Kruger Safari Full Day: Big 5 with Professional Guide

Ten hours tracking the Big 5 across Kruger's open plains

A full-day safari through Kruger National Park departing from Malelane, Marloth Park or Komatipoort in an open vehicle with a professional guide and hotel pickup. The 10-hour drive includes two meal stops and bottled water. You search for the Big 5 and scarcer animals like cheetah and wild dog, with stops at picnic spots along the route.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day Kruger National Park safari

• Depart in luxury open safari vehicle
• Drive through Kruger National Park
• Stop for breakfast break
• Continue wildlife viewing for Big 5
• Stop for lunch break
• Search for scarce animals like Cheetah and Wild Dog
• Visit picnic spots and purchase curios
• Return from safari

The experience

The safari runs the full span of daylight: ten hours in an open vehicle designed to give you an unobstructed view in every direction. A qualified guide drives and narrates, stopping at picnic spots when animals appear or when the landscape warrants it. Breakfast and lunch stops each run about an hour, giving you time to rest and eat. Bottled water is supplied throughout the drive, though meals are at your own cost unless you arrange otherwise beforehand. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Malelane, Marloth Park or Komatipoort means you don't need to find your own way to the park entrance.

What you're hunting for are the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo), but the guide will also work to find cheetah and wild dog, animals that are harder to spot and more rewarding when they appear. The open-sided vehicle keeps you low and close to the landscape, and your seat has a USB charging port so you can power a camera or phone through the day. The route follows the park's roads and stopping points, so sightings depend on where the animals are on any given day. The guide's experience is what turns a long drive into a real hunt.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from your accommodation.
• professional guide in English.
• open safari vehicle with unobstructed views.
• bottled water throughout the drive.
• two meal stops of approximately one hour each.
• USB charging port at your seat.
• stops at picnic spots along the route for wildlife viewing and photo opportunities.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 05:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (under 12)

GroupUp to 20

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 33 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Legend Safaris

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, so if that's your language you'll follow the commentary without effort. The full 10-hour commitment suits travelers with a full day free and the stamina to sit and watch. If you have only a few hours or prefer a shorter outing, a half-day option would fit better.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 12).

What animals am I most likely to see on a full-day Kruger safari?

The Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo) are the main target, and the guide will actively search for them. Cheetah and wild dog are scarcer but the guide will work to locate them as well. Other wildlife like giraffe, zebra and antelope are commonly seen throughout the day.

How does the 10-hour drive break up during the day?

The safari includes two meal stops of roughly an hour each (one for breakfast and one for lunch), where you can rest and eat. Bottled water is provided during the drive, and the vehicle stops at picnic spots along the route when animals appear or the landscape calls for it.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the park, or is pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off from Malelane, Marloth Park or Komatipoort is included, so you don't need to drive yourself to the park entrance.

Can I charge my camera or phone during the safari?

Yes, each seat in the vehicle has a USB charging port, so you can power devices throughout the 10-hour drive.

What should I bring or wear for a full day in an open vehicle?

The safari operates in all weather, so dress in layers and bring sun protection, a hat and closed-toe shoes. Binoculars are useful for spotting distant animals, and a camera with a good zoom will help capture wildlife. Bring any personal medications or snacks you might need, as meals are at your own cost unless pre-arranged.