2-Day Kruger Safari from Cape Town with Flights & Game Drives

Summary

Kruger National Park Safari: Flights, Lodge Stay & Big 5 Game Drives

You’ll wake before dawn to fly from Cape Town straight into wild Kruger country—tracking elephants, lions, and more with an expert ranger by your side. With flights, transfers, comfy lodge accommodation, and two real-deal game drives included, it’s an easy way to tick South Africa’s Big 5 off your list without any hassle.

What’s the experience like?

The alarm went off before sunrise—one of those early mornings where the city’s still asleep and you’re fumbling for coffee in the dark. We caught the first flight out of Cape Town, barely awake but buzzing with that mix of nerves and excitement you get before a big trip. By the time we landed at Johannesburg Airport, the sun was already warming up the tarmac and you could feel the day stretching ahead. Our driver met us right outside arrivals—friendly guy, knew all the shortcuts to skip traffic—and soon we were heading east, watching the city fade into bushveld.

Arriving at Protea Hotel near Hazyview just after midday, there was time to drop bags and grab a quick bite (the local biltong at reception is worth trying). The air felt different here—drier, with that faint scent of dust and wild grass. After check-in, our ranger rolled up in an open vehicle for our first Kruger game drive. There’s nothing quite like that moment when you enter the park gates: sudden quiet except for birds and distant cicadas. Within minutes we spotted elephants moving through acacia trees, their ears flapping lazily in the heat. Our guide, Sipho, had this knack for spotting things we’d never notice—a flick of a tail in tall grass or fresh lion tracks on a sandy road. Back at the lodge later, everyone swapped stories over dinner while frogs sang somewhere outside.

The next morning started even earlier—pitch black except for a few lanterns lighting the path to breakfast. By 5:30 am we were back in the park as dawn crept over the horizon. The air was cool enough for a jacket but warmed up fast once the sun broke through. We saw buffalo herds kicking up dust and a rhino grazing near a waterhole; cameras clicked nonstop whenever something moved. Sipho stopped often so we could take photos or just watch giraffes picking leaves from thorny branches. After hours exploring, it was time to head back toward Johannesburg for our evening flight home—tired but grinning and still brushing red dust off our shoes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel to Kruger and Afternoon Safari

• Flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg
• Drive to Kruger National Park
• Check in at Protea Hotel
• Afternoon game drive in Kruger Park

Day 2 — Morning Safari and Return to Cape Town

• Early morning game drive in Kruger Park
• Drive to Johannesburg Airport for flight
• Flight and transfer back to Cape Town hotel

Top questions

How early do I need to be at Cape Town Airport?

You’ll want to arrive about 90 minutes before departure since it’s an early flight around 5 am. Transfers from your hotel are included to make things easier.

Is it possible to see all of the Big 5 on this short safari?

There’s always a chance! Sightings depend on luck and timing but our guides know where animals usually roam so you’ve got good odds.

What should I pack for this trip?

Bring layers—it’s chilly on early drives but warms up quickly. Don’t forget sunscreen, hat, camera, and comfy shoes (you’ll get dusty!).

Are meals included during the tour?

Breakfast is included at your lodge; other meals can be bought locally or at your accommodation.

What’s included

Your return flights between Cape Town and Johannesburg are sorted—as are all airport transfers both ways. You’ll stay overnight in a comfortable guest lodge near Kruger (private room), enjoy two guided game drives (afternoon and early morning), plus breakfast before heading home.