Johannesburg to Greater Kruger Luxury Safari
A Fly-In Big Five Escape from the City of Gold
Overview
Short on time but craving the Big Five? This three-day luxury fly-in safari makes Johannesburg the perfect springboard for a fast, effortless escape into the Greater Kruger. A quick scenic flight from O.R. Tambo delivers you to a private concession bordering the Kruger National Park, where world-class lodges, expert guides and twice-daily game drives condense the full safari experience into a seamless long-weekend adventure.
It is the ideal add-on to a business trip, a Cape Town holiday or a stopover in Johannesburg — a genuine bucket-list Big Five safari that fits into just three days. Stay at renowned lodges such as MalaMala, Sabi Sabi and Arathusa, where the game viewing rivals anywhere on the continent and the comforts are pure indulgence.
Who It's For
Perfect for travellers passing through Johannesburg who want a compact, high-end Big Five safari without a lengthy commitment — business visitors, couples, and first-timers wanting a taste of the bush before Cape Town or Victoria Falls.
Package Highlights
Quick Fly-In from Johannesburg
Scenic flight from O.R. Tambo straight to a private bush airstrip
Big Five in a Weekend
Four game drives across two days on a prime private concession
Renowned Kruger Lodges
MalaMala, Sabi Sabi and Arathusa
Sundowners in the Bush
Golden-hour cocktails as the Lowveld sky ignites
Gourmet Bush Dining
Boma dinners and fine cuisine under the stars
Perfect City Add-On
Slots neatly onto a business trip or wider South Africa tour
Day-by-Day Itinerary
After meeting your host at O.R. Tambo International Airport, board your scenic flight into the Greater Kruger. Your ranger collects you at the airstrip and transfers you to your lodge for a welcome lunch. Settle in, then set out on your first afternoon game drive, tracking Big Five across the golden savanna and pausing for sundowners as the sun dips below the treeline.
🏨 Accommodation: MalaMala Main Camp / Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
🍽️ Meals: Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Your Route
Tap a marker to see each stop on your journey.
Featured Lodges & Accommodation
MalaMala Main Camp
📍 Greater Kruger — MalaMala Game Reserve
The largest private Big Five reserve sharing an unfenced border with the Kruger, MalaMala pairs classic safari elegance with a legendary 19-kilometre frontage on the Sand River and outstanding sighting rates.
From $1,600 per person per night
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
📍 Sabi Sand — Sabi Sabi
A warm, contemporary lodge with private-plunge-pool suites and an underground photographic hide at the waterhole. Family-friendly with exceptional guiding and cuisine.
From $1,450 per person per night
Arathusa Safari Lodge
📍 Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Overlooking a busy waterhole in the northern Sabi Sand, Arathusa offers superb value luxury with its own airstrip, spacious rooms and famously productive game viewing.
From $950 per person per night
Pricing & Options
All prices per person sharing. Customize any tier to your preferences.
Luxury
(~$2,100/night)
5-star Greater Kruger lodge, shared vehicle, all meals and house beverages
Get QuotePremier
(~$3,100/night)
Leading suites with private pool, premium beverages and spa
Get QuoteUltra-Luxury
(~$4,900/night)
Top suite, private guide and vehicle, all-inclusive fine dining
Get QuoteWhat's Included & Excluded
✓ Included
- ✓ Return light-aircraft flights Johannesburg–Greater Kruger
- ✓ 2 nights luxury lodge accommodation
- ✓ All meals and house beverages
- ✓ Four game drives in open 4x4 vehicles
- ✓ Night drives and off-road tracking
- ✓ Reserve and conservation fees
- ✓ Laundry, Wi-Fi and airstrip transfers
- ✓ Johannesburg airport meet and greet
✗ Excluded
- ✗ International flights
- ✗ Travel insurance
- ✗ Premium beverages and cellar wines
- ✗ Spa treatments
- ✗ Guided bush walks (available at selected lodges)
- ✗ Gratuities (guidelines provided)
- ✗ Personal expenses
Photo Gallery
Best Time to Travel
The dry season from May to October is the prime window, when thinning bush and animals gathering at water make Big Five sightings especially reliable on a short safari.
Why Choose This Package
The Big Five in Three Days
A fast fly-in from Johannesburg means you can land, safari and be back within a long weekend — no long drives.
Private-Concession Game Viewing
Off-road driving and night drives on prime concessions deliver sightings the public park cannot.
The Perfect Add-On
Slots effortlessly onto a business trip, a Cape Town holiday or a Victoria Falls extension.
World-Class Lodges
MalaMala, Sabi Sabi and Arathusa combine superb guiding with genuine luxury.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Experience the Johannesburg to Greater Kruger Luxury Safari?
From $4,200 per person | 3 Days / 2 Nights
⚡ Limited availability for peak season 2026 — book early to secure your dates
