Day 1: Johannesburg to Kruger National Park. (Berg en Dal Rest Camp)
Your 8 Day Kruger and Panorama Family Safari kicks off this morning with an exhilarating start! At 7:00 am, our adventure begins with a scheduled group transfer from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Nelspruit, a city bordering Kruger National Park. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by our friendly driver, who will swiftly load your luggage before we embark on our journey to South Africa’s iconic Kruger National Park.
The drive to Nelspruit will take approximately 4 hours, during which you can sit back, relax, and soak in the scenic beauty of the South African landscape. Upon reaching Nelspruit, your Wild Planet Safari guide will be waiting for you in an Open Safari Vehicle, ready to whisk you away to Malelane Gate, the entrance to Kruger National Park. Along the way, we’ll make a stop at a local restaurant for a delicious lunch (at your own expense).
Our destination for the first two nights is Berg en Dal, where you and your family will be accommodated in Traditional African chalets. These charming chalets feature a thatched roof, two bedrooms with two beds in each, a private washroom with toilet and shower, a small kitchen, and a cozy patio area where you can unwind and enjoy the surrounding nature. (Please Note: Family units in Kruger National Park are limited, so it’s recommended to book at least 6 months in advance. In case family units are not available, we’ll arrange two rondawels, each with two beds.)
Nestled in a mountainous area of Kruger National Park, Berg en Dal offers a picturesque backdrop for your safari experience. This region receives the highest rainfall in Kruger, resulting in stunning riverine forests lining the rivers. Known for its abundant elephant and leopard populations, as well as the highest concentration of rhinos in the park, Berg en Dal promises exciting wildlife encounters right at your doorstep.
In the afternoon, we’ll embark on your first safari drive, venturing into the park in search of Africa’s magnificent wildlife. This will be a thrilling experience as we hope to spot some of the park’s iconic animals. As the sun sets, we’ll return to camp, where you can relax by a warm fire, enjoy a delicious dinner, and listen to the captivating sounds of the African bush.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2: Kruger National Park. (Berg en Dal Rest Camp)
Wake up to the sweet aroma of freshly brewed coffee and hot chocolate as we gather early in the morning to kick off another exciting day of adventure.
Today, we’ll start with a sunrise safari drive, setting out to explore the winding rivers and lush landscapes of Kruger National Park. As we venture eastward, keep your eyes peeled for leopards resting or feeding in the lower branches of giant trees. The early morning light creates the perfect ambiance for wildlife sightings, and we hope to encounter elephants and white rhinos along the way. If luck is on our side, we might even spot a rare black rhino in this area.
After an exhilarating morning drive, we’ll stop at a scenic picnic site to enjoy a bush breakfast, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African wilderness. As we return to camp in the late morning, take some time to relax and enjoy the amenities at Berg en Dal. The camp offers a range of facilities, including a swimming pool, a small souvenir shop, a waterhole for wildlife viewing, and a self-guided walking trail where you can immerse yourself in nature.
In the afternoon, we’ll head out for another thrilling safari drive, exploring the abundant wildlife that thrives in this part of Kruger. Keep your camera ready, as the African wilderness is known for its majestic beauty and diverse wildlife. Upon our return to camp, we’ll gather around the crackling fire, sharing stories of the day’s adventures as we prepare dinner. Tonight’s meal, like every evening on our safari, will be cooked over the fire, allowing you to savor the flavors of the bush while listening to the enchanting sounds of nature.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3: Kruger National Park. (Skukuza Rest Camp)
Start your day with an unforgettable sunrise safari, as we venture into the far south of Kruger National Park for one last exploration of this stunning region. Our first stop is the Matjulu waterhole, known for its frequent sightings of spotted hyenas in the early morning hours. Following the Matjulu River, a prime area for African Wild Dogs, we’ll keep our eyes peeled for these elusive creatures.
After our morning safari, we’ll return to camp for a hearty breakfast before preparing to depart from Berg en Dal. As we bid farewell to this mountainous paradise, we’ll continue our journey northward through the savannah grasslands, where sightings of white rhinos are almost guaranteed. The approximately 3-hour drive will take us to our next destination, Skukuza, the largest camp in Kruger and the park’s administrative capital.
Upon our arrival at Skukuza, we’ll check in and enjoy a delicious lunch. You’ll then have time to unwind and explore the camp’s amenities, including a swimming pool, a large Park Shop offering various souvenirs and curios, a museum, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a picturesque walkway along the Sabie River, lined with beautiful riverine forest trees. Your family will be accommodated in 2-bedroom family units, ensuring a comfortable stay.
In the afternoon, we’ll set out to explore the Skukuza area, known for its abundant lion population. With several lion territories around Skukuza, including a pride with 20 members, we’ll embark on a thrilling adventure in search of these majestic creatures. Tonight, we’ll dine under the stars in our makeshift bush restaurant, indulging in a delicious dinner while soaking up the ambiance of the African night.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4. Kruger National Park and Hazyview Day Trip
Today promises to be an exciting and educational adventure for the whole family. We’ll start the day with a more relaxed approach, allowing you to enjoy a bit of extra sleep before embarking on a short morning safari. As we make our way to the western gate of Kruger, Phabeni Gate, keep your eyes peeled for sightings of elephants, buffaloes, and white rhinos, making this drive both leisurely and rewarding.
Exiting the park, we’ll travel a short distance to Hazyview, a charming town near Kruger National Park, where you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy 2 exciting and interactive activities that are not only fun but also educational.
At the Elephant Sanctuary, you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with orphaned elephants who have accepted humans into their daily lives. These sanctuaries play a crucial role in elephant conservation, serving as research centers to study elephant behavior and ensure the species’ survival for future generations. Activities at the sanctuary include feeding, washing, walking, and even touching these gentle giants.
After an exciting morning of exploration, we’ll enjoy an own-expense lunch in town before learning about the rich culture of the Shangaan Tribe at the Shangaan Cultural Village. Here, you’ll experience their unique traditions and way of life, offering insight into a culture deeply connected to the land and its wildlife.
We will then drive the short distance to the Greenfire Hazyview Lodge nestled in the Forests of the Sabie River valley. The Lodge has multiple rooms but will be reserved for your exclusive use. This afternoon you can enjoy some time by the swimming pool, you could also choose to relax at the lodge or we could go for a walk along the Sabie River.
Tonight we will serve Dinner at the lodge.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5 Kruger National Park. (Satara Rest Camp)
Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast at the lodge, soaking in the serene atmosphere before we head back to Kruger National Park for another night of adventure. Tonight, we’ll be staying at Satara Rest Camp, located 100km north of Skukuza Rest Camp, offering a change of scenery and wildlife encounters.
On our way to Satara, we’ll stop at a picturesque picnic site for lunch and drinks, surrounded by the beauty of the African bush. As we continue our journey northward, we’ll pass through several lion territories, known for their well-established prides. Keep your eyes peeled, as you may even catch a glimpse of the rare white lioness if luck is on our side.
Arriving at Satara in the afternoon, you’ll have some free time to relax and explore the camp’s facilities before we embark on an afternoon safari drive to explore the area’s wildlife. Satara, located in the grasslands of Kruger, attracts many grazing animals, making it an ideal location for wildlife viewing.
Keep an eye out for the waterhole just outside the camp fence, where you may spot various animals visiting for a drink.
This evening, enjoy an own-expense dinner at the camp restaurant before we embark on a thrilling Kruger night drive. A night drive offers a unique opportunity to witness the park’s nocturnal creatures in action. Keep your camera ready as we search for big cats on the hunt and smaller nocturnal animals such as civets, genets, owls, porcupines, and even the elusive honey badger.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch.
Day 6 Kruger National Park. Hoedspruit day trip. (Satara Rest Camp)
Today, our family adventure continues as we make our way towards the town of Hoedspruit, located just an hour’s drive from the exit gate of Kruger National Park. En route, we’ll have another opportunity to spot lions, adding to the excitement of our morning safari.
Upon reaching Hoedspruit, you’ll have the chance to enjoy three exciting activities, all aimed at providing unique and educational experiences.
Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is a haven for orphaned and injured animals, providing them with a safe space to recover and be rehabilitated for reintroduction into the wild. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with some of the younger animals and learn about the efforts to prevent injuries caused by negative human-animal interactions, as well as the intricate processes involved in rehabilitating African wildlife.
The Swadini / Blyde Boat cruise is a stunning activity based at the end of the Blyde River canyon. Here you will enjoy a 2 hour cruise set amongst the most stunning back drop of the slopes of the Blyde River Canyon.
The 3rd Activity on today’s agenda is a visit to the Hoedspruit reptile Centre, this is a beautifully set living museum showcasing the fascinating reptiles that can be found in South Africa.
This evening, we will be staying at a lodge, Call of The Wild, in the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate. We will arrive at the lodge in the late afternoon, and you can enjoy relaxing and enjoying the views of the bush form the lodge.
We will be serving dinner at the lodge.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7 Hoedspruit. The Panorama route. (Blyde River Canyon)
Fuel up with a hearty cooked breakfast as we prepare for a day of exploration along the world-famous Panorama Route. We’ll pack up and set out, first traveling along the majestic Drakensberg escarpment before beginning our ascent.
Our first stop of the day is the historic mining town of Pilgrim’s Rest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its cultural significance and preservation of its 19th-century charm. Wander through the town’s streets frozen in time, immersing yourself in its rich history and heritage.
Continuing our journey, we’ll head to the charming town of Graskop for lunch (own expense), a perfect opportunity to savor some local flavors and enjoy a leisurely break.
After lunch, we’ll make our way to God’s Window, a viewpoint offering a breathtaking panoramic vista of the surrounding landscape. Here, you’ll witness a view so awe-inspiring that it’s said to be God’s window to see the earth below, providing a truly humbling experience.
Next, we’ll visit two stunning waterfalls, Berlin and Lisbon Falls, where you can marvel at the cascading waters amidst the natural beauty of the region.
The highlight of the day awaits as we arrive at the Blyde River Canyon, a majestic green canyon offering spectacular views from its various viewpoints. Experience the sheer beauty and grandeur of this natural wonder, capturing memories that will last a lifetime.
Tonight, we’ll be staying at a resort at the Blyde River Canyon, where you’ll be accommodated in a comfortable 2-bedroom family unit. Enjoy the resort’s facilities and relax in the tranquil surroundings. We’ll prepare our last dinner together at your chalet, reminiscing about the incredible journey we’ve had exploring South Africa’s natural wonders.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8. Panorama Route to Johannesburg
Our final morning begins at a relaxed pace, with breakfast served at 7:30 am. After breakfast, we’ll embark on a short hike to a beautiful waterfall, offering one last opportunity to immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of South Africa.
Following the hike, we’ll pack up our belongings and head to the departure meeting point for your return transfer to Johannesburg. As we journey back, take the time to reflect on the incredible experiences and memories we’ve shared over the past eight days.
Expect to arrive in Johannesburg between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm, where you will be dropped off at the airport for your onward flight. Please note that domestic flights should not be scheduled before 7:00 pm, and international flights before 8:00 pm on your return day from Kruger National Park.
As we bid farewell, take with you the memories of thrilling safaris, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable moments shared with your family. Thank you for choosing Wild Planet Safaris for your adventure, and we hope to welcome you back for another incredible journey in the future.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Included/Excluded in this Safari
Included in this Safari.
*Transfer from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Nelspruit
*Entrance Fees to Kruger National Park
*Kruger Afternoon Safari x 4
*Kruger Morning Safari x 4
*Kruger Night Drive
*Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)
*All accommodation
*Transfer from Panorama Route to O.R. Tambo International Airport
*A professional driver/guide and assistant
*All transportation mentioned
*Entrance Fees to Reptile Park, Elephant Sanctuary, Shangaan Cultural Village, Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, Swadini Boat cruise
*Full Day Panorama Tour
Excluded in this Safari
*No Flights are included
*Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
*Tips: tipping guideline of $10 per person per day for the guide and crew
*Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees and other personal items)
*Transfer from Johannesburg Accommodation to O.R. Tambo airport on Day 1.
*Transfer from O.R. Tambo Airport to Johannesburg Accommodation on Day 8.

We provide all children under 12 a 50% discount and under the age of 16 a 25% discount.
We will also provide a group discount if a tour is booked for 4 or more people. Please contact us for more info.
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