4 Day Kruger Highlights Kingdom + Panorama Safari - Add this to your Hotspots2c South African trip wishlist - 4day Kruger Scheduled tour | Hotspots2c
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Tempo
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Kruger Kingdom Safari + Panorama

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Duration of tour
4 days
Join Group

Transport Type

4x4 Jeep & Van
Guaranteed to depart
Monday & Wednesday & Saturday

Overview

Escape to Kruger and lose yourself in this bush experience with a 4 day trip to experience the Best of Kruger. South Africa's Big 5 safari mecca, well-known for the high density of big game animals and superior safari experiences where wild cats, herds of buffalo, elephant and antelope roam free. Exploring the nearby Panorama Route along the Blyde River Canyon - rich in natural attractions associated with the towering cliffs that divide the highveld around Sabie and Graskop from the lowveld of the Kruger region. 

Get ready to go wild with plenty of 4x4 game drives led by an expert guide with insider local knowledge to help spot most (if not all) of the Big Five animals and other smaller wildlife of the region. A safari in the Kruger National Park is regarded by travelers around the world as one of the best in Africa. Your ensuite accommodation is just outside the reserve, with easy access to Phabeni or Numbi gates to reach the Kruger's premier wildlife reserve areas.

After days in safari heaven, it'll be hard to leave - but you'll have memory-cards overflowing with animal sightings and more importantly, an even deeper connection with Africa.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Start

Johannesburg Region
End

Johannesburg Region
 
Distance
±
1200
km
Tempo
Medium pace
Ideal For
Couple
Friends

Why You'll Love It

  • Join a park ranger on a thrilling 4x4 safari experience as you search for free roaming wildlife inside the world-renowned Kruger National Park.

  • Views for days as you meader along the Panorama Route - the third largest canyon, and the largest green canyon on earth.

  • Rise before the sun to cacth the bush as it awakes on an exhilarating 4x4 safari at dawn at the greater Kruger region.

  • Go wild on a 4x4 sunset safari at dusk in the Kruger region; capturing magical moments as nocturnal animals come out to hunt at night.

Itinerary guideline

This tour is not run exclusively by Hotspots2c Tours but delivered by external third party suppliers in the Kruger Region. The itinerary can run in reverse or a different order and guides, tour operator or transport will change during the trip.
Kruger Region > Hazyview Region

Day 1 - Early morning (6:30 am) departure from OR Tambo Airport, or hotels pickup area within 5 km radius, to reach the lodge near Kruger by noon.

Escape to Umbhaba Eco Lodge - a peaceful spot that exudes a sence of refined rural Africa... The ideal safari breakaway, far from the crowds on the very outskirts of Hazyview, about 20 minutes drive from Kruger National Park and surrounded by water dams and natural, indigenous bush including the Umbhaba Tree (Lowveld Chestnut). Overlooking the Sabie valley in the distance, abundant bird life chirping at dawn and dusk; this is the perfect overnight location just outside Kruger, a region known for the high density of its big game animals and its superior safari experiences as herds of buffalo, elephant and antelope roam free.

After lunch, spend some time to relax, unpack and enjoy your suroundings. If time allows, go for a swim or walk around the lodge's gardens and walking trail, before departing on your first sunset 4x4 safari in the Kruger National Park. During winter months the sun sets earlier, and in summer you'll have a longer time in day light and beautiful sunsets on safari. After all the animal spotting excitement, your dinner awaits at the lodge's restaurant. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stay Package

Accommodation included according to your selected stay package. Subject to availability.

Day 2

Today's full day safari start very early, well before sunrise, in order to catch the bush as it awakes. "Mpumalanga" means the place of the rising sun and in this region you'll be the first province in South Africa to see the sun rise. The Kruger 4x4 safari drive focus on searching for the famed Big 5 animals, and cooler mornings are usually one of the best time of the day to see predators.

Breakfast is enjoyed at a picnic spot enroute, and after breakfast the animal spotting continues along the many rivers and watering holes as well as wide,open plains of Kruger National Park. Lunch is enjoyed at a rest camp. There's also some time to do some curio shopping or enjoy a cold beer! The drive through the national park back tot the lodge acts as extra game drive time, arriving at the lodge late afternoon with plenty of time to rest, swim and relax or swim before dinner. 

 

 
 

Day 3

As the sun peeks its head over a sleepy horizon, it’s time to rise. After breakfast at the lodge, visit Gods Window, Bourkes Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon (world’s 3rd largest canyon), Lisbon waterfall, the 3 rondavels on a full-day road trip of the Panorama Route. The route starts after a 45 min drive from Hazyview, and climbs almost 1000 meters in elevation to the Northern Drakensburg Mountain range. The temperatures vary a lot from Hazyview, so bring a jacket and comfortable walking shoes for easy walking at the view-pont stops.

Today is really about transitioning from the safari oasis you’ve called home for the last few days towards some of the most scenic jewels in South Africa’s stable. You’ll join a well-travelled 300km-long lush route that has been describing by writers as ‘the most beautiful place in the world’ – the Panorama Route and the ultra-scenic Blyde River Canyon - it even rivals Table Mountain in terms of outlook and beauty.

The most popular stretch of the route is the R532 that winds its way towards the unspeakably gorgeous God's Window, the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes and The Three Rondawels – your destination for today. There simply aren’t enough superlatives in the dictionary to describe the scenes that await.  The highlight is the Blyde River Canyon – one of the largest in the world – cutting a green path through the surrounding countryside. Mighty waterfalls plunge into sub-tropical, tree-lined gorges. And at the heart lies God’s Window, a 360-degree panoramic view of Mother Nature’s finest canyon vista. Intermittent mountain mist adds to the drama.

Arrive back at the Lodge at about 4pm after a great day, enjoy a drink, a swim and dinner at the lodge, before an early start for a last morning safari in Kruger.

 
 
 
 

Day 4

One final chance to complete and tick off your animal-sightings "bingo sheet" peering through the underbrush looking for Africa’s most elusive animals on your last 4x4 safari. Another early departure from the lodge (before sunrise), and this time your guide will focus on animals you have not seen yet. No safari is ever the same and Kruger has a huge network of roads to choose from, so rangers will safari in different areas of the park subject to season or animal habitats, giving you the optimal chance for the best possible sightings.

 
 
 
 
 

After a quick breakfast, continue with the safari returning to the lodge to say your goodbyes and freshen up before the transfer back to Johannesburg's OR Tambo Airport..Arriving back at the airport by 6pm. If flying out from OR Tambo, international flights should not be earlier than 9pm.

 

Included

Outsourced Tour Group

The transfers for this trip may run exclusively for you but you may join a group of travellers on safari vehicle, during activities and/or day trips.

This tour is not run by Hotspots2c Tours but delivered by external third party suppliers in the Kruger Region. The itinerary can run in reverse or a different order and guides, tour operator or transport can change during the duration of the trip.

Local Guide

Guided tours in this combo is led by a local English-speaking professional tour guide or game ranger during safari game drives or/and day tours.

Transport

Transfers to included tour highlights. 

The tour start and ends at OR Tambo international airport.

A free collection service is also available (if pre-arranged) in a 5km radius from OR Tambo airport and from Skukuza Kruger National Park Airport or Kruger Mpumalanga International Airports. 

Accommodation

3 nights accommodation according to your stay package selected.

Some Meals

3 x Breakfasts, 1x Lunch, 3x Dinners

Included Activities & Entry fees
  • Sunset 4x4 Safari
  • Kruger Park 4x4 Day Safari
  • Panorama Route Drive
  • Sunrise 4x4 Safari

Excluded

✕ Flights

Local and international flights are excluded.

Do ask us first before booking flights for assistance to advise the best suitable connection to ensure a smooth transfer service between lodge and airports.

✕ Travel Insurance

You are responsible for your own personal travel insurance. 

✕ Some meals + drinks

You can purchase meals + drinks on tour.

Malaria Precaution

Most of Kruger National Park is situated within a malaria-risk area. Specific regions in South Africa (far north of KwaZulu-Natal Province bordering Mozambique and the low-veld areas of Mpumalanga Province) and hot summer months (from September until the end of May) has an higher malaria-risk. Precautions against malaria should be taken in the form of wearing mosquito repellent and taking anti-malaria medication is also advisable when travelling to any of Africa's malaria risk areas. Consult with your doctor or nearest travel clinic for more information.

! Confirmed once minimums are reached

This tour is scheduled to depart on certain dates as listed on the availability calender listed below. If minimums required to confirm the departure is not reached the tour may be suspended - refer to https://hotspots2c.co.za/agent#suspended for more information.

Terms & Conditions

Click on the terms for more details.

Payment Policy: 20% deposit to reserve. Full payment due at least 31 days before.

20% deposit is required to reserve. The remaining balance is due in full at least 31 days before the departure date.

Cancellation / Refund Policy:
30+day notice 80% refund
21+days notice 50% refund
< 20 days notice no refund

 

  • Cancellation at least 30 days prior to tour departure date = 20% cancellation fee

  • Cancellation 21 to 29 days prior to tour departure date = 50% cancellation fee

  • Cancellation within 20 days prior to tour departure date or no-show will not be granted a refund

 

Refer to the full private tour booking terms online at: https://hotspots2c.co.za/agent#privateterms 

Cancellation fees are calculated on the total booking price.

Child Policy: No children under 8 years

Children under 8 years are not allowed.

Children under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult and book a private room.

Children under 18 years are not allowed to stay or book a dorm sharing room package.

Minors under 18 years are not allowed to consume alcohol and will require adult consent to partake in some optional activities.

FAQ



  Click on question to show answer

How can we help you plan your dream tour package?
Hotspots2c is a tour operator based in the Cape Town region.  We offer tour packages that include guided transport + accommodation + day activities. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or to turn your trip wishlist into the tour package of your dreams.
Cost to join as a single traveller?
The single supplement cost is about 10% of the original price.
Rates are seasonal and will change during summer from about October to February.
Tammy-lee
Reservations

My passion for hiking gave me a deep appreciation for being surrounded by nature... With some of my local and international must-visit outdoor spots already ticked off from my travel wishlist, I'll always be dreaming about my next adventure. Being part of the travel industry since 2016, especially my recent position as an airline ticketing and customer care consultant; helping fellow travellers plan their perfect holiday perfectly aligns with my love to share our uniquely diverse cultures and places with the world. - Tammy Mackriel

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country info

 what to expect

 

South Africa

  

11 official Languages Spoken

Afrikaans – English – isiNdebele – Sepedi.– Sesotho – Siswati – Xitsonga – Setswana – Tshivenda – isiXhosa

How to say hello?

Molo – Xhosa

Sawubona - Zulu

Hallo - Afrikaans

Dumela - SeSotho

 

Electricity – Volt & plug

The South African electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ. Most plugs are 15 amp 3-prong or 5 amp 2-prong, with round pins.

Measurements 

Metric System

 

WiFi/Internet Access on tour 

WiFi can be found at most accommodations, restaurants and airports, however, the download speed is often slow and many connections limit your data usage. In short, you’ll be able to stay connected with home, but don't expect to watch HD movies in your spare time.

 

When to go

South Africa is blessed with a mostly mild climate, but different areas will yield different temperatures throughout the year. Summer in South Africa is usually peak season, lasting between November – February, however, Easter time (March) is often still considered peak season too. Temperatures range from 25ºC in coastal areas to high 30ºs in inland areas. Cape Town has ideal weather during this time and Durban sports warm beaches and humid air, Johannesburg experiences hot clear days and often an afternoon thunderstorm.

The shoulder season is April and May, as well as September and October. Surprisingly, the weather in Durban is often at its best during this time, and other areas simmer down from their scorching highs. Prices are lower and crowds are smaller. September and October see eruptions of flowers and blooms all around the country.

Winter is beautiful in most parts of the country. Cape Town experiences winter rain and is often a little cold and miserable, but still crisp and beautiful. Because of the warm Indian Ocean, Durban has spectacular weather in winter, often hovering around 20-25ºC with clear blue skies. Inland areas get quite chilly and the odd snowfall is not uncommon (it only lasts for a day though!). Prices are at an all-time low and it is an ideal time for game viewing, as the animals are more active in the cooler weather. 

The Garden Route enjoys a Mediterranean Oceanic climate, which is intrinsically temperate and mild almost all year round. Summers are warm to hot, and winters are cool. Second only to Hawaii, the Garden Route is acclaimed for having one of the mildest climates in the world.

However, the winter rain season can cause some delays for outdoor activities but the mild sunny days and the appeal of seeing the Southern Right Whale migration makes the Cape Whale Coast & Garden Route an ideal destination during the European summer holidays. You can expect cool mornings and evenings, but usually the climate remain bright and sunny during the day.

 

Best time to go where?

Jun-Jul ( mid winter) = Safari in Kruger region

Jan-Feb ( mid summer) = Cape Town city or beach destinations along the Cape Coast

Year-Round = Moderate weather in the Garden Route region

 

Public Holidays

With the possible exception of Christmas Day and New Year's Day, most tourist services and attractions are open on South African public holidays. In addition most city shopping centres, restaurants and entertainment venues remain open.

1 Jan   New Year's Day
21 Mar   Human Rights Day
30 Mar   Good Friday
2 Apr   Family Day
27 Apr   Freedom Day
1 May   Workers' Day
16 Jun   Youth Day
9 Aug   National Women's Day
24 Sep   Heritage Day
16 Dec   Day of Reconciliation
17 Dec   Day of Reconciliation Holiday
25 Dec   Christmas Day
26 Dec   Day of Goodwill

 

Visa & Travel docs

Travellers from most Commonwealth countries (excluding New Zealand), most Western European nations, Japan and the USA receive a free, 90-day visitor's permit on arrival. These travellers do not need a visa to enter South Africa. A valid passport is essential with at least two empty pages. You generally will need to show return or onward travel arrangements. Children aged under 18 must show an unabridged birth certificate (showing both parents details).

Some countries do, however, need a visa. Visas are not issued upon entry, they must be attained beforehand. It is advised that you clarify this before you leave, the Department of Home Affairs office has a comprehensive list of countries that do not require visas. http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/exempt-countries

 

What to pack

We're generally laid back in South Africa, so no need to haul out your best silks and diamonds when you head to our shores. Here's some clothing advice when in South Africa:

  • For the summers, bring clothes that are cool and comfortable, along with an umbrella or rain jacket, as this is when most of the country gets rain. A light jacket or wrap is a good precaution. Don't forget a swimming costume.
  • The winters are generally mild, comparing favourably with European summers. But we do get some days when temperatures plummet, especially in high-lying areas such as the Drakensberg (some nights go below 0ºC), so be prepared with jerseys and jackets. If you are going to the Cape, rain gear will be needed in this season (your average here will be between 10-20ºC).
  • Always bring a hat - the sun can be strong even in the winter months. Make sunglasses, a hat and sunblock a firm part of your skin care kit.
  • Walking shoes are a good idea all year-round, with warm socks in the winter.
  • For game viewing, a couple of neutral-toned items will be useful, but there's no need to go overboard and kit yourself out like David Livingstone, out to explore Africa for the first time.
  • For the evening, if you are dining at an upmarket restaurant or seeing a show, go the smart-casual route. If you are simply going out to get a bite to eat, a general “no shirt, no shoes - no service” rule applies, so as long as you are fully clad, your attire should not be an issue.
  • When travelling with Hotspots2c we encourage reasonably sized bags for multi-day tours and we are able to accommodate bags that are on average under 20kgs. For one and two day tours, a light backpack is encouraged. 

  

Health & Safety

There are no compulsory vaccinations required to enter South Africa with exception of a yellow fever vaccination if you have been in a yellow fever area within the last 12 months.

The only major health risk you might face in South Africa is malaria, which is confined to small areas in the north-eastern parts of the country. Small pockets of the northern parts of the Kruger National Park fall under this area but the risk here is considered extremely low and it is not always necessary to take anti-malaria tablets. Remember as a precautionary measure to check with your doctor or a local travel clinic on what is recommended for your country to visit South Africa.

 

For more info about the safety regulations on tour - please see https://hotspots2c.co.za/ideas/safetravels

 

South Africa may have high crime statistics, but if you conduct yourself wisely, most tourists enjoy the country without any incident at all. Here are some tips: ensure that you lock away your passports and travel documents in a safe, which is usually provided by your accommodation or keep valuables at a safe place. Don't flash around valuables and keep an eye on your belongings at all time. Majority of South Africa’s crime is opportunistic petty crime, so if you are vigilant about your belongings you should not have any problem.

 

Getting Around 

South Africa has 3 world-class airports that receive international flights every day; Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. Most international airlines will have flights into one or all of these airports daily.

There are numerous budget carriers that offer domestic flights between the major cities for very reasonable rates; this is the fastest and safest way to span large distances, especially between Johannesburg and Cape Town, which is a 2-hour flight.

From the airports there are numerous shuttles and taxis that you can pick up upon arrival, there are also many different car hire options at each airport and in all major cities. Uber is another reliable and affordable option.

 

Money 

Our currency in South Africa is the South African Rand. You can easily convert your currency to rand at a bank or Forex Bureau, the airports and larger towns often have many different Forex options. You can also withdraw from an ATM, banks are available throughout South Africa. Be sure to check what international bank charges you will incur for withdrawals before you arrive. Major credit cards are usually accepted in hotels or restaurants, however, there may be a surcharge. It is advisable to have small amounts of cash for curios and tipping. 

Tipping

  • Tour Guides and Drivers – Tipping on tour is neither expected nor compulsory, however, should you wish to tip the team on the road you are welcome to decide on a value that match the level of service received. A recommendation usually range from R50 to R200 per person per day.
  • Restaurants and Bars - Tipping in restaurants is the norm and is customarily kept at 10% of the total shown on the bill. Many restaurants will add a 10% service charge to a bill if the number of guests exceeds six or ten.
  • Hotels - At hotels you may also leave money to housekeeping at the end of your stay. Porter fees may already be included in your quote, and will be listed under your tour package inclusions.
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