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Kruger national park Leopard

9-Day Kruger North to South Safari (Small Group)

Tour Length9 days
Priced from pps $3010 R48910 £2249 2633 A$4337 C$4280 NZ$5289 Full pricing info
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Summary of this Lodge Safari

  • Max. Group Size 12 Travellers
  • Starts & ends in Johannesburg, South Africa
  • Accommodation Lodge / Safari Lodge
  • Transport 4x4 Vehicle
  • Wildlife Big 5, Elephant, Exceptional Birding, Leopards, Lions, Rhino & More
  •  See Departure Dates

Quick Itinerary Overview

This Kruger North to South Safari is one of the most comprehensive lodge-based Kruger experiences available, travelling the full length of the park from the remote northern regions to the wildlife-rich south. This small-group safari combines classic Kruger National Park game drives with a stay at a private reserve, expert guiding, and comfortable lodge accommodation throughout.

Starting and ending at the Johannesburg O.R Tambo International airport, the set-departure safari includes pre- and post-tour accommodation at Muluwa Lodge and explores Northern, Central, and Southern Kruger in one seamless itinerary. Travelling in a purpose-built safari vehicle designed for small groups of up to 12 guests, this guided safari offers a relaxed pace and outstanding game viewing — ideal for travellers seeking a deeper Kruger experience without camping or complex logistics.

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Itinerary for this Tour

Day 1: Arrival in White River & Muluwa Lodge, South Africa

Your Kruger North to South Safari begins with a scheduled transfer from Johannesburg (OR Tambo International Airport) to White River. On arrival at Castor Bridge, you’ll be met and transferred to Muluwa Lodge, located on the Likweti Bushveld Estate near Hazyview.

After checking in, spend the afternoon settling into your luxury safari tent and enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the bush. Wildlife often roams the estate, making this a relaxing introduction to the Lowveld. Dinner is served at the lodge as you meet your fellow travellers and prepare for the safari ahead.

  • Meals included: Dinner
  • Accommodation: Muluwa Lodge (Luxury Safari Tent)

Day 2: Panorama Route to Hoedspruit Region

After breakfast, the safari officially gets underway as you travel north along the famous Panorama Route. Today’s journey includes some of Mpumalanga’s most iconic scenery, with stops at waterfalls and dramatic viewpoints overlooking the Blyde River Canyon. Highlights may include Bridal Veil Falls, Mac Mac Falls, God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and the Three Rondavels viewpoint.

Lunch is enjoyed at a scenic stop before continuing through escarpment landscapes and descending into the Lowveld. By late afternoon, you arrive in the Hoedspruit region, a classic safari gateway on the edge of the Greater Kruger area.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge in the Hoedspruit region
  • Activities included: Panorama Route sightseeing

Day 3: Hoedspruit to the Far North – Cultural Experience

Leaving Hoedspruit behind, today’s journey takes you north through rural Limpopo landscapes towards the remote Pafuri region. This lesser-visited area is known for its ancient baobabs, dramatic scenery, and rich cultural history.

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk to ancient rock art sites, offering insight into the lives and beliefs of the region’s early inhabitants. The day concludes with a memorable dining experience in a natural cave setting.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge near the Pafuri region
  • Activities included: Cultural rock art walk

Day 4: Northern Kruger National Park – Pafuri to Shingwedzi

Today marks your entry into the northern reaches of Kruger National Park via the remote Pafuri Gate. Game viewing begins immediately as you explore this unique northern section of the park, known for its riverine forests, fever trees, and excellent birdlife.

A highlight of the day is a visit to Crooks Corner, where South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique meet. After a relaxed picnic lunch, continue south through the park to your overnight rest camp.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: SANParks Rest Camp (Northern Kruger)
  • Activities included: Full-day game drive in Northern Kruger

Day 5: Northern to Central Kruger National Park

An early start allows you to experience Kruger at its most active as you continue south into the park’s central regions, one of the most wildlife-rich areas in South Africa. The landscape opens into wide savannahs that support large herds of plains game and attract predators.

Today includes a switch to an open safari vehicle, offering excellent visibility and immersive wildlife viewing. Brunch or lunch is enjoyed at a rest camp before continuing to your overnight camp.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, Brunch/Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: SANParks Rest Camp (Central Kruger)
  • Activities included: Game drives in Central Kruger (open safari vehicle)

Day 6: Central to Southern Kruger National Park

Today, you travel deeper into Kruger’s most wildlife-rich region. River systems, open plains, and dense bush create an ideal habitat for a wide variety of animals, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

After a morning game drive and lunch stop, continue south before enjoying a late afternoon game drive in prime Big Cat territory.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: SANParks Rest Camp (Southern Kruger)
  • Activities included: Full-day game drive, sunset safari

Day 7: Southern Kruger to Mjejane Private Game Reserve

After a final morning game drive in Kruger National Park, exit the park via Malelane Gate and continue to Mjejane Private Game Reserve, an unfenced concession within the Greater Kruger ecosystem.

Arrive in time for lunch, then enjoy a relaxed afternoon and a boma-style dinner under the stars. An optional night game drive offers the chance to spot nocturnal wildlife.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Mjejane Tented Camp
  • Activities included: Morning game drive, optional night safari

Day 8: Private Reserve Experience & Return to Muluwa Lodge

Begin the day with an optional guided bush walk led by a qualified ranger, who offers insight into tracks, plants, and the finer details of the African bush.

After breakfast, return to White River and arrive back at Muluwa Lodge around midday. The afternoon is free to relax before a final dinner at the lodge.

  • Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Muluwa Lodge (Luxury Safari Tent)
  • Activities included: Optional guided bush walk

Day 9: White River to Johannesburg

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Castor Bridge for your scheduled return transfer to Johannesburg, arriving in the late afternoon.

  • Meals included: Breakfast

Kruger Safari Transfers

  • Scheduled transfers between Johannesburg and White River
  • Lodge transfers are provided between White River and the lodge
  • Morning departure from Johannesburg, late afternoon return

About Muluwa Lodge

Muluwa Lodge is a relaxed safari lodge set within the Likweti Bushveld Estate near White River, offering wide views over the Lowveld and a peaceful bush setting before and after your Kruger safari. Plains game such as giraffe, zebra, and antelope frequently move through the estate, creating a relaxed safari atmosphere in a private bush setting.

Your stay is in Luxury Safari Tents that blend the feel of a classic tented camp with modern comfort, including en-suite bathrooms and air-conditioning — ideal for unwinding after travel days and long game drives. The main lodge features a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, spa, and open-air boma, making it a comfortable and welcoming base at either end of your journey. Upgrades to superior rooms or luxury suites are available on request, subject to availability

Optional Extras and Excursions

For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.

  • Guided bush walk (subject to availability and reserve regulations)
  • Night game drive in a private reserve
  • Accommodation upgrades at Muluwa Lodge (subject to availability)

Child Policy

This tour does take children.

No children under the age of 12, unless it is a private tour.

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Browse Similar Trips

+Where does the tour go to?
Countries
South Africa
+Optional Activities & Day Trips
For confirmed pricing on these optional items, please drop us an enquiry
  • Guided bush walk (subject to availability and reserve regulations)
  • Night game drive in a private reserve
  • Accommodation upgrades at Muluwa Lodge (subject to availability)
+Included in the Tour Price
  • Small group safari (maximum 12 guests)
  • All accommodation as per itinerary
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary
  • Scheduled transfers (Johannesburg ↔ White River)
  • Transfers between White River and Muluwa Lodge
  • Guided game drives in Kruger National Park
  • Safari activities in a private game reserve
  • All park and conservation fees
+Not Included in the Tour Price
  • International flights to and from South Africa
  • Travel insurance 
  • Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary
  • Optional activities and excursions
  • Personal expenses and gratuities
  • Any accommodation upgrades (available at an additional cost)
  • Items of a personal nature
+Departure Dates

Scheduled Tour Departures
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If you do not see departures listed for your dates, please do contact us for further info.

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