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5-Day South Africa Safari Tours
With its ever-changing landscapes, South Africa is one of Africa’s most popular holiday destinations. It features dramatic mountains, stark deserts, lush forests, endemic fynbos, savannah woodland and idyllic tropical beaches. No wonder the country is a favorite with many outdoor enthusiasts. Aside from its scenic beauty, the wildlife is the country’s biggest asset. South Africa is dotted with 19 national parks and more than 100 other provincial and private reserves. Unsurprisingly, there are endless opportunities for a 5-day South Africa safari.
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5-Day Kruger National Park Budget Camping Safari
$738 to $812 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 15 people per vehicle)
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
MoAfrika Tours
5.0/5 – 77 Reviews
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5-Day Discover the Kruger Park Safari
$856 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 13 people per vehicle)
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Greater Kruger, Kruger NP, Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route), Johannesburg (End)
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Explore Kruger Park
5.0/5 – 1 Reviews
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5-Day Private Safari Experience in Kruger Park
$1,242 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range BungalowYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Southern Kruger, Johannesburg Airport (End)
Shinzelle Safaris
4.9/5 – 46 Reviews
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5-Day Kruger NP Big Five Budget Safari & Panorama Route
$893 to $992 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle)
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight), Johannesburg (End)
The Mzansi Experience
5.0/5 – 17 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
![5-Day Kruger & Sabi Safari]()
5-Day Kruger & Sabi Safari
$2,798 to $3,245 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourLuxuryLodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Kruger NP, Johannesburg Airport (End)
Discover Africa
5.0/5 – 196 Reviews
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![5-Day 4 Star Panorama Route and Kruger Park Safari]()
5-Day 4 Star Panorama Route and Kruger Park Safari
$1,972 to $2,161 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourLuxuryLodge & Hotel
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Panorama Route (Highlight), Greater Kruger, Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Mmilo Tours
5.0/5 – 106 Reviews
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![5-Day Tremisana/Tent Kruger Park Safari]()
5-Day Tremisana/Tent Kruger Park Safari
$790 to $819 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Balule NR (Greater Kruger), Olifants River, Kruger NP, Moholoholo (Wildlife Sanctuary), Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route), Johannesburg (End)
Viva Safaris
4.9/5 – 144 Reviews
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![5-Day Cape Town, Cape Winelands & Aquila Safari]()
5-Day Cape Town, Cape Winelands & Aquila Safari
$804 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & HotelYou Visit: Cape Town (Start), Cape Winelands, Aquila GR, Cape Town Airport (End)
Africa Incoming
5.0/5 – 5 Reviews
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5-Day Four Friends - Game Lodge & Bush Camp Kruger Tour
$952 to $1,057 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & Tented Bush CampYou Visit: Hoedspruit (Start), Klaserie NR (Greater Kruger), Greater Kruger, Balule NR (Greater Kruger), Johannesburg (City), Hoedspruit (End)
Wildlife Encounters
5.0/5 – 10 Reviews
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5-Day Best of Both Safari in South Africa
$12,776 to $14,487 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourLuxury+Lodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Singita GR (Sabi Sands), Johannesburg (End)
Ker & Downey Africa
5.0/5 – 101 Reviews
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![5-Day Kruger Safari Package Bush and Lions]()
5-Day Kruger Safari Package Bush and Lions
$1,263 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourBudgetCamping & Lodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Balule NR (Greater Kruger), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Ku Sungula Safari Lodge
5.0/5 – 4 Reviews
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![5-Day Kruger Park Camping Safari]()
5-Day Kruger Park Camping Safari
$983 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)BudgetCamping
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
The Kruger Safari Co.
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Top Rated Operator
![5-Day Kruger and Greater Kruger Semi-Exclusive Safari]()
5-Day Kruger and Greater Kruger Semi-Exclusive Safari
$1,292 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & Tented CampYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight), Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Johannesburg (End)
Safari With Us
5.0/5 – 169 Reviews
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Best Seller
![5-Day Sabi Sand & Kruger Ensuite Safari from/to Joburg]()
5-Day Sabi Sand & Kruger Ensuite Safari from/to Joburg
$1,356 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)
Mid-range Lodge & ChaletYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
Wild Kruger
4.9/5 – 50 Reviews
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Top Rated Operator
![5-Day Classic Madikwe Safari - Fully Inclusive]()
5-Day Classic Madikwe Safari - Fully Inclusive
$2,383 to $2,874 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tourLuxuryLodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Madikwe GR, Johannesburg (End)
Pembury Tours
5.0/5 – 360 Reviews
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Best Seller
![5-Day Private Kruger Safari and Panorama Route]()
5-Day Private Kruger Safari and Panorama Route
$1,400 to $1,540 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range Chalet & BungalowYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route), Johannesburg (End)
Wild Planet Safari
5.0/5 – 171 Reviews
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![5-Day Safari to Kruger Park plus Panorama Route]()
5-Day Safari to Kruger Park plus Panorama Route
$1,138 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle)
Mid-range Lodge & HotelYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Southern Kruger, Central Kruger, Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route), Johannesburg Airport (End)
Wildlife Safaris
4.9/5 – 196 Reviews
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![5-Day Exclusive Kruger & Private Game Reserve Experience]()
5-Day Exclusive Kruger & Private Game Reserve Experience
$1,406 to $1,550 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)LuxuryLodge & Guest House
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger), Nelspruit (End)
Elephant Herd Tours & Safaris
5.0/5 – 13 Reviews
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![5-Day Private Game Reserve + Kruger National Park]()
5-Day Private Game Reserve + Kruger National Park
$1,041 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range Guest House & BungalowYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Phalaborwa (Town), Tshukudu GR, Kruger NP, O.R. Tambo Airport (Johannesburg), Johannesburg (End)
Khalanga Safaris
5.0/5 – 29 Reviews
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5-Day Exciting Kruger Park Safari & Elephant Sanctuary
$1,176 to $1,385 pp (USD)
South Africa: Private tour
Mid-range LodgeYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight), Elephant Sanctuary Hazyview (Elephant Sanctuary), Johannesburg (End)
Red Africa Safaris
5.0/5 – 91 Reviews
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6 Questions About 5-Day South Africa Safaris
Answered by
Ariadne van Zandbergen
Ariadne is a renowned Africa expert and photographer. She and her husband form a team who write and update many travel guides. South Africa has been her home for the last 25 years. She has traveled around the country extensively, visiting all its parks and reserves regularly for work and leisure.
6 Questions About 5-Day South Africa Safaris
Ariadne van Zandbergen
Is 5 days enough time for a safari in South Africa?
“Five days is enough time for a safari, but it would be very short for a South African holiday. South Africa has a lot to offer and you can easily spend two or three weeks on holiday in this varied country. Differing to holidays in other safari countries in Africa, a typical South African holiday consists of one or more safaris mixed in with other highlights. On a 5-day safari you can visit Kruger National Park and the Panorama Route, a scenic drive connecting waterfalls and several viewpoints over the Drakensberg escarpment and the Blyde River Canyon. Although this combination is very popular for good reason, there are many other areas offering excellent wildlife viewing that are worth exploring too. And then there are the mountains, the cities, the scenic coastline of the Garden Route, and much more.”
1How much does a 5-day South Africa safari cost?
“South Africa is a relatively affordable safari destination. As a guideline, you can expect prices for a mid-range safari to start at about US$1,000 per person, while luxury tours start at around US$1,500 per person. There are options for every budget. With its well-developed road network and generally modern facilities, the country lends itself to a self-drive safari – an affordable option if you like to travel independently. When booking a guided tour, you have the choice between joining a group or a private safari. The former is usually more budget-friendly, but the latter gives you more flexibility. There is a huge choice of accommodation options in South Africa. Lodges and rest camps in and outside the national parks are often moderately priced, but most private game reserves offer luxury packages in a higher price bracket. Domestic flights between South African cities are well priced, but high-end fly-in safaris where you fly directly to the reserves’ airstrips come with a hefty price tag. I recommend getting a few quotations before booking a 5-day South Africa safari.”
2Where should I go on a 5-day tour in South Africa?
“There are several options for a 5-day safari in South Africa. Most popular is Kruger NP. This vast ecosystem is the size of a small country. The south of the park is most accessible, but central and northern Kruger are less crowded. Both guided and self-drive safaris are good options in Kruger. Although part of the same ecosystem, the private game reserves bordering Kruger offer a very different experience. Here your expert guide will get you close to all of the Big Five in an open-sided safari vehicle. Whereas you need to stick to the roads in Kruger, you’ll go off-road in the reserves, so expect some exciting close-up encounters here. This doesn’t come cheaply but the whole package with luxury accommodation, gourmet food and outstanding service is worth every cent. The cluster of KwaZulu-Natal reserves, including Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, Ithala and uMkhuze Game Reserves, is very different. This tropical area with rolling hills and lush vegetation is particularly scenic. Rhinos are prolific here and the birding is outstanding. There are some other excellent 5-day safari packages available if your holiday is centered on Cape Town and the Garden Route. Addo Elephant National Park, Gondwana, Shamwari and Kwandwe Private Game Reserves are all Big Five destinations.”
3What is the best time of the year for a 5-day South Africa safari?
“The best time of the year for a safari in South Africa is from May to September. This is the South African winter, which corresponds to the Dry season in most of the country (the exception is the Cape Town area, which experiences winter rainfall). Water in the bush dries out as the Dry season progresses, and animals are easier to find as they gather around rivers and waterholes. The shriveling vegetation makes animal spotting easier too. Although this is the most productive time for wildlife viewing, you must keep in mind that early mornings and evenings can be very cold in open vehicles. The shoulder month of September is perhaps best as it is the end of the Dry season, but temperatures start to increase a little. If you want to combine your safari with other highlights or time on the beach, you might prefer the warmer summer months from October to April.”
4Which animals am I likely to see on a 5-day South Africa safari?
“You can see a big variety of animals in South Africa. You’ve got a good chance of seeing the Big Five when spending 3 or 4 days in Kruger NP. Even more so in the adjacent private reserves where off-road driving makes sightings easier. Elephant, buffalo and giraffe are common throughout. Of the big cats, lion is easiest to see but you need a fair amount of luck to see the secretive leopard in Kruger. This sought-after cat is, however, the flagship species of the bordering Sabi Sand Game Reserve. White rhinos are quite common in southern Kruger, but the best place to see these endangered heavyweights is in the KwaZulu-Natal reserves. The Big Five aside, it is really the variety in antelope species that sets South Africa apart as a wildlife destination. Look out for the stately spiral-horned greater kudu or the more localized nyala. The red duiker can be seen scurrying away in coastal forests, while the dainty steenbok, which freezes its motion when spotted, is common throughout. On a 5-day safari, you’ll probably see most animals on your bucket list, as well as many more you didn’t even know existed.”
5Can I extend my 5-day South Africa safari with a beach holiday?
“There is no better way to extend a holiday than taking some time to relax on the beach. South Africa’s 2,850km/1,770mi coastline is as varied as its interior. The warm waters of the Indian Ocean on the east coast of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape are perfect for a tropical beach holiday. There are many family-friendly resorts to choose from, as well as more-secluded romantic getaways. The beautiful southern beaches along the Garden Route are lovely in summer, but very cold in winter. Active visitors wanting to explore, walk or cycle, as well as relax, enjoy this area most. However, if you are looking for pure island bliss, you might want to hop on a plane to Mauritius, Seychelles or the islands of Mozambique.”
6South Africa Reviews
Anthony is a photographer and writer for travel magazines and Lonely Planet, including the guides to Kenya and Botswana & Namibia.
South Africa: World-class Safaris
South Africa is one of my favourite places to go on safari, with all the necessary ingredients for a wildlife experience that will begin your enduring love affair with the continent. Primary among these ingredients is the wildlife....
Emma is an award-winning travel writer for Rough Guides, National Geographic Traveller, Travel Africa magazine and The Independent.
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Miraculous!
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Absolutely fabulous!
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