7 Day Kruger Safari

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Kruger National Park itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaKruger National Park travel expert at TourRadar

• Kruger & Matobo Rhino Encounter - 7 Days

  Kruger's diverse ecosystems come alive during 2 full days of open-vehicle game drives, where professional guides track the Big Five. Morning and afternoon safaris maximize wildlife viewing, with comfortable lodge breaks during peak heat.

  

  View itinerary Compare 7 days itineraries

  • Pretoria South Africa

    196 mi

  • Hoedspruit South Africa

    47 mi

  • Kruger National Park South Africa

    47 mi

  • Hoedspruit South Africa

    99 mi

  • Polokwane South Africa

    266 mi

  • Bulawayo Zimbabwe

    27 mi

  • Matobo National Park Zimbabwe

    27 mi

  • Bulawayo Zimbabwe

    237 mi

  • Victoria Falls Zimbabwe

  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 

  View itinerary

• 7 Day South Africa Itinerary, incl. Cape Town and Kruger National Park

  

  View itinerary Compare 7 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    Cape Town Arrival

    After landing at Cape Town International Airport plan for a 30-minute transfer to your hotel. During rush hour (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM) this can stretch to an hour. The V&A Waterfront area makes a great base with lots of restaurants and shops nearby. If you arrive with time to spare take the red line hop-on-hop-off bus. The 2-hour loop gives you a good feel for the city layout.

    
  • Day 2

    Cape Town & Table Mountain

    Get to Table Mountain's cable car right when it opens at 8:30 AM. You'll avoid the crowds and the thick "tablecloth" clouds that often appear later. It's about 10°C cooler at the summit so bring a jacket. Book your tickets online since the queues get long. Remember the cable car closes in high winds so stay flexible with your plans. Spend your afternoon walking through Bo-Kaap's colorful streets but wear good shoes for the cobblestones.

    
  • Day 3

    Cape Peninsula

    This 150km round trip needs an early start. Leave at 8 AM to see the penguins at Boulders Beach before the crowds arrive. Pack layers for Chapman's Peak Drive which gets cold and windy. When you reach Cape Point skip the funicular and take the 15-minute walk up for better photos. Plan to spend at least 2 hours at Kirstenbosch Gardens. The Tree Canopy Walkway offers some of the best views of Table Mountain.

    
  • Day 4

    Winelands

    It takes about 45 minutes to drive to Stellenbosch. Most wine estates open at 10 AM and you should limit yourself to 3-4 tastings. The Franschhoek Wine Tram's Purple Line shows off the best scenery and means no one has to drive. If you do drive remember South African drinking laws are strict so use the spittoons provided.

    
  • Day 5

    Transfer to Kruger

    Early morning flights leave Cape Town for Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA). From there it's a 1-2 hour drive to your lodge. Afternoon game drives usually start at 3:30 PM. Pack neutral clothes no bright colors or white and bring something warm for the open vehicles.

    
  • Day 6

    Kruger Safari

    The 5:30 AM game drive might seem early but it's the best time to spot predators. Bring binoculars since animals often stay far from the roads. One visitor shared: "The early morning drive was chilly but worth it - we saw lions with cubs near Skukuza just after sunrise when they were most active." During the hot midday hours (11 AM - 3 PM) relax at the lodge pool while the wildlife rests.

    
  • Day 7

    Departure via Johannesburg

    After your morning flight to Johannesburg leave at least 3 hours between connecting flights. Immigration and security can be slow at O.R. Tambo International Airport. If you have extra time the Gautrain can take you quickly into Sandton.

  View itinerary

• 7-Day Game Drives, Kruger Park Safari and Panorama Route Tour

  The week at Tshukudu Game Lodge combines dawn and dusk game drives in Kruger Park with cultural immersion at Nyani Village and conservation education at Hoedspruit Centre.

  

  View itinerary Compare 7 days itineraries

  • Johannesburg South Africa

    223 mi

  • Hoedspruit South Africa

    47 mi

  • Kruger National Park South Africa

    47 mi

  • Hoedspruit South Africa

    16 mi

  • Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve South Africa

    16 mi

  • Hoedspruit South Africa

    223 mi

  • Johannesburg South Africa

  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 

  View itinerary