6 Day Kruger Park Budget Safari (Backpackers Lodge Tour)

Experience the best of South Africa’s wildlife on this Kruger Park Budget Safari adventure, ideal for nature lovers, backpackers, and first-time safari-goers. This affordable safari journey explores the Big 5 reserves of Greater Kruger Park and the iconic Kruger National Park. Enjoy a unique combination of game drives, bush walks, cultural visits, and immersive wildlife experiences—all while staying at a budget-friendly backpackers lodge in the heart of Greater Kruger.

Quick Itinerary Overview

Big 5 sunset and night game drive with bush braai in Balule Private Reserve
Guided bush walk and afternoon game drive in Balule Game Reserve
Two full-day 4×4 Kruger safaris with professional guides
Visit to Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
Game drive in Big 5 Tshukudu Game Reserve
Scenic Panorama Route highlights including Blyde River Canyon

Day-by-Day Kruger Park Budget Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Johannesburg to Balule Game Reserve

Your Kruger Park Budget Safari begins in Johannesburg, where you’ll be transferred to Balule Private Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger ecosystem. Settle into your rustic lodge and head out for a thrilling sunset game drive. Enjoy a traditional bush braai dinner under the stars, followed by a night drive back to camp.

Meals: Dinner
Activities: Sunset & night game drive, bush braai

Day 2: Guided Bush Walk & Game Drive in Balule

Wake up early for a guided bush walk along the Olifants River, exploring the reserve on foot and learning about animal tracks and plants. After brunch and some downtime at the lodge, head out for a four-hour afternoon game drive in Balule, ending with sundowners in the bush.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Activities: Morning bush walk, afternoon game drive

Day 3: Full-Day Kruger Safari

Spend the day inside Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s top safari destinations. Explore the predator-rich Orpen-Satara-Nwanedzi region in an open safari vehicle, home to large lion populations and herds of grazers like giraffe and zebra.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Activities: Full-day Big 5 Kruger Safari

Day 4: Moholoholo Wildlife Centre & Tshukudu Game Reserve

Visit the renowned Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre to see rescued animals and learn about conservation efforts. In the afternoon, embark on a three-hour game drive in the Big 5 Tshukudu Game Reserve, known for excellent sightings.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Activities: Moholoholo visit, Tshukudu game drive

Day 5: Second Full-Day Kruger Safari

Enjoy another full day of wildlife viewing in Kruger National Park, with opportunities to spot rare species and explore different habitats. Return to the lodge for a relaxed evening and your final dinner in the bush.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Activities: Full-day Kruger Safari

Day 6: Panorama Route & Return to Johannesburg

Conclude your Kruger Park Budget Safari with a sunrise game drive in Balule before breakfast. Then travel back to Johannesburg via the scenic Panorama Route, stopping at viewpoints like the Three Rondavels along the way.

Meals: Breakfast
Activities: Sunrise game drive, Panorama Route highlights

Budget Safari Accommodation: Backpackers Lodge in Greater Kruger

This safari includes five nights at a well-equipped budget lodge in Greater Kruger Park. The lodge offers 18 thatched chalets and a two-bedroom guest house, each with en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, mosquito nets, and tea/coffee stations. Relax in the shady gardens, take a dip in the pool, or watch wildlife from the lapa overlooking a nearby waterhole.

Optional Pre & Post Safari Lodging

We offer 4-star lodge accommodation near OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg for guests needing a night before or after their safari. These can be added to your tour package upon request.

Child Policy

Children aged 6 and above are welcome on this Kruger Park Budget Safari. However, children must be 16 years or older to participate in bush walk activities for safety reasons.