Kruger National Park Full Day Safari: Open Vehicle Game Drive

See the big five without the constraint of a closed car window

A full-day safari in Kruger National Park departing in the morning and returning around 4pm, traveling in an open safari vehicle with a live guide in English, French or German. Hotel pickup and water are included. The guide speaks your language and you choose how to spend your time at rest stops, though gate entrance and meals are your own cost. Children from age 2 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day Kruger National Park safari

• Pick up from hotel
• Drive in open safari vehicle
• Spot big five animals
• Visit rivers, mountains, historical areas
• Rest during breakfast and lunch
• Exit vehicle to explore park
• Take photos of fauna and flora
• Customize tour with guide
• Receive water during activity
• Drop off at hotel

The experience

The open vehicle is what changes the game here. A closed car cuts your sightlines and traps the heat. This setup lets you turn, stand and photograph without obstruction, and the guide positions the vehicle so you're not fighting reflections or window frames. You're picked up from your hotel in the morning, most departures start early, and driven into the park, where the guide navigates the routes where animals move. The big five are spotted most often in early morning, and the guide's job is to find them and position you to see.

The day splits into two halves around a rest break. You'll have time during breakfast and lunch to step out of the vehicle, stretch and absorb the park on foot, not a rushed photo stop, but actual time to feel the place. Water is provided throughout the drive so you're not rationing it in the heat. You can direct the guide on where you want to go and what you want to see. The route is not locked. Bring your own food or arrange it beforehand, since meals aren't covered. The gate entrance fee is separate and paid on arrival. By 4pm you're back at your hotel, or a different one if you request it.

Rivers, mountains and historical areas dot the park, and the guide will take you through them if that's what interests you. Photography is built into the pace. There's time to frame shots of the animals and the landscape. The vehicle seats multiple travelers, so you're sharing the experience with others, not traveling solo, though the guide's attention stays on the group's interests.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off at your accommodation.
• water throughout the game drive.
• a live guide in English, French or German.
• time to rest during breakfast and lunch breaks.
• access to the open safari vehicle for unobstructed wildlife viewing.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guide in English, French or German05:00

Guide in English05:00

You pick the guide language when booking.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 05:00

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Senior (81 to 91 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Infant (2 to 5 years)

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish, French and German

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 25 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Inn Africa Tours & Safaris

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want an open vehicle for better animal sightings and prefer a morning departure. Book the half-day if you need to finish by midday, or full-day to stay through afternoon game activity.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, French and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (6 to 11 years); Infant (2 to 5 years).

What time does the full-day safari start and finish?

Most departures start in the morning. The full-day tour finishes around 4pm. Your hotel pickup happens before the park gates open, so you're positioned for early-morning game viewing when animals are most active.

Can I see the big five on this safari?

The big five are spotted most of the time, especially in early morning when the tour typically begins. The guide knows where to find them and positions the open vehicle for clear sightlines, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

What's included and what do I pay for separately?

Hotel pickup, water during the drive and the guide are included. You pay for the gate entrance fee at the park and your own meals. Coffee, tea and any other refreshments are not covered.

Is the open vehicle safe if I'm not comfortable with heights or open spaces?

The vehicle is open-sided but has a roof and seating that keeps you secure. If you have concerns about spinal injuries, cardiovascular health or pregnancy, check with the operator before booking, as the ride involves uneven terrain and extended time seated.

Can I choose which areas of the park to visit, or is the route fixed?

You can direct the guide on where you want to go and what you want to see. The guide navigates the park's routes based on animal movement and your interests, so the day is flexible within the park's geography.