5 Day Budget Kruger Camping Safari in South Africa

5-Day Budget Kruger Camping Safari in South Africa

Experience the wild wonders of Africa on this popular Budget Kruger Camping Safari in South Africa. Perfect for budget-conscious travelers, this guided adventure combines immersive Big 5 game drives in Kruger National Park and the Blue Canyon Conservancy with a full-day Panorama Route tour. Stay in a fully-equipped tented camp in the Motlala Conservancy and enjoy a true bushveld escape without breaking the bank.

Quick Overview

This 5-day Budget Kruger Camping Safari in South Africa features guided game drives in open 4×4 vehicles, Big Five sightings, and breathtaking scenic landscapes. You’ll enjoy sunset drives, wildlife viewing, and optional excursions for a deeper Kruger experience—all while staying at an affordable, yet comfortable, glamping-style tented camp.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Johannesburg to Motlala Conservancy

Begin your Kruger Camping Safari with a morning pickup from OR Tambo International Airport. Travel through the scenic Highveld and Lowveld landscapes of Mpumalanga, arriving at Motlala Conservancy by early afternoon. After a short break, head out on an exciting sunset game drive in the Blue Canyon Conservancy and Moditlo Private Game Reserve—home to lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and more. End the day with a classic bush dinner by the campfire.

Included Activity: Game Drive in Blue Canyon & Moditlo Reserve
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Tented Camp, Motlala Conservancy

Day 2: Full-Day Kruger National Park Safari

Enjoy a full-day safari adventure in Kruger National Park, departing in open safari vehicles. Depending on wildlife movement, start early with a bush breakfast or head out after breakfast at camp. Explore the Orpen-Satara region, famed for its lion sightings. Your expert guide will share fascinating insights into Kruger’s ecosystems, animals, and history. Return to camp for a relaxing evening and dinner under the stars.

Included Activity: Full-Day Kruger Safari
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Tented Camp, Motlala Conservancy

Day 3: Panorama Route Adventure

Today’s adventure takes you along the famed Panorama Route. Visit scenic highlights like God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Berlin Falls, The Pinnacle, and the Three Rondavels. Travel from the Great Escarpment to the Lowveld, soaking up breathtaking views of South Africa’s natural beauty. After a day of sightseeing, return to camp for another night of stories by the fire.

Included Activity: Full-Day Panorama Route Tour
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Tented Camp, Motlala Conservancy

Day 4: Second Full-Day Kruger Safari

Enjoy another day of thrilling game viewing in Kruger National Park. Follow the same flexible itinerary options to maximize wildlife sightings in the Orpen-Satara region. Look out for elusive predators, grazing herds, and the incredible birdlife of Kruger. Return to camp to unwind and enjoy your final dinner in the African bush.

Included Activity: Full-Day Kruger Safari
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Tented Camp, Motlala Conservancy

Day 5: Return to Johannesburg

After breakfast at camp, your Budget Kruger Camping Safari in South Africa ends with a return transfer to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, arriving by early evening. Optional excursions can be booked for this morning, including a bush walk or a short Panorama Highlights tour.

Optional Activities: Bush Walk, Sunrise Game Drive, Panorama Highlights Tour
Meals: Breakfast

Optional Extras (Pre-booking Required)

Short guided bush walk in Motlala Conservancy
3-hour sunrise game drive in Blue Canyon Conservancy
Half-day Panorama Route Highlights Tour (Day 5)

About the Tented Safari Camp

This Budget Kruger Safari in South Africa includes a stay at a fully-equipped glamping camp in the Motlala Conservancy. Enjoy solar-powered tents with comfy beds, linens, and towels. Shared bathrooms and a communal space for dining and relaxing are available. Additional features include a swimming pool, restaurant, and bar—offering all the essentials for a memorable bush escape.

About Blue Canyon Conservancy & Moditlo Private Reserve

Part of your safari explores the Blue Canyon Conservancy, including the 3,200-hectare Moditlo Game Reserve. Located near Hoedspruit and adjacent to Greater Kruger, the reserve is home to the Big Five as well as rare species like wild dogs, brown hyenas, and cheetahs. This diverse landscape offers superb wildlife viewing in a pristine setting.

Transfers & Shuttle Info

Pick-up and drop-off are at the OR Tambo International Airport Bus Terminal in Johannesburg and Pretoria (on request). Please inquire for exact times and meeting points.