Easy Way to Visit Kruger on a Budget Tour
Johannesburg is often considered the gateway to Southern Africa, thanks to its major international airport located in the East Rand, close to Benoni. Many tours to the iconic Kruger National Park depart from Johannesburg, with pick-ups available from hostels and lodges in the surrounding area. One of the significant advantages of staying near the airport and booking a Kruger National Park tour is that Benoni is usually the last pick-up point and the first drop-off point. This saves you hours of driving around the city suburbs, collecting other travelers.
One popular option is a 4-day tour, which aligns perfectly with an arrival at Johannesburg Airport the day before the departure date. This not only saves you money on high taxi fees but also makes for a relaxed start to your adventure.
Upon arriving in Johannesburg, you can easily transfer to Johannesburg Airport Hostel, also known as Backpackers Connection. This hostel is exclusively for international travelers, creating a welcoming atmosphere where you can unwind with like-minded adventurers or catch up with friends and family online.
The following morning, after a leisurely sleep-in while the tour bus completes its rounds in the northern and central suburbs, your tour guide will pick you up between 08h00 and 09h00. From there, you’ll embark on an unforgettable journey through Kruger National Park, returning in the late afternoon four days later.
DAY 1: JOHANNESBURG – KRUGER PARK (Approx. 5 Hours, 388 Kilometers)
Your adventure begins with a pick-up from either OR Tambo Airport or a pre-arranged hotel/guest lodge within Johannesburg or Pretoria. Heading eastwards, you’ll journey through the scenic Lowveld region, leaving behind the wide-open spaces of the Highveld. After a stop for lunch (own expense), you’ll continue down the escarpment, arriving at your bush lodge in the early afternoon.
After settling into your chalet, you’ll transfer to an open Land Cruiser for an exciting late afternoon game drive. As the sun sets, you’ll stop at the famous Marula Boma for a traditional BBQ dinner before retiring for a well-deserved rest.
- Accommodation: Tremisana Lodge (Chalet or pre-erected tent)
- Included: Transfer to Greater Kruger, afternoon game drive, evening dinner, twin-bed tent accommodation.
- Excluded: Breakfast, lunch, drinks, and snacks.
DAY 2: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Wake up early to the incredible sounds of wildlife. Between 05h30 and 06h00, you’ll embark on a full-day safari, exploring Kruger National Park in search of various species of wild animals, birds, and exotic insects. You’ll stop at a popular rest camp for lunch and souvenir shopping (own expense) before returning to your tented bush lodge in the late afternoon. Another memorable evening awaits around the boma fireplace, enjoying an authentic African meal.
- Accommodation: Marc’s Tented Camp (Pre-erected tent)
- Included: Breakfast, Kruger Park game drive, evening dinner, twin-bed tent accommodation.
- Excluded: Lunch, drinks, and snacks.
DAY 3: KRUGER PARK – JOHANNESBURG
After breakfast, you’ll head out on an open vehicle game drive before entering the Orpen Gate of Kruger National Park. The elevated vehicle offers excellent wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities. With your professional safari guide’s help, you’ll search for the diverse animals that roam freely in the bush. This part of the park is known for having the highest concentration of lions in Africa! After a thrilling day, you’ll enjoy dinner at your overnight bush camp.
- Accommodation: Safari Tented Camp (Pre-erected tent)
- Included: Breakfast, Kruger Park game drive, evening dinner, twin-bed tent accommodation.
- Excluded: Lunch, drinks, and snacks.
DAY 4: KRUGER PARK – JOHANNESBURG
Your final day begins with an early morning sunrise bush walk along the Klaserie River, guided by a professional safari guide. After a hearty breakfast at the bush camp lodge, you’ll depart mid-morning for the return trip to Johannesburg. Traveling via the scenic Panorama Route, you’ll witness the beautiful Three Rondavels (subject to availability due to time or weather) and stop for refreshments along the way (own expense). You’ll arrive back in Johannesburg early in the evening, with drop-offs at OR Tambo International Airport or your guest lodge.
- Included: Morning guided walk, breakfast, and return transfer to Johannesburg.
- Excluded: Lunch, drinks, and snacks.
This all-inclusive tour is an excellent choice for travelers on a budget. The guides are friendly and knowledgeable, ensuring that each person has a fun and memorable experience. The accommodation is off the beaten track, bringing you face-to-face with wildlife, nature, and South Africa’s vibrant culture. Expect to pay around USD $720 for this short but unforgettable encounter.