kruger national park safaris in africa

Kruger National Park

QUICK FACTS

  • World-famous for it's wildlife
  • Kruger Park is state-owned and accommodates budgets on both the low-end with self-catering, and on the high-end with luxury concessions
  • Luxury customers usually fly in to nearby airports (KMIA / SZK / HDS) from either Cape Town or Johannesburg
  • Self-drive possible but flying more common for luxury itineraries
  • Game viewing best during the dry winters months May to Oct
  • Wet summer season brings full waterholes, lush bushveld, many newborn wildlife and the summer migrant birds arrive
  • 15+ luxury lodges in 9 private concessions (each run by a particular operator) over an area of 1,950,000 hectares.  Bare in mind that the majority of this is state-owned and run.

ADDITIONAL READING

  • https://www.safari.com/blog/top-5-kruger-national-park-safaris
  • https://www.safari.com/blog/top-10-luxury-lodges-in-the-greater-kruger-park

Lodge and package options are shown below, but if it seems daunting, feel free to contact [email protected]

kruger national park safaris in africa

Sub regions inside

Broader region.

Lukimbi Safari Lodge

The Kruger National Park is one of the most famous and visited National Parks in Africa, for good reason. Home to an incredibly diverse wildlife population including the Big 5, a wide range of predators, the biggest collection of mammal species in Africa and an amazing range of bird species - the Kruger Park is a mecca for wildlife encounters.

Over and above the endless African wildlife within the reserve, there are also an incredibly large and unique variety of luxury lodges within and surrounding Kruger National Park.

The Kruger National Park is a destination that is generally considered to be good all year-round.

The attraction to the Kruger National Park is most certainly the wildlife and there is no question that the dry winter season from May to October is considered the best time to experience phenomenal game viewing and walking safaris. The bush is less dense and animals tend to gather around the fewer permanent water sources, allowing for better viewing opportunities.

Mid-winter - June to August - is a very comfortable time of year to visit the Kruger as there are few mosquitoes, little if any rain and temperatures are pleasantly warm during the day and refreshingly cool at night. The bone-dry, end-of-winter months of September and October often experience uncomfortably hot and humid conditions but concentrations of animals around water sources are at their highest - this period is often regarded as the best game-viewing time for a Kruger safari.

The summer rains arrive from November onwards , peak in January and February and end around April. The Kruger is transformed into a beautiful, thriving green landscape and it makes for superb photography. Game viewing is still good with many young animals around, making it a predator's paradise. It is also the best time for bird watching as well as safari-and-beach holiday combinations.

The Kruger National Park is considered a low malaria area, however, we would recommend consulting a medical practitioner for advice about malaria.

The Kruger National Park is also very popular during the long December/January school holidays, so should you be looking to travel during this time period, we strongly recommend that you book well in advance and consider the northern parts of the park or the Kruger's private reserves and concessions, should you desire a less crowded experience.

The Kruger National Park is regarded as the ultimate safari destination and the largest in South Africa . With almost two million hectares of pristine wilderness, the park is split into northern and southern reserves. The northern reserves are often referred to as the Greater Kruger National Park .  

Home to the famous Big 5 : lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo, and the highest number of large mammal species on any African reserve, the Kruger offers a rewarding safari experience and an array of accommodation options including luxury lodges and self-catering. Activities offered at most reserves include morning and afternoon/evening open vehicle game drives and guided bush walks. Some reserves offer optional local village tours, hot air ballooning, elephant interactions, visits to animal rehabilitation centers, treehouse sleep-outs and photographic safaris.

kruger national park safaris in africa

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White Rhino (Ceratotherium simum)  captured in light mist at sunrise in Kruger, South Africa.....If you would like to join an upcoming photo safari please visit....<a href="www.southcapeimages.com">www.southcapeimages.com</a>

Kruger National Park

Kruger is one of the world's greatest wildlife-watching destinations. All of Africa's iconic safari species – elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, rhino, buffalo, giraffe, hippo and zebra – share the bushveld with a supporting cast of 137 other mammals and over 500 varieties of bird.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Kruger National Park. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Elephant Hall Museum

Elephant Hall Museum

Even if you're not staying at Letaba Rest Camp, it's worth swinging by to check out this excellent museum. It has life-size skeletons and dozens of…

kruger national park safaris in africa

Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Within the borders of the large Sabi Sand Game Reserve are some of Southern Africa’s most luxurious safari lodges and the best wildlife watching on the…

Giraffes in Kapama Private Game Reserve near Kruger National Park, South Africa.

Kapama Private Game Reserve

With four luxury lodges and the Big Five in residence (as well as occasional passing wild dogs and great birding), 13,000-hectare Kapama gets all of the…

Tourists in a safari vehicle observing an African leopard in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, South Africa.

Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

Timbavati abuts Kruger National Park's western boundary and has an excellent mix of wildlife, conservation and good accommodation. Its accommodation…

Crooks Corner, situated where South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique borders meet.

Crooks Corner

On the outskirts of a beautiful fever-tree forest, Crooks Corner marks not only the confluence of the Luvuvhu and Limpopo Rivers but also the historic…

Bobbejaankrans

Bobbejaankrans

This overlooks a section of the Timbavati River that animals often visit to slake their thirst. It's especially good early morning or late afternoon.

Renosterpan

Renosterpan

This waterhole north of Berg-en-dal usually lives up to its name (renoster is rhino in Afrikaans). Late afternoon is best.

Klaserie Private Nature Reserve

Klaserie Private Nature Reserve

A 600-sq-km (or 60,000 hectare) private wildlife reserve in the greater Kruger area, Klaserie has strong conservation credentials.

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kruger national park safaris in africa

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Kruger National Park: the complete safari guide

Lion couple walking away on a dirt road, Kruger park

Kruger National Park is one of the top safari destinations in Africa . Safaris in the Kruger offer a chance to immerse oneself in the vibrant soul of the continent .

Surround yourself in untamed beauty. Peek into the lives of South Africa’s wildlife. And learn about your favorite animals. This national park is among the most famous in the world, and by the end of the article you will know how best to enjoy it.

For adventure lovers and nature fanatics , there is nothing better than a safari in Kruger National Park. You are guaranteed an unmatched, intimate experience, full of wonder and excitement.

This guide covers everything you can look forward to, including accommodation and tour options in a world-class, internationally acclaimed sanctuary.

4 Reasons to Go on a SANParks Kruger National Park Safari

Herd of elephants under a tree, Kruger National Park

“In every walk with nature, one receives more than he seeks” – John Muir

1. Untouched wilderness

Kruger National Park is South Africa’s most unforgettable wildlife preserve. There’s minimal evidence of human life in the park, and visitors adapt to nature, rather than the other way round. With over 2-million hectares of unique wild habitats, there is an abundance of architectural wonders and historical sites.

The land is filled with legend  and history. it emanates an ancient and tranquil atmosphere that gives visitors an authentic feeling of being in the African bush.

2. Visit the largest National Park in South Africa

The park reaches over into the Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces, and in total it is a massive 19 633 km².

Not only is the Kruger Park the biggest national park in South Africa, but it also offers a sanctuary for wildlife .

Many of the private reserves have removed all boundaries. This means that African animals are free to roam and live out their lives in a natural way. You will enjoy a safari that captures the essence of what daily life is like for the wild animals of Africa . 

3. A unique experience

Lone giraffe at dusk, Kruger National Park

A safari in Kruger invites you to step into the captivating lives of its wild animals. Kruger’s authentic safari encounters will keep you in awe of the beauty these animals possess. There are plenty of opportunities to see them in their natural habitats.

Kruger Safaris include encounters with many mammals , reptiles , and birds . As well as indigenous trees and diverse amphibians .

Highlights include:

  • A diverse range of accommodation options – from camping to 5-star treatment
  • Plenty of exhilarating activities
  • A safari for every type of budget
  • Professional FGASA -registered field guides
  • Remarkable catering facilities
  • Family retreats and tours
  • Encounters with some of Africa’s most revered animals

With so much to love about a visit to this spectacular destination, it’s no wonder that Kruger National Park has become a must-visit on everyone’s safari bucket list. The remarkable Kruger Park gives visitors a chance to enjoy one of the most fascinating, diverse and genuine safaris.

4. See the famous Big Five

You cannot go on a safari in Africa without knowing about the magnificent Big Five . This is the name given to a special group of animals. It comprises the Cape buffalo , African elephant , lion , leopard , and rhino .

The Kruger National Park offers a rare chance to view all of these powerful animals throughout the large open spaces. A Kruger safari includes drives in areas where you are most likely to see each of them in their natural habitats.

What to Expect on a Kruger Safari

Goliath heron at sunrise, Kruger park

With so much on offer in the Kruger, it can be hard to know exactly what a safari entails and what it doesn’t. This guide covers some basic aspects of your safari , so you can be best prepared for this enthralling South African safari experience.

Budget-friendly options available

The SANParks Kruger National Park offers safaris that can match any type of budget . This means you won’t need to pay an arm and a leg.

Are you looking for a luxury experience instead? You can choose that as well. Treat yourself to 5-star lodges with lavish amenities.

However, there is also a lowkey, camping safari if you’re looking for a more affordable option. Or even the cheaper, self-catering options. We expand on this further on in our guide.

Go on guided tours

Zebra crossing in front of tourist vehicles, Kruger

There are plenty of tour options available, and many types of safaris for you to go on. Plan ahead and choose the kind of safari that suits your needs. Before you book, decide whether you want a big group , small group , a family tour or a romantic escapade for two.

Enjoy all-day adventure

Expect to start your days at the crack of dawn and wake up in the early mornings. Safari drives usually start at around 6 am. You need to be out of bed by 5 am, to make it for breakfast at 5:30 am.

Get comfy in the car

Dirt road in Afsaal area, Kruger park

Expect to drive… a lot . After all, a safari is all about taking you through the wilderness (safely).

On safari, you spend countless hours in your safari vehicle, venturing through the stunning lands of Kruger and keeping your eyes peeled for the animals. As the park is so large, you will be captivated by the neverending beauty of untouched wilderness.

Spot diverse wildlife

Two white rhinos on a Kruger park road at sunset

Some of the animals you can look forward to seeing are:

  • The Big Five

Things to Know Before You Book a Kruger Safari

Cape house snake photographed in Kruger National Park

Here are some things to remember when planning your ultimate safari experience in SANParks Kruger National Park.

Be prepared for the African wilderness

Africa is as beautiful as it is wild, and this is something to keep in mind when booking your safari.

It’s important to take safety procedures into account. You aren’t in any real danger of being eaten (if that’s what you were thinking). Yet the harsh terrains of mother nature often have many surprises in store.

So be aware of scorpions , spiders , and snakes when camping or lodging in Kruger Park.

Medical advice and concerns

Bed and mosquito net overlooking the river - one of the best ways to sleep in the African bush

Kruger National Park is one of two parks in South Africa situated in a malaria-risk area. You need to take malaria precautions before entering the park. Your chances of catching malaria during the summer season (between October to May) are much higher than the rest of the year. If you visit during this time, it is especially a must.

But, no matter the season, you are advised to keep mosquito repellant with you and perhaps use a mosquito net when you sleep.

You can also learn all about mosquito bite prevention here .

Keeping safe on your safari

You are not allowed to leave the 4×4 open-top game vehicle on the drive. This is for your own safety as you explore wild animal territory.

A breakdown of important rules is given before your safari by the guides. So you can relax, knowing you are in good hands and that your guides are carefully looking after you.

Other helpful guidelines

Welcome to the Kruger National Park - Crocodile Bridge Gate sign

The tap water is clean and completely safe to drink. No need to load up on bottled water for your safari trip.

Keep in mind that the monkeys can be feisty, and are known to steal anything lying around.

Also note that skateboards, roller skates or quad bikes are not allowed.

On the park’s website, you will find Maps of Kruger Park and guides about the animals and their habitats.

Wildlife sightings board at the Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp, Kruger

Check with the South African Consulate or Embassy to know whether or not you will need your visa onhand. This is necessary when staying longer than 30 days.

To avoid any mishaps during your safari, be sure to get travel insurance .

Business hours of Kruger National Park:

Entrance gates open

From 05:30 (06:00 latest).

All gates close

From 17:30 (18:30 latest).

Best Time to Go on Kruger Park Safaris

Choosing the best time for your safari depends on your personal preferences and how long you want to stay . You need to plan based on what aspects of the safari are most important to you.

Do you want a week-long visit , as opposed to a weekend? Then you may want to go during a season when the malaria risk is lower.

Do you want to see the indigenous flowers in bloom, or are you more focused on spotting the Big 5? These considerations will guide which season is best for your sightseeing preference.

Overall best time to visit

Sunrise over Kruger's central savanna grasslands, during the dry season

South Africa’s winter season is from June to August, providing a cool and dry climate . This is the ideal time to go on your safari. The dryness of the area allows much better chances to spot the wild animals of Kruger. Wildlife is not able to hide as easily and is more active in the search for food (and water).

Best time to see lush vegetation

The summer months of October to May provide jaw-dropping scenery . The thriving landscapes and blooming plants are a sight to behold, making every nature lover feel as if they’re in paradise. Some of the most beautiful plants to see during this time are:

  • Thunderbolt flower
  • Russet bushwillow pod
  • Sausage tree flower
  • Impala lily ( Also known as the Swazi Lily)

What to Pack for a Kruger National Park Safari

Packing for a safari in Africa can be tricky, but this list will help to make it much easier. Some essentials simply cannot be left behind. These include:

  • High SPF sunscreen
  • Durable hiking shoes
  • Warm jacket for chilly mornings
  • Camera with a long lens
  • Good pair of safari binoculars
  • Cotton clothing
  • Swimming costume
  • Mosquito repellent
  • First-aid kit

Pack everything on this list and you are good to go. However, if you visit during winter, include a decent amount of warm clothing . The extra layers will be a huge asset, keeping you warm during the chilly mornings and evenings.

The Difference Between Guided Safaris and Self-Drive Safaris

Typical road signs in Kruger National Park - this one showing distances between the Skukuza and Satara rest camps

The biggest difference between the two is that with a guided safari, you explore the area with a private guide who shares his knowledge of the bush.

In comparison, on a self-drive safari you drive your own car through the routes.

Kruger National Park offers both of these options, so you can go wild and choose a safari that is perfect for you!

Some Kruger Park Safari Packages

River view from a local camp in the Kruger

There is a huge range of safaris available, but these are some of the most popular. You are likely to find the perfect fit for your safari in the Kruger National Park. These tour packages are flexible to availability, with choices between 2-day to 7-day safaris.

These options all include accommodation combos.

The budget safari

The budget safari adventure includes accommodation in a 2 bedroom chalet, with communal ablutions. This safari option is 3 days long. However, you can always request a different length of stay to suit your needs. Expect to enjoy delicious meals, all served al fresco style.

Added perks include game drives, a boma braai, and even an early morning bush walk along the Klaserie River.

Classic safari options

Another beautiful day comes to an end in the Kruger - Yawning hippo

When it comes to having the traditional experience of Kruger’s authentic African wildlife safaris, the classic safari is the best option. Here are three major safari tour packages to choose from.

  • 5 Day Classic Wildlife & Culture Safari
  • 6 Day Classic Panorama & Kruger Safari
  • 4 Day Kruger Park Walking Safari

Each of these packages offers a stylish getaway into nature. They combine elegance and wilderness, so you can travel in comfort. Classic safaris are all about capturing the true meaning behind the journey into Kruger’s wildlands. These tour packages focus on a non-commercial experience.

You learn about and discover the untouched magic of Africa’s wild habitats during a classic safari.

Family holiday safaris

Get your loved ones together for a truly incredible wildlife experience. Bond over campfires at night, or the shared experience of an elephant encounter. Family safari packages are diverse, with four suggested options to choose from.

  • Luxury Family Safari
  • South-eastern Family Getaway
  • Family Elephant Encounter
  • Deluxe Family Safari

Family holiday safaris also cater for small children and make sure that you get quality time with your loved ones. Special dinners, family picnics, bush walks, and exciting activities are all part of the packages.

These tour options have an itinerary built around giving you and your family the ultimate wildlife experience. There is an emphasis on spoiling the little ones, so you can have lots of fun with the kids on your safari.

Romantic safaris

Two little bee-eaters having a chat, Kruger, South Africa

If you’re looking for a romantic getaway with your partner, fiancé, or spouse then you’ll love these tranquil and intimate honeymoon safaris.

Immerse yourself into wild Africa and have the chance to join one of the five romantic safaris. You can choose between:

  • Classic Kruger Honeymoon
  • Classic Self-Drive Honeymoon
  • Premier Kruger Honeymoon
  • Take a Moment Getaway

If you want to tie the knot with your partner, then also take a look at a Deluxe Kruger Wedding safari.

Kruger Park will turn into the romantic sanctuary of your dreams. With private game drives, beautiful lodging options, and dinner under the stars.

Kruger Accommodation

When it comes to accommodation in Kruger, you have a large variety to choose from. There are three main options to book. Opt for the one that best suits your budget and style of travel. Make the most of your safari with the perfect accommodation.

Private lodges and resorts

Romantic bedroom at the Ngala Safari Lodge, Kruger

Private lodges can be found near the park and offer guests the chance for self-drive safaris. The accommodation options range from luxury to mid-range. They also include guided daytime safaris.

This option is perfect for those wanting a stay that offers more flexibility and freedom .

Safari lodges

Find yourself in the heart of the African bush with a stay at a safari lodge.

There are safari lodges throughout Kruger, ranging from extravagant , self-catering tents to 5-star lodges with indoor pools.

Safari lodges are perfect for those who want all the perks of a stylish stay. Enjoy culinary masterpieces, beautiful rooms with incredible views and luxury safari outings.

Stunning views of the Olifants river, Olifants Rest Camp, Kruger

Rest camps are perfect for the low-key adventurer . You can find cheap chalets, bungalows and cottages within Kruger.

These all contain basic amenities and appliances to make your stay comfortable and affordable.

There are also communal campsites available. These have electricity, so you can still charge your phone or laptop. They provide a fantastic opportunity to meet other travelers and share a traditional South African braai with friends.

Frequently Asked Questions About a Kruger Park Safari

You may still have questions about planning an African safari to the Kruger Park. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions (and answers).

What are the conservation fees for? How much are they?

The Malelane entrance gate, Kruger National Park

The Kruger Park charges daily conservation fees. These fees fund projects and efforts made by the park to preserve the area’s pristine habitat, as well as its cultural heritage.

They also go towards the general upkeep of boreholes , viewing hides and water supplies . There is a fee for each day you spend in the park, and it varies between international and local guests. On average, you are looking at daily costs of:

  • R100 for locals (USD $7)
  • R400 for international guests (USD $28).

Here are SANParks’ full details about daily conservation and entry fees in the Kruger .

Are pets allowed to come with on your safari?

This is a solid no . Pets are not allowed in Kruger park.

Your pet could potentially spread diseases to wild animals. It’s also not safe for a cat or dog to roam around in wild habitat. You do not want to risk their safety with so many potential predators. You will have to leave your four-legged companion behind for this adventure.

Additional Activities in Kruger Park

Walking through the bush on a walk, Kruger area, Limpopo

The incredible variety of safaris available at Kruger means that you have many ways to enjoy Africa’s wildlife right at your fingertips. And, during your safari, you can enjoy a host of activities.

The activities offered during your safari are as follows.

There are many bushwalks to choose from. Each of them take you to some of the most scenic parts of the park. You will be lead by an armed, knowledgable guide who will share insights along the way. Track animals like rhinos, elephants and lions on foot. Unfortunately, no children under the age of 13 are allowed to join.

These exciting bush walks are available on mornings and afternoons.

Mountain biking

Kruger National Park has incredible biking trails for adventurers at heart. However, it is exclusive to people staying at the Olifants camp .

Drive with the game vehicle to the starting point of the trail, with your bike carefully mounted on a bike trailer. You will receive complimentary helmets, backpacks, water bottles, snacks, and juice.

Depending on which route you choose, bike rides take 3-4 hours. This option is only available to fit and experienced cyclists and no children under the age of 16 may join.

Bird watching

Magnificent saddle-billed stork in Kruger National Park

The Kruger is home to some of the most remarkable birding spots. Each route includes a drive through the diverse and magnificent wilderness. The best routes for bird sightings are those that travel along riverine forest habitats . You can choose between a variety of locations, such as:

  • Satara to Lebombo
  • Napi and Doispane Roads
  • Malelane to Berg-en-Dal
  • Mahonie Loop
  • Luvuvhu River Drive
  • Lower Sabie to Tshokwane
  • Lower Sabie Road
  • Kanniedood Dam
  • Engelhard Dam
  • Crocodile Bridge to Lower Sabie

There are no guarantees, but your chances are much higher of spotting majestic birdlife while on a bird-watching route. The Kruger even has its own Big 6 , the bird-version of the notorious Big 5. These six birds are the lappet-faced vulture , martial eagle , kori bustard , saddle-billed stork , pel’s fishing owl, and southern ground hornbill .

Tick off each of these stunning birds from your list as you cruise the optimal bird watching routes.

Skukuza golf course with hippos in the background, near a putting green

The Skukuza Golf Course is Kruger’s only golf course. Found on the road to Paul Kruger Gate, it is a complete nine-hole, 72 par, 18-tee course. This is the perfect place to relax when you’re not in the safari vehicle.

Located in the majestic bushveld, the golf course offers views over Lake Panic. You may even spot a lion as you’re lining up for your next swing.

Kruger National Park Safaris

This article should give you a better idea of what to expect on your Kruger safari. From accommodation to tour packages, and anything else you were unsure of. You can now finish your planning with confidence, knowing what waits for you in sunny South Africa’s largest national park.

Kruger safaris are a must for anyone fascinated by the raw power of African wildlife. See the Big 5, spend nights in the wilderness and learn from certified professionals. Kruger Park prides itself on providing authentic bush getaways that are both safe and engaging.

Whether you are a solo traveler, with your family or planning your honeymoon – this diverse national park offers safari treats for everyone. You can go wild during the safari of a lifetime, with plenty of activities available and many options to choose from.

It’s time to ignite the wilderness within you and  plan your ultimate safari , handcrafted to suit your every desire.

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Our TrustPilot Reviews for Kruger National Park

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We can also plan you an affordable private group or tailor-made tour . We built our business on turning luxury travel into affordable travel.

Why Travel to Kruger National Park ? by Andrew Hofmeyr

The Kruger is one of Africa's largest and most famous game parks, with a high density of wildlife , including large numbers of the iconic Big 5 , lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and the critically endangered black and white rhino. 

Kruger National Park vs Greater Kruger National Park

We are often asked what is the difference between the two:

The Greater Kruger National Park (GKNP, 180 000 hectares) and the Kruger National Park (KNP) is one, huge, unfenced game reserve. This allows the free movement of game across a combined 2 million hectares of wild bush. 

So what's the difference?

The GKNP is made up of over twenty, privately-owned game reserves. This means that the numbers of people allowed, and accommodation offered, is limited, thus providing a more exclusive - and more real - African safari. There is free movement of animals between the KNP and GKNP, as it is unfenced.

Parks in the Greater Kruger National Park include

Highlights of the greater kruger national park.

  • Limited numbers of people are allowed in the area, providing a far less crowded safari experience and giving the visitor the feel of true Africa, unspoilt by too many cars and people
  • With the borders between the Kruger National Park and the GKNP being unfenced, there is free movement of all game, allowing sightings of a huge variety of animals
  • GKNP is next door to the Kruger Park: day trips into the park are easy, giving you the best of both worlds
  • Walking safaris, game-viewing in safari vehicles and night drives are offered with knowledgeable guides
  • Accommodation in the GKNP is more exclusive, with smaller camps, great service, and more luxurious amenities

About Kruger Park Safaris

A wide range of Kruger Park Budget Safari options is available. Below we have broken down the tour types into a rough outline of what's possible for todays Kruger budget traveller.

Kruger Park Camping Safaris

Camping Safaris are ideal for any traveler who likes sleeping under the stars and enjoys active participation in their safari experience.

For the majority of Kruger camping safaris,  you will be accommodated in spacious walk-in two-man dome tents. These are specifically designed to suit the Kruger Park climate and bush environment with mosquito nets and good ventilation.

Some Kruger camping safaris will require you to bring your own sleeping bag, occasionally help with meal preparation or assist with setting up your tent. Ask your African Budget Safaris travel consultant for details .

Kruger Park Overland Camping Safaris

A Kruger overland safari shares the accommodation characteristics of the camping safaris above, with transportation taken care of by Overland truck. A Kruger overland safari is a more team-orientated experience.

If you enjoy traveling in a youthful group and are ready to help out with meals, tents and so forth, as well as forge new friendships whilst on the road, this is the type of Kruger Park safari for you.

Kruger Park Luxury Tented Safaris

If camping out under the night sky sounds romantic but you'd rather not rough it, a luxury tented safari may be the ticket for your trip to the Kruger National Park. These are usually based in one of the Kruger's private game reserves . Tents are usually semi-permanent structures erected on a platform raised above the ground. This affords better game viewing and also helps not to disturb the surrounding bush and animal activity.

Kruger Park Exclusive Lodge Safaris

The Kruger is dotted with private concessions and reserves, each with their own game rangers and lodges. These offer a more intimate and hospitality-focused experience for the traveler in search of something apart from the often large and occasionally busy rest camps.

Kruger Park Fly-in Safaris

The transfer from Johannesburg to the Kruger National Park by road can take anything from six to eight hours. If you would prefer to zip across that gap in one hour and dive straight into the game viewing experience, a Kruger Park Fly-in Safari is the one to go for.

Game Viewing Drives on Kruger Park Safaris

No matter what type of accommodation or safari package you choose, all Kruger Park Safaris are centered around game viewing in this Big Five territory teeming with African wildlife. A typical day on safari in Kruger and the private game reserves in the area starts with an early morning game drive. Early mornings are when many of the wild animals are at their most active so this is an excellent time for sighting wildlife and also for avoiding the midday heat.

Game drives in Kruger Park are generally conducted in open 4x4 safari vehicles although if visitors prefer closed vehicles can be arranged. The afternoon game drives in Kruger Park typically last between three and four hours sometimes running into the evening. The game viewing drives on our Kruger Safaris are conducted by trained and professional safari guides who are knowledgeable about the habitats and wildlife found in this vast game park.

Bush Walks in Kruger Park

Many of the Kruger Safaris, especially the longer packages, include morning bush walks with an armed safari guide. These exhilarating bush walks give you the chance to encounter the flora and fauna up close and appreciate the smaller inhabitants of Kruger Park. On bush walks you also get to track animal movements and identify wildlife activity with your experienced guide. Kruger is home to numerous predators which is why the safari guides are armed to ensure your safety. The bush walks are usually optional but are highly recommended as an excellent way to get a real feel for the African bush and its fascinating wildlife.

Take a look at our Kruger National Park Safaris  or contact African Budget Safaris .

Find out more with our Kruger National Park safari travel guide page.

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Kruger National Park

Kruger national park: the complete guide.

kruger national park safaris in africa

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Safari Drives

  • Best Hikes & Trails

Where to Camp

Where to stay nearby, how to get there, accessibility, tips for your visit.

Arguably the most famous game reserve in all of Africa, Kruger National Park is a vast tract of land covering nearly 20,000 square kilometers (7,722 square miles), in the northeast corner of South Africa . It spans the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, and runs along the national border with Mozambique. It is the ultimate safari destination for visitors to South Africa, offering day visits, overnight stays, self-drive safaris, and guided game drives. 

Kruger National Park was first established as a wildlife refuge in 1898 when it was proclaimed as the Sabie Game Reserve by the president of the Transvaal Republic, Paul Kruger. In 1926, the passing of the National Parks Act led to the merging of the Kruger with nearby Shingwedzi Game Reserve, creating South Africa’s very first national park. More recently, the Kruger became part of the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park, an international collaboration that joins the park with Limpopo National Park in Mozambique  and Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe . As a result, animals can now move freely across international borders as they would have done for thousands of years. 

The vast majority of people visit the Kruger to go on safari. You can drive your own car along the well-maintained tarred and gravel roads or book a guided game drive through any of the rest camps. Options for the latter include drives in the early morning, late afternoon, and at night. One of the best ways to experience the park in all its beauty is on foot, either with a guided walk at the camps or on one of the multi-day Wilderness Trails. Four-wheel drive enthusiasts can test their vehicles (and their mettle) on the park’s off-road trails, while mountain biking is offered at Olifants camp. Golfers can even tee off at Skukuza Golf Course , whose un-fenced green is frequently visited by hippo, impala, and warthog. 

Kruger also has a fascinating human history, with evidence of people and their prehistoric ancestors living in the region for up to 500,000 years. More than 300 Stone Age archaeological sites have been discovered within the park, while other sites relating to the area’s Iron Age and San occupants also exist. In particular, the Kruger is known for its San rock art sites , of which there are approximately 130 on record. Sites of particular anthropological interest include the Albasini Ruins (the remains of a 19th-century Portuguese trading route), and the Iron Age settlements at Masorini and Thulamela .

TripSavvy / Anna Haines

A safari drive is the main activity at Kruger National Park, and the park’s incredible size means that it spans a number of different ecosystems including savannah, thornveld, and woodland. This diversity creates the ideal habitat for an astounding variety of flora and fauna, including nearly 150 different species of large mammals—more than any other African game reserve. Amongst them are the Big Five safari animals, which are buffalo, elephants, lions, leopards, and rhino (both black and white). The Little Five are also present in the park, and are some of the smallest creatures at Kruger. Other top wildlife sightings include the cheetah, the Sharpe’s grysbok, and the endangered African wild dog. The best time to spot wildlife is in the early morning or late afternoon, while guided night drives provide a unique opportunity to look for nocturnal species . 

Hiring a driver or joining a tour group is the best way to explore the massive park, since guides are in communication with each other and can alert one another when there's an animal sighting. You can book a tour through the park itself or contract a private tour guide for more personalized attention. Renting a vehicle and driving yourself through the park is also an option for those who want the freedom to explore on their own.

Best Hikes & Trails

Driving around on a safari sounds like a dream vacation, but embarking on foot through the national park and literally stepping into nature is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There are several Wilderness Trails that are multi-day hikes led by a local guide, where campers explore the bush and camp out. The hikes move at a leisurely pace, but hikers may be trekking up to 12 miles per day and endurance is necessary.

  • Bushmans Trail : You'll have one of the best chances for getting up close and personal with big game on the Bushmans Trail, especially white rhino. The area is made up of low valleys surrounded by tall rocky hills, providing some excellent scenery while walking. This walk also includes important historical sites, like San cave paintings dating back thousands of years.
  • Napi Trail : The campsite on the Napi Trail is at the confluence of two rivers in the national park, which naturally attracts all types of wildlife who come to drink at the riverbank. One of the best experiences, however, is nighttime as campers fall asleep to the lively sounds of the bush.
  • Sweni Trail : Hike along the Sweni River and you'll come across not just the animals that graze near the water, but their predators as well. Hearing the roars of nearby lions is common once the sun goes down, which you'll be able to hear while stargazing at the night sky.
  • Guided Day Treks : For those who want to hike around without the rustic bush camping experience, you can join a guided hike that leaves in the morning and lasts a few hours.

There are several options for camping at Kruger National Park at over a dozen different campgrounds, ranging from primitive campsites where campers need to pitch their own tent to luxury bungalows and cottages. There are 12 main rest camps at the national park, all of which offer electricity, a camp store, a gas station, laundry facilities, and a restaurant or self-service café. In addition, there are five "bushveld camps" for campers who don't mind trading in the amenities of the main camps for a more intimate and remote experience.

You have to reserve your place to sleep before you arrive, choosing which campground you want to stay in and the type of accommodation you'll be sleeping in.

  • Skukuza Camp : This is the largest campground at Kruger National Park and includes the most services for guests, such as multiple restaurants, a golf course, and the only airport inside the park. There are observation decks around the camp and you're likely to see animals without leaving the grounds—lions and cheetahs occasionally interrupt golfers by hunting prey right on the course.
  • Berg-en-Dal Camp : Berg-en-Dal is one of the most accessible campgrounds as it's only an hour away by car from the major city of Mbombela. The Rhino Trail is a hiking path that goes around the camp and offers great views of wildlife. The campground also has a swimming pool for cooling off after a day of exploring.
  • Bushveld Camps : There are five bushveld camps—Bateleur, Biyamiti, Shimuwini, Sirheni, and Talamati. These are restricted to overnight guests and have fewer facilities than the main rest camps, but they do give guests a unique feeling of remoteness and at night you're more likely to hear the sounds of the park.

There are also 10 private lodges  and three luxury tented camps located on concessions within the park. These are five-star, ultra-upmarket options for those that want to combine days spent game-viewing with gourmet meals, spa facilities, and impeccable service. Whatever accommodation option you choose, booking in advance is essential and can be done online. 

  • Skukuza Safari Lodge : Of the high-end lodges, the Skukuza Safari Lodge is the most low-key and more like a hotel than a luxury safari getaway, also making it much more accessible. It's in the same area as the huge Skukuza Campground and near the Skukuza Airport for easy transportation.
  • Lukimbi Safari Lodge : This family-friendly lodge offers the full five-star package. Parents enjoy chef-prepared meals with kid-friendly options, and there's a spa for total pampering. The rooms overlook the nearby river, which is a gathering spot for animals you can see directly from the lodge.
  • Singita Lebombo Lodge : Floor-to-ceiling glass windows, premier bottles of South African wine, and elephants grazing outside your room make the Singita Lebombo Lodge stand out as one of the extravagant places to stay in the whole park.

The Kruger is easily accessible via road for self-drive guests, with tarred roads leading to all nine entrance gates. Make sure to leave plenty of time when planning your journey, as all gates close at night (although late entry may be permitted for a fee). Overseas visitors generally choose to fly into Johannesburg  and then catch a connecting flight to one of four airports. Of these, only Skukuza Airport is located within the park itself, while Phalaborwa Airport, Hoedspruit Airport, and the Kruger/Mpumalanga International Airport are situated close to its boundaries. Daily flights also exist from Cape Town and Durban .

Upon arrival at any of these airports, you can hire a rental car to take you to (and around) the park. Alternatively, some private bus companies organize shuttles between the airports and the park, while those on a packaged tour will likely have their transport taken care of for them.

Visitors with mobility challenges can fully enjoy several areas of the park, including safari drives, camping, and reaching scenic outlooks via accessible boardwalks. However, the facilities vary greatly depending on which area of the park you're in, so take a look at the detailed accessibility guides for each camp area to confirm what is available. Mobility impaired guests who need accommodations in the park can also reserve one of the campsites or bungalows designed with accessibility in mind.

The tour vans provided by the park don't have lifts or ramps to accommodate guests in wheelchairs, but there are multiple providers in the area that are focused on tours for guests with disabilities, such as Epic Enabled Safaris .

  • Early morning and evening are usually when animals are most active, making for the best time to spotting wildlife.
  • Many first-time visitors make the mistake of trying to cover too much ground. Plan out your visit and take your time to explore the park, since slow travel is the best way to see animals. Every camp area maintains a list of areas with animal sightings that's updated daily, so inquire before you set out.
  • Malaria is a common issue when traveling around the bush of South Africa. Take malaria precautions like medication, long sleeve shirts, and insect repellant.
  • Pack a flashlight if you're camping in the park. The campsites are not well-lit and a flashlight is required for walking around after dark.
  • April to September is the dry season and the best time to visit, with warm days and cool nights. October to March is hot and rainy, which brings lush green landscapes that are pretty but make it harder to see animals.
  • No pets are allowed inside the park.

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kruger national park safaris in africa

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Elephant crosses in front of Viva Safaris clients

Kruger Park Safaris

See africa's mighty big 5.

kruger national park safaris in africa

Viva Safaris

Sharing our passion for wildlife for 30+ years.

kruger national park safaris in africa

Value-for-money Safaris to Kruger Park

TripAdvisor

Kruger Park Safari Experiences with Viva Safaris

From humble beginnings in 1991, Viva Safaris has grown to become the most sought after tour operator servicing the Kruger National Park region. Our diversity of Kruger Park safari experiences easily beat those of any competitor.

Get up close to the Big 5 in Kruger National Park safari in one of our open game viewers!

Get up close to the Big 5 in the Kruger Park with one of our open game viewers!

kruger national park safaris in africa

Viva Safaris is consistently rated amongst the top 10 tour operators in South Africa!

I would like to, once again, congratulate all the Viva Safaris staff on another year of outstanding work. Your energy, enthusiasm and excellence have been fundamental in our success story. The fact that we have had departures from Johannesburg EVERY SINGLE DAY this year is both remarkable and enviable. We shall complete the year in the same manner, resulting in 365 departures for 2023. Take a bow, every single one of you. The quality of reviews posted by previous guests plays a big part in helping tourists decide to choose one of our packages. Without exception, these reviews bear testimony to the passion and energy that our happy staff bring to their workplace.  Well done to all !!!!

Kruger National Park Safari Packages and Tours

We are completely self-sufficient and highly experienced….we own our lodges; we have a fleet of air conditioned mini busses that will bring you from your location in Johannesburg right to the bush; we have our own fleet of game viewing vehicles; our own rangers and trackers; our own chefs and lodge management staff and of course a range of 30 different Kruger Park safaris that vary from cost effective on night/two day safaris to combined Kruger Park and Private Reserve safaris where you can experience the thrill of walking in the bush amongst the Big Five of Africa – of course for those who demand the luxurious, our Fly In safaris and Luxury Lodge safaris are legendary !!!

Book with Confidence: Postponing your safari (Covid-19)

Book your safari with confidence knowing that if you have future concerns about the Covid-19 (“Corona Virus”) or any other bona fide reason, you need not cancel your safari and forfeit your deposit. Unlike almost all of our competitors, Viva Safaris owns all its own accommodation and will happily postpone your booking for either your use or that of your friends/family with no penalty or fee , crediting your existing deposit to a future booking of your choice.

Click here to view our new operating procedures for Covid-19

The beautiful Marula Tree Boma under the African night sky

The beautiful Marula Tree Boma under the African night sky

Bongani leads group of guests along Olifants River

Armed ranger leads group of guests along Olifants River

  Click play below to see a brief video overview of what you may experience on a safari to the Kruger National Park with Viva Safaris:

Young bull elephant keeping a close eye on us in the Kruger

Young bull elephant keeping a close eye on us in the Kruger

Viva Safaris was established in 1991 by people that love wildlife. Family-owned and wholly South African, our aim has always been to enthusiastically share that love and passion with the thousands of satisfied tourists that have been through our hands. We do not aim for exclusivity – we have made our Kruger Park safari packages accessible to a wide range of pockets.

Guests being shown wildlife during bush walk on safaris to Kruger Park

Guests being shown wildlife during bushwalk

We are aware that current tourists are a lot smarter, more price-conscious and have high expectations for their money. If one compares our tariffs to other Kruger National Park safari operators, it is evident that our safaris are not only eminently affordable but also offer our guests a value-filled product with a personal touch . There can be no doubt that our safari products constitute the very best value for money safaris to the Kruger National Park .

Relaxed Motlala leopard looking at Jordan and guests

Relaxed Motlala leopard looking at Jordan and guests

Mindful of our guests’ need to share their wonderful wildlife experiences with friends and family at home, we have introduced  FREE 24hr WIFI at all our lodges.

Dining room overlooking Breakfast Dam at Marc's Camp

Dining room overlooking Breakfast Dam at Marc’s Camp

Kruger Park Safari Lodges

Viva Safaris is in the unique position of owning its own accommodation establishments. We are thus able to guarantee levels of excellence expected by our valued international guests. We offer a wide spectrum of products that are affordable to backpacker and bush connoisseur alike.

TREMISANA GAME LODGE is our flagship establishment and is relatively upmarket. It is the largest and leading Big Five game lodge in the Balule Section of the Greater Kruger National Park . We have 15 chalets as well as a 2-bedroom guesthouse. All units are en suite and airconditioned. The exquisite luxuriant gardens and water features make this camp a veritable oasis. Guests at Tremisana enjoy the best of both types of safaris : the traditional lodge operation includes a 4 hour bush walk and 4 hour sunset game drive on open Landcruisers including an unforgettable Bush Braai (BBQ) in the middle of wildest Africa while our guests will also enjoy full day open vehicle   Kruger National Park safaris .

Tremisana chalet, Kruger Park safari lodge

Tremisana chalet

kruger national park safaris in africa

The water feature and lush gardens at Tremisana Game Lodge, Kruger National Park

The wildlife viewing at the Tremisana Game Lodge waterhole is unbelievably good. We have sightings of all the Big Five on our property.

MARC’S TREEHOUSE LODGE  is a unique lodge beautifully positioned along the banks of the perennial Klaserie River. It is situated in the Motlala Game Reserve which has 3 of the Big 5 : Black and White Rhino, Buffalo and Leopard. The rustic treehouses are romantic and restful and blend perfectly into the bush.

kruger national park safaris in africa

One of the treehouses at Marc’s Treehouse Lodge

KATEKANI TENTED LODGE  comprises of eight beautifully appointed Tented Chalets  with bathtub, indoor and outdoor showers, splash pool and deck. Each chalet has a thatched roof and is elevated so as to allow for spectacular views of the bushveld.

kruger national park safaris in africa

Katekani Tented Lodge

Katekani Tented Lodge Bed

Katekani Tented Lodge Bed

MASANGO CAMP  is named after the late Ronald Masango, Viva Safaris’ and the whole region’s first ever black Camp Manager, and is extremely popular with budget-conscious travellers. The camp comprises 8 en suite chalets and each chalet has an overhead fan, electric lights and power points and all the comfortable beds are covered by mosquito nets. The camp has a good-sized swimming pool and an open BBQ Boma. The central common room has a bar, a breakfast nook, a lounge as well as indoor dining facilities.

Chalet interior

Masango Camp Chalet interior

The pool at Masango Camp

The pool at Masango Camp

All our lodges have 24 hour WIFI available to all our guests

The Kruger National Park

One of South Africa’s most popular tourist destinations , the Kruger National Park is famous the world over.  It is the oldest Park in Africa and also one of the largest.

In 1898, then president of the Transvaal republic, Paul Kruger established The Kruger National Park – then called the Sabie Game Reserve.  Paul Kruger recognised the need to protect the wildlife of the Lowveld region and created an area where no hunting was allowed. 

In 1902 when Scotting-born James Stevenson-Hamilton was appointed as the first Warden of the park it was still known as the Sabie Game Reserve.  Finally, in 1926 Paul Kruger’s vision was realised and the national parks act was brought into effect, following this in 1927 the Sabie Game Reserve & Shingwedzi Game reserves were amalgamated and merged to become the Kruger National Park. (Named for the efforts and drive of the honourable Paul Kruger) When the park first opened to the public Game enthusiasts and motorists were allowed entry into the Kruger National Park at the cost of one pound.

The Kruger National Park stretches across the vast tract of land between the Sabie & Crocodile Rivers. The Kruger National Park is similar in length to England and is about 65% of the area of England.

  • Kruger is approx 350km long and 60km wide and covers an area of 19,485 square kilometres
  • The Kruger National Park is located in the north-eastern provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga in South Africa, and borders Mozambique and Zimbabwe to the east and north respectively.
  • It was first protected by the then Transvaal Republic in 1898 and known as Sabi Game Reserve
  • In 1926 it became South Africa’s first national park , when Sabi Game Reserve was combined with the adjacent Shingedzi Game Reserve and farms and given the name Kruger National Park
  • The Kruger Park is named after the President of the Transvaal, President Paul Kruger (1825 – 1904) who was responsible for creating the original protected area of Sabi Game Reserve in 1898
  • The Kruger Park is home to all of the “Big Five” (lion, rhino, buffalo, elephant and leopard), as well as more large mammals than any other game reserve in Africa (147 species in total).
  • An amazing 517 species of birds can be found in the Kruger Park.
  • In 2000, a multinational agreement between South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique lead to fences coming down between Kruger National Park, Limpopo National Park in Mozambique and Gonarezhou National Park, Manjinji Pan Sanctuary and Malipati Safari Area in Zimbabwe.  This new combined area is called The Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park , and is the first phase of a larger conservation area that is planned to measure almost 100,000 square kilometres when complete!
  • Over 300 archeological sites of Stone Age man have been found in the park, containing cultural artefacts from 100,000 to 30,000 years ago.
  • There is also numerous evidence of San and Iron Age people from around 1500 years ago in the park, with San Art found throughout.

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK – A BRIEF HISTORY

The mastermind and animal lover behind the development of the Kruger National Park was then president of the Transvaal Republic, Paul Kruger. He was not a well-educated man, with only three formal months of education spent in a rural farm school, but he grew up in the wild frontiers of the old country and had an enduring love of nature and wildlife.

At the urging of early conservationists who were alarmed at the scale of unchecked hunting in the Lowveld region, he made an indelible mark in history by proclaiming an expansive area would be allocated for the protection of South Africa’s wild animals.

Paul Kruger was born on a rural farm in 1825.  When the Great Trek started in 1836, his father uprooted the entire family and moved them to what was known as the Transvaal, where they settled in a town called Rustenburg.

At the age of 16, Paul Kruger was allowed to choose his own farm and chose to settle on a property at the base of the Magaliesberg Mountains. Kruger married in 1842 and shortly thereafter moved to the Eastern Transvaal where he lost his wife and young infant son to what was suspected to be malaria and re-married a woman who bore seven daughters and nine sons, although many of his children died in infancy.

Kruger showed strong leadership qualities and eventually became Commandant-General of the then South African Republic, later known as the Transvaal. His leadership skills became more prominent when he was appointed member of a commission of the Volksraad, the Transvaal Republican Parliament who were tasked with drawing up a constitution.

He resigned as Commandant-General, in 1873 and retired to his farm, Boekenhoutfontein. His retirement was short-lived and he was elected to the Executive Council. Shortly after that he became Vice-President.  Paul Kruger led a resistance movement and became leader of a deputation. The first Anglo Boer war was 1880 and the British forces were defeated in a battle at Majuba in 1881. Paul Kruger was instrumental in negotiations with the British at this time, which later led to the restoration of Transvaal as an independent state under British rule.

Paul Kruger was elected as president of the Transvaal in1882 at the age of 57. He left for England in 1883 to revise the Pretoria Convention of 1881, an agreement which was reached between the Boers and the British that ended the first Anglo Boer War. During this time in Europe Paul Kruger acquired many allies. Paul also attended an imperial banquet in Germany at which he was presented to Emperor Wilhelm I, and spoke at length with the renowned Bismarck.

The political climate of the Transvaal changed with the discovery of gold in the Witwatersrand basin. It spurred a gold rush and immigrants from around the world descended on the gold fields in search of fortunes.  Paul Kruger’s leadership was put to the test at the end of 1895 when the failed Jameson Raid, led by Doctor Starr Jameson, brought about a breakdown in relations between the British and the Boers. It ultimately led to the second Anglo Boer War, known as the South African war.

Kruger was known as a fierce protector of the Afrikaner nation and on being elected as President of South Africa in 1883, he tirelessly campaigned for South Africa’s complete independence from Britain and the abolition of British supervision.

The South African war broke out in 1899 and Kruger, now 74, remained in Pretoria due to ill health until 1900. When the war swung in favour of the British army, Kruger was forced to flee the capital just days before Lord Roberts occupied the city. He boarded a Dutch warship at Lorenço Marques (Maputo) and left for Europe, where he lived out his remaining years in exile. He died of heart failure at the age of 79 years while still living in Switzerland.

Kruger made allies of the European sovereignty and arch enemies of the British and was regarded as a fierce politician and military man. However, Paul Kruger’s legacy will always be the creation and the formation of the Kruger National Park.

UNDER THREAT

The Kruger National Park had a precarious start with numerous factions threatening its survival. Hunters wanted access to the Park; soldiers returning from the First World War expected land for sheep farming; prospectors wanted access to the land to search for gold, copper and coal; and South Africa’s veterinarians were campaigning for a mass slaughter of wildlife to contain the spread of tsetse fly disease.

South African Railways (SAR) that incidentally saved the Kruger National Park when they opened a new route from Pretoria to Lorenço Marques (now Maputo in Mozambique). The train stopped within the reserve and travellers were allowed to explore the surrounding bush with a game ranger on hand.

Awareness of the Park and growing interest in it empowered conservation lobbyists to secure the future of the Kruger National Park as a tourist destination that would generate revenue for it to be self-sustainable.

The Kruger Park finally received international acclaim when Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret visited as part of their royal tour of South Africa and stayed in one of the first luxury lodges built in the reserve. By 1955, over 100 000 people were visiting the Park each year.

The Kruger National Park grew in size when the game fences between the private reserves on Kruger’s western border came down in 1994. In 2001, the fences were removed between South Africa, Mozambique on its eastern border and Zimbabwe on its northern border. This created the multinational Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area.

Now called a Peace Park, it incorporates Parque Nacional do Limpopo in Mozambique and Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe, making it the largest conservation reserve in Africa. The Peace Park is part of the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere, an area designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO ) as an International Man and Biosphere Reserve.

THE FIRST WARDEN – KRUGER PARK

Scottish-born James Stevenson-Hamilton was appointed as initial warden of the Park in 1902 whilst it was still called the Sabie Game Reserve. The reserve was later united with Shinwedzi Game Reserve in 1927 and transformed into the Kruger national park. His journals are housed within the Memorial Library in Skukuza and make for fascinating reading.  He came to South Africa in 1888 as a member of the 6th Enniskillen Dragoons. This is the first time he came across wild game in the bush and he immediately fell in love with the country.

He returned to South Africa during the second Boer War, as a major in the British army. He did not want to return to England at the end of the war and secured the position of Warden of the Sabi Game Reserve. There was no clear instruction on what to do in the position except to make himself “thoroughly disagreeable to everyone”. Stevenson-Hamilton took his job seriously and when he caught two policemen poaching game he had them arrested and convicted. This incident earned him quite a reputation. Amongst other tasks, he stopped the movement of cattle through the Park and stopped all prospecting for coal and minerals.

In 1914, Stevenson-Hamilton joined the forces at the start of the First World War. He left the management of the Park in the hands of a ranger who ultimately let the administration slide. On his return to the Park, Stevenson-Hamilton found his beloved Park was in a shambles. He fought tooth-and-nail to save the Kruger National Park, as the war had stimulated greedy development of the land for agricultural purposes.

The Selati Railway Line was established and this saved the Kruger Park. A 9-day tour of Mozambique and the Lowveld included a one-night stop at what is present-day Skukuza. Stevenson-Hamilton invited members of the Provincial Council to visit the reserve which helped these influential members of government to understand the value and importance of the proclaimed Park.

Stevenson-Hamilton was called Skukuza by his staff, a Shangaan name meaning either “he who sweeps clean” or “he who turns everything upside down. Skukuza, roughly interpreted, is taken from the Zulu word for “broom”. However, it wasn’t a positive term as the Tsonga tribe was bitter at being deprived of their historical land. The main rest camp at Sabie Bridge was called Skukuza in Stevenson-Hamilton’s honour.

Stevenson-Hamilton remained with the Park until he retired in 1945, on the eve of his 80th birthday.

WILDERNESS TRAILS

In 1957 the first wilderness trails were pioneered by a Natal Parks Board game ranger named Ian Player (brother of legendary South African golfer Gary Player) and his friend and mentor Magquba Ntombela. Dr Player is well-known for his work in environmental fields and international involvement in wildlife conservation.

The wilderness trails established by Dr Player, as well as the walking safaris, were pioneered in South Africa in the 1950s and 1960s by visionary South African conservationists and forward-thinking individuals which has partly resulted in the Kruger National Park we know and love today.

Dr Player is probably one of South Africa’s most highly regarded environmentalists and a conservationist who led efforts to rescue the southern white rhino from extinction.

He was instrumental in developing the first wilderness trails in 1957 in the Kruger National Park.

Player was a game ranger on the Umfolozi Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, the oldest nature reserve in Africa. When it was established in 1897, there were only about 50 southern white rhinos left in the world and all of them were on the reserve. The rhino faced extinction as vast numbers of Zulus that were displaced by the government’s land policy had settled on the borders of the reserve and poaching was out of control. There was also the threat of an anthrax breakout from stray infected cattle that wondered into the reserve.

By the 1960s the Umfolozi’s population of white rhino had grown to 600; however, Player realised the danger of keeping an entire subspecies restricted to one small Park and started a campaign that eventually allow him permission to move a small herd of rhino to the Kruger National Park. This would ensure the survival of the rhino by establishing a gene pool in other regions of the country.

By this stage, veterinarian Toni Haarthoorn had pioneered a “dope darting” technique that was used in Operation Rhino, one of the most successful wildlife translocation programmes that included moving rhino to other parts and to overseas reserves.

PRE-HISTORIC MAN 

Ample evidence shows that prehistoric man (Homo Erectus) roamed the Kruger National Park Area between 500 000 and 100 000 years ago. The Kruger National Park boasts 254 cultural heritage sites in the Kruger National Park, including nearly 130 recorded rock art sites. Over 300 archaeological sites of Stone Age man have been discovered dating back 100 000 to 30 000 years ago. There is evidence of Bushman tribes (San people) and Iron Age inhabitants dating back 1500 years ago and Nguni people as well as European explorers throughout the Kruger National Park area.

Significant archeological finds have been at Thulamela and Masorini where there are numerous examples of San art.  San art can be found throughout The Kruger National Park Reserve.

THE FIRST TOURISTS

In 1927, when the Kruger National Park Was proclaimed a national park in south africa under the national parks act of 1926, the value of tourism from game reserves as a major source of revenue was already well established and The Kruger National Park had been identified as a main destination by that time. Stevenson-Hamilton, Warden of the Kruger National Park at the time had been arranging  excursions and overnight stays in the Kruger National Park. There were, however, no facilities for the tourists who usually slept on the train that had brought them to the Kruger National Park from Witwatersrand.

Roads and small routes through the Kruger National Park were built with the hopes of attracting more tourists, the idea being that paying tourists would be accompanied by a guide.  The media of the time were invited to visit and write about the Kruger National Park and share their wildlife adventures in Kruger – over time the Kruger National Park became rather renowned and gained international repute.  There was still a problem with the lack of accommodation and facilities so, the South African Railways (SAR) approached the board of the Kruger National Park in 1927 with a request to erect quarters that the Park could rent to visitors. This  partnership between the Kruger National Park and South African Railways led to the development of the necessary infrastructure and roads. Facilities for guides and game rangers were erected throughout Kruger National Park and facilities and infrastructure abound.  In exchange for use of these facilities for their paying tourists, South African Railways undertook to provide all transport, by rail and road, and launched an advertising campaign, set up catering services and paid the board a percentage of the income received.

Four two-track roads were built initially; from Crocodile Bridge to Lower Sabie, from Acornhoek to the Mozambique border, from Gravelote to Makubas Kraal (near Letaba) and from White River to Pretoriuskop.

The Pretoriuskop area was opened to tourists in 1927 but only on the issue of a permit from the secretary of the board in Pretoria and the game warden on duty at Pretoriuskop. This arrangement was restrictive and confusing and eventually the board appointed an agency in 1931 to issue permits at Numbi Gate.

There were still no overnight facilities built at that time and the general public had to leave the Park before the gates closed in the evening. Hunting by this stage had been strictly prohibited but visitors could carry a revolver on them for their personal protection.

SAR received permission from the board to open the railway bridges over the Crocodile, Sabie and Olifants Rivers for motor vehicles, and to run a train service on the Selati Railway for tourists. The number of visitors to the Kruger National Park steadily grew as it became more accessible and convenient.

MODERN TOURISM IN THE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

The board of Kruger National Park committed in 1928, to extensive plans to boost tourism to the reserve. A total of three new rest huts were built at Satara, Pretoriuskop and Skukuza. A year later, two rondavels (round houses) were built at Skukuza, and two were built at Satara. there were plans submitted to build more rondavels at other camps were the and older ranger quarters were restored and made available for tourists. The Kruger National Park was set to start attracting overnight stays.

Originally the design of the original rondavels was in the “Selby” style, named after an American mine engineer, Paul Selby, that was on the board at the time. There was a gap between the wall and the roof for ventilation, and there was a hole in the door that was used as a peephole to see if there were dangerous animals outside the hut. The rest camps were not fenced and animals roamed freely in and out of the designated visitors’ area.

The original rondavels weren’t well-liked as they were stiflingly hot in summer and mosquitoes came in through the open gaps. From 1931, new rondavels were designed that were closed to the thatch roof and had windows in them. The board extended any developments including tented rest camps and ancient huts created type wattle and native cement.

The first ablution blocks went up at Skukuza in 1932, with four baths and four showers. The rest camps were also finally fenced at the same time. more modern and improved designs were introduced and the Kruger National Park took on a more uniform look overall, as it was previously quite haphazard. Facilities focused on the comfort and needs of tourists, as well as their safety.

Hot water for bathing was a luxury in those early days. Eventually the board relented and provided hot running water to the camps on the condition tourists paid one shilling per bath.

Demand for accommodation had increased so much by the mid 1930’s that the Kruger National Park board asked the government for additional funding of £50,000 and additional beds and rest camps were made available for some 200 visitors.

Kruger National Park received even more fiscal support from the government. Money was spent on luxuries such as mosquito nets, septic tanks and hot showers, the park also invested heavily in game management programmes.

The board of Kruger National Park started charging a fee to visit the Park for the first time in 1928 to raise much-needed revenue. Five shillings for day visitors and a nominal charge per car was implemented. Visitors could hire a game ranger to escort them through the Park for an added fee, they were also charged to cross the rivers in their cars on pontoons that were set up.

The board also outsourced the management of the rest camps and refreshment stops for Skukuza and Satara to independent contractors and providers when tourist traffic increased to a point that the Park staff could no longer manage the demand.

These contractors were responsible for the issuing of permits, supervision at the camps and catering services. The rest camps were only equipped with wood and ‘riempie’ beds and visitors could hire mattresses and linen from the camp supervisors.

The board eventually employed their own management staff to run the rest camps because of the number of complaints from the tourists. The board took over all trade activities and employed the first tourism manager in the mid-1940s. In the 1960s, the first liquor license was issued.

The rules and regulations for the Kruger National Park when it first opened to visitors were pretty relaxed, except that firearms were strictly prohibited. Tourists had pretty much free range and did not even have to return to the rest camps at night. However, the first list of regulations was published in the 1930s when poor behaviour started causing problems.

Tourists were limited to driving through the Park between sunrise and sunset, and were made to return to their rest camp for the evening. A strict speed limit was implemented and littering was prohibited. The board appointed the Automobile Association (AA) to run a service where patrol cars would monitor traffic on the Park roads.

The only mode of transport when the Park was first proclaimed was the Selati railway line, ox wagons, buggy carts, pack donkeys and horses. There were no roads and no vehicles in the Park in those days.

Bush clearing started in earnest in 1927 and the first roads were put in to create more convenient routes between the ranger’s posts within the Kruger National Park. The construction of roads within the Kruger National Park for tourists followed a few years later. Three pontoons were built on the main rivers and a new causeway was built over the Sand River and the Letaba River.

The impressive road network that had developed by 1946 was a massive achievement, considering how remote the Kruger National Park was, and the fact that the Kruger National Park was in serious financial trouble, had a shortage of equipment and lacked manpower.

Requests to tar the roads were vehemently opposed, with the thinking that it would turn the reserve into a “glorified Park” and it would lose its natural appeal. Stevenson-Hamilton was strongly opposed to tarring the roads, saying it would result in speeding incidents and the death of animals.

Permission to tar the roads was only granted in 1965 and only for the main strip between Pretoriuskop and Skukuza. Today there are more than 850 kilometres of tarred roads in the Park.

THE TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOGRAPHY OF THE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

The Kruger Park is in the north-east of South Africa on the confluence of the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. The Luvuvhu and Limpopo Rivers converge at Crookes Corner in the Pafuri triangle at the most northerly point of the Park and if you stand in the river bed, you have Mozambique on your right, Zimbabwe straight ahead and South Africa on your left.

The Lebombo Mountains towards the eastern region of the Park separates Kruger Park from Mozambique. The Limpopo and the Crocodile Rivers act as its natural boundaries on the north and south of the park.

The Kruger National Park’s topography varies and altitude ranges between 200 metres (660 feet) in the east and 840 metres ( 2 760 feet) in the south-west near Berg-en-Dal. The highest point in the Kruger Park is a hill called Khandzalive.

Several rivers run through the park including the Sabie River, Olifants River, Crocodile River, Letaba River, Luvuvhu River and Limpopo River.

A NEW FRONTIER: THE GREAT LIMPOPO TRANSFRONTIER PARK

In the year 2000 a vision to create Peace Park came to fruition when a multi-national agreement led to the fences being brought down between the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique, the Kruger National Park, and Makuleke region in South Africa, and Gonarezhou National Park, Manjinji Pan Sanctuary and Malipati Safari Area in Zimbabwe.

The fences were removed based on a Memorandum of Understanding that did away with political boundaries that restricted the free movement of animals along old migratory routes. In 2001 the first 40 elephants were relocated from Kruger Park to Limpopo National Park (including 3 breeding herds of a planned 1 000 elephants).

The aim of these transfrontier parks is to preserve traditional animal migration patterns, and ensure there are sufficient food and water sources as the population of animals increase. Peace Parks also encourage tourism and economic development that is mutually beneficial for all parties. It is entirely reliant on the goodwill and integrity of the frontier countries.

SEASONS AND CLIMATES FOR KRUGER PARK SAFARI

The Kruger National Park is in the Lowveld region and is part of a subtropical zone where summer days are hot and humid (temperatures often reaching the 40°C (100°F) mark.)

Rainfall mainly occurs in the summer months, with showers expected from September until May. Early September to October are considered the best game viewing months as the grass is thin short due to the preceding drier months making for excellent game viewing. The winter months from are popular because the mosquitos are less active in the cooler months and there is less chance of contracting malaria if you are not taking prophylactics. The game also conveniently stay close to the watering holes in the drier winter months and this attracts the predators which makes it an ideal time of the year for game viewing.

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK FLORA

The Kruger National Park is has four main bushveld regions that each boast their own distinctive appeal:

  • Thorn trees and red bush-willow veld Between the western boundary and roughly the centre of the Park south of the  Olifants River. Combretums, like the red bush-willow (Combretum apiculatum) and  Acacia species dominate while there vast numbers of marula trees (Sclerocarya  caffra). There are many Acacias along the rivers and streams.
  • Knob-thorn and marula veld South of the Olifants River in the eastern half of the Park, this area provides the most  important land for grazing. Species such as red grass (Themeda triandra) and buffalo  grass (Panicum maximum) predominate while the knob-thorn (Acacia nigrescens),  leadwood (Combretum imberbe) and marula (Sclerocarya caffra) trees are the main  tree species.
  • Red bushwillow and mopane veld This area lies in the western half of the Park, north of the Olifants River. The two  most prominent species here are the red bushwillow (Combretum apiculatum) and  the mopane tree (Colophospermum mopane).
  • Shrub mopane veld Shrub mopane covers almost the entire north-eastern part of the Park. There are a  number of smaller areas in the Park which carry distinctive vegetation such as  Pretoriuskop where the sickle bush and the silver cluster-leaf (Terminalia sericea) are  prominent. The sandveld communities near Punda Maria are equally definitive, with  a wide variety of unique species.

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK BIRDING

The Kruger National Park is a birder’s paradise boasting 517 species of birds; 253 are residents, 117 non-breeding migrants and 147 nomads.

Locally called the Big 6, there are six large species that are mostly restricted to the Park’s conservation areas. They are the lappet-faced vulture, martial eagle, saddle-billed stork, kori bustard, ground hornbill and the reclusive Pel’s fishing owl, which is localized and seldom seen.

There are between 25 and 30 breeding pairs of saddle-billed storks in the Kruger National Park, besides a handful of non-breeding individuals. In 2012 178 family groups of ground hornbills roamed the Park and 78 nests were known, of which 50% were active.

Pafuri and Punda Maria in the far north of the Park are regarded as one of the birding hotspots of the world. There are a number of species in the Kruger National Park that are not found anywhere else in the world.

The rest camps in the Park are where birds often see some of the best birds, particularly those bushveld camps that are situated on one of the main rivers. The comical hornbills and glossy starlings have made the rest camps their home, with easy pickings from picnic scraps and family barbeques.

The many dams scattered around the Kruger National Park are excellent birding spots, with the African Fish Eagle being a prize sighting. Its signature call is an absolute delight.

Let us take a look at the few bird routes in the Kruger National Park that attract avid birders to the region.

  • Lowveld Mpumalanga Birding Route This is a popular birding route in the southern part of the Park which is a sub-tropical area with a lot of open bushland. Typical species of trees in the area include the acacia, leadwood, marula and tamboti trees. Common species found in the area include the African scops-owl, bateleur, crested francolin, lilac-breasted roller, southern ground hornbill and white-crested helmet shrike. Some of the sought-after and rare birds found in this route include the martial eagle, narina trogon and southern bald ibis.
  • Soutpansberg-Limpopo birding route This route falls within the northern region of the Kruger National Park and is part of the Greater Limpopo birding route which extends beyond the borders of the Park through Mapungubwe National Park, the Soutpansberg mountain range and Venda. Punda Maria is known for sightings of the crowned hornbill, eastern (yellow-spotted) nicator and mosque swallow. The mopani bush and woodland areas attract the Arnott’s chat, black coucal, little bittern, racket-tailed roller and white-breasted cuckooshrike. Along the banks of the Levuvhu River, look out for the Böhm’s spinetail, Dickinson’s kestrel, lemon-breasted canary, mottled spinetail, river warbler and sooty falcon.
  • Kruger to Canyons Biosphere birding route This route incorporates parts of northern Kruger National Park and big sections of the central region. It begins outside the park in Graskop, moves along the Blyde River Canyon, down to Hoedspruit and on to the Kruger National Park via Phalaborwa. Popular sightings include the African barred owlet, collared (red-winged) pratincole, Pel’s fishing-owl, white-crowned lapwing (plover) and yellow-billed oxpecker.

THE GREAT BIG 5

The Big 5 was a collective term used for the most difficult animals to hunt, namely Leopard, Rhino, Elephant, Transvaal Lion & Cape Buffalo. This term takes on a much more gentle form today, and refers to spotting the “Big Five” out in the wild and NOT shooting them!  All five species are endangered to some extent and under threat of extinction from poaching that continues despite earnest anti-poaching programmes.

  • Buffalo’s primary predator is the lion. Buffalo will try to rescue another member who has been caught. They have been observed killing a lion after it has killed a member of the group.
  • Leopards are excellent at climbing trees. They’ll often safeguard their kill in a tree to prevent lions and hyenas from stealing it. They are also strong swimmers and occasionally eat fish and crabs.
  • African elephants communicate across large distances at a low frequency that cannot be heard by humans.
  • Rhinos have poor vision and will sometimes attack trees and rocks by accident. However, their hearing and sense of smell are excellent, thus often making up for their poor eyesight.
  • The African or Cape buffalo is not believed to be closely related to the water buffalo even though they superficially resemble each other. And unlike the water buffalo, the dangerous African buffalo has never been domesticated.
  • The rhino is the most endangered species of the Big Five. Rhino poaching worldwide hit a 15-year high in 2009. The illegal trade is being driven by an Asian demand for horns, made worse by increasingly sophisticated poachers who are now using veterinary drugs, poison, cross bows and high caliber weapons to kill rhinos. Very few rhinos now survive outside national parks and reserves.
  • Typically, the darker a lion’s mane, the older he is.
  • The leopard is nocturnal, solitary and secretive, staying hidden during the day. They are the least seen of the Big Five.
  • Many plant species have evolved seeds that are dependent on passing through an elephant’s digestive tract before they can germinate. At least one third of tree species in West African forests rely on elephants in this way for dissemination.
  • White rhinos aren’t white, but slate gray to yellowish brown in color. The species name actually takes its root from Dutch, “weit” (wide), in reference to the animal’s wide muzzle.

What to look out for at the Kruger National Park

There is so much more to the Kruger National Park than the Big 5.  Birders and animal enthusiasts can enjoy an abundance of game both big and small in the Kruger National Park.

The Little Five: Buffalo Weaver, Elephant Shrew, Leopard Tortoise, Ant Lion and Rhino Beetle Birding Big 6:  Ground Hornbill, Kori Bustard, Lappet-faced Vulture, Martial Eagle, Pel’s Fishing Owl and Saddle-billed Stork Five Trees:  Baobab, Fever Tree, Knob Thorn, Marula and Mopane Tree

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK REST CAMPS

Main Rest Camps:

  • Berg-en-Dal (with satellite Malelane)
  • Crocodile Bridge
  • Lower Sabie
  • Mopani (with satellite Tsendze)
  • Olifants (with satellite Balule)
  • Orpen (with satellites Maroela and Tamboti)
  • Pretoriuskop
  • Punda Maria

In addition to the 12 main rest camps that are popular destinations for overnight visitors, the Kruger National Park has an array of bush camps and private lodges for those wanting a more exclusive experience.

  • Private lodges:
  • Camp Shonga
  • Hamiltons Tented Camp
  • Hoyo Hoyo Tsonga Lodge
  • Imbali Safari Lodge
  • Jocks Safari Lodge & Spa
  • Lukimbi Safari Lodge
  • Pafuri Camp
  • Plains Camp
  • Rhino Post Camp
  • Shishangeni Lodge
  • Singita Lebombo Lodge
  • Singita Sweni Lodge
  • The Outpost Lodge
  • Tinga Game Lodges

ENTRANCE GATES

The Kruger National Park has 9 gates:

  • Crocodile Bridge Gate, near Komatipoort
  • Malelane Gate, near Malelane
  • Numbi Gate, near Hazyview
  • Phabeni Gate, near Hazyview
  • Paul Kruger Gate, near Hazyview
  • Orpen Gate, near Klaserie
  • Phalaborwa Gate, near Phalaborwa
  • Punda Maria Gate, near Thohoyandou
  • Pafuri Gate, near Musina

DAY VISITORS

Day visitors to the Kruger National Park are welcomed and encouraged. All the main rest camps have areas allocated for day visitors and there are a few picnic spots dotted around the Park where visitors can enjoy a mid-day break.

The Park manages the volume of traffic on its roads by imposing a maximum number of vehicles allowed in each day and during high-peak season it’s important that visitors book beforehand to ensure they will be able to enter the Park.

The Kruger National Park recently introduced a “Park and Ride” facility which is available at the Numbi, Phabeni and Kruger gates.

CULTURAL SITES

Most visitors head off into the bush for morning and evening game drives. The time in-between can be spent at one of the natural or cultural features in the Park:

Letaba Elephant Museum

The museum covers elephant evolution, biology, behaviour, ecology and research. It also showcases the ivory of eight of Kruger’s greatest tuskers (including six of the Magnificent Seven). This site introduces you to these, and some of Kruger’s other big tuskers. It also has fun and games for kids and information for schools and educators.

Albasini Ruins

The Albasini Ruins are located at the Phabeni Gate and are the remains of the 19th century trading post of the famous Portuguese trader, Joao Albasini.

Albasini arrived in the then Portuguese-occupied port of Lourenco Marques (now Maputo, Mozambique) in the early 1800s and set up a trading business. He set up an extensive network of trading routes that reached inland as far as the Lowveld. By 1845, Albasini had established a vital trading post at Magashula’s Kraal (now the site of the Albasini Ruins) which was positioned along two of the most active trading routes.

Legend has it that Magashula’s Kraal was the first European settlement, where traders sought refuge from the disease-ridden Lowveld. Albasini and fellow intrepid traders lived under difficult conditions of poor trade and the threat of deadly diseases such as malaria and tsetse fly. Magashula’s Kraal was renowned for its fine white bread, which was made from grain grown at the trading post.

Evidence of early man from the late Iron Age can be found at a site on a prominent hill just 12 kilometres from the Phalaborwa gate on the tar road to Letaba rest camp. The site was inhabited by the Sotho-speaking BaPhalaborwa during the 1800s, who developed advanced methods of mining, smelting iron ore and trading in these iron products.

Dome-shaped clay furnaces used to smelt the iron ore are found at the Masorini site, which has been reconstructed as closely as possible to the original iron works. This living museum can be explored with a field guide.

Thulamela archaeological sites

Thulamela is a stone-walled site located in the northern region of the Park, and dates back to between 450-500 years. It comprises evidence of the Zimbabwe culture and is linked to the world-famous Mapungubwe Ruins.

When Great Zimbabwe was abandoned, several groups moved south across the Limpopo River into the north-eastern regions of South Africa (including northern Kruger). They established smaller chiefdoms such as Thulamela and started farming subsistence crops such as sorghum and millet. The grain was ground and used to make porridge and beer.

There is evidence of clay spindle wheels which would suggest that the people also grew cotton. There are remains of pots of various shapes and sizes, some decorated, which were used for cooking, eating and drinking.

Stevenson-Hamilton Memorial Library

The knowledge resource centre is located at Skukuza, the largest rest camp in the Kruger National Park. It consists of a library and a museum and holds many fascinating artefacts, books and valuable documents depicting the life and times of James Stevenson-Hamilton who was the first Warden of the Sabie Game Reserve, now the Kruger National Park.

The rest camp was named Skukuza as it was the nickname given to Stevenson-Hamilton by the Shangaan people. It was his job to stop poaching and to create a safe haven for wild animals that were being ruthlessly hunted. His nickname means “he who sweeps clean” or “he who turns everything upside down”. It has a more negative connotation as Stevenson-Hamilton was responsible for the relocation programme that move the native people out of the area when it was proclaimed a national park.

One of the most popular attractions at the museum is the knife that belonged to Harry Wolhuter, a ranger who killed a lion that had him firmly in his jaws and was dragging him through the bush.

There is also a small “Heroes’ Acre” outside the museum where the loyal pets who served their masters and played a role in protecting the park are remembered. Some died of old age and some in the line of duty.

PARK REGULATIONS

Visitors are expected to adhere to strict rules and regulations that govern gate and rest camp opening/closure times. Plan your arrival/departure times and game viewing around these times as fines are imposed on late arrivals or you may be turned away from the entrance gates if you arrive too late. You have to factor in the time it will take you to drive from the entrance gate to your overnight rest camp, driving at the enforced speed limit.

Speeding is a prosecutable infringement and strictly monitored. Drive slowly for the sake of the animals.

Visitors may only get out of their vehicles at designated picnic spots or look-out points, and you will face a hefty fine if caught with heads and bodies out of the car. There is an online app that encourages visitors to post photos of badly behaved visitors and if they catch your license plate on camera, the driver may be banned from visiting the Park.

A list of the Park’s rules and regulations are provided on entry into the Park and visitors are expected to adhere to them or face the consequences.

The use of drones inside (and just outside) all national Parks is strictly prohibited in line with anti-poaching measures.

Visitors can occupy their accommodation from 14h00 and must vacate the premises by 10h00.

Late arrivals are only permitted in cases of emergency (proof and a valid reason is required) until 21h00 for guests with pre-booked accommodation at certain camps within 10kms from the entry gates. A late arrival fee of up to R500 will be charged. No late arrivals are allowed at Pafuri, Phalaborwa and Phabeni gates or any other gates where the rest camps are more than 10kms away.

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK FOR LITTLE ONES

Long game drives with small kids are not recommended, as most parents know. It is important then that you choose to stay in one of the main rest camps that cater for children. These rest camps have swimming pools and open space that is fenced and safe for children to run around in.

Berg en Dal in southern Kruger is a spacious camp with a stunning viewing area overlooking the Matjulu Dam. There is a well-kept walking path around the perimeter of the camp that is suitable for kids.

Skukuza in southern Kruger has a beautiful dining and viewing area overlooking the Sabie River. Children can be taken through the Stevenson-Hamilton library and museum to learn about the history of the Park. Skukuza has a large, well-stocked shop with something for everyone.

Satara in central Kruger is located in what is known as “cat country”, where you are fairly guaranteed to see one or all of the big cats such as lion, cheetah and leopard.

There is a jungle gym and kids’ play area at the swimming pool.

Letaba in central Kruger is where you will find the Elephant Museum which is a must-see attraction for the whole family. Children can learn more about the past and current “Tuskers” and there are various wildlife displays, diagrams, models and pictures. The camp restaurant overlooks the Letaba River.

Punda in northern Kruger is remote and far from the maddening crowds. However, it is a long drive to the northern regions of the Park and not ideal for small children as it is a malaria area. Older children who have an interest in birding will enjoy Punda as it is renowned as the best birding area in the Park.

The main rest camps are fenced and you are safe within its boundaries, except for the odd encounter with a greedy baboon at your braai. However, small rodents, bats, insects and snakes will find their way into the rest camps and you must always be aware of your surroundings.

Rodents and other hungry critters are lured to the rest camps for easy pickings in the litter bins or food left out. Take care to put leftover food away in cupboards or fridges and don’t throw meat bones in the nearby bushes.

To avoid stepping on a spider, scorpion or snake; firstly always wear closed shoes walking around the camp and don’t go anywhere without a torch after the sun goes down.

If you see snake in your path or near your accommodation, alert a camp supervisor. Don’t poke or prod it, and definitely don’t try to pick it up. Snakes are usually more scared of you than you are of them, and will slither away quickly.

Bats are your friends as they eat literally hundreds of mosquitoes a night but if one flies into your room, do not panic. Calmly place a towel over the bat and release it outside. Call a camp supervisor for assistance if you’re not up to the task.

You will see signs all over the camps warning visitors not to feed the monkeys, baboons and tame bushbuck. They might look cute but they can become very aggressive and then they have to be destroyed. Pack away any edible foodstuff and close doors and windows when you leave your cottage. Monkeys and baboons are so clever they have learnt to open fridges and cupboards.

Kruger Park Safari Packages

kruger national park safaris in africa

14 Day Scheduled Volunteer Safari Program

Elephant Bull with Mbuzo and guests in the background

2 Day Blitz Overland Safari

Rhino spotted on Kruger Park gamedrive

2 Day Fly-in Safari

kruger national park safaris in africa

3 Day Budget Tented Safari

Male lion - King of Balule!

3 Day Fly-in Safari

Leopards spotted in a tree

3 Day Tremisana Lodge Safari

kruger national park safaris in africa

3 Day Tremisana/Masango Safari

Cheetah in Kruger Park

3 Day Tremisana/Treehouse Safari

Brilliant sighting of Leopard

4 Day Fly-in Safari

Katekani Tented Lodge

4 Day Katekani Tented Lodge Safari

kruger national park safaris in africa

4 Day Luxury Lodge Safari

Elephant spotted in Kruger Park

4 Day Tremisana Lodge Safari

4 day tremisana/masango safari.

Four man tent exterior

4 Day Tremisana/Tent Safari

Elephants in the Kruger Park

4 Day Tremisana/Treehouse Safari

Great shot of a cheetah

5 Day Fly-in Safari

Katekani Tented Lodge

5 Day Katekani Tented Lodge Safari

Luxury lodges

5 Day Luxury Lodge Safari

Lions spotted on gamedrive in Kruger National Park

5 Day Tremisana Lodge Safari

5 day tremisana/masango safari.

Tent exterior

5 Day Tremisana/Tent Safari

View from treehouse balcony

5 Day Tremisana/Treehouse Safari

Katekani Tented Lodge

6 Day Katekani Tented Lodge Safari

Black Rhino and youngster seen on Bushwalk

6 Day Luxury Lodge Safari

Clients get up close to a lion on a gamedrive in the Kruger Park

6 Day Tremisana Lodge Safari

6 day tremisana/masango safari.

Tent exterior

6 Day Tremisana/Tent Safari

Treehouse at Marc's Treehouse Lodge

6 Day Tremisana/Treehouse Safari

Great leopard sighting

7 Day Tremisana Lodge Safari

kruger national park safaris in africa

7 Day Tremisana/Pumusa Kruger Hluhluwe and St Lucia Safari

Read our latest kruger park safari newsletters.

kruger national park safaris in africa

February 2024

kruger national park safaris in africa

December 2023 / January 2024

kruger national park safaris in africa

November 2023

At Nsemana Dam in KNP, this leopard crossed right in front of us, heading south.

October 2023

Hippo in Olifants River on Rome 1 property

September 2023

Elephant on Tremisana property

August 2023

kruger national park safaris in africa

Viva Safaris Pic of the Week!

kruger national park safaris in africa

Black Rhino on Balule Nature Reserve

kruger national park safaris in africa

Male Lion attacked and killed wild dog

kruger national park safaris in africa

Happy guests up close

kruger national park safaris in africa

New white lion cub seen near Orpen

kruger national park safaris in africa

Lion greeting at Tremisana Lodge

On H7 about 5km from Orpen Camp reception in Kruger Park

On H7 about 5km from Orpen Camp reception in Kruger Park

Elephant at Tremisana Lodge car park

Elephant at Tremisana Lodge car park

Lionesses, Tremisana property

Lionesses, Tremisana property

Close up to feeding elephant near Tremisana Dam

Close up to feeding elephant near Tremisana Dam

Spotted hyena crossing Olifants road heading north to Campfire, Balule Nature Reserve

Spotted hyena crossing Olifants road heading north to Campfire, Balule Nature Reserve

Baby Impala, Marula Road, Balule Nature Reserve

Baby Impala, Marula Road, Balule Nature Reserve

Male lion on Campfire property, sundowner drive.

Male lion on Campfire property, sundowner drive.

Hippo Bull showing his teeth, Olifants River. Balule

Hippo Bull showing his teeth, Olifants River. Balule

kruger national park safaris in africa

Nyalas having a drink at breakfeast dam – Marc’s Camp

kruger national park safaris in africa

Lions on hippo carcass at Tremisana Dam

Elephant at tremisana lodge.

kruger national park safaris in africa

This little baboon spider joined us for dinner one night at Katekani

Newborn Nyala at Marc's Camp

Newborn Nyala at Marc’s Camp

Lion pride on giraffe kill at Billy’s Lodge

Lion pride on giraffe kill at Billy’s Lodge

Leopard sighting on Olifants main road, the Leopard jumped out of the tree trying to catch one of the Impalas that was roaming underneath the marula tree but was unfortunately unsuccessful 

Leopard sighting on Olifants main road

Wonderful recent reviews.

July 2023: Awesome 5 day safari. This was my first visit to South Africa and experiencing a safari.

My whole stay was just amazing. I saw so many animals that I only saw on TV till now. Saw the Big 5 but also saw zebras,giraffes, rhinos, warthugs,monkeys,different colourful birds,vultures …😊😊😊😊😊 The sunset drive and dinner in the African Bush was just a great experience on the first night there at the Tremisana Lodge.

Then we had the morning bush walk the next day which was amazing too.

Both accommodations were great but the 4 nights at the Treehouse was awesome. You can hear the animals at night (hyenas,leopard,water buffalos). My treehouse was perfect.i loved it. loved walking to it especially at night😃.under the stars and hearing the animals.

The view and sounds in the morning when you wake up …wowwww!!connected to nature.And when walking to the breakfast area, impalas walking next to you, kudus grazing away…

Awesome staff and guides as well and great cooking.The food was delicious.

Fabulous stay ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🦁🐆🦌🐃🦓🐗🐘🦒🦅🦜🦦🐾🐾

March 2023: Perfection

I am going to try to answer all the questions I had before booking my first Safari of my life. I randomly found this company online along with many others. This company is literally one of the best experiences I’ve had with any company in any field ever. The people are fantastic. The prices are great. They pick you up and drop you off. Absolutely anywhere to get you to and from the Safari. They are on time. The food is great. These are the most happy and kind people I’ve ever met at a place of business. They go the extra mile over and over again to make sure you are happy and comfortable and get the best viewings of wildlife. I have absolutely zero complaints. Trust me, if you’re interested in seeing lions and the big five, etc., you should take my advice and just book with this company.

February 2022: Best experience at Viva Safaris!

It’s been a couple of weeks we left Tremisana Lodge and we still think of it with goosebumps. Everything was perfect: the lodge, the food, the organisation of the day. What made the experience so special though were the team and the game drives. The excitement to spot animals with no guarantee (because there is no fence between Kruger and the reserve), the “chase” of the big 5 as soon as the guide received a signal at the radio, holding yourself in the car because we were on gravel roads and off roads, it made everything so real and fun. I don’t think you can have a better game reserve experience. We tried another one after, and we were so disappointed because we were expecting something similar to Viva Safaris, but it wasn’t.

During the 5 day safari it was my birthday and guides George and Rocky made my day with a beautiful surprise and a speech. 🥰 I can totally recommend you to book with Viva Safaris, really fair price and each day is different. Thank you thank you !!! ❤️

December 2022: Can’t Wait to Return!

As an avid nature and animal lover, I came to Viva Safaris Tremisana lodge to experience the African Bush and to view it’s wildlife. And that we did! We saw more animals than I can count… So many elephants, lions, impala, giraffes, zebra, hippos and many more. For my family, we were just one animal short of the big five, the elusive leopard. But we saw mating lions, mere feet from us, so that more than made up for it. Witnessing the creation of life in the wilderness was powerful and brought tears to my eyes. We have photographs and videos and memories that will last a lifetime. But what I wasn’t expecting to enjoy the most, was the human experience. The other guests become instant friends and comrades and the entire staff at Tremisana was warm and welcoming. Our guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and went beyond to make sure our views and lighting were just right for photos. If you have the pleasure of riding with Smiley, consider yourself lucky! His optimism and smile were infectious and his determination to find us our animals were bar none. Thank you Smiley (Halala!) and Rocky! Mama D and her staff cooked us amazing and comforting meals, never once leaving us hungry or unpleased. Thank you Mama D, and I still want your recipes! The accommodations were clean and the grounds were meticulous. Just walking around camp was a joy. Cannot recommend enough!

November 2022: From world travelers, BEST experience we’ve ever had!!!!!!! Highly recommend!!!!!!!

I don’t even know where to start! My partner and I travel often, several times a year and travel all over the world, so we try to make the most out of our vacations. Having flexibly is very important since “packages” don’t always fit want we want in our time frame. Well, this was not a problem for viva safari!!!! Talk about accommodating, customer service!!!!! Wow! From the first contact with the proprietor, Piero (an amazingly kind, intelligent, sweet person, but more on that later) we felt like our needs were being heard. He put us in touch with Rei, the property manager who called us in the middle of the night (her middle of the night, daytime for us) and answered all our questions and concerns and made us feel comfortable with our choice, seeing how this was our first experience in South Africa and we didn’t know what exactly we wanted/needed. So, before we even got into the country, we had personal contacts with actual people we later met on the property.

We were picked up from our hotel in jo-burg and taken to the first of the viva safari lodges we stayed at, tremisama. What an amazing place! It is exactly what you picture a safari lodge to be. Rustic, yet clean and quite and beautiful. Looks like Hemingway would be writing his books from our patio looking into the bush or at the desk in our room. Just lovely. Beautiful lagoon like pool; nice bar and lounge area where the staff and guests spend time eating dinner and hanging cocktails together in the evenings. The safaris themselves were just wonderful. You can’t be sure you’ll see anything because animals are animals but we did! And what viva doesn’t tell you is how skilled and trained their safari guides are!! These men aren’t just your guides; they’re highly skilled and trained men who have gone through rigorous arms training for safety and who are extremely knowledgeable in wildlife and all the vegetation. They also have a passion for what they do and where they live that just can’t be learned. We spent time with one of the guides, Rocky, who talked about being what it is to be a “tracker ” (following animal tracks) and his experience in the bush and his life in his country and his passion for what he does. In fact, all of the staff, like Rei, who I wish I had more time to spend with, talked about their lives and how it is to live on the property. You can feel their love for the bush and their jobs. Pierro, the proprietor, met us the first night we were there and made sure we were satisfied with our accommodations and did so throughout our trip. The last night we were there before we moved to another property, we had a wonderful dinner with everyone on the patio of our room (where we watched elephants eat the trees right from our room!!!). I can’t say enough about the staff. Amazing!

And then we left with the most amazing amazing guide there ever was charl, to Pimusa Bush Lodge. The 7 hour trip there felt like nothing because the road trip with Charl was part of the fun! We learned more about the bush, the country, and his absolute love and passion for his country and his job during that trip. We know we’d be friends for life. When we arrived at the lodge, Andre, our host made us feel like family arriving home. What a host!!!!! And every meal he tailor made to our tastes . And, again, the wildlife experiences were outstanding. Just outstanding. We were fortunate to see Pierro and his wife again and spend time with them, and what a pleasure that was. You can tell when someone puts their heart into something. Pierro’s love for the bush and his lodges shines through in the properties as well as his staff and customer experience, and we can’t say enough how much we appreciate everyone there. We miss you all.We have spend 5x as much money at top resorts and they can’t hold a candle to what we experienced with viva safari. We highly recommend.

Gallery of Viva Safaris vehicles close to wildlife

kruger national park safaris in africa

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Safari in Kruger National Park

The best safaris in kruger national park.

Stuart Butler

Stuart Butler

  • In this guide

Kruger National Park

  • Sabi Sands Game Reserve
  • Kwazulu-Natal
  • Parks of the North West Province
  • Safari in the Eastern Cape
  • Safari in the Western Cape
  • Where to stay
  • Need to know
  • Where to go

The showpiece of South African safari , Kruger National Park is one of the world’s most famous protected areas, and for good reason.

This huge (19,485 sq km) park in the far northeast of South Africa is home to tens of thousands of mammals and birds including large numbers of all your African favourites.

The scenery is classic Africa, with the diversity of safari activities the equal of anywhere and there are endless accommodation options and safari styles available, from tented camps to luxury lodges. The park is readily accessible and, thanks to an impressive road system, easy to travel around.

Here's my rundown on the best safaris in Kruger National Park.

Kruger's best safari reserves, lodges and camps

Thornybush Game Reserve

Thornybush Game Reserve

Best for: Luxury lodges and the Big Five

For many years, Thornybush was a fenced reserve which meant the management could guarantee the presence of many large mammals, but it also prevented the wildlife from moving freely between the reserve and Kruger itself. It also meant that the reserve lacked a little of the wilderness feel. The good news is that the fences have come down and, with its top-end lodges, acclaimed guides and a better than average chance of seeing cheetah (as well as many other flagship animals), Thornybush can now rightly hold its head up high as one of the best of the Kruger area’s private reserves.

Timbavati Game Reserve

Timbavati Game Reserve

Best for: The Big Five and photography

This magical private reserve borders the main Kruger park and, with no fences to block access, it hosts all the main mammal and bird species that Kruger is famed for. What really puts Timbavati on the map is its very rare population of naturally white lions. Lions with such a genetic mutation can only be found in one or two other places in Africa. In 2017, the last white lion in the region died. However, in March 2018, a cub was born with the pigmentation, meaning the legend lives on.

Timbavati is known for its high-quality guides, wide range of safari activities, and superb, high-end lodges with a heavy dose of romance.

Balule Nature Reserve

Balule Nature Reserve

Best for: The Big Five and luxury lodges

Sprawling across 250 sq km, the unfenced Balule Nature Reserve sits on the edge of the greater Kruger ecosystem with the Drakensberg escarpment as a memorable backdrop. The reserve is home to the Big Five as well as large numbers of hippo. There is also excellent birding with more than 260 recorded species including hobby falcon and harlequin doves. There are several quality lodges in different price ranges and activities include guided game drives and walking safaris, fishing, wine tasting and visits to a wildlife rehabilitation centre.

Kapama Game Reserve

Kapama Game Reserve

Best for: Family friendly holidays and birdwatching

Kapama makes for a good first-time safari destination in the greater Kruger region. A few years ago, the fences that had for so long separated it from Kruger and the surrounding (unfenced) private reserves were taken down. This has done a lot to increase the wilderness feel of the place. There is a good range of safari activities on offer and it’s child-friendly (as child-friendly as anywhere with wild lions can be). One unique feature of a safari here is the reserve’s elephant experience. The reserve has a number of elephants (rescued from elephant-back safaris) and the elephant interaction experience allows you to get close to these not-so gentle giants while a guide explains elephant biology and conservation.

Manyeleti Game Reserve

Manyeleti Game Reserve

Best for: The Big Five and family friendly safari

Covering 230 sq km and with an unfenced border with Kruger, Manyeleti, which means Place of the Stars in the local Shangaan language, was the only wildlife reserve that black people were permitted to visit during the apartheid era. Today it welcomes everyone, yet retains an exclusive atmosphere thanks to having only four excellent lodges and camps with accommodation suitable for budget, mid-range and luxury travellers. The reserve hosts all the so-called Big Five and a whole range of Kruger’s other stars.

Klaserie Nature Reserve

Klaserie Nature Reserve

Best for: Luxury lodges and photography

Covering some 60,000 hectares, the spectacular Klaserie Nature Reserve is one of the largest privately-owned nature reserves in South Africa. The reserve is also deeply committed to environmental education for local children and supports a number of long-term scientific studies. For the tourist, Klaserie combines memorably diverse scenery, including glittering waterways, and an impressive range of wildlife such as rhinos, elephants, lions, hippos and some massive buffalo. The birdlife is equally impressive and one of the scientific projects the reserve supports focuses on the prehistoric-looking ground hornbill. There’s a wide selection of accommodation within Klaserie, all of it very luxurious and intimate in scale, and the sheer size of the reserve means that Klaserie never feels busy — except with wildlife.

Karongwe Game Reserve

Karongwe Game Reserve

Best for: Birdwatching and the Big Five

Known for offering some of the highest chances of spotting the elusive leopard, Karongwe is a moderately-sized private game reserve hemmed in between four rivers with views of the Drakensberg Mountains. This gives it an unusually lush, green landscape, in contrast to some of Kruger’s drier regions. Other highlights are the superb guided bush walks and exceptional birdwatching (again, thank those rivers). Since there are just five unashamedly luxurious and very small camps, crowds are never an issue here and the quality of the guiding and accommodation is almost unsurpassed in the Kruger area.

Kapama Game Reserve lion south africa

Lion in Kapama Game Reserve

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Safari in kruger national park: need to know, everything you wish you'd known before you booked.

This is safari made easy — perhaps too easy. A park as good and easy to visit as Kruger attracts a lot of visitors and in high season main routes can be busy. The park’s highly-developed infrastructure also means that it doesn’t always feel all that wild. If this sounds off-putting, fear not.

The park is surrounded by a number of superb private reserves with limited numbers and no self-drives allowed, which means that wild Africa comes growling right up to you. Taking all this into account, whatever sort of safari you’re looking for, Kruger usually comes out on top.

Where to go in Kruger National Park

There’s a massive amount of accommodation in and around Kruger National Park. The park itself caters to all budgets, from hardcore bush campers to lodges with a luxury royal seal (and a price tag to match). In general, the finest accommodation and best safari guides can be found in the exclusive private reserves bordering Kruger itself. The prices quoted by such places might appear steep but keep in mind that they generally include all activities including guided safaris in state-of-the-art vehicles, meals and most drinks, plus the conservation fees that help maintain such wilderness areas.

Some suggested top-end places include Singita Lebombo Lodge and the Rzoyal Malewane, both of which are in the Kruger National Park itself. You can’t really go wrong with any of the accommodation in the private reserves but some worth building your safari around include Thornybush Waterside Lodge in the Thornybush Game Reserve, Kapama River Lodge in the Kapama Game Reserve, and the Klaserie Sands River Camp and Makumu Private Game Lodge, both in Klaserie.

Safari by foot

For the ultimate in Kruger adventures, try a short bush walk led by an expert walking safari guide in one of the private reserves or, for something even more thrilling, set out to hike one of the multi-day wilderness trails established by park authorities. There’s no better way to get to know wild Africa than by walking, which gives you the ability to touch, smell, taste, hear and sense the African bush in a way that’s never possible in a vehicle safari.

Kruger wildlife

One of the great parks of Africa, Kruger and the surrounding private reserves are home to all of southern Africa’s iconic mammal species including the famed Big Five — buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard and rhino. This is also a great park for giraffe, zebra, cheetah and even wild dogs. The sheer quantity of animals seen on a safari trip here can be mind-boggling.

There are tens of thousands of impala and blue wildebeest and, despite sustained recent poaching, there are still thousands of white rhino (plus some black rhino). The lion population is somewhere around thousand and elephants are doing exceptionally well, with some 13,000 present (which is about double the park’s real carrying capacity). In total, some 140 mammal species are known to live in and around the Kruger eco-systems, which makes it one of the most mammal-rich parks in the world.

The diverse habitats, which include thorn tree woodlands and shrub mopane veld, river valleys lined by tropical forest and searing granite kopjes (hills), supports an even more impressive array of birdlife. More than 500 different species of birds have been recorded in Kruger.

Kruger's hidden gems

Anthony Ham

Anthony Ham

Kruger may be busy, but it’s so big that you can still spend time alone with a lone leopard wandering along a quiet riverside track. As a general rule, I enjoy Kruger the further north I go: in the wild north, I’d happily live out my safari days looking for birds and lions that still seem surprised to see a vehicle.

When to visit Kruger National Park

Key wildlife viewing times are between June and September when the drier winter weather causes animals to congregate around water sources, and the March to May rutting season when male wildebeest, impala and other antelope butt heads over the ladies. Overall, June is probably the best month to visit. Wildlife activity is intense, but with school holidays yet to begin, human activity remains light and accommodation is cheaper.

When to go on safari in South Africa

When to go on safari in South Africa

Blessed with incredible geographical diversity, South Africa is truly a year-round destination…

Safari in Sabi Sands Game Reserve

About the author.

Safari in Kruger National Park

Stuart is an award-winning travel journalist covering safari, trekking and conservation in Africa for the Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, BBC, Bradt Travel Guides, amongst many others. He is the author of Walking With The Maasai , a journey through some of Kenya's lesser-visited Maasai lands.

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​Overview – Kruger NP

Philip Briggs

Philip lives in South Africa and has authored many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.

Philip lives in South Africa and has authored many Africa guidebooks, including the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.

Philip is the author of many Africa guidebooks, including the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.

Philip is author of the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.

Kruger National Park is justifiably one of the most famous parks in Africa. The park is the size of a small country and supports a huge variety of wildlife. All of the Big Five are present in large numbers. A comprehensive road network that is fine for 2WD cars means Kruger is one of the best parks for self-drive safaris.

kruger national park safaris in africa

Pros & Cons

  • Teeming with a breathtaking diversity of wildlife
  • Birdlife is phenomenal
  • Excellent self-drive destination with good facilities and roads
  • Good choice of lodges and rest camps for all budgets
  • The far south gets very busy in high season
  • Trunk roads are tarred and lack wilderness appeal

Kruger NP Safari Reviews

  • Expert Rating 4.2 /5 – 18 Reviews
  • User Rating 4.7 /5 – 361 Reviews

Kruger National Park offers magnificent wildlife viewing. All the major safari animals are present including the Big Five . The big cats are present in healthy numbers, and lions, in particular, are frequently seen. Elephant and buffalo are common throughout, while white rhino , though still numerous, are under threat from poaching. Kruger NP has a wide variety of antelope including greater kudu and the very common impala .

  • More about Kruger’s wildlife

Kruger’s main habitat is woodland savannah, and the vegetation is relatively thick throughout, especially during the Wet season. The gently undulating landscape has its highest peak at Khandzalive (839m), in the southwest. Olifants Camp sitting high on a bluff overlooking the Olifants River is a scenic highlight with jaw-dropping views. Trees to look out for include the baobab in the tropical north and the striking yellow fever tree near water.

Kruger experiences a hot and tropical summer, from October to April, and this is when the park receives most of its annual rainfall. Storm activity is common during the afternoons. The milder winter, from May to September, is more comfortable for visitors, although it can get chilly overnight.

  • More about the weather and climate

The Dry season (May to September) is usually regarded as the best time to visit Kruger. Skies are normally clear, wildlife viewing is at a premium and it is low season – a big drawcard for a park that can get very busy (especially in the south). However, if birding is your interest, consider scheduling your trip during the Wet season (October to April) when a multitude of migrant birds arrives.

  • More about the best time to visit

Want To Visit Kruger NP?

381 Kruger Safaris

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Most Helpful Expert Review

kruger national park safaris in africa

Alan is a travel writer and author of over 20 Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guides to Southern Africa and Zambia & Malawi.

Killing time in Kruger

The mothership of South Africa’s parks, Kruger is more organised and has more variety of accommodation than any other park. It also has a HUGE number of animals with the Big Five and every other kind of five you can think of rustling...

Full Review

Latest User Review

Everything was perfect and up to standard.

Safari Tours to Kruger NP

kruger national park safaris in africa

3-Day Ultimate Kruger Park Open Safari Vehicle Tour

$619 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle) Mid-range Guest House

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Elephant Whispers (Elephant Sanctuary) , Kruger NP, Nelspruit (End)

Elephant Herd Tours & Safaris

4.8 /5  –  80 Reviews

kruger national park safaris in africa

5-Day Kruger Train on the Bridge Lodge Safari

$2,645 to $3,094 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle) Luxury Lodge

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)

The Kruger Safari Co.

5.0 /5  –  121 Reviews

kruger national park safaris in africa

5-Day Kruger Park and Manyeleti Bongan African Lodge

$866 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 12 people per vehicle) Budget Lodge

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Manyeleti GR (Greater Kruger) , Central Kruger, Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route) , Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)

Bongan Safaris

4.9 /5  –  16 Reviews

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SAFARIS FOR AFRICA

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KRUGER NATIONAL PARK - SAFARIS AND TOURS

One of the largest game reserves in Africa, the Kruger National Park is South Africa’s most treasured wildlife destination in the northeastern provinces of Mpumalanga and Limpopo. Here you will find all of the Big Five animals (buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, and rhino) and other wildlife species in abundance! Due to the size of the park - approximately 360km’s long and 65km’s wide – the Kruger offers ever-changing landscapes with several rivers running through its interior, and the Limpopo and Crocodile Rivers acting as the Northern and Southern boundary.

Within the park are private game reserves that offer private lodge accommodation and open-vehicle game drives for your safari experience. The Sabi Sands Game Reserve, famous for its leopard sightings, shares a 50km unfenced border with the park and is an excellent choice when deciding which location to visit.

The Kruger is a year-round destination, and due to its popularity, we advise our guests to book months in advance. Visitors can fly directly into the Kruger National Park (Skukuza Airport) from Johannesburg, alternatively, there are flights to Hoedspruit Airport or Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, which are situated just outside of the park. This is a suitable option when you include a visit to South Africa’s famed Panorama Route at the end of your Kruger itinerary.

Our Kruger Packages have been carefully put together to give you a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife adventure that will remain with you for years to come!

If you want to customise one of our tours, just ask us. We will tailor it to your needs.

RECOMMENDED TOURS

Kruger National Park & Sabi Sand Game Reserve

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Kruger National Park & Eswatini

Kruger Ntaional Park & Sabi Sands

Kruger National Park Fly-In Safari

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ALL KRUGER NATIONAL PARK SAFARIS & TOURS

andBeyond Ngala Tented Camp

From:  

andBeyond Ngala Tented Camp

3 Nights 4 Days

Nestled between dense riverine forest and the sandy bed of the Timbavati, lies the sophisticated and much sought after &Beyond Ngala Tented Camp.

Cape Town Kruger National Park and Victoria Falls

Cape Town, Kruger National Park & Victoria Falls

10 Nights 11 Days

Spend four nights in the ‘Mother City’, fly into the Kruger National Park & visit one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World

Kruger National Park and Eswatini 4 nights 5 days

4 Nights 5 Days

A blend of wildlife and culture as we visit two countries in five days

Luxury Sabi Sands Game Reserve 2 Nights 3 Days

Luxury Sabi Sands Game Reserve Experience

2 Nights 3 Days

Experience the world-renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve on this all-inclusive two-night stay

Luxury Sabi Sands Game Reserve and Kruger National Park 5 Nights 6 Days

Luxury Sabi Sands Game Reserve & Kruger National Park

5 Nights 6 Days

A luxurious retreat into the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and Kruger National Park for an unforgettable Big Five Safari

Kruger National Park and Victoria Falls 5 nights 6 days

Kruger National Park & Victoria Falls

Fly into the Kruger National Park for an epic safari experience and then onto the magnificent Victoria Falls

Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park & Sabi Sands safari

Sabi Sands Game Reserve 3 Nights 4 Days

Sabi Sands Game Reserve Experience

A three-night stay at Elephant Plains Game Lodge in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Cape to Kruger

Cape to Kruger

7 Nights 8 Days

Visit Cape Town and the Kruger National Park

Cape Town Battlefields and Kruger National Park

Cape Town, Battlefields & Kruger National Park

11 Nights 12 Days

Adventure, history and wildlife all rolled into one

Kruger National Park 4 Nights 5 Days

Home to the Big Five, namely Lion, Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, and Leopard, as well as plenty of other animal species, the Kruger is an animal lover’s dream and a worthy bucket-list item

Hamiltons Tented Camp

Hamilton’s Tented Camp

A bucket list safari experience in true ‘Out of Africa’ style.

Nhongo Safaris South Africa

Nhongo Safaris ®

Arrive as strangers. leave as friends, operating since 1999, solo traveler's  welcome, family owned, unforgettable adventures, creating safari experiences that embody the true spirit of africa, kruger national park safari kruger national park safari.

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Top Safari Destinations

Kruger national park safaris.

Unleash Your Wild Side: Embark on one of our Kruger National Park Safaris

Are you ready to escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in the unspoiled beauty of nature? Look no further than our Kruger National Park safaris. Located in the heart of South Africa, this iconic wildlife reserve offers an unrivaled opportunity to witness the majestic Big Five up close and personal.

Imagine a world where lions roam freely, elephants trumpet in the distance, and leopards stealthily prowl through the bush. Kruger National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and thrill-seekers alike.

With vast expanses of pristine wilderness to explore, a safari in Kruger National Park promises an unforgettable adventure. Embark on thrilling game drives led by experienced guides who know all the secret spots where you stand the best chance of spotting elusive animals. Capture breathtaking photographs of cheetahs in full stride or witness the drama of a lion hunt unfolding before your eyes.

Whether you're a seasoned safari-goer or a first-time visitor, Kruger National Park will leave you awe-inspired and craving for more. So, pack your bags, unleash your wild side, and get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

kruger national park safaris in africa

Budget   Kruger National Park Safaris

2 day budget safari.

Per Person Sharing

3 Day Budget Beater Safari

From R9 000

4 Day Budget Friendly Safari

From R10 5 00

5 Day Authentic African Safari

From R14 0 00

Standard   Kruger National Park Safaris

2 day bushveld safari, 3 day classic safari.

From R12 5 00

4 Day Adventure Safari

From R16 5 00

5 Day African Safari

From R20 0 00

7 Day Wilderness Safari

From R 45 0 00

Nhongo Safaris Kruger Safari Tours

Greater Kruger National Park Safaris

The Greater Kruger, located 344000 hectares west of Kruger National Park, is managed by private game reserves, such as Sabi Sands, Timbavati, and Manyeleti. These reserves provide a unique safari experience , allowing wildlife to roam freely between Kruger National Park and the surrounding reserves.

Safari lodges in the Grater Kruger Park area offer exclusive luxury experiences, featuring spacious accommodations with private decks or verandas. These lodges are known for their exceptional service and attention to detail, ensuring unforgettable experiences. Guests can explore the reserves on foot, in an open safari vehicle, or on a thrilling night drive.

Unique   Kruger National Park Safaris

3 day luxury skukuza safari.

From R21 000

3 Day Pestana Lodge Safari

4 day traditional culture safari, 5 day luxury lodge safari.

From R 48 0 00

5 Day Shalati Train & Tented Safari

From R55 0 00

7 Day Ultimate Safari

10 day cape to kruger safari, manyeleti game reserve safaris.

With Nhongo Safaris, visitors have the unique opportunity to explore private concessions within the reserve, allowing for a more intimate and exclusive wildlife experience. These areas are not accessible to the general public, meaning guests can enjoy a greater variety of animals in their natural habitat without the crowds.

The knowledgeable guides at Nhongo Safaris provide insight into the behavior and habits of the animals, enhancing the overall safari experience. From majestic elephants to elusive leopards, there is no shortage of wildlife to discover on these private concessions.

kruger national park safaris in africa

Manyeleti   Game Reserve Safaris

3 day place of the stars safari.

From R11 000

4 Day Traditional Family Safari

From R35 000

4 Day Mantobeni  Safari

From R35 0 00

4 Day Pungwe Lodge Safari

From R31 0 00

6 Day Kruger Manyeleti Safari

From R39 95 0

More About Us

Open Safari Vehicle Kruger National Park Safaris

Expert Guides

Our guides are the best and most knowledgeable in the industry, with extensive knowledge of the local fauna, flora and cultural history. They are passionate about sharing their expertise and ensuring that every guest has a memorable and educational experience. Whether it's identifying rare bird species, explaining the medicinal properties of plants, or recounting captivating stories of the region's ancient civilizations, our guides go above and beyond to provide a comprehensive understanding of the area. 

Complimentary Transfers

Our goal at Nhongo Safaris is to provide you with a seamless and hassle-free experience from the moment you arrive until the time you depart. That's why we offer complimentary airport transfers to and from the airport, ensuring that you are well taken care of from the very beginning of your journey. Additionally, during your stay with us, we provide transportation to all the exciting destinations and activities included in your itinerary.

Iconic Destinations

Iconic Destinations

Whether you're seeking a luxurious getaway or a more adventurous experience, Nhongo Safaris has a diverse range of accommodations to suit every traveler's preferences. From secluded tented camps nestled in the heart of the African bush to elegant lodges overlooking picturesque landscapes, each location promises a unique and unforgettable stay. 

Traditional South African Meals

Traditional Meals

Enjoy traditional African meals using fresh local produce. African cuisine is known for its vibrant colours, bold flavours, and rich cultural heritage. These meals are often made with ingredients that are readily available in the local environment, such as grains, vegetables, fruits, and various types of meat. Each region in Africa has its own unique dishes and cooking techniques, resulting in a diverse culinary landscape that is both exciting and enticing for food lovers. 

Why Book With Us?

We welcome solo traveler's.

Nhongo Safaris warmly embraces solo travellers seeking unforgettable adventures in the heart of Africa.

Your Safety Is Priority

Nhongo Safaris prioritizes safety, ensuring that you feel secure throughout your safari, with trained guides and well-maintained vehicles.

Customised Tours

We offer personalized itineraries tailored to your preferences, allowing you to explore specific regions, wildlife, or activities of interest.

Giraffe Safaris Kruger National Park

Guaranteed Departure

With dedication to daily departures, Nhongo Safaris invites explorers to seize the moment and embark on an unforgettable journey, tailored to their schedule and desires.

Flexible Booking & Support

We offer flexible booking options and excellent customer support, making the planning process easy and stress-free.

Conservation Commitment 

Nhongo Safaris is dedicated to responsible tourism, supporting conservation efforts and promoting eco-friendly practices during our safaris.

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Kruger National Park: An Essential Guide to Africa’s Most Iconic Safari Park

Covering an area of almost 2 million hectares, Kruger National Park is one of the largest national parks in the world. It is one of the most popular and famous African safari wildlife parks , and also one of the oldest. Founded in 1898, Kruger is world famous for its incredible wildlife, with hundreds of mammals, birds, and reptiles inhabiting the park.

In this ultimate guide to Kruger National Park, you’ll learn everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable experience. With insider tips on how to visit Kruger National Park and where to stay to the diverse wildlife you’ll find in this iconic national park, you’ll find everything you need to prepare for your ultimate stay.

Kruger National Park

This post contains affiliate links that may reward me monetarily or otherwise when you use them to make qualifying purchases – at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please read our  disclosure policy .

Kruger National Park

Established in 1898 by President Paul Kruger, Kruger National Park in northeastern South Africa is the oldest conservation park in Africa. Now home to an incredible diversity of wildlife including the Big Five animals of Africa , it remains one of the most iconic and well-known safari parks in all of Africa.

Before becoming a national park, Kruger was a popular game reserve owned by the Dutch government. After its initial creation as a national park in 1898, it was expanded between 1903 and 1934 so that it has now covered almost 2 million hectares. The first road to enter Kruger National Park was built in 1927, making it easier for visitors to explore this vast wilderness area.

Today, over 1 million tourists from around the world visit Kruger National Park each year to see its incredible wildlife. Part of the incredible wildlife diversity in the park is due to its six unique ecosystems: grasslands, acacia savanna, thornveld, mopane woodland, miombo woodlands, and riverine forest. These unique features and microclimates allow for a variety of flora and fauna to thrive here.

Besides its diverse animal life, the park is also known for its sustainable tourism practices and outreach efforts, which benefit local communities near the park.

Greater Kruger National Park

In addition to the bounds of Kruger National Park, the area is surrounded by a number of unfenced private game reserves that share the same wildlife and many of the same geographic features as Kruger National Park. Together with Kruger, these game reserves form what is known as Greater Kruger National Park.

Game reserves that form Greater Kruger include the following:

  • Sabi Sands Game Reserve ,
  • Makuya Nature Reserve,
  • Letaba Ranch Game Reserve,
  • Timbavati Private Nature Reserve,
  • Manyeleti Game Reserve,
  • Balule Nature Reserve,
  • Klaserie Private Nature Reserve,
  • Umbabat Private Nature Reserve.

Another famous South Africa safari destination , Mala Mala Game Reserve, shares a large unfenced border with Kruger National Park , though it’s technically part of Sabi Sands Game Reserve. Kapama Private Game Reserve is another reserve in the area, though it remains fenced off from Kruger.

Kruger National Park Map

The Kruger National Park is located around the Limpopo River, though not all of its boundaries are defined by geographical features. The park covers a total area of 19,455 square kilometers, making it one of the largest game reserves in Africa!

This Kruger National Park map identifies the extension of the park and the surrounding game reserves and nature reserves that form part of Greater Kruger National Park. Feel free to click around or even download this map for your travels.

Why is Kruger National Park Famous?

Kruger National Park is a world-renowned African safari destination in South Africa , famous for its incredible diversity of wildlife and unmatched safari experience. The park covers an area of nearly 2 million hectares and is home to lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinoceroses, leopards, and many other animals. Home to the Big Five of Africa as well as 147 mammal species and 114 reptile species, it is a great place for nature lovers to visit.

There are numerous archaeological sites and historical places to visit inside the Kruger National Park. This region of South Africa was inhabited by some of the the world’s earliest civilizations , and their mark can still be found in the park today. So if you’re interested in history as well as wildlife, then be sure to visit this amazing national park!

  • 10 Best South African Safaris (For All Budgets!)
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  • African Safari Terms: What You Should Know Before You Go

kruger national park wildlife

Kruger National Park Wildlife

As one of the most revered safari destinations in Africa , it’s no surprise that the wildlife at Kruger National Park is unrivaled. Known as being a great destination to see the famous Big Five of Africa (lion, elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros), you’ll have an incredible chance to see all this and much more.

While the national park is filled with far too many animals to name, here are a handful of the animals that make the biggest impression among travelers visiting the park:

  • Big Cats: Cats like the lion, cheetah, leopard, and caracal are all big cats you’ll see within the park. Though some species are harder to spot than others, with some luck you can spot them all/
  • World’s Largest Animals: The savannah elephant, black and white rhinoceros, Cape buffalo, hippopotamus, zebra, and Southern African giraffe are among the world’s largest animals.
  • Africa’s Dogs: African painted dogs, black-backed jackals, and spotted hyenas are also present in Kruger; while African wild dogs are rare, much more commonly sighted in Sabi Sands Game Reserve , you’ll have a much better chance of seeing hyenas.
  • Hooved Mammals: Blue wildebeest, kudu, impala, sable, nyala, bushbuck, and the exquisite small steenbok are all present in Kruger among the ungulates and antelopes.
  • Strange and Exotic Species: Though smaller, the aardwolf, aardvark, pangolin, and stripped polecat are all among some of the park’s most fascinating smaller creatures.

The best place for seeing wildlife in the Kruger National Park is at the Nature’s Valley campsite, where you can spot nocturnal animals like leopards and hyenas. However, if you’re hoping to see the Big Five, your best bet is at one of the larger campsites like Skukuza or Lower Sabie.

If it’s an adventure you are looking for, Kruger National Park has it all. For starters, go on a game drive at the Phalaborwa gate. Try the Wolhuter Wilderness Trail. Another great option is the Tshokwane Picnic Site.

If you’re looking for something more challenging, check out the Napi Wilderness Trail or Olifants Wilderness Trail. And finally, if you really want to push yourself, consider doing the Sweni Wilderness Trail.

Kruger National Park Big Five

Many travelers in Kruger National Park, particularly first-time safari travelers, want to make sure to see all of the Big Five of Africa while visiting the park. While sighting all five of these animals isn’t guaranteed, you’ll have an excellent shot! These are the Big Five animals in Kruger, and the most up-to-date details about the frequency of their sightings by travelers.

Read More: What Are the Big Five of Africa? + How To Spot Them

Lions in Kruger National Park

Lions are quite common in Kruger, and you’ll likely encounter multiple over the course of your South Africa safari, especially in this iconic national park. There are an estimated 1,600 lions in the park, quite a healthy number for a park of this size.

While you can see lions throughout the park, Camp Shawu with its dam is an area that is known for its abundant lion sightings.

Leopards in Kruger National Park

While leopards are much more elusive than lions in this national park, there is a decently-sized population of leopards, giving you a good chance to see them during your safari. Leopards tend to be more solitary and sneaky than lions, making them harder to spot, though Kruger is a great place for it.

Elephants in Kruger National Park

Elephants are incredibly abundant in Kruger National Park and throughout the Greater Kruger area, making them a mainstay on safaris here. While elephants are one of the Big Five species you’ll most frequently encounter in the park, you’ll still savor the special moments with these gentle yet fearsome giants.

Buffalo in Kruger National Park

Like elephants, buffalo are plentiful in Kruger National Park. Large herds call this national park home, making them incredibly easy to spot , and likely to be a daily fixture on your game drives.

Rhinos in Kruger National Park

While black rhinos are traditionally the rhino species associated with the Big Five animals, Kruger is home to significantly more white rhinos than black rhinos. A frequent target of poachers, black rhinos now only number to a few hundred in Kruger, while several thousand white rhinos still remain in the park.

Best Sabi Sands Lodges

  • Elephant Plains Game Lodge  ($$ – $$$)
  • Lion Sands River Lodge  ($$$)
  • Inyati Game Lodge  ($$$)
  • Cheetah Plains Lodge  ($$$$)

Kruger National Park Safaris

If you’re looking for an African safari adventure , look no further than Kruger National Park, regardless of your budget. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious lodge or a budget-friendly experience in the bush, you’re sure to find it in Kruger.

Choose from a variety of different safaris to suit your interests and budget, including group or private tours with flexible options for driving yourself or having a guide take you around.

Self-Driving Safaris in Kruger National Park

One of the aspects of Kruger National Park that makes it so affordable is that, as a national park, visitors can drive themselves through the park. That means no guides are needed – just plan for the cost of your rental car! This is a great way to save money if you don’t have the budget for an expensive lodge with game drives included.

Of course, self-driving safaris aren’t for everyone. Many safari travelers prefer exploring with trained guides. However, they’re a great option to consider for budget-friendly travel or if you’re looking for the independence to plan your own days.

Keep in mind that you can’t venture off the roads on self-driving safaris, as you can when experiencing a guided game drive on the private game reserves surrounding Kruger National Park. This can make it harder to see wildlife at times – come prepared with binoculars to get the best view!

Kruger National Park Guided Tours

Travelers looking for savings but who would like a guided drive rather than a self-driving experience can book one-day guided drives through Kruger National Park . These are quite economical and can really enhance the experience!

Alternatively, you can also find inclusive multi-day safari tours through Kruger National Park, with transportation included for a totally hassle-free guided experience through the park.

If you’d prefer the experience of guided game drives as part of a stay at a safari lodge, plan to stay at one of the private concessions located within Kruger National Park. Among the best are the Singita Lebombo and Singita Sweni lodges along Kruger’s border with Mozambique ; Singita’s impressive conservation efforts make these ecolodges Earth-positive among this protected terrain.

best sabi sands lodges

Where to Stay in Kruger National Park

No matter your budget, you’ll find an incredible array of options to choose from when deciding where to stay in Kruger National Park. From luxury lodges to basic rest camps and even campsites for tent camping, you’ll be able to choose the option that’s right for you, one of the major benefits of choosing this South Africa safari destination .

If you’re interested in camping, there are campsites throughout the park; set up your tent and enjoy nature at its finest. There are also several lodges located on private concessions inside the park, offering a more comfortable experience while still giving you the opportunity to photograph wildlife. These are some of the best places to stay in Kruger!

Jock Safari Lodge

The first private lodge built in Kruger National Park, Jock Safari Lodge offers a feeling of an earlier time. Perched along the banks of the Mitomeni and Biyamiti rivers in the Bushveld Concession Area, Jock Safari Lodge enjoys a privileged spot in a region known as one of the greatest in the Kruger National Park.

In addition to impressive and comfortable furnishings, Jock Safari Lodge is known for its incredible and unique safari experiences. To view the area’s rich wildlife, visitors may take daily game drives in open safari vehicles. Walk into the neighboring bush to observe historic Bushmen artwork.

During the rainy season, go on a frog safari to observe the many species frogs that live in the region and learn about the stories told by the stars.

Bateleur BushVeld Camp

Bateleur Camp , known as “Family Cottages,” was constructed in the late 1980s and has seven completely furnished chalets. Each accommodation is air-conditioned or has a ceiling fan, and many of the bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms. At Bateleur Camp, all lodging spaces are serviced daily and furnished with linens, towels, and soap.

A game-watching hide that looks out over a waterhole is one of the numerous attractions at Bateleur Camp . In the presence of knowledgeable drivers and trackers, night drives give you the chance to partake in the nocturnal animal inhabitants of Kruger Park’s nighttime act ivities.

Shimuwini Bushveld Camp

Shimuwini Bushveld Camp offers basic accommodations but its secluded, picturesque location along the banks of the Letaba River is unforgettable. Offering stunning river vistas and almost guaranteed wildlife encounters year-round , you’ll enjoy easy access to excellent elephant and buffalo country.

Activities at the camp are morning drives, night drives, and guided bush walks, all led by knowledgeable guides and trackers. Offering a great safari experience at an affordable price, it’s a hidden gem within Kruger National Park.

Singita Sweni Lodge

Located on Singita’s impressive private concession within Kruger National Park, Singita Sweni Lodge is an impressive luxury lodge located on the lush banks of the Sweni River. Just a few miles from the border of Mozambique, this impressive lodge features just seven private suites nestled among trees for a secluded and romantic safari experience you won’t forget.

No expense is spared at Singita Sweni in even the smallest detail of the guest experience. Expansive open-concept rooms feature gorgeous furnishings and private indoor/outdoor spaces with pool and outdoor shower included! The riverside location is perfect for animal and bird encounters even before you head out on incredible game drives.

  • The Best Safari Parks (For Every Traveler)

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Kruger National Park – FAQ

Where is kruger national park.

The Kruger National Park is located in the northeast corner of South Africa, bordering Mozambique to the east and Zimbabwe to the north. The park covers an area of 19,485 square kilometers (7,523 sq mi), making it one of the largest national parks in Africa.

The Kruger National Park is located in two provinces: Mpumalanga and Limpopo. The park covers an area of about 19,485 square kilometers (7,523 sq mi), making it one of the largest game reserves in South Africa .

How Big is Kruger National Park?

Kruger National Park is one of the largest and most popular safari parks in Africa . It covers an impressive 19,485 square kilometers of land, which is larger than almost 60 countries! This makes it a must-see destination for tourists from all over the world, certainly a bucket list destination you won’t want to miss.

When Did The Park Open?

1927 is when the gates opened at Kruger National Park for the first time. At that time, just three cars were permitted into the park each year! Needless to say, things have changed a lot since then.

Today, Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s most popular tourist destinations. More than one million people visit every year , and the park continues to grow in popularity. There’s something for everyone here from lions and elephants to bird-watching and hiking. So if you’re looking for an amazing African safari experience, be sure to add Kruger National Park to your list!

How Many Animals are in Kruger National Park?

Kruger National Park is home to a very large variety of animals, including the Big Five of Africa . In fact, it is estimated that the park has between 120 and 240 African wild dogs, up to 13,100 blue wildebeest, 35,300 plains zebras, 120 cheetahs, 4,420 Nile crocodiles, 500 bushbucks, and 37,130 African buffalo . There are also 460 eland present in the park, as well as 3,100 hippopotamuses.

How Many Tourists Visit the Park Each Year?

Kruger National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa and receives an estimated one million visitors or more every year. Safari vehicles are a great way to see the park without getting too close to any animal interactions. The park is divided into five regions, each with its own unique attractions and landscapes.

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Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual New York-based travel writer, editor, content marketer, and the founder of the digital travel publications Explorers Away and Home to Havana. Carley is an expert on all things Latin America, the Caribbean, and Cuba, having lived and worked in four different countries in the region. Her writing has appeared on the Associated Press wires and in Travel + Leisure, Yahoo, MSN, Euronews, The Weather Channel, and more. When she's not writing about her travels, find her front row at a Bad Bunny concert, befriending street cats, and taste-testing every pizza in Havana.

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  • Family Safari in the Kruger National Park

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By Adelle Belle

Safari Travel Planner

The Kruger National Park sits right at the top of family-friendly safari destinations in South Africa. The park prides itself on being accessible to young and old alike, and many South Africans will confess to cultivating a life-long love for the African bush from an early age in the Kruger.

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A family holiday in the Kruger is best done in one of two ways; either self-driving or choosing an all-inclusive package at a private lodge. Both options have their own unique appeal depending on the type of holiday experience you’re after.

Long hours in the car are always a concern when traveling with children, but the Kruger is only an easy five-hour drive from the nearest international airport in Johannesburg. All major car rental companies have counters here and offer vehicles suited to families. Alternatively, you might opt for a shuttle service when staying at an all-inclusive luxury lodge.

En route to the Kruger National Park, whether self-driving or by lodge transfer, there are plenty of rest stops, and you can even turn it into a scenic road trip of sorts by including some of the sights on the stunning Panorama Route. Once inside the park, the vast network of good tar and gravel roads makes getting from one place to another equally comfortable.

Exploring the park in your own vehicle means your family stays together, and you can plan outings according to personal preference. If you’re traveling with toddlers, this is the only way you can take them on game drives in the reserve, as children under the age of 6 are not allowed on the game drives in open 4×4 vehicles (for safety reasons) provided by the park. Similarly, only children over 12 may join guided bush walks .

The southern and central regions of the park are more family-friendly than the far north since distances between rest areas are not so spread out, the landscape is more varied, and animals are more abundant. Skukuza, Satara, Lower Sabie, Letaba, and Berg en Dal camps are superb family-oriented accommodation options since they offer restaurants, shops, swimming pools, child-friendly activities, museums, and movie screenings.

Although staying at a luxury lodge is naturally more costly, the experience is more personal with offerings such as private family villas, your own guide in an open 4×4 game viewing vehicle, and special activities for children.

Travel Tips for Family Safari in the Kruger National Park

  • Rent an SUV or a 4×4 with good ground clearance for your visit to the park. The additional vehicle height makes for better game viewing, and the extra space will come in handy for luggage and make the time spent in the back seat more comfortable for the youngsters.
  • Some rental companies offer fully kitted camping vehicles with enough equipment and tents for the whole family. This is a great all-inclusive option if you plan on camping in the Kruger. The kids might not like getting up early on holiday, but it’s worth it in the Kruger. The early mornings are best for game viewing, not to mention cooler than during the day. The same goes for late afternoon game drives.
  • Grab a park map at an entrance gate or a camp shop. You’ll need it to navigate the park when self-driving.
  • When traveling with small children, bring some games, puzzles, and books to entertain them during leisure time in camp or long drives in the car.
  • All the main camps have restaurants with reasonable prices and small shops for self-catering, so there’s no need to over-pack your car with food supplies.

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This African National Park Is The Perfect Spot To View A Wide Array Of Wildlife

O ne of the first things that likely comes to mind when thinking about Africa is the continent's wildlife. After all, "The Lion King" has brought in $1 billion for Disney, not to mention other popular animal-centric films like the "Madagascar" film series and "Out of Africa." Africa's wildlife has made for a significant safari tourism industry in multiple countries on the continent, especially those with vast swaths of savanna where you can find dozens if not hundreds of animal species for which the continent is famous.

Kruger National Park is the largest national park in South Africa. It also has the most biodiversity out of all of Africa's parks. The top things to see here are the Big 5: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo. Nowadays, their draw is not so much due to how difficult and dangerous they are to hunt, but in how exciting it is to view these megafauna animals in general. Kruger is also home to wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, antelopes, hippos, hyenas, and dozens more.

Read more: The World's Best Places To Put On Your Travel Bucket List

Book Transportation, Lodging, And Tours Ahead Of Your Visit

Shuttles from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) to Kruger National Park depart regularly, but these must be booked in advance with the South African National Park website . Lodging at Kruger National Park ranges from camping to glamping . Visitors can go online to reserve camping spots, cottages, and even luxury suites. Though it is possible to drive yourself through the park, there are multiple options for guided tours.  Siyabona Africa Safari offers both self-driving and guided tour packages for one day or even five days in the park. Sentashya Safaris  has similar options and will even pick you up from your lodging accommodation.

Many of the animals including the Big 5 in Kruger National Park are experiencing concerning drops in population. Though tourism throughout the African continent has shifted away from hunting, it continues to be an issue for wildlife in Africa, as is habitat loss. Game reserves and national parks like Kruger may eventually be the only places where most of these endangered animals — especially the critically endangered rhino — exist at all. Whether you go on safari in Kruger or not, research how you can help endangered animals all over the world.

Read the original article on Explore .

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I'll be going to Kruger for 4 nights and Botswana for a day trip from Victoria Falls. I'm looking for a camera and lens under USD 1,000/GBP 780. I could probably spend a few hundred more all things pending but ideally USD 1,000 or lower. What would be everyone's suggestion?

This kit looked interesting as it had everything in one bundle: Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera|2 Lens Kit with EF18-55mm + EF 75-300mm Lens, Black.

Also I saw a old post saying that transiting in some countries requires Cameras to be checked. Obviously I would prefer to not do that because of theft. I'm flying from US to UK to SA and back. Has anyone heard anything?

4 replies to this topic

' class=

If you don't already own a SLR it can be a bit of a steep learning curve, you would want to be out using it and getting used to the controls and settings before your holiday.

Also do you hope to continue using it and getting into photography as a hobby? Once you 'buy in' to a system (Canon, Nikon etc) then you have a sunk cost and people tend to stick with it, so worth thinking about longer term plans and potential costs.

If you would be using the auto mode and are tempted because of the zoom, consider a bridge camera. Particularly for a guided safari when you are with other people, it doesn't take much longer than a point and click to get your shots. The zoom is amazing provided you have something steady to put the camera on. I've seen people using them instead of binoculars too. Combined with a good phone camera for close up / video / scenery it would work well.

' class=

I recommend a Panasonic 1000. It has 25 -400 lens and is a bridge camera. Price is less than 1k. I have used one for years.

' class=

I don't use one, but I would agree that a consumer bridge type camera would be ideal. You can pick up older models second hand dirt cheap. Just in case anyone is wondering, bridge cameras have nothing to do with photographing bridges! They are the type of camera between a compact and an dSLR.

Get used to it before you go. It's very easy to be in a situation where you accidentally change a setting and then you can be clueless as to what you have done!

kruger national park safaris in africa

I use a Panasonic Lumix FZ10002 bridge camera. It's a fantastic camera and I'm more than happy with the results. I think it was around the £700 price.

I also think it's worth looking at a used camera from a reputable company, as someone mentioned in an earlier reply. I have used Wex here in the UK to trade in cameras, upgrade etc.

Have a great trip when you go with many happy sightings.

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