Kruger Area on a Budget

After my unforgettable experience volunteering at LEO Africa — which included a trip to Kruger National Park — I couldn’t resist the urge to return and explore more of this breathtaking region. In October 2022, I set off on a budget-friendly road trip from Johannesburg to Kruger and the Panorama Route.

I flew directly from Zurich to Johannesburg with Swiss International Airlines. From there, my road trip companion and I headed towards the southern part of Kruger National Park. We based ourselves at Chill Inn, a simple yet convenient accommodation just minutes from Malelane Gate. This location gave us easy access to three unforgettable days of wildlife adventures in the park’s southern region.

We were treated to incredible sightings: wild dogs actively feeding on a fresh kill, hippos opening their jaws wide as the sun set over the river, and majestic elephant herds—complete with playful calves—drinking and calmly crossing the road. The skies were just as impressive, with a variety of eagles and other beautiful birds soaring above or perched in trees, adding to the park's rich tapestry of life.

Next, we headed out on the Panorama Route, and spent three nights at Autumn Breeze Manor in Graskop. This charming accommodation, with its warm hospitality and fresh, homemade breakfasts, was the perfect starting point for exploring one of South Africa’s most scenic self-drive routes.

The Panorama Route, located along the edge of the Drakensberg escarpment in Mpumalanga, is known for its dramatic landscapes and historical significance. During the gold rush in the late 1800s, the area bustled with prospectors searching for fortune, and remnants of that era can still be seen in nearby towns like Pilgrim’s Rest. The route itself showcases some of the most awe-inspiring natural attractions in the country. At God’s Window, we stood at the edge of towering cliffs gazing over a seemingly endless expanse of forest and lowveld. Bourke’s Luck Potholes, with their swirling rock formations and unique cylindrical shapes carved by centuries of water erosion, felt like something from another planet. And the Blyde River Canyon—one of the largest green canyons in the world—offered breathtaking vistas, with sheer cliffs plunging into deep valleys and the snaking river far below. Each stop was a reminder of South Africa’s powerful natural forces and its layered cultural past.

Our adventure then circled back to Kruger for four more days. This time, we stayed at Sleepover Kruger, a budget-friendly and well-situated lodge just minutes from the Paul Kruger Gate.  We spent our days soaking in the park’s peaceful atmosphere and were once again rewarded with some unforgettable sightings. We saw lions feasting on a giraffe kill, hyenas gathered around another fresh carcass, and a leopard in a tree trying to hoist its kill even higher—only for it to drop to the ground again, which made for quite a funny and unexpected moment.

We also had some truly special sightings of buffalo sharing a waterhole with a pack of wild dogs—an unusual and fascinating interaction to observe. And of course, the everyday magic of Kruger never fails to amaze: driving through the bush and spotting zebras, giraffes, nyalas, kudus, and more along the way. Kruger has a special place in my heart. That said, I did notice that the main tar roads can get quite crowded at popular sightings. But if you take the smaller dirt roads, you’re often alone—or sharing the sighting with just a few cars — which makes the experience feel all the more intimate and wild.

Finally, our journey concluded as we made our way back to Johannesburg. I flew directly home to Zurich, while my friend — who lives in South Africa stayed behind. This trip, filled with natural wonders and budget-friendly stays, reaffirmed my love for South Africa’s vibrant landscapes and incredible wildlife. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-timer, exploring Kruger and the Panorama Route is a perfect way to experience the magic of South Africa — without breaking the bank!

Memories that will last a lifetime - thank you!