Kruger National Park Full-Day Safari: Big Five Game Drive
Spend a full day driving the tracks of Kruger National Park with experienced guides who know where the animals move. This 10–12 hour safari balances long open savanna drives with focused stakeouts for Big Five sightings.
The Experience
Before You Go
Dress in layers for early starts
Mornings are cool and afternoons hot—light layers let you adapt without carrying bulky bags in the vehicle.
Bring binoculars and a zoom lens
Vehicles get you close, but optics reveal distant behavior and let you photograph without disturbing animals.
Carry motion-sickness aids
Gravel roads and long hours can unsettle sensitive travelers—take preventive meds if you’re prone to nausea.
Follow guide instructions at sightings
Stay seated and quiet during close encounters; sudden movements can stress animals or spoil the sighting for others.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Early-morning Sabie River stretch for birdlife and hippo activity
- •Late-afternoon floodplains where herds concentrate at dusk
Wildlife
- •Elephant
- •Leopard
Conservation Note
Kruger partners with anti-poaching units and community conservation programs; visitors help by following park rules and minimizing noise and litter.
Kruger was proclaimed as a protected area in the late 1800s and expanded into a national park that preserves diverse Lowveld ecosystems and colonial-era conservation history.
What to Bring
Binoculars (8x42 or similar)Essential
Essential for spotting distant animals and watching behavior without crowding a sighting.
Wide-zoom camera lens (70-300mm)Essential
Versatile focal range for close and distant subjects from a vehicle.
Sun hat and sunscreenEssential
Protects against strong midday sun during open savanna drives.
Light rain jacket or warm layer
Early mornings can be chilly and summer storms can be sudden—layer up for comfort.
Common Questions
How long is the full-day safari?
The safari runs about 10–12 hours, typically starting near dawn and ending in the late afternoon.
Are meals provided?
Inclusions vary by operator; bottled water is provided and there may be a picnic or packed lunch—confirm when booking.
What are the chances of seeing the Big Five?
Kruger offers good odds, but wildlife is wild—sightings depend on season, rainfall, and animal movement; experienced guides improve your chances.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes—infant seats are available and the activity is rated easy, but long hours and early starts may challenge very young children.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
10–12 hours
Location
Skukuza (Kruger National Park), Mpumalanga
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required—most of the day is spent seated but involves slow walking for short viewing stops.
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