Kruger National Park Full Day Safari: Big 5 Private Tour

Your guide knows the land's wildlife, history and folklore, not just where the animals are.

A full-day private safari in Kruger National Park with a professional guide in an open vehicle, starting before dawn and ending at late afternoon. You'll search for the Big 5 across the park's gates, stop at camps for breakfast and lunch (at your own cost), and travel with bottled water, blankets and rain ponchos included. Children from 6 months old are welcome, and a valid passport is required at booking.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day safari in Kruger Park

• Start safari at dawn
• Enter park gates
• Introduction to park history and wildlife
• Breakfast stop at camp
• Continue wildlife viewing
• Lunch stop at Skukuza camp
• Explore camp history and landmarks
• Afternoon safari drive
• Return to entry gate

The experience

The day starts before sunrise (05h30 in summer, 06h15 in winter), so you're in the park when the bush comes to life. Your guide enters the gates shortly after they open and spends the morning driving the open vehicle through the reserve while you watch for elephant, buffalo, hippo, giraffe, zebra, antelope, and if you're lucky, lion and leopard. Between 08h30 and 09h15 you'll stop at one of the camps for breakfast, then head back out into the bush.

The guide is trained not only in wildlife but in the park's history and heritage, so the stops at rest camps become more than a break. They're a chance to understand the landmarks and events that shaped Kruger itself. At noon you'll stop again for lunch, usually at Skukuza. The final stretch of driving runs until 16h00, when you return to the gate where you started. Bottled water, blankets and waterproof ponchos are on the vehicle. If the weather turns, you're covered.

Bring a camera, binoculars, sunscreen and a hat. The midday heat can reach 40 degrees in summer, and early mornings and late afternoons are cool even when the sun is high. In winter, blue skies and 20–25 degree days mean you'll want a jacket and beanie. The park entrance fee is payable at the gate on the day of your safari and is separate from the tour price.

What’s included

• Professional guide fluent in English or German.
• open safari vehicle.
• bottled water.
• blankets and waterproof ponchos for changing weather.
• pickup included.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and German

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 35 pickup points.

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

Paid on siteUS$ 38

Prices and times updated 29 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendly

Operated by Safaria

Is this one for you?Book this private tour if you want a guide who can explain the park's history and heritage alongside the wildlife: the depth of knowledge transforms a game drive into an understanding of how Kruger itself came to be.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years). Under 6: they can't be included in the booking.

What animals am I likely to see on a full-day Kruger safari?

You can expect to see elephant, buffalo, hippo, giraffe, zebra and a variety of antelope throughout the day. Lion and leopard sightings are possible but not guaranteed, since the safari is unpredictable by nature.

Do I need to arrange my own breakfast and lunch?

Breakfast and lunch are at your own account. You'll stop at rest camps during the day (between 08h30 and 09h15 for breakfast, and at noon for lunch, usually at Skukuza), but you pay for your meals there.

What do I need to bring or wear for a full day in the open vehicle?

Wear cool, dull-colored clothing that doesn't stand out to wildlife. A good hat and sunscreen are essential. In summer, expect midday heat up to 40 degrees and possible afternoon thundershowers. In winter, bring a jacket and beanie for early mornings and late afternoons. Blankets and waterproof ponchos are provided on the vehicle. Bring a camera, binoculars and comfortable shoes.

What documents do I need to book this safari?

A valid passport is required. At the time of booking, provide your passport name, number, expiry date and country for all participants. You'll need to bring the passport with you on the day of travel.

Is the Kruger National Park entrance fee included in the tour price?

No, the park entrance fee is payable at the gate on the day of your safari. The fee is separate from the tour cost.