Duration
3-Day
Accra, South Africa
3-Day Mid Range Big-5 Private Game Reserve Experience
Overview
This luxury Private Big 5 Game Reserve safari experience is designed for the discerning traveler with limited time available. You'll stay in luxurious accommodation in a Big 5 Private Game Reserve in proximity to the Greater Kruger National Park. You'll start and end your days with incredible wildlife sightings on sunrise and sunset game drives in beautiful bushveld surrounds.
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Johannesburg to Johannesburg
Via Karongwe GR
Country & park
South Africa
Style
Mid-range shared safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
6 years
Activities
game drives
Accommodation
Karongwe River Lodge - Mid-range lodge inside Karongwe GR (Greater Kruger)
Meals
Day 1: Dinner Included; Day 2: All Meals Included; Breakfast Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
ZAR
Solo travelers
Can join this group tour
Rates
Rates Per Person
ZAR
Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
n/a* ZAR
R 27,104 ZAR
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
n/a* ZAR
R 29,271 ZAR
Before booking
Important To Know
This tour is not available to single travelers.
This group tour requires a minimum of 2 people to run.
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is offered in South African Rand (ZAR).
This tour accepts children who are 6 years and older.
Quote flow
Request Guidance
We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators ()
Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Route
country
South Africa
Start
Johannesburg (Day 1)
Day 1-3
Karongwe GR (Greater Kruger)
End
Johannesburg (Day 3)
Tour Features
Mid-range tour
This mid-range tour uses lodges.
Shared tour
On this shared tour, you will join a group of other travelers. Max 10 people per vehicle.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can be customized
You can request changes to this tour.
Not for single travelers
Single travelers cannot join this group tour and it requires a minimum of 2 people to run.
6
Minimum age of 6 years
The minimum age for this tour is 6 years.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: game drives
Game drives: open-sided 4x4 vehicle
Getting around: minivan & normal 4x4 vehicle
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1-2
Karongwe River Lodge
Mid-range lodge inside Karongwe GR (Greater Kruger)
Day 1: Dinner Included; Day 2: All Meals Included
Day 3
End of tour
(No accommodation)
Breakfast Included
Day By Day
Tour step
Arrival
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Road Transfer to The Karongwe Private Big 5 Game Reserve
Departing from OR Tambo Airport at 07:00 am for the shuttle transfer to Hoedspruit, where you will be met for the onward transfer to the Karongwe Private Game Reserve overlooking the majestic Drakensberg mountain range in the Limpopo Province. Karongwe is set apart from similar properties by the extraordinary lengths they are willing to go to in order to ensure that your stay with them is a memorable experience. The day will be rounded off with a sunset safari and sundowner drinks in the African bushveld. Mid-range lodge located inside Karongwe GR (Greater Kruger) Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Karongwe Private Game Reserve (Greater Kruger) Stay: Karongwe River Lodge Mid-range lodge located inside Karongwe GR (Greater Kruger) Meals: Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included) Drinks not included
Day 2
Sunrise and Sunset Safaris
A pre-dawn departure in time to view the spectacular sunrise in the bushveld whilst being surrounded by the awakening bird songs and sounds of the bush. Accompanied by your guide, on board the open-top 4×4 game viewing vehicle, you will experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of the thrills of off-roading inside the private reserve in pursuit of the legendary Big Five species within the concession. Breakfast will be served on the deck, followed by a midday lunch. 3:30 pm sees the start of your next 3-hour sunset safari in search of the elusive species that have evaded you thus far. After sundowners, the search for nocturnal animals, especially the predators that begin their patrols searching for prey, continues. A wide variety of nocturnal animals, such as leopards, hyenas, serval, porcupines, bush babies, and genets, may be found. On returning to the lodge after your safari dinner will be served in the central dining hall or boma area. Mid-range lodge located inside Karongwe GR (Greater Kruger) All meals included Drinks not included
Destination: Karongwe Private Game Reserve (Greater Kruger) Stay: Karongwe River Lodge Mid-range lodge located inside Karongwe GR (Greater Kruger) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Day 3
Sunrise Safari and Farewell Road Trip
Your final early sunrise morning safari at Karongwe Game Reserve before we say our goodbyes to the guides and trackers as you head off for a hearty breakfast overlooking the riverbed, whilst hoping to see your last sighting of an elephant playing in the mud wallows or a leopard just passing by before you head off for the nearest airport or a road transfer back to OR Tambo Airport, Johannesburg. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Karongwe Private Game Reserve (Greater Kruger) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Tour step
End of tour
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Included
Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Excluded
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinks
Getting There
This tour starts and ends in Johannesburg
This operator can select your international flights, but you'll have to book them yourself
Fly to/from O.R. Tambo Airport (JNB - Check price) in Johannesburg
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Offered by
Elephant Herd Tours & Safaris
5.0 operator rating
216 reviews
Elephant Herd Tours and Safaris is a privately owned and managed safari tour operator based in Hazyview, Mpumalanga South Africa, a mere 10km from the Kruger National Park’s doorstep. As a specialist open safari vehicle tour operator offering guided tours into the world renowned Kruger National Park, our professionally trained field guides will offer you an insight into the vast biodiversity that the Kruger Park has to offer. We believe in showcasing the Kruger Park in all its splendor
Office In
South Africa
Size
5-10 employees (Founded in 2000)
Member Of
SATSA & MISA
Tour Types
Customizable private tours and fixed group tours
Destinations
Eswatini, South Africa, Zimbabwe
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5Trip of a lifetime!
We got to see all of the big 5 animals with our guide in Kruger, who was dedicated to finding amazing animal encounters. We had several experiences where it was just us and maybe one other car because our guide spotted the animals or got us to the location where an animal was spotted quickly. Everything was prompt and professional. Communication was great. Highly recommend!
JD · United States
Wonderful
Elephant herd customized the perfect trip for my family. Excellent service and great safari experiences for a very reasonable cost. Highly recommend!
Donna · United States
Good
I dont remember the guide‘s name but the tour was 10/10
Fabian · Germany
very correct, professional, modern and great safaritour-organization !
The guide, driver Trevor was a great and lovely funny man! He knew a lot about the animals and showed us the big 5! It was a wonderfull day in a perfect car from a magnificent organization !
Marc Franck · Belgium
Practical answers
Tour FAQs
Are rates charged per person?
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
Which currency is this tour priced in?
This tour is offered in South African Rand (ZAR).
Can children join this tour?
This tour accepts children who are 6 years and older.
Can this tour start on my preferred date?
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can the itinerary be customized?
You can request changes to this tour.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
Karongwe River Lodge - Mid-range lodge inside Karongwe GR (Greater Kruger). Meals: Day 1: Dinner Included; Day 2: All Meals Included
Where does this tour start and end?
This tour starts and ends in Johannesburg
Are airport transfers included?
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Operator policy
Terms and Conditions
Disclaimer
This tour is offered by Elephant Herd Tours & Safaris, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
This group tour requires a minimum of 2 people to run.
The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Elephant Herd Tours & Safaris.
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