7-Day Joburg to Kruger Road Trip Safari
via Panorama Route

Customizable 7-Day Johannesburg to Kruger Itinerary

Start a 7-Day Joburg Trip

Embrace the journey! Travel from Johannesburg to the Big Five of Kruger National Park on a breathtaking 7-Day Joburg to Kruger Road Trip Safari that tackles the spectacular cliffs and canyons of the Panorama Route.

This is for the traveler who appreciates the details of the landscape. Unlike a quick flight, this journey gives you an organic, geographical understanding of South Africa.

7-Day Joburg to Kruger Road Trip, at a Glance

  • Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
  • Perfect for: Guests who love road trips, nature photographers, couples, and those who want to combine the majestic scenery of the Blyde River Canyon with a classic Safari experience.
  • Key Destinations: Johannesburg (Joburg), Graskop/Hazyview Area, Panorama Route (Three Rondavels, God's Window), Kruger National Park, Sandton.
  • Ekuseni Difference: The ultimate scenic drive. We treat the transfer as part of the tour, ensuring you see all the major highlights of the Panorama Route (Blyde River Canyon, Three Rondavels) at a relaxed pace before diving into your high-quality Safari.

Trip Highlights

  • Iconic Road Trip: Journey across the Great Escarpment from Johannesburg on a stunning Road Trip to the Lowveld.

  • Blyde River Canyon: Spend a full day exploring the magnificent Blyde River Canyon, one of the world’s largest canyons, including views of the famous Three Rondavels.

  • Geological Wonders: Visit unique natural features like Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the sweeping views from God’s Window (weather permitting).

  • Classic Wildlife Safari: Two full days and an early morning dedicated to game drives in Kruger National Park, maximizing your Big Five sighting opportunities.

  • Urban Bookends: Flexible time in Johannesburg and a visit to Sandton’s Mandela Square to bridge the gap between the bush and the city.

Trip Gallery

Itinerary Day by Day: City, Scenery, and Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Johannesburg - The City of Gold

  • Focus: Arrival and Settling In.

  • Your arrival day is left free for flexible settling in. Your private road transfer will meet you at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) and take you to your Johannesburg accommodation.

  • Suggested Activity: Settle in and have a consultation with your private guide to discuss the next day’s Road Trip plan, including any specific scenic stops you might want to make.

  • Focus: The Journey to the Lowveld.

  • Morning: After an early breakfast, we begin the exciting Road Trip east from Johannesburg toward the Panorama Route area (approximately 4-5 hours driving time).

  • Route Highlights: This journey takes us through the vast Highveld before climbing into the Mpumalanga province. We will include a key comfort stop at a place like ALZU Petroport, where you may spot animals grazing in the nearby reserve.

  • Afternoon: Arrive in the charming Panorama Route town of Graskop or Hazyview and check into your accommodation, positioning you perfectly for tomorrow’s scenic drive.

  • Focus: Full Day on the Panorama Route.

  • All Day: A dedicated day exploring the famous sights of the Panorama Route. Your private road trip continues along the Escarpment.

  • Highlights: We will visit Bourke’s Luck Potholes (a geological wonder), the spectacular Three Rondavels Viewpoint over the Blyde River Canyon, and potentially God’s Window or one of the many dramatic waterfalls (like Lisbon or Berlin Falls), depending on weather and time.

  • Evening: Enjoy a local dinner in the Panorama Route area, surrounded by the cool mountain air, preparing for the final short drive to the Safari zone tomorrow.

  • Focus: Transition to Wildlife.

  • Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before your short Road Trip transfer from the Panorama Route area to your Safari lodge near Kruger National Park (approximately 1.5 – 2 hours).

  • Afternoon: Introductory Safari. Check into your private lodge or designated accommodation and have time for a relaxed lunch. You will then depart on your first exciting afternoon game drive in an open-sided vehicle.

  • Evening: Settle in and enjoy your first dinner in the bushveld, listening to the sounds of the African night.

  • Focus: Big Five Tracking.

  • All Day: This is your full day dedicated to the Safari. The day is structured around the animals’ activity: an exhilarating early morning game drive followed by a mid-day rest, and a final, long afternoon/sunset game drive.

  • Experience: With an experienced local ranger, you will explore the vast plains and riverbeds, tracking the Big Five and experiencing the full biodiversity of Kruger.

  • Focus: Farewell Safari & City Re-entry.

  • Morning: Your last opportunity for a Safari, a short but critical early morning game drive.

  • Mid-Morning: Return to the lodge for a final breakfast before commencing the long Road Trip back to Johannesburg (approximately 5-6 hours).

  • Late Afternoon: Sandton. Upon arrival back in Joburg, we will stop at Sandton’s Nelson Mandela Square for a celebratory moment and some photos before proceeding to your nearby accommodation.

Your private road transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you directly to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) for your departure flight.

What's Included and Excluded?

Price Includes

  • Accommodation: 6 Nights’ accommodation (2 in Joburg area, 1 on Panorama Route, 2 at Kruger area lodge, 1 in Joburg area) in mid-range or high-end options based on your budget.

  • Transport: All private Road Trip transfers for the entire duration, including airport pick-up/drop-off (JNB), the scenic drive to Kruger via the Panorama Route, and the return drive.

  • Safari Activity: Two full-day Safari experiences (game drives) and the crucial final morning game drive in Kruger National Park.

  • Activities & Fees: All entrance fees and conservation levies for Kruger National Park and all access fees for viewing points along the Panorama Route (e.g., Three Rondavels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes).

  • Meals: Daily breakfast throughout the trip. Full board (all meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner) is included during the 2-night Safari lodge stay.

Price Excludes

  • Flights: International and domestic flights.

  • Meals & Drinks: All lunches and dinners while in Johannesburg/on the Panorama Route, allowing flexibility (except during the two-night Safari stay).

  • Optional Activities: Optional activities such as hot air ballooning or specialized walking safaris in the Kruger area.

  • Gratuities & Insurance: Tips for your guides/drivers/rangers, and mandatory personal travel insurance.

Start 7-Day Joburg to Kruger Road Trip

This isn’t a fixed, off-the-shelf package; it’s the perfect blueprint for a seven-day trip in Johannesburg and Kruger National Park via Panorama Route, we’ll tailor specifically to your budget, style, and preferred mid-range or high-end accommodations. 

Let’s start the conversation.

Common Questions, Expert Answers

What is the total road driving time for this trip?

The total direct driving time between Joburg and the Kruger area is roughly 5-6 hours. However, your Road Trip is spaced over two days to allow a full day for the scenic stops on the Panorama Route, ensuring the travel is comfortable and enjoyable.

Since this is an Ekuseni tour, all transport is handled by our expert private drivers. We do not offer self-drive services. Our professionally guided Road Trip ensures your safety, maximizes sightseeing, and frees you to focus entirely on the scenery and Safari.

The views, particularly at places like God’s Window, are spectacular but are highly weather-dependent. Your private driver will use real-time local knowledge and flexibility to maximize your chances of clear views, adjusting the schedule as needed.

Kruger National Park is classified as a malaria area, particularly during the warmer, wetter months (September to May). We strongly advise consulting your doctor about prophylactic medication and always using insect repellent, especially at dusk.

General speed limits are 120 km/h on major freeways and 100 km/h on rural (secondary) roads. Your professional driver adheres strictly to all posted limits, prioritizing your safety and comfort throughout the Road Trip.

What type of vehicles are used for the road trip versus the game drives?

The Road Trip is conducted in a comfortable, modern, and air-conditioned private vehicle (SUV or sedan). The actual Safari game drives inside Kruger are always conducted in specialized open-sided 4×4 vehicles for the best viewing experience.

Yes, absolutely. Ekuseni offers high flexibility. Since this is a private Road Trip, your itinerary can be customized. Your guide can include brief, personalized stops at charming towns like Dullstroom, provided it does not compromise the Day 3 activity schedule.

Yes. We select mid-range to high-end lodges and guesthouses along the route and in the Kruger area that specifically offer spacious family units or interleading rooms, ensuring comfort and quality for all members of the family.

The Panorama Route area offers unique dining options. You can expect to find great South African comfort food, excellent grilled meat (braai), and local specialties, particularly around Graskop, which is famous for its pancakes.

Since we use private vehicles, we have more flexibility than flying, but we recommend guests use soft-sided bags if possible, as they pack much more easily into the Safari vehicles and lodge storage spaces.