Kruger National Park: Safari with lodge & treehouse stay

Summary

Wake up in a treehouse after sunset drives & bush walks in Kruger

You’ll travel from Johannesburg into Kruger National Park for sunset game drives, sleep in both a cozy chalet and an actual treehouse, join a sunrise bush walk with local guides, and stop at Blyde River Canyon’s Three Rondavels on your way back. Expect laughter around campfires and moments of quiet awe you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Johannesburg just after sunrise, the city slowly giving way to open farmland and then the Lowveld’s dusty gold. Our driver, Sipho, had this easy laugh that made the hours slip by. By the time we reached Tremisana Lodge, I was sticky from the heat but weirdly happy — there’s something about that first breath of bush air, you know? We barely dropped our bags before climbing into an open Landcruiser for our first sunset drive. The wind whipped my hair around as we bumped along; at one point, our guide pointed out a herd of impala so close I could hear them chewing. After dark, we used spotlights to catch eyes glinting in the grass — I’ll admit, I jumped when a hyena crossed right in front of us. Dinner was this smoky bush BBQ under a Marula tree, everyone swapping stories while the fire popped and cracked.

The next morning started early (like, really early — I fumbled with my coffee in the half-light). We spent the whole day on safari inside Kruger National Park itself. It’s hard to explain how big it feels out there; sometimes you’d go ten minutes without seeing another vehicle or even an animal, just endless green and red earth. Our guide knew every birdcall and could spot a giraffe head poking above the trees before anyone else did. Lunch was simple but tasted better than anything back home — maybe it was just being outside all day. That night we slept at Marc’s Treehouse Lodge, which is exactly what it sounds like: a stilted cabin tucked into the trees with river sounds below. I lay awake for ages listening to frogs and thinking about everything we’d seen.

The last morning was my favorite part — a bush walk along the Klaserie River with an armed ranger named Thabo who somehow managed to be both hilarious and deadly serious at once (“Don’t run if you see a buffalo,” he said, “unless you’re faster than me”). The air smelled sharp and green after some rain overnight. On our way back to Johannesburg we stopped at Three Rondavels overlooking Blyde River Canyon; honestly, I didn’t expect much but that view kind of knocked me sideways. Still think about it sometimes when things get too loud back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Pickup and Sunset Drive

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

Day 2 — Kruger National Park Safari

• Full day safari in Kruger National Park on open vehicle
• Overnight in treehouse at Marc's Treehouse Lodge

Day 3 — Bush Walk and Scenic Highlights

• Morning bush walk along Klaserie River
• Visit Three Rondawels on return to Johannesburg

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Kruger National Park safari?

Yes, pickup is included from all hotels and guesthouses in Johannesburg as well as O.R. Tambo Airport.

Do I spend a night in both a lodge and a treehouse?

Yes, one night is spent in an air-conditioned chalet at Tremisana Lodge and one night in a treehouse or stilted chalet at Marc's Treehouse Lodge.

Are meals included during the safari tour?

Dinner is included on arrival night (bush BBQ), other meals are provided during activities as per itinerary.

What animals might I see on this Kruger safari?

You may see impala, giraffes, hyenas, birds, and possibly other wildlife during game drives and bush walks.

Is there a guided bush walk included?

Yes, there is a sunrise bush walk along the Klaserie River with an armed ranger.

How long is each game drive?

The sunset drive on Motlala Game Reserve lasts about 3–4 hours; full-day safari in Kruger lasts most of the day.

Is transport between locations provided?

Yes, all transport between Johannesburg, lodges, parks, and return is included by air-conditioned minivan.

Are park entry fees covered?

Yes, all national park fees are included in your booking price.

What’s included

Your experience includes hotel or airport pickup from Johannesburg by air-conditioned minivan; two nights’ accommodation (one in an ensuite chalet at Tremisana Lodge and one in a treehouse or stilted chalet); guided sunset game drive on Motlala Game Reserve; full-day open-vehicle safari inside Kruger National Park; sunrise bush walk with an armed ranger; visit to Three Rondavels at Blyde River Canyon; plus all park entry fees and taxes before drop-off back in Johannesburg.