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5-Day Panorama Route Tour, Pestana Lodge and Kruger Park Safari

Pestana Panorama Route Tour and Kruger Park Safari
Blyde River Canyon Three Rondavels viewpoint
Price From : ZAR 30655.00 (Per Person Sharing) Currency Converter

Panorama Route Tour & Kruger Park Safari

Embark on an unforgettable 5-day journey with Mmilo Tours. Explore South Africa’s breathtaking Panorama Route and experience the thrill of a Kruger Park Safari. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be enveloped in comfort at the Pestana Kruger Lodge, situated near the Crocodile River. Here, you will enjoy unparalleled views of the Kruger National Park. Our tour itinerary blends dramatic landscapes, rich history, and wildlife adventures, providing an immersive African experience.

Your adventure includes traversing the scenic northern Drakensberg escarpment visiting iconic sites such as God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and the majestic Blyde River Canyon—the world’s third deepest canyon. Explore the historic Pilgrim’s Rest, a preserved gold mining town, and marvel at cascading waterfalls like Mac Mac, Lisbon, and Berlin Falls. — showcasing the finest in African Safaris.

Pestana Panorama Route Tour and Kruger Park Safari Pestana Panorama Route Tour and Kruger Park Safari Pestana Panorama Route Tour and Kruger Park Safari

 


Why Choose Mmilo Tours for Your African Safari?

Expertly Crafted Itineraries

Expertly Crafted Itineraries

Experience the best of Southern Africa with our well-designed and competitively priced packages, ensuring a seamless and enriching journey.

Authentic Local Experiences

Authentic Local Experiences

Go beyond the usual attractions and uncover hidden gems like ancient San rock art, the Drakensberg Mountains, and pony trekking in Lesotho.

Adventure for Everyone

Adventure for Everyone

From thrilling safaris to shark cage diving and hot air ballooning, we offer activities for both adventure seekers and leisure travellers.

Direct Booking Savings

Direct Booking Savings

Save up to 30% by booking directly with us, cutting out the middleman and securing the best value for your holiday.

Personalised Service

Personalised Service

Enjoy safe, punctual, and friendly service with tailored tours that suit your interests and schedule, all managed by a trusted local operator.

Tour Prices

 

Season Dates Price Per Person Sharing Price for Solo Traveller Price for a Child Sharing with One or Two Adults
Standard Season 8 January – 23 March and 8 April – 20 December ZAR30 655.00 ZAR53 810.00 ZAR15 355.00
Peak Season 24 March – 7 April and 21 December – 5 January ZAR32 460.00 ZAR56 530.00 ZAR15 799.00

Panorama Route Tour FAQs

What wildlife can I expect to see in Kruger National Park?

You can encounter a diverse range of wildlife, including the iconic Big Five: lions, often seen resting or hunting at dawn and dusk; leopards, elusive and frequently found in trees; elephants, roaming in large herds near waterholes; rhinos, though increasingly rare; and buffalo, commonly spotted near rivers. Other predators include cheetahs, wild dogs, and hyenas, while herbivores such as giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species roam the savanna.

The wet season is a birdwatcher’s paradise — the Kruger Park becomes home to over 500 species, including the African Fish Eagle, Martial Eagle, hornbills, kingfishers, and storks.

What is the Crocodile River?

The Crocodile River forms the southern boundary of Kruger National Park and is a vital water source for the park’s wildlife. This scenic river attracts a diverse range of animals, including hippos, crocodiles basking on sandbanks, and herds of elephants, antelope, and buffalo coming to drink under the shade of tall riverine trees. The river’s banks create an excellent game-viewing area, often offering better sightings than some private reserves inside Kruger. Its proximity to Malelane Gate makes it a prime spot for spotting predators and prey interacting in their natural environment.

What are the highlights of the Panorama Route?

At God’s Window, you will take in spectacular views over the Lowveld, where rolling hills and lush forests stretch into the horizon. Explore the unique rock formations of Bourke’s Luck Potholes, sculpted over centuries by swirling water. Marvel at the grandeur of Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest green canyons in the world, offering dramatic cliffs and scenic viewpoints.

On the Panorama route sits the stunning Lisbon and Berlin Falls, where cascading waters plunge into deep pools below, creating a mesmerising spectacle. If you’re a history buff, you will enjoy stepping back in time at Pilgrim’s Rest, a preserved gold-mining town that tells the story of South Africa’s 19th-century gold rush.

Why is Pestana Kruger Lodge a great location for a safari?

Pestana Kruger Lodge is ideally positioned just 300 metres from Malelane Gate, one of the most wildlife-rich entrances to Kruger National Park. Located on the banks of the Crocodile River, the lodge provides exceptional game viewing without even leaving the property, as animals frequently gather at the river to drink. The southern region of Kruger, where the lodge is situated, receives higher rainfall, resulting in abundant vegetation and a higher concentration of wildlife compared to the drier northern areas. The terrain here is also more varied, with rolling hills and open river courses, offering excellent visibility for spotting wildlife. For those seeking an immersive safari experience without the high costs of private reserves, Pestana Kruger Lodge delivers both affordability and outstanding wildlife encounters.

 

Itinerary for This Tour

Day 1

Your tour will begin with a meeting with our guide, and you will depart for Sabie via the Long Tom Pass (weather permitting). The Long Tom Pass cascades with beautiful mountain vistas and views of the surrounding valleys. We will travel along the Panorama Route, which falls within the green belt mid-way down the escarpment. Passing through the charming town of Dullstroom, you’ll ascend to the central plateau (Highveld), reaching elevations over 2,000 metres above sea level.

The area is renowned for trout fishing, as these cold, clear waters provide the perfect habitat for introduced trout species, making it a sought-after destination for fly fishers. The climate also supports many Northern European trees and plants, adding to the area’s unique charm. In winter, snowfall is common, transforming the landscape into a picturesque winter wonderland. Along the journey, we’ll stop for a quick “on-the-go” snack lunch, ensuring you stay energised as we continue this breathtaking adventure.

Your first night is in the forestry village of Sabie at the foot of the Long Tom Pass or the charming Westlodge in the town of Graskop at the very edge of the towering escarpment. (time permitting), we will endeavour to include such sights as Gods Window, Bourkes Luck Potholes, and at least one of the many beautiful waterfalls such as the Mac Mac, Lisbon, and Berlin Falls. If the day starts early, we will include the new Gorge Lift in Graskop.

Day 2

After an early breakfast at the lodge, your local guide will pick you up for the next leg of your Panorama Route tour. Your day two includes visits to breathtaking viewpoints, cascading waterfalls, and scenic walks, offering an immersive experience of South Africa’s natural beauty. All entrance fees and lunch are included, with a stop in the mist-belt town of Graskop to enjoy traditional-filled pancakes — either savoury or sweet, a local favourite. By late afternoon, your guide will take you to the Pestana Lodge, located next to the Malelane Gate of Kruger National Park, where you can unwind and enjoy the evening at your leisure before your upcoming safari adventure.

Day 3

Rise before dawn for an unforgettable sunrise safari led by an experienced park ranger. Watch the Kruger National Park awaken, filling the air with the calls of birds and the stirring of wildlife.

Dawn is the prime time for game viewing. You’ll witness Fish Eagles soaring along the river, herds of elephants with their young, or even a dramatic lion hunt in action. Herbivores like giraffes and African buffalo also graze at this time. Every safari drive is unique; the excitement lies in never knowing which animals will cross your path.

After an exhilarating morning safari, you will return to the lodge for a well-earned breakfast. Enjoy the serene surroundings of the lodge, or if you’d like to stretch your legs, take a stroll across the Crocodile River Bridge to admire the landscape from a different perspective. Lunch is available at your own cost from the lodge restaurant, offering a selection of delicious meals.

In the afternoon, you’ll set off on a sunset safari, experiencing the thrill of the bush as the sun sets and the landscape transforms into a nocturnal world. As night falls, you’ll spot prowling leopards and the glowing eyes of bush babies hidden in the trees.

Finally, you can return to the lodge for rest. Enjoy Wi-Fi access and unwind with a delicious à la carte meal or light snacks from the lodge restaurant.

Day 4

Day 4 will allow you to enjoy another day on the savannah and see different wildlife. Your morning game drive is always full of surprises, as no two safaris are alike.

Your dawn safari starts as the birds begin their morning calls. You may spot herds of antelope moving through the grasslands and predators making their final moves before the day’s heat sets in.

Like the day before, you will return to the lodge for a sumptuous breakfast and well-deserved relaxation. Spend the midday at your own pace —lounge by the pool and soak in the tranquil bush surroundings, where you might spot hippos, crocodiles, and wading birds.

As the afternoon light ages, it’s time for another thrilling sunset safari. The bush takes on a golden glow, creating the perfect backdrop for game viewing and photography. Animals stir once more — giraffes move gracefully through the trees, animals gather for a drink at the waterhole, and elusive leopards begin their nightly prowls.

Finish your day with a return to the lodge to relax and recharge. Take advantage of Wi-Fi access to share your safari experiences. Enjoy a delicious à la carte dinner or light snacks from the lodge restaurant.

Day 5

Your final day begins with a sunrise game drive in the Kruger National Park, offering one last chance to witness the bush come alive in the early morning light. As the savanna awakens, watch for grazing antelope, prowling predators, and the calls of iconic African birds echoing through the trees. After this final wildlife encounter, return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast, reflecting on the unforgettable safari experiences before preparing for departure.

Your guide will collect you for your private transfer back to Johannesburg.

End of Tour

Day 6

Tour Inclusions:

  • 4 Nights 4 Star accommodation as described in the itinerary
  • All meals mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Daily sunset and dawn game drives in the Kruger Park in an open safari vehicle while staying on the Kruger National Park border at Pestana Kruger Lodge.
  • Private return transfer with a guide to a Johannesburg address of your choice in an air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Entrance Fees to all parks/places of interest mentioned in the itinerary
  • The Panorama Route Tour includes all entrance fees and lunch with a qualified guide.

Tour Exclusions:

  • All flights, passport and visa fees
  • All Beverages excluded, except for tea and coffee with breakfast
  • All meals not on the itinerary
  • Travel and medical Insurance
  • All optional activities
  • All costs of a personal nature.
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour

Tour Optionals (extra cost, if time allows):

  • Dawn Safari Walk – Swap a game drive for a guided bush walk with an armed ranger (ZAR500 per person, subject to availability).
  • Night Safari Drive – Replace your sunset drive with an extended night safari at another Kruger gate (ZAR1500 per person, 30-minute transfer required). Winter visitors may not need this as sunset safaris already include some darkness.
  • Health & Wellness Centre – Guests at Pestana Lodge can access nearby spa facilities for a small fee.
  • More Safari Time – Replace the Panorama Route tour with extra morning and evening game drives, making it a full four-day safari.
  • Midday Excursions – Visit Chimp Eden and Sudwala Caves between game drives without disrupting your safari.
  • Cultural Experience – Take a day trip to Matsamo Village for an authentic cultural and musical experience.
  • Cross-Border Travel – Explore neighbouring Eswatini (Swaziland) or Mozambique with an arranged tour.
  • Extended Adventure – Continue along the Panorama Route over Abel Erasmus Pass, stay overnight at Moholoholo Animal Rehabilitation Centre, and sail into Blyde River Canyon for a unique wildlife and conservation experience.

Accommodation for this Tour

Pestana Kruger Lodge

Pestana Kruger is a 4 star hotel, situated in South Africa just 70m from the Southern boundary of the Kruger National Park and only 150m from Malelane Gate, one of the most important access point to the park. Is surrounded by marvelous gardens and offers a fa

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The Sabie Town House Guest Lodge

Guest House constructed of river stone and local timber, peacefully situated overlooking the stunning natural beauty of the Sabie Gorge.

Westlodge Bed and Breakfast

Your holiday accommodation, ideally situated along the famous Panorama Route in mpumalanga, situated in the small town of Graskop. Westloge is beautifully designed, Victorian-Styled Bed and Breakfast.

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