4 Day Kruger Big 5
Day 1 - Greater Kruger National Park (B,L,D)(480km)(Camping)
An early start from Johannesburg, we travel through the Province of Mpumalanga en route to the
breathtaking Kruger
National Park. This evening we will enjoy some local and dinner around our camp fire.
Included Highlight
 Local Dancing
Kruger National Park
The Kruger National Park is the largest game reserve in South Africa and attracts over half a million
tourists every year. Experience the thrill of being on safari, observing the big five as well as zebras, giraffe
and rhinos and be inspired by an authentically African atmosphere. Kick back and relax while exploring
the park with Nomad Tours; you‟ll have the time of your life and a Kruger experience you couldn‟t have
imagined possible.
The Kruger National Park spans across two provinces in South Africa, Mpumalanga and Limpopo
Province, and you can reach Kruger within eight hours of driving from Johannesburg. Kruger is larger
than some small countries in Europe, it is larger than the Serengeti National Park and is just less than two
million hectares of conservation area. Kruger National Park is one of South Africa‟s most sought after
safari and tourist destinations and is one of the world‟s most diverse and abundant nature and game
reserves.
Kruger was established in 1898 by Paul Kruger to protect the wildlife in the area from being hunted to
extinction. It was this foresight that ensured the existence of many of the species that exist only in Kruger
National Park. As we take you on a Southern African adventure, you‟ll explore the most glorious parts of
South Africa, the best of the Kruger National Park and submerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and
diverse cultures that this country presents.
Day 2 - Kruger National Park (B,D)(150km)(Camping)
Today we have a full day of game viewing planned in an open 4×4 vehicle inside Kruger National Park.
This gives you some fantastic photo opportunities so keep your eyes open for Elephant, Lion, Leopard,
Rhino and Buffalo, known as Africa‟s „Big Five‟ as well as many other species of animals and birds.
Activity Package
 Full day 4×4 Game Drive (R550 PP)
Included Highlight
 Afternoon game drive in Nomad truck
Day 3 - Kruger National Park (B,L,D)(Camping)
Today we start with a morning bush walk before proceeding into the Kruger National Park where we will
enjoy a game drive from the comfort of our truck. This evening we return to our camp and will enjoy an
afternoon / evening game drive.
Activity Package
 Morning Bush Walk (R490 PP)
 Evening Game Drive (R490 PP)
Included Highlight
 Full Day Game Drive in Nomad Truck
Optional Activity
 Morning Bush Walk – Nkambeni Reserve (R420 – R500 PP)
Day 4 - Greater Kruger Area to Johannesburg (B,L)(390km)
This morning we depart the greater Kruger area and journey back to Johannesburg. We travel along the
spectacular
Panorama Route. Blyde River Canyon is the 3rd largest canyon in the world, with breathtaking views of
formations such as God‟s Window and the Three Rondavels. We also see The Bourke‟s Luck Potholes,
which have been gradually eroded by the Treur River. Your tour ends on arrival in Johannesburg and
most groups spend this last night together with a meal out.
Included Highlight
 Panorama Route
 Three Rondavels
 Bourke‟s Luck Potholes
 Blyde River Canyon
 God‟s Window
Johannesburg
The city of Johannesburg is the business hub of South Africa. Everything here is faster than anywhere
else in Africa, something this city has prided itself on ever since the gold rush – being home of the world‟s
richest gold fields back in the day. This get-a-head attitude has made it an economic powerhouse and the
wealthiest city boasting African soil.
The streets of Johannesburg boast a rich historical background while its suburbs are home to some of the
savviest businessmen in Africa. However, it‟s not all about business in this economic terrain and
Johannesburg offers a wealth of sights for visitors including the beautiful Kruger National Park,
Emmerentia Dam and the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden.
It‟s also home to the world renowned Sun City, the popular Gold Reef City and the Blyde River Canyon.
Most visitors embark on tours to Johannesburg to take in the sites of the townships. Soweto in particular
offers fantastic opportunities for township tours as well as a glimpse into South Africa‟s history. The
Apartheid Museum is also part of these tours and delves visitors to Johannesburg into South Africa‟s
past.
Johannesburg‟s Sandton is also the sight of the best shopping ground in South Africa with shopping malls
offering all the latest and hottest haute couture and labels seen on the world‟s catwalks.
Panorama Route
The Panorama Route tour is home to breathtaking views and some of the most spectacular landscapes.
The route in Mpumalanga is well known for its cultural heritage as well as its dramatic scenery. Nomad‟s
Panorama Route tour is the road that we use as the final leg on our trip to Johannesburg and this means
that you get to end your adventure tour on a sightseeing high, witnessing some of South Africa‟s greatest
natural wonders.
The Panorama route is home to the Blyde River canyon which is the third largest canyon in the world and
the largest green canyon in the world (unlike it‟s Fish River Canyon counterpart which to the untrained
eye seems barren). It is situated at the Northern end of the Drakensberg and offers phenomenal views
over the Klein Drakensberg. The Blyde River canyon is situated in a National Reserve and as such is unspoilt by development and is home to an abundance of wildlife.
Another highlight of Nomad‟s Panorama Route tour is God‟s Window, a viewing spot on the escarpment
of the Drakensberg with panoramic views across the Lowveld and more breathtaking views of the lush
indigenous forested ravine 900m below. There is no doubt as to why it is called God‟s Window.
The Panorama Route adventure also stops for you to appreciate Bourke‟s Luck Potholes. This is one of
the famous viewpoints and a great place for you to stretch your legs along the Panorama Route, and is
also home to a beautiful and strange natural phenomenon. Over centuries the river water has eroded the
rocks to form perfectly smooth potholes and strange sculptures.
A visit to South Africa would not be complete without a drive along the Panorama route to experience
some of the most unique and breathtaking scenery in the world.
Three Rondavels
This spectacular feature is a set of three gigantic rock peaks consisting of quartzite and shale which sit on
the edge of the Blyde River Canyon, on the Panorama Route, like a rural village constructed by the Gods.
The rounded mountain tops were also said to once be known as “The Chief and his wives”, the largest
pointed mountain on the right, said to be the King, with his three unruly wives, the smaller peaks to the
left.
The rounded iconic bases with their rooftop peaks soar 800 meters into the air above the surrounding
mountains. The giant monoliths create phenomenal views with the rounded tops covered in grass and
aloes, the sheer rock faces interspersed with lilies and orchids while the base of the rondavels disappear
into lush subtropical forest.
Take your time to soak up the natural beauty of this area, best visited in the dry season when there is less
mist around and the views sweep openly across the Blyde River Canyon. Also be sure to stop off at
“Gods Window” and “Bourke‟s Luck Potholes” before heading back to Johannesburg.
Bourke’s Luck Potholes
The meeting place of two rivers and the beginning of the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke‟s Luck Potholes
have left many gazing in sheer wonder at the spectacular patterns and rock formations left behind after
centuries of water erosion. Bourke was the surname of a man who made claim to this area in the hopes
that he would find lots of gold here. Unfortunately, his guess work was not accurate enough and he
missed out on a large reserve of gold just South of where his claim had been made.
Where the Blyde and Treur Rivers meet, craggy cliffs drop down into cylindrical potholes bubbling over
into waterfalls and waterslides. On this tour, you can take a walk through the smaller holes and dip your
feet in the water before it crashed down into the crevasse below. The erosion carvings leave behind a
more resistant skeleton of rock resembling giant vertebrae in orange and brown. The view from the
pedestrian bridges allows you a better view back up into the cliff faces where you can see how over time,
the water and the sediment has taken it‟s toll on the granite rock surfaces.
Once you‟ve seen the amazing rock formations, make your way up to the picnic area where there are
also a lot of vendors and traders where you can pick up some great souvenirs to take home with you.
Blyde River Canyon
Imagine you are at the top of the third largest canyon in the world. As you follow the winding path, you
have to stop and stare in wonder at the astonishing panoramic views below, as the sheer edges of the
cliff drop down 800m into the river below. Lush scenery abounds, a vision of rich reds, greens, yellows
and blues, and as you look out through God‟s Window, you feel lucky to be alive and to be able to bear
witness to such incredible beauty. The Blyde River Canyon is a must see on everyone‟s travel itinerary,
and the viewpoints overlooking the Blyde River and Klein Drakensberg escarpment won‟t disappoint.
Blyde River Canyon Reserve is situated close to Kruger National Park and stretches over 29 000
hectares. You will have an ideal opportunity to discover two of the most beautiful places on earth –
ranging from the rich vegetation and spectacular wildlife of Kruger National Park, to the exceptional
beauty of the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve.
The famous Panorama Route overland tour takes you on a meander around the canyon, which lies
against the Greater Drakensberg escarpment. God‟s Window is just one of many viewpoints along the
canyon trail. The famous Three Rondavels are three massive spirals of towering dolomite rock, which
surge out of the far wall of the Blyde River Canyon. It looks like someone has taken a paint brush and
splashed the rocks in vibrant oranges and greens due to the moss and lichen growing on them.
The natural phenomenon, Bourke‟s Luck Potholes, is located where the Blyde River (meaning river of joy)
and the Treur River (river of sorrow) join. Whether they are tears of joy or tears of sorrow, over thousands
of years, the churning water has carved odd-shaped sculptures in the stone. The beautiful rocks are a
wonder, and their rich colors set against the flowing water, is a sight not to be missed.
Various antelope species, including the rare Oribi, hide in the grassland, while rock rabbits (hyrax) bask in
the sunshine on the rocky outcrops of the canyon. Blyde River supports an abundance of animals and
reptiles, with a rich variety of landscapes to suit each creature‟s requirements. Otters play in the river, and
bird lovers will smile as water birds glide past above them. More than 1000 floral species, many of which
are endemic, will tantalize nature lovers, while the rare Taita falcon keeps watch from the skies above.
God’s Window
While South Africa and the Drakensberg in particular are filled with natural beauty and splendor, it is one
part of this area that really is more spellbinding than any other. An area so vast and made up of beauty so
defined that it can only be closely compared to the beauty that God saw when he created the world. It‟s
fitting then that this region is called “God‟s Window.”
The panoramic view from this magnificent area is filled with canyons, rock formations and waterfalls, all
enveloped in a verdant valley. Viewpoints are scattered all along the length of the Blyde River Canyon
and it‟s said that on a clear day you can see as far as the coastline of Mozambique.
God‟s Window is part of a 250 kilometer stretch of sheer cliffs which drop 600m down into the Lowveld
which means while you‟re high up enjoying the view, you‟re not only enjoying crisp, clean air, but also a
place preferred by the Gods. and absorbed in the freedom of every citizen. The combination of the beauty
of the landscape and friendly nature of the locals makes South Africa a truly inspiring and exciting country
to explore.
Since the 17th century and the arrival of its very first settlers, South Africa has been claimed, to be one of
the most beautiful destinations in the world. Not only is the weather warm and mild throughout the year,
but locals and visitors enjoying an endlessly beautiful scenery and diversity in landscapes. Undoubtedly,
South Africa‟s main attractions are it‟s beautiful mountain and coastal views, however it‟s cities also
attract more than enough tourist attention.