7-Day Kruger on Budget and Panorama Self-Drive Tour

• A transfer from the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Johannesburg Airport to Nelspruit

You'll begin your adventure by making your way to Johannesburg Airport to pick up your rented self-drive vehicle at JNB International. You'll start early to maximize your day of exploration. The drive to your destination is approximately 350km on a well-maintained highway, offering scenic views along the way. As it's your first day in South Africa, consider an early night to recharge for the exciting week ahead filled with fun and wildlife.

Upon arrival at your self-catering lodge, you'll grab a bite to eat at the kiosk or venture into Nelspruit City for a delightful meal at a local restaurant. You will take it slow on this first day, savoring the anticipation and saving your energy for the thrilling experiences that await you.

Main Destination:

Nelspruit (Town)

Accommodation:

SleepOver KMIA

• Budget hotel located near Nelspruit (Town)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

Graskop in the heart of Panorama Route

You'll wake up early for a breakfast-on-the-go, gearing up for a day exploring the Panorama Route. You'll enjoy the crisp morning air en route to Sabie town, where you can leisurely drive or stop for a delightful breakfast.

You'll visit Pilgrim's Rest, restored to its 19th-century charm, offering a glimpse into South Africa's gold rush history. You'll explore on foot and indulge in treats at Harry's Pancakes.

You'll continue to Graskop, a scenic town boasting God's Window for breathtaking views. You'll ride the Graskop Gorge Lift for insights into unique local vegetation.

Before checking in at Mulberry Lane on a Macadamia Farm, you'll enjoy a relaxed exploration. You can opt for a silkworm tour and shop for exquisite silk materials. You'll unwind in the barbecue area with a spa bath, and savor a home-cooked meal or traditional South African braai under starry skies.

Please note that additional activities and meals are self-funded, allowing you to customize your day perfectly.

Main Destination:

Graskop (Panorama Route)

Accommodation:

Mulberry Lane Suites

• Mid-range guest house located in Graskop (Panorama Route)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

Bourke's Luck Potholes in Panorama to Kruger Orpen Gate

This day begins with a hearty breakfast before embarking on the Panorama tour's highlight en route to Kruger Park. You will capture stunning views of the Blyde River Canyon, renowned as the world's greenest, from scenic viewpoints.

Next, you'll explore Bourke's Luck Potholes where the Blyde and Treur rivers converge in a mesmerizing display. Don't miss the breathtaking vistas at Three Rondavels viewpoint. You'll journey through Strydom Tunnel to Hoedspruit for provisions, or visit the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre to see orphaned big cats and other Big Five members.

You'll arrive at SleepOver Orpen Gate for the night, preparing for the wildlife encounters ahead. Note, all activities and meals are self-funded for personalized enjoyment.

Main Destination:

Bourke's Luck Potholes (Panorama Route)

Accommodation:

SleepOver Orpen Gate

• Budget hotel located just outside Central Kruger NP

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Satara Restcamp in Central Kruger National Park

You'll wake up early on day 4 for an exhilarating start. You'll enter Kruger Park via Orpen Gate and embark on a leisurely game drive through prime big cat territory. The landscape of short- and long-grass savannas with scattered acacia trees is perfect for wildlife sightings with careful driving.

You'll continue north to Olifant's Camp for a late breakfast or early lunch at the river-view restaurant, offering stunning wildlife views. Later, you'll settle into Satara Restcamp and keep your evening free for a guided game drive. Satara is famed for sightings of the rare white lions of the Timbavati.

If Satara is fully booked, we'll suggest an alternative rest camp. Note that all activities and meals are self-funded, though we can pre-book for your convenience.

Main Destination:

Central 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:

Satara Rest Camp

• Mid-range rest camp located inside Central Kruger NP

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Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

Skukuza Rest Camp

This day begins early as you embark on an early morning drive or guided bush walk, ideal for spotting elusive nocturnal animals and enhancing your wildlife experience. You'll return to the camp by 9:00 am to pack up and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the restaurant. Then, you'll head south towards Skukuza, where you'll find the park's largest congregation of animals. You'll drive to Lower Sabie Restcamp, nestled on the picturesque banks of the Sabie River, where you can relish lunch in beautiful natural surroundings. On your return journey to Skukuza via Pretoriuskop Restcamp, don't miss the chance to dine at the Train Restaurant in Skukuza, offering enticing dining options or choose to prepare your dinner, or opt for another guided evening drive to uncover the nocturnal wonders. All activities and meals are at your own expense, but our office can arrange bookings in advance to ensure availability, allowing you to focus on enjoying every moment of your safari adventure.

Main Destination:

Southern Kruger National Park

Accommodation:

Skukuza Rest Camp

• Mid-range rest camp located inside Southern Kruger NP

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Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

Kruger National Park to Kruger Gate

On your sixth and final day in Kruger, seize every moment to immerse yourself in the wild wonders of the park. You'll begin with exhilarating self-drives to various corners of Kruger, consulting the animal sightings board for tips on locating elusive species you've yet to encounter.

You'll savor the day at a relaxed pace, ensuring you exit at Kruger Gate before closing time. Respect the park's speed limits and factor in stops along the way to arrive punctually. Your accommodation awaits just outside the gate at SleepOver Kruger Gate, providing a convenient retreat after your day's adventures.

For dinner, you'll indulge in a meal from the kiosk at SleepOver or experience the quintessential South African "braai," grilling under the stars. You'll reflect on your safari experiences, surrounded by the sounds of the bush, making the most of your final evening in this captivating wilderness.

Main Destination:

Kruger National Park

Accommodation:

SleepOver Kruger Gate

• Budget hotel located just outside Southern Kruger NP

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Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

Kruger to Johannesburg

As your unforgettable journey draws to a close, ensure you confirm the rental vehicle return time and your departure schedule. From SleepOver Kruger Gate, allow approximately 5-6 hours to reach the airport, factoring in stops for meals and refreshments along the way.

Reflect on the cherished memories and wildlife encounters of your tour as you bid farewell to Kruger National Park. Your final day marks the end of a remarkable adventure, filled with exploration and natural beauty.

Safe travels on your journey home, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon for another exciting adventure in Southern Africa. Until next time!

Main Destination:

Johannesburg Airport (Johannesburg)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• A transfer back to the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.