Kruger & Panorama Route

Embark on a 09-day adventure exploring the North-East of South Africa. Each stop on this journey promises a unique and unforgettable experience, showcasing the diverse beauty of the region. Fly to Kruger Mpumalanga, located in the heart of Kruger National Park. Experience thrilling safari trips, where you’ll have the chance to spot the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo – in their natural habitat. After experiencing the rich biodiversity of Kruger, continue your adventure along the scenic Panorama Route, in the Mpumalanga region, renowned for its dramatic vistas, waterfalls, and geological wonders. Marvel at the spectacular Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest green canyons in the world, and visit iconic viewpoints like God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and the Three Rondavels. This tour offers a unique combination of adrenaline-pumping activities, serene landscapes, and opportunities for cultural immersion, ensuring a comprehensive and memorable South African experience. This tour can be enjoyed by couples and families alike. The program includes accommodation at boutique hotels with a lot of comfort and charm. We can tailor this itinerary to suit your plans by changing the length of the trip or the order of activities.

09 Days – From £4,700 per person

*equivalent in USD, EUR accepted

Itinerary: Kruger NP, Sudwala Caves, Blyde River Canyon, Panorama Route, Graskop Gorge

Included

Price is per person, based on two people sharing in a double/twin room
Accommodation with full board
All the excursions and experiences mentioned in the itinerary
All the game drives
All transfers by car on a private basis
Entrance & guiding fees to all the mentioned National Parks
All mandatory local taxes

Excluded

Visa, where applicable
International Flights (See Flights to South Africa)
Domestic Flights
Personal Expenses
Insurance
Tips & Gratuities
Meals not mentioned in the description.

Flights

International flights are not included in the package price. We give you the freedom to book the flights yourself, use miles and choose your preferred airline, and if you are stuck we can help you find the right connections. Return flights to South Africa start from £800 per person, depending on the connections and time of the year. Fly to Johannesburg (JNB) and catch a domestic flight to Hoedspruit (HDS).

How to Book

Send us an email to check availability, discuss your preferences and get a quote.

This is a sample itinerary and prices are correct at the time of writing. We can tailor it to suit your plans by changing the length of the trip or the order of activities. More days can be added. Other hotels can be chosen, according to your liking. You can also combine this trip with other sights in South Africa. For more travel inspiration check our South Africa Itineraries.

When to Visit

Can be visited year round.

To avoid unpleasant weather surprises, we recommend to check our South Africa Weather Guide to plan your trip in the right season. Click on the month you want to travel in and see the tours which are best for each month of the year.

Important Information

Malaria is a concern in some parts of Southern Africa, including the region you will visit on this tour (Kruger National Park). It’s essential to take precautions to protect yourself from mosquito bites and reduce the risk of contracting malaria. Here are some tips:

Consult a Healthcare Professional: Before traveling, consult with a healthcare professional or a travel medicine specialist who can provide up-to-date information on malaria risk in specific areas and recommend appropriate preventive measures.

Use Insect Repellent: Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or other recommended ingredients to exposed skin and clothing. Reapply as directed, especially after swimming or sweating.

Wear Protective Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and closed-toe shoes, particularly during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Consider treating clothing and gear with permethrin for added protection.

Seek Medical Attention for Symptoms: Be aware of the symptoms of malaria, including fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. If you develop symptoms during or after your trip, seek medical attention promptly and inform your healthcare provider of your travel history.

Day 1 - Fly to Kruger Mpumalanga

Today take a short domestic flight from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesbourg to Kruger Mpumalanga Internation Airport (55 min), located the heart of the Kruger National Park. You will be picked up at the airport and taken to the tented camp, located inside Nkabeni Private Concession, which provides a true African bush experience sharing unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park. After refreshing, embark on a 3-hour afternoon game drive in an open 4×4 vehicle allowing encounters with lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo as well as a variety of bird species. Enjoy a special dinner under the African sky. Overnight at Buffalo Rock Safari Camp.

Day 2 - Elephant Whispers

Wake up early to experience a morning game drive in the private reserve, with a chance to see Africa’s most renowned animals, including giraffes, buffalos, zebras and hippos. After a hearty breakfast, take a short drive to the local elephant haven where you can interact and even ride on an elephant in the African bush. This haven offers educational experiences with African elephants and is a sanctuary to care for rescued elephants, using gentle methods based on trust and respect. You will leave inspired to play your part in contributing to wildlife preservation. Overnight at Buffalo Rock Safari Camp.

Day 3 - Kruger National Park

Dedicate this day to a full-day safari experience in the private game reserve. The day includes morning and afternoon game drives, with a break for a picnic lunch in the bush. The landscape of Kruger is as diverse as its wildlife, encompassing expansive savannahs, dense forests, winding rivers, and rugged mountains. This varied terrain provides a habitat for an astonishing variety of plant life, from towering baobab trees to delicate orchids. Today you will have another chance to spot the big 5 and other wildlife species, including giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, and hippos. Bird enthusiasts are also in for a treat with over 500 bird species soaring through its skies. Return to the camp for a traditional South African Braai (bbq) under the stars. Overnight at Buffalo Rock Safari Camp.

Day 4 - Shangaan Culture

After breakfast, checkout and embark on a cultural journey through Mpumalanga. Start with a visit to the Shangaan local village just 35 minutes away, you’ll experience traditional South African culture and learn about the Shangaan people’s customs, art, and history. Participate in a traditional dance and enjoy a guided tour of the village. Afterward, visit the historic Pilgrim’s Rest, a charming old mining town with well-preserved buildings from the gold rush era. Enjoy lunch at a local eatery and spend a leisurely afternoon at the hotel pool, enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Overnight at The Reserve Boutique Hotel.

Day 5 - Sudwala Cave

After breakfast continue your Mpumalanga adventure with a visit to the Sudwala Caves situated just 1 hour 30 minutes away, in the Drakensberg Escarpment. This is one of the oldest known cave systems in the world, estimated to be around 240 million years old. As you explore these ancient formations, marvel at the impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and the historical significance of this natural wonder. The guided tour will take you deep into the heart of the caves, where you’ll learn about their fascinating geology and history. After the tour, enjoy an afternoon picnic at the hotel. Overnight at The Reserve Boutique Hotel.

Day 6 - Panorama Route

After breakfast travel to Blyde River Canyon (1 hour 15 min), one of the largest canyons on earth, with breathtaking viewpoints and magnificent waterfalls. Take a quad trail through hills and beautiful forest views. Then, hop on a raft for a thrilling ride on the Sabie River. Marvel at the majestic Three Rondavels, iconic rock formations, located on the edge of Drakensberg Escarpment. From this elevated viewpoint you will have views of Mpumalanga Lowveld, and even of Mozambique, if the skies are blue. Then vist Kadishi Tufa Falls, whose cascading waters resemble a weeping face, earning them the name ‘the weeping face of nature’. Overnight at The Reserve Boutique Hotel.

Day 7 - Panorama Route

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, embark on an exciting boat cruise on the serene Blyde River Dam, nestled within the breathtaking Blyde River Canyon. As you glide along the tranquil waters, keep your eyes peeled for sightings of hippos lazing by the riverbank or crocodiles basking in the sun. The canyon’s rich biodiversity offers the chance to observe a variety of wildlife, including an array of bird species, monkeys, and other creatures that thrive in this lush environment. In the evening, retreat to the comfort and luxury of your lodge. Overnight at The Reserve Boutique Hotel.

Day 8 - Graskop Gorge

After breakfast, take the scenic road to Hazyview (2 hours). After check-in, travel 40 minutes by road to Graskop, another picturesque town in the Mpumalanga region. Enjoy an array of activities which include the Garskop Gorge lift which is a glass-fronted elevator providing you with a view of the forest and cascading waterfalls. The zip-lining will allow you to soar through the cliff of the gorge. Return to your hotel for some relaxation before embarking on a sunset hot air balloon ride, offering breathtaking aerial views of the Mpumalanga landscape as the sun sets, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. Overnight at The Reserve Boutique Hotel.

Day 9 - Departure

Your final day begins with a 2-hour drive to Dullstroom. Visit the Birds of Prey Rehabilitation Centre, where you’ll learn about the conservation and rehabilitation of these majestic birds. If you appreciate fine spirits, indulge in a whiskey-tasting session at one of the local distilleries, savoring a selection of single malts and blends. After a day of exploration and relaxation, you’ll continue your journey back to Johannesburg (2 hour 30 minutes). You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home. Alternatively, spend a few more days in South Africa and travel to Cape Town. Discover the scenic highlights of the Western Cape.

More Holiday Inspiration

In South Africa Other Destinations