Greater Kruger Experience
Big Five in private reserves
Your Route
Johannesburg → Sabi Sands / Greater Kruger → Johannesburg
Route Details
Private Game Reserve
Sabi Sands / Timbavati / Klaserie
Private reserves bordering Kruger offer traversing rights and exclusive experiences.
Highlights
- Reliable Big Five viewing
- Off-road driving in private reserves
- Walking safaris and night drives
A Typical Day
Sample from Private Game Reserve
5:30–6:30
Early game drive with coffee
7:00–12:00
Extended drive, brunch in bush
12:00–15:00
Rest at lodge, pool
15:00–18:00
Afternoon game drive
18:00–21:00
Night drive, spotlight for nocturnal species
Activities
Included Activities
Optional (additional cost)
Is This Right for You?
Best for
First-time safari travelers wanting accessible Big Five, families and honeymooners combining with Cape Town, and those prioritizing value and logistics.
Not ideal for
Travelers seeking wilderness remoteness, repeat visitors wanting off-grid, or those specifically drawn to East African landscapes.
Trade-offs
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Best Time to Go
Dry Season
Best game viewing, winter weather (cool nights)
Why This Itinerary Works
Every Vurara Safaris itinerary reflects specific trade-offs. Here is the reasoning behind this route:
5 days balances depth at each location against travel fatigue. Shorter trips sacrifice wildlife time; longer trips face diminishing returns.
Segment order minimizes backtracking and positions high-density wildlife areas at optimal points in the journey.
Mid-range tier balances comfort with value. Private guiding available; camps offer quality without premium positioning.
First-time safari travelers wanting accessible Big Five, families and honeymooners combining with Cape Town, and those prioritizing value and logistics.
Why each segment was chosen:
Private Game Reserve
Private reserve borders allow traversing between properties. Big Five density is predictable.
These decisions are not arbitrary. They reflect documented trade-offs from thousands of safari conversations.
How Vurara Safaris makes decisionsCustomization Options
Accommodation Options
Travel Modes
Available Extensions
Cape Town Extension
Add Cape Town, Winelands, and coast
Panorama Route
Add Blyde River Canyon and scenic drives
Cost Context
$3,000–$6,000/pp
Per person estimate
This cost band represents typical per-person pricing for this itinerary pattern. Actual costs vary based on accommodation tier, travel mode, season, and party size.
Excluding international flights
Related Decisions
Questions to consider before booking