • Accommodation

    Four single beds and shared bathrooms

  • Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation

  • Local Taxes

  • Meals – Half Board

  • Entrance Fees

  • Game Drives on Safari

What's Not Included

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

  • Country Entry Visas

  • Drinks with Meals

  • International Travel

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • Travel Insurance

Videos

Check out our Q&As

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    No. We strongly suggest making use of the Uber service, which is safe, very dependable and affordable in Johannesburg OR arranging a shuttle with your accommodation the night before. We strongly advise against making use of unknown public transport or using minibus taxis.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    You will receive a detailed itinerary, client confirmation document, shuttle/transfer notes and a helpful guide on what to pack for your tour/safari.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    We welcome guests of all ages and nationalities on tour, so we can never predict what you get. But all our guests always have a great time together since the animals on safari are the stars of the show.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes, we must adhere to strict health and safety regulations are set by the South African hospitality and travel authorities.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    We do not offer a single share option. All single travellers will have their own room at a single supplement rate.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    We don't have any formal credentials but we are committed to sustainable tourism and not impacting the environment around us.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We assure you, that when being on tour with us: • We will always have proper social distancing in place. Also, our lodges and public spaces at the lodge are extremely spacious. • We will always follow strict sanitation protocols • We will never slack on wearing face mask, or allow guests to slack on it while out in public with other guests (unless a private tours apply)

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    Currently not yet - but we are working on some initiatives

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    We offer flexible departure times on our tours, to help you make it on time. With guaranteed daily departures, you do not have to chase down a tour after it has started.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 2017

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    We offer up to 3 free date changes, up to 30 days before your departure date. Please note that availability applies for the new requested date.

Reviews of this operator

Charmante Blom (Google Reviewer)  

Definitely 5 stars! All in all...

13-Feb-2018

Definitely 5 stars! All in all a wonderful experience. Friendly, helpful and fun drivers/employees. The Busses were clean and in pristine condition. I loved the route, it was like seeing Cape Town for the very first time. I’ll definitely recommend “The Mzansi Experience” if you’re looking for a fun and safe way to travel.

Guido Borgato  

Very honest agency

28-Nov-2021

Unfortunately, due to the new COVID variant outbreak , I was forced to cancel my trip to South Africa. However , Leon from Mzansi experience was always very clear, flexible and accommodating when I wanted to book a 5 day safari with his agency, and he has been very understanding when I had to cancel the booking. Top customer care for sure

Pauline Auer (Google Reviewer)  

Easy, reliable and super friendly...

19-Jul-2018

Easy, reliable and super friendly bus transport along the most wonderful South African travel routes. Motivated driver team, fast answering and direct support via web and phone. Excellent value for money and never too tight to do a little bit of extra work in order to fulfill special requests!

Craig Bengston  

Awesome Safari Experience

06-Aug-2021

This was our first Safari we have taken and couldn't have been more pleased with the level of service from Mzansi! - Pick up and drop off in Johannesburg was smooth and everything was on time - The lodge we stayed at was amazing, the food was delicious and lots of variety...loved the desserts! - The room was spacious and cleaned every day - The staff were all extremely nice and attentive.... couldn't have asked for a better staff - The game drives were amazing...saw the big 5 and a wild dog!! Our guide was amazing at tracking all the animals! I would definitely recommend this company to book any Safaris at Kruger!

Yi-Wen Lee  

Leon from Mzansi Experience was our Travel Angel in South Africa!

30-Nov-2019

Leon's service exceeded our expectations as he went out of his way to personalize our travel itinerary with additional insider tips on where to go, where to stay and even his own favorite places to dine. He was always prompt with answering any questions and going the extra step to be of assistance when we needed assistance. My mum and I would highly recommend Mzansi Experience to make your travel arrangements and they are willing to go the extra step to help enhance your travel experience!

Udita (Google Reviewer)  

As a solo female traveler,...

19-Sep-2022

As a solo female traveler, I had a wonderful time and am very glad I booked with Mzansi (through Viator). The pick-up from OR Tambo was on time and so was the drop-off from the resort. The accommodation was lovely, had all the amenities, the food was great, and very friendly helpful staff. Also very clean. The communication was flawless and there was absolutely no problem or issues. The best part of course were the game drives in Kruger National Park. Spotted so many animals, including the elusive leopard! Me and the other travelers were constantly asked if everything was fine, if we needed more time to view some animal, if we needed a break etc. And everyone was very well looked after. Grateful to have booked the Kruger budget safari and I will definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to experience Kruger in 2-3 days.

Lauren Judah  

Excellent tour, organized and very fun

04-Aug-2021

I had an excellent time on my 4 day Kruger tour. The accommodation was comfortable and clean. All the staff was very kind and my tour guide, Lucky, was incredible. He knew the land well and the animal behavior, so we were able to track down everything I wanted to see. We saw all the Big 5! This was truly a once in a lifetime experience and I cannot recommend it enough!

Stephanie Harriman  

Every part of this tour was amazing!

07-Feb-2021

The transportation to and from the lodge was comfortable and our driver was friendly and knowledgeable about the questions we were all asking. The lodge was great! The staff were all very friendly and helpful. The rooms were beautifully decorated and close by to the reception and restaurant. The safaris were unreal! We saw the Big 5! Our guides were amazing and tried very hard to track down the lions and rhinos in the park. Our guide was also very accommodating (when we chose to eat in the vehicle so we could continue on with the drive, he had no problem with that). I would definitely recommend this tour!

Dora Nobi (Google Reviewer)  

I had a disappointing experience...

01-Dec-2023

I had a disappointing experience on a 4-day Kruger tour. Despite spending an extra $200 on a flight from J’burg to Kruger to align with the 7:00 AM original shuttle schedule from J’burg, I received no discount for not using one-way transfer. I was assured a prompt pickup at Kruger airport by 12:00, but at 12:20, no one had arrived. Despite asking all drivers, providing my name, Mzansi name, and lodge name, no one seemed aware. After calling the Mzansi emergency number 10 times with no response, I contacted the information desk at the airport. They eventually called the lodge, and the driver arrived at 12:40, making for a frustrating start to my tour. Mzansi’s delayed email response, citing everyone’s absence, was unsatisfactory. I seek compensation for the delayed transfer and expect better customer support. Update: Instead of addressing the previous issue, I received a very insulting long message from Leon, claiming the driver was there. Upon my arrival at 12:05, I checked with numerous individuals if they were from Mzansi or Adventure Lodge. No one was identified. I searched all arrival areas without success. Subsequently, I approached the information counter for assistance, where at least 5 people attempted to call the emergency contact number provided. Eventually, they contacted the Lodge. Without considering other facts or witnesses, Leon accused me of lying, which is unacceptable. Update: Despite a challenging first day, the team at Adventure Lodge has been incredibly accommodating, ensuring I have the best experience possible. Unfortunately, I've still encountered accusatory messages from Leon of Mzansi who falsely accused me of lying about the driver's punctuality and requesting a room fridge for medication storage. These medications are personal and not related to travel concerns, as verified by my doctor (given the privacy concerns). Leon has threatened to cancel my travel, sending accusatory messages daily without any apology which affected my mental well-being during the travel. I am disappointed with the company's customer service.

Deepthi Botta (Google Reviewer)  

This is Horrible no Human...

18-Dec-2023

This is Horrible no Human Values and no Humanity Tour Company. I booked 3 Nights and 4 days Boteti Tented Safari Lodge. Tents were very Hot due to Tarpaulin and Unexpected heat wave. Unable to stay in lodge. Cancelled tour and booked Airconditioned hotel in Maun and stayed. asked for refund. they said no. Their main Moto is to make money not service. daytime rip-off.

1 Select your preferred date

Monday - Thursday

Nov 25, 2024 - Nov 28, 2024
$748

Tuesday - Friday

Nov 26, 2024 - Nov 29, 2024
$748

Wednesday - Saturday

Nov 27, 2024 - Nov 30, 2024
$748

Thursday - Sunday

Nov 28, 2024 - Dec 01, 2024
$748

Friday - Monday

Nov 29, 2024 - Dec 02, 2024
$748

Saturday - Tuesday

Nov 30, 2024 - Dec 03, 2024
$748

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    The Mzansi Experience allows you to make 3 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 45 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    The Mzansi Experience allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform the mzansi experience, 30 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    The Mzansi Experience requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the mzansi experience charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 5% of booking price.

  • COVID-19 Regulations

    We assure you, that when being on tour with us:

    1. We will always have proper social distancing in place. Also, our lodge and public spaces at the lodge is extremely spacious and rooms are far from each other.
    2. We will follow strict sanitation protocols at all times
    3. We will never slack on wearing face mask, or allow guests to slack on it while out in public with other guests (unless a private tour where it is a family traveling together)
    4. We will always endeavour to have the latest information on Covid-19 and inform our guests accordingly.

    Please note that when visiting in southern Africa, the following rules apply:

    a. Wearing a face mask in all public spaces in mandatory by law.
    b. Sanitising hands before entering buildings, vehicles, shops etc is mandatory by law.
    c. A space of at least 1.5 meters needs to be between people in public spaces such as queues, restaurants etc. It is you right to ask anyone standing closer than that, to move further away, should you feel uncomfortable.

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