Full-day Kruger game drive from Mpumalanga: Big Five safari

Track the Big Five across Kruger from sunrise to sunset

A full-day game drive through Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga starts before dawn with hotel pickup and ends after dark, covering diverse landscapes in an open-air safari vehicle with an expert guide. You'll search for the Big Five and smaller wildlife across the park's ecosystems, stop for a picnic breakfast, and watch the golden hour when nocturnal animals emerge. The guide shares knowledge of animal behaviour and tracking throughout the day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day game drive in Kruger Park

• Guide collects you from hotel
• Enter Kruger National Park at sunrise
• Embark on game drive through landscapes
• Spot wildlife including Big Five and birds
• Learn about animal behavior and ecosystem
• Watch African sky during golden hour
• Return to lodge or hotel in evening

The experience

Eight hours in an open-air safari vehicle means unobstructed sightlines in every direction. Your guide collects you from your hotel or lodge in the Mpumalanga region before sunrise and drives into Kruger as the bush awakens: the sounds and light of early morning are when many animals are most active. The vehicle's design lets you stand, turn, and photograph without barriers between you and the landscape.

The route covers diverse terrain: grasslands, woodland and riverine areas where different species congregate. Your guide reads animal tracks and behaviour to navigate toward sightings, sharing what they spot: predators on the hunt, giraffes moving across open ground, elephants at waterholes, and the constant presence of birdlife. The guide's knowledge of the park's ecosystem means you understand what you're seeing, not just that you're seeing it. As the afternoon light shifts, nocturnal animals begin to emerge, and the golden hour often brings the day's most active period.

The return journey happens after dark, arriving back at your lodge or hotel in the evening. A picnic breakfast is included during the morning, though lunch and coffee breaks during the day are at your own cost. The tour suits all fitness levels and is wheelchair accessible, with accessible surfaces and transportation throughout.

What’s included

• Hotel or lodge pickup and drop-off in the Mpumalanga region.
• private transportation in an open-air safari vehicle.
• a picnic breakfast.
• park entry fees and taxes.

Options for this experience

2 options

Full-day game drive through Kruger National ParkGuide in English · 04:30 and 05:00Pickup is included

Morning Game DriveGuide in English · 04:30 and 05:00Pickup is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 04:30 and 05:00

Book up to5h before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Child (4 to 9 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 11 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Tourgy Tourz

Is this one for you?The full eight hours lets you cover more ground and catch both the dawn and dusk activity peaks, when predators hunt and nocturnal animals emerge. Choose this over the morning option if you want the complete rhythm of the park's day and the best light for photography at both ends.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 9 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What time does the full-day game drive start and end?

Pickup from your hotel or lodge happens before sunrise, and you return in the evening after an eight-hour drive through the park. The exact times depend on the season and sunrise in Mpumalanga, which your guide will confirm when you book.

What animals am I likely to see on a Kruger game drive?

The Big Five (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalo) are the most sought-after sightings, though they are not guaranteed on any single day. You'll also see giraffes, zebras, antelope species, warthogs, and a wide variety of birdlife across the park's different habitats.

Is the vehicle open-air, and will I be exposed to the sun all day?

Yes, the safari vehicle is open-air to give you unobstructed views and the ability to photograph in all directions. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and light layers. The early morning and late afternoon can be cool, while midday heat is intense. Your guide will manage the pace and can pause in shaded areas.

Does the price include meals, or do I need to bring food?

A picnic breakfast is included. Lunch and coffee or tea during breaks are available at the park or lodge facilities at your own cost. Your guide can advise on options and timing.

Can I book the morning-only option instead of the full day?

Yes, a morning game drive is available as a separate option at checkout. The full-day tour gives you the golden hour at dusk, when nocturnal animals emerge and light is often best for photography, but the morning drive covers the most active period for many species.