2-Day Kruger Safari from Nelspruit: Big 5 & Lodge

Two days chasing the Big 5 from a lodge inside the park

A 2-day safari tour from Nelspruit that includes two game drives in an open vehicle, one night at a 4-star lodge inside Kruger National Park, all meals, and return transport to Nelspruit by midday on day two. The afternoon and morning drives maximize your chances of spotting wildlife, and the lodge stay means you sleep where the animals roam.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Departure and afternoon game drive

• Depart from Nelspruit Airport Shuttle Terminal
• Arrive and check in at lodge
• Relax and have lunch
• Afternoon safari game drive in open vehicle
• Dinner under African sky

Day 2: Morning game drive and return

• Early morning safari game drive
• Return to camp for breakfast
• Resume safari drive toward park exit
• Arrive back at Nelspruit

The experience

You leave Nelspruit in the morning and drive to Kholiwe on Kruger lodge, where you check in and have lunch before heading out on your first game drive in an open safari vehicle. The afternoon drive takes you into the park's interior, and you return as the sun sets for dinner. Day two starts before dawn (the hour when predators are most active and wildlife moves freely), then continues with another drive before breakfast and a gradual exit toward the park boundary, with arrival back in Nelspruit between noon and 1 pm.

The open vehicle puts you at eye level with the landscape instead of behind glass, and the guide navigates both drives in English. Kruger Conservation Fees, all meals (lunch, dinner, breakfast), and the night's accommodation are included. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase. The lodge is wheelchair accessible, and vegetarian options can be arranged if you note dietary needs when booking.

What’s included

• Kruger Conservation Fees.
• lunch on day one and breakfast on day two.
• South African dinner on day one.
• one night at Kholiwe on Kruger lodge.
• guided afternoon and morning game drives in an open safari vehicle with an English-speaking guide.
• return transport in an air-conditioned vehicle from Nelspruit Airport Shuttle Terminal.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 12:00, 12:30 and 13:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendly

Operated by Balanta Imagine Safaris

Is this one for you?Book this if you want two full days of game viewing without the rush of a day trip, and you're comfortable sharing the open vehicle with other travelers. The 2-day format and lodge stay give you two separate drives at peak wildlife hours (afternoon and dawn), which a single-day tour cannot match.

Traveler reviews

4.83★★★★★★★★★★

6 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What are the Big 5 and how likely am I to see them on a 2-day safari?

The Big 5 are lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and buffalo: the animals most sought after on African safaris. A 2-day tour with two game drives increases your chances, especially the dawn drive when predators hunt and move between territories. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the open vehicle and experienced guide position you to spot them if they are active in the areas you cover.

Do I need to arrange my own transport from Nelspruit to the lodge?

No. Return transport in an air-conditioned vehicle is included. You depart from Nelspruit Airport Shuttle Terminal on day one and return there on day two by early afternoon.

What's included in the meals, and can I request vegetarian options?

Lunch on day one, dinner that evening, and breakfast on day two are all included. Vegetarian options are available. Let the operator know your dietary requirements when you book.

Is there a minimum age for this safari?

Yes, the minimum age is 12. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and child rates apply only when a child shares a room with two paying adults.

How early does the morning game drive start on day two?

The drive begins at dawn to catch the early-morning wildlife activity when predators are most active and visible. Exact departure time is confirmed closer to your travel date based on seasonal sunrise times.