Panorama Route & Kruger Self-Drive
Drive east from Johannesburg to see the Blyde River Canyon, then stay in park camps for self-drive safaris.
Spend two nights in Graskop to view canyons and waterfalls, and two nights at Skukuza Camp for early morning and late afternoon game drives. The itinerary is compact but not rushed, and a standard sedan is sufficient. It takes one long-distance driving day each way to and from Johannesburg, leaving two actual days for wildlife viewing; if you have more time, you can add a night inside the park.
The main roads have been repaired after the January 2026 floods, but check SANParks road conditions before departure.
Day by day
Day 1 · Drive East to Pilgrim's Rest
Kruger National Park (South) & Panorama Route（Pilgrim's Rest）
Pick up your rental car at the airport, take the N12 and N4, then transfer to the R540 up to the Highlands. It takes about 4.5 hours to reach Graskop.
Try to arrive on an early flight. Mountain roads often get foggy in the late afternoon, so night driving is not recommended.
Stay: Graskop
Day 2 · Full Day of Canyons and Waterfalls
Kruger National Park (South) & Panorama Route（Blyde River Canyon、Bourke's Luck Potholes、Lisbon Falls、God's Window、The Pinnacle Rock）
Head north along the R532 to the Three Rondavels viewpoint, then take the R534 scenic loop on the way back, covering about 150 km in total.
Visibility is best in the morning; God's Window is prone to afternoon fog.
Stay: Graskop
Day 3 · Descend to the Lowveld and Enter Kruger
Kruger National Park (South) & Panorama Route（Graskop Gorge Lift、Southern Kruger / Skukuza、Lake Panic Bird Hide）
Drive from Graskop via Hazyview to Paul Kruger Gate in about 1.5 hours, enter the park and drive to Skukuza, followed by an afternoon game drive.
The southern region is a malaria area; prepare mosquito repellent and medication as advised by your doctor. You must return to camp before the gates close.
Stay: Skukuza Camp
Day 4 · H4-1 Riverfront Safari
Kruger National Park (South) & Panorama Route（Lower Sabie Rest Camp & Sunset Dam）
Drive along the Sabie River on the H4-1 to Lower Sabie Camp in the early morning. The round trip is about 90 km, taking 4–6 hours under park speed limits.
Animals are most active in the early morning and late afternoon. You can also book an evening game drive with the camp.
Stay: Skukuza Camp
Day 5 · Morning Safari and Return to Johannesburg
Kruger National Park (South) & Panorama Route（Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp）
Go on an early morning game drive heading south to Berg-en-Dal, exit through Malelane Gate, and take the N4 back to the airport, taking about 5 hours.
Allow plenty of time to reach both the gate and the airport. Speed limits are strictly enforced inside the park.