Private Sunrise Safari in Kruger National Park: Big 5 Wildlife

You spot wildlife at the moment it moves, not after the crowds arrive.

A half-day private safari in Kruger National Park with your own guide and open-air vehicle, departing from Hazyview. You enter through Phabeni Gate and drive the main routes searching for the Big 5, smaller antelope species and birds as the African bush awakens. The vehicle is yours alone, the guide is yours alone, and the pace stops for sightings instead of schedules.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private half day Kruger safari

• Pick up in Hazyview area
• Enter Kruger via Phabeni Gate
• Drive on main park road
• Stop at main rest camp for break
• Go on safari in open vehicle

The experience

Seven hours from pickup gives you the heart of the morning: the time when animals move and feed. You're collected from Hazyview (or another area if you arrange it), then driven to Phabeni Gate, the main entrance to Kruger. The open safari vehicle has no roof and no sides between you and the landscape, so you see in all directions and the guide can stop the moment something appears. There's a comfort break at the main rest camp if you need it, but the real work is the drive itself.

The guide knows where to look and when to wait. You're hunting for the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo), and the little 5, the ugly 5, the antelope herds, the trees that matter. The bush is loudest and most active in early morning, which is why this departure time exists. Because it's private, the vehicle doesn't follow a convoy or wait for other groups. It goes where the sightings are. Kids travel fine on this trip. There's no forced pace and no long stretches of sitting still.

Bottled water is included. The Sanparks entry fee (R128 per South African adult, R535 per international adult, half price for children) is separate and paid at the gate. Gratuities for the guide are not included in the price.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Hazyview.
• your own personal guide and driver.
• open safari vehicle with no roof or sides.
• bottled water throughout the trip.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (12 to 90 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 22 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Kruger Gateway Safaris

Is this one for you?A half-day trip leaves the rest of your day free. You're back by early afternoon, which suits travelers who want wildlife without committing a full day, or who have other plans in Hazyview or nearby. The private vehicle and guide mean you stop for sightings instead of following a schedule, which works best if you're traveling with children or prefer to move at your own pace.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What time does the safari depart from Hazyview?

The safari is a sunrise trip, departing early in the morning from Hazyview to catch the African bush at its most active. Exact pickup time is arranged when you book.

Can I see the Big 5 on a half-day safari?

The Big 5 are what the guide attempts to spot during the drive: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo. Sightings depend on where the animals are that morning, not on a guarantee. The open vehicle and early timing give you the best chance.

What happens at the rest camp stop?

The main rest camp is a regular comfort break during the drive: a place to use facilities if you need them. It's not a long stop. The focus stays on the safari itself.

Do I need to pay the Sanparks entry fee in advance?

The Sanparks fee is paid at Phabeni Gate when you enter the park. The cost is R128 per South African adult and R535 per international adult. Children pay half the adult rate.

What's included in the price?

The price covers private transportation from Hazyview, your own guide and driver, the open safari vehicle, and bottled water. Meals, the Sanparks park fee and gratuities are separate.