Best Kruger National Park Tours From Johannesburg in 2024

The Kruger National Park is a South African landmark, as well as one of Africa’s biggest and most densely populated game reserves. Grab this opportunity to experience wild animals in their element as you see them running free and living their lives in Kruger.

While seeing the Big 5 is top of everyone’s bucket list when joining a Kruger tour from Johannesburg, there are a few other stunning animals to spot. From the quirky meerkat to the mighty Ostrich, it’s a game reserve made up of much more than just lions, rhinos, and the like.

What makes these experiences so unforgettable is, in part, the location and, of course, the world-class guides. The tour guides are expertly trained and will help you spot all the lesser-known animals of the Kruger.

So, do you want to get a feel for the spirit of Africa or witness the most dazzling sunset of your life? If so, let’s dive a bit deeper into the best Kruger Park safaris from Johannesburg.

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Kruger National Park Tour Prices From Johannesburg

A Kruger National Park safari cost depends on many factors. As all these excursions are from Johannesburg, they all include transportation costs.

Prices generally start around R5,650 ($300 USD) for a full-day classic safari with an early morning start from Johannesburg. Tours gradually get more expensive with the more days you spend or the accommodation options you choose. The tours listed go up to R56,500 ($3000 USD) for a week.

Compare prices from the tour providers below:

From Johannesburg: Full-Day Kruger National Park Safari

$323.13

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From Johannesburg: 3-Day Budget Kruger National Park Safari

$508.67

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2-Day Kruger National Park Safari from Johannesburg

$528.31

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Captivating 2 Day Kruger Safari from Johannesburg

$639.53

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4 Day Ultra Budget Kruger National Park Safari from Johannesburg

$653.66

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Johannesburg: Affordable 3 Day Kruger Park Safari

$657.04

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From Johannesburg: 2-Day Safari into Kruger National Park

$727.05

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Kruger National Park 2 Days 1 Night Magical Safari from...

$750.76

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Captivating 3 Day Kruger Safari Adventure From Johannesburg

$868.26

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3 Day Luxury Tented Kruger Safari from Johannesburg

$973.20

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From Johannesburg: Kruger National Park 3-Day Safari

$990.94

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6 Day Classic Kruger National Park Safari from Johannesburg

$1,106.95

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4-Day Kruger National Park Safari from Johannesburg

$1,824.06

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Times for Kruger Park Tours From Johannesburg

Most experiences begin between 5:00 am to 5:30 am! You’ll be able to watch as the African landscape and wilderness come alive right before your eyes as the sun rises.

You’ll then be able to enjoy a day full of wonder. All the best Kruger safari tours spend the day exploring the stunning park, offering a morning and afternoon game drive, with most ending the afternoon game drive between 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm. Let the awe-inspiring experiences of the day sink in as you watch a legendary African sunset!

PS: Some tours include night drives of this South African game reserve. We would recommend double-checking if your preferred tour offers this in their package.

Best Time To Go on a Kruger National Park Tour From Johannesburg

The best time to experience a Kruger tour is in South Africa’s summer and winter seasons. Each one offers unique weather conditions, and each brings out a different side of the African wilderness. Summer in South Africa falls between November to March, and Winter falls between June to August.

Game Reserves to Visit on Kruger National Park Day Tours

Not all Kruger National Park packages from Johannesburg are the same. Each tour takes you through the park itself, but where to stay varies depending on the tour you choose. Some of the top private reserves around the Kruger include:

• Sabi Sands Game Reserve
• Thornybush Private Game Reserve
• Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
• Kapama Private Game Reserve
• Manyeleti Game Reserve

These are just some of the top options surrounding the national park, with each offering outstanding accommodations. The prices vary from game lodge to game lodge, but if your tour doesn’t include accommodation, these are some of the best game reserves to look at for a spectacular stay.

Alternatively, you can stay at Hazyview, where several Kruger day tours depart from.

Top Tip: We’ve also covered some all-inclusive African safaris, which may be worth looking into if you want a luxury experience.

Best Kruger Safari Packages from Johannesburg

Below, you will find some of the best options and packages available for your Kruger safari if you are leaving from Joburg.

Full-Day Kruger National Park Safari From Johannesburg

The Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s biggest game reserves and draws hundreds of thousands of locals and tourists each year. With its immense amount of wildlife and flora, the park is a must! One of the best ways to experience its splendor is by enjoying one of the best Kruger Park day tours from Johannesburg.

This full-day tour will allow you to see and discover the beauty the reserve has to offer. Your incredibly knowledgeable guide will seek out the Big 5 and let you get up close and personal with these famous animals during one of the thrilling Kruger Park day tours.

Not only will the Big 5 be on display, but a host of other animals and creatures, big and small. Hyenas, giraffes, zebras and crocodiles call the park home, and it is also teeming with a vast array of bird life. This will be one of the most unforgettable Kruger National Park day tours!

You’ll be able to watch the sunrise as the tour starts in the early hours of the morning. You’ll also be able to enjoy a complimentary breakfast in Middleburg before continuing on to Kruger National Park, where lunch awaits.

Once you’re all filled up, you’ll be able to enjoy a 3-hour guided drive on an open safari vehicle. Simply put, it’s a jam-packed day filled with all the thrills this South African landmark has to offer.

3-Day Kruger Safari From Johannesburg

Your 3-day Johannesburg to Kruger National Park safari starts bright and early at 7 am. You’ll be taken through the marvelous Elands Valley to Nelspruit and all the way through verdant citrus farmland to the Kruger.

Day one includes a stop for lunch at the park before an afternoon game drive, with the day wrapped up at one of the lovely private restaurants in the park.

Day two kicks off bright and early with a sunrise game drive in your search for the Big 5. You’ll then be able to enjoy a stomach-lining breakfast before continuing on to the watering hole to admire some more stunning wildlife.

The rest of the day includes yet more game drives as you track and search for all types of animals with your professional tracking guide.

Day three includes another early morning game viewing aboard a safari vehicle. You’ll then enjoy a picturesque drive back to Johannesburg, passing through Schoemans Kloof and the Highveld.

6-Day Safari From Johannesburg to Kruger National Park

There is no better opportunity to see the Big 5 than to take a week-long safari through Kruger National Park. Throughout the six-day adventure, you’ll be able to fully embrace the beauty of South Africa’s oldest and largest national park.

This tour includes brisk bush walks, countless game drives, and fantastic sunrise and sundowner opportunities each day. The tour also takes you to the lesser-visited regions of the park, including Satara, Nwanedzi, and Orpen.

You’ll visit the Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre for wildlife, hike alongside the Olifante River, and get the opportunity to discover the Blyde River Canyon. Suffice to say, this is the ultimate week-long experience if you’re looking for a more authentic experience of the Kruger National Park.

Top Tip: Missed the safari and animals and are now in the Western Cape? We also have Safari Tours from Cape Town for you to check out.

FAQs About Kruger Tours From Johannesburg

You now know about all the best Kruger National Park safaris from Johannesburg, but there may be some questions at the back of your mind. As such, here are all the short you need to the most asked questions.

What Is the Best Month to Visit Kruger National Park?

The dry months easily offer the best opportunity to see wildlife at Kruger National Park. Between May and September, the animals tend to gather around watering holes, and thinned-out bushes offer perfect visibility of the animals.

Is 2 Days Enough in Kruger National Park?

You’ll most likely be able to spot all the Big 5 in two days at Kruger National Park. That said, there is an abundance of wildlife here. So, if you have the time and the money, we highly recommend staying for four to six days.

Which Gate Is Best to Enter Kruger National Park From Johannesburg?

On the southern border of the park, the Malelane Gate is the closest and easiest entrance to use when visiting from Johannesburg.

How Far Is a Johannesburg to Kruger National Park Drive?

If you’re wondering how to get from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park, you’ll travel mainly along the N12 and N4. The journey will take you, on average, five hours, covering a total of 406 km (252 miles).

How Much Does It Cost to Go to Kruger National Park?

While the tour costs are all covered in the post, you may want to visit the park independently. the entrance fee for South African citizens costs R122 ($6.50 USD) for adults and R60 ($3.20 USD) for children, while international citizens can expect to pay R486 ($26 USD) per adult and R243 ($13 USD) per child.