Few places stir the imagination like Kruger National Park. Established in 1898, it’s one of Africa’s largest protected areas, home to more than 500 bird species and the famed Big Five. Rivers braid through mopane and acacia, and on any given bend you might meet elephants on the move or lions sprawled on warm tar at dawn.

Base yourself in Hazyview, a gateway town 15–45 minutes from Kruger’s Phabeni and Paul Kruger gates. You’ll pair pre-dawn game drives with laid-back afternoons, then pivot to the Panorama Route’s soaring viewpoints—God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and the Three Rondavels above Blyde River Canyon.

Practical notes: Kruger is a malaria area—speak with your doctor about prophylaxis, pack repellent, and cover up at dusk. Gate hours change seasonally (roughly 5:30–18:00 winter; 4:30–18:30 summer). Observe speed limits (50 km/h on tar, 40 km/h on gravel) and never alight from your vehicle except in designated areas.

Hazyview

Hazyview is the bush hub with creature comforts. It’s close to prime river loops inside Kruger, has excellent restaurants (from steakhouse to wood-fired pizza), and sits on the doorstep of the Panorama Route’s green escarpment. Think early alarms, thermos coffee, and golden light over the Sabie River—then a craft beer at sunset back in town.

Top highlights nearby:

• Quick gate access: ~15 minutes to Phabeni Gate, ~45 minutes to Paul Kruger Gate.
• Skukuza day area: riverside picnic spots, a shop for supplies, and Cattle Baron for lunch with a view.
• Panorama Route day trip: God’s Window, Lisbon & Berlin Falls, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and Three Rondavels at Blyde River Canyon.
• Family-friendly stops: Perry’s Bridge Reptile Park, Sabie Valley Coffee roastery.

Where to stay (curated picks via our partners): Browse boutique hotels and self-catering chalets near Perry’s Bridge, Kruger Park Lodge’s riverside units, or romantic farm stays in Kiepersol.

• Hotels: Search Hazyview hotels on Hotels.com
• Vacation rentals: Search Hazyview homes on VRBO

Getting there: Fly into Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP; ~55 minutes’ drive) or Skukuza Airport (SZK; ~1 hour) from Johannesburg or Cape Town. Typical flight time is 45–60 minutes from Johannesburg (JNB) and ~2.5–3 hours from Cape Town (CPT); expect roughly $70–$220 round-trip depending on season.

• Flights: Search flights on Trip.com | Search flights on Kiwi.com

Day 1 – Arrival, Perry’s Bridge, and a River Sunset

Morning: Travel day. Aim for a midday/early afternoon arrival at MQP (or SZK). Pick up a rental car for flexibility on game drives and the Panorama Route. Stock up on road snacks and water—biltong, peri-peri nuts, and Rooibos iced tea are easy finds.

Afternoon: Check into your Hazyview stay near Perry’s Bridge. Stretch your legs at Perry’s Bridge Trading Post; if you’ve got kids (or you love reptiles), the small reptile park is a fun 45–60 minutes. Coffee lovers, detour to Sabie Valley Coffee’s roastery for a flat white and freshly roasted beans to take on safari.

Evening: Dinner at Pioneer’s Butcher & Grill—order the dry-aged sirloin or Karoo lamb chops; their basting and hand-cut chips are local legend. Prefer something lighter? Kuka Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge serves sushi, poke bowls, and South African staples with a solid gin list. Cap the night with stargazing; Mpumalanga’s dark skies reveal the Southern Cross with ease.

Day 2 – Full-Day Kruger: Sabie River Loops and Skukuza

Morning: Pre-dawn start. Enter via Phabeni Gate at opening (seasonal; usually 4:30–5:30). Work the Sabie River loops (S1, S3) toward Skukuza; riverine zones are prime for leopards, elephants, nyala, and kingfishers. Bring a thermos and breakfast box; stop at a picnic site like Nkambeni or continue straight to Skukuza for coffee.

Afternoon: Lunch at Cattle Baron Skukuza—burgers, salads, and steaks with river views; keep binoculars handy for crocs and hippos below. After lunch, loop south via the H4-1 and H1-2; scan sandbanks for saddle-billed storks and look for lion tracks cutting across the tar. Plan your exit timing for Phabeni or Paul Kruger Gate based on sightings.

Evening: Book a guided sunset drive with an accredited Hazyview operator (they carry after-hours permits), upping your odds of hyena, civet, and big cats on the move. Back in town, grab wood-fired pizza and a tasting flight at Perry’s Bridge Brewery, or twirl tagliatelle al funghi at Topolino’s Italian—great for families and hearty appetites.

Day 3 – Panorama Route: God’s Window to Blyde River Canyon

Morning: After an unhurried breakfast—try Sabie Valley Coffee’s farm-style eggs and toast—drive to Graskop (45–60 minutes). Warm up with Harrie’s Pancakes (savoury bobotie or cinnamon sugar classics), then continue to God’s Window and the Graskop Gorge Lift (optional forest boardwalk). Expect short walks and big views.

Afternoon: Head north to Lisbon Falls and Berlin Falls, then to the sculpted potholes at Bourke’s Luck. Push on to the Three Rondavels overlooking Blyde River Canyon—Africa’s great green gorge. For lunch, if you fancy a rustic, scenic meal, book ahead at Potluck Boskombuis (open-air fireside plates along the river; check trading days).

Evening: Return to Hazyview before dark (roads are rural and unfenced). Dinner at Kuka for modern South African fare, or go casual with tacos and churros at Picasso’s Mexican Taqueria in town. Toast the day with an Amarula on ice—South Africa’s creamy marula liqueur.

Day 4 – Sunrise Safari, Cultural Tastes, and Departure

Morning: One last sunrise game drive. Focus on open grasslands for white rhino and cheetah if you haven’t seen them yet; winter’s short grass boosts visibility. Alternatively, book a guided morning bush walk (age and fitness limits apply) for tracks, birds, and botany you miss from the vehicle.

Afternoon: Brunch stop at Pioneer’s (their burgers are top-tier at midday), then pick up macadamia nuts, local preserves, and coffee beans around Perry’s Bridge as souvenirs. Drive to MQP (allow ~55–75 minutes with a fuel stop) for an afternoon flight.

Evening: If you’re on a late departure, unwind with a quick swim at your lodge and a final stroll under the jacarandas. Farewell to the Lowveld—the bush has a way of calling you back.

Practical safari tips:

• Sightings strategy: Rivers at dawn/dusk; tar roads for cats at first light; loops for elephants and buffalo herds.
• Fees: Kruger charges a daily conservation fee per person (international visitors typically ZAR 486–500; verify current rate at the gate).
• Packing: Soft duffel, neutral layers, brimmed hat, polarized sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, DEET repellent, headlamp, and a beanbag for camera stability.
• Driving: Keep to speed limits; never feed wildlife; give elephants a wide berth; if in doubt, reverse—quietly.

Where to book and search fast:

• Lodging (Hazyview): Hotels.com | VRBO
• Flights (JNB/CPT to MQP or SZK): Trip.com | Kiwi.com

Optional partner experiences (reader favorites): These popular activities are bookable via our partners if you’re planning future mountain escapes.

Park City Food and Cultural Walking Tour

Park City Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride

Privately Guided Scenic Mountain Hike

Four days in Kruger from Hazyview gives you unhurried drives, time to learn the rhythms of the bush, and a grand finale along the Panorama Route. You’ll leave with full memory cards, coffee-scented luggage, and a promise to return for a longer safari next time.