3 Day Kruger Safari

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Kruger National Park tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaKruger National Park travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Days in South Africa, incl. Cape Town and Kruger National Park

  Rich wildlife encounters fill three days at Kruger National Park with 2 nights at Hazyview lodge. Morning and afternoon game drives maximize viewing opportunities, earning perfect 5.0 ratings for both itinerary and transport.

  

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  • Day 1

    Cape Town to Kruger National Park

    Your day starts at 4:00 AM with hotel pickup for your flight to Johannesburg. "The drivers were courteous and personable, and all transfers were well-coordinated." From Johannesburg airport take the shuttle to Kruger (4-5 hours). Get your camera ready for the afternoon game drive. This is when leopards often come out so your chances of spotting them are good.

    
  • Day 2

    Full Day in Kruger National Park

    Start early with a morning game drive when the animals are most active. The open vehicles give you great views but bring layers. Mornings can be cold while afternoons get hot. You'll spend the day looking for the Big Five and other wildlife. According to one visitor: "The safaris were amazing - we saw all of the Big Five within our first two drives." Head back to the lodge in the afternoon to rest and look through your photos.

    
  • Day 3

    Final Safari and Return to Cape Town

    Take one last morning drive to spot any animals you might have missed. Different species are active at different times so this gives you another chance to see something new. Check out around midday and take the shuttle to Johannesburg for your Cape Town flight. About the lodging: "The rooms were comfortable though there's no AC, so request a fan if visiting during summer months."

    

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• 3 Day South Africa Itinerary, incl. Kruger National Park and Blyde River Canyon

  Venture through 150km of game drives across Kruger's prime wildlife areas over three days. Key stops include Bourke's Luck Potholes, God's Window, and Satara Rest Camp, renowned for exceptional predator sightings.

  

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  • Day 1

    Johannesburg to Blyde River Canyon

    Start with an early 5-hour drive east from Johannesburg. You should arrive in Joburg the day before since morning traffic can be heavy. The scenic Eastern route includes stops at Pinnacle Rock and God's Window (visit before 10 AM to avoid fog). You'll also stop at Berlin Falls where local artisans sell authentic crafts. A recent traveler shared: "Jakes did an excellent job showing us the beauty of the South African countryside and relaying the history - he knows all the interesting and unique places."

    
  • Day 2

    Blyde Dam and Kruger National Park

    Take a morning boat trip on Blyde Dam to see the 200-meter Kadishi Tufa waterfall and Three Rondawels. In the afternoon drive to Kruger through Orpen Gate to reach Satara Rest Camp. This area is known for excellent game viewing so bring your binoculars. The day ends with a 3-hour sunset drive that turns into a night safari. One visitor noted: "The evening game drive was incredible - we saw nocturnal animals we'd never have spotted during the day."

    
  • Day 3

    Full Kruger Game Drive

    Start your day at dawn with coffee and rusks before a 150km game drive looking for the Big Five. The early morning offers the best chances to spot predators. The park is home to about 1,750 lions and 1,000 leopards. Your guide will take you to the best spots at the right times for wildlife viewing. Important: Book flights after 8 PM domestic or 9 PM international since the drive back to Johannesburg takes 5-6 hours.

    

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• 3 Day Kruger National Park Itinerary, incl. Johannesburg and Skukuza

  Three dynamic days in Kruger National Park cost approx. $280 per day, including 2 nights at comfortable lodges near Phabeni Gate. Full-day game drives in open-sided Landcruisers traverse the wildlife-rich Skukuza area. A 6-hour scenic drive from Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo Airport starts your adventure, with 2 breakfasts and dinners, plus expert ranger-guided safaris seeking the Big Five.

  

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  • Day 1

    Johannesburg to Kruger National Park

    Plan to arrive at O.R. Tambo Airport by 6:30 AM for the 6:50 AM departure. The drive to Hazyview takes about 6 hours with two quick 15-minute stops for snacks and stretching. If you get car sick bring motion sickness medication since the roads twist and turn quite a bit. Once you're settled at your lodge near Phabeni Gate you'll set out for your first game drive at sunset when nocturnal predators start to emerge.

    
  • Day 2

    Full-Day Safari in Skukuza Area

    Your day starts early with coffee and rusks (South African dry biscuits) before sunrise. The full-day game drive through Skukuza gives you the best shot at seeing the Big Five. One visitor shared: "We saw all the Big 5 - the highlight was watching a leopard dragging its impala kill up a tree while a hyena circled below." Bring lots of water and sunscreen since the open vehicles offer great views but minimal shade. The high vantage point from the 4x4s makes for excellent photos especially in the soft morning light.

    
  • Day 3

    Optional Morning Drive and Return

    On your last morning you can sleep in and enjoy breakfast at the lodge or take an optional pre-dawn game drive for about 950 ZAR. Many guests recommend the early drive. As one visitor noted: "The early morning mist created magical lighting for photos and we had a pride of lions all to ourselves before other vehicles arrived." The return trip to Johannesburg leaves at 11 AM getting in around 5:30 PM. Book flights after 8 PM to account for potential traffic.

    

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