Drifters Kruger Park Explorer

Drifters has been one of the largest and most renowned safari operators in Southern Africa for over 40 years. The 5-day Kruger Park Safari is one of the absolute classics. Even though this tour is based in comfortable accommodation, the overall character of an adventurous overland tour is not completely lost. All travelers should have a certain open-minded attitude. This is not a typical hotel bus tour. Single travelers may have to share a room with a fellow traveler of the same sex, but a single room (optional) is also available on request. Transportation is by non-air-conditioned safari truck.

The tour language for this tour is English, the group is international. The age structure is between 18 and around 55 years. The maximum number of participants is 16 with an average of 10 people per tour.

Flights are not included in this tour. We are happy to arrange suitable flights or airport transfers as well as pre- or post-night stays on request. As the Drifters tours usually start early in the morning and only arrive back in the late afternoon, you should book at least one overnight stay at the start location and one overnight stay at the destination in order not to miss the start of the tour or the return flight.

2026/27 Start Dates and Prices as a PDF (starts every Sunday)

The area around Mpumalanga is characterized by stark contrasts. In the west, it borders the high mountain ranges with green, lush forests, clear streams and thundering waterfalls, while it then descends into the flat lowveld bushveld, where the greatest diversity of flora and fauna can be found. Well-known private game reserves and the Kruger National Park are located in the area. We spend time in the Kruger National Park, as well as in the private game reserve that borders the national park without a fence. As the reserve is privately owned, we have the freedom to go on game drives during the day and in the evening.

DAY 1: JOHANNESBURG - BUSH LODGE
We leave Johannesburg between 6:30 am and 7:00 am, heading towards the east of the country. There we will see beautiful landscapes and many wild animals in national parks and game reserves. We enjoy lunch (own expense) in the historic town of Haenertsburg before driving along the slopes of the Drakensberg. The route is characterized by beautiful landscapes, from mountain passes to the acacia trees that stretch across the African bushveld.

The next two nights we make ourselves comfortable in our well-equipped bush lodge, which is located in a private reserve within the Greater Kruger National Park, where the animals can move freely and without restrictions. The private game reserve gives us the opportunity to explore the wilderness freely in open vehicles in search of animals, whether during the day or at night. The tented lodge blends naturally into the bush and offers comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, a cool swimming pool and breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness, including a waterhole that is frequently visited by various animals. As you drift off to sleep, you will be accompanied by the sounds of the animal kingdom.
Overnight stay: Bush Lodge, meals included: dinner

DAY 2: PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
After a quiet night's sleep, we start with an early riser's breakfast consisting of fresh coffee and rusks (a typical South African cookie) before setting off on our game drive in the Big 5 area.
Accompanied by a qualified guide/ranger, we discover the wilderness with heightened senses. Always on the lookout for animal encounters, we realize that the little treasures are often hidden from our eyes. Before the heat of the day sets in, we return to the lodge for a hearty brunch. Afterwards, it is time to relax at the lodge and enjoy the tranquillity of the surrounding wilderness. A nearby waterhole in front of the camp attracts the animals that come to quench their thirst. Of course, the pecking order is always clearly visible. With a cool drink in your hand, you can switch off and watch the animals from the swimming pool or the terrace.

When the heat subsides in the afternoon, it is time again for a game drive in an open off-road vehicle, which - in search of nocturnal animals - turns into a night drive. As dusk sets in, it's time for a traditional sundowner drink or two as the sun sets over the African bushveld.
Overnight: Bush Lodge, meals included: brunch, dinner

DAY 3: PANORAMA ROUTE - HAZYVIEW
We rise with the African sun and enjoy a hearty breakfast before exploring the highlights of the Panorama Route, known for its many natural wonders and viewpoints. First we take a look at the impressive Blyde River Canyon - the world's largest "green gorge". We continue to Bourke's Luck Potholes, where gold has been found, and then enjoy the breathtaking view of God's Window (weather permitting). Lunch is at own expense and gives guests the opportunity to meet the locals.

In the afternoon, we continue to the tranquil Greenfire Lodge Hazyview. The lodge consists of a spacious log cabin built on stilts in the forest on the banks of the impressive Sabie River. The Sabie River is also known by the locals as "scary".

If time permits, guests can take a walk around the property and explore the adjacent coffee plantation and mysterious forest. We spend a total of two nights here.
Overnight: Greenfire Lodge Hazyview, meals included: breakfast, dinner

DAY 4: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
We wake up to the sound of birdsong and leave the lodge at sunrise to cover the short distance to Kruger National Park. There we spend the whole day observing animals in a different part of the park.

As we drive slowly through the famous national park, which is the size of Israel or Wales, we are on the lookout for the numerous animals that live in this area.
From the high vantage point of our well-equipped vehicle, our guide takes the time to explain the behavior of the many animals we see. We spend most of the day observing the animals, stopping to stretch our legs and enjoy lunch at our own expense at one of the camps in the park. We leave the park in the late afternoon and drive back to Greenfire Lodge Hazyview.
Overnight: Greenfire Lodge Hazyview, meals included: breakfast snacks for the road, dinner

DAY 5: JOHANNESBURG
After a leisurely breakfast, we leave Hazyview and drive back to Johannesburg on the road originally used by gold miners. The tour ends in the late afternoon with arrival in Johannesburg.

Airport drop-off:
On the last day of the tour, the guide will make a short stop at Johannesburg Airport (OR Tambo International) so that guests who have booked a flight on the same evening can disembark here. Please note that Drifters cannot guarantee an exact arrival time and accepts no responsibility for delays during the trip. Should guests need to fly back on the last day, the departure times must be in the evening.

Dates:
This tour departs from Johannesburg every Sunday.
The itinerary was correct at the time of publication, but Drifters works hard to provide the best possible tour for its customers. Drifters reserves the right to change the tour content. While the itinerary is advertised, local conditions may change, roads may improve or deteriorate, new optional activities may be offered or discontinued, etc. Drifters always keeps an eye on all factors that influence a successful tour and will adjust the itinerary if circumstances so require.

Important information:
On this tour, you are largely accommodated in permanent accommodation and bed linen and towels are provided. Depending on the time of year, malaria prophylaxis may be advisable and can be purchased on site. The game varies, so we also want to focus on the little things in the bush. It can get very hot, so sun protection is recommended.

The price includes transportation, meals, coffee, tea, accommodation, game drives, entrance fees and permits, group equipment and two members of the Drifters crew.

The price does not include alcohol, bottled water and soft drinks, souvenirs, tips and meals on the way to / from Johannesburg. Before departure, guests must sign a consent to the booking conditions and general information. Guests must also be able to show their own travel insurance.

A valid passport is required for all travelers. This tour remains in South Africa and it is the guest's responsibility to have all necessary visas.