Kruger Safari from Marloth Park: Big 5 on open vehicle

Six hours tracking Africa's big 5 from a vehicle built for sightlines

A 6-hour guided safari tour departing Marloth Park at 05h30 in an open vehicle with an accredited guide, designed to maximize encounters with Africa's big 5 along trails and waterholes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. Breakfast should be packed beforehand, and a morning stop at a picnic site or rest camp breaks the drive. Kruger Conservation fees apply separately for entry.

Step-by-step itinerary

Half-day guided safari tour

• Pickup from accommodation at 05:30
• Drive through various trails
• Visit waterholes to spot wildlife
• Stop at picnic site for breakfast
• Continue safari to see Africa's big 5
• Drop off at accommodation

The experience

The open vehicle is the whole point. Nothing between you and the sight lines. You're picked up at 05h30 from your accommodation in Marloth Park or Komatipoort by an experienced, accredited guide who knows where the animals move at first light. The route follows established trails and stops at waterholes where the big 5 congregate, especially in the early hours when the heat hasn't driven them into shade. A morning break at a picnic site or rest camp gives you time to eat the breakfast you've packed and step out of the vehicle.

The guide handles navigation and timing. Your job is to watch, listen and photograph. Six hours covers enough ground to reach multiple waterholes and different habitat types, which is what raises the odds of sightings. The vehicle returns you to your hotel or other accommodation by midday, leaving the afternoon free.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from Marloth Park or Komatipoort.
• fuel surcharge.
• morning stop at a picnic site or rest camp.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 05:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 to 85 years) · Under 12: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideSpanish, French, German, Italian and Dutch

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 11 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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Balanta Imagine Safaris

Is this one for you?At 6 hours, this tour fits into a single morning and leaves your afternoon free for other activities or rest. The early 05h30 start is what puts you at the waterholes during peak animal activity, so the timing is built around sightings, not convenience.

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Top questions

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 are Africa's big 5 that I might see on this safari?

The big 5 are lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and Cape buffalo. The guide positions the vehicle at waterholes and along trails where these animals are most likely to appear, especially in the early morning hours when they are active.

Do I need to bring my own breakfast, or is it provided?

Breakfast is not included. You should ask your accommodation to pack it beforehand. A morning stop at a picnic site or rest camp is built into the tour so you can eat and rest before continuing.

What time does the pickup happen and when will I be back?

Pickup is at 05h30 from your hotel in Marloth Park or Komatipoort. The full tour runs 6 hours, so you'll be dropped off by midday, leaving your afternoon free.

Is the professional guide included in the tour price?

Yes, an experienced and accredited guide is included and leads the entire safari, handling route decisions and animal tracking.

Are Kruger National Park entry fees included?

Kruger Conservation fees are separate and charged at entry: R130 for South African citizens and R602 for international visitors.