Kruger & Panorama Route: 2-Night Safari with Private Guide

Summary

Private safari adventure through Kruger and scenic panorama stops

You’ll wake up before sunrise for a full-day Kruger safari with a private guide, spot elephants and lions from an open vehicle, then wind through lush mountains along South Africa’s Panorama Route. Expect early mornings, raw landscapes, and those odd moments of silence when nature just takes over.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so awake at dawn, but leaving Johannesburg for Kruger had this weird buzz about it — like you’re heading somewhere way outside your usual orbit. Our guide, Thabo, had this gentle patience (even when we asked about every single animal on the road). The drive was long, five hours or so, but honestly, watching the landscape shift from city to bushveld felt like its own kind of slow magic. We rolled down the windows near Hazyview and I swear you could smell the river before you saw it. That first night at Sabie River Lodge, I lay in bed listening to insects outside — louder than I thought possible. Sort of comforting though.

The real reason we came was the Kruger Park safari day. Thabo got us up before sunrise — he handed out these breakfast packs that tasted better than they looked (maybe everything does at 5am?). Riding in an open vehicle was colder than I’d packed for; my hands went numb gripping my camera. But then we spotted elephants just wandering across the road, and suddenly everyone forgot about being tired or cold. It’s strange how quiet people get when lions are nearby — nobody wanted to move or even breathe too loud. Thabo pointed out tiny birds and tracks I never would’ve noticed on my own. We spent almost eight hours winding through the park, looking for the Big Five (we got four out of five — missed leopard, but honestly who’s counting). Lunch was simple and quick at a rest stop; not fancy but who cares when there’s giraffes ten meters away?

On our last morning we took off early again for the Panorama Route — totally different vibe from Kruger’s dry grasslands. The air changed as we climbed into the Drakensberg foothills; cooler, almost sweet-smelling after rain overnight. God’s Window actually made me laugh because it sounds dramatic but… yeah, it’s pretty wild up there. Mist rolling over cliffs, everyone standing quietly just staring out at nothing and everything at once. Blyde River Canyon is huge and green and a little overwhelming if you try to take it all in at once. We drifted back toward Johannesburg with muddy boots and way too many photos of baboons by the roadside.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Drive Johannesburg to Kruger Park

• Depart Johannesburg for Kruger Park
• Arrive at camp in late afternoon
• Optional sunset game drive (own expense)

Day 2 — Full day Kruger Park safari

• Early morning full day game drive
• Spot big five and other animals
• Return to lodge by 15:00

Day 3 — Panorama route and return to Johannesburg

• Early morning drive to Panorama route
• Visit God's Window and Blyde River Canyon
• Drive back to Johannesburg

Top questions

How long is the drive from Johannesburg to Kruger?

The drive takes about 5 to 6 hours each way.

Is accommodation included in this Kruger safari tour?

Yes, accommodations such as Sabie River Bush Lodge or similar are included.

Are meals provided during the trip?

Breakfast packs are provided for safari days; other meals are at your own expense.

What animals can I expect to see on a Kruger game drive?

You may see elephants, lions, buffaloes, rhinos, leopards (the Big Five), plus smaller animals and birds.

Does this tour include visits to Panorama Route attractions?

Yes, stops include God’s Window and Blyde River Canyon along Panorama Route.

Is this private Kruger Park safari wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

How many people can join this private safari?

The tour runs with a minimum of 3 travelers and up to 10 participants.

Is hotel pickup included?

The tour includes transport in an air-conditioned vehicle; check pickup details when booking.

What’s included

Your trip covers private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with a local guide throughout your journey from Johannesburg to Kruger Park and back via Panorama Route. Full-day game drives are included (but sunset drives are optional), plus comfortable lodge accommodations each night so you can actually hear those nighttime bush sounds if you want.