5 Day Classic Kruger National Park Safari
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 52 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 5 Day Classic Kruger National Park Safari worth booking?
5 Day Classic Kruger National Park Safari is a 120-hour experience in Johannesburg, South Africa, from $1,275 per person. It scores 79 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 52 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 79 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (52)
- Duration
- 120 hours
- From
- $1,275 per person
• 4 night accommodation in a chalet • 3 hour sunset drive on Balule Big 5 Reserve • Bush braai at Marula Tree Boma • 4 hour Big Five bush walk with armed rangers • Full day in Kruger National Park on open gameviewer • 4 hour sundowner drive • 3 hour Tshukudu Big Five Game Reserve drive • Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre • Sunrise game drive • Scenic highlights of Blyde River Canyon including Three Rondawels
What you get
About this experience
• 4 night accommodation in a chalet • 3 hour sunset drive on Balule Big 5 Reserve • Bush braai at Marula Tree Boma • 4 hour Big Five bush walk with armed rangers • Full day in Kruger National Park on open gameviewer • 4 hour sundowner drive • 3 hour Tshukudu Big Five Game Reserve drive • Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre • Sunrise game drive • Scenic highlights of Blyde River Canyon including Three Rondawels
What's included
Included
- Local guide
- National Park fees
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- 4 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 15 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 52 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Organization
5 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
5 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
4 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
52 verified traveler reviews for 5 Day Classic Kruger National Park Safari. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Exceeds expectations!
A fantastic experience. The accomodation was rustic, but was extremely comfortable and really suited the environment. The guides were all first class and we were able to see the “big 5” on the first night. Lots of variety in the activities and the food was excellent.
via Viator
Excellent !
This was a very interesting and stimulating adventure ! Everything was well-organized and on time, the food was excellent- we are vegetarian and felt looked after - the room was very good, and the drives/tours were excellent. All of the staff was very welcoming and friendly. We will definitely recommend it to others !
via Tripadvisor
The adventure we needed
From start to finish, it was a true adventure. The drivers were knowledgeable and engaging, and Ed kept everything running smoothly, even during the power cut- always upbeat and organised. Quinton could spot an animal a mile away, rhino, leopard, lion. And the cooks and housekeeping were fantastic. Even during the power cut, absolutely brilliant.
Response from the operator: Hi Graham Thank you for a lovely review. We are pleased that Viva Safaris provided the ADVENTURE that you needed. Thank you for your appreciation of our engaging drivers, the organizational guru, Ed and the eagle-eyed Quinton. Our chefs appreciate your commendation. Be well
via Tripadvisor
Unforgettable time!
We had an absolutely wonderful, breathtaking, and unforgettable time with Viva Safaris at Tremisana Lodge. Everything was very well organized, and we really appreciated how varied and diverse the experience was. All of the rangers were fantastic, the service staff were amazing, and we truly had a wonderful time. We will definitely recommend you to our friends and family! Nina and Ramona
Response from the operator: Hi Ramona Thanks for an UNFORGETTABLE review ! The words "absolutely wonderful, breathtaking and unforgettable " say it all. We are thrilled that you appreciated the organization, diversity of wildlife activities and our hardworking staff. Thanks for your undertaking to recommend Viva Safaris to your friends and family. Be well
via Tripadvisor
Amazing
I knew nothing about anything, and had originally intended to just pass through on my way elsewhere, but when I saw a fully handheld safari experience at these prices, I changed my plans. I wanted everything plug and play and safe. Figuring out how to book an experience and what is actually part of the experience can be confusing, but not here. Also traveling solo I preferred more people around. This price point is truly amazing for the variety of services they provide. 5 days was jam packed, and it’s worth knowing you can say no and do nothing instead. Just let them know do the staff can sleep in too. I also hadn’t realized they have a full time person fielding requests, and they can arrange, with advance notice, visits to places like the rehabilitation center, or upgrade you to a true luxury version. So if you’d like to upgrade the experience they can add on a few different things for a fee. In retrospect I think I would have added an inside Kruger luxury day in the middle. I booked in a way that being able to communicate wasn’t obvious, so do reach out to them directly if you want to make tweaks. There is a watering hole at the lodge which had hyenas and elephants come to hang out. The pool is lovely and actually swimmable in winter (unlike an airport hotel I had stayed in just prior). The lodge rooms serve their purpose and are a definite upgrade from budget properties, but not as nice as the common areas. Also to note: I experienced no mosquitos in winter. The starry dinner the first night was an especially impressive perk. By day 4 I was fatigued of game drives and was going to skip a long day at Kruger, and yet that was the drive we witnessed lions fighting over a lioness and then roaming the street between vehicles looking for her. So it’s good to maintain an adventure mindset. Getting there: The drive from Johannesburg is quite long, and I wouldn’t recommend it after 24 hours of flying (stay one day in Joburg and refresh first), but I was rested enough that I quite enjoyed it, including seeing the regular countryside. All of the drivers are happy to answer any questions you might have. There is also a pickup at a local airport if you prefer to do that. I loved the drive back through the sites. Lastly, I have a tendency to be careless with my valuables, and not only was nothing touched, I also dropped some credit cards in a game vehicle and the staff found them and cut them up for me. Staff is very responsive and protective of guests. What you really have to worry about are the vervet monkeys that will grab things out of your hands if you aren’t careful. My impression is this experience would be expected to normally cost 1k more and to get a more upgraded experience would be at least 2k more, keep in mind that they do offer those upgraded options. .
Response from the operator: Hi Julia Thank you - you certainly know everything about anything to do with AMAZING reviews ! We thank you for your appreciation of our exceptionally well-priced ,value-for-money safari packages. Thanks for publishing very good advice to potential guests. We are especially pleased to read that you found all logistics excellent. It is good to know that you enjoyed the lodge facilities as well as the great game viewing. We are pleased that our staff acted honestly and professionally in respect of your lost credit cards. Thanks for a detailed account of your safari experience. Be well
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 120 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $1,275 to $25,295
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 18
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
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 79
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
5 Day Classic Kruger National Park Safari: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Johannesburg.
How much does 5 Day Classic Kruger National Park Safari cost?
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Prices start at $1,275 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 5 Day Classic Kruger National Park Safari take?
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Plan for about 120 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 5 Day Classic Kruger National Park Safari worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 79 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 52 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 5 Day Classic 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 5 Day Classic Kruger National Park Safari suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 120-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book 5 Day Classic Kruger National Park Safari?
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Around 18 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 120-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 5 Day Classic 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 5 Day Classic Kruger National Park Safari?
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Included: Local guide; National Park fees; All taxes, fees and handling charges; 4 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 5 Day Classic 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 5 Day Classic 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 5 Day Classic 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 5 Day Classic 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 5 Day Classic Kruger National Park Safari?
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Across 52 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include organization, food and drink, the guide. Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
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