5 Day Kruger & Private Game Reserves Safari (Camping)

Embark on an unforgettable Kruger & Private Game Reserves Safari that combines budget-friendly adventure with unique bush experiences. Spend your nights in a private lodge and an authentic treehouse tented camp, and explore the African wilderness on foot and in open 4×4 vehicles. This immersive South African safari takes you into the heart of Kruger National Park and Balule Private Reserve—both part of the Greater Kruger ecosystem and home to the Big 5.

Quick Itinerary Overview

Sunset-to-night Big 5 game drive and bush braai in Balule Private Reserve
Guided morning bush walk in Balule
Two full-day open-vehicle Kruger National Park safaris
Guided nature walk in the private reserve
Panorama Route: Blyde River Canyon & Three Rondavels

Day 1: Johannesburg to Balule Private Reserve

Your Kruger & Private Game Reserves Safari begins with a pickup from your Johannesburg hotel or OR Tambo Airport. Journey through scenic Mpumalanga into Limpopo, arriving at your private lodge in Balule Reserve. In the afternoon, head out on an open 4×4 game drive in search of Africa’s Big Five.

As night falls, continue your safari adventure with a spotlight night drive. Enjoy a traditional bush braai under the stars at a remote boma before heading back to your lodge, where you’ll stay in air-conditioned en-suite chalets surrounded by subtropical gardens.

Meals: Bush Barbecue Dinner
Activities: Sunset-to-night Game Drive

Day 2: Morning Bush Walk & Treehouse Safari Camp

Start your day with a sunrise bush walk led by armed rangers along the Olifants River. Learn about tracking, animal behavior, and plants in this intimate, on-foot experience. After brunch at the lodge, enjoy an afternoon game drive before transferring to your treehouse safari camp.

Your accommodation is a permanent tent set along the Klaserie River, offering a rustic and immersive bush setting.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Activities: Morning Bush Walk, Afternoon Game Drive

Day 3 & 4: Full-Day Kruger National Park Safari

Spend the next two days exploring South Africa’s flagship game reserve, Kruger National Park, in an open-sided 4×4 safari vehicle. Entering via Orpen Gate, you’ll explore the Satara region—known for its high density of predators, especially lions. Your guide will help you identify wildlife and share fascinating facts about the park’s diverse ecosystem.

After a full day of game viewing, return to the treehouse camp for dinner and relaxation around the campfire.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Activities: Full-Day Big 5 Kruger Safaris (2 days)

Day 5: Morning Walk & Panorama Route Back to Johannesburg

On the final day of your Kruger & Private Game Reserves Safari, join a short early-morning nature walk (weather permitting) to spot tracks and smaller wildlife. After breakfast, travel back to Johannesburg via the scenic Panorama Route, stopping to admire iconic landmarks like the Blyde River Canyon and Three Rondavels.

You’ll arrive in Johannesburg by late afternoon for drop-off at your hotel or airport.

Meals: Breakfast
Activities: Bush Walk, Panorama Route Sightseeing

Accommodation Details

Night 1: Private safari lodge in Balule Reserve, featuring air-conditioned chalets, garden surrounds, and safety fencing.
Nights 2-4: Treehouse Safari Camp in Motlala Private Reserve, with permanent tents, beds, hot showers, and riverside views. Wildlife frequently visits the camp, offering an authentic bush feel.

The camp includes a bush bar, boma dining area, and swimming pool for relaxed downtime under the stars.

About the Game Reserves

Balule Private Reserve

Part of Greater Kruger, Balule spans over 35,000 hectares and is unfenced from Kruger National Park. It hosts the Big Five and a wide variety of other wildlife, including giraffes, hyenas, hippos, and leopards. Off-road game drives and fewer vehicles make for intimate and exclusive wildlife encounters.

Kruger National Park

Covering nearly 2 million hectares, Kruger is one of Africa’s best-known safari destinations. With over 140 mammal species and 500+ bird species, it delivers iconic game viewing with expert guides and diverse landscapes ranging from savannah to riverine forest.