Current as of: April 30, 2025 - 08:13
Kruger Safari Highlights - Premium Adventure Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Premium Adventures
- Destination: South Africa
- Programmes: Premium Adventures, Wildlife
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Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Easy & Moderate
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: WKU
Trip Overview
Join wildlife experts in Kruger for an elevated safari adventure, staying in a luxury camp among the animals
Settle into a luxury camp, where wild animals roam free, for an unforgettable safari adventure in South Africa’s iconic park, Kruger. Jumping into 4x4s, we enjoy multiple game drives in one of the world’s top wildlife-watching destinations, keeping our eyes peeled for lions, elephants, rhinos and much, much more. Just as thrilling is camp life, a communal experience when nights are shared around the campfire and the attentive staff take your adventure to the next level.
At a Glance
- Accommodation: 7 Superior nights (2 hotel, 5 luxury safari camp)
- Group normally 4 to 16, plus local leader. Minimum age: 16
Highlights
- Enjoy multiple game drives in Kruger, spotting iconic safari animals
- Immerse yourself in nature, staying in a luxury camp among free-roaming animals
- Witness care in action at the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
- Cruise along the Blyde River Dam, gliding past towering cliffs and waterfalls
- Explore the Kruger bush on foot, accompanied by an expert ranger
- Witness the natural wonders of the scenic Panorama Route
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is graded Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate) with a Wildlife Rating of Five. Visit our Wildlife Holidays page for more on our Wildlife ratings. For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.
Legal note: All group members joining this tour will be asked to sign an indemnity form at the start of the holiday. This indemnity form is a requirement of the South African Tourism Service Association, of which our local supplier is a member. As a client of Exodus Travels Ltd, your rights under the Package Travel Regulations (1992) are unaffected, and Exodus remains liable for the actions of our sub-contractors.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Johannesburg
- End City: Johannesburg
Land Only Itinerary
Adventure begins in Johannesburg • Welcome dinner
Begin your adventure in Johannesburg – Jo’burg or Jozi to those in the know – a dynamic city where history, culture and creativity meet.
At 7pm, say howzit to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.
Your tour leader then ensures a big South African welcome by arranging dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Want to explore Johannesburg further? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.
Accommodation: @Sandton Hotel (or similar)
To Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre • Into Kruger
Rise early today for breakfast then, after a brief group meeting, we leave by coach at 8am.
Our 5hr 30min journey (with a break for lunch) takes us to the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, at the base of the Drakensberg mountains. The team here rescues injured and poisoned wildlife, rehabilitates and releases them back into the world.
After, we complete our transfer (2hr 30min) and enter Kruger National Park. Upon arrival, settle into our luxury camp, taking the evening to switch to safari mode, perhaps with a drink around the campfire.
Accommodation: Kruger Untamed Satara Plains Camp (or similar)
Boat cruise on the Blyde River Dam • Afternoon game drive
Board a boat to cruise the tranquil waters of the Blyde River Dam this morning, surrounded by the Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest canyons in the world. On our adventure, we glide past towering cliffs, lush greenery and unique rock formations. We also keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife and enjoy wonderful views of waterfalls – an unforgettable journey through one of South Africa’s natural wonders.
After lunch back at camp, we head into Kruger for our first game drive of the adventure. Travelling in safari 4x4s, we keep our eyes peeled for all manner of wildlife, ranging from iconic safari animals – lions, zebra, buffalo, wildebeest and rhinos – to the common warthog, vervet monkeys and greater kudu.
Returning to camp for dinner, we can relive the day’s adventures together, sharing photos and stories around the campfire.
Accommodation: Kruger Untamed Satara Plains Camp (or similar)
Full day exploring Kruger National Park
Immerse yourself in the African bushveld, spending the full day exploring Kruger National Park, enjoying breakfast packs from the camp so we can get out early, before the full heat of the day and to spot the early morning wildlife.
By now, you will have seen plenty of animals, but there’s so much more to see and, with the help of your expert guides, you’re bound to have unforgettable moments.
Driving around in our 4x4s, we go deep into the park, stopping for lunch in the wild, before going even deeper still.
Accommodation: Kruger Untamed Satara Plains Camp (or similar)
Morning and afternoon game drives
Head back into the bushveld today, enjoying morning and afternoon game drives – even more opportunity to spot the abundance of wildlife that lives here.
Unlike yesterday, we enjoy breakfast and lunch at the camp, offering a more relaxed safari experience, while dinner is served at the lodge.
Accommodation: Kruger Untamed Satara Plains Camp (or similar)
Morning bush walk with a ranger • Afternoon game drive
Leave the 4x4s behind this morning and head into the bush on foot, an incredibly immersive way to experience the Kruger wildlife. We’re joined by an armed ranger, whose extensive knowledge of the animals (and their favourite hiding spots) means we have the best chance of seeing wildlife. Alternatively, if you’d prefer a morning game drive instead, this can also be arranged.
After lunch back at camp, we hop back into the 4x4s for even more wildlife watching. By now, you’ll feel like an expert at picking out those hard-to-spot animals.
Accommodation: Kruger Untamed Satara Plains Camp (or similar)
Final game drive • Witness natural wonders on the Panorama Route
Enjoy your final game drive of the adventure this morning – or you can sleep in for a leisurely breakfast and to enjoy the camp amenities one last time.
We then bid farewell to camp staff and leave Kruger National Park. Our journey takes us to Graskop. But first, we experience the highlights of the Panorama Route: the Three Rondavels, the striking Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the awe-inspiring Blyde River Canyon, and God’s Window, which provides sweeping views of lush forests, waterfalls, and the lowveld below.
At Graskop Forest, we ride the Viewing Lift, a 167ft (51m) ascent into the heart of the Afromontane forest. The glass walls provide excellent views over the Drakensberg Escarpment. At the top, you can take part in optional activities, such as a thrilling zipline experience or a cliff walkway.
After an adventurous day, we arrive in Graskop, a history-soaked town known for its local crafts and delicious cuisine.
Accommodation: Angels View Hotel (or similar)
Adventure ends in Graskop
The adventure ends in Graskop today, and we begin our return journeys home. Alternatively, if you’d like to explore a little more, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Ascents, descents and distances: All ascents, descents and distances listed in the daily itinerary have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. However, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these Trips Notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Accommodation
Premium safari camp and hotels
For this Premium safari adventure, we spend two nights in hotels and five nights in a luxury safari camp, which are bound to be a highlight of the trip.
Johannesburg: @Sandton Hotel (night 1)
Begin the adventure at this luxury hotel on the northern edge of the Sandton CBD. Relax post-flight with a dip in the infinity pool or simply enjoy a cold beer or cocktail at the pool bar. There’s also a spa, coffee bar and gym, while the rooms are comfortable, modern and stylish.
Kruger: Kruger Untamed (nights 2-6)
Our luxury tented camp in Kruger will be a highlight of the adventure. Deep in the bush grassland, where wild animals roam free, it features 30 spacious cottage tents with covered patios and private bathrooms. There’s a bar (house drinks, soft drinks, teas and coffees are included), a campfire and attentive staff that take your experience to the next level. The camp is also seasonal, allowing the land to recover during the wet months.
Graskop: Angels View Hotel (night 7)
End the adventure at Angels View, a luxury resort in the heart of the Panorama Route, on the God’s Window escarpment. Expect stunning views. There’s also a swimming pool, lap pool, library, curio shops and stylish bar – the perfect spot to gather for our final night as a group.
Single supplement from £ 150
Food & Drink
In the itinerary, we state which meals are included on which day.
For meals not included, dinners cost on average 350-500 South African rand (US$20‐US$30) per person and lunches 150-250 South African rand (US$8-US$13).
We need at least two weeks’ notice to deal with special dietary requirements (eg vegetarian or allergies.) For this reason, if you did not indicate these on your booking form please advise your sales representative as soon as possible.
The water provided on this trip is safe and clean drinking water, normally from boreholes. It is not bottled water, however. If you would rather have bottled water then this will be at your expense, though we would encourage you to make use of the safe drinking water provided as this helps diminish plastic consumption.
Transport
For game drives on the private reserve, we use an open 4×4 safari vehicle.
Weather & Seasonality
For this adventure, we travel during the warm, dry winter (May to September). This is the best time for wildlife watching as visibility improves when the trees lose their leaves and the game congregate around the available water. The mornings are typically cool (10C/50F to 14C/57F), reaching between 26C (79F) and 29C (84F) by the afternoon.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: @Sandton Hotel, 5 Benmore Rd, Benmore Gardens, Sandton, 2196
Phone: +27 11 395 4777
Recommended arrival time: Before 6pm at the start hotel to catch the welcome briefing and dinner
Airport: O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 35 minutes’ drive from the airport. We provide one group transfer from the airport to the hotel, which you can join at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Catching your return flight
There’s one group transfer to O.R. Tambo International Airport, which you can join at no extra cost. Please speak to your sales representative for the time of the transfer. If the group transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Johannesburg
Location end: Johannesburg
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Good trekking boots
- Neutral coloured clothing for the game walks
- Towel
- Hat
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Waterproofs
Please note, hard cases may not fit in the vehicle so please bring soft bags.
Water included
Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill or get burned. Both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip, we provide an alternative to single-use plastic bottles to reduce the plastic used. This means that safe drinking water will be available throughout; all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill along the way. Please add this to your packing list.
Optional Equipment
- Good pair of binoculars
- Camera
Practical Information
Visa
South Africa
Travellers from the UK, US and most (though not all) EU states normally do not need a visa to enter South Africa. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/africa/south-africa
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/south-africa
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-africa/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/SouthAfrica.html
Please note, all travellers to South Africa who require a visa need at least two consecutive blank pages in their passport (ie a left- and right-hand page) to enable an entry visa to be issued.
Additionally, any child under 18 travelling to South Africa needs to be in possession of an unabridged birth certificate with the names of both parents. If a child under 18 is only travelling with one parent, they will also have to have an affidavit, no less than three months old, from the absent parent confirming the child can travel with the other parent; a court order granting full legal guardianship of the child; or a death certificate of the deceased parent.
Vaccinations and Health
South Africa
There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, rabies and tuberculosis. You will also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or transiting for more than 12 hours through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Malaria prophylaxis is essential if travelling in the greater Kruger area; seek advice from your doctor or travel clinic about which tablets to take. The rest of South Africa, including the Garden Route, has a low risk of malaria.
Dengue fever, a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes, is also a known risk in places visited. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so we recommend taking the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Malaria prophylaxis is essential on this trip, and we suggest that you seek advice from your GP or travel health clinic about which malaria tablets to take.
Bilharzia is known to occur in some of the lakes or rivers visited on this itinerary, we therefore advise all to take advice from your guide or leader locally before venturing for a swim.
Local Time
South Africa's time zone: Africa/Johannesburg (UTC +02:00)
Electricity
South Africa's electricity: Plug types M (three round pins), N (three round pins) and C (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
South Africa's currency: South African rand (ZAR)
ATM Availability
Money can be changed at the airport on arrival in South Africa. ATMs are widely available in Johannesburg.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
We suggest you allow about 180 rand (US$10) per day for incidentals.
Sustainability and Impact
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony though practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
Important Information
Optional activities and excursions
If you would like to join an optional activity or excursion outside those listed in the itinerary, your leader may be able to assist with selecting a provider. However, Exodus has not assessed the safety standards of activities or excursions that are not listed in the Trip Notes. All optional activities or excursions are undertaken at your own risk.
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.