3-Day Budget Friendly Crocodile River Kruger Park Safari

To keep the price affordable, we make use of mini-coaches that leave Johannesburg Airport every morning with other travelers going to the Kruger National Park (KNP). It stops in the city of Nelspruit where our guide will meet you and transfer you to the lodge. The coaches depart from Johannesburg Airport at 07:00 am and 8.15 am. We can upgrade to private transfers which can be timed to suit you (prices on request). After check-in, explore the lodge and take in the views of the river and the Kruger while having a drink on the viewing deck overlooking the park. The Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) can all be found here, along with all the other iconic creatures of Africa in abundance. The first safari drive is this evening's sunset drive. There are 2 sunset and 2 sunrise safari drives, each 3-4 hours long. You will be picked up at reception with open safari vehicles by a National Parks ranger. Dinner is at Pestana Kruger Lodge on your return. Main Destination: Kruger National Park Accommodation: Pestana Kruger Lodge (Mid-range lodge located just outside Southern Kruger NP) Meals & Drinks: Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included); Drinks not included

You will rise before dawn and go for a sunrise safari with your experienced park ranger. This is a special time of day as the bush awakens and comes to life. Dawn is the busiest time of the day for wildlife viewing. Watch the iconic fish eagles cry as they soar along the river. Hopefully, there will be a matriarchal herd of elephants with babies, or a savage (but necessary) lion kill. Perhaps you will see some majestic giraffes and a herd of African buffalo. Every safari drive is different as you will encounter many animals. Not knowing which or when, is what makes it exciting. You will return to the lodge for breakfast and spend the midday at leisure. Lunch is available at your own cost from the restaurant. It is safe to take a stroll across the bridge over the Crocodile River (a kind of walking safari). In the afternoon, you will meet for your sunset safari, part of which may be in the dark, with possible sightings of nocturnal creatures. Return to Pestana Kruger Lodge for dinner. Main Destination: Kruger National Park Accommodation: Pestana Kruger Lodge (Mid-range lodge located just outside Southern Kruger NP) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included); Drinks not included

You will again rise early for your dawn safari. Please note that the morning safari drive can be swapped for a safari bushwalk with an armed park ranger. This is a unique offering, not even available at expensive 5-star lodges! Arrangements must be made 2 weeks or more in advance, and will depend on the availability of weapon-trained rangers. Walking in the bush gives an entirely different perspective on being in the wilderness. You have to be over 16, and if you're over 65, you need a letter from your doctor. After breakfast, you will start on your journey back to Johannesburg. If you are going to Cape Town, there is a daily flight leaving from a local airport. In this case, we will refund/discount the cost of the shuttle back to Jhb. Instead of using the shuttle from/to Johannesburg Airport, we can arrange private transport with one of our renowned guides, which is more flexible and informative. This will also enable you to see the scenic Panorama Route en route to/from the Kruger. Main Destination: Kruger National Park Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included); Drinks not included