Mpumalanga’s Kruger National Park delivers Africa’s classic safari experience without the typical tourist hassle. The park’s main draw – full-day open-vehicle safaris – consistently rank as travelers’ top choice for spotting lions, elephants, and other members of the Big Five. Morning tours cover vast stretches of the 2-million-hectare wilderness, while half-day options pack plenty of wildlife viewing into a shorter timeframe. I especially love the sunrise safaris from Marloth Park – they’re budget-friendly and offer more intimate animal encounters than larger group tours. For those with extra time, the two-day excursions provide deeper access to Kruger’s diverse landscapes. Let’s explore the best safari options for your Mpumalanga adventure.
Key Points
- Kruger Safari Tours offers a highly recommended full-day open-vehicle safari with knowledgeable guides, close animal sightings, and convenient hotel pickup.
- The Morning Safari Experience in Kruger National Park provides a 6-hour tour to spot over 140 mammal species, including the Big Five.
- The Half-Day Open Vehicle Safari from Marloth Park features expert guides, all-inclusive amenities, and a maximum group size of 9 for a personalized experience.
- Extended and specialized safari options, such as a 2-Day Safari Tour and Sunrise Safari, cater to various interests and group sizes.
- Accessible options, including wheelchair accessibility and infant seats, are available on many Mpumalanga safari tours.
Kruger Safari Tour – Full Day
Though travelers have many safari tour options in South Africa, the Kruger Safari Tour – Full Day stands out as a top choice.
With a 98% recommendation rate from 93 reviewers and a Badge of Excellence, this full-day open-vehicle adventure provides the chance to spot the Big Five animals. Guests enjoy hassle-free hotel pickup, professional guides, and inclusions like bottled water, breakfast, and lunch.
The tour starts early at 5:00 am and operates in all weather conditions. Travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and close-up animal sightings, eager to repeat the experience.
Whether visiting from Hazyview or the Phabeni gate, this Kruger National Park safari delivers an unforgettable wildlife encounter.
Read our full review: Kruger Safari Tour – Full Day Review
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Kruger National Park: Morning Safari
Setting out on a Kruger National Park morning safari promises an unparalleled opportunity to witness the diverse wildlife that calls this vast expanse home.
Lasting 6 hours, this tour offers the chance to spot the Big 5 and over 140 mammal species across the park’s 2 million hectares.
Travelers will explore a 200 km network of roads in a private safari vehicle, led by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide.
Breakfast stops at Kruger’s rest camps provide a variety of meal options.
With a convenient reserve now, pay later policy and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour ensures a seamless and stress-free adventure.
At £198.65 per group, it offers excellent value for money, as attested by the tour’s impressive 4.9/5 rating from previous guests.
Read our full review: Kruger National Park: Morning Safari Review
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Open Vehical Safari in Kruger National Park Half Day
An open-vehicle safari in Kruger National Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the park’s raw, untamed beauty and witness its diverse wildlife in their natural habitat.
This guided tour, with over 59 positive reviews and a 100% recommendation rate, provides transportation, expert guides with over 10 years of experience, and all-inclusive amenities like breakfast, lunch, and park entry fees.
Travelers can expect a maximum group size of 9 and the chance to see the iconic “Big 5” animals.
The tour departs as early as 5:30 am, with pickup available from Marloth Park or Komatipoort.
Booking is non-refundable, but confirmation is provided within 48 hours.
Read our full review: Open Vehical Safari in Kruger National Park Half Day Review
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Marloth Park: Kruger National Park Safari Game Drives
Travelers seeking an immersive Kruger National Park safari experience can embark on guided game drives from the charming Marloth Park. Priced from $54.88 per person, these half-day or full-day tours offer the chance to spot the Big 5 and other wildlife.
Knowledgeable guides provide insightful commentary, catering to individual interests. The open safari vehicles ensure comfortable viewing of the stunning savannah landscapes.
Breakfast is provided after 3 hours, and lunch is served for full-day tours. With a high rating of 4.7/5 and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this is an excellent option for an unforgettable Kruger National Park adventure.
Read our full review: Marloth Park: Kruger National Park Safari Game Drives Review
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Kruger National Park Morning Safari 2 People Minimum
Those seeking an immersive Kruger National Park safari can enjoy the Kruger Park Morning Safari, a private tour that requires a minimum of 2 people.
With a 92% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, this tour offers a thrilling experience, including close encounters with the Big 5 and insightful commentary from knowledgeable guides.
Priced at $45.50 per person, the safari includes entrance fees and bottled water, along with free cancellation and rescheduling up to 24 hours before.
While some guests reported missing snacks and unexpected additional fees, the overall guest feedback is overwhelmingly positive, praising the well-organized logistics and the chance to chase wildlife sightings during the early morning safari.
Read our full review: Kruger National Park Morning Safari 2 People Minimum Review
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The Full Day Safari Shared Tour at Kruger National Park offers travelers a comprehensive wildlife experience.
This non-refundable tour provides a full day of exploration in the iconic park. With a maximum of 20 travelers, the tour departs at 5:30 AM, ensuring early access to the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
The tour includes the KNP Conservation Fee and bottled water, and pickup is available from various locations. The tour ends back at the meeting point, providing a seamless experience.
Wheelchair accessibility and infant seats make this tour suitable for a wide range of travelers.
With 24 positive reviews and a 100% recommendation rate, this shared safari tour is a top choice for a memorable Kruger National Park adventure.
Read our full review: Full Day Safari Shared Tour at Kruger National Park Review
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Sunrise Safari
Departing from the Full Day Safari Shared Tour, the Sunrise Safari offers an intimate and immersive wildlife experience in Kruger National Park.
Priced at $62.57 per person, this tour provides early access to the park, allowing visitors to witness the magnificent African sunrise and the active wildlife.
With a maximum of 10 travelers, the small group size ensures a personalized experience.
The tour includes game drives, breakfast, and all necessary fees.
Pickup is available from designated points, and participants are advised to bring essential items like ID, water, and snacks.
The Sunrise Safari promises an unforgettable adventure with its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife sightings.
Read our full review: Sunrise Safari Review
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2-Day Safari Tour in Kruger National Park
Immersing visitors in the breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife of Kruger National Park, the Day Safari Tour offers a captivating two-day adventure. Rated 5.0 by travelers, this tour includes all fees, meals, and alcoholic beverages.
The tour departs from the Paul Kruger Gate at 6 am, with pickup available from nearby hotels and lodges. Accommodating up to 100 participants, the safari is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it suitable for most travelers.
Exploring the diverse ecosystems of Kruger, visitors can expect to spot a wide variety of animals, from the iconic Big Five to numerous bird species.
This comprehensive safari experience provides an unforgettable glimpse into the wonders of South African wildlife.
Read our full review: 2-Day Safari Tour in Kruger National Park Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year for a Safari?
The best time for a safari is typically during the dry season, when wildlife is more easily spotted and the weather is comfortable. This usually falls between May and October in most African safari destinations.
Can I See the Big Five on a Day Tour?
You may be able to see the Big Five on a day tour, but it’s not guaranteed. Many safari companies offer day trips that aim to spot as much wildlife as possible, but sightings depend on factors like animal behavior and location.
Do I Need a Visa to Go on a Safari?
You’ll generally need a visa to go on safari in South Africa. Check with your local embassy or travel agent to determine the specific visa requirements for your nationality and the duration of your stay.
What Kind of Wildlife Can I Expect to See?
Visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife on a safari, including iconic African animals like lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and rhinos. The specific animals seen will depend on the safari location and time of year.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Safari Tours?
Most safari tours don’t have strict age restrictions, but they may recommend that children be at least 6 or 8 years old. Younger kids can sometimes join, but parents should consider their child’s ability to handle the safari experience.
The Sum Up
Mpumalanga offers a wide range of safari tours, from full-day experiences to multi-day adventures in the renowned Kruger National Park. Visitors can explore the diverse wildlife and landscapes on open-vehicle safaris, morning game drives, and shared tours. Whether seeking a quick glimpse or an immersive journey, Mpumalanga’s safari options cater to various preferences and budgets, providing the opportunity to discover the wonders of the South African wilderness.