063 718 5590 online@kurtsafari.com Plan your Safari Reviews
063 718 5590 online@kurtsafari.com Plan your Safari Reviews

Private Day Safaris

Best Exclusive Day Safaris

Private Fullday Kruger Park Safaris

Private Vehicle Full Day Safaris

Full Day Safari
Hazyview Lodges, Marloth Park, Numbi Gate / Phabeni Gate / Kruger Gate
FromR4,360
Private Kruger Afternoon Safari

Private Vehicle Afternoon Safaris

Half Day Safari
Hazyview Lodges, Marloth Park, Numbi Gate / Phabeni Gate / Kruger Gate
FromR3,940
Private Morning Kruger Safari

Private Vehicle Morning Safaris

Half Day Safari
Hazyview Lodges, Marloth Park, Numbi Gate / Phabeni Gate / Kruger Gate
FromR3,940
Private Day Safaris

Top Kruger Park Experiences 2025

Have just one day to experience the wild beauty of Kruger National Park? With Private Day Safaris, you can make the most of every hour, seeing iconic wildlife and soaking in incredible views—all without spending the night.

A Kruger Park private safari isn’t just a tour—it’s a fully immersive experience crafted around your pace, your priorities, and your preferences. Whether you’re based nearby or visiting for the day from Johannesburg or Nelspruit, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Kruger day safaris.

We’ll explore the advantages of booking privately, compare options, highlight top-rated tours from Kruger Safaris, and offer expert planning tips for your adventure.

Why Choose a Private Day Safari in Kruger?

Personalized Experience

Unlike group tours that follow fixed schedules, private day safaris are built around your interests:

  • Prefer starting at sunrise? Done.
  • Want to focus on elephants or birding? Your guide adjusts accordingly.

No Crowds, Just Wilderness

Private day safaris mean:

  • No strangers in your vehicle
  • No waiting for group members
  • More time at wildlife sightings

It’s a more intimate and immersive experience—even in just one day.

Flexibility & Accessibility

Only in Kruger for a short visit? These safaris are perfect for:

  • Travelers passing through
  • Guests staying in Hazyview, White River, or Malelane
  • Johannesburg visitors willing to do a day trip to Kruger

Ideal for All Travel Styles

Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, family, or small group, private safaris allow you to tailor the experience to your energy level, interests, and timeframe.

Top-Rated Private Day Safaris from Kruger Safaris

Kruger Safaris offers several exceptional private day safari options, departing from key access points like Hazyview, Skukuza, and the Kruger gates. Here are some standout tours you can consider:

Full-Day Private Safari from Hazyview

Perfect for guests staying in Hazyview, just 10–15 minutes from Phabeni or Numbi Gates.

Tour Highlights:

  • Pickup from Hazyview lodges
  • 8–10 hours of game viewing
  • Breakfast stop at Skukuza or Pretoriuskop
  • Private open safari vehicle

Ideal for: Families, couples, or photographers staying near the park

Private Safari from Kruger Gate

Ideal if you’re staying near Paul Kruger Gate or Skukuza Lodge.

Tour Highlights:

  • Pickup directly at lodge or nearby accommodations
  • Flexible departure time (early morning recommended)
  • Choice of routes based on recent wildlife sightings
  • Visit Skukuza Rest Camp for breakfast or lunch

Best for: Travelers in luxury or mid-range lodges just outside the park

Sunrise to Sunset Private Safari

For those who want to maximize their day, this extended tour spans from dawn to dusk, offering the highest chances of diverse sightings.

What’s included:

  • Pickup before sunrise and drop-off after sunset
  • Two meal stops inside Kruger
  • Full access to different park zones
  • Ideal for birders, photographers, and wildlife lovers

Why it’s special: Offers both early-morning and late-afternoon activity peaks in one day

Wildlife Viewing Opportunities on Day Safaris

You don’t need multiple days to witness the magic of Kruger. On a well-planned private day safari, you can see a remarkable variety of wildlife, sometimes within just a few hours.

Animals Frequently Seen on Day Safaris:

  • Elephants (large herds and bulls)
  • Lions (often early morning or late afternoon)
  • Leopards (more common near riverbeds and thick bush)
  • Buffalo (especially in southern Kruger)
  • Rhinos (white rhinos more likely, especially in the south)
  • Zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, and impalas are seen daily
  • Hippos and crocodiles near rivers and waterholes
  • Birdlife including hornbills, eagles, storks, rollers, and bee-eaters

When to Book a Private Day Safari in Kruger

One of the most important aspects of planning your Kruger Park private safari is choosing when to go. While Kruger National Park is a year-round destination, some seasons offer specific advantages for wildlife sightings, weather, and comfort.

Best Times of Year for a Day Safari

Dry Season (May – September)

  • Peak game-viewing season
  • Vegetation is sparse, making animals easier to spot
  • Animals gather around water sources—great for photography
  • Milder temperatures, especially comfortable for full-day outings
  • Fewer mosquitoes and lower malaria risk

Top tip: June to August are the best months for seeing predators like lions and leopards near roads and rivers.

Wet Season (October – April)

  • Lush greenery and dramatic skies—great for scenic photography
  • Migratory birds arrive, enhancing birdwatching opportunities
  • Newborn animals visible from November onwards
  • Afternoon thunderstorms may affect drive times but rarely last long

Best months in this season: November and March—fewer crowds, great sightings

When to Book Your Safari

It’s best to book your private day safari 2–3 months in advance, especially during school holidays or long weekends. Kruger gets very busy from:

  • Mid-December to mid-January
  • Easter holidays
  • South African long weekends

Booking early ensures:

  • Preferred pick-up time
  • Availability of experienced guides
  • Better chance of customizing your route

Safety, Comfort & Quality with Kruger Safaris

Booking a private safari is all about trust—and Kruger Safaris is known for its professionalism, service excellence, and deep knowledge of the Kruger ecosystem.

Your Safety Is a Priority

  • All vehicles are licensed, insured, and maintained to high safety standards
  • Guides are registered, qualified, and trained in first aid
  • Emergency protocols are in place for wildlife, medical, or weather-related events
  • You’ll always receive a pre-safari briefing covering safety and etiquette

Service You Can Count On

  • Friendly, experienced guides who speak fluent English
  • Prompt pick-ups and drop-offs
  • Comfortable, clean, and shaded vehicles
  • Child seats available on request
  • COVID-safe cleaning practices maintained

Sustainable Tourism

Kruger Safaris supports conservation through:

  • Ethical wildlife viewing practices (no baiting or chasing animals)
  • Eco-conscious partnerships with lodges and suppliers
  • Education and employment of local guides from surrounding communities

Choosing them means you’re supporting both wildlife and people in South Africa.

Frequantly Asked Questions

Can I do a day safari in Kruger without staying overnight?

Yes! Private day safaris are specifically designed for travelers who only have one day to explore Kruger.

Whether you’re visiting nearby towns like Hazyview or just passing through, a full day in the park gives you a rich and fulfilling wildlife experience.

What’s the difference between a private day safari and a shared safari?

Private safaris offer:

  • Your own vehicle and guide
  • Full control over scheduling and pace
  • Personal attention to your interests
  • More comfort and flexibility

Shared/group safaris are more budget-friendly but less customizable.

Will I still see the Big Five on a day safari?

There are no guarantees, but it’s absolutely possible! Many travelers see the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—in a single day, especially with expert guides who know the park’s hotspots and animal patterns.

What time do private day safaris start?

Most safaris begin around sunrise (5:30–6:00 AM), as this is when wildlife is most active. Some packages offer flexible start times, especially if you prefer a more relaxed morning.

Do I need to bring food or water?

Some packages include breakfast or brunch stops inside the park. However, it’s always a good idea to bring:

  • A reusable water bottle
  • Light snacks for the drive
  • Extra cash if you’d like to purchase souvenirs or meals at rest camps

Are private day safaris safe for kids and seniors?

Yes. Kruger Safaris tailors private tours to suit all ages:

  • Shorter drive options for families
  • Comfortable seating and shade
  • Child car seats and safety belts provided
  • Gentle pace for older guests

Your guide will always ensure a smooth and enjoyable day for everyone on board.