2-Day Kruger Overland Big 5 Safari from Johannesburg
Duration
2 days
Start
06:00
Group Size
Max 15
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy
At a Glance
Starts
Hotel pickup in Johannesburg C...
Finishes
Back to Hotel
Stops
7 Locations
Guide
Live Expert Guide
“An action-packed 2-day overland safari departing Johannesburg for the Greater Kruger — featuring Balule Big 5 Reserve, sunset bush braai, starlit accommodation, and dawn game drives with expert rangers.
About This Experience
Leave the Johannesburg skyline behind and journey into the raw African wilderness on this unforgettable 2-day Kruger Overland Safari. Travel through the dramatic Mpumalanga escarpment to Balule Nature Reserve — a private Big 5 concession sharing unfenced borders with Kruger National Park. Settle into your safari lodge before embarking on an exhilarating afternoon game drive in an open-top Land Cruiser, when lions emerge from the shade and elephants gather at waterholes. As the African sun dips below the horizon, enjoy a traditional bush braai under a canopy of stars. Rise before dawn for a magical sunrise game drive — the golden hour when leopards hunt and rhinos graze in the mist. With expert trackers reading every footprint and broken branch, your Big 5 encounters feel deeply personal. This is Kruger at its most authentic — wild, intimate, and utterly life-changing.
Starting from
Pickup & Drop-off
Door-to-Door Collection
We collect all guests from any hotel, guest house, Airbnb, or other accommodation.
Within 8 km radius from Cape Town central
Up to 25 km radius from the city centre
Safe Return Home
At the end of your adventure, we drop you back at your accommodation — the same place we collected you.
Your Journey, Stop by Stop
Every moment planned, every detail considered
Johannesburg Departure
Early morning pickup from your hotel. Travel east through the Mpumalanga Highveld.
Arrive at Balule Reserve
Check in to your safari lodge, enjoy a welcome drink and lunch.
Stop 3Afternoon Game Drive
Board your open Land Cruiser for an afternoon of Big 5 tracking — prime time for predator activity.
Stop 4Bush Braai Dinner
Traditional South African braai under a blanket of stars with campfire stories.
Stop 5Sunrise Game Drive (Day 2)
Golden-hour drive when leopards hunt and rhinos graze in the morning mist.
Stop 6Bush Breakfast
Full breakfast at the lodge with views of the bushveld.
Return to Johannesburg
Scenic drive back arriving late afternoon.
Route Map
Route is approximate and may vary based on conditions.
What's Included
Inclusions
- Return transfers from Johannesburg
- Open safari vehicle game drives
- Professional field guide & tracker
- All park & conservancy fees
- 1 night safari lodge accommodation
- All meals (1 lunch, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast, 1 lunch)
- Bush braai dinner
- Bottled water throughout
Exclusions
- Gratuities for guide & tracker
- Alcoholic beverages
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
What to Bring
Know Before You Go
Confirmation
Instant confirmation. Show your voucher on mobile or print it out.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure
Meeting Point
Hotel pickup in Johannesburg CBD, Sandton, OR Tambo area
Start Time
Departs at 06:00. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
Accessibility
Contact us for accessibility details.
Availability
Available daily, subject to weather. We recommend booking 2+ weeks ahead.
Insider Tips from Our Guides
The Balule-Kruger boundary has exceptional leopard density
Sunset drives often yield lion sightings at waterholes
Ask your tracker about the resident elephant bulls
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Book Direct With Us
Why Book With Us
Typical conditions · Plan your visit accordingly
Best Time to Go
Winter dry season (May-Oct) is ideal — sparse vegetation makes wildlife spotting easier.
Meeting Point
Hotel pickup in Johannesburg CBD, Sandton, OR Tambo area
Need Help Planning?
Our local Cape Town travel experts are available 7 days a week to help you plan the perfect itinerary, combine tours, or arrange private experiences.
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“Absolutely incredible experience! Our guide was so knowledgeable and passionate. The views were breathtaking and the whole day was perfectly organized. Best tour we've ever done in South Africa.”
James & Maria
Verified Booking · TripAdvisor
One of 724+ five-star reviews from verified guests
About 2-Day Kruger Overland Big 5 Safari from Johannesburg
The 2-Day Kruger Overland Big 5 Safari from Johannesburg is one of the most popular guided experiences in South Africa, operated by Beyond Africa Safaris — a Gray Line licensed tour operator based in Cape Town with over 11,000 verified five-star reviews across TripAdvisor, Viator, and GetYourGuide. This 2 days experience takes you through 7 carefully curated stops, each selected to showcase the best of what this magnificent region has to offer.
Whether you're a first-time visitor to South Africa or a returning traveller seeking a deeper experience, our FGASA-certified local guides bring each location to life with expert commentary, insider knowledge, and a genuine passion for conservation and South African culture. All tours include English commentary and small group sizes of maximum 15 guests for a personal, intimate experience.
Book directly with Beyond Africa Safaris for the best guaranteed price — no booking fees, no middlemen, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Secure your spot today and discover why travellers from around the world consistently rate this as one of Cape Town's must-do experiences.
Ready for an Unforgettable Experience?
Book direct for the best price — no middlemen, no booking fees. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.