Matt Davison
For those wanting to make a quick escape from Johannesburg city into the wilderness, a 2 day Kruger safari may be exactly what you need.
You may be excited to see a herd of elephants or perhaps a pride of lions lazing around in the afternoon sun. Or perhaps you’re looking to relax at a stylish Kruger accommodation with incredible views. Regardless of your preference, there is plenty to see and do on this incredible safari.
The majestic Kruger National Park offers some of the best African safari tours. However, it can be confusing for first time travelers. To help you start planning your 2 day Kruger safari from Johannesburg, here is a guide on everything you need to know.
Johannesburg To Kruger National Park Tours – All You Need to Know
With only two days to plan for in your itinerary, it may seem like a fairly simple task. However, with a destination so vast, it’s hard to embrace all it has to offer in no more than 48 hours. Below are some things to know when planning your 2 day Safari in Kruger National Park.
Best Time to Go on a Tour to Kruger National Park From Johannesburg
When to visit the Kruger National Park is one of the most frequently asked questions. Some say winter is best, as this is the dry season. This is ideal because the bush is more sparse, making it easier to spot the many wild animals. Temperatures are also much milder during this time, with minimum temperatures dipping no lower than 9ºC (50ºF) at night.
Some, however, lean more towards the summer months. While this is the wetter season, the park is incredibly lush and green. It is worth noting that the summers are incredibly hot, with temperatures often exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
Truth is, the magical Kruger Park is a year-round destination, with each season bringing about a totally unique experience. The best time to visit Kruger National Park will depend on personal preference.
Getting From Johannesburg to Kruger National Park
You’re probably wondering, “how far is Kruger from Johannesburg and how do I get there?” There are a couple of ways to get from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park. This includes taking a road trip or a quick connecting flight.
If you’re in for a scenic road trip, then driving from Johannesburg to Kruger Park is a great option. The drive is around 4.5 hours long and passes through the picturesque Panorama Route and Blyde River Canyon.
Alternatively, you can opt to take a flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport near the park in Johannesburg, South Africa. This will take you to the neighboring town of Nelspruit. From here, take a 50 minute drive to Malelane Gate or consider this Kruger safari guided day tour.
For the shortest travel time, opt to fly directly into Skukuza Rest Camp, an ideal overnight accommodation for your stay. And if you’re into self-drive Kruger day tours, you can rent a vehicle here too.
Where To Stay During Your Kruger Safari Holiday
The next step to planning your magical Kruger tours from Johannesburg is finding a place to stay. This part is relatively easy as the Kruger National Park has many amazing and affordable overnight accommodations for you to consider.
Choose from an array of self-catering accommodations and rest camps, or luxurious lodges, hotels, and resorts. For more information on this, check out this article on where to stay in Kruger National Park.
Kruger Safari Tours: Five Best Things To Do
The real challenge of planning a Kruger National Park safari from Johannesburg is deciding which activities to fit into your itinerary. It’s natural to want to pack in as many activities as possible to make the most of your stay. And having to choose between fishing in the Sand River and rough riding on quad biking trails is no easy feat.
Not to mention, everybody wants to catch a glimpse of the Big Five and other animals in Kruger National Park. Luckily for you, we’ve gone ahead and compiled a list of some of the best activities that the park has to offer.
1. Wildlife Walking Safari Trips In Kruger Park, South Africa
If your main objective is to get a close encounter with the wildlife, this is the adventure for you. Led by a game ranger and a professional animal tracker, you will encounter the beauty of Africa on foot and in thrilling proximity to the Big Five. If you only have 2 days in Kruger, then a walking safari is a must.
A professional, experienced, and armed safari guide accompanies you on this 2-4 hour walk alongside a seasoned animal tracker. Some of the other game you can expect to encounter include horned beasts like impala and kudu, the fast boys like wildebeest and leopards, and perhaps a hippo or zebra.
The thrill of exploring the territories of birds, insects, mammals, and predators on foot is unparalleled. And what better way to start your Kruger vacation than to prove that you, too, have the heart of a lion or lioness?
2. Quad Biking Kruger National Park
Separated from the main park by the Crocodile River, Marloth Park is home to four of the Big Five animals. This includes the lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino. You may also come across giraffes, impalas, wildebeest, zebra, and kudus in their natural habitat while zipping through the park on your bike.
The park is safe, easy to navigate, and suitable for both kids and adults. You can choose between challenging your biking skills with an obstacle course or a more relaxed trail for some leisurely exploring. Either way, it’s going to be a ride on the wild side, pun intended. So it’s best you come dressed accordingly.
3. Taking Flight in a Hot Air Balloon
If you’re more of a passive observer, why not take in the gorgeous views of the park from up in a hot air balloon? Depart in the early morning and take in the scenic sunrise views of forests, fruit orchards, or wildlife, depending on where the wind blows you next!
During this expedition, you have the opportunity to observe the park’s flora and fauna in a way that few can. You will see the Kruger National Park in all its glory from beyond the horizon, and the Big Five might look like the Little Five from this height. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience on these Kruger safari holidays.
4. Fishing in the Sand River
After the excitement of trekking alongside zebras and quad biking among the wildlife, it’s a good idea to chill out for a while. Why not grab a fishing rod and some cold drinks and head on over to the Sand River?
With over 37 species of fish, including Squeakers, Mudfish, and Tigerfish, this activity gives you an opportunity to laze around and relax after your most recent adventure. You can enjoy all this while taking in the beauty that nature has to offer on these gorgeous Kruger Park safari tours. And you don’t even have to tour the park.
5. Sunrise Safari Game Drive
This activity may be number one on everyone else’s list, but we like to save the best for last. Anybody that thinks of Africa automatically thinks of safari too. So it should go without saying that a wildlife safari is the star of the show when it comes to planning a trip to Kruger National Park. And what’s better than a sunrise safari in Kruger Park?
People come from far and wide to catch a glimpse of the Big Five in their element, so it makes sense that it comes so highly recommended. If there’s only one thing you have time for during your visit, we recommend that it be this. You might need a magnifying glass to spot the Little Five, but the Ugly Five should be easy to spot if you get tired of looking for the Big Five.
As the sun rises over the horizon, a professional ranger will seek out a nearby herd of noisy elephants, or perhaps, if you’re lucky, a pack of lionesses stalking their prey. Don’t get confused between a cheetah and a leopard on this trip, as it might be your doom.
Wrapping Up Your 2 Day Kruger Safari From Johannesburg
Whether you’re an avid thrill-seeker or casual wildlife enthusiast, the Kruger National Park is a must-see for all. There are plenty of options available to entertain anyone with even the smallest appreciation for nature.
Whether it’s a laid-back cruise through the skies or a full Kruger National Park 2 day safari, it’s an experience straight out of National Geographic. It’s an adventure that will be remembered for many years to come.
To start planning your visit, have a look at these Kruger National Park safari tours. Or, if you want more options for a safari from Joburg, here are some amazing Johannesburg safari options.
