11-Day North to South Private Kruger Camping Safari

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Johannesburg to Kruger National Park

The first day of your Kruger Adventure begins as you make your way to O.R. Tambo Airport for the 7:40 am transfer. A 7-hour journey to Phalaborwa, a small town bordering Kruger Park. On arrival, you're greeted by your Wild Planet guide and chef, for the adventure ahead.

After an own expense lunch, you'll head north towards Zimbabwe, reaching the northern gate of Kruger. You'll check-in at Punda Maria gate and proceed to Punda Maria camp, nestled in the north of Kruger.

Punda Maria camp offers a range of amenities, including a swimming pool, a hide overlooking a waterhole, a shop, and the flycatcher trail—a short walk celebrated for its diverse birdlife and vegetation. You'll embark on an afternoon drive along the Mahonie loop, one of Kruger's most scenic gravel roads. The landscape teems with wildlife, from nyala and kudu to impalas, zebras, buffalos, and elephants.

At sunset, you'll gather around a fire, enjoy dinner, and toast to the beginning of an unforgettable journey.

Main Destination:

Kruger National Park

Best Time To Visit May to September (Dry season)

High Season December to January and July to August

Best Weather Apr-May and Sep-Oct (Mild and little rain)

Wildlife in Kruger NP

ElephantCommon

GiraffeCommon

BuffaloCommon

ZebraAbundant

WildebeestCommon

HippoCommon

Show more

HyenaCommon

White RhinoOccasional

LionOccasional

Black RhinoVery Rare

LeopardRare

CheetahRare

Wild DogVery Rare

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Kruger NP

Meals & Drinks:

• Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included)
• Drinks not included

Kruger National Park - The Far North

Today's adventure starts early, maximizing wildlife encounters and capturing stunning morning photography. After a quick coffee, the journey heads north through open landscapes and Mopani thickets, known for large buffalos and elephant herds.

A breakfast at the Pafuri picnic site offers a chance to refuel and appreciate the surroundings. The expedition then proceeds to Crooks Corner, where the Luvuvhu and Limpopo rivers meet. The panoramic view and lush riverine forests create a breathtaking scene, especially appealing to forest-dwelling species.

You'll head back to camp at a leisurely pace, and stop at waterholes allowing observation of animal activity. Lunch at the camp provides relaxation by the pool or time at a bird hide.

The afternoon drive focuses on predators active at dusk. The day concludes with a traditional campfire meal, marking the last night in the far north of Kruger National Park.

Main Destination:

Kruger National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Kruger NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Kruger National Park - North Section

You'll start with an early morning drive in the Punda Maria area. You'll explore a loop around Dimbo Mountain, known for leopard sightings. Returning for breakfast, you'll bid farewell to Punda Maria and journey 70 km south to our next camp, Shingwedzi. This region boasts populations of buffalos, elephants, waterbucks, impalas, leopards, and rare antelope species like eland and roan.

On the banks of the Shingwedzi River, the Shingwedzi Camp offers tranquility and stunning views. You'll spend hours on a bench, overlooking sandy beaches, observing the wildlife. Camp facilities include a swimming pool, laundry, and a small shop.

On arrival, you'll enjoy lunch before an afternoon safari drive. The route along the Shingwedzi River, passing waterholes favored by spotted hyenas, and through leopard-friendly riverine forests, promises excellent wildlife encounters. Dinner will be served at camp, concluding a day filled with exploration and relaxation in the heart of Kruger National Park.

Main Destination:

Kruger National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Kruger NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Kruger National Park - Central Kruger

Heading on a final safari in the Shingwedzi area, you'll trace the river, seeking leopards in giant jackal berry trees. After returning, breakfast marks our departure from Shingwedzi. Heading south to Letaba, a 110km drive through Mopani and bush willow offers potential encounters with elephants. Own expense lunch at Mopani Camp precedes our arrival at Letaba in the late afternoon.

Letaba, on the banks of the Letaba River, is a favored camp with picturesque river and sandy bank views. Amenities include a Park Shop, swimming pool, restaurant, and The Great Elephant Hall, a museum dedicated to Kruger's largest elephants.

Tonight, a traditional South African dinner is prepared over an open fire, creating a memorable dining experience amid the unique ambiance of the Letaba camp.

Main Destination:

Kruger National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Kruger NP

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinks not included

Kruger National Park - Central Kruger

Starting the day with an early morning game drive, you will venture into the Kruger wilderness in search of the diverse wildlife that inhabits this region. Along the Letaba River, renowned for massive herds of buffalo, elephants, and elusive leopards. You may also encounter hippos, crocodiles, and various antelope species.

Breakfast awaits at a scenic picnic site before a leisurely drive back to Letaba.

Returning to the camp, you'll take advantage of the facilities and relax during the midday heat. Lunch is served at camp, setting the stage for an afternoon game drive to further explore the area's rich biodiversity. As the day unfolds, you'll witness the beauty of the landscape and encounter the fascinating wildlife that calls this part of Kruger home.

The adventure concludes with a return to camp for a satisfying dinner, providing a perfect end to a day filled with wildlife exploration and relaxation in the heart of the African bush.

Main Destination:

Kruger National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Kruger NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Kruger National Park - Central Kruger

You'll have an early sunrise drive along the Letaba River where you'll explore the habitat of a shy lion pride. Returning for breakfast, you will set out on a journey south to your next stop, Satara.

Traversing open savannah grasslands, expect encounters with herds of zebras and wildebeest. Upon reaching Satara, check-in and lunch preparations are followed by a relaxation. Satara, attracts grazing animals, ensuring an excellent wildlife viewing experience. The camp features a waterhole, allowing observations of animals from the camp.

You will enjoy dinner (own expense) at the camp restaurant before going on a night drive. Led by a trained Kruger ranger, this shared experience with other guests focuses on spotting nocturnal animals, potentially offering glimpses of big cats on the hunt.

Main Destination:

Kruger National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Kruger NP

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Kruger National Park - Central Section

The day kicks off with a game drive along the N’wanetsi River road, offering a diverse landscape with dense vegetation on one side (ideal for leopard sightings) and open plains on the other (favorable for cheetah sightings). Renowned for lion sightings, the area is also a hotspot for white rhinos, large herds of buffalos, blue wildebeest, zebra, kudu, and giraffes. Breakfast at the picnic site, overlooking the Sweni River gorge, enhances the morning adventure.

Traveling through an area known for Kruger's super pride —an impressive assembly of 20 lions —you will return to camp for lunch. Afternoon leisure allows time to relax and make use of camp facilities.

The afternoon continues with a drive along the Sweni road, searching for more lions and, with luck, encounters with wild dogs. Dinner will be prepared upon your return, and the night will be accompanied by the symphony of roaring lions, offering a memorable soundtrack to the end of the day in the heart of Kruger National Park.

Main Destination:

Kruger National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Kruger NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Kruger National Park - Southern Section

You'll begin your day with a coffee-fueled adventure in Satara, known for its open grasslands—a perfect habitat for elusive cheetahs. After breakfast, you'll pack up for the 90km drive to Skukuza. En route, you'll explore areas famous for lion sightings, and stop at picturesque water points attracting a variety of species simultaneously.

You'll arrive at Skukuza, nestled along the Sabie River, and enjoy an own expensed lunch with a riverside view.

Post-lunch, you'll relax at camp, equipped with a swimming pool, Park Shop, museum, Wi-Fi hotspot, and a scenic walkway along the Sabie River. In the afternoon, you'll venture out in search of lions, particularly a known pride with 20 members.

As the day winds down, you'll savor dinner under the stars in a makeshift bush restaurant—an atmospheric and unique dining experience in the heart of Kruger National Park.

Main Destination:

Kruger National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Kruger NP

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Drinks not included

Kruger National Park - Southern Section

Today offers a unique experience with a guided bush walk in Kruger National Park. Accompanied by a trained ranger, you'll learn about the bush, animal tracking, and witness aspects not easily seen from a vehicle. After the walk, you'll enjoy breakfast, then pack up for the journey south to Berg en Dal, your home for the last 2 nights.

Nestled in a mountainous area, Berg en Dal provides a scenic backdrop with high rainfall supporting lush riverine forests—ideal for elephants and leopards, and boasting the park's highest rhino concentration.

In the afternoon after lunch, you will embark on a safari drive to explore the wildlife in the Berg en Dal area, promising excitement and the potential for unique sightings. You'll return to the camp at sunset, preparing dinner amidst the warm glow of a fire, accompanied by the enchanting sounds of the African bush.

Main Destination:

Kruger National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Kruger NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Kruger National Park - Southern Section

You'll begin the day with early morning coffee before embarking on a sunrise safari drive, tracing the winding rivers eastward. You'll hunt for leopards in the lower branches of giant trees, keeping an eye out for elephants, white rhinos, and the elusive black rhino. You'll have a breakfast stop at a picnic site in the bush precedes a return to camp by late morning.

Lunch at camp offers a chance to relax before the last afternoon drive. Camp facilities, including a swimming pool, souvenir shop, waterhole, and a self-guided walking trail, provide ample leisure opportunities. You can expect the African wilderness to unfold majestically on the afternoon drive, with abundant wildlife in this part of Kruger.

Upon returning to camp, a fire is lit, creating a cozy atmosphere to reminisce about tour highlights. Your dinner at the camp restaurant is at your expense as you recall the memorable moments of your Kruger adventure.

Main Destination:

Kruger National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Kruger NP

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Kruger National Park to Johannesburg

This morning you will go out on one last safari. Hopefully, Kruger has one more surprise for you before you leave. You will drive out along the crocodile river and search for any predators retreating as the sun comes up. If you are extra lucky, you will get to see the resident pack of wild dogs that operate in a huge area around Berg en Dal.

You will serve breakfast when you return. Then, we will take you to the departure point for the return transfer from Kruger to Johannesburg. You will arrive in Johannesburg between 5:00 and 6:00 pm.

Please note that should you be flying out on this day you should not book your international flights before 7:00 pm and domestic flights before 8:00 pm.

Main Destination:

Kruger National Park

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.