Want to go on a South African Safari but have no idea which reserve to visit? Having visited several National Parks and Reserves in South Africa, I’m here to help!
Each park and reserve offers something completely different, with the opportunity to spot a variety of species. But not all locations have everything you’re looking for, which is why carefully planning an itinerary, and including multiple reserves is the way to go.
Greater Kruger National Park is South Africa’s largest wildlife area (not to mention one of the biggest in the world!) and contains more species of large mammals than any other African game reserve. Pretty impressive, right?
It’s my personal favourite safari location in South Africa, not only due to the large numbers of animals you can see, but because it has a genuinely wild feel due to not having fences between the reserves.
Greater Kruger is right up there with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.
Ten days lets you spend three nights in three different private Greater Kruger game reserves: Timbavati, Manyeleti, and Sabi Sand, with enough time to give you a good chance to spot every animal on your wish list, as well as actually getting to enjoy the facilities at your lodge.
I’ve carefully selected the reserves in this itinerary to make sure you have the best chance of seeing the Big Five as well as other iconic species, such as African wild dogs and cheetahs.
I’ve also considered travel time between the reserves to ensure you maximise your time on safari.
Each reserve in this itinerary is renowned for different species.
Our first stop, Timbavati is famous for its indigenous white lions and over 40 mammal species, while Manyeleti’s open plains make it one of the best places to see cheetahs. Finally, saving my favourite till last, Sabi Sand holds the highest leopard density surveyed in South Africa, at a whopping 12.2 per 100 km2!
After several visits and, most recently, spending 30 days on safari in South Africa, I’ve perfected this 10-Day South Africa itinerary to show you all of what South Africa has to offer, as well as giving you the most ‘bang for your buck’.
I’m going to give you an idea of how much it will cost, the best time to visit and how to find the best safari tour company.
As I walk you through the itinerary, I’ll share tips, tricks and how to avoid some of the mistakes I’ve made.
I’ve also spoken at length with my favourite South Africa guides, as well as conducting copious amounts of additional research to ensure you receive everything you need to know to have the ultimate 10-Day South Africa safari.
It’s easy to focus only on the fun stuff when planning the trip of a lifetime, but I’ll make sure your itinerary includes the practicalities too, like allowing time to navigate rough roads or building in moments to relax. These details often make all the difference.
Key Takeaways
- Trip Duration: 10 days across three reserves.
- Budget Range: $3,000-$10,000 per person.
- Best Time to Visit: April-October (dry season)
- Key Destinations: Timbavati, Manyeleti, Sabi Sand
- Wildlife Highlights: Big Five, white lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs
- Average Transfer Time: 1-2 hours between reserves
- Difficulty Level: Easy, lodge-based
South Africa 10-Day Safari Itinerary Map
Below is the route map for my recommended 10-day South Africa itinerary. We’ll cover this itinerary in detail in this guide.
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Why Go on Safari in South Africa?
South Africa offers some of the finest Big Five viewing in Africa, especially within private reserves in the Greater Kruger ecosystem. These reserves provide off-road game drives, night drives, and walking safaris that public parks cannot match.
A 10-day safari across Timbavati, Manyeleti, and Sabi Sand gives you three distinct wilderness experiences, and the opportunity to come face to face with South Africa’s most iconic species, in one of the largest conservation areas on the continent.
Easy Access to Greater Kruger from the main International Airports.
Not only is South Africa one of the most accessible safari destinations in Africa, with direct flights from a number of destinations, including London and Amsterdam, arriving at both Johannesburg and Cape Town daily, but Greater Kruger is also very easy to visit.
Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport, Nelspruit Airport and Skukuza Airport (stationed near different Kruger reserves) all have daily flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town via Airlink.
I’ve flown on a number of airlines across Africa and Airlink remains one of my favourites. They are reliable, their planes are comfortable and they serve a complimentary meal-service on all flights, even the short 1 hour flight from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit. I was still enjoying my sandwich as we landed!
To make things even better, the views you’ll get whilst flying over the Drakensberg Mountains are fabulous!
World-Class Private Reserves
I’ve always been sceptical of private reserves, believing they’re surrounded by fences and so as a result, the animals aren’t truly wild. South Africa’s Greater Kruger reserves are completely different and are an outstanding example of what a private reserve should be like.
There are no fences between the Greater Kruger private reserves and the sprawling Kruger National Park itself, so animals can move freely between them. This maintains a wild feel whilst also allowing wildlife to travel great distances if they wish to.
In terms of differences, private reserves offer you the opportunity to drive off-road (and thus get closer to wildlife), safari after dark (giving you the opportunity to see nocturnal species) and enjoy additional activities like walking safaris.
The core draw of private reserves, in my eyes, is the minimal vehicle traffic. Only guests staying at a lodge within the reserves can go on safari there, and no self-drive vehicles are generally allowed (Manyeleti is an exception) and so sightings are peaceful, putting minimal stress on the animals and allowing better photographic opportunities for you.
Each private reserve within this itinerary is special in its own unique way.
Timbavati is the birthplace of the white lion and is one of the most reliable reserves in South Africa to see all of the Big Five. I managed to see all of the Big Five within three days and, in many cases, had multiple sightings of each. I was even fortunate enough to see wild dogs on the hunt.
Just to the south of Timbavati is Manyeleti which differs from other Greater Kruger reserves as it’s community-owned. The sprawling open plains which cloak Manyeleti attract Kruger’s rarest big cat, the cheetah. The open spaces provide the perfect hunting grounds for them and so cheetahs are regularly spotted here.
I was gifted with three cheetah sightings over my three night stay of five individual cheetahs. This included a cheetah family, a mother and her growing sub-adult cubs, who were feasting on a freshly-caught impala lamb.
Sabi Sand, to the south of Manyeleti, holds one of the highest leopard densities on the continent. Sabi Sand is perhaps the most famous Greater Kruger reserve, renowned for housing a number of prestigious lodges, including MalaMala, Londolozi and Singita. But there are some more budget-friendly lodges here too, like Inyati.
It’s rare that a place lives up to the hype, in my experience. But in Sabi Sand, my wildlife sightings actually exceeded my expectations. From lion cubs playing with one another, to a family of leopards resting together (a mother, cub and the father too!), wild dogs taking down an impala and even lion cubs successfully catching an impala – there was action everywhere!
It’s Quick and Easy to Transfer Between the Reserves
Being right next door to one another, transferring between reserves is fairly straightforward.
You can either journey by road, which is a couple of hours per journey, or fly via light aircraft. Each reserve has its own airstrip so it’s extremely convenient to fly.
The complex traversing rights system within the reserves can make driving times a little longer than they should be, and the roads outside the reserves aren’t the best maintained so flying is perhaps the easiest way to travel.
Wildlife Diversity and All of the Big Five
The Greater Kruger supports all of the Big Five (lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards and buffalos). It’s one of the most reliable places in Africa to see the Big Five due to fantastic rhino conservation efforts.
But South Africa is so much more than the Big Five! Kruger alone hosts 147 large mammals, over 500 bird species, and one of Africa’s largest wild dog populations. It’s one of the most reliable places to see this endangered predator. I was fortunate enough to have six individual sightings across three Greater Kruger reserves on my month-long safari.
Below is a map I made of South Africa showing the safari highlights .
Enhanced wildlife tracking with a dedicated Driver and Tracker Which is Unique to South Africa.
South Africa is the only safari destination I’m aware of which provides a separate driver and tracker on your safari truck. Two sets of eyes are usually better than one and the tracker sits on the very front of the truck to give them the best visibility of wildlife in the bush as well as tracks on the ground.
Whilst this isn’t guaranteed in every camp in Greater Kruger, it was the case in everywhere I visited, apart from MalaMala who have a slightly different way of doing things, based on what they have found works best in their reserve. Based on the quality of our sightings there, it was clearly working very well for them.
Pros of Safaris in South Africa
- Good chance to see wild dogs – I saw them on a number of occasions, including a successful hunt.
- Home to all of the Big Five across multiple private reserves and Kruger National Park, with unfenced boundaries allowing free wildlife movement. I saw all of the Big Five in many reserves.
- Private reserves in Greater Kruger offer off-road driving, night drives, and walking safaris not available in Kruger National Park itself. I saw lion cubs successfully hunting on a night game drive on Sabi Sand.
- Great infrastructure with daily flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Hoedspruit, Nelspruit and Skukuza (three airports near Kruger). I always fly with Airlink.
- Sabi Sand offers some of the best leopard viewing in Africa, with guides identifying up to 85 individuals. I spotted an incredible 15 leopards during my South Africa safari and 10 of those were during my 5 nights in Sabi Sand.
Cons of Safaris in South Africa
- Greater Kruger private reserves are premium-priced, with most lodges starting from $500 per person per night.
- Whilst the private reserves have dirt roads, If you go on safari in the main Kruger National Park, the main roads are tarmac which makes it feel a bit less ‘untouched’ and natural.
- Game drives are usually shared unless you pay a very large premium for a private truck. However, the shared game drives are much better than other locations (see private vs shared section).
- Summer temperatures in the Lowveld can exceed 40 degrees Celsius, making game drives uncomfortable.
- No Great Migration spectacle, unlike Kenya and Tanzania.
How Do You Book a 10-Day South Africa Safari?
Without a doubt, the easiest and best value-for-money way to arrange your Greater Kruger safari is by booking through a reputable local tour operator.
This is how I book my South African safaris and I always have an incredible experience.
A local tour operator will arrange your accommodation, reserve permits, game drives, and inter-reserve transfers at lower cost than international agents. Other options include using an international travel agent or self-driving and thus booking each component of your trip separately.
There are three main ways to book a safari in South Africa, each with different trade-offs on cost, flexibility, and experience.
Booking Options at a Glance
Option | Cost | Flexibility | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
Local Tour Operator | $$ | High | Most travellers, best value |
Self-Drive | $ | Extremely High | Experienced drivers that are comfortable with gravel roads and who are good at wildlife spotting |
International Agent | $$$ | Medium | Those wanting International flights and safari in one package and are happy to pay up to 40% more than a local tour operator |
In Greater Kruger specifically, self-driving is only possible within Kruger National Park itself and in some areas of Manyeleti Game Reserve. Although if you self-drive in Manyeleti, you are not allowed the same privileges as the guided vehicles and cannot drive off-road.
The private reserves on this itinerary (Timbavati and Sabi Sand) do not allow self-drive visitors, as game drives are conducted by qualified lodge guides who can go off-road.
International agents typically add a significant markup by subcontracting to the same local companies you could book with directly.
Why I Recommend a Local Tour Operator for South Africa
A local tour operator handles everything from the moment you land at Hoedspruit or Johannesburg: accommodation across all three reserves, transfers between each reserve, reserve entry permits, game drives with expert ranger-tracker teams, and knowledge of which lodges offer the best value right now.
Having tested all booking methods, this is how I book all my safaris these days.
Take it from me, I’ve tried all three of the different methods before!
On a visit to South Africa, I booked different components of my trip separately rather than through a local tour operator and got stung when my airport transfer didn’t pick me up. A helpful driver who was waiting to pick their guests up at Hoedspruit airport was kind enough to find an alternative for me, but only after an hour of me feeling completely lost and flustered!
In contrast, when I booked through a local South African tour operator who provided me with all transfers throughout my safari, every transfer was extremely prompt (often arriving 30 minutes early) and in extremely comfortable vehicles with safe drivers.
Additionally, my local tour operator was able to connect me with an extremely experienced driver who knew a little-known short-cut between Manyeleti and Sabi Sand Game Reserves, saving us hours on the road.
At the other end of the spectrum, on my first visit to South Africa, I used an international tour operator as I didn’t realise it was possible to book with local companies. When comparing how much our trips cost to other guests at a lodge I was staying at, I was appalled to discover I’d paid nearly double the cost.
The cost of booking through a local safari company is fairly comparable to booking everything yourself, because local operators get preferential accommodation rates which largely balance out their mark-up.
The benefits you get from spending that bit extra though are immense. You don’t need to stress about researching where to stay and booking everything individually. Everything is taken care of and you only have one point of contact when you have any questions.
What a Local Operator Gives You
- All accommodation, reserve permits, transport, and transfers included in one price.
- Expert guidance on choosing between dozens of lodges across Timbavati, Manyeleti, and Sabi Sand.
- Preferential lodge rates, often cheaper than booking direct.
- Flight and road transfer coordination from Johannesburg to your first lodge.
- On-the-ground knowledge of road conditions, reserve access rules, and seasonal changes.
What to Watch Out For
- Not all operators are equal. The cheapest quote often means inferior accommodation and less experienced guides.
- Very low prices can be a red flag for hidden costs during your trip.
- Local operators generally do not book international flights, so you will arrange those separately.
Greater Kruger Booking Tips
Greater Kruger’s private reserve system has some unique characteristics that affect how you should book.
- Reserve traversing rights: Each lodge in Sabi Sand, Timbavati, and Manyeleti has specific traversing areas. Ask your operator how many hectares the lodge traverses, as this directly affects your game drive variety.
- Peak season availability: For trips during South Africa’s dry winter (May to September), book at least 6-9 months ahead. Sabi Sand lodges in particular sell out fast.
- Flights vs road transfers: Flying to Hoedspruit from Johannesburg (about 1 hour) is preferable to the 5-6 hour drive. Ask your operator to coordinate flights with lodge transfer times.
- All-inclusive pricing: Most Greater Kruger lodges operate on all-inclusive rates covering meals, drinks, and two game drives per day. Confirm whether conservation levies are included or charged separately.
- Private vs Shared vehicles: Lodges will typically share vehicles with other guests – if you want a private vehicle make sure to let your tour operator know this and expect a premium of up to 100% on the lodge cost.
Financial Protection When Booking Direct
You can take steps to give similar financial protection to booking with an international agent. Paying by credit card / debit card often gives you purchase protection (in the UK it’s called Section 75), good travel insurance covers trip interruption, and choosing a trusted local safari company that takes balance payment closer to your trip date minimises risk. Some of my recommended local tour operators are also members of similar schemes to International tour operators which protect your payment giving you full peace of mind.
How Much Does a 10-Day South Africa Safari Cost?
A private 10-day South African safari in Greater Kruger safari costs from approximately $500 per person per day for mid-range lodges, while luxury properties range from $800 to $2,500+ per person per day, covering accommodation, all meals, drinks, and twice-daily game drives.
There are very limited budget options in the private reserve so for budget South African safaris, you would focus Kruger National Park instead of the surrounding private reserves, which start from $200 per person per day.
The chart below shows typical prices for Greater Kruger safaris by luxury level.
Safari Prices Typically Include
- Reserve conservation levies
- Two game drives per day, morning and afternoon
- Accommodation in private lodge or tented camp
- Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Selected beverages including house wines, beers and spirits
- Road transfers between lodges
- Bush walks with armed ranger
- Laundry service
Safari Prices Typically Do Not Include
- International flights
- Tips and gratuities for rangers, trackers and lodge staff
How Do South Africa Safari Costs Compare to Other African Safaris?
Greater Kruger private lodges are generally more expensive per night than East African equivalents. Private safari prices start at around $300 per day in Kenya and $350 in Tanzania, compared to $500+ in Greater Kruger’s private reserves.
However, safaris in Kruger National Park are comparable with East African safaris, starting at around $200 per person per day for group budget safaris.
Breakdown of South Africa Safari Costs
Let’s break down the cost of a Greater Kruger safari booked with a local tour operator so you can see what you’re actually paying for.
The majority of the total cost (around 60-70%) goes directly to the lodge for accommodation, meals, drinks, and game drive activities.
Conservation levies and reserve entrance fees account for approximately 10-15% of the total, supporting anti-poaching units and habitat management.
The remaining costs cover transfers, operator costs and insurance.
Factors Impacting South Africa Safari Costs
Your choice of reserve, accommodation luxury level, time of year and how you transfer between reserves will all have an impact on your total safari cost.
Below we’ll look at each of these factors in more detail to help you decide which are worth the extra cost.
Your Level of Accommodation
Without a doubt the factor that impacts pricing the most is the level of luxury that you select for your accommodation.
Budget tented camps and lodges can start from $400 per person per night. These types of accommodation generally have smaller rooms than mid-range and no additional amenities such as swimming pools.
Mid-range camps and lodges starts from $600 per person per night. Rooms are slightly larger than budget camps and with more luxurious touches in the decor. They often have a swimming pool in the communal area.
Luxury camps and lodges have large rooms, often with additional seating areas with coffee tables, balconies and sometimes even your own private pool. The communal areas come equipped with swimming pools, spas and gyms. Prices for luxury camps and lodges start from $1,000 per person per night.
Which Reserves you Visit
As well as the levels of luxury detailed above, the exact reserve that you visit will also have a profound impact on your overall safari costs.
Manyeleti is the most budget-friendly Greater Kruger reserve. At the very lowest end price-wise is Manyeleti Main Camp which has a basic campsite and small self-catering units. This is completely unique to Manyeleti as no other reserve has options like this.
Even the tented camps in Manyeleti are more budget-friendly than neighbouring reserves and start at $350 per person per night.
Timbavati comes in slightly more expensive with lodges starting from $500 per person per night.
At the higher end of the scale, Sabi Sand is the most expensive Greater Kruger reserve. The most ‘budget-friendly’ lodges cost $800 per person per night.
The table below show prices per person per night in various reserves. Budget accommodation is not typically available in the private reserves listed.
| Reserve | Mid-Range (USD) | Luxury (USD) |
| Sabi Sand | $643 | $1,703 |
| Timbavati | $294 | $692 |
| Manyeleti | $425 | $1,506 |
| Klaserie | $411 | $1,655 |
| Thornybush | $440 | $1,568 |
| Balule / Olifants West | $684 | $888 |
| Kapama | $824 | $1,164 |
| Kruger National Park | $652 | $843 |
How You Book Your Safari
How you book your safari is also a factor in your overall costs. Booking through a local tour operator is more cost-efficient than booking directly with lodges (lodge-booked transfers are not competitively priced) or using an international travel agent.
Using an international travel agent will cost the most as they add a significant mark-up to the safari price which can increase your safari cost by up to 300%.
With the exception of Manyeleti, self-driving is not an option for this itinerary.
I always recommend working with local tour operators to book Greater Kruger safaris as this is the best value booking method.
My Preference: I always book through local tour operators as they offer the best balance of value and quality.
Time of Year
The cost of accommodation varies significantly by season, driven by South Africa’s climate patterns.
Peak season (May to September, dry winter) commands the highest rates, while green season (November to March) can be 30-50% cheaper.
Conservation levies remain constant year-round, but lodge rates fluctuate considerably between peak and green seasons.
My Preference: April and May or September to December are my favourite months to visit. These shoulder months offer excellent game viewing at slightly lower rates than the July – August peak. I have visited in November and December which gave better lodge pricing and, whilst wildlife was slightly harder to spot (still not exactly hard) due to the green vegetation, it made for spectacular photos and, as you can see from my photos in this guide and YouTube videos from the trip, I still saw a lot of wildlife.
Mode of Transport Between Reserves (Road or Air)
Whether you travel between reserves by road or charter flight will impact your safari cost. Flights add approximately $300-500 per person per hop.
Federal Airlines is the main service which connects reserves together.
Road transfers between Timbavati, Manyeleti, and Sabi Sand take 2-3 hours each, which is manageable by road on a 10-day itinerary.
Do note however that road conditions outside the reserves (especially between Manyeleti and Sabi Sand) are questionable and expect to make relatively slow progress over a flurry of potholes.
My Preference: The distances between reserves are short enough that flying is not necessary, in my opinion. I typically only fly when drive times are over 6 hours. The longest drive in this itinerary is between Manyeleti and Sabi Sand which takes approximately 3.5 hours.
Group Size
Since lodge rates in Greater Kruger are per-person, group size has less impact on cost than in East Africa where vehicle hire is a fixed cost shared between passengers.
However, requesting a private vehicle for your group typically costs less per person when split between two or more travellers.
Groups of 2 or more will typically pay less per person than solo travellers who will often have to pay a single person supplement for the room.
My Preference: At least two people to avoid the single person room supplement fee for lodges.
When Is the Best Time to Visit South Africa?
The general consensus is that the very best time to visit South Africa for safari is during the dry season from May to September, when vegetation is thinnest, wildlife congregates around the last remaining water sources, and rainfall is minimal.
In reality though, any time outside of the two wettest months (late Dec to late February) can work well, and there are many benefits to visiting outside of peak season.
As I value the peace and quiet that comes with visiting outside of peak season, I always prefer visiting in the shoulder season. My recent trip to Greater Kruger spanned from mid-November to mid-December and I feel like I times that trip perfectly. We were able to see newborn impala lambs and a plethora of migrant bird species. All without the crowds!
Whilst the wildlife was arguably a little harder to spot due to the thicker vegetation, I still had a huge number of incredible sightings, including lots of baby animals and related hunting activity from big cats and wild dogs, including several successful hunts.
Birding was also excellent with migratory species present, such as the vibrant blue woodland kingfisher, European roller and the great Wahlberg’s eagle, including a particularly memorable sighting of a Wahlberg’s eagle being robbed repeatedly by an angry fork-tailed drongo, intent on protecting its nest.
What’s more, the lush green background made for better photos than I might have achieved in the dry season. You can see my photos here and my videos on Youtube.
If you want to minimise the malaria risk, the dry winter months of June to August have very low transmission.
If you want lush photography backdrops and newborn impala, plan for November to December.
The end of December as well as January and February can be a little risky as seen by the flooding in this period in 2025.
My Preference: Personally I think the best months to visit Greater Kruger are September to early December if you want the green season beauty combined with abundant baby animals and related predator activity. Alternatively, I’d recommend May if you want the excellent dry season game viewing with thinner vegetation, fewer crowds than the July-August peak, and better value than high season rates.
Just because May and September are my favourite months does not mean they will be yours, however. We all have different preferences and priorities. So read on to find out more about each season so you can choose the time that suits you best.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of each season.
Jump to more information on each of the seasons using the links below.
The Dry Winter Season (May – October)
The Dry Season (May – October)
If you want the best general game viewing in Greater Kruger, combined with the most favourable weather, the dry season is the prime time to visit.
Vegetation is sparse, temperatures are mild, and animals cluster around permanent water sources, making their movements more reliable than other times of year.
This is the peak safari season in Greater Kruger, with the highest lodge rates and strongest demand.
May to August also overlaps with wild dog denning season, making it an excellent time to see these endangered predators as their location becomes more predictable.
As well as being a great time for wild dog sightings, Sabi Sand’s famous leopards are easier to spot in the dry season when the bush is sparse. Despite their reputation for lounging in trees, leopards can often be found resting beneath bushes and so having less foliage makes them less camouflaged.
The cooler temperatures make for relatively comfortable game drives without the oppressive summer heat. Although mornings and evenings can be very chilly so make sure to pack snuggly layers.
If you’re looking to visit in peak season, book well in advance, especially if you want to include Sabi Sand in your itinerary. At least 12 months in advance is advisable.
Quick Facts
Prices: High. Peak season rates at most lodges, especially July and August.
Weather: Clear, dry days with morning temperatures as low as 5 – 10C and daytime highs of 25 – 28C. Cold mornings on open game drive vehicles require warm layers.
Wildlife: Excellent. Thin vegetation and concentrated water sources make animals easier to find. Predator activity is high as prey is forced into predictable areas.
Birding: Resident species only during winter months. Summer migrants have departed, but raptors and large birds are easier to spot without leaf cover.
Reasons to Visit in the Dry Season
- Best wildlife viewing of the year with animals concentrated at water
- Comfortable daytime temperatures and minimal rainfall
- Very low malaria risk during June to August
- Thin bush makes leopards and other elusive species easier to spot
- Wild dog denning season overlaps (May to August)
Reasons to Avoid the Dry Season
- Highest prices
- Reserves are at their busiest
- The most popular lodges sell-out up to a year in advance
- Landscape is brown and dry, less photogenic for scenery shots
- Cold early morning game drives (bring warm layers and a beanie)
The Green Season (November – April)
The green season is Greater Kruger’s wet period, with lush vegetation, dramatic thunderstorms, and the highest rainfall. This is the best time for birding enthusiasts, photographers wanting green backdrops and dramatic skies, and travellers looking for lower prices.
While wildlife disperses more widely, with abundant water and food, sightings remain good in the private reserves where expert trackers and off-road access compensate for the thicker bush. Lodge rates drop significantly, with discounts of up to 40% off peak season prices.
The impala lambing season begins in mid-November. This is a great time to see the tawny antelopes take their first wobbly steps.
And so much new life inevitably means there’s a good chance of seeing predators in action. The impala mothers all give birth within a couple of weeks of one another, flooding the bush with babies at the same time. There are too many of them for all the predators to keep up with.
To give you a sense of the predator action that takes place, during my November / December visit to Greater Kruger, I saw 10 instances of predators feeding on young impalas, including witnessing 2 of the kills.
The early green season months of November and December are a good time to visit as well because the bush isn’t too thick. You can still enjoy a vibrant green landscape but the grass hasn’t got too long yet.
January and February are by far the wettest months and so are the worst time to visit Greater Kruger.
Quick Facts
Prices: At their lowest. Green season discounts of up to 40% at many lodges.
Weather: Hot and humid (28-40C), with afternoon thunderstorms most days. January and February are the wettest months. Mornings are usually clear and warm.
Wildlife: Good but more challenging than the dry season. Animals dispersed with plentiful water. Excellent for baby animals and predator-prey interactions.
Birding: Peak season. Migratory species present, including European rollers, cuckoos, and bee-eaters.
Reasons to Visit in the Green Season
- Lowest prices of the year with significant lodge discounts
- Lush green landscapes and dramatic thunderstorm skies for photography
- Peak birding season with migratory species present, plus newborn animals
- Lots of baby animals to see
- Predator activity is high to due the abundance of new life
- Reserves are a lot quieter than peak season
Reasons to Avoid the Green Season
- Highest malaria risk period
- Oppressive heat and humidity, with the chance of afternoon rain that can disrupt game drives
- Wildlife more dispersed and harder to spot in thick vegetation
How Long Should You Spend on a South Africa Safari?
Ten days is the perfect length for a Greater Kruger safari if you want to experience three distinct private reserves without rushing between lodges.
It gives you time to cover Timbavati’s lion-dense bushveld, Manyeleti’s open plains (which are perfect for cheetahs), and Sabi Sand’s legendary leopard territory, with enough game drives in each reserve to give you the opportunity to see all of the Big Five as well as wild dogs.
You could easily extend to 12 days, time and budget permitting, and I’d spend the extra days in Sabi Sand or exploring Cape Town.
Whilst on my most recent visit, I did closer to a month, this was because I wanted to visit as many reserves as possible in order to offer the best guidance on my blog and Youtube. I also included rest days as well to back up my photos and videos.
What 10 Days in Greater Kruger Gets You
- Timbavati (Days 1-3): Very high density of lions with a chance of spotting the reserve’s famous white lions, plus bush walks through 53,395 hectares of unfenced wilderness. Max 2 vehicles per sighting.
- Manyeleti (Days 4-6): Community-owned. Open plains provide some of the best opportunities to see cheetahs in Greater Kruger. Max 3 vehicles per sighting.
- Sabi Sand (Days 7-9): World-class leopard sightings, with guides who can identify up to 85 resident individuals by their spot patterns. Max 2 – 3 vehicles per sighting.
- Arrival and Departure (Days 1 and 10): Fly into Hoedspruit Eastgate from Johannesburg with a short transfer to your first lodge. Fly out of Skukuza Airport to either Johannesburg or Cape Town.
If 10 days is more than you can spare, a week-long trip focusing on one or two reserves still gives you an excellent Greater Kruger experience.
If a South African safari is stretching your budget, you may wish to consider some of Africa’s more budget-friendly safari destinations. Both a 10-day Tanzania Itinerary or a 10-day Kenya Itinerary are excellent choices for more budget conscious travellers due to the wide availability of budget lodges in both countries.
My Preference: 10 to 14 days is the sweet spot for Greater Kruger because it lets you include Manyeleti, which shorter trips skip. It also gives you more time to spot the Big Five and other animals on your wish list.
A lot of the time I find you have to spend a good few days at each location on safari in order to experience great sightings.
Safaris are unpredictable, that’s why they’re so exciting. And so it’s perfectly normal to have a morning or even full day and see very little. You then may have an action-packed day and see all of the Big Five within a short space of time. No two days are ever the same on safari and that’s what makes them so special.
10-Day Greater Kruger Safari Itinerary Overview
This 10-day itinerary takes you through three of the Greater Kruger’s finest private reserves, from the white lion territory of Timbavati to the leopard heartland of Sabi Sand.
You will start in Timbavati, move to Manyeleti, before finishing off in my favourite Greater Kruger reserve: Sabi Sand.
Quick Facts
Average driving time per day: 2-3 hours on transfer days between reserves. On full safari days, you won’t experience any driving outside of game drives as accommodation is in the heart of the reserve.
Best times of year: May to September (dry winter, thinner bush, better visibility) or October to November (green season with newborn animals).
10-Day Greater Kruger Safari Map
Day by Day Breakdown
Below is my recommended day-by-day breakdown for your 10-day South Africa safari covering three of the best Greater Kruger Private reserves: Timbavati, Manyeleti, and Sabi Sand .
Click any of the days below to jump to my full notes on that day .
Day 1: Journey to Timbavati
Drive Time (Excluding Game Drives): 1 hour flight then a 1 hour drive from Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport.
Your safari begins with a 1 hour flight from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport, followed by a short road transfer to your lodge in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve which takes roughly 1 hour.
The rest of your day will involve settling into your first safari lodge and then embarking on an afternoon game drive.
Itinerary
Flights depart at 10:30, 12:30 and 12:50 from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit which all take an hour. I’d recommend the 10:30 flight to give you the maximum time to settle into your lodge before your afternoon game drive begins between 15:30 and 16:00.
Hoedspruit is a small, friendly airport. After you’ve picked up your luggage from baggage claim, your transfer will be waiting for you, holding up a sign with your name on it.
You will then drive directly to your lodge which is located in the heart of Timbavati.
The transfer typically takes around 1 hour and part of the journey will be on bumpy dirt tracks, once you are inside the reserve so you can spot wildlife on the way.
Depending on flight arrival time, you will usually join an afternoon game drive which typically start at either 15:30 or 16:00. Most lodges offer a welcome drink and lodge orientation before the evening game drive.
In the case of Kings Camp where I stayed, we spent the interim period in their custom-built underground hide, watching a herd of elephants with babies playing in a water hole just outside the camp. I couldn’t think of a better welcome to South Africa!
At sunset, you will pause your afternoon drive to enjoy some sundowner drinks and snacks in a scenic area of Timbavati.
The evening game drive continues after sunset with spotlights, giving you a chance to see nocturnal species on your first night in the bush.
Return to the lodge for dinner under the stars.
About Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
Timbavati spans 75,000 hectares on the western edge of Kruger National Park and shares a 50km unfenced border with the main reserve.
Fences between Timbavati and Kruger were removed in 1993, allowing wildlife to move freely across the vast landscape.
The reserve is home to over 40 mammal species, 350 bird species, and 79 reptile species.
Wildlife Highlights
All Big Five are present. Lion, leopard, elephant, white rhino and buffalo are regularly seen. I saw all of the Big Five during my 3 night stay. Buffalos are the hardest of the Big Five to locate in Timbavati.
Timbavati is the only place where white lions occur naturally in the wild, caused by a recessive leucism gene. First recorded here in 1938. Whilst I didn’t see any white lions during my stay, a new white lion cub has recently been found, born into the Giraffe Pride in central Timbavati.
Wild dogs are regularly seen in Timbavati, with the Greater Kruger population having recovered to around 350 individuals. I saw the wild dogs on multiple occasions.
Leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhino are all present, with the open bushveld making sightings more reliable than in denser habitats.
Timbavati is the only Greater Kruger reserve that doesn’t dehorn their rhinos, giving you a chance to admire these prehistoric giants in all their glory.
Nocturnal species including honey badger, civet, genet, and African wild cat, are often spotted on night drives with spotlights. I was lucky enough to see a civet and several white-tailed mongooses.
Tips for Your Journey to Timbavati
To make your journey to Timbavati go as smoothly as possible, consider the below.
- Book your safari including Airlink flights from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport well in advance, especially in peak season. There are limited flights and they book up fast.
- Catch the earlier 10:30 flight if possible to ensure you are ready in time to join the afternoon game drive.
Optional Activities
Walking safaris with an armed ranger offer a completely different perspective, learning to read tracks and identify birds by call. These normally happen in between the game drives and are optional but usually at no extra cost.
Where to Spend the Night
Timbavati has a range of accommodation from rustic bush camps to luxury lodges.
I stayed at Kings Camp, a luxury lodge with a traditional African feel which traverses 100 km2.
Kings Camp have built their own low level hide where you can spend time watching a waterhole which attracts local wildlife including herds of elephants. They also have a photography studio where you can print off photos which was a nice feature – unfortunately I didn’t get round to testing the printer out as there was so much to do!
My Experience of the Journey to Timbavati
I touched down at Hoedspruit at 13:30 after a smooth hour-long flight which had yielded some stunning views of the Drakensberg Mountains. It was a fairly lengthy journey down the tarmac to reach the dainty airport terminal. On the way I spotted some warthogs, impalas and even some female nyalas. The safari had begun and I hadn’t even left the plane yet!
Being just a one hour drive from Hoedspruit, it was pretty straightforward getting to Timbavati. The road between Hoedspruit and Timbavati is tarred and in good condition. Once within the reserve, a wide gravel road leads you deeper into the bush. Again, it’s well-maintained, making for a fairly smooth drive.
Our game drive had well and truly begun now and I spotted giraffes, impalas (including our first glimpse of some newborn lambs!) and even a leopard tortoise.
Only the final stretch of the drive took us down a winding dirt track and before I knew it, we had arrived.
Days 2-3: Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
Drive Time (Excluding Game Drives): None
Enjoy two full days of game drives across Timbavati’s 75,000-hectare wilderness.
Each day offers the opportunity to embark on two game drives: a morning and afternoon game drive.
Your ranger and tracker team will take you off-road where necessary for Big Five sightings.
Itinerary
Each day follows a rhythm: pre-dawn wake-up call, morning game drive (3-4 hours), brunch or breakfast and lunch at the lodge, leisure time, an optional bush walk or the opportunity to spend time in the hide (for camps who have one), afternoon tea, and a sunset game drive that continues into darkness with spotlights.
After returning from your afternoon game drive, you either go to your room to freshen up before dinner which is usually served from 7:30pm onwards.
Tips
- If you’re keen on photography, bring a telephoto lens (for example, 100-400mm) for wildlife
- If you want to splash out, you can also bring thermal binoculars which are great for evening game drives after darkness falls
- Mornings can be cold (5 – 10C in winter), so dress in layers that you can remove as the bush gradually starts to heat up
- Bring neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, olive, brown), binoculars, and a warm fleece for early morning drives.
- The safari vehicles are completely open. Listen to your guide’s safety briefing carefully before going on your first game drive. Advice includes not making lots of noise at sightings and not standing up.
Where to Stay
Stay at the same lodge as Day 1. Most Timbavati lodges have exclusive traversing rights over thousands of hectares, ensuring varied game drive routes across your stay.
My Experience
I was lucky enough to see all of the Big Five and wild dogs during my time in Timbavati.
As soon as I arrived at my safari lodge, Kings Camp, I rushed to the underground hide where a herd of breeding elephants were frolicking in the waterhole. It was fantastic to be able to witness them from a low vantage point and photograph them so closely without disturbing them.
That evening, I saw a plethora of wildlife, including five lions who were on the move at golden hour. One of the lionesses stopped right by the vehicle, just a metre or so from me!
That was just one of many lion sightings that I’d have over the next few days. A particularly memorable lion sighting was of a pride feeding on a recently-caught baby giraffe.
Rhino sightings were plentiful and I spotted 4 individual leopards, including a female who was stalking some impalas. Her hunt was spoilt by a herd of elephants who chased her off.
Buffalos were by far the hardest of the Big Five to see. It took until the third evening for us to finally find them and as soon as we encountered them, we were mesmerised. We found ourselves engulfed within the herd, animals on all side of us, marching with purpose towards a waterhole. The herd was easily several hundred members strong.
Day 4: Timbavati to Manyeleti
Drive Time (Excluding Game Drives): 2-3 hours
Today you transfer from Timbavati to Manyeleti Game Reserve, a 23,000-hectare wilderness sandwiched between Sabi Sand and Timbavati.
Manyeleti is community-owned by the Mnisi people and the open plains give you one of the best chances to see cheetahs in Greater Kruger.
Itinerary
After a final morning game drive in Timbavati, you will check out (check-out time is typically 11am) and transfer by road to your Manyeleti lodge which can take 2 – 3 hours, depending on where you’re staying within Manyeleti.
You will have to pay your nightly conservation fee upon arrival at Manyeleti’s entrance gate, even if you’ve booked your safari with a tour operator.
Manyeleti’s road conditions aren’t the best and so traversing through the park can be slow-going.
You will typically arrive at your lodge in Manyeleti in time to settle into your room and freshen up, before heading out for your first afternoon game drive in this new reserve.
About Manyeleti
Manyeleti has a remarkable history as the only game reserve during apartheid where non-white visitors were permitted. Its name means “the place of stars” in the Shangaan language, and the reserve delivers on that promise with some of the darkest skies in Greater Kruger.
With only a handful of lodges operating across 23,000 hectares, vehicle density is far lower than in Sabi Sand or Timbavati. This means you often have wildlife sightings entirely to yourself.
Wildlife Highlights
Manyeleti shares the same Big Five populations as neighbouring reserves. Elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino are all sighted, with the low vehicle numbers meaning more relaxed and longer sightings.
Compared to Timbavati and Sabi Sand, spotting leopards is considerably harder due to Manyeleti’s large lion population. This is the only member of the Big Five that I didn’t see during my time in Manyeleti.
Even though leopards are rare, Manyeleti is still a big cat lover’s dream as cheetah sightings here are fairly frequent, differentiating Manyeleti from other Greater Kruger reserves.
The limited leopard population also means that smaller cats are more abundant than other reserves. A guest at the lodge I was staying at was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of an African wild cat on one of their evening game drives.
Tips for Travelling to Manyeleti Game Reserve
- Eat a hearty meal before you transfer from Timbavati to Manyeleti. Many lodges within Manyeleti only serve brunch and dinner and so there’s no midday meal.
- Checkout from Timbavati lodges is typically 11am. Ensure your transfer arrives at this time which allows plenty of time to journey to Manyeleti and settle in before your afternoon drive.
- Be prepared for Manyeleti’s bumpy and poorly maintained roads. The drive will be slow and at times uncomfortable due to the pot-holes.
- Conservation fees have to be paid separately at the gate to Manyeleti, rather than being included as part of your safari package, so come prepared.
Where to Stay in Manyeleti Game Reserve
Manyeleti has fewer lodges than its neighbours and many of them are quite rustic compared to those in Timbavati and Sabi Sand.
I stayed at Pungwe Camp which focuses on giving you a “switched off” experience.
Pungwe is one of the only permanent safari camps in Greater Kruger with no WiFi and no power in your rooms. I must admit I did cheat in Pungwe and used phone data from my travel eSim to stay connected despite the lack of WiFi. However, my usage was extremely limited compared to what I’m used to so I still managed to disconnect.
The lack of electricity in the rooms means that you can only charge your devices in the communal area.
To make things easier, I always carry a chunky Anker power bank with me on all my trips. It’s powerful enough to charge my laptop. This allowed me to charge my phone by my bed at night, and laptop during any downtime during the day (rather than leaving them in the communal area) and then I’d charge the power bank throughout the day.
Pungwe is one of the more rustic options. Other options include Honeyguide Tented Camp and the most luxurious lodge of all is Tintswalo Safari Lodge.
My Experience of the Journey to Manyeleti
I was picked up by my driver at 11am and transported in a comfortable Toyota Fortuner to Manyeleti Game Reserve. Before long, we had reached the entrance gate, where I paid my conservation fee. The process was quick and easy.
Once in the reserve, road conditions rapidly deteriorated and it was a very slow drive over bumpy and corrugated roads. Manyeleti isn’t as well maintained as other Greater Kruger reserves.
I arrived at Pungwe Safari Camp at 14:00 after a 3 hour drive and settled into my room. I hadn’t eaten lunch, only breakfast at 9:30 and so was peckish. But alas, there was no food available until afternoon tea at 16:00. Luckily, I always bring snack bars on my travels for these very moments when food isn’t around.
Days 5-6: Manyeleti Game Reserve
Drive Time (Excluding Game Drives): None
You have two full days exploring Manyeleti’s 23,000 hectares of savannah, grassland, woodlands, and seasonal rivers. With far fewer vehicles than neighbouring reserves, this community-owned wilderness delivers intimate wildlife encounters.
Itinerary
Follow the same twice-daily game drive rhythm as Timbavati. Morning drives start in the early hours, at 6:00 and afternoon drives from 16:00 until after sunset, with optional bush walks and night drives using spotlights to find nocturnal species.
Tips for Manyeleti Game Reserve
- If you stay at Pungwe camp, bring a power bank for phone charging as there is no power in the rooms and an eSim if you want internet as there is also no WiFi.
- Winter mornings can be cold (5 – 10C), so dress in layers that you can remove as the bush gradually starts to heat up.
- As with Timbavati, the game viewing vehicles are entirely open so it’s important that you keep quiet when near animals and that you don’t stand up in the car.
- If you have to use the washroom / toilet whilst out on game drive, the bush is your only option. In most lodges your driver will provide you with toilet paper, a paper bag to put it in (never leave paper in the bush) and hand sanitiser. However, occasionally they can forget and so always bring your own just in case.
- On the subject of using the bush washroom / toilet, make sure your guide has checked the area is safe and follow their advice on where to go. Even then, to be extra careful and make a lot of noise as you walk as this will flush out any animals and keep the area safe for you.
Where to Stay in Manyeleti Game Reserve
Continue at the same lodge from Day 4.
My Experience in Manyeleti Game Reserve
Without a doubt the highlight of my time in Manyeleti was being gifted with several cheetah sightings. My time at other Greater Kruger reserves had yielded no sightings of the elusive big cats but here, in Manyeleti, I had three separate cheetah sightings of five different individuals.
My favourite sighting of all was on my final morning in Manyeleti, before I departed for Sabi Sand. We came upon a mother cheetah and her three sub-adult cubs feeding on a freshly caught impala. After polishing off their meal, they began to groom one another in a tender and beautiful moment. We then watched as they stood up and strode majestically across the savannah.
Manyeleti was also fruitful for male lion sightings. On our first evening we saw a coalition of three large male lions patrolling their territory. Then on a separate morning we encountered a different male lion, relaxing in the shade.
Elephant sightings were also good. A particularly memorable one was of two young bull elephants play fighting.
Day 7: Manyeleti to Sabi Sand
Drive Time (Excluding Game Drives): 2-3 hours
Today you transfer to Sabi Sand Game Reserve, a 65,000-hectare patchwork of 18 unfenced private reserves that is widely regarded as the finest safari destination in southern Africa.
Not only is Sabi Sand fantastic for leopard sightings, but it’s a great place to see all of the Big Five and wild dogs. The scenery is also, in my opinion, the most beautiful in Kruger.
Itinerary
After a final morning game drive in Manyeleti, you check out and transfer by road to your Sabi Sand lodge which takes around 3 – 4 hours. This is the longest drive in this 10-day itinerary as, although Manyeleti and Sabi Sand are right next door to one another, you cannot drive straight through the reserves due to traversing rights.
Taxis and transfer vehicles are also not allowed to veer off the main roads and there is no main road through from Manyeleti to Sabi Sand. Instead you have to exit Manyeleti and drive through a series of villages, driving around Sabi Sand and then entering Sabi Sand from the south. It’s convoluted but a small price to pay in order to keep the reserves pristine and traffic-free.
As the drive can easily take up to and sometimes even exceed 4 hours, I’d recommend leaving Manyeleti no later than 10am.
You should arrive at roughly 14:00, in time for a lodge orientation, as well as time to settle into your room and freshen up. Afternoon tea is served at 16:00, before you head out on your afternoon drive at 16:30.
About Sabi Sand
Sabi Sand is the oldest private game reserve in South Africa, with roots dating back to 1898. The reserve encompasses 18 separate conservation areas, including world-renowned properties such as Londolozi, Singita, MalaMala, and Sabi Sabi.
The official name is the Sabi Sand Wildtuin (Afrikaans for “game reserve”), named after the Sabi and Sand rivers that flow through it.
MalaMala has by far the largest reserve within Sabi Sand, of which around 70% is only traversable by guests staying at one of their three camps. This makes it the most exclusive property in Sabi Sand and means that the reserve is never congested.
Safari guides in Sabi Sand can identify up to 85 resident leopards by their unique spot patterns. Londolozi pioneered leopard habituation in the late 1970s, creating the first close-range encounters between humans and wild leopards.
The Sand River, which flows 50 km through the reserve, draws large concentrations of wildlife to its banks, making it a focal point for game drives.
Wildlife Highlights
Sabi Sand is home to an impressive 505 bird species and 148 mammal species.
Sabi Sand is particularly famous for its predator sightings with leopards being the flagship species. The reserve’s terrain provides the perfect habitat for these big cats, with numerous drainage lines which are flanked by towering sausage and marula trees, the perfect location for a leopard to stash their kills.
Panthera’s Sabi Sand Leopard Project has documented over 800 individual leopards since 1979, making this the best-studied leopard population on Earth.
Sabi Sand is also renowned for once being home to the most famous lion coalition in history, the Mapogos. This coalition of six brothers wreaked havoc on the reserve’s lion population due to their violent nature. Lion numbers absolutely plummeted in the west of the reserve, their core territory, which allowed leopards to thrive.
It’s been nearly twenty years since the final Mapogo male took his last breath. And even now the scars from that time remain, with only two very small prides (the Othawa pride consisting of two lionesses and another pride with just one lioness and her two sub-adult daughters) being found in the west of Sabi Sand.
Despite being present in far smaller numbers than other reserves, I still found lion sightings very reliable in Sabi Sand.
Tips for Travelling to Sabi Sand Game Reserve
- You’ll have a short window between your Manyeleti game drive ending and your transfer arriving, so ensure you’re all packed up the day before. You don’t want to be scrambling at the last minute to get ready to leave like I was!
- Book your transfer through a reputable tour operator who knows the area well. Only some experienced drivers know the ‘short-cut’ between Manyeleti and Sabi Sand (yes, the 4 hour drive is the short-cut!) and you don’t want to spend needless additional hours on the road.
- The drive between Manyeleti and Sabi Sand is lengthy at 4 hours so I’d recommend setting off from Manyeleti at 10:00 to allow you ample time to reach Sabi Sand in time to get settled into your lodge before your afternoon game drive.
- The road conditions between Manyeleti and Sabi Sand are pretty bad, even the tarred roads. The roads are littered with pot-holes which makes the drive rather slow. Make sure you’re prepared for these conditions so you can be as comfortable as possible.
Where to Stay in Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Sabi Sand has the widest range of lodge options in Greater Kruger, from mid-range to ultra-luxury.
The most famous properties are Singita, Londolozi, MalaMala and Sabi Sabi. These are all high-end luxury lodges.
Slightly more affordable options include Inyati and Idube. Despite their more favourable price-points, these lodges are still top-notch with luxurious spacious rooms and are situated in prime wildlife areas.
To really get a feel for Sabi Sand, I’ve stayed in two properties within the reserve.
Firstly, I spent 3 nights in Inyati Game Lodge in the west of Sabi Sand. Inyati shared traversing rights with the nearby lodges: Ulusaba, Idube and Leopard Hills. It’s an extremely productive area of wilderness and I managed to spot all of the Big Five here as well as enjoy three wild dog sightings.
In terms of the lodge itself, Inyati, whilst technically mid-range compared to other Sabi Sand properties, is still extremely luxurious. The rooms are spacious with extremely comfortable beds, air conditioning and an additional seating area in the room. The bathroom consists of a bathtub and both an indoor and outdoor shower.
At the complete other end of the reserve, I spent 2 nights at MalaMala, the oldest lodge in Sabi Sand. I stayed in a luxury suite that is part of their Sable Camp (attached to Main Camp).
MalaMala is completely unique in that it has a lot of history and heritage behind it and the camp has maintained this old-world feel through its thatched roundel-style rooms and classic decor.
My room was enormous and boasted a private deck. My favourite thing about it however was the fact that it has two bathrooms and each one has a bathtub!
MalaMala’s guides were also top class and they have the biggest reserve in Sabi Sand, of which around 70% is private to them which means few other vehicles throughout the reserve. It’s so big, you never actually make it to the other end unless you decide to spend all day on game drives without coming back for lunch!
They have three camps and they are building a fourth in the south. I had a look at all the camps and here are my personal thoughts on each:
MalaMala main camp – this is the original camp and it’s where most people stay – rooms range from mid-range to luxury suites, with some having views of the river. It’s a great camp for families.
Sable Camp – this is a smaller version of the main camp with its own private dining and pool area for use only by Sable guests, and is located right next to Main Camp. It offers a smaller and more intimate feel and has similar rooms to the main camp.
MalaMala Rattray’s Camp – a small very exclusive camp around 30 minutes drive from Main Camp and set on another section of the Sand River. It has an authentic Out Of Africa feel which takes you back in time. The accommodation comprises luxurious villas which boast their own private plunge pools.
Fourth camp coming soon – When I visited they were building a fourth super luxury camp in the south of the reserve which could take a year or two to be ready.
My Experience of the Journey to Sabi Sand
After enjoying a fantastic final game drive in Manyeleti, watching a family of cheetahs, we rushed back to camp for some breakfast. It was all pretty frantic as our transfer would be arriving at 10:00 but we only arrived at camp at 9:30. And I hadn’t packed up yet!
We set off around 30 minutes behind schedule and embarked on the lengthy four hour drive to Sabi Sand. We exited through Manyeleti’s southernmost gate which isn’t often used, as was evident by the road conditions just outside the reserve. The tarred road is littered with gaping pot-holes which makes the next stretch of the drive extremely slow.
We meandered through villages for several hours, navigating down small side-streets in order to keep on schedule. I was extremely impressed with our driver who lives in the area and so knows these roads like the back of his hand. Without his expert insight, we could have spent several additional hours on the road.
It was surprising that even the road to Sabi Sand’s Newington Gate (the south westerly gate) was in very poor shape. The road was actually under construction but, according to our driver, had been this way for some time. It just shows how many people opt to fly into Sabi Sand rather than drive.
Once within Sabi Sand, the road conditions improved considerably and we were soon at our lodge, settling into our room and preparing for our afternoon game drive.
Days 8-9: Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Drive Time (Excluding Game Drives): None
You have two full days in Sabi Sand which will allow you to enjoy a total of 6 game drives, providing you with a good chance of spotting the Big Five and the opportunity to have several fantastic leopard sightings.
Itinerary
You’ll enjoy twice-daily game drives through Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Each morning, you will rise and enjoy some snacks and hot drinks at 5:30, before departing for your morning game drive at 6:00. Game drives last between 3 and 4 hours, depending on sightings.
After brunch, you have some downtime before afternoon tea is served at 16:00 and at 16:30 you depart for your afternoon drive.
Your afternoon drive typically ends around 19:00, giving you some time to freshen up before dinner is served at 19:30.
Tips for Sabi Sand Game Reserve
- Your guide will know each individual leopard and lion pride by name. When you encounter a leopard or lion pride, ask your guide about them and you’ll be fascinated as you learn about their history.
- Let your ranger know if there is a specific animal or animal behaviour you have not yet seen on your Greater Kruger adventure. They will focus your last drives accordingly.
Where to Stay in Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Continue at the same lodge from Day 7.
My Experience at Sabi Sand
I stayed in two different parts of Sabi Sand: the far east and far west. The types of animals I saw and quality of sightings was fairly consistent across both regions, which leads me to believe that you can’t really go wrong with which part of the reserve you choose to stay in.
During my time staying at Inyati Game Lodge in the west of Sabi Sand, I encountered four individual leopards across five different sightings. We could have easily seen more but our focus was on seeing a variety of wildlife and so at times we neglected leopard sightings to see other species.
George, my driver at Inyati, was incredibly attentive, asking me what species I’d most like to see. I expressed an interest in wild dogs and also seeing a successful hunt. It was extremely noticeable how George then went out of his way to ensure I got to experience my bucket-list sightings.
We had three separate wild dog sightings and each one was incredibly memorable. The grand finale was on our final morning at Inyati when we found the dogs on the hunt. Demonstrating his expert driving skills, George somehow managed to keep up with the pack as they chased down and caught an impala lamb.
Another highlight at Inyati was watching the Othawa lion pride who, at first, were lolling in the sandy banks of the Sand River. As evening drew closer, the three young cubs became active and began to play. Watching the cubs tussle with each other, play with a stick and even chase and pounce on one another provided me with my best ever lion sighting to date – and that’s a really impressive claim as I’ve had some great lion sightings over my lifetime.
After so much excitement at Inyati in the west of Sabi Sand, I had a hard time believing that our next destination, MalaMala in the east, could match or even top the experience we’d just had. Somehow it matched it!
Just like George, our guide, Jacques, asked if there were any specific species we’d like to see. At this point we’d already seen all of the Big Five numerous times and so I gave him a specific and perhaps challenging list of: leopard cubs, lion cubs and a successful hunt. With only 2 nights in MalaMala, I was worried the list would be a challenge to tick off.
On our first evening in MalaMala, we were rewarded with the most fascinating sighting of an entire leopard family, sprawled out in the Sand River right outside MalaMala Main Camp (I could see my room behind them!).
There was a female leopard, known as the Piccadilly female, with her 1-year-old cub and the cub’s father, known as the Flat Rock male. It’s thought that leopard fathers have nothing to do with their cubs, so this sighting was mind-blowing. He didn’t make an effort to interact with the cub but was instead lying out very contentedly beside his family. Leopard cub, check!
The following morning, we came upon a different leopard female, known as the Sibuya female, who also had a cub – a 9-month-old male. The two of them were enjoying an impala lamb kill before they began playing. It was so heartwarming to witness!
That evening we came upon the Kambula lion pride as they became active. The pride consisted of two females and their 6 cubs. Two of the cubs were 11 months old and the others were 9 months old. Lion cubs, check!
We stayed with the pride as they stopped to lap some water from a puddle. Then the females separated from the cubs and began stalking some impalas. Could I be about to witness another hunt?
In a remarkable twist of events, whilst the two lionesses stalked an impala, the six cubs managed to take down an impala lamb! The six of them snarled furiously as they dug into their well-earned meal. One of the lionesses abandoned their hunt to see what was going on, looking extremely proud of her youngsters. Whilst this was going on the other lioness successfully took down another impala lamb. Successful hunt, check!
Day 10: Depart Sabi Sand
Drive Time (Excluding Game Drives): 2-3 hours to airport
This is your final morning in Greater Kruger. You’ll spend your morning out on a game drive before heading to Skukuza Airport.
Itinerary
Enjoy a final early-morning game drive before journeying to Skukuza Airport around lunchtime.
The drive to Skukuza Airport really varies depending on which lodge you’re staying at but expect it to take 1-2 hours. Skukuza Airport is located within Kruger National Park so your transfer almost acts as a game drive and allows you to see a snippet of the national park.
There are regular flights from Skukuza to both Johannesburg and Cape Town.
If you’d like to enjoy some beach time after your safari, you might also want to consider spending a few days in Cape Town since you can fly home via there.
I was out of time so flew via Cape Town and didn’t leave the airport as I just had a short transfer time before my connecting flight. Next time I think I’d probably fly to Cape Town and stay there for a few days to explore and then fly home from Cape Town.
Tips
- Book a midday or afternoon flight from Skukuza to allow time for a final game drive and a relaxed breakfast.
- If you’re staying at MalaMala or Kirkman’s Camp, ensure your transfer is booked through the lodge as their vehicles are able to access Skukuza Airport without leaving the reserve and thus saving on driving time.
- Skukuza Airport is a very small and lovely airport. Arrive between 1 and 2 hours in advance of your flight.
My Experience
I spent my last morning in Sabi Sand watching a leopard on the move. She was clearly on the hunt but as the temperature started to rise she leapt up into a tree and was posing for us from a low-hanging branch. It was bittersweet – an incredible final sighting but I was sad to be leaving.
Getting to Skukuza Airport was extremely easy. The roads within Kruger National Park are very well-maintained. The airport was lovely and modern with several cute shops. It’s one of my favourite airports that I’ve been to.
Recommended Booking Options For Your 10 Day Greater Kruger South Africa Safari Itinerary
Private Safari
Most popular & best experience – typical prices for this itinerary start from $400 per person per day.
Visit safarisbyella.com for free quotes from trustworthy local tour companies I use to book my own trips.
South Africa Safari FAQs
Click on any of the frequently asked questions below to show the answer.
Is Greater Kruger safe for safari tourists?
Yes, the Greater Kruger private reserves are very safe for safari tourists. You are always accompanied by trained rangers on game drives, lodges have professional security teams, and the reserves are well managed with strict access controls.
I flew straight from Johannesburg Airport to Hoedspruit so I can’t comment much on Johannesburg but Hoedspruit felt very safe and my driver told me he’s always found it to be a safe area. The game drives themselves felt very safe as the guides were all very experienced and knew the wildlife well. The wildlife themselves are very used to safari trucks so seemed super relaxed around us.
When is the best time to visit Greater Kruger?
Personally I think the best months to visit Greater Kruger are September to early December if you want the green season beauty combined with abundant baby animals and related predator activity. Alternatively, I’d recommend May if you want the excellent dry season game viewing with thinner vegetation, fewer crowds than the July-August peak, and better value than high season rates.
Just because May and September are my favourite months does not mean they will be yours, however. We all have different preferences and priorities. So read my best time to visit section to find out more about each season so you can choose the time that suits you best.
How much does a Greater Kruger safari cost?
A 10-day Greater Kruger safari costs from approximately $500 per person per day for mid-range lodges, rising to $1,500-$3,000+ per person per day for ultra-luxury properties in Sabi Sand. This is more expensive per night than a comparable Kenya or Tanzania safari.
What is the difference between Kruger National Park and the private reserves?
Private reserves like Timbavati, Manyeleti, and Sabi Sand offer off-road driving, night drives with spotlights, and guided walking safaris that are not permitted in Kruger National Park.
The fences between private reserves and Kruger were removed in 1993, so the same Big Five wildlife moves freely across both areas. Private reserves also limit vehicle numbers at sightings, giving you a more exclusive and intimate encounter.
I tried out both the Greater Kruger private reserves and Kruger National Park and they are very different experiences at different prices. Whilst both are excellent, if you can afford it the Greater Kruger private reserves give you substantially more Big Five, leopard and cheetah sightings with fewer other vehicles in a more untouched wilderness setting.
Can you see leopards in Greater Kruger?
Sabi Sand has the highest leopard density surveyed in South Africa at 12.2 per 100 km2. Experienced guides can identify up to 85 resident leopards by their unique spot patterns, making each sighting a named individual encounter. Leopard sightings in Sabi Sand are among the most reliable anywhere in Africa.
I personally saw 10 leopards in Sabi Sand in 5 nights which was incredible.
Do I need malaria tablets for Greater Kruger?
Yes, the entire Greater Kruger area is classified as a malaria risk zone by public health authorities. Antimalarial prophylaxis is strongly recommended, particularly from September to May when transmission risk peaks with the warm, wet weather. During the dry winter months (June to August), risk is substantially lower but prophylaxis is still advised. Consult your doctor before travelling for the most appropriate medication for your circumstances.
How do you get to Timbavati and Sabi Sand?
The main gateway to Timbavati is Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport in Limpopo Province, with daily Airlink flights from Johannesburg (about 1 hour) and Cape Town.
For Sabi Sand, Skukuza Airport is closer. Again there are daily flights to and from both Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Your tour operator will arrange a road transfer from the airport to your first reserve, typically 30-90 minutes depending on the lodge location. Some odges also have their own airstrips for charter flights.
Whilst you can drive between Johannesburg and Greater Kruger, I took the flight as it saves a lot of time and it was great to have the aerial views over the landscape.
Final Thoughts – Is a Greater Kruger Safari Worth It?
And there you have it, my ideal 10-day Greater Kruger safari itinerary!
This journey takes you through three of the Greater Kruger’s most rewarding private reserves (Timbavati, Manyeleti, and Sabi Sand), spanning part of an ecosystem that exceeds 2.1 million hectares.
Ten days gives you the time to truly appreciate what makes each reserve special and also increases your chances of spotting the Big Five, as well as iconic species, like cheetahs and African wild dogs.
My safari through Greater Kruger absolutely exceeded my expectations. I still can’t believe everything I saw!
The Greater Kruger truly is one of Africa’s greatest safari destinations, and I hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable adventure of your own!