Kruger: Big Five Safari, Bush Walks & Blyde Canyon Tour

Summary

Safari days in Kruger with bush BBQs, wildlife walks and canyon views

You’ll wake before sunrise for game drives in Kruger, walk among wildlife with armed rangers by your side, share smoky bush BBQs under African stars, and visit Moholoholo’s rescued animals before ending at Blyde River Canyon’s dramatic cliffs. Expect nerves, laughter, new friends — and moments you’ll want to replay long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

We nearly missed our pickup in Johannesburg because I’d packed the wrong charger (classic), but our driver just grinned and said we’d have plenty of time to charge up at Tremisana. The drive itself was a blur of tall grass and that dry Highveld air — you know the smell, kind of dusty but sharp. By the time we rolled into the lodge, I was already sticky from the road and honestly just wanted a shower. Instead, we jumped straight onto an open Landcruiser for our first sunset drive. The light was gold on everything. Our guide Sipho pointed out a herd of impala so quietly I almost missed it — he had this way of making you feel like you were eavesdropping on nature’s secrets.

I didn’t expect to be so nervous during the bush walk along the Olifants River. The ranger’s rifle looked heavy, but his calmness made it feel less like a warning and more like reassurance. There’s something about walking in Kruger — every stick snap sounds huge, and when we spotted fresh lion tracks my heart did that weird double-beat thing. Brunch back at the lodge tasted better than it should’ve (maybe adrenaline is a spice?). That afternoon by the pool I tried to read but mostly watched hornbills hopping around the lapa roof. Later came another game drive for sundowners; I still remember how cold that first sip felt after all the dust.

The full days inside Kruger were long — hours bumping along in those open-sided vehicles, wind tangling my hair and sun burning my knees because I forgot sunscreen (again). But seeing giraffes moving through acacia trees or hearing hyenas before dawn? Worth every bit of discomfort. The private bush braai at Marula Tree Boma was smokier than I expected; someone handed me pap with tomato sauce and laughed when I fumbled it. Nights were noisy with insects but somehow peaceful too.

Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre surprised me — up close with rescued leopards and vultures, hearing stories from staff who actually care about each animal’s fate. It made me think differently about conservation work; not just big words but real people doing small things every day. On our last morning we stopped at Blyde River Canyon for those Three Rondawels views — mist lifting off red cliffs, everyone quiet for once except one kid who kept asking if baboons could swim (no idea). I keep thinking about that silence now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Transfer to Tremisana and Sunset Drive

• Pick up from Johannesburg hotel or airport
• Travel to Tremisana Game Lodge
• Board open Landcruiser for 4h Sunset Drive
• Watch African sunset and spotlight nocturnal animals
• Dinner Bush BBQ at Marula Tree Boma
• Continue Night Drive
• Overnight in air-conditioned chalet

Day 2 — Sunrise Bush Walk and Sundowner Drive

• Sunrise drive to Olifants River
• 4h Bush Walk with armed rangers
• Return to Tremisana for brunch
• Relax, swim, or read in Lapa
• Lunch at 13h30
• 15h30 Sundowner Game Drive
• Dinner and overnight at Tremisana

Day 3 — Kruger National Park Game Viewing

• Drive to Kruger Park in open Gameviewer
• Game viewing in Orpen-Satara-Nwanedzi region
• Return and overnight at Tremisana

Day 4 — Moholoholo Visit and Sundowner Drive

• After breakfast, drive to Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre
• Learn about wildlife rehabilitation and conservation
• Return to Tremisana for lunch
• Afternoon siesta
• Evening Sundowner Drive on Balule
• Dinner and overnight at Tremisana

Day 5 — Morning Drive and Sunset Bush BBQ

• Coffee and rusks at sunrise
• 4h Morning Game Drive with drinks break
• Return to Tremisana for brunch
• Afternoon siesta and relaxation
• 17h00 Sunset Drive and Bush BBQ at Marula Boma
• Overnight at Tremisana

Day 6 — Full Day Kruger Game Viewing

• Full day game viewing in Kruger National Park
• Overnight at Tremisana

Day 7 — Sunrise Drive and Return to Johannesburg

• Enjoy a Sunrise Drive
• Breakfast at Tremisana
• Drive via Panorama Route to Three Rondawels and Blyde Canyon
• Return to Johannesburg in late afternoon
• Airport drop-off by arrangement

Top questions

How many nights does this Kruger safari include?

The tour includes 6 nights of accommodation in an en-suite chalet at Tremisana Game Lodge.

Is pickup from Johannesburg included?

Yes, hotel or airport pickup in Johannesburg is included at the start of the tour.

Are meals provided during the safari?

Lunch is included on non-transfer days and days not spent inside Kruger Park; brunches and bush BBQ dinners are also provided as part of the experience.

What wildlife activities are part of this tour?

The itinerary features multiple sunset drives, morning drives, guided bush walks with rangers, and two full days of game viewing inside Kruger Park.

Does this safari visit any conservation centers?

Yes, there’s a visit to Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre where guests learn about animal rescue efforts.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Children can join but must be accompanied by an adult throughout the trip.

Is vegetarian food available?

A vegetarian option is available if requested at booking time.

Are park fees included in the price?

Yes, all national park fees as well as taxes are included in your booking.

What’s included

Your week includes hotel or airport pickup from Johannesburg, all transport by air-conditioned minivan between locations, six nights’ stay in an en-suite chalet with air conditioning at Tremisana Game Lodge, all park entry fees and taxes covered up front, daily brunches or lunches plus classic bush BBQ dinners under Marula trees (vegetarian options available), guided sunset drives and morning walks led by local rangers in both Balule Reserve and Kruger itself, a day trip to Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre to meet rescued animals up close, plus scenic stops at Blyde River Canyon’s Three Rondawels before your return transfer back to Johannesburg or airport drop-off if needed.