Kruger Park Safari

2024 Update

Kruger National Park

The undeniable highlight of any trip to Africa is a safari and whatever your age, whatever your time-frame, once in South Africa this is a must-do.

The so-called “Big Five” game animals of Africa – lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo – form an important part of any successful safari trip. At Bazbus we provide various options to ensure you don’t miss out.

The Lion is the king of the jungle and Kruger National Park is the king of safari destinations.

Kruger Safari Packages

3 Day Safari

Bush Tent:

PP $649
Single $685

Game Lodge and Chalet - Best Value:

PP $718
Single $769

Game Lodge and Treehouse:

PP $787
Single $910

4 Day Safari

Game Lodge and Bush Tent:

PP $805
Single $876

Game Lodge and Chalet - Best Value:

PP $876
Single $961

Game Lodge and Treehouse:

PP $946
Single $1,030

Game Lodge and Luxury Tented Chalet:

PP $1,386
Single $1,526

5 Day Safari

Game Lodge and Bush Tent:

PP $876
Single $946

Game Lodge and Chalet - Best Value:

PP $971
Single $1,056

Game Lodge and Treehouse:

PP $1,042
Single $1,127

Game Lodge and Luxury Tented Chalet:

PP $1,543
Single $1,684

LIMITED TIME ONLY

SPECIAL
OFFER

$50USD OFF

Any Kruger Safari for ALL Bazbus passengers

Kruger Park Safari Itineraries

No two safaris are the same. This is wild Africa and there are a lot of different factors at play that can impact your safari…everything is done to ensure our impact on the nature, on the wildlife, and on the landscapes is absolutely minuscule, this is not a zoo. We are in the habitat of these wonderful animals and adhere to nature’s rules. Having said that the safaris broadly follow this plan:

Pick up from your hotel or airport and travel to the game lodge. Welcome briefing and settle in. At approximately 17:00 all travelers board an open Landcruiser vehicle for a 4h sunset safari drive. A delicious bush barbeque at an incomparable marula boma, for dinner deep in the African bush. Overnight at the game lodge.

Early morning coffee and rusks before an amazing 4hr bush walk with armed and experienced rangers. You will learn about the smaller animals of the bush and will learn about tracking and animal identification. Adrenalin surges will be acute as signs of the presence of the big five is everywhere. Return to the game lodge for brunch. Relax around the pool and after lunch go on an afternoon game drive. Transfer to your selected accommodation for dinner in the evening.

After breakfast, you drive on an open game viewer to the Orpen gate of Kruger park. You will have a full day of game viewing and bird watching in this world-renowned game reserve. Transfer to your selected accommodation for dinner in the late evening.

Depending on the duration of your stay the following days involve more bush walks with armed rangers and trackers, traveling in open safari vehicles, visiting frequented water holes, and spending more time in Kruger Park. Often a visit to Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre is possible where you will learn about conservation efforts and interact with injured and orphaned animals.

Before leaving the Wild, you’ll enjoy an early morning Bush Walk in another part of the Game Reserve accompanied by an armed ranger. You will be shown various interesting details of the bush. You have an excellent chance of encountering Buffalo, Nyala, and other game on foot. After breakfast, we head towards a well-known touring spot: “The Three Rondavels”, part of the Blyde River Canyon, which is the third largest canyon in the world. Thereafter we continue on our journey back to Gauteng where we should drop you by your accommodation or airport at around 17:00.

Viewpoint on Final Day of Safari

No rigid schedules: Duration of game drives, bush walks and departure times are approximate and dependent on the weather, the recent animal movements, recent sightings, and the interaction of the guests with the ranger. Your safety and enjoyment are paramount.

Book your safari with Bazbus safe in the knowledge that you will be visiting Kruger National Park with an independent, unique and highly experienced Safari operator (25 years +) …the lodges, the treehouses, the tents are all owned in-house. The team will ensure the adventure of a lifetime. Experience the thrill of seeing the Big Five of Africa!!

Kruger Safari Accommodation Alternatives

At Bazbus we offer 4 distinct types of accommodation as part of your immersive Safari experience.

The first night of all safaris is spent in the Game Lodge. The lodge consists of 15 chalets as well as a 2-bedroom guesthouse. All units are en-suite and airconditioned. The exquisite gardens and water features make the camp feel like a luscious oasis. The traditional first day experience for all includes a bush walk and then a few hours on a sunset game drive in an open Landcruiser vehicle including an unforgettable Bush Braai (BBQ) in the middle of wildest Africa.

By the banks of Klaserie River within the Motlala Game Reserve the tents are cozy and rustic giving a very real sense of the wild. They have shared toilet and shower facilities.

Each tented unit has a bed and bedding, electric light, fan, and plugs, and has its own deck. There are mosquito nets above the beds or on windows and door openings.

The nights are enriched by the calls of the animals: the eerie whoops of hyenas; the spine-tingling wail of jackals, the distant roar of lions, and the plaintive cry of the thick-tailed bushbaby add an unforgettable aural dimension to one’s appreciation of the bush.

Adjoining the tents and nearby treehouses is a swimming pool, a bush bar, and a rustic boma where 3-course meals are served. After the evening meal, which always has a typical African flavor, you can relax around the crackling campfire and share your impressions of the day’s wildlife highlights and adventures.

Chalet is extremely popular with all travelers. The camp comprises of 8 ensuite rustic chalets. Each chalet has an overhead fan, electric lights, and power points. All the comfortable beds are covered by mosquito nets.

The camp has a good-sized swimming pool and an open BBQ Boma. The central common room has a bar, a breakfast nook, a lounge as well as indoor and outdoor dining facilities.

There is a newly built outside Lapa (viewing terrace) overlooking a floodlit waterhole where animals come to drink. This is often a very lively spot for thirsty animals and a good viewing area. The chalet is part of the Motlala Reserve and buffalo, nyala, impala, and giraffe are all common visitors. Night times are spent listening to the fire crackle, the hyenas call, and the symphony of safari sounds.

A unique accommodation beautifully positioned along the banks of the Klaserie River. They are not up in the trees per se but are built on stilts within the tree canopy and are located in the gallery forest. Each unit has a connected viewing deck overlooking the river or a nearby watering hole. The rustic treehouses are romantic and restful and blend perfectly into the bush. Rustic but comfortable they are geared to put one in close contact with the sights, sounds, and scents of the wild. All have their own connected toilet and shower.

Creature comforts include electric fans, mosquito nets, and comfortable beds, with linen, towels, and soap provided. 24-hour WIFI is available to all guests.

Adjoining the treehouses is a swimming pool, a bush bar, and a rustic boma where 3-course meals are served. After the evening meal, which always has a typical African flavor, you can relax around the crackling campfire and share your impressions of the day’s wildlife highlights and adventures.

The Treehouses & Tents Lodge has attracted not only adventure-seeking tourists but also many authors and journalists – whom have written eloquent testimony to the special experience afforded them at this unique place.

Luxury Tented Chalet comprises of eight beautifully appointed tented chalets with bathtubs, indoor and outdoor showers, a splash pool and deck. Each chalet has a thatched roof and is elevated so as to allow for spectacular views of the bushveld.

There is a private splash pool on each deck and the rustic ambiance is enhanced by the liberal use of rocks and tree trunks inside the chalets. The units are air-conditioned and boast inside and outside showers. Sliding aluminum doors and windowed canvas panels blend perfectly to make this a unique state-of-the-art accommodation concept.

The staff brings a wealth of experience in pampering and entertaining privileged guests while providing a relaxing and comfortable stay.

General game is encountered on the property and the birdlife is prolific. At night the unforgettable roars of the lions can be heard along with a host of other wildlife sounds.

Exclusive Luxury Safaris

At Bazbus we also offer an immersive premium Safari option. Experience Africa’s wildlife & wilderness up close while staying in the height of luxury.

Be introduced to the wonders of the Greater Kruger ecosystem under the expert guidance and care of an award-winning safari team, both in your lodge and in the bush. Enjoy luxurious surroundings, magnificent hospitality, and an unrivalled South African safari experience.

The leading luxury lodges in the Balule Game Reserve within the Greater Kruger Park offer luxury accommodation and personalised attention commensurate with their 5 star grading.

For those who demand the luxurious, our Fly-In safaris and Luxury Lodge safaris are legendary.

Kruger Park Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend you allow as many days as your schedule permits for your Safari experience. A 4-day safari – is the most popular option giving you a high-quality authentic experience and the best opportunity to see all of the famous Big 5.

Shorter 3-day alternatives and longer 5-day safaris are also available and equally provide an experience you will never forget.

Kruger Packages are priced based on the type of accommodation. Details of each of the accommodation options can be found below. Prices are based on per-person sharing (PP), we have included a single-person upgrade price.

Our safari guides are very experienced, many having been with the reserve for quite a while. They try spotting as many of the Big 5, as well as other animals indigenous to the land, as possible. We do know that for many of our guests, to see the big 5 is a once in lifetime experience, hence our rangers go the extra mile.

Drones disturb the animals, so we respectfully request that no drones be used on our reserve or in the park.

  • A peaked or wide-brimmed hat for sun protection
  • A light raincoat
  • All the lodges have swimming pools so take swimming gear
  • Long trouser pants and long sleeved shirts – to protect you from insects in the evenings and nights.
  • Bring closed walking shoes (not sandals)

In Spring and Summer (September to April) the temperatures range between 15°C (59°F) and 35°C (95°F).

Light clothing is recommended. Take a pullover for early morning drives.

In Autumn (Fall) and Winter (May to August), the temperatures range from 5C (41°F) to 25°C (77°F).

You will need a warm jacket or fleece.

Gloves are useful on early morning drives.

  • Insect repellent – the best ones contain 30% to 50% DEET (diethyltoluamide)
  • High factor sun block and after sun – extremely important
  • Sunglasses
  • A torch
  • A comfortable pair of binoculars
  • Electrical supply in the Kruger area is 220 Volts. There are adaptors for sale at the reception.
  • Spare battery for photographic equipment
  • Cash – you will need some cash for snacks, tips, artisanal souvenirs, etc

Yellow Fever Vaccine Requirements

South Africa considers a one-time dose of yellow fever vaccine (properly documented with an ICVP) to be good for the life of the traveler. Any traveler not meeting this requirement can be refused entry to South Africa or quarantined for up to 6 days.

If you are visiting the Kruger area, we recommend that you take anti-malaria medication as prescribed by your doctor or travel clinic, before travelling to Africa.

That said, the best way to prevent malaria is to not get bitten. Be sure to bring insect repellent with you – the best ones contain 30% to 50% DEET (diethyltoluamide), such as Mylol, Peaceful Sleep, and Tabard. These shouldn’t be applied directly to the skin during pregnancy.

All game lodges and safari camps have mosquito nets hanging over the beds or mosquito screens, and even the basic bungalows in the Kruger National Park have insect screens at the windows and doors. Electric fans are also very effective at keeping mosquitos away.

The Kruger National Park is in the northeastern corner of South Africa, along with the border of Mozambique. The park is an easy five-hour drive or a one-hour flight from Johannesburg. From Cape Town, it is best to fly to Johannesburg or to Nelspruit, the closest city (Nelspruit Airport/Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport). Cape Town to Nelspruit is a three-hour flight, and from Nelspruit, it is another hour by road to the Kruger National Park. It is also possible to fly directly to Skukuza, inside the Kruger National Park, from Johannesburg or Cape Town.