4 Day Katekani Lodge Kruger National Park Safari
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 14 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 4 Day Katekani Lodge Kruger National Park Safari worth booking?
4 Day Katekani Lodge Kruger National Park Safari is a 96-hour experience in Johannesburg, South Africa, from $1,485 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 14 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 63 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (14)
- Duration
- 96 hours
- From
- $1,485 per person
• Sunset drive • Bush barbeque • 4 hour morning Big Five bush walk • Full day in Kruger Park on open vehicle • 1 hour morning walk • Scenic highlights of Blyde River Canyon including Three Rondawels
What you get
About this experience
• Sunset drive • Bush barbeque • 4 hour morning Big Five bush walk • Full day in Kruger Park on open vehicle • 1 hour morning walk • Scenic highlights of Blyde River Canyon including Three Rondawels
What's included
Included
- Local guide
- National Park fees
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- 3 nights accommodation
- Lunch on non transfer days & days not in Kruger
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Local taxes
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
- Hotel and/or Airport pickup and drop-off
- All activities
Not included
- Drinks
- Lunch on transfer days and days in Kruger (we will stop at places where lunch can be purchased)
- Gratuities
- Flight to South Africa
- Items of a personal nature
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Viva Safaris
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 14 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
14 verified traveler reviews for 4 Day Katekani Lodge Kruger National Park Safari. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Our Safari Was AMAZING! The Perfect "Big 5" Experience!
Our 4-day/3-night safari with Viva Safaris exceeded every expectation we had and was truly one of our most memorable travel experiences. From the moment we were picked up until our final transfer, everything was seamless, well-organized, and thoughtfully planned. Booking directly was easy thanks to Pattie, whose communication was outstanding, and both Solly 1 and Solly 2 made our transfers smooth and stress-free. We spent our first night at Tremisana Safari Lodge in the Balule Nature Reserve, followed by two unforgettable nights at Katekani Tented Lodge. Each lodge offered something special, and together they created the perfect safari experience. From the moment we arrived at Tremisana, Luke and his incredible team made us feel genuinely welcome. The lodge was spotless, our guest room was comfortable with a lovely patio overlooking the reserve, and the gardens were absolutely beautiful—even in winter! Ed and Ny kept everything running smoothly, Mama D and her kitchen and housekeeping team took wonderful care of us, and every meal was delicious. As a vegetarian, I was especially grateful that every meal throughout the trip was thoughtfully prepared and fully accommodated. The safari experiences at Tremisana were simply magical. Our welcome bush barbecue beneath a magnificent Marula tree was the perfect introduction to the African bush. On our first sundowner drive with Luke and Raymond, we were thrilled to see zebras, giraffes, elephants, a chameleon, and even a leopard! The following morning, Luke led an unforgettable sunrise bush walk along the Olifants River where we encountered hippos, crocodiles, and elephants while learning so much about the bush from him. Later, another sundowner drive brought us to the river at sunset, where we watched crocodiles and were thrilled to spot an elephant crossing the river with a gorgeous sunset as a backdrop, and to top it off we spotted a rhino on the way back to the lodge! Every drive was filled with incredible wildlife, fascinating information, and genuine enthusiasm from our guides. We also had a full day guided drive in Kruger National Park with Rocky and it was the perfect finale. We completed sightings of the Big Five, including Cape buffalo and an unforgettable lioness with her cubs, along with elephants, giraffes, zebras, monkeys, hyenas with pups, and countless other magnificent animals. Combined with some of the most breathtaking sunsets we've ever seen, it was a day we'll never forget. Katekani Lodge elevated our safari experience. The two nights of accommodations balanced rustic safari charm with tented luxury. Our room, with two tented walls, was beautifully appointed with an incredibly comfortable bed, an amazing shower with excellent water pressure, and every detail was immaculately clean. It became the perfect "home base" to return to after each day's adventures. Charl, the manager and Salphina, our chef, were exceptional. Charl’s warmth, professionalism, and genuine hospitality made every meal and every conversation a highlight of our stay. Salphina’s food was absolutely phenomenal—some of the best we enjoyed during our time in South Africa—and each evening we returned to a beautifully prepared table and such gracious, attentive service. It was clear how much Charl and Salphina care about creating an exceptional guest experience, and they succeeded in every way. What made this safari so special wasn't just the incredible wildlife - it was the people. Every member of the team, from the office staff to the guides, housekeepers, chefs, and drivers, was friendly, welcoming, knowledgeable, and passionate about sharing this remarkable place. We truly could not be happier with our experience, cannot recommend them highly enough, and we are already looking forward to coming back another time! Phoebe
Response from the operator: Hi Phoebe Wow ! Reviews of this nature are really extremely few and far between. A great ‘Thank You ‘for an AMAZING piece of writing. Your words “ seamless” , “ well-organized” and “thoughtfully planned “ leave absolutely nothing to be desired - any intelligent would-be guest will hurriedly contact our offices and hope that there is place !!! Thank you for mentioning so many of our staff by name. They are very grateful. You certainly had brilliant wildlife experiences - thank you for detailing your experience with Viva Safaris so incredibly accurately. We are so pleased that you extol the beauty and “rustic safari charm” of Katekani. It is generally overlooked by most of our guests ( except perhaps our Italian clients ). Charl and Salphinah are humbled by your unbelievably kind words of praise. We appreciate your synopsis of what made your safari so great - our exceptional staff. As General Manager of Viva Safaris, my job is made so much easier by the dedication, hard work and love of their employment by a really wonderful group of people. We look forward to hosting you again. Be well
via Tripadvisor
Professional and friendly staff
Viva Safari's staff's professionalism and friendliness ensured that we had a very comfortable and wonderful experience. We were well-fed and taken care of by the kitchen and housekeeping staff, and the guides tried their best to enrich our game spotting experiences with their humour and extensive knowledge of the bush. Special shout out to our guides, Smiley, Raymond, and Gody for going the extra mile throughout!
Response from the operator: Hi Timo Thanks for a great review. We are pleased that you found our staff professional and friendly. The entire staff appreciate your glowing praise. I have congratulated Smiley, Raymond and Nhlanhla Godi for going the extra mile. They are beaming !!! Be well
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful in so many ways
Firstly I should say we were on a special trip that Educate arranged for us , we stayed at the lodge for a night and then transfered to Katekani for 2 nights , so we had 4 days and 3 nights experience . Secondly I would like to say that this was one of the best experiences we have ever had in all our years of travel . The Viva team were grea and the characters of Luke , Rocky , Quentin , Elvis, Raymond (everybody loves Raymond ) Gertrude and the power to name just a few were amazing and gave us an incredible safari experience. We loved the variation of the nearby Greater Krueger, the night drives , the Busch walks and the afternoon drives and then into Kregur for what I can only describe as one of the most amazing days of my life ( we were incredibly lucky to see what we did int he last hour of our trip , however Rocky made sure we saw everything ) I feel like I could go I for hours with respect to Gertrude’s lovely food and beautiful bath arrangement to Quentin’s dedication int eh pouring rain to transfer our luggage between vehicles and his amazing knowledge but I need to carry on enjoying Soutb Africa. Thank you Viva you have made our Soity Africa trip more special than we could have hoped for . Chris and Shelley Manchester, England x
Response from the operator: Hi Chris and Shelley Wow !!!! Your review is ,indeed, WONDERFUL IN SO MANY WAYS !!! It is so gratifying to read that your safari with Viva Safaris was " one of the best experiences we have ever had in all our years of travel". Thank you for mentioning so many of our exceptionally talented staff by name. You have hit the nail on the head - what sets Viva Safaris apart from all the rest is the great diversity of wildlife experiences. We are pleased to know that your full day safari in Kruger Park proper was "one of the most amazing days of my life". Wow !! Thanks for your lavish praise of Rocky, Gertrude and Quinton who all contributed to making your stay at Katekani Lodge so memorable. We sincerely appreciate the time and effort in writing this heartfelt and genuine review. Be well
via Tripadvisor
Professional and very welcoming
We had an amazing experience with Vivasafaris. From the beginning, we appreciated Patti’s availability and reactivity in all communications (emails / WhatsApp) and for tailoring a 4-day tour of great value for our family. Transfer from Johannesburg to Tremisana Lodge was on board of comfortable buses with very helpful drivers. We enjoyed the stays at Tremisana and Katekani luxury lodges with very kind staff. We had very skilled and experienced guides with us in the parks for game drives and bush walks. They were all funny too. (I don’t know if this is part of their training). All big five were seen. We were fortunate to meet a leopard just near the lodge at Tremisana. We saw a cheetah and were very close to a Casper in Kruger. My family and I enjoyed so much this experience. The animals didn’t seem much bothered by visitors and they were kind enough to let us take beautiful pictures ;-) Vivasafaris also helped us organizing visits in Johannesburg with a tour operator, which was very much appreciated, especially for us, traveling to South Africa for our very first time.
Response from the operator: Hi Sinaly Thanks for a great review. We are pleased that you appreciated our professionalism and that you felt very welcome. It is good to know that you found our staff kind. Patti is a star. The rangers are indeed skilled and experienced and it is wonderful to know that you found them funny - we do not train them for this - it is a natural consequence of their joy at being guides in the African bush !! Thanks for your praise of Tremisana and Katekani. You were extremely fortunate to find a leopard at Tremisana. Cheetah and Casper, the white lion, must have really enhanced your appreciation of Kruger Park. We are pleased that Viva Safaris not only gave you this enjoyable wildlife experience but also assisted in other facets of your first tour of South Africa. We hope that you will return. Be well
via Tripadvisor
4day tent Safari
Dear Viva Safari Team we really enjoyed our 4 day tent Safari. We felt super warm welcomed and appreciated the lovely staff of yours, the optimal koordination of Safaris, bush walks, transfers and Verpflegung. We had a good time in the surprisingly comfortable tent, eventhough folks of us, who stayed in the treehouse, indeed had a better view from their rooms. We can not thank you guys enough for the time in Balule National Reserve and the Kruger National Park. Greetings Michel & Franzi
Response from the operator: Hi Michel and Franzi Thanks for a good review. We are pleased that you enjoyed the "surprisingly comfortable " tent at Marc's camp and that our staff made you feel so welcome. It is good to know that you had a good time in both the Balule Reserve and Kruger Park. Be well.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 96 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $1,485 to $27,995
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Viva Safaris, who run 16 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 69.0.
See everything Viva Safaris runsWhy this scores 63
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
4 Day Katekani Lodge Kruger National Park Safari: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Johannesburg.
How much does 4 Day Katekani Lodge Kruger National Park Safari cost?
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Prices start at $1,485 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Johannesburg usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does 4 Day Katekani Lodge Kruger National Park Safari take?
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Plan for about 96 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Johannesburg is not rushed.
Is 4 Day Katekani Lodge Kruger National Park Safari worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 14 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Johannesburg, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule 4 Day Katekani Lodge Kruger National Park Safari?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is 4 Day Katekani Lodge Kruger National Park Safari suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 96-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book 4 Day Katekani Lodge Kruger National Park Safari?
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Around 5 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Johannesburg can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Johannesburg and add a light layer if any part of the 96-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 4 Day Katekani Lodge Kruger National Park Safari start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Johannesburg within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Johannesburg?
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On Outty we rank every Johannesburg experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Soweto and Johannesburg Exclusive Full Day Guided Tour, Ultimate Johannesburg Soweto Experience with Apartheid Museum, Full Day Ultimate Pilanesberg National Park Safari from Johannesburg or Pretoria. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Johannesburg?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Johannesburg?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in 4 Day Katekani Lodge Kruger National Park Safari?
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Included: Local guide; National Park fees; All taxes, fees and handling charges; 3 nights accommodation; and Lunch on non transfer days & days not in Kruger. Not included: Drinks; Lunch on transfer days and days in Kruger (we will stop at places where lunch can be purch; Gratuities; and Flight to South Africa. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does 4 Day Katekani Lodge Kruger National Park Safari include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 136 listed pickup locations in and around Johannesburg. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is 4 Day Katekani Lodge Kruger National Park Safari offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for 4 Day Katekani Lodge Kruger National Park Safari?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to 4 Day Katekani Lodge Kruger National Park Safari if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Johannesburg. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about 4 Day Katekani Lodge Kruger National Park Safari?
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Across 14 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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