7 Night Kruger Self-Drive & Lodge Safari Package

Day 1: Arrival & Into the Wild

Arrive at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, where your Suzuki Grand Vitara is delivered and ready for adventure. Our team will be on hand to make sure you have everything you need for your trip before departure. With its compact size, high ground clearance, and smart layout, it’s perfectly suited for Kruger’s roads and rest camps.

Enter the park and make your way to Lower Sabie Rest Camp, nestled along the banks of the Sabie River. Settle into your self-catering bungalow and spend the afternoon exploring nearby loops known for sightings of hippo, elephant, and lion. In the evening, enjoy dinner on your verandah with the sounds of the bush all around.

Day 2: Wildlife Along the River

Wake early for a self-drive safari along the scenic Lower Sabie routes — the H4-1 and surrounding roads are famous for big cat sightings and riverine game. Stop at viewing hides, picnic spots, or take an optional SANParks guided drive for a new perspective.

Return to camp in the afternoon for some rest before another evening game drive or a sundowner along the riverbank. Lower Sabie’s location makes it a favourite among seasoned Kruger visitors.

Day 3: The Road to Satara

After breakfast, pack up and head north toward Satara Rest Camp, enjoying the journey through changing landscapes and wildlife zones. This central region is known as “big cat country”, offering excellent chances to spot lion, leopard, and cheetah along the way.

Arrive at Satara in the afternoon and settle into your self-catering bungalow. Enjoy the open camp layout, optional guided activities, and evening calls of hyena and lion.

Day 4: Safari Heartland

Spend the day exploring some of Kruger’s most productive wildlife routes, including the S100 and Sweni Road — prime territory for predators, large herds, and open grassland species. Make use of your vehicle’s high clearance and flexibility to follow sightings and cover a variety of routes.

Satara also has excellent camp amenities and is a great base for experiencing Kruger at its best.

Day 5: Into the Private Concession

Today you head to the Rhino Post Safari Lodge, located in a private concession within Kruger. Here, your vehicle will be safely parked while you switch from self-drive to guided safari mode.

Enjoy a luxury tented suite and join professional guides for afternoon game drives in an exclusive-use area. With fewer vehicles and rich biodiversity, sightings here feel intimate and unhurried.

Day 6–7: Rhino Walking Safaris – Plains Camp

After breakfast, transfer to Plains Camp for two nights of immersive walking safaris. Led by expert guides, you’ll explore the bush on foot—tracking wildlife, learning about plants and animal behaviour, and experiencing the wild in its purest form.

Evenings at Plains Camp are lantern-lit and peaceful, with fire-side meals and canvas tents overlooking the surrounding plains. This is a true back-to-nature experience that connects you deeply to Kruger’s rhythms.

Day 8: Departure

After a final morning walk and a relaxed breakfast, return to Rhino Post Safari Lodge to collect your vehicle. From there, it’s a scenic drive back to Kruger Mpumalanga Airport for your departure—or continue your journey elsewhere in South Africa with a custom extension.