Budget Jo’burg to Kruger National Park Self Drive…

This self drive option incorporates the scenic Mpumalanga Region and the Kruger National Park.

Leaving Johannesburg you drive towards Mpumalanga, which is famous for the Blyde River Canyon, God's Window and Bourkes Luck Potholes. Mpumalanga is also home to some spectacular scenery, as well as waterfalls, mountain passes and trout fishing streams. It's a great way to break the journey on your way to the Kruger National Park.

Its important to note that African Budget Safaris recommends a fully inclusive package for your stay in the Kruger National Park as this takes the hassle out of organising game drives, meals and having to pay park fees. We however can arrange alternative accommodation in the various park rest camps on an accommodation only basis.

Day 1 & 2 - Johannesburg to Hazyview taking in the Panoramic Route.

Your journey begins as you take a leisurely five hour drive along Mpumalanga's Panorama Route. This route takes you on the Long Tom Pass, past the town of Sabie and the mining village of Pilgrim's Rest. You'll also pass some natural wonders, which are well worth stopping for, such as the Blyde River Canyon. The second largest in Southern Africa, the canyon is best viewed from God's Window - a vantage point so high above the valley that it literally feels like "God's Window". Out of the canyon spurt three huge rocks with tops that look like traditional African hut roofs- hence their name, the Three Rondavels.

The Bourke's Luck Potholes are a natural water feature marking the beginning of the canyon. Over thousands of years, the flow of the Treur River into the Blyde River caused waterborne sand and rock to grind huge, cylindrical potholes into the river's bedrock. After a day of history and geography, its time to continue your family self drive tour to Hippo Hollow Lodge in Hazyview, your stop for the next two nights. Note that if you arrive late it is possible to get to the lodge in 3 hours along the direct route and spend the day enjoying the Panorama Route on day 2.

Location: Hazyview, South Africa

Accomodation: Hippo Hollow Country Estate

Day 3 & 4 - Hazeyview to Camp Shonga in the Kruger National Park

Departing from Hazeyview just about 2 hours to Camp Shonga in the Kruger Park, the destination of your African safari adventure!

A typical day at Camp Shonga begins with coffee and rusks before dawn - necessary sustenance for the family embarking on an early morning game drive! A qualified ranger and tracker accompany you on game drives in open land rovers, where you'll be able to spot some of Africa's Big Five while watching the bushveld sunrise - an experience well worth the early wake up. Upon returning to camp, you are greeted with a mouth-watering breakfast, after which there is time to relax and rest around the swimming pool or in your tent. After late afternoon drinks and snacks at the camp, its time to embark on a night game drive. This is when nocturnal animals become active, and so this is an excellent opportunity for game spotting. Back to camp, a huge dinner is served either in the traditional outdoor boma around a roaring log fire, or in the lodge dining room (depending on the weather). Note that children under 6 years are not allowed on game drives.

Accomodation: Camp Shonga

Day 5 - Kruger National Park to Johannesburg

Departing the Kruger National Park you head back towards Johannesburg where you spend your last night. Tour ends.

Accommodation: Airport City Lodge

NOTES:

The accommodation indicated in each area is dependant on availability. Should there be no availability during your requested period African Budget Safaris will provide an alternative option.
You can extend your package by checking out our various other self drive options or alternatively you can drop your hired car of at the Johannesburg International Airport and fly onwards to your next destination. Check with African Budget Safaris for a list of budget airlines that can be booked online.
Pre tour accommodation can be booked for you in Johannesburg. Please contact African Budget Safaris for details.

CAR HIRE

You have a choice of vehicles available through African Budget Safaris. Each vehicle is priced according to make, model, size and attributes of the vehicle (i.e. mnaual / automatic, airbags etc.). When enquiring about a self drive option, please indicate the vehicle group that you are wanting to hire.

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Looking for other tours to Kruger National Park? View all Kruger National Park Budget Safaris