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Escape the City and Explore the Wild on This 3-Day Kruger Safari from Johannesburg
Trade city life for the untamed beauty of the bush with this unforgettable 3-day Kruger safari from Johannesburg. You’ll stay at the welcoming Tembo Guest Lodge in Hazyview, just minutes from Phabeni Gate, one of the most convenient access points into Kruger National Park.
This well-rounded safari experience is designed for all types of travelers—whether you’re seeking thrilling wildlife encounters or a relaxed introduction to South Africa’s iconic wilderness. With expert-guided game drives, comfortable accommodation, and the perfect location, this is one of the most rewarding Kruger tours from Johannesburg available in just three days.
Your establishment in Sandton, Johannesburg or Pretoria
3-Day Kruger Safari from Johannesburg: A Journey into the Wild
Touch down in Johannesburg and get ready for an unforgettable 3-day safari adventure in the world-famous Kruger National Park. Spanning over 7,500 square miles, Kruger is home to the legendary Big Five—lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo—along with hundreds of other animal and bird species. Over the next three days, you’ll explore this iconic game reserve with expert guidance, exciting game drives, and restful nights at Tembo Guest Lodge in Hazyview, just minutes from Phabeni Gate.
The true highlight of your safari will be the daily game drives. Set out each morning and afternoon in an open-top 4×4 vehicle led by a skilled ranger and tracker. As you travel through a variety of landscapes, keep your camera ready—you might witness a leopard lounging in a tree, a herd of elephants cooling off in a watering hole, or a rare rhino sighting. Every game drive is different, so expect the unexpected.
At night, unwind at Tembo Guest Lodge, where you can relax in comfort while still feeling close to nature. The calls of wild animals, like hippos in a nearby dam or a lion’s roar in the distance, add to the experience. Though surrounded by the bush, you’ll enjoy modern comforts and a warm, authentic South African stay.
In just three days, you’ll gain a deep appreciation for the raw beauty of Kruger National Park. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in the African wilderness, observe majestic animals up close, and create memories that will stay with you forever.
With its close proximity to Paul Kruger Gate, Hazyview offers a range of budget-friendly guesthouses and lodges—perfect for travelers looking for comfort, convenience, and value while exploring one of Africa’s greatest wildlife destinations.
3-Day Kruger Safari from Johannesburg – Overview
Day 1: Johannesburg to Kruger National Park
Your unforgettable 3-day South African safari begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Johannesburg. After meeting your guide, you’ll head east toward the iconic Kruger National Park, stopping along the way for a hearty breakfast. Upon arrival, the adventure truly begins with a thrilling sunset game drive in an open safari vehicle. Keep your eyes peeled for the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—as they begin to stir in the evening light. After your first safari experience, check in at Tembo Guest Lodge, where you can relax and enjoy a delicious dinner.
Day 2: Full Day of Game Viewing in Kruger
Start the day with a sunrise game drive and enjoy breakfast out in the bush. You’ll spend the entire day exploring Kruger National Park, home to 147 mammal species and over 500 types of birds. Stop at scenic viewpoints for photos and enjoy a picnic-style lunch. From graceful antelope to elusive predators, every sighting adds to the thrill. In the evening, return to Tembo Guest Lodge for a well-deserved dinner and some stargazing under Africa’s clear night sky.
Day 3: Return to Johannesburg
After one last early morning game drive, check out and begin the journey back to Johannesburg. Stop for lunch along the way and reflect on the incredible moments you’ve experienced. You’ll arrive back in the city by late afternoon, wrapping up a safari you’ll never forget.
Planning Your Kruger Safari
Planning a 3-day Kruger National Park safari is easier than you think—especially when you book with Africa Moja Tours. To secure the best rates and availability, it’s recommended to book 4–6 months in advance, especially if you’re traveling during the peak season (May to October). Departures from Johannesburg make your journey convenient and hassle-free.
What to Pack
Comfort is key. Bring breathable, neutral-colored clothing (think khaki and beige), sturdy walking shoes, a sunhat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. Early mornings and evenings can be chilly, so pack a light jacket. Also essential: binoculars, a flashlight, phone and camera chargers, and a camera with a zoom lens to capture those distant wildlife sightings.
Game Drives and Safari Activities
Each day starts bright and early with a morning game drive. Breakfast is served at Skukuza Camp, beautifully situated near the Sabie River. In the afternoons, game drives resume when animal activity peaks again. Your full-day safari wraps up around 4 PM, after which you’ll return to your cozy accommodation at Tembo Guest Lodge.
Final Thoughts
With the right preparation and expert guidance from Africa Moja Tours, your 3-day Kruger safari will be a journey filled with awe and excitement. From the raw beauty of elephants roaming the wild to the serenity of African nights under a canopy of stars, this is more than just a trip—it’s a memory in the making.
Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your accommodation in Johannesburg at approximately 7:00 AM. From there, you’ll travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, taking in the scenic beauty of Mpumalanga’s Highveld and Lowveld regions. Along the way, your guide will offer interesting insights into the local culture, history, and landscapes, helping you connect with the journey before even arriving at the park.
By 11:00 AM, you’ll arrive in Hazyview and check in at Tembo Guest Lodge, your base for the next two nights. Set amidst the lush greenery of the Lowveld, Tembo provides a welcoming atmosphere and is conveniently located near Phabeni Gate—one of the best areas in Kruger National Park for wildlife sightings.
After a light lunch and some time to settle in, you’ll head out at 3:00 PM for your first afternoon game drive in Kruger. As the heat of the day fades, wildlife becomes more active, making this a prime time to spot elephants, leopards, giraffes, and a host of other species.
You’ll return to Tembo around 6:30 PM, where a traditional South African dinner awaits. Relax and enjoy the evening sounds of the bush before turning in for a restful night under the African stars.
Your day begins early with a sunrise departure from Tembo Guest Lodge at 5:30 AM, accompanied by a packed breakfast. Early mornings are one of the best times to be in the park—predators are still active, birdlife is abundant, and the bush comes alive with movement and sound.
Led by your expert guide, you’ll journey deep into the southern region of Kruger National Park, an area renowned for frequent Big Five sightings, open savannahs, and stunning scenery.
At approximately 9:00 AM, you’ll stop at one of the park’s rest camps for a relaxing breakfast and short break. The drive then continues through diverse habitats, giving you a chance to spot animals such as zebras, antelope, hyenas, and more.
Around 12:30 PM, you’ll pause for lunch at Skukuza Camp or a similar location. After lunch, your afternoon game drive begins, offering more chances to encounter rare and iconic wildlife before slowly making your way back toward Phabeni Gate.
You’ll return to Tembo Guest Lodge by 5:00 PM, where you can unwind, enjoy a hearty dinner, and reflect on the day’s sightings. This full-day safari is often the highlight of the tour, giving you a deeper look into the rhythms of the African bush and unforgettable moments with its wildlife.
Your final day begins with a short early morning game drive, departing Tembo Guest Lodge at 5:30 AM. This is your last opportunity to soak in the peaceful stillness of the bush at sunrise and perhaps catch a glimpse of any animals you may have missed. The drive concludes around 8:00 AM, just in time for a hearty breakfast back at the lodge.
After breakfast, you’ll have time to pack, check out, and prepare for the journey back to Johannesburg. Departure from Hazyview is scheduled for 10:00 AM, with arrival in Johannesburg expected between 3:00 and 4:00 PM, depending on traffic conditions.
Though brief, this 3-day Kruger safari from Johannesburg is rich in experiences—from close-up wildlife encounters to breathtaking landscapes—making it an ideal way to explore one of Africa’s most iconic game reserves without needing a long holiday.
