7-Day Family Safari Adventure in South Africa: Johannesburg and Kruger National Park

Day 1: Arrival & Explore

Johannesburg, South Africa on July 1, 2025

9:00am

Arrive in Johannesburg (JNB)

Land at OR Tambo International Airport and transfer via taxi or hotel shuttle to Holiday Inn Rosebank where the family will stay for two nights in comfortable family rooms.
Included in flight cost, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Pata Pata

Enjoy a family-friendly lunch with delicious South African dishes and live music in the trendy Maboneng Precinct, open 12pm-10pm.
ZAR350, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Apartheid Museum

Explore South Africa's history through insightful exhibits detailing apartheid and the journey to freedom. Open daily 9am-5pm.
ZAR150, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Hotel

Return to the hotel to relax after the long flight and prepare for the upcoming safari adventure.
Included in accommodation, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Marble Restaurant

Dine on wood-fired cuisine in an upscale environment featuring open flame cooking, perfect for families seeking a memorable meal. Open 6pm-10:30pm.
ZAR600, 1.5h

Day 2: Johannesburg Culture & Leisure

Johannesburg, South Africa on July 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at the hotel

Hearty buffet breakfast offered at Holiday Inn Rosebank to start the day with energy.
Included in accommodation, 1h

9:30am

Visit Lion Park

Experience getting up close with lions, cheetahs, and other wildlife in this family-friendly conservation park. Open daily 9am-5pm.
ZAR200, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Moyo Melrose Arch

Savor traditional African cuisine with vibrant ambiance and occasional live performances. Open 12pm-11pm.
ZAR400, 1.5h

3:00pm

Explore Nelson Mandela Square

Leisurely stroll in this iconic square with shops, statues, and cafes. Great for family photos and souvenirs.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Early Dinner at The Grillhouse

Enjoy premium steaks and kid-friendly options in one of Johannesburg’s best steakhouses, open until 10pm.
ZAR500, 1.5h

Day 3: Fly to Kruger & Start Safari

Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) / Safari Lodge on July 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast before flight to Gateway to Kruger.
Included in accommodation, 1h

9:00am

Fly Johannesburg (JNB) to Kruger Mpumalanga (MQP)

Take a short domestic flight (~1 hour) to MQP, minimizing travel time and maximizing safari time.
USD200, 1.5h including transfers

11:00am

Transfer to Safari Lodge (Shindzela Tented Camp)

Private transfer arranged included with lodging, approximately 1h drive to lodge in Greater Kruger area.
Included, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Lodge

Enjoy an all-inclusive lunch featuring local and international cuisine in the lodge’s dining area.
Included, 1h

3:30pm

Afternoon Game Drive

Begin safari adventure with professional guides spotting the Big Five and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Starts at 3:30pm, lasts approx 3 hours.
Included, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Lodge

Savor a delectable dinner back at the lodge under the stars, reflecting on the day’s sightings.
Included, 1.5h

Day 4: Full Safari Experience

Kruger National Park Area on July 4, 2025

6:00am

Early Morning Game Drive

Take advantage of cool early hours to see active wildlife including predators and birds. Requires early wake-up, trip lasts about 3 hours.
Included, 3h

9:30am

Breakfast at Lodge

Return to lodge for a filling breakfast buffet with a variety of options for the family.
Included, 1h

11:00am

Relax or Optional Nature Walk

Choose to rest or join short guided nature walk near the lodge to learn about flora and smaller animals.
Included, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Lodge

Enjoy a light lunch featuring fresh seasonal ingredients prepared by the chef.
Included, 1h

3:30pm

Afternoon Game Drive

Another afternoon safari drive to spot wildlife missed on prior outings with professional guides.
Included, 3h

7:00pm

Sundowner Drinks and Dinner

Experience classic safari sundowners outside followed by a hearty dinner indoors at the lodge.
Included, 2h

Day 5: Game Drives & Leisure

Kruger National Park Area on July 5, 2025

6:00am

Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari

Book an early morning hot air balloon ride over the savannah for stunning aerial views. Approx $400pp, reserve in advance.
USD400, 4h

9:30am

Breakfast at Lodge

Healthy breakfast spreads provided with options for kids and adults.
Included, 1h

11:00am

Visit Local Village

Cultural visit to a nearby local village to learn traditional crafts and lifestyle, enriching the safari experience.
ZAR300, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Lodge

Return to lodge for delicious lunch and time to rest.
Included, 1h

3:30pm

Afternoon Game Drive

Final afternoon game drive to maximize wildlife sightings in the magnificent park.
Included, 3h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Lodge

Celebrate the last night at the safari lodge with a special dinner prepared by the chefs.
Included, 2h

Day 6: Return to Johannesburg

Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport / Johannesburg on July 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Lodge

Enjoy an early breakfast before departing the lodge.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Transfer to MQP Airport

Private transfer back to the airport to catch our domestic flight.
Included, 1h

11:00am

Fly MQP to Johannesburg (JNB)

Return flight to Johannesburg to spend the last night in the city before departure.
USD200, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Vovo Telo Rosebank

Enjoy fresh artisanal breads and Mediterranean inspired dishes at this popular café in Rosebank, open 8am-5pm.
ZAR250, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Johannesburg Botanical Gardens

Relax with a family stroll through beautiful gardens, perfect for children to run around. Open 7am-6pm.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Local Grill

Finish the trip with quality grilled dishes and warm ambiance near the hotel. Open until 10pm.
ZAR450, 1.5h

Day 7: Departure Day

Johannesburg, South Africa on July 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy the hotel’s buffet breakfast one last time before checking out.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Shopping and Souvenirs at Rosebank Mall

Optional morning shopping for souvenirs, gifts, and local crafts close to the hotel before heading to airport.
Varies, 2h

12:00pm

Transfer to OR Tambo International Airport

Private transfer arranged to the airport for international flight check-in.
ZAR400, 1h

3:00pm

Depart Johannesburg International Airport (JNB)

Begin return journey home with memories of an unforgettable family safari.
Included in flight, Flight