Private Kruger safari from Pretoria: Big Five game drive

Four hours to the park, six hours watching game, one guide who knows where to look

A private full-day game drive in Kruger National Park departing from Pretoria or Johannesburg with early hotel pickup, a qualified nature guide, breakfast, lunch and six hours of safari in an open vehicle. The private format means you set the pace and the guide responds to what you want to see. The fixed schedule (early departure, morning drive, afternoon drive) fits the whole experience into one day from the city.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kruger National Park Safari and Game Drives

• Pick up from hotel or airport at 5:00 am
• Travel 4 hours through Highveld and Lowveld
• Stop for breakfast near Kruger National Park
• Morning game drive for 6 hours
• Lunch break around 1:00 pm
• Afternoon or sunset game drive

The experience

Pickup happens at 5 a.m. from your hotel or O.R. Tambo Airport in Johannesburg or Pretoria. The drive to Kruger takes about four hours, crossing the Highveld and Lowveld. You'll see the African bush and open landscape from the vehicle. A breakfast stop comes after you arrive at the park, then you settle into the open game drive vehicle for six hours of searching: morning light is when many animals move, and your guide knows the routes and the habits. Around 1 p.m. you break for lunch, then return for an afternoon or sunset drive when different animals are active. The guide is qualified in the park and speaks English. You're the only group in the vehicle, so the route and the stops follow what you want to photograph and see.

The day is built around the game drive itself: six hours is long enough to cover ground and sit with sightings, short enough to fit into a single departure from the city. Taxes, levies and the administration fee are included in the price. You'll need a camera or phone ready. Binoculars help but aren't required. The vehicle is open-sided, which gives you an unobstructed view and the chance to photograph without glass reflection, though it also means you're exposed to sun and wind. Bring sunscreen, a hat and a light layer for the early morning chill.

What’s included

• Hotel or airport pickup in Johannesburg or Pretoria.
• four-hour transfer to Kruger National Park.
• breakfast and lunch.
• six hours of private game drive in an open vehicle with a qualified English-speaking guide.
• park entry and all taxes and levies.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 05:00

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Senior (71 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 26 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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendly

Operated by Virgio Tours

Is this one for you?This is a private tour, so you're the only group in the vehicle and the guide adjusts the route and stops to what you want to see and photograph. Choose it if you prefer a flexible pace and direct communication with the guide over a set itinerary. It suits first-time visitors who want expert knowledge and families who want to move at their own rhythm.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

1 verified traveler review

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

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 animals am I likely to see on a Kruger game drive?

The Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and buffalo) are the headline, but Kruger also holds zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, antelope species, warthog, hippopotamus and a wide range of birds. What you see depends on the season, the time of day and where the guide locates animals on the day you visit. No sighting is guaranteed, but the six-hour drive gives multiple chances.

How early do I need to wake up, and why?

Pickup is 5 a.m., so you'll need to be ready at your hotel or airport. Early morning is when most large animals are active and moving to water or feeding grounds, so the timing is built around the wildlife behavior, not just the schedule.

Is the open vehicle safe, and what if the weather is bad?

The open-sided design is standard for game drives in Kruger and allows animals to see and hear the vehicle as part of the landscape rather than a threat. Rain or heat happens. Bring layers and rain protection. The guide will adjust the route and timing based on conditions, but the drive runs unless severe weather makes the park close, which is rare.

Can I bring my own binoculars or camera gear?

Yes. Bring whatever camera or phone you have. Binoculars are helpful but not required. The open vehicle gives you a clear line of sight, and the guide will position the vehicle to give you the best angle for photographs.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to pay for separately?

Pickup, transport, the guide, breakfast, lunch, park entry, taxes and the administration fee are all included. Alcohol and gratuities are not included. You can tip the guide if you choose.