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2-Day Johannesburg to Kruger National Park Safari Adventure
Join us on an unforgettable 2-day safari from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park, one of South Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. We’ll depart early in the morning from Johannesburg and enjoy a scenic drive of approximately 4.5 hours to reach the world-renowned Kruger National Park.
Home to the legendary Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—Kruger is also teeming with a wide variety of other wildlife. This adventure gives you the rare opportunity to experience both a late afternoon safari and an early morning game drive, maximizing your chances of incredible animal sightings.
In the early morning, catch predators like lions and leopards returning from their hunt, and watch hyenas retreating to their dens. It’s the perfect time to witness the park as it awakens.
Later in the afternoon, head out again to explore the park’s landscapes and spot animals gathering around waterholes to cool off after the heat of the day.
This 2-day Kruger safari is a must-do experience for any nature lover visiting South Africa—and one of the best ways to get up close with the wild heart of the African bush.
Your establishment in Sandton, Johannesburg or Pretoria
07:00AM
05:00PM
Your Kruger adventure begins with an early departure from Johannesburg, as we travel by road via the N12 and N4 highways toward the lush landscapes of the Lowveld. The drive to Hazyview, a charming town near the park, takes around 4.5 to 5 hours.
We’ll make a pit stop in Middelburg to stretch our legs and enjoy a coffee break—perfect to recharge before continuing the journey. Please note: we travel entirely by road and do not use Skukuza Airport for this tour.
We’ll continue on the N4 and R40 routes straight into Hazyview, where we’ll check in to our pre-booked accommodation—a comfortable 3-star or 4-star lodge, depending on your package. The check-in process takes about 30 minutes, after which you’ll have time to settle in and freshen up.
In the afternoon, we’ll gear up for our first Kruger game drive. We’ll head to either Paul Kruger Gate or Phabeni Gate, depending on conditions, where you’ll pay the Kruger Park conservation fee and complete a short registration process required by the park authorities.
Once the paperwork is done, the real adventure begins.
You’ll embark on a 4-hour guided safari in an open safari vehicle, offering panoramic views of the African wilderness. This is your first chance to spot the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—along with giraffes, zebras, antelope, and a variety of birdlife.
Midway through the drive, we’ll stop at Skukuza Camp, one of the park’s main rest areas. Here, you’ll enjoy lunch at the Cattle Baron Restaurant, set along the scenic Sabie River—a perfect spot to take in the natural beauty while enjoying a delicious meal.
After lunch, we’ll continue exploring Kruger’s incredible landscapes and wildlife until sunset. As the day winds down, we’ll exit the park and return to your accommodation in Hazyview.
Your evening dinner is included in your package, typically served as a buffet with a variety of tasty local and international dishes.
By around 5:00 PM, Day 1 of your 2-Day Kruger Safari concludes—filled with sightings, stories, and unforgettable moments in one of the most famous parks in the world.
Your final day begins with an early start as we head into Kruger National Park around 6:00 AM for a sunrise game drive. This is one of the best times to see predators like lions and leopards returning from their night hunts, and hyenas finishing their scavenging before retreating to their dens. The cool morning hours also offer excellent chances to spot a variety of other wildlife as the African bush comes alive.
The morning safari lasts approximately 4.5 hours and gives you a final opportunity to capture memorable sightings of the Big Five and more, all against the backdrop of a breathtaking sunrise.
After the game drive, we return to the lodge for breakfast and checkout. At around 11:00 AM, we begin the road journey back to Johannesburg. You can expect to arrive at your destination by approximately 4:00 PM.
Drop-off is available at your hotel in Johannesburg or OR Tambo International Airport. For those continuing their journey to Cape Town, we recommend booking a flight that departs after 6:00 PM.
Traveling light is essential for a short safari. Pack only what you need and keep it practical and comfortable.
Clothing:
Bring lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime and a warm jacket for early mornings and evenings. Comfortable walking shoes, socks, a sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are important. Include sleepwear, underwear, and basic toiletries.
Binoculars:
A good pair of binoculars (8x to 12x magnification) is highly recommended for spotting wildlife from a distance.
Camera:
Pack your camera or smartphone to capture memories. For wildlife photography, a DSLR with a zoom lens (200–400mm) is ideal. Don’t forget spare batteries and memory cards.
Other Essentials:
Include insect repellent, a small flashlight with extra batteries, hand wipes, personal medications, and a basic first aid kit. Carry your ID, passport, travel documents, tickets, cash, and credit cards.
Even with just two days in the park, you have a strong chance of seeing South Africa’s most iconic animals:
Lions:
Often seen lounging in the grasslands or under trees, lions travel in prides and are most active at dawn and dusk.
Leopards:
Elusive and often seen draped over tree branches or moving silently through the bush. Spotting one is a special highlight.
Rhinos:
Kruger is home to both black and white rhinos. They’re often seen grazing or wallowing in mud pools.
Elephants:
Large herds of elephants roam freely. Watch them at waterholes or moving through the bush in search of food.
Buffalo:
These powerful animals are typically found in large groups and are one of the most unpredictable members of the Big Five.
Other animals you may encounter include giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, antelope, and a wide variety of bird species.
Hippo Pools for watching hippos in their natural environment
Crocodile River for sunbathing crocodiles
Leopard Creek for potential leopard sightings
Olifants River for views of elephants, hippos, and birdlife along the water
A two-day Kruger Safari from Johannesburg is the perfect escape for travelers short on time but eager for adventure. With expert guides, comfortable lodging, and two unforgettable game drives, this tour offers a rewarding glimpse into South Africa’s extraordinary wildlife.
Pack smart, stay curious, and enjoy every moment in the African bush. The memories you make over these two days may just spark a lifelong love for the wild.
