5-Day Private Northern Kruger Camping Adventure

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

Johannesburg to Kruger National Park - Punda Maria Rest Camp

Depart on an extraordinary adventure with a scheduled transfer from O.R. Tambo International Airport at 7:00 am. Traverse the scenic 600km drive north, pausing for lunch (own expense).

Upon arrival in the small town of Phalaborwa at 2:30 pm, meet your Wild Planet Safari guide and chef. Continuing north for 2 hours, we reach Punda Maria Gate in the far north of Kruger National Park. The journey unfolds with a leisurely drive to Punda Maria rest camp, offering captivating wildlife sightings. Our base for the first 2 nights, here we set up a beautiful camp beneath the Mopani trees.

Settle in and savor the mesmerizing African sunset before a delectable dinner served under the stars at the campsite, enhancing the anticipation for a remarkable safari experience ahead. This marks the beginning of an unforgettable journey into the North of Kruger National Park.

Main Destination:

Northern 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 Northern Kruger NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Kruger National Park - The Far North

We'll start before sunrise today as this allows us the best opportunities to find animals and the best light for photography. Have a quick coffee and we are off heading further north. This route takes us through a fairly open country mixed with Mopani thickets where we may find big herds of buffalo and elephants. We will stop for breakfast at the Pafuri picnic site and then proceed further to Crooks Corner, the meeting point of the Luvuvhu and Limpopo Rivers. Here there is a great view of the confluence, and it is the point where South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique meet. The area is stunning and the forests that run along the river are a paradise for all the forest-dwelling species.

We will have lunch at the camp and have time to relax by the swimming pool or sit at a bird hide before going on an afternoon drive on the lookout for any predators active at dusk.

We will have another traditional meal around the fire as we spend our last night in the far north.

Main Destination:

Northern Kruger National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Northern Kruger NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Kruger National Park - Northern Section

This morning, we will depart on an early morning drive in the Punda Maria area. We will drive a loop around Dimbo Mountain, an area that is great for spotting leopards. We will return in time for breakfast, after which we'll say goodbye to Punda Maria and head south to our next camp, Shingwedzi. It's a 70km drive and this area is known to be home to big herds of buffalo, elephant, waterbuck, impala and leopard. Some of the rare antelopes such as eland and Roan can be found in this area.

Shingwedzi is one of the quietest camps in Kruger and is located on the banks of the Shingwedzi River.
When we arrive, you can cool down by the pool or have a "siesta" before we depart on another excellent afternoon safari drive. This drive will take us along the Shingwedzi River past waterholes where spotted hyena like to rest, and through beautiful riverine forests that are perfect leopard habitat.

Tonight we will serve dinner at camp.

Main Destination:

Northern Kruger National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Northern Kruger NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Kruger National Park - Central Section

This morning, we will go for one last morning drive in the northern section of Kruger. We will follow the Shingwedzi River in a new direction and try to find some predators that are waiting for prey down by the river. When we return, we will have breakfast and then leave Shingwedzi to go to our next camp, Letaba.

It is 109km to Letaba through Mopane woodlands and grasslands. Letaba Camp has the best river views in the park and is home to the great Elephant Hall. This afternoon, we will take you on a drive along what is known as the Leopard Route. This road runs along the banks of the Letaba River and is great for game viewing, birding and as the name suggests leopard.

This evening you will enjoy an early dinner at the camp restaurant on the banks of the Letaba River. After dinner, you will go out on a Kruger night drive. A Kruger guide will take you out in an open safari vehicle and you will use a high-powered spotlight to locate any nocturnal animals in the area.

Main Destination:

Central Kruger National Park

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• Inside Central Kruger NP

Meals & Drinks:

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

Kruger to Johannesburg

As we conclude your enriching 5-day safari, enjoy one final safari drive in the Letaba region, capturing memorable moments before returning to camp for a wholesome breakfast.

Departing from Letaba, our leisurely safari drive towards the exit gate offers a reflective journey through the captivating landscapes.

At approximately 10 am, we meet the transfer team in Phalaborwa and ensure your smooth return to Johannesburg. The scenic route over the Drakensberg escarpment unfolds, treating you to breathtaking vistas. Arrival at O.R. Tambo Airport is anticipated between 5 and 6 pm.

Please be mindful not to schedule departing flights from Johannesburg before 7:00 pm for domestic flights and 8:00 pm for international flights.

Main Destination:

Johannesburg (City)

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.