Mozambique, South Africa · Safari

3-Day Kruger National Park Safari and Graskop Panorama Route

3 Days Round trip from Maputo Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Embark on a sunrise safari in Kruger National Park
02 Encounter hippos at Hippo Pool
03 Spot the Big Five near Skukuza Rest Camp
04 Relax on the banks of the Letaba River
05 Explore Graskop's Panorama Route attractions

Embark on a captivating 3-day adventure from Maputo through South Africa's Kruger National Park and the Panorama Route. Witness Africa's famed Big Five and diverse wildlife in Kruger, then explore scenic wonders such as God's Window and Blyde River Canyon before ending with cultural exploration in Pilgrim's Rest. This journey combines wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and local heritage in one memorable experience.

Head to Hippo Pool to see huge numbers of hippos lazing in the water.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Maputo, Kruger National Park, Blyde River Canyon

Languages English, Portuguese, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Maputo to Kruger National Park Safari

Pick-up at 5:00 am from your accommodation in Maputo.
Head towards the Ressano Garcia border via Lebombo Border Post and continue to the Crocodile Bridge entrance to Kruger National Park.
Go on safari after crossing Crocodile Bridge and be greeted by remarkable wildlife.
Stop for freshly brewed coffee and snacks at the Crocodile Bridge coffee shop with your safari guide.
Head to Hippo Pool to see huge numbers of hippos lazing in the water.
Stop for lunch at either Skukuza or Tshokwane during the safari.
Look out for the renowned Big Five - leopards, white or black rhinos, elephants, lions, and buffaloes - near Skukuza Rest Camp.
Visit the banks of the Letaba River and relax in nature at Mapai.
Continue to Pretoriuskop for birdwatching.
Towards the end of the safari, pass through the Jakkal Bessie Concession and then Jock Safari Lodge.
Go on an expedition through Tshokwane towards Satara.
Arrive at Satara Rest Camp before the gates close at 6:30 pm and settle in for the night.
Dinner will be served at the Satara Rest Camp restaurant.

Day 02

Morning Safari and Panorama Route to Graskop

Wake up early at Satara Rest Camp and depart at 5:00 am to look for big cats, packs of wild dogs, hyenas, and jackals returning from hunting or still on the hunt.
Continue exploring Orpen Dam, Tshokwane, the Jakkal Bessie Concession, and then Jock Safari Lodge.
Proceed towards Orpen Gate and exit Kruger National Park, travelling along Strydom Street through Bushbuckridge to White River, then continue towards Graskop.
The Panorama Route begins as you travel towards Graskop via White River, including a visit to a motor museum.
The route traverses the Mpumalanga region in the north-eastern section of the Drakensberg Mountains along the R532, offering breathtaking mountain scenery, picturesque waterfalls, and a huge canyon. Then take the R40 and drive all the way down to Graskop.
On arrival in Graskop, check in at the Graskop Hotel, the recommended accommodation.
Your local guide will assist with check-in and then leave guests to rest.

Day 03

Graskop Highlights and Return to Maputo

After breakfast, explore Graskop, a small town known as the highlight of the Panorama Route, with attractions such as:
- Graskop Gorge Lift
- God's Window
- Sekhukhune flat lizard
- Lisbon Falls
- Berlin Falls
- The Pinnacle
- Bourke's Luck Potholes
- Blyde River Canyon
- Three Rondavels View Point
- Lowveld View
Explore Pilgrim's Rest, a town established during the gold rush in the late 19th century.
Lunch will be served at Pilgrim's Rest.
The Panorama Route ends at Pilgrim's Rest, which has a few spectacular pubs and restaurants and is a must if you want to experience the culture of the town. Swadini Forever Resort also offers many activities, from boat trips to microlight flights.
Then drive straight back to Maputo for guest drop-off.

Where this trip takes you

Kruger National Park savannah, Blyde River Canyon, Graskop Gorge Lift

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Maputo 3 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Professional field guide
Accommodation
Tea, coffee, bottled water, juice, and refreshments
4x4 vehicle
Entrance fees

What's Not Included

Activities not mentioned in the program
Expenses of a personal nature
Visa costs (some nationalities require visas to enter South Africa; it is the guest's responsibility to check)

What to bring

For the summer months, lightweight, short-sleeved clothes are best, although a light jersey or sweater may be needed for cooler evenings. Umbrellas and raincoats are essential in summer, while warmer clothes are needed during the winter months.

We have our own binoculars, but you are advised to bring your own, along with your cameras and filming equipment.

Know before you go

There are no specific limits to the adventures, since packages can always be redesigned around the activities guests are interested in, as well as accommodation in or outside the Greater Kruger National Park.

If you are heading to the base of any of the falls, you will most likely get soaked by the spray, so take a waterproof bag to keep your things dry.

The tour can start from within South Africa or Swaziland and can be done on any day of the year.

Kruger National Park is proud of its history and offers the chance to observe remarkable biodiversity combined with rich cultural heritage across an area of 20,000 square km.

As one of Africa's largest national parks, Kruger gives you the opportunity to witness a wide variety of wildlife and birds in the same reserve.

The Panorama Route is undoubtedly one of the most stunning drives in South Africa, traversing the Mpumalanga region with breathtaking mountain scenery, picturesque waterfalls, and a huge canyon.

With so many natural wonders, it is an epic drive to undertake, and there are many highlights on the way to Graskop. Although this drive can be done in one long, rushed day, taking 2 to 3 days is recommended to truly enjoy the natural beauty.

Logistics