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5-Day Kruger National Park Bush and Zebra Safari

Kruger National Park, South Africa

5-Day Kruger National Park Bush and Zebra Safari

5.0 / 5 · 23 reviews Offered by Ku Sungula Safari Lodge 5-Day

Overview

This 5--day package provides an adventurous safari experience in the Balule Private Nature Reserve and Kruger National Park. You will enjoy a stay at the luxury Ku Sungula Safari Lodge, situated within the Kruger National Park. During your visit, a knowledgeable guide will navigate the open safari vehicle, sharing his expertise about the local wildlife and the surrounding bush.

Plan snapshot

Quick Facts

Tour details

Duration

5-Day

Route

Johannesburg to Johannesburg

Via Balule NR, Kruger NP

Country & park

South Africa / Kruger National Park

Style

Safari

Group size

1-12 travelers

Starts

Any day if available

Minimum age

8 years

Activities

game drives, evening/night game drives & walking safaris (with an armed guide)

Accommodation

Ku Sungula Safari Lodge - Luxury lodge inside Balule NR (Greater Kruger)

Meals

Day 1: Lunch & Dinner Included; Day 2-4: All Meals Included; Breakfast Included

Pickup

Airport transfer included

Booking

Request quote

Currency

ZAR

5-Day Kruger National Park Bush and Zebra Safari
Kruger National Park visual context for this itinerary.

Rates

Rates Per Person

ZAR

Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026 n/a* ZAR R 32,161 ZAR
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027 n/a* ZAR R 35,508 ZAR

Before booking

Important To Know

This tour is not available to solo travelers or groups larger than 10 people.
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 8 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
Request a Quote

Route

Tour route map
country South Africa
Start Johannesburg (Day 1)
Day 1 Balule NR (Greater Kruger)
Day 2 Kruger NP
Day 3-5 Balule NR (Greater Kruger)
End Johannesburg (Day 5)

Tour Features

Luxury tour

This luxury tour uses lodges.

Private tour

This tour will be organized exclusively for you. However, wildlife viewing activities are run by the lodges/camps and will be shared with others.

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 solo travelers

Solo travelers cannot book this private tour.

8
Minimum age of 8 years

The minimum age for this tour is 8 years.

Activities & Transportation

Activities: game drives, evening/night game drives & walking safaris (with an armed guide)
Game drives: open-sided 4x4 vehicle
Getting around: open-sided 4x4 vehicle & minivan
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

Ku Sungula Safari Lodge

Day 1-4

Ku Sungula Safari Lodge

Luxury lodge inside Balule NR (Greater Kruger)

Day 1: Lunch & Dinner Included; Day 2-4: All Meals Included

Ku Sungula Safari LodgeKu Sungula Safari LodgeKu Sungula Safari Lodge

Day 5

End of tour

No accommodation

(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.

OR Tambo International Airport to Balule Private Nature Reserve

Day 1

OR Tambo International Airport to Balule Private Nature Reserve

Today, your adventure begins! Upon your arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, a driver from our partner, Swift Kruger Shuttles, will be waiting for you at the bus terminal. The pickup time is 7:45am local time. The shuttle will take approximately six hours to reach the Olifants West Gate, where one of our guides will be ready to escort you to Ku Sungula Safari Lodge. After a warm welcome, you will check in and enjoy a delicious lunch followed by some relaxation time. In the afternoon, our guide and tracker will take you on your first exciting game drive! Be sure to have your camera and binoculars ready as the game drives go off-road to bring you as close as possible to the animals. Once you return to the lodge, a delightful dinner will be waiting for you. Luxury lodge located inside Balule NR (Greater Kruger) Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Destination: Balule Private Nature Reserve (Greater Kruger) Stay: Ku Sungula Safari Lodge Luxury lodge located inside Balule NR (Greater Kruger) Meals: Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Meet the Big Five in the Kruger National Park

Day 2

Meet the Big Five in the Kruger National Park

The park is calling, or perhaps it is the adventure that beckons! Either way, today is the day for a real experience. After resting from your flight and your first adventure, you wake up early to visit the stunning Olifants West Nature Reserve. After enjoying coffee, you leave the lodge and drive straight into the wilderness. What could be rustling in the tall grass? You will likely encounter the legendary Big Five during your thrilling drive through the beautiful landscapes. Watch for buffaloes, leopards, elephants, lions and rhinos. But there is so much more to discover! The park boasts a diverse array of birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and even trees. You will be amazed! After the morning safari, you return to the lodge for a delicious breakfast. In the afternoon, you set off on another spectacular game drive that extends into the evening twilight. Enjoy the wind in your hair as you drive, take in the breathtaking views, and appreciate the beauty that South Africa has to offer. Luxury lodge located inside Balule NR (Greater Kruger) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Destination: Kruger National Park Stay: Ku Sungula Safari Lodge Luxury lodge located inside Balule NR (Greater Kruger) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Explore the Wilderness and Spot Wildlife in Olifants West Nature Reserve

Day 3

Explore the Wilderness and Spot Wildlife in Olifants West Nature Reserve

You wake up to the sound of birds chirping. Wait, is that a zebra in the distance? A new day has dawned at the Olifants West Nature Reserve, and you are up early, ready for another morning safari. Alongside your guide, you head towards the sunrise, hopeful that you might spot the special white rhino. The guide shares fascinating insights about the park, including its remarkable geology. Did you know that some rocks here are over 3 billion years old, making them the oldest in the world? After your morning adventure, you return to the lodge, where the aroma of a delicious breakfast welcomes you. After lunch, it is time for the second game drive of the day. Refreshed and recharged, you are eager to discover new species and areas of the reserve. Watching the mesmerizing sunset over the reserve, you enjoy snacks and drinks. When the drive comes to an end, you return to the lodge, filled with memories of another incredible day. Luxury lodge located inside Balule NR (Greater Kruger) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Destination: Balule Private Nature Reserve (Greater Kruger) Stay: Ku Sungula Safari Lodge Luxury lodge located inside Balule NR (Greater Kruger) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Thrilling Adventure in Olifants West Nature Reserve

Day 4

Thrilling Adventure in Olifants West Nature Reserve

You know you cannot leave Africa without seeing elephants, and that is exactly what we are looking for today! Our plan includes not one but two exhilarating game drives in the Olifants West Nature Reserve, home to elephants and much more. As the early morning sun paints the horizon in hues of gold, we will depart from the lodge to the Olifants River Valley within the reserve. Tucked away along the western border of Kruger National Park, this piece of paradise awaits us. Get ready to be spellbound by the breathtaking landscapes, untouched wilderness, and diverse array of wildlife that inhabit this area. Be sure to keep quiet so you can fully experience the interactions between the animals, from the haunting calls of hyenas to the thunderous roars of lions. You will have a great chance to spot big cats during this time. With adrenaline still coursing through your veins, you will return to the lodge for dinner. What an incredible day! Luxury lodge located inside Balule NR (Greater Kruger) All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Destination: Balule Private Nature Reserve (Greater Kruger) Stay: Ku Sungula Safari Lodge Luxury lodge located inside Balule NR (Greater Kruger) Meals: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Dive into the Wilderness with a Morning Bush Walk

Day 5

Dive into the Wilderness with a Morning Bush Walk

Wake up early to greet the new day with a bush walk. In the morning, you will go on a final safari on foot, accompanied by an experienced and armed guide. During the walk, the guide will share their knowledge as you take in the scent of crushed wild grass while navigating through the bushes. You will learn about tracking, animal behavior, and the ecosystem of the bush. Experience the aroma and flavor of wild herbs, discover traditional customs, and explore the smaller wonders of the bush. After the morning safari, a hearty breakfast will await you at the lodge. Then, it is time to say goodbye. The shuttle bus to OR Tambo International Airport departs around 9:40am, and you can expect to arrive in Johannesburg between 5:00pm and 6:00pm. From there, your connecting flight home will leave, and you will land the next day with a suitcase full of wonderful memories. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Destination: Balule Private Nature Reserve (Greater Kruger) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other 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)

Drinking water (On all days)

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)

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
Ku Sungula Safari Lodge
Ku Sungula Safari Lodge logo

Offered by

Ku Sungula Safari Lodge

5.0 operator rating 23 reviews

Ku Sungula Safari Lodge is a small scale lodge in Greater Kruger Park South Africa (Olifants West Private Nature Reserve Balule) in the middle of the Big 5 area, open with Kruger National Park. Feel part of the Ku Sungula Family and let us host your perfect safari adventure! Your stay with us is an unique, personalized adventure that offers you detailed insight into the complex and fascinating ecosystem of the South African bush.

Offices In

South Africa, Netherlands

Size

10-20 employees (Founded in 2015)

Tour Types

Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day

Destinations

South Africa

Traveler feedback

Reviews

5.00 average

Overall

5.0/5

Communication

5.0/5

Accuracy

5.0/5

Value

5.0/5

Safety clarity

5.0/5

Cultural value

5.0/5
Verified

Wow! All I can say is it was perfect!

Wow! All I can say is it was perfect! Planning a dream safari is overwhelming! We researched safaribookings.com and got multiple quotes before ultimately choosing one from Anne at Ku Sungula. So glad we did! We were sold on the intimate private lodge setting and ideal location within greater Kruger. Anne helped us find just the right itinerary (5 day bush and lion) and arranged all the logistics in advance so we could have a stress free time. Safari exceeded all our expectations. From the moment we were greeted upon arrival until departure everyone treated us so well! The people, facility, service, food and of course the game drives were all excellent! My only regret is not booking a longer stay! (I literally cried when we had to leave and they gave us our special going away treat!). We had a lot to celebrate as a family this year and couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend time together. Thank you for the wonderful memories! Can’t wait to come back!

Photo by Joe
Photo by Joe
Photo by Joe
Photo by Joe

Joe · United States

Verified

Our amazing experience Ku Sungula Lodge, 100% recommended esp first timers

Our stay at Ku Sungula Lodge was more than amazing! Thanks to Anne for organising our trip and very responsive in all our communications from the very beginning which really put our mind at ease. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with such warmth and genuine hospitality by the front of house team and the owner, Yolanda and manager Moses. From our guides, Sam, John, DJ and Confident, to the amazing FOH team, esp. Trinity, Thim and the amazing chef Li and our housekeeper - every single person we met made us feel right at home. The game drives were unforgettable. We never felt unsafe while traveling in the open vehicles with our guides. We were lucky enough to see an incredible variety of animals, all of the big 5 and more (except for the male lion - which added another reason for us to come back for 'em bad boys). Thanks to our experienced and passionate guides, we didn’t just see them — we truly learned about them, their behaviors, and the bush they call home. It was both thrilling and deeply enriching. The bush walk gave us another dimension that the game drives could not cover and was a super fun and educational experience that we could never forget (esp the 'special seed' spitting contest lol). The food was another highlight! Every meal was a delight, thanks to the talented chef Li who crafted delicious dishes with so much care and love. Dining under the stars after a day of adventure made it all feel even more special. Our room was always spotless, thanks to the wonderful housekeeping team. A special thank you to the housekeeper who kept everything neat and tidy throughout our stay — we truly appreciated your care and attention to detail. The staff were also incredibly accommodating and quick to help with any small changes or requests we had, always with a smile. We’re so grateful for the entire team — each and every one of you played a part in making this trip so memorable. Ku Sungula Lodge is a place we’ll always hold close to our hearts, and we can’t wait to return one day.

Amy N. · Australia

Verified

A Small Lodge delivering a huge experience.

Staying at Ku Sungula Safari Lodge was an experience beyond anything I could have imagined—it was pure magic from start to finish. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with warm smiles and a refreshing drink. What truly sets this lodge apart is the staff. The guides were not only incredibly knowledgeable but also passionate about the land and its wildlife. Each game drive was a thrilling adventure, packed with sightings of the Big Five and narrated with stories and facts that brought the bush to life. If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime escape that stirs your soul, reconnects you with nature, and wraps you in world-class luxury, Ku Sungula Safari Lodge is it. I left with memories I’ll cherish forever—and a deep desire to return.

Photo by Michael
Photo by Michael
Photo by Michael
Photo by Michael

Michael · United States

Verified

Ku Sungula Safari Lodge is Awesome!

We booked a stay at Ku Sungula safari lodge last minute and couldn't have been happier with our stay! To start, Anne was fantastic with our last minute booking - making it so easy! From the moment we arrived at the Hoedspruit airport and were collected by DJ, we knew we had made the right choice for a safari lodge! Once at the property, all of the staff were amazing, friendly and professional! The property and our rondavel guest house was awesome - complete with outdoor shower (que the elephant passing by!) and adjacent private outdoor living area. The food was great and plentiful! WiFi available and good! The star of the experience was the game drives we did morning and late afternoon/evening! With Confidence (Coffee) driving and DJ spotting/tracking we had a fantastic time! They were a great team, allowing ample time for photos and asking the guests what they wanted to see or attempt to see on each drive. The open top/open side Toyota Land Cruisers were comfortable able to go anywhere! Blankets and/or ponchos were provided as needed. We were able to get up close and personal with lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes, a leopard, rhinos and hippos - just to mention the big ones! Coffee also was great about pointing out smaller critters and birds as well as sharing information about the different trees & bushes and how they are used by the local tribal people - she was a wealth of information! DJ was a fantastic tracker/spotter and I know we were able to see more because of his expertise! Many of the game vehicles from the various lodges in the area talk to each other on the radio to share locations/sightings - what we noticed is that we were almost always first at an animal location - because these guys are the best! Anyway, I wholeheartedly recommend the Ku Sungula safari lodge! This is an amazing team of guest oriented people - you will have a fantastic experience! Brent Eagle, Colorado, USA Stayed April 21-24 (4 days/3 nights), 2025

Photo by Brent
Photo by Brent
Photo by Brent

Brent · United States

Practical answers

Tour FAQs

8 answers

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 8 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?

Ku Sungula Safari Lodge - Luxury lodge inside Balule NR (Greater Kruger). Meals: Day 1: Lunch & Dinner Included; Day 2-4: 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

Booking terms

Disclaimer

This tour is offered by Ku Sungula Safari Lodge, 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.

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.

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