Tel: +256753299565

Wild Whispers Africa Safaris
  1. Home
  2. »
  3. South Africa Safaris
  4. »
  5. 6 Day South Africa Safari

6 Day South Africa Safari

Wildlife

6-Day South Africa Safari: Johannesburg, Sabi Sand Game Reserve, and Kruger National Park

This comprehensive 6-day South African safari offers participants an in-depth exploration of the country’s rich wildlife and cultural heritage, focusing on the Greater Kruger area.

Duration: 6 Days

Places to Visit: Johannesburg, Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Kruger National Park

Itinerary:

Day 1: Johannesburg – Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Begin the journey in Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city with a population of over 5 million. Visit the Apartheid Museum, which provides a powerful look into South Africa’s history of racial segregation and the struggle for democracy. Take a short flight to Sabi Sand Game Reserve (approximately 1 hour), a private reserve adjacent to Kruger National Park. Sabi Sand covers 65,000 hectares and is renowned for its high-quality game viewing.

Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon game drive. Sabi Sand is known for excellent leopard sightings and hosts all of the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo). In the evening, enjoy a traditional South African braai (barbecue) dinner. This social custom is deeply ingrained in South African culture across all ethnic groups. Sample local dishes such as boerewors (spiced sausage) and pap (maize porridge).

Accommodation: Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge or similar

Day 2-3: Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Spend two full days exploring Sabi Sand Game Reserve. The reserve offers a more exclusive safari experience compared to Kruger, with off-road driving permitted for closer wildlife encounters.

Participate in morning and afternoon game drives, as well as guided bush walks. Learn about the smaller aspects of the ecosystem, including insects, plants, and animal tracking techniques. Visit a local Shangaan village to learn about traditional customs and daily life. The Shangaan people have inhabited this region for centuries and have a rich cultural heritage.

Enjoy a night drive to observe nocturnal animals and learn about celestial navigation techniques used by local trackers. Participate in a traditional storytelling session around the campfire, learning about local folklore and the spiritual significance of various animals in African culture.

Accommodation: Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge or similar (2 nights)

Day 4-5: Sabi Sand Game Reserve – Kruger National Park

Transfer to Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s largest game reserves covering an area of 19,485 square kilometers. The park is home to an impressive diversity of wildlife, including 147 mammal species, 507 bird species, and 114 reptile species. Spend two days exploring different sections of this vast reserve. Visit the Letaba Elephant Hall, which houses an impressive collection of elephant tusks and offers educational displays about elephant ecology and conservation.

Take a guided game drive to one of the park’s cultural heritage sites, such as the Albasini Ruins. These ruins are the remains of a 19th-century trading post established by João Albasini, offering insights into the area’s colonial history and trade relations. Learn about the Tsonga people, one of the main ethnic groups in the Kruger area. The Tsonga have a rich cultural heritage, known for their intricate beadwork and vibrant traditional clothing.

Visit the Skukuza Indigenous Nursery. This nursery propagates indigenous plants used in the park’s rehabilitation projects and offers insights into the local flora and its traditional uses. Enjoy a sunset drive, offering opportunities to see nocturnal animals and experience the park’s transition from day to night.

Accommodation: Skukuza Rest Camp or similar (2 nights)

Day 6: Kruger National Park – Johannesburg

Wake up early for a final morning game drive in Kruger National Park, focusing on areas known for high wildlife concentrations. Before departing, stop at one of the park’s craft markets, where local artisans sell traditional crafts. This provides an opportunity to support local communities and learn about traditional Tsonga and Shangaan craftwork.

Transfer to Skukuza Airport for a flight back to Johannesburg (approximately 1 hour).

Upon arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, time permitting, visit the nearby Lesedi Cultural Village. This living museum showcases the traditional cultures of several South African ethnic groups, including Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Basotho, and Ndebele.

Conclude the safari with a farewell dinner featuring a range of South African cuisines, reflecting the country’s diverse culinary traditions.

Want to explore other options?

Additional trip ideas to kickstart your journey