8-Day Johannesburg
& Kruger Safari From City Stories to Bush Thrill

Customizable 8-Day Johannesburg Itinerary

Start This 8-Day Joburg Trip

Experience the complete South African story: deep cultural dives in Joburg and Pretoria, followed by an unforgettable, spectacular Safari adventure in the magnificent Kruger National Park.

This 8-Day Johannesburg & Kruger Safari Tour truly tells the whole South African story, moving from the human history of its cities to the raw, natural history of its wilderness. Eight days is the perfect length to ensure you don’t feel rushed and can fully absorb the profound experiences offered.

8-Day Johannesburg & Kruger Safari, at a Glance

  • Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
  • Perfect for: First-time visitors to South Africa, history buffs, culture lovers, and those prioritizing a comprehensive Safari experience with key city highlights.
  • Key Destinations: Johannesburg (Joburg), Soweto, Maboneng, Sandton, Pretoria, Kruger National Park.
  • Ekuseni Difference: Authentic Experiences and High Flexibility to set your own pace.

Trip Highlights

  • Iconic Wildlife Safari: Spend two full days and a morning on thrilling game drives in Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations.

  • Cultural Immersion: Take an in-depth journey through history at the Apartheid Museum and a respectful tour of Soweto‘s key heritage sites.

  • Urban Contrast: Explore the energetic art scene of the Maboneng Precinct and the modern luxury of Sandton’s Nelson Mandela Square.

  • Political History: Enjoy an excursion to Pretoria to witness South Africa’s administrative capital and its iconic landmarks like the Union Buildings.

  • Primary Transport: Primarily roadtrip for the Kruger transfer (with flying as an optional extra) and flexible, local Gautrain and road transfers within the city.

Johannesburg & Kruger Safari Gallery

Johannesburg & Kruger Safari Itinerary, Day by Day

Day 1: Arrival in Johannesburg - Welcome to 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 accommodation in Johannesburg.

  • Suggested Activity: Settle in and prepare for your city exploration, perhaps enjoying a relaxed dinner at your hotel.

  • Focus: Historical Immersion.

  • Morning: Apartheid Museum. Start the day with a moving and essential visit to the Apartheid Museum to understand the foundational context of the nation’s history.

  • Afternoon: Soweto Tour. Your private guide will take you to Soweto for a respectful tour, covering the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Vilakazi Street (the only street in the world home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners).

  • Evening: Dinner at a local Joburg favourite.

  • Focus: Modern Culture and Commerce.

  • Morning: CBD & Maboneng. Explore the regenerated downtown area before diving into the Maboneng Precinct, a vibrant hub known for street art, galleries, and independent shops.

  • Afternoon: Sandton. Travel north to explore the contemporary face of the city in Sandton, concluding with a relaxed visit to Nelson Mandela Square.

  • Evening: Enjoy dinner in the upscale Sandton area.

  • Focus: Political History, Beautiful Street Views, and Local Cuisine.

  • Primary Transport: Gautrain. Your guide will accompany you as you take the efficient and modern Gautrain from Johannesburg to Pretoria.

    • Optional Transport: A private road trip is available as an optional transfer if preferred for maximum privacy and convenience.

  • Morning: Historical Landmarks. We begin the excursion by visiting two key historical sites that tell the story of South Africa:

    • Voortrekker Monument: A compelling architectural landmark dedicated to the Afrikaans people’s history.

    • Union Buildings: We will visit the gardens and viewpoint of the magnificent official seat of the South African Government (designed by Sir Herbert Baker), where you can view the Nelson Mandela statue. The inauguration of former President Nelson Mandela in 1994, South Africa’s first democratically elected President took place  here.

  • Midday: Capital City Exploration. Your guide will then take you on a drive around the beautiful streets of Pretoria, allowing you to appreciate the city’s impressive architecture and, depending on the season, the breathtaking sight of the Jacaranda trees that give Pretoria its “Jacaranda City” nickname.

  • Lunch Recommendation (Flexible): For lunch, your guide will recommend a unique restaurant or coffee shop in one of Pretoria’s beautiful areas (like Hazelwood or Menlyn). These recommendations will be tailored to your specific interests and budget, offering the opportunity to enjoy local fine dining or a highly-rated coffee experience (e.g., Doppio Zero or a local favorite like Aroma Coffee).

  • Afternoon: After a relaxed meal, we will take the Gautrain (or your optional private road transfer) back to your Johannesburg accommodation.

  • Evening: Enjoy a quiet, early dinner in Johannesburg to ensure you are well-rested for the long journey tomorrow.

  • Focus: Long Road Transfer and Thrilling Game Drive.

  • Morning: Road Transfer to Kruger. After an early breakfast, your private road transfer will commence the scenic journey to the Kruger area. This drive is approximately 5 to 6 hours and is a relaxing way to watch the landscape change from urban sprawl to rustic bushveld.

    • Optional Flight: For those who wish to maximize time, a flight transfer from JNB to a Kruger area airport (MQP or a local airstrip) can be arranged as an optional extra.

  • Afternoon: Arrival and Introductory Safari. Upon arrival at your lodge/private game reserve entrance (or the nearest meeting point), you will immediately join an open-sided Safari vehicle. Without checking in, you will embark on a dedicated 3 to 4-hour introductory game drive.

  • Late Afternoon: Check in at your Safari lodge accommodation, settle in, and prepare for dinner, already having had a taste of the African wilderness!

  • Focus: Wildlife Tracking.

  • All Day: This is a full day dedicated to the Safari. The day is built around an early morning game drive (prime viewing time), a relaxed brunch back at the lodge, and an afternoon/sunset game drive.

  • Experience: Your experienced ranger will track the Big Five and share deep knowledge of the bush ecosystem.

  • Focus: Last Game Drive and Return to City.

  • Morning: Enjoy one final, short but potent Safari game drive in the cool morning air. This is often the best time to see predators like lions returning from a night hunt.

  • Mid-Morning: Return to the lodge for a final breakfast before your private road transfer takes you back to Johannesburg (JNB). This long transfer allows for comfortable breaks and reflection on your journey.

  • Evening: Check back into your Joburg accommodation and enjoy a relaxed dinner.

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: 7 Nights’ accommodation (4 in Joburg, 3 at the Kruger area lodge) in mid-range or high-end settings tailored to your specific budget.

  • Transport (Primary): All private road transfers in and around Johannesburg. Private Road Trip Transfer for the round trip between Johannesburg and the Kruger area (Day 5 and Day 7).

  • Transport (Local): Local public transport fees, specifically for the Gautrain used for the Day 4 Pretoria Excursion.

  • Safari Activity: Three full-day Safari experiences (game drives) plus the dedicated 3 to 4-hour introductory game drive on Day 5, all in open-sided vehicles.

  • Activities & Fees: Entrance fees for the Apartheid Museum, Soweto Tour, Voortrekker Monument, Kruger National Park conservation fees, and the services of all local expert guides.

  • Meals: Daily breakfast in Johannesburg. Full board (all meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner) included during the 3-night Safari lodge stay.

Price Excludes

  • Flights: International flights to and from JNB.

  • Optional Transport: The optional flight transfer between Johannesburg and the Kruger area.

  • Meals & Drinks: All lunches and dinners while in Johannesburg (allowing you maximum flexibility in the city), and most drinks (alcohol, premium brand items) at the Kruger lodge.

  • Day 4 Lunch: Lunch/Dining costs during the Pretoria Excursion (allowing you to choose your own recommended restaurant).

  • Gratuities & Insurance: Tips for your guides, drivers, and lodge staff, and personal travel/medical insurance (which is highly recommended).

Start 8-Day Johannesburg & Kruger Safari

This isn’t a fixed, off-the-shelf package; it’s the perfect blueprint for a eight-day trip in Johannesburg with a Kruger Safari 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 primary transport method from Johannesburg to Kruger, and how long does it take?

The primary transfer method for this 8-Day Johannesburg & Kruger Safari Tour is a private road trip transfer, which takes approximately 5 to 6 hours each way. This is a great way to see the landscape change. We offer an efficient flight transfer from JNB to a Kruger area airport ( which takes between 50 minutes to 1 hour and 10minutes) as an optional upgrade.

We recommend the Gautrain because it is a safe, efficient, and modern rail service that provides a true local experience of Gauteng’s successful infrastructure. It adds flexibility to your schedule and is environmentally conscious, aligning with responsible travel principles.

Days 5 and 6 are built around the optimal wildlife viewing times. Day 5 includes an immediate 3-4 hour introductory game drive upon arrival. Day 6 includes both an early morning and a late afternoon/sunset game drive. This maximizes your chances of spotting the Big Five.

Absolutely. All the mid-range to high-end lodges we partner with are accustomed to catering to various dietary needs. It is essential to inform us of your specific requirements at the time of booking your 8-Day Johannesburg & Kruger Safari Tour so we can notify the lodge in advance

All major credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely accepted in Johannesburg, Sandton, and most lodges. We recommend using ATMs inside banks, shopping malls, or the airport for cash withdrawals. Your guide will always advise on secure practices.

Is Kruger National Park a malaria area, and what precautions should I take?

Yes, Kruger National Park is considered a low-risk malaria area, particularly during the summer rainy months (October to April). We strongly recommend consulting your doctor or a reputable travel health site (like the CDC or UK FCDO) for the latest advice on prophylactics and insect repellent before you travel.

The Union Buildings grounds and gardens are generally open to the public to visit, and the Voortrekker Monument is fully accessible (with an entrance fee). We always ensure we check the most current information regarding public access via official sources before your trip begins.

Yes. Safety is our top priority. All our city tours, including those to Soweto and the Maboneng Precinct, are conducted with private, certified local guides using secure transport. You are always traveling with a trusted friend from Ekuseni, ensuring a safe and authentic experience.

While Ekuseni does not sell insurance, we strongly recommend all guests purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, cancellation, and curtailment, especially for a multi-faceted journey like the 8-Day Johannesburg & Kruger Safari Tour that involves city, road, and wildlife travel.

Absolutely, yes. This 8-Day Johannesburg & Kruger Safari Tour is excellent for families as it provides a perfect mix of cultural education (museums/Soweto) and fun, thrilling experiences (Safari). We specifically choose mid-range to high-end lodges in the Kruger area that offer family-friendly accommodation and often have dedicated activities suitable for older children.