9 Day Private Kruger Family  Safari:

Price per person sharing

• Solo – USD $$$
• Group of 2 – USD $$$
• Group of 3 – USD $$$
• Group of 4 – USD $$$
• Group of 5 – USD $$$
• Group of 6 – USD $$$
• Group of 7 – USD $$$

Itinerary Overview

There is something truly remarkable about a private family safari in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, one of the most iconic wildlife reserves in the world. Unlike standard safaris, a private family safari allows you to explore the park at your own pace, in the comfort of exclusive accommodations, while your dedicated guide ensures a personalized, educational, and safe experience for all family members.

Kruger is home to the Big Five lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino as well as an astonishing array of wildlife, from cheetahs and hyenas to hippos, giraffes, zebras, and numerous bird species. Families can enjoy watching predators on the prowl, witnessing herds of elephants at waterholes, and learning about the complex relationships within this diverse ecosystem.

This safari combines thrilling wildlife encounters with family-friendly activities, comfortable luxury lodges, and cultural experiences that introduce children and adults alike to the rich heritage and traditions of South Africa. Each day brings a new adventure, from morning and afternoon game drives to guided bush walks and sundowner experiences that let you soak in the beauty of the African wilderness.

Kruger’s diversity, coupled with private game viewing opportunities, ensures that each family leaves with a deep appreciation for Africa’s wildlife and unforgettable memories. Whether spotting a leopard in the trees, hearing the roar of a lion at dusk, or learning about bush survival from an expert ranger, every moment is designed to entertain, educate, and inspire both children and adults.

How to Get There

• This safari begins and ends in Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo International Airport) or Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (depending on lodge location).
• Private transfers or domestic flights to the lodge can be arranged for seamless travel.
• Accommodation before and after the safari can be organized at an extra cost.
• The safari is fully customizable for family needs, including age-appropriate activities and safety considerations.

Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Arrival in Johannesburg – Transfer to Kruger National Park

Upon arrival at Johannesburg airport, your family will be welcomed by a professional safari representative and transferred to the private lodge within Kruger National Park. After check-in, enjoy a relaxing lunch while taking in panoramic views of the bush. Later, embark on a gentle afternoon game drive, perfect for introducing children to wildlife in a safe and thrilling environment. End the day with a family-friendly dinner at the lodge, sharing stories of your first encounters with the African bush.

Dinner and overnight at Luxury Kruger Lodge: Beds, Dinner, Breakfast, and Lunch.

Day 2: Morning & Afternoon Game Drives

Wake up early to the sounds of the bush and enjoy a hearty breakfast before your morning game drive. This is the prime time to spot lions, leopards, and other predators as they hunt or rest in the early light. Return to the lodge for a midday break, where children can enjoy activities at the lodge or rest by the pool. In the late afternoon, head out for another game drive, enjoying the golden hues of sunset over the savannah. Your guide will provide insights about animal behavior, tracking, and conservation efforts.

Dinner and overnight at Luxury Kruger Lodge.

Day 3: Full-Day Safari Adventure

Today’s adventure includes a full-day safari with a picnic lunch in the bush. Explore remote areas of the park, observing the rhythm of wildlife undisturbed by crowds. Expect to see herds of elephants, grazing antelope, and perhaps a cheetah stalking prey. Stop mid-morning for a bush breakfast, allowing the family to experience the African wilderness up close while enjoying fresh coffee, juice, and pastries. Continue tracking animals and learning from your expert guide, returning to the lodge in the late afternoon for relaxation and a gourmet dinner.

Dinner and overnight at Luxury Kruger Lodge.

Day 4: Guided Bush Walks & Wildlife Education

Begin the day with a guided bush walk, accompanied by a professional ranger, focusing on educational activities for children such as identifying animal tracks, learning about bush survival, and understanding the ecosystem. After a lodge breakfast, enjoy free time for swimming or exploring lodge surroundings. The afternoon game drive offers more opportunities for spotting elusive wildlife such as leopards and wild dogs. Families can enjoy sundowners while watching elephants or giraffes at a waterhole.

Dinner and overnight at Luxury Kruger Lodge.

Day 5: Cultural Excursion & Scenic Game Drive

After an early morning game drive, visit a nearby local community to learn about South African traditions, culture, and daily life. Children can participate in craft activities, storytelling, or meet local guides who share their knowledge of the bush. Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, head out on a scenic game drive, focusing on photographic opportunities and spotting species unique to this region.

Dinner and overnight at Luxury Kruger Lodge.

Day 6: River Safari & Bird Watching

Start the day with a specialized river safari along Kruger’s many rivers and waterholes, where you can observe hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds in their natural habitat. After breakfast, enjoy a guided bird-watching walk, ideal for children and adults to spot colorful and exotic species while learning about their ecological roles. Return to the lodge for lunch and a leisure afternoon by the pool or in the lodge’s observation areas. End the day with an evening game drive.

Dinner and overnight at Luxury Kruger Lodge.

Day 7: Photography & Family Bush Experience

Today focuses on family-oriented photography safari, guided by an expert who helps capture your wildlife encounters and memorable moments in the bush. Children can learn basic photography skills, making it both educational and fun. After lunch, enjoy a relaxed afternoon drive focusing on tracking animals you may have missed and witnessing natural interactions such as predation or animal play.

Dinner and overnight at Luxury Kruger Lodge.

Day 8: Final Full-Day Safari & Farewell Dinner

Rise early for a sunrise game drive, absorbing the beauty of Kruger’s landscapes bathed in soft light. Enjoy a bush brunch before returning to the lodge for some rest. In the late afternoon, head out for your last safari drive, making the most of your time to see favorite animals one last time. Conclude the day with a special farewell dinner, surrounded by the sounds of the African bush, reflecting on the adventures of the past week.

Dinner and overnight at Luxury Kruger Lodge.

Day 9: Morning Safari & Departure

Begin your final day with an optional short morning drive, or simply enjoy the sights and sounds from your lodge. After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for your flight back home, taking with you cherished memories of intimate wildlife encounters, luxury accommodations, and family bonding in the heart of the African wilderness.

Meals Plan: Breakfast included.

Included

• 8 nights in a luxury Kruger lodge (family suites with en-suite bathrooms)
• Twice daily game drives (morning and afternoon) with expert guide and tracker
• Full-day safari with picnic lunch in the bush
• Guided bush walks and educational activities for children
• Cultural experience with a local community
• River safari and bird-watching activities
• All meals as specified (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
• Park fees and conservation levies
• Bottled drinking water during safaris
• Airport transfers within the package

Excluded

• International and domestic flights
• Airport transfers outside the package
• Tips for guides and lodge staff
• Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, phone calls, etc.)
• Soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and sodas