South Africa · Route map
Mpumalanga and Kruger Luxury Safari
This fast-paced luxury route pairs the dramatic vistas of the Panorama Route with a premier private game reserve experience in Sabi Sands.
- 1
Johannesburg
arriving Johannesburg Airport
Fly in and pick up your vehicle
- 2
Graskop
1 night
Gateway to the majestic Panorama Route
- 3
Sabi Sands Game Reserve
4 nights
Ultra-luxury safari and world-class leopard sightings
- 4
Johannesburg
departing Johannesburg Airport
Fly home from O.R. Tambo International
- ✦4 stops · 5 nights
A sample from our journal — written by Waypora, kept as inspiration
Use this as a starting pointThe day-by-day
Johannesburg to the Misty Cliffs
Arrive into Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport
Flight · Morning · Johannesburg
Collect premium 4x4 hire car
Car hire · Morning · Johannesburg Airport
Pick up your rental vehicle at the airport terminal.
Self-drive Johannesburg to Graskop
Self-drive · Afternoon · Highveld to Escarpment
The scenic drive takes approximately four and a half hours.
Stop at Milly's Star Stop near Machadodorp for their legendary trout pies.
Overnight in Graskop
Accommodation · Evening · Graskop
Request a room with valley views to watch the morning mist roll in.
The Dramatic Panorama Route
Explore Bourkes Luck Potholes and Canyon
Excursion · Morning · Blyde River Canyon
Walk over the pedestrian bridges early to beat the day-tripper buses.
View the Three Rondavels icon
Excursion · Afternoon · Blyde River Canyon
The afternoon light here is a landscape photographer's absolute dream.
Self-drive Graskop to Sabi Sands
Self-drive · Afternoon · Lowveld
Drive downwards through the Abel Erasmus Pass to the reserve gates.
Overnight in Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Accommodation · Evening · Sabi Sands
You will check into your luxury lodge just in time for sunset drinks.
Chasing Leopards in Sabi Sands
Sunrise 4x4 game drive
Excursion · Morning · Sabi Sands
Sabi Sands is globally renowned for its unbelievably relaxed leopard population.
Midday rest at the luxury lodge
At leisure · Afternoon · Sabi Sands
Watch elephants visit the camp watering hole directly from your private plunge pool.
Sunset drive and bush dinner
Excursion · Evening · Sabi Sands
Look up to see the southern hemisphere stars completely free of light pollution.
Overnight in Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Accommodation · Evening · Sabi Sands
Prides and Pristine Wilderness
Guided morning bush walking safari
Excursion · Morning · Sabi Sands
Focus on the smaller wonders like track identification and medicinal plants with your tracker.
Late afternoon predator tracking drive
Excursion · Afternoon · Sabi Sands
Keep your camera gear ready for action as nocturnal hunters begin to stir.
Overnight in Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Accommodation · Evening · Sabi Sands
Deep into the African Bush
Early morning photographic safari
Excursion · Morning · Sabi Sands
Ask your ranger to position the vehicle for the best backlighting angles.
Lodge spa treatment and relaxation
At leisure · Afternoon · Sabi Sands
The local amarula-infused massage is the perfect way to unwind between drives.
Night spotlight safari drive
Excursion · Evening · Sabi Sands
Sensory excitement peaks when tracking lions by sound alone under the dark canopy.
Overnight in Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Accommodation · Evening · Sabi Sands
Return to the Golden City
Self-drive Sabi Sands to Johannesburg Airport
Self-drive · Morning · Lowveld to Highveld
Drive back to O.R. Tambo Airport to connect with international departures.
Leave early to account for slow-moving coal trucks near Witbank.
Drop off hire car at O.R. Tambo
Car hire · Afternoon · Johannesburg Airport
Fly out of Johannesburg Airport
Flight · Evening · Johannesburg
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