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8 DAYS SOUTH AFRICA: PANORAMA ROUTE AND KRUGER
From $1,272 USD* / Discover the untamed side of South Africa / 8 days

*price p.p. incl. guide, safari jeep, hotel and park entrance fees, excl. international flight (based on six persons)

Home > South Africa Travel > South Africa Tours > 8 Days South Africa: Panorama Route and Kruger

8 DAYS SOUTH AFRICA: PANORAMA ROUTE AND KRUGER

Get ready for an unforgettable self-drive adventure with Voyage Vista African Safaris, designed for travellers who love wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and outdoor excitement. This eight-day journey takes you through some of South Africa’s most spectacular natural attractions, combining incredible safari experiences with thrilling activities and scenic wonders.


At the heart of the adventure lies Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations. Home to the iconic Big Five, nearly 150 mammal species, and more than 500 bird species, the park offers exceptional game-viewing opportunities across its vast two-million-hectare wilderness. For those with a special love for elephants, a visit to Elephant Whispers provides a unique opportunity to interact with these gentle giants, while meeting the famous Jessica the Hippo is an experience you’ll never forget.

Beyond the safari, the renowned Panorama Route showcases some of South Africa’s most stunning scenery. Cruise through the magnificent Blyde River Canyon, experience the thrill of white-water rafting, explore fascinating caves, or soar above the landscape on a hot-air balloon flight over Hoedspruit.

Adventure seekers will love the attractions at Graskop Gorge, where a glass elevator descends into the lush forest below and a giant swing offers an adrenaline-filled ride through the gorge. Prefer something a little more relaxed? Enjoy scenic zip-lining, cross suspension bridges suspended above the forest canopy, or simply take in the breathtaking views that surround you.

From unforgettable wildlife encounters to dramatic landscapes and exciting outdoor activities, this journey reveals the true wild side of South Africa. Travel at your own pace on this memorable road trip, enjoying the freedom and flexibility of a self-drive adventure. For those who would like a deeper insight into South Africa’s history, culture, and natural wonders, experienced local guides can also be arranged at an additional cost.

Discover South Africa’s wild side with Voyage Vista African Safaris and create memories that will last a lifetime.

8 DAYS SOUTH AFRICA: PANORAMA ROUTE AND KRUGER

Low season (March, April, May and 1st of November – 19th of December) 

2 persons 4 persons 6 persons
$1,487.33 USD*
$1,271.53 USD*
$1,331.48 USD*

Mid-Season (the rest of the year)

2 persons 4 persons 6 persons
$1,503.90 USD*
$1,297.70 USD*
$1,354.05 USD*

High season (January, July, August, September and 20th to 31st of December)

2 persons 4 persons 6 persons
$1,520.72 USD*
$1,316.78 USD*
$1,371.86 USD*

* Indicative costs per person, excluding international airline tickets

Included
Activities (unless indicated differently on your itinerary)
Bed and breakfast (unless indicated differently on your itinerary)
24/7 service
8 Days
Reservation costs
All Accommodations
Rental Cars
Excluded
Visas
Travel insurance
International flights (can be booked for you on request)
Fuel
Lunch and dinner (unless indicated differently on your itinerary)
Private guide (unless indicated differently on your itinerary)
Surcharge for alternative delivery/collect location for your rental car

Itinerary Details

Itinerary Details

dAY 1

Arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg

Arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg

Nayimkelekile, baie welkom, and welcome to South Africa! Upon arriving at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport, Africa’s largest and busiest aviation hub, you’ll make your way to collect your rental vehicle and begin an unforgettable adventure.

This marks the start of your self-drive journey with Voyage Vista African Safaris, where freedom and flexibility are at the heart of the experience. Travel at your own pace, tailor each day to match your interests, and choose from a variety of exciting activities and attractions along the way. Whether you prefer action-packed adventures, incredible wildlife encounters, or leisurely scenic stops, the journey is entirely yours to shape.

Arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg

Accommodation

The Houghton Hotel

Day 2

Drive from Johannesburg to Hazyview

Using the N12 and N4 highways, it takes just under 4.5 hours to travel 385 km from Johannesburg’s international airport to Hazyview. You’ll be in a great position to reach Kruger National Park early the following morning once you’re at Hazyview. Visit Elephant Whispers in the Sandford Conservancy for touching elephant encounters or relax with a traditional South African braai after checking in! Milly’s Café & Restaurant on the N4, which is well-known for its mouthwatering lunch menu, baked goods, barista coffee, and picturesque views over the dam full with trout (try the smoked trout!), is a perfect halfway break. Hazyview is only 165 km away on the R539 and R40 after that.

Accommodation

The Houghton Hotel

Day 3 - 4

Drive from Hazyview to Kruger National Park – Paul Kruger Gate

Kruger National Park

Using the R536, it takes 40 minutes and 42 kilometres to travel from Hazyview to Paul Kruger Gate, directly into Big Five country. The nearest gate to Skukuza is this famous entry, which bears the name of former president Paul Kruger. It is located beside the Sabie River, which is rich in crocs and hippos. When you first arrive, you’ll be given a map with well marked game drive routes and rest areas that are worth visiting. Other tourists there frequently provide helpful information about the presence of the animals. Starting your safari journey on the H11 towards Skukuza is a fantastic idea. The region is recognised for having a high level of predator activity and a large concentration of big cats. This road frequently offers thrilling sightings in the thickets close to the river, so go slowly.

Kruger National Park

Accommodation

Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge
Queen-Elizabeth-National-Park-lioness-LION

Day 5

Drive from Kruger National Park (Orpen Gate) to Hoedspruit

Queen-Elizabeth-National-Park-lioness-LION

Before leaving the park through Orpen Gate, you might want to make the most of your final day in Kruger National Park by going on another game drive. Hoedspruit is about 30 kilometres away or a 30-minute journey on the R40. As you go to your next lodging, take in the untamed and untamed scenery. You still have time to enjoy Hoedspruit and all of its delights if you get there early!

Accommodation

Tangala Safari Camp

Day 6

Drive from Hoedspruit to Blyde River Canyon

Blyde River Canyon

It takes one hour and twenty minutes to travel the fifty km along the R40 from Hoedspruit to Blyde River Canyon. Blyde River Canyon, a natural wonder with some of the world’s deepest cliffs, is the third-largest canyon in the world and the greenest due to its rich subtropical vegetation. After checking into your lodging, begin your journey through the Blyde River Canyon with a peaceful boat ride on the Blyde Dam or some white water rafting. The following day, travel directly to the breathtaking sights along the Panorama Route in the direction of Graskop. Your camera won’t get a break with all of this beauty!

Blyde River Canyon

Accommodation

Umvangati House
Graskop

Day 7

Drive from Blyde River Canyon to Graskop

Graskop

One of the most picturesque drives in South Africa is the Panorama Route in the province of Mpumalanga, which offers breathtaking views of the Blyde River Canyon and verdant surroundings. From the canyon region to Graskop, travel along the R532, stopping at famous locations like Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels, which are natural marvels sculpted by millennia of water erosion. Don’t miss God’s Window, which offers expansive views of the lower regions and, on clear days, all the way to Mozambique. Include breathtaking waterfalls like Berlin Falls and Lisbon Falls, both of which are easily accessible and have low admission costs. End your journey in Graskop with the unforgettable Gorge Lift Experience – descending 51 metres into a magical forest. Every stop is a photo opportunity, so have your camera ready.

Accommodation

Hoyohoyo Angels View Graskop

Day 8

Drive from Graskop to Johannesburg via Hazyview's Sabie River

Sabie River

Today is the last part of your road trip in South Africa. You will travel 360 km, or 4 to 4.5 hours, without stopping, from Graskop to Johannesburg. But why not take on the Sabie River’s rapids for a once-in-a-lifetime white water rafting experience if you’re up for one last adventure? For this, you travel the picturesque R535 for about forty-five minutes from Graskop to Hazyview. Following your adrenaline-pumping splash, you proceed westward towards Johannesburg via the R40 to the N4 freeway. If you wish to head directly to the airport, follow the signs to the R21 north. It gets quite crowded in the city, so keep your eyes on the road!

Sabie River

Make your dream trip come true with Tanzania Wildlife Voyages

At Voyage Vista African Safaris, you have complete freedom to tailor your adventure. Our sample itineraries are fully flexible and can be customized to match your interests. Our travel experts collaborate closely with you to design the perfect journey of your dreams.

Why Voyage Vista African Safaris?

Experience expert private guides, well-equipped private jeeps, customizable itineraries, and exceptional customer care. Our thorough trip planning allows you to travel completely stress-free. We truly are your ideal partner for a memorable journey supported by top-quality service.

100% specialized in Africa
Skilled advice – tailor-made private safaris
World-class safari guides
Private vehicle and great customer satisfaction for the best price