Honest Review: Johannesburg to Kruger 3-Day Budget Tent Safari

So, you’re thinking of checking out Kruger National Park, perhaps? Like maybe doing it on a budget from Johannesburg, actually? A 3-day tent safari sounds like an awesome deal, yet you’re trying to get the lowdown before you go, right? That is pretty sensible, I guess. I went on one of those trips not long ago, and I’m very ready to share the highs, the lows, and all the animal sightings in between, almost! Is that cool or what? So, kick back, relax, and let’s see if this safari option might be your vibe, right?

What’s Included in the Package, Roughly?

Alright, first, let’s unpack what you usually get with a “From Johannesburg 3-Day Budget Tent Kruger Park Safari.” Is that too much? Typically, this includes transport to and from Johannesburg, so it seems. That’s a fairly big deal, to be honest. It will also provide accommodation in pre-set tents, maybe. Plus, park entry fees, that sort of thing, usually. Game drives led by guides also come in that package, allegedly. Typically, breakfast and dinner is usually taken care of. However, so just so you are aware, lunch and drinks will very likely be your own responsibility. In fact, I can give you the list. Usually, you are paying for: Transport to and from Joburg. Accommodation that is tented, so very very rough and ready! A guide is almost a certainty as he drives you to look for cool wildlife. And almost always you pay for is entry to the Park and most meals.

The Good Stuff: Wildlife Galore and the Thrill of the Bush

Okay, so why go on a Kruger safari in the first place? The animals, you’re likely thinking? Very probably, yes! Seriously, Kruger is absolutely teeming with wildlife, you see? Right from the moment you enter the park, something could happen, right? Keep an eye out. You may well spot elephants gracefully munching on trees, maybe lions chilling in the shade. Perhaps even giraffes elegantly reaching for the highest leaves, who knows! And of course there will be the zebras grazing peacefully, something like that. Now, picture this: it is like early morning. You are driving around in an open-top vehicle, like a jeep, and you hear the very, very distant roar of a lion, so spine-chilling, right? And on one game drive, so we were lucky in a way, we saw a pack of wild dogs hunting, could you believe it? Honestly, it was totally incredible, and super unforgettable, of course. The guides are usually pretty brilliant, you see? And they are knowledgeable, of course, and they are rather good at spotting animals that you’d almost certainly miss, so be nice to them!

Tented Accommodation: Is it for You?

Alright, let’s talk tents, okay? So, on a budget safari, you’re mostly not going to get the five-star lodging, are you? You will probably get something very very basic! Often it means pre-pitched tents in a campsite, like. Beds may well be camp beds, you might find, and there is potentially some shared ablution blocks with showers and toilets, alright? Is that a bit too much? Now, I have to be real. Tented accommodation is quite something for everyone. So, if you like being comfy, with air-con, that sort of thing, or you’re kinda squeamish about bugs, this choice probably isn’t really for you. What do you know? But that is not really a hotel thing is it! Though being honest, there is definitely something really cool about sleeping out in the bush. As far as hearing the sounds of the wild around you all night. In some respects, that is kind of priceless. Just keep in mind, almost pack earplugs because those lions and hyenas, I guess, are very loud! If you are at all keen on something a tiny bit fancier, so you could probably ask about upgrading to a basic room. The other people on the safari I was on chose that to do in a way.

Food and Drink: Pack Smart!

Okay, about eating while on safari. As previously mentioned, breakfast and dinner is quite likely included. As I was saying that quite often means some hearty meals prepared at the campsite, which could well be like stews, braais (South African BBQs), that kind of thing. Is that all there is to it? Food always tastes surprisingly delicious after a day out looking for animals. So, lunch usually isn’t covered. Is that a problem? Because, if not, pack some snacks and drinks, perhaps. Actually, that’s essential, to be fair. Make certain you take enough water, mostly because it gets crazy hot, especially during the afternoons, almost! I almost forgot: you can mostly buy drinks and some snacks at the rest camps in Kruger, could be! But those will seemingly be quite costly in some respects, mostly because they have a captive market! So plan ahead or very expect a bit of a dent in your wallet. Basically you pay for: Food is very tasty, hearty campsite grub; Water; it is so essential, pack more; Rest camps may sell food, however you may pay much more!

The Itinerary: What to Expect Each Day

Okay, so I’ll try to talk you through how your 3-day safari almost usually unfolds. How about that? On day 1, something like this, early pickup from Johannesburg. You travel towards Kruger, actually. In a way it’s pretty much a long drive, for hours, just. This is how it starts, anyway. Mostly when you arrive, just set up camp, probably. Is that how it seems? Almost take an introductory game drive in the late afternoon in order to try and spot some nocturnal animals, naturally. On day 2, mostly it involves morning and afternoon game drives. Game drives is driving about in an open jeep, maybe, as the guide looks out for animals and tells people about what he sees. Anyway, you are coming back to camp in between for meals and some downtime. The last day involves another morning game drive, actually. And afterwards there is the drive back to Johannesburg, anyway, mostly arriving in the late afternoon, seemingly.

Things to Consider Before You Book

So, just some important stuff, anyway, okay? Like, first, this really is a budget tour, almost for sure. What do you know? What this quite often means is long travel times, seemingly rather basic accommodation, actually. And generally speaking, lots of other people on the tour, almost! I have to be frank about it! If that is your thing, then you may hate it, really! Second, is that Kruger can get quite chilly during winter months, so prepare to pack some layers, you see? This time it is chilly in the morning, or when it gets dark at night. Pack warm stuff too! Finally, remember your essentials. Essentials such as sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent. It is also great to take binoculars to make certain you do not miss anything. I can go on with this list, but I want to ensure you take good care when booking.

Was This Trip for Me and Who Is It For?

This might just be for you if you’re a real fan of getting close to nature, like actually sleeping in the bush, but maybe don’t have tons of money to throw at a fancy safari. Like if you get that happy buzz from just seeing a lion in real life and can roll with simple, this could be right. Is it that odd? But If you’re all about comfort, can’t deal with bugs, and need guaranteed Wi-Fi all the time, so it could very likely test your patience. Is that the way it is? To tell you my truth: It may not have had fancy lodging or gourmet snacks on-demand, yet the raw safari experience was well and honestly worth it!