The Kruger Budget 3-Day Safari is perfect for travelers seeking adventure without breaking the bank. In just three days, you’ll immerse yourself in South Africa’s premier wildlife destinations, encountering the famous Big Five as well as diverse antelope, birds, and amphibians. The journey is enriched by the authentic African spirit of the vast Kruger National Park, the nation’s largest reserve.
Trip Highlights
Budget tour: This budget tour uses lodges.
Shared tour: On this shared tour, you will join a group of other travelers. Max 12 people per vehicle.
Can start any day: If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Cannot be customized: The contents of this tour cannot be changed.
Suitable for single travelers: Single travelers can join this group tour.
Suitable for all ages: This tour is suitable for children of all ages.
Day 01 :
Johannesburg to Kruger National Park & Afternoon Game Drive
This Kruger budget safari departs daily from Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport. You need to be at the OR Tambo bus terminal by 6:30 am. We will send you full instructions when you book your safari. The shuttle departs no later than 7:00 am.
There will be a brief change-over of vehicles at Nelspruit, where you'll travel in a smaller vehicle to the lodge about one hour away.
The expected time of arrival at our lodge in Hazyview is around 11:30 am.
After check-in, have time to relax and freshen up before boarding an open-sided 4×4 game drive vehicle for an exciting afternoon game drive in Kruger National Park, starting at 3:30 pm. The lodge is about 15–20 minutes drive from the Phabeni Kruger Gate.
After your safari game drive, return to the lodge where you can unwind, have drinks on the deck at the bar and relax before dinner is served at 7:00 pm in the restaurant area.
Included: Transfer from Johannesburg, afternoon game drive, and dinner.
Excluded: All other meals (while in transit).
Main Destination: Kruger National Park
Accommodation: Kruger Adventure Lodge
Budget lodge located near Hazyview (Town)
Meals & Drinks:
Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included)
Drinks not included
Day 2
Kruger National Park – Open Vehicle Game Drives
This morning, you will enjoy coffee/tea and rusks before departing on a full day of game viewing in the Kruger National Park (Skukuza area). A packed breakfast is included. Game drives are in small groups in specially modified open-sided land cruisers.
The Skukuza area is rich in wildlife and the elevated height of the 4×4 open-sided vehicle makes for excellent viewing and photographic opportunities. You’ll enjoy lunch at one of the park’s restaurants (at your own account). After lunch, we'll start the afternoon game drive in the Kruger National Park.
During these game drives, you’ll see a wide variety of wildlife and have plenty of photographic opportunities. After our tour, we’ll make our way back to our lodge or camp. Dinner will be served at the bush bistro.Main Destination:Kruger National ParkAccommodation:Kruger Adventure Lodge
Budget lodge located near Hazyview (Town)
Meals & Drinks:
Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
Drinks not included
Day 3
Last Day: Return to Johannesburg (Optional Morning Game Drive)
This is the last day of your African Kruger budget safari. This morning, you'll have a choice between another morning game drive or relaxing at the lodge and enjoying the great facilities it offers.
Should you choose to stay at the lodge, you can enjoy breakfast at the restaurant. If you join us on the morning safari, a picnic-style breakfast will be served at one of the picnic spots in the park.
The optional morning game drive is approximately ZAR 1150.00 per person (payable at the lodge).
You will be picked up at the lodge (from the reception) at about 11:00 am for your return to Johannesburg with the shuttle.
There will be a brief change-over into a larger shuttle, which will depart at 1:00 pm. You'll be dropped off at Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport at around 5:30 pm. Please do not book a flight for earlier than 7:30 pm to allow enough time for airport procedures.
This is the end of your Kruger National Park Safari.
• is entirely optional and up to your own discretion.Main Destination:Kruger National ParkAccommodation:No accommodation (End of tour)Meals & Drinks:
Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
Drinks not included
Day 02 :
Kruger National Park – Open Vehicle Game Drives
This morning, you will enjoy coffee/tea and rusks before departing on a full day of game viewing in the Kruger National Park (Skukuza area). A packed breakfast is included. Game drives are in small groups in specially modified open-sided land cruisers.
The Skukuza area is rich in wildlife and the elevated height of the 4×4 open-sided vehicle makes for excellent viewing and photographic opportunities. You’ll enjoy lunch at one of the park’s restaurants (at your own account). After lunch, we'll start the afternoon game drive in the Kruger National Park.
During these game drives, you’ll see a wide variety of wildlife and have plenty of photographic opportunities. After our tour, we’ll make our way back to our lodge or camp. Dinner will be served at the bush bistro.
Main Destination: Kruger National Park
Accommodation: Kruger Adventure Lodge
Budget lodge located near Hazyview (Town)
Meals & Drinks:
Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
Drinks not included
Day 03 :
Last Day: Return to Johannesburg (Optional Morning Game Drive)
This is the last day of your African Kruger budget safari. This morning, you'll have a choice between another morning game drive or relaxing at the lodge and enjoying the great facilities it offers.
Should you choose to stay at the lodge, you can enjoy breakfast at the restaurant. If you join us on the morning safari, a picnic-style breakfast will be served at one of the picnic spots in the park.
The optional morning game drive is approximately ZAR 1150.00 per person (payable at the lodge).
You will be picked up at the lodge (from the reception) at about 11:00 am for your return to Johannesburg with the shuttle.
There will be a brief change-over into a larger shuttle, which will depart at 1:00 pm. You'll be dropped off at Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport at around 5:30 pm. Please do not book a flight for earlier than 7:30 pm to allow enough time for airport procedures.
This is the end of your Kruger National Park Safari. Is entirely optional and up to your own discretion.
Main Destination: Kruger National Park
Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
Drinks not included
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Cost Excludes
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinks
FAQs
What is included in the 3-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari?
The 3-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari includes comfortable accommodation, daily guided game drives, select meals, park entry fees, and the chance to spot Africa’s famous Big Five.
What animals will I see on the 3-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari?
On the 3-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari, guests often encounter lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo, along with giraffes, zebras, antelope, hippos, and diverse birdlife.
3Is the 3-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari suitable for first-time safari-goers?
Yes, the 3-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari is perfect for first-time visitors, offering a well-rounded safari experience with expert guides and comfortable lodgings.
How do I get to the 3-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari starting point?
The 3-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari usually starts with transfers from Johannesburg or Nelspruit, depending on the package, making access convenient for international and local travelers.
What is the best time to go on the 3-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari?
The best time for the 3-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari is during the dry winter months (May to September), when animals gather around waterholes and visibility is higher.
What should I pack for the 3-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari?
For the 3-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari, bring neutral-colored clothing, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, a camera, and comfortable walking shoes.