3-Day Safari Kruger National Park from Johannesburg: Big Five

Three days hunting the Big Five across Kruger's open bush

A 3-day safari tour from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park with three game drives (sunset on day one, full-day on day two, sunrise on day three) in open 4x4 vehicles with an expert guide. You'll search for lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo across Africa's premier reserve, with accommodation and meals provided, returning to Johannesburg on day three afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Travel to Kruger and sunset safari

• Depart Johannesburg to Kruger National Park
• Sunset safari in open 4x4 vehicle

Day 2: Full day safari at Kruger National Park

• Early morning start for full day safari
• Explore diverse habitats with expert guide
• Lunch break at picnic area
• Continue afternoon safari

Day 3: Morning safari and return to Johannesburg

• Early morning safari in open 4x4
• Drive back to Johannesburg via Mpumalanga

The experience

The route starts with a five-hour drive from Johannesburg through Mpumalanga's countryside to Kruger National Park. On arrival, you board an open 4x4 for a sunset safari, when predators stir and the light turns gold: the guide reads animal behavior and tracks sightings across the park's diverse terrain. You overnight at a 3 or 4-star lodge or guesthouse inside or near the reserve.

Day two is the full immersion: the 4x4 departs at 5:30am to catch the early light, when lions and leopards return from night hunts and herds begin grazing. You spend sunrise to sunset exploring the park's habitats, stopping at midday for lunch in a picnic area. The guide shares insights into animal behavior and ecology as you move through the landscape, with ample time to locate the Big Five and photograph them in natural light.

Day three opens with another early safari in the cool morning air, then the drive back to Johannesburg follows the scenic route through Mpumalanga: rolling hills, farmland and mountain backdrops frame the return journey, arriving late afternoon. Your guide speaks English, French or German throughout.

What’s included

• Expert guide in English, French or German.
• accommodation for two nights at a 3 or 4-star hotel, lodge or guesthouse.
• all three game drives in open 4x4 vehicles (sunset, full-day and sunrise).
• midday lunch during the full-day safari.
• pickup from Johannesburg and return transport to the city.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish, French and German

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Africa Sun Safaris

Is this one for you?The three-day length gives you two full nights in the park and three separate game drives across different times of day, maximizing your chances of spotting the Big Five and experiencing Kruger's wildlife in varied light and animal activity. If you have less time, a 2-day version covers fewer safaris. If you want deeper immersion, a 5-day tour adds more driving and accommodation.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3).

What animals will I see on the Kruger safaris?

The Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo) are the primary targets, and the park also holds zebras, antelope, hyenas, giraffes and numerous bird species. Sightings depend on animal movement and season, and your guide will use tracking knowledge to find them.

Why do the safaris start so early in the morning?

Early morning is when predators return from night hunts and prey animals graze most actively, giving you the best chance to spot wildlife. The cool air and low sun also create ideal conditions for photography and animal observation.

What is the drive from Johannesburg to Kruger like?

The five-hour journey crosses from Johannesburg's urban landscape into the countryside of Mpumalanga province, passing rolling hills and scenic farmland before reaching the park. The route itself offers views of rural South African life and dramatic mountain backdrops.

Will I have time to rest between safaris?

Yes. After the sunset safari on day one, you overnight at your lodge. Day two includes a midday break for lunch in a picnic area during the full-day drive. Day three's early safari ends before the afternoon return drive to Johannesburg.

What kind of vehicle are the safaris in?

All three game drives use open 4x4 vehicles, which give unobstructed views and allow your guide to stop and turn freely to follow wildlife. The open design is standard for Kruger safaris and essential for spotting and photographing animals.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility needs?

Yes. The tour is wheelchair accessible, with accessible transportation and all areas and surfaces accommodating wheelchairs. Infants must sit on an adult's lap during drives.