Kruger National Park: Safari with lodge & treehouse stay

Summary

Stay in a treehouse & spot wildlife on a Kruger safari adventure

Wake early for game drives across Kruger National Park with an expert local guide, sleep in both a cozy lodge and an actual treehouse, share fireside meals under African stars, and walk through bushland alive with wildlife sounds—a safari experience you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

Someone hands me a mug of coffee before sunrise, and I’m still half-asleep when our guide, Themba, grins and says it’s time to go. The air smells like woodsmoke and something sweet I can’t place. We pile into the open Landcruiser—wind sharp against my face—and drive out into Balule Reserve. First animal we see is a giraffe, just standing there chewing like he’s got all the time in the world. Themba points out tracks in the dust—lion maybe?—and I realize how quiet it is except for birds and the crunch of tires.

The first night we eat under the Marula trees, fire crackling and everyone swapping stories about what they hope to see (I admit I’m secretly rooting for elephants). The bush braai dinner is smoky and rich—someone passes me grilled boerewors and I nearly drop it because I’m distracted by the stars overhead. Later, back at Tremisana Lodge, I fall asleep in my chalet listening to frogs outside. It’s not fancy but feels right for where we are.

The next day, after a long walk through grass that brushes my knees (and yes, my heart thumping every time we hear something move), we switch over to Marc’s Treehouse Lodge. My room is literally up in the trees—wooden steps creaking underfoot—and there’s this moment at dusk when everything goes gold through the branches. That’s when I really get why people talk about Kruger National Park safaris like they’re something you never forget. The day trip into Kruger itself is wild—zebra herds everywhere, lions sprawled under thorn trees, dust swirling up behind us as we drive between stops for snacks or just to stretch our legs.

On the last morning we walk again at sunrise—mist hanging low—and then wind our way back via Blyde River Canyon. Three Rondawels look unreal against the sky; someone says it’s one of Africa’s best views but honestly by then my brain’s still replaying elephant ears flapping and that feeling of being tiny out here. It’s hard to leave but easy to remember.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Transfer to Tremisana and Sunset Drive

• Transfer from Johannesburg to Tremisana Game Lodge
• 4-hour sunset drive on open Landcruiser
• Bush BBQ dinner at Marula Tree Boma
• Night drive and overnight in chalet

Day 2 — Bush Walk and Afternoon Game Drive

• 4-hour bush walk in Balule Game Reserve
• Brunch at Tremisana
• Lunch in the Lapa
• Afternoon game drive
• Transfer to Marc’s Treehouse Lodge
• Overnight in treehouse

Day 3 — Full Day Game Drive in Kruger

• Full day open gameviewer drive in Kruger National Park
• Stops at picnic spots and restcamps
• Overnight in treehouse

Day 4 — Morning Walk and Return to Johannesburg

• Sunrise walk
• Breakfast
• Drive via Panorama Route to Blyde River Canyon
• Stop at Three Rondawels
• Return to Johannesburg

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included from Johannesburg?

Yes, pickup from hotels or O.R. Tambo Airport in Johannesburg is included.

Do I stay in both a lodge and a treehouse?

Yes, one night is spent in a chalet at Tremisana Lodge and two nights in a treehouse at Marc's Treehouse Lodge.

Are all meals provided during the safari?

Lunches are included on non-transfer days; other meals are provided as described during activities like bush braai dinners.

How long is each game drive in Kruger National Park?

The full-day game drive lasts several hours with stops; sunset drives are about 3 hours.

Is there a guided bush walk included?

Yes, there is a 4-hour Big Five bush walk with armed rangers plus another sunrise walk on the last day.

Are park fees included in the price?

Yes, all national park fees are included.

What kind of accommodation should I expect?

You’ll stay one night in an air-conditioned chalet and two nights in rustic treehouses or chalets-on-stilts.

Is this safari suitable for children?

Yes, but children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the tour.

What’s included

Your trip includes hotel or airport pickup from Johannesburg, all national park entry fees and taxes, three nights’ accommodation split between a lodge chalet and a treehouse stay, daily lunches (except transfer days), guided safari drives and bush walks with local experts, transport by air-conditioned minivan throughout the journey—including scenic stops at Blyde River Canyon—and drop-off back in Johannesburg or at the airport if needed.