Kruger National Park Game Drive: Spot the Big 5

Ten hours to track the Big 5 across open bush

A full-day shared game drive from Marlothpark into Kruger National Park on an open safari vehicle with a guide who knows the bush and its wildlife. The tour runs 10 hours with stops for bird and tree species photography, breakfast and lunch at Lower Sabi restaurant overlooking the Sabi river, and picnic spots at campsites. Minimum two passengers required to depart. Children from age one are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day safari in Kruger Park

• Join shared safari tour
• Travel in open safari vehicle
• Spot Big 5 and Magnificent 7
• Enjoy breakfast at Lower Sabi
• Stop for bird and tree photos
• Have lunch at Lower Sabi

The experience

The guide shares knowledge of the African bush and wildlife as you travel on an open safari vehicle designed to give you clear sightlines for spotting the Big 5 or Magnificent 7. You stop several times to photograph bird and tree species, and the vehicle is sized so groups can be accommodated together rather than split across multiple bookings. Bring binoculars and a camera. Ponchos and sanitiser spray are provided for cold mornings or rain.

Breakfast and lunch happen at Lower Sabi, a restaurant at a campsite overlooking the Sabi river where you can order from your own account. The tour also stops at other picnic spots at campsites if you want to eat food you've brought along. Park entrance fees are separate and paid on arrival, not included in the tour price.

Pickup is included from Marlothpark. The tour needs a minimum of two passengers to run. If only one person books, the departure is cancelled. Public transport options exist nearby if you prefer to meet the vehicle at the park instead.

What’s included

• English-speaking guide.
• pickup from Marlothpark.
• open safari vehicle.
• ponchos and sanitiser spray for weather protection.
• stops to photograph bird and tree species.
• access to Lower Sabi restaurant and campsite picnic areas.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 05:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (14 to 90 years) · Child (8 to 12 years) · Infant (1 to 7 years)

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 13 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Gamedrives from Marlothpark

Is this one for you?At 10 hours, this tour fills most of a day and leaves little room for other activities in Kruger or the surrounding area. Choose it if you want an immersive morning-to-afternoon game drive and can dedicate the full commitment to wildlife spotting and travel time.

Traveler reviews

4.83★★★★★★★★★★

48 verified traveler reviews

5 ★44

4 ★1

3 ★2

2 ★1

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 12 years); Infant (1 to 7 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What does it mean to spot the Big 5 on a game drive in Kruger?

The Big 5 are lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and African buffalo. Spotting them means seeing them in the wild from the open vehicle as the guide navigates the park's roads and tracks, though sightings are never guaranteed on any single day.

How long is the full-day game drive and what time does it start?

The tour runs 10 hours total. A specific start time is not listed. Contact the operator to confirm departure time from Marlothpark and how that fits your schedule.

Do I need to pay for park entrance separately?

Yes. Kruger National Park entrance fees are not included in the tour price and are paid when you arrive at the park.

Can I bring my own food and drinks on the game drive?

Yes. You can bring a small cooler box with snacks and soft drinks (no alcohol). Breakfast and lunch are available at Lower Sabi restaurant where you order and pay your own account, or you can eat at picnic spots at other campsites.

Is this a private vehicle or do I share it with other travelers?

This is a shared safari vehicle with other passengers. If you want a private vehicle, contact the operator to arrange a private safari instead.