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Kruger National Park, South Africa

Top 5 day trips from Kruger National Park

The best day trips from Kruger National Park

Looking to explore beyond Kruger National Park? There are some amazing day trips you can take to discover the natural beauty and cultural heritage of South Africa. Kruger National Park is a destination packed with wildlife and nature, but the surrounding area has even more to offer. If you’re looking for a break from the safari or just want to see something different, these day trips are the perfect escape. We’ve rounded up the best nearby experiences to give you a break from the bush while still keeping the adventure alive.

Blyde River Canyon Mpumalanga South Africa

01

Mpumalanga Scenic Panorama Tour

The Mpumalanga scenic panorama tour is perfect if you love dramatic landscapes. Start your adventure with a visit to God’s Window, an iconic 700-meter-high vantage point with stunning views of the Lowveld, canyons, and surrounding rainforests. The tour includes stops at the historic town of Pilgrim’s Rest, a living museum of the gold rush era and the stunning Lisbon Falls, the highest waterfall in the area. We also found the Bourke’s Luck Potholes interesting – a remarkable geological formation carved by centuries of swirling water. If you’re looking for the ultimate snapshot of South Africa’s scenic diversity, this tour is a must.

Mpumalanga Scenic Panorama Tour
Mpumalanga
South Africa

Blyde River Canyon Mpumalanga South Africa
Blyde River Canyon Mpumalanga South Africa

02

Full-Day Panorama and Blyde River Canyon Guided Tour

This guided tour takes you through some of South Africa’s most breathtaking scenery. This tour starts with the Panorama Route, a stretch of mountains with unbelievable views, waterfalls and valleys. The tour includes stops at notable sites like the Three Rondavels and Bourke’s Luck Potholes. The highlight of this tour is the Blyde River Canyon, here you’ll enjoy a guided walk and get the opportunity to take in the views of the canyon and river below. But what makes this trip extra special is the stories our guide shared, from the canyon’s geological past to its cultural significance – no better way to learn about a site than straight from the locals!

Full-Day Panorama and Blyde River Canyon Guided Tour
Mpumalanga
South Africa

Drakensberg Mountain Range Mpumalanga South Africa

03

Full-Day Panoramic Tour of Drakensberg Mountain

If you’re craving wide-open spaces and mountain air, the Drakensberg Mountains will leave you speechless. This tour includes a visit to the stunning Tugela Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in the world. The tour also features a stop at the Amphitheatre, a rock wall formation that’s over 5 kilometres long – this was our personal favourite stop! The guide will also take you to spots to view the San rock art. Learning about the ancient San people who once called these mountains home and seeing the rock art they left behind, gives the trip a deeper sense of meaning.

Full-Day Panoramic Tour of Drakensberg Mountain
Mpumalanga
South Africa

Blyde River Canyon Mpumalanga South Africa

04

Blyde Boat and Reptile Tour

If you’re looking for something a bit different, this Blyde boat and reptile tour will take you on a relaxing boat ride through the Blyde River Canyon, offering a different perspective of its towering cliffs and waterfalls. After the boat cruise, you’ll visit the Khamai Reptile Park, where you’ll learn about various reptiles native to the area, including snakes, crocodiles and lizards. The knowledgeable guides provide engaging and informative presentations, making it a fun and educational experience for all ages. If you’re after a mix of relaxation and hands-on fun, this tour is an awesome way to switch things up from the safari scene.

Blyde Boat and Reptile Tour
Mpumalanga
South Africa

Shangana Cultural Village Mpumalanga South Africa

05

Village Tour & Safari

Get a taste of local culture with this village tour & safari, a day trip that mixes the thrill of a safari with an immersive cultural experience. The tour starts with a visit to the Shangana cultural village, where you’ll learn about the customs, traditions and daily life of the local people. Enjoy the traditional dance performance and sample traditional food, they even show you how to perform the dance so you can join in on the fun! After the village visit, they will take you on an exciting safari in a nearby game reserve, where you’ll have the chance to see the Big Five and other wildlife, accompanied by informative stories from guides who have endless knowledge of the area and animals.

Village Tour & Safari
Hazyview
Mpumalanga
South Africa

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