safari drives kruger national park

Kruger National Park Guide

Spotlight on South Africa's premier safari reserve

How to Choose Kruger National Park Game Drives

Kruger National Park game drives are fantastic and insightful ways to travel around the park.  Rangers will often astound you with their keen animal spotting skills and point out wildlife you may have missed had you been driving yourself.

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Your safari vehicle will typically be an open-sided four wheel drive.  Your ranger will tell you some really interesting stories along the way too. A ranger once told us he watched a 24 hour battle between a lion and a buffalo!

Once you’ve booked on a Kruger National Park game drive, all you have to do is turn up at the designated time and place that your tour departs from and let the ranger take care of the rest!

Game driving tours are a good option if you’re staying just outside Kruger National Park and want someone else to drive you through it, rather than doing your own self-drive safari.

Check out these top game drive tours on GetYourGuide. Each game drive has pictures showing the kind of up close with wildlife experience you may have as well as reviews by fellow travellers who have tried them.

• Morning game drive
• Afternoon game drive
• Full day game drive

SANParks game drives

South African National Parks (SANParks) run game drives lead by a Kruger Park ranger. Your options for doing this are going on one of the Park & Ride tours which leave from select Kruger Park entrance gates.

Park & Ride tours are morning and afternoon drives and currently run from:

• Paul Kruger Gate
• Phabeni Gate

Private lodge game drives

If you’re staying at a private lodge in Kruger National Park, game drives will most likely be included in your safari package.

Staying overnight in Kruger Park – game drive choices

A ranger will drive you in an open-sided four wheel drive out of your rest camp and into the park.

The game drive options are:

• Early morning drives
• Sunset drives
• Night drives

Early morning drives leave well before dawn. If you don’t fancy getting up that early, you could go on a sunset or night drive. A part of each of these drives will be in the dark and are the only way to go on safari at night. Catch a glimpse of nocturnal animals on a driving tour!

It’s a lot harder spotting animals at night than in the day. Your ranger will give you lights to shine into the bush. Look for the reflecting eyes of the animals. If you see one, shout “stop” to the ranger. Then the ranger will help you identify the animal.

Sometimes you might not see any nocturnal animals at all. There’s still a really good chance of seeing an animal though. On one Kruger Park night drive, we saw a hippo running across the road. It was a very funny sight!

You might only get a fleeting glimpse of some animals because your view is limited by the torchlight. Plus animals run into the bush when they see you coming. Despite this, a game drive is definitely worth going on. It’s an amazing and daunting experience knowing that you’re out in the open in a game park at night!

Game drives leave or come back after the rest camp gates open or close. So you must be staying overnight at the rest camp that your game drive leaves from.

Children under 6 aren’t allowed on game drives.

Game driving tour from within Kruger National Park depart from:

All day drives

There is also an all day drive, but you have to book it 2 months in advance! You’ll hire a vehicle and a driver for an entire day and go to parts of the park that tourists don’t normally access.

Game drive comforts

You can take a drink and a snack to eat on game drives.

There might be a toilet stop on the game drive, but it may be at an unfenced picnic site. We prefer to go before leaving on our game drive so we don’t have to worry about what’s lurking in the toilet block! But don’t worry too much if you do need to go. The ranger will check the toilets for creatures before you use it!

It can be cool in the open-sided tour vehicle, even in summer. Take a jacket just in case it gets a bit chilly. In winter, rug up!

If you’re on a budget, Kruger National Park game drives are cheaper tour options than tours on foot.

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Kruger Park game drive

Welcome to lion roar safaris (pty) ltd – award winning tour operator and kruger national park safari specialist.

Booking your Kruger Park game drive today with Lion Roar Safaris will bring you one step closer to the ultimate Kruger safari experience. Book now and let the countdown begin… By booking a Kruger Park game drive, you will be whisked away to the world-renowned Kruger National Park, Home of the Big Five animals. You get to enjoy game viewing (wildlife viewing) at its finest. Sit back and relax as we take you on a guided adventure, all in the comfort of a luxury open safari vehicle.

Here is how a kruger park game drive works.

• After you have made your Kruger Park game drive booking with Lion Roar Safaris either online or via email, you can start your countdown to the big day.
• You will be picked up by your professional & friendly Field Guide with the open safari vehicle at the pre-arranged pick-up location in and around Nelspruit, White River, Hazyview, Malelane, Kruger National Park, Skukuza Airport, KMI Airport or Komatipoort.
• You will then be transferred to the Kruger National Park.
• Upon arrival, your Field Guide will open up the safari vehicle after which he/she will go to the office with one of the guests and assist with conservation fee payments and obtain the required entrance and exit permits.
• After the formalities are done, the guide will completely open the vehicle, giving you an overall 360° view.
• Your Field Guide will give you a quick safety briefing with regards to rules and regulations as well as the do’s and the don’ts. The Guide will also give you the itinerary for the day.
• Now you are all set and ready to go. Let the safari begin!
• Pick-up time: Can be anything from 04:00 am to about 06:00 am. The pick-up time depends on the pick-up location as well as the season, as gate opening times change accordingly.
• Exit time: You will exit the Kruger National Park at approximately 14:00-14:30 depending on the season, after which you will be transferred back to your pick-up location or pre-arranged drop-off point in and around Nelspruit, White River, Hazyview, Malelane or Komatipoort.
• Itinerary of a full day Kruger Park game drive: pick-up – transfer to Kruger – enter Kruger – session one – compulsory 45 minute breakfast stop – session two – compulsory 1-hour lunch stop – session three – exit park – transfer to drop-off location – end of the Kruger Park game drive.

Did you know? Besides the huge selection of Kruger overnight safari packages , we also provide tailor-made safari packages. Depending on your budget, anything is possible! Speak to us, so we can arrange your ultimate dream, tailor-made Kruger safari package.

What makes Lion Roar Safaris so unique ?

It is simple really. We have an immense passion for the African Bush and an even greater passion for people. This is the perfect combination. We love what we do and we want to share the magic of the Kruger National Park with our wonderful guests.

Why is it called a game drive?

“Game” refers to wild animals or wildlife and the word “drive” refers to a vehicle driving people around in a specific place, for example, a game drive in the Kruger National Park to view the wildlife in their natural habitat. Combined it is known as a game drive, also better known as a safari.

Did you know? The Kruger National Park is the largest nature reserve in South Africa and one of the most popular nature reserves to visit in the world.

Book your Kruger game drive and book our Professional Personal Holiday Photographer to capture your safari as it unfolds

In addition to our Kruger overnight safari packages, activities, accommodation and Full day Kruger safaris we provide a unique option where our guests can hire out the service of one of our Photographers. We call it the PPHP – Professional Personal Holiday Photographer . This service allows guests to fully enjoy the safari without having to experience the safari through their smartphone camera or lens as it happens. The guests don’t need to buy huge expensive telephoto wildlife lenses and camera gear, nor do they need to travel with this kind of equipment or take out special insurance or do special photographic courses to learn how to operate them.

All the guests need to do is sit back and relax whilst the photographer (PPHP) take the photos of the safari as it unfolds.

We like to call it “real-time photography”; for example, if the guest sees a lion but were only able to see the tail of the animal, the guest will only receive a photo of the image that they saw on the day.

Our photographers work closely alongside our guides and have a vast knowledge of the African bush as well. They know animal behavior and can anticipate such behavior. This improves the chances of providing the photographer with more opportunities to capture more in the moment wildlife images.

The PPHP service is affordable and will cost the guest a fraction of the price if they had to go and purchase a small, reliable “point and shoot” camera.

From feedback received from our guests on TripAdvisor , they really enjoyed this add-on extra as it really creates a unique opportunity where they can fully enjoy the safari in the moment.

If adventure and excitement is your thing, then what are you waiting for? Book your Kruger Park game drive today. We cater for everyone, from children to the elderly. Find out more…

Yes we offer affordable kruger national park safaris, our rates include the following:.

Transfers from a pre-arranged pick-up location to Kruger National Park and back (this can be at your accommodation where you are staying, depending on the location). This includes Nelspruit | Kruger National Park | KMI Airport | Skukuza Airport | White River | Hazyview | Malelane | Komatipoort and Marloth Park

Full Day safari with a luxury open safari vehicle

An accredited & professional Field Guide doubling as the driver of the vehicle on the day of safari

A snack box per person consisting of various treats to munch on during the day of the safari

Assistance with Kruger National Park entrance/conservation fee payments, paperwork and permits

+- 8 Hours of sheer “entertainment” in the world-famous Kruger National Park (excludes travel time outside the park)

The use of high-quality, fleece-lined ponchos on-board the vehicle, for those cold early mornings

Kruger Entrance/Conservation Fees are included in overnight packages

Please note:

Our area of operation covers Nelspruit and surrounding areas, White River | Malelane | Hazyview | Komatipoort | Marloth Park | Kruger National Park | KMI Airport | Skukuza Airport.

Please contact us if your accommodation falls outside of our area of operation.

We also conduct safari tours in the North of Kruger upon request and need. You also have the option to hire the safari vehicle privately, email us to find out more. Additionally, you have the option to add your Kruger entrance/conservation fees when you make your booking so you don’t have to go to the office on the morning of the safari to make payment for entrance fees.

Important articles you should read: CLICK on the LINKS below for more information!

• What is the duration of a full day safari/ How many hours is a full day safari in Kruger National Park and why?
• Read all about Children on safari, the do’s and don’ts, safety, rules & regulations etc.
• General Rules and regulations and good safari etiquette
• Reasons why you should visit South Africa
• Things you need to know when planning a trip to South Africa
• How tipping in South Africa works
• What to bring and pack for a Safari
• When is the best time to go on Safari in Kruger National Park?
• How to book a Kruger National Park safari to Kruger from Nelspruit | White River | Hazyview | Malelane?
• The benefits of going on a Guided safari with an open safari vehicle to Kruger National Park
• Is it safe to visit the Kruger National Park?
• All about Malaria in South Africa and Kruger National Park

Fantastic experience We really enjoyed our safari with Liz and the web photographer. They pointed out many sightings which we would never have seen on our own. We saw 3 leopards, many elephants, rhinos, cape buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, hippos and different types of antelopes and birds. They provided binoculars which helped a lot, especially when observing the leopards in the reed! The service is top: on time, friendly, very informative and you get a feeling how much they enjoy “going the extra mile” for the customer. They tried to keep ahead of the crowd and do not enter thru Numbi gate which is usually very crowded. Its great the park fee is included in the price because then you do not need to queue at the entrance like in the case of some of the other operators. We will definitely recommend you!

(Translated by Google) For those who go to South Africa, do safaris be sure to contact this company they are grade 10. (Original) Para quem vai para África do Sul ,fazer safáris não deixe de contatar está empresa eles são nota 10 .

Great services! Amazing commments The guide was very friendly and helpful! She really knew the way around the park and we were able to see a big variety of animals

Super accommodating and informative. Liz was super patient in making sure we get the morning bush walk and night drive within limited dates. They know lots about every animal we saw. I love that they provide parkas for their guests because it gets super chilly as the truck moves. Their truck is clean and not loud like other trucks which tend to scare the animals away.

Spectacular day in the Mighty Kruger! Even if the weather was cold during the day, the spectacular sightings we had made up for it all. Luckily this company is not one of those that rush from one big sighting to another but rather take it at a slower pace and therefore not miss even the small things like some bird species and trees and plants, lizards and much more. Oh and I am so glad their Photographer was also on board with her very sharp eye sight. She spotted plenty of animals where the rest of us missed them…especially that Cheetah! And she took the most beautiful pictures (and some short videos clips) of all our sightings that day. We were surely one lucky group of people seeing all those magnificent wildlife, especially the Elephant Calves, Wild Dogs as well as Hyena Pups! Oh and let’s not forget the snack bags that was packed for us!! The Guide was very informative and interactive with our group. Evidently her kindness and helpfulness is not only restricted to the time a guest is on her vehicle still busy on the Tour but even helping when one of our group members was staying over at a place in the Kruger Park, she assisted him from booking in at the camp to taking him to where he would be staying, to briefly showing him around on what is where and available to him in the camp. And this all took merely a few minutes. I would definitely be recommending Lion Roar Safaris.

Best experience ever! Lizelle was very informative and made sure we had the best views of all the animals!

Lizelle was the most amazing tour guide. She knew everything about the animals and gave us plenty of time to take photos and ask questions while still ensuring that we saw 4 of the big 5. She was just as excited as we were to view the animals. Without using a radio she was knowledgeable enough to know where to look and how to spot the animals even in the summer bush. Liz was there to help point out animals as well. We were pleasantly surprised to have two guides to make this experience incredible. The vehicle was as impeccable as the guides. They even provided snacks that can easily substitute lunch. The cherry on top is the fleece lined ponchos that kept us warm as it was a bit chilly and a little rainy.

Amazing safari and the best guide! We did a lot of research and chose Lion’s Roar based on it and were spot on with our choice! To my own shame, I cannot remember the name of our guide because it’s been a few months since he experience, but she truly rocked – she was knowledgable, funny and easygoing. We got very-very lucky on the day we went and saw elephants, rhinos, wild dogs, hippos, numerous birds and other animals. We went again just with friends and saw hardly anything, so do yourself a favor and book with these guys!

We loved it! Liz was so great! Without a doubt, she made our trip a lot better than it would have been otherwise. She was knowledgeable and really wanted us to have a good time.

Professional, great knowledge of all types of Wildlife, friendly and affordable!

Friendly, professional, safari guides 1

Best safari company in the Kruger! I want to congratulate Lion Roar Safaris once again for taking me on safari to the Kruger. I had a spur of the moment urge to go on a safari. Even though it was a last minute booking, they were stil happy to accommodate me. It’s always nice to just sit back and relax while everything is taken care of. For me, it is always a special occasion going to the Park. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax and recharge my batteries. Best of all, I learn something new everytime I go with Lion Roar Safaris. Every safari with this company is unique. Everyone should do a guided safari with them atleast once in their lives otherwise you are missing out! Keep up the good work Lion Roar and see you again soon for another safari adventure!

Wonderful safari experience in the Kruger National Park! What an experience. The finer touch and extra service makes it very special. Neat vehicle and well organised logistics. Knowlegable, friendly and professional two ladies. Highly recommended. This safari in the National Kruger Park was definitely a highlight of my year. Well done !

Memorable Father’s Day in the Kruger National Park Usually I end up in the beautiful Nelspruit to see clients and to deal with work-related responsibilities. This year, my husband and I returned for a well-deserved holiday break. Yes, we came back and it is our second time doing a safari with Lion Roar Safaris, but this time I brought along the kids, my father and mother. One big happy family outing! We booked the safari on Father’s Day, so my dad can enjoy the Kruger yet again. He hasn’t been to the Kruger for many years, let alone go on safari in an open safari vehicle. Everyone enjoyed it immensely, especially the kids who simply adore all animals. My dad walks with a walking stick and my mother struggles to see & both of them make use of hearing aids. For this reason, we decided to book the safari vehicle privately so we don’t have to share with other people and if the kids misbehave or granny or grandpa can’t hear, we can talk a bit louder. (Even though we know that their company is child and elderly friendly). I’m glad my husband advised me to book it privately, it made it more special. I just want to thank the team at Lion Roar Safaris once again. Everything from start to finish was great! I would also like to thank you for the extra touches you provide to make things comfortable, for example, the extra step that helped mom and dad get on the vehicle, the ponchos and most importantly the patience and professionalism of the guide. We will keep coming back!

Some of the services Lion Roar Safaris Offer…

Upmarket luxury safaris  i  tailored safaris  i  professional personal holiday photographer   i  hire a professional field guide  i  hire a private safari vehicle   i   accommodation in and around kruger   i  photographic safaris   i   safari catering – picnic lunches, dinners and bbq’s and more….

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Kruger National Park

Kruger national park: the complete guide.

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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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A beginner's budget self-drive safari in the Kruger National Park, South Africa

See elephants, lions and even African wild dogs at your own pace for a fraction of the cost of traditional game drives.

While many African reserves are only accessible to those with the thickest wallets, Kruger, South Africa’s first national park, offers the chance for a far more affordable self-guided safari. Here, on the border with Mozambique, you can see giraffes and even rare African wild dogs from a rental car little different to the one you might drive at home. It’s a place to be enjoyed at your own pace, going wherever a road or a water hole draws the eye, stopping to consult a dog-eared map or reach for your supply of biltong.  

With wildlife so abundant, particularly in the south of the park, it’s possible to tick off lions, leopards and even rhinos by dinnertime. And come the evening, such close encounters make perfect campfire tales — particularly if the lions came slightly too close for comfort.

From Johannesburg, the most convenient route into the park is a domestic flight straight into Skukuza, the park’s largest rest camp. There are 23 of these camps in all, with accommodation ranging from pitches and safari tents to pricier thatched bungalows.  

A more affordable option is to fly to Kruger Mpumalanga, pick up a car at the airport and drive an hour to Kruger’s Malelane Gate. Wi-fi and 4G is very limited but you can buy maps at the airport and in park shops; Kruger’s major camps have petrol stations. Once in Skukuza, recover from the journey with a trip to the nearby hide at Lake Panic — a favourite spot for birdwatchers. Spend a lazy afternoon admiring the pied kingfishers, and hope that the leopard that’s occasionally seen here prowls into view. The best spot for dinner is Cattle Baron steakhouse back at camp, overlooking the hippos of the Sabie River — try the fillet rossini with a creamy peri peri sauce, just R189 (£8), thanks to the favourable exchange rate.  

The next morning, drive east along the Sabie River to your stop for the night, Lower Sabie Rest Camp; take your time and keep your eyes peeled — it’s said this stretch of road harbours the world’s densest population of leopards. Stop for lunch and wildlife viewing at Nkuhlu Picnic Site beside the river, and arrive at camp to see the crocodiles at Sunset Dam. In camp, scour the trees for thick-tailed bush babies, often seen here.

Head out at dawn for a game drive — consider heading south, where cheetahs are more common — and return to camp for a South African breakfast on the restaurant terrace; the river flows below, and if you’re lucky, you can watch elephants while tucking into boerewors (spiral sausages). Ahead of you is an epic drive to Satara Rest Camp, via the lofty views over the plains at the Nkumbe View Site. Stop for lunch at Tshokwane Picnic Site, where you can rent a gas-fired skottel braai for a barbecue South Africa-style – just watch out for hyenas. From here, you can continue to Orpen Dam — park up and watch for kudus and bushbucks.  

Satara is in one of the best places to see big cats, so head out on the S100 road at dawn the next day for the chance to glimpse one of the park’s most famous ones — a white lion nicknamed Casper. Alternatively, book a guided morning bush walk at camp and listen out for their roars on foot. Your bed for the night is at Tamboti, an exhilaratingly wild, back-to-basics camp with safari tents hidden in a forest on the banks of the dry Timbavati River, roamed by genets and honey badgers. Don’t set an alarm — the resident baboons jumping on your tent’s canopy will wake you — then drive north to Olifants Rest Camp.

Olifants, which means ‘elephants’ in Afrikaans, is aptly named. The camp sits high on a bluff overlooking the eponymous river, and has sweeping views of any wildlife that stops for a drink. Spend the day here cradling your binoculars and a bottle of Amarula, a South African cream liqueur that’s a safari staple, or head out on game drives north. Here, the landscape is studded with mopane trees and is a favourite with — you guessed it — elephants.  

Be warned: the herds in the north of the park are known for being less tolerant of people than the ones in the south, so keep your distance at sightings. Spend the night back at Olifants, or head north to stay at nearby Letaba, where tents sit shrouded in mopane forest. The next morning, drive back to Skukuza to fly to Johannesburg, or on to Cape Town.  

Five top tips  

1. Take it slow

You can recognise a seasoned safari self-driver — they’re generally found crawling along the roads at 5mph, scouring the bush. Follow their lead — by going slowly you may notice a tell-tale ear swish, which could mean the difference between a rock and a rhino. Lower your windows slightly to listen for animal alarm calls. And always scan waterholes — where wildlife congregates — and cool, shady spots under trees, where lions like to cat nap. If all else fails, pause at parked cars — it’s possible the occupants have spotted something you haven’t.

2. Rise early

Gates to get in and out of the rest camps in the park are locked for safety overnight, and you’ll spot seasoned safari self-drivers lined up beside them just before they open again, around 5am. The reason these areas become like a starting line at dawn is because you’ll find the best wildlife spotting at this time — you can find both nocturnal and diurnal animals along the crowd-free roads. Similarly, stay out until the gate closes, as many animals become more active near nightfall and you may spot creatures such as owls.

3. Choose wisely

There are a few things to bear in mind when choosing your rental car — you’re going to spend a lot of time in it. First, go for a high vehicle to give yourself the best chances of spotting wildlife over long grass — unless you want to be eye-to-eye with a lion, which is also fun. Next, while even the smallest rental cars can handle Kruger’s well-maintained roads, a 4WD is preferable for comfort. And opt for automatic rather than manual transmission — when faced with a rampaging rhino, it can make all the difference in your quick getaway. For obvious reasons, also get the best insurance you can afford.

4. Learn body language

It’s good to know how to act around big game, in particular elephants, which can put a dent in your car and, consequently, your finances. Switch off your engine at sightings, keep windows shut and stay quiet at all times and never approach a lone male elephant in musth or get between a mother and her young. If an elephant exhibits signs of irritation, such as kicking up dust, holding its ears forward and trumpeting, leave the area. Similarly, if prey animals such as impalas are acting skittish or giraffes are staring at one spot in the distance, sit tight — it could mean lions or other predators are around.

5. Get organised

Camps, particularly popular ones such as Lower Sabie, Skukuza and Satara, fill up months in advance, especially during South African school and public holidays, so book your thatched huts or basic safari tents well ahead via the SAN parks website . You will also need to pay a daily conservation fee, the cost of which can add up fast; consider investing in a Wild Card if you’re staying more than a few days, as this will give you a year’s unlimited access to over 80 parks and reserves in southern Africa, and usually works out considerably cheaper.

Related Topics

• WILDLIFE WATCHING
• ANIMAL SANCTUARIES

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• Kruger National Park Safari

The ultimate guide to your next Kruger National Park Safari

Get to know kruger national park.

By Adelle Belle

Safari Travel Planner

Extending over a similar area to Wales, Kruger National Park is a 20,000km2 (7,722 square mile) national park that supports more than 160 mammal and 500 bird species, including substantial populations of all the Big Five .

The park is an important stronghold for several of Africa’s most iconic large mammals. It supports more than half the world’s remaining white rhinos, along with substantial populations of buffaloes, elephants, black rhinos, leopards, cheetahs, African wild dogs, giraffes, and one of the few viable lion populations in southern Africa.

Birding in Kruger National Park is also excellent, particularly in the summer. Other wildlife you can see at Kruger National Park includes baboons, warthogs, hyenas, many small predators, and around a dozen antelope species.

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Why Kruger National Park?

• One of Africa’s largest national parks
• Big Five viewing , especially rhinos
• More than 517 bird species recorded
• Drive yourself around the public sector or treat yourself to a stay in a private concession.

Where to go in Kruger National Park

• Kapama Game Reserve
• Kruger National Park Concessions
• Makalali Private Game Reserve

Balule Nature Reserve on the western border of the Kruger National park encompasses 400km2 (154 square miles) of unspoiled bushveld. This private nature reserve shares unfenced borders with the Kruger and neighboring private reserves allowing animals to roam freely.

One of the largest rivers in the Kruger National Park, the Olifants River, flows through the Balule reserve, and its waters and riverine forests attract high densities of mammals, reptiles, and birdlife. This means that all the wildlife you see on a Kruger safari, including the famous Big Five, can also be experienced in the Balule Nature Reserve.

Balule boasts a wide range of small intimate lodges and camps that cater to those looking for an affordable private getaway, a family-friendly option , or the ultimate in privacy, comfort, and luxury. All-inclusive stays, as well as self-catering options, are available throughout the Balule reserve.

Highlights of Balule

• Daily game drives and walking safaris with experienced rangers are the best way to spot the Big Five and learn first-hand about the local ecosystem. In Balule, the rangers can track animals off-road (something not allowed in the Kruger) to provide the best sightings.
• There is hardly a more tranquil aerial experience than floating over the African savannah in a hot-air balloon – just one of the activities on offer in the Balule area. If you have the nerves, you can take an adrenaline-filled flight in a microlight aircraft or go white-water rafting. You can book a boat cruise down the Olifants River for a more relaxed afternoon.
• Several lodges offer day trips to the nearby Blyde River Canyon, the third-largest canyon on the planet. It’s a break from the bush life in the Kruger and certainly a bucket list destination.

Practical Information for Balule

• By car, the Balule Nature Reserve is approximately six hours from Johannesburg. Daily international and domestic flights call in at OR Tambo International Airport. You can catch a connecting flight to a local airport (Phalaborwa, Hoedspruit, Nelspruit, or Skukuza) near Kruger. Transfers to and from your lodge (about 45 minutes) can be arranged.
• Temperatures are high during the day, even in winter, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Light, long-sleeved clothing offers protection against the sun and mosquito bites. Pack warm clothing, too, as evenings can get chilly.
• Wear neutral-colored clothing like brown, khaki, and beige, as bright colors make it easier for animals to spot you. In turn, dark colors like navy and black can attract insects. Balule is in an area at risk of malaria. Get advice from your doctor before you travel.

The 130km2 (50 square mile) Kapama Private Game Reserve lies just west of the Kruger National Park and a mere 10 minutes from the town of Hoedspruit. It is not only home to the Big Five , but the sprawling savannah grasslands and riverine forests straddling the Klaserie River in the east of the reserve see more than 40 species of mammals and over 300 bird species.

Kapama has four luxury lodges, each with its flair. The bespoke villas overlooking the Klaserie River at Karula are suited to the discerning traveler looking for the ultimate in privacy and comfort.

The River Lodge , with its contemporary design, is a more social space perfectly suited to young couples and groups of friends.

Highlights of Kapama Game Reserve

• Ditch the big vehicles and strap on some walking shoes for a guided walking safari . Skilled rangers will show you wildlife and share traditional knowledge about tracking, medicinal plants, and birdlife .
• Kapama offers a 2-day photography workshop led by a leading African wildlife photographer so you can hone your skills before heading out on game drives aimed explicitly at photography .
• The Romantic Sleepout lets couples experience a night under the stars on a private platform in the African bush. You even get a private chef that will prepare a five-course dinner!

Practical Information for Kapama Game Reserve

• The nearest international airport is OR Tambo International in Johannesburg, about 6 hours travel time from the reserve by car. OR Tambo is serviced by domestic flights from all over South Africa, so you can also fly to Hoedspruit, the nearest local airport to Kapama. From here, it’s a short transfer by car to the reserve.
• Kapama offers the discerning traveler the option of flying directly to the reserve from OR Tambo and Cape Town International airports in a privately owned aircraft.
• Bring warm clothing (it gets cold at night), a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect against the heat during the day. Wear muted colors like khaki, brown, or green to avoid being easily spotted by animals. Bright colors can attract insects.
• Kapama, like all of the Kruger, lies within a malaria region.

The Klaserie Private Nature Reserve covers a whopping 600km2 (232 square miles) of wilderness on either side of the Klaserie Rivier just west of the Kruger National Park. You’ll come face to face with the Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos – as well as some of Africa’s less spotted species, like wild dogs and cheetahs, on your Klaserie safari adventure.

Klaserie’s range of safari camps and lodges cater to families, groups of friends, honeymooners, and discerning travelers looking for exclusive luxury. Families should consider Makumu lodge, where they can book an entire lodge without age restrictions for the youngsters. At the same time, the Klaserie Drift, Senala, and Klaserie Camps offer fully catered or self-catering perfect for couples.

For top-tier luxury, look no further than the intimate riverside suites at Klaserie Sands River Camp or the classy exclusive suites at Baobab Ridge.

Highlights of Klaserie

• Some lodges host bespoke bush dinners and traditional barbecues at particularly stunning outdoor spots in the reserve. You can even arrange to camp at certain water holes for a truly immersive night in the African bush.
• A walking safari with an experienced ranger is one of the most exhilarating experiences in the African bush. You’ll see animals from a unique perspective and be fully immersed in the sights and sounds of the environment.
• Twice-daily game drives in open 4×4 vehicles within the private reserves give you the highest probability of seeing animals. With experienced guides who can drive off-road (unlike in public areas of the Kruger), you’ll tick off Big Five sightings in no time. Some lodges also offer night drives.

Practical Information for Klaserie

• The Klaserie Private Nature Reserve is roughly a six-hour drive east of Johannesburg. Daily international and domestic flights call in at OR Tambo International Airport, where you can catch a connecting flight to a local airport near Kruger. The closest local airport is in Hoedspruit; from there, it’s a 45-minute transfer to the reserve.
• You don’t need special safari clothes, but neutral colors like beige, brown, green, and khaki are recommended. It makes it harder for animals to spot you and be scared off, and brighter colors attract insects.
• Prepare for scorching days and bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Depending on the season, nights and early mornings can be freezing, so pack some warm clothing too. Ask a medical practitioner about malaria medication before you leave, as this part of South Africa carries a risk. A course of prophylaxis is recommended.

The Kruger National Park is world-renowned for its spectacular wildlife. It’s the largest nature reserve in South Africa and, indeed, one of the largest on the continent.

At 360km (224mi) long and 65km (40mi) wide, the surface area surpasses that of the nearby country of Swaziland! Despite its size, the density of wild animals found here is one of the highest on the planet, making for superb viewing opportunities no matter where you are in the park.

The southern and central regions of the Kruger are most frequented by visitors, and for a good reason: the game viewing is most reliable on a safari here. It’s your best bet for lion and leopard sightings, especially common along the Sabie River between Lower Sabie and Skukuza.

In central Kruger, the open grasslands are stocked with plenty of elephants, while grass-feeders like wildebeest and buffalo attract predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards.

Finally, in the far north, your reward is not only solitude from the crowds of the south but also an area of outstanding natural beauty as the landscape transforms from subtropical to tropical.

Large concentrations of baobab trees are particularly beautiful. Unfortunately, big game sightings are less frequent in this part of the Kruger, although birding safaris , especially in the summertime, are pretty spectacular.

Kruger caters to all, whether you are a solo traveler, a couple on a romantic getaway, or a family looking for the quintessential safari adventure. Several accommodation options are scattered across the park, ranging from campsites to family cottages, safari tents, and exclusive guesthouses.

The main camps are well stocked with modern amenities, and most have shops, restaurants, pools, and fuel stations.

If you’re after total exclusivity or the ideal honeymoon getaway, head for one of the private concession areas within Kruger. Each concession is home to several world-class luxury lodges that provide five-star accommodation and cuisine, personal game rangers, and tailor-made experiences.

Highlights of Kruger National Park Concessions

• The Kruger is one of the few places where you can see the world’s largest land mammals mere meters from your vehicle. The park’s vast network of good roads provides excellent self-drive safari routes.
• The park has a superb avian population (over 500 species!), and keen birders can cross off dozens of sightings during a visit. Keep an eye out for the Big 6: the martial eagle, the ground hornbill, the saddle-billed stork, the kori bustard, the lappet-faced vulture, and the unique Pel’s fishing owl.
• Many guided walking trails , bookable at all main camps, offer a truly immersive bush experience. Hikers are accompanied by experienced armed game rangers who track elephants, rhinos, and lions on foot. Hikes vary from a few hours to overnight excursions with catered dinners and luxury bush tents.

Practical Information for Kruger National Park Concessions

• The Kruger National Park is approximately a five-hour drive from the nearest international airport, OR Tambo, in Johannesburg. Various car rental companies have counters at the airport.
• Alternatively, you can fly to a local airport such as Phalaborwa, Hoedspruit, Nelspruit, or Skukuza and rent a vehicle there. Private lodges offer shuttle services to and from all airports.
• Book well in advance for popular public camps like Skukuza and Letaba during peak holiday seasons in December and July. Avoid the holiday seasons altogether if you prefer fewer fellow visitors.
• Take precautions for sweltering days and cold nights. Bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses for daytime temperatures (over 30°C/86°F), and warm clothing for chilly evenings.
• The Kruger is a malaria zone, and it’s advised that visitors take prophylactics. Consult your healthcare professional on a course of medication before you travel.

Makalali Private Game Reserve is located on 260km (162mi) of bushveld near the town of Hoedspruit on the western edge of the Kruger National Park.

While the styling of the main lodges at Makalali features more contemporary design elements than your typical safari lodge, the wildlife experiences are as quintessentially African as elsewhere in the greater Kruger area.

It’s home to the Big Five and zebra, kudu, cheetah, and wild dog populations.

Makalali’s main lodge caters to the mid-range traveler looking for a safari experience with a touch of luxury, while the river lodge is a private 5-star affair. The river lodge also caters to families, as do the more luxurious accommodations at Garonga.

The Little Garonga Camp is an intimate and exclusive affair with only three suites, each with its own platform decks overlooking the bushveld. At the Safari Camp, the setup caters to couples with six private luxury safari tents overlooking a dry riverbed frequented by animals.

Highlights of Makalali

• Nature walks and game drives in open 4×4 vehicles, led by expert guides, are the ideal way to experience the wildlife of the African bush on a safari.
• Take to the skies in a hot-air balloon and experience the stunning African savannah from a unique perspective. The more adventurous can also enjoy flights over the reserve in a microlight aircraft.
• Golfing excursions can be arranged to the superb Hans Merensky golf course next to the Kruger National Park. Wildlife like giraffes and hippos can often be seen on the course.
• The reserve is involved in a cheetah research project, and a visit to the facility allows you to see the world’s fastest land animal up close. African wild dogs, lions, and wild cats can also be seen here.

Practical Information for Makalali

• The nearest international airport is OR Tambo International in Johannesburg. Several daily domestic flights service smaller airports, and it’s possible to fly to Hoedspruit. From here, it’s a short journey to the reserve. Alternatively, some lodges offer direct air transfers.
• Bring warm clothing as it gets cold at night and a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect against the heat in the day. Dull colors like khaki, brown, or green make you harder to spot by animals and don’t attract insects as much as bright colors.
• Consult a healthcare practitioner about preventative medication, as the Kruger is a Malaria zone.

There are just three lodges in the 23,000-hectare Manyeleti private game reserve on the western edge of Kruger National Park – which means game viewing without the crowds.

With no fences to separate Manyeleti Game Reserve from Kruger National Park and the private reserves Timbavati to the north and Sabi Sand in the south, the game can wander freely.

As you traverse Manyeleti’s 200km (124mi) of gravel roads in search of the Big Five , you’re unlikely to see many other cars – day visitors are not allowed, and each of the three lodges on the concession has just a few beds.

Sabi Sands is often lauded as the most prestigious private reserve in South Africa, perhaps due to the reserve’s longstanding conservation efforts.

The original reserve was proclaimed in 1898, and by 1949 the landowners had merged their properties (mostly ex-agricultural land) into what is now the Sabi Sands Game Reserve .

The massive 650km2 (251 square mile) private reserve shares unfenced borders on the western boundaries of the Kruger National Park, allowing animals to roam freely between the reserves.

Thanks to the re-purposing of boreholes previously used for the farms into waterholes for wildlife, Sabi Sands can offer a year-round water source not affected by seasonal changes. This means you’re never far away from spotting the Big Five and the hundreds of other species that make up the greater Kruger population at any time of the year.

Sabi Sands is all about luxury and exclusivity, so you won’t find day visitors, camping, or public picnic sites here. The reserve’s wide range of lodges and camps are styled for every taste – some are very affordable, while others offer the crème de la crème in luxury living. Whether you’re looking for an immersive bush camp, a secluded honeymoon suite, or your own exquisite private villa, Sabi Sands has it all.

Highlights of Sabi Sands

• Sabi Sands is famous for its leopard sightings and although spotting these elusive cats is never guaranteed, with expert safari guides at your disposal, your chances of a great sighting are arguably higher here than anywhere else.
• The reserve has excellent photographic opportunities and guides that understand light, angles, and composition to help you get that postcard shot. Photographic safaris are on offer at several lodges.
• Daily game drives in open 4×4’s and walking safaris by expert guides are included in your stay.

Practical Information for Sabi Sands

• By road, Sabi Sands is approximately 450km (280mi) from Johannesburg, where OR Tambo International Airport is served by daily international and domestic flights to major cities in the rest of the country. From OR Tambo, you can schedule a charter flight directly to Sabi Sands or a nearby local airport (Hoedspruit, Kruger/Mpumalanga, or Skukuza).
• Wear natural colors like khaki, brown, or green to avoid being easily spotted by animals and scaring them off. Remember to bring warm clothing as it gets cold at night and a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect against the heat in the day.
• Sabi Sands, like the rest of the Kruger, lies within a malaria region. Consult your doctor before you travel, as it is advised to take a course of prophylaxis.

The 140km2 (54 square mile) Thornybush Game Reserve is located near the town of Hoedspruit on the western border of the Kruger. The famous Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo – roam freely in the reserve while great numbers of plains game like giraffes, kudu, zebra, and waterbuck can also be seen.

Highlights of Thornybush

• Daily game drives in open 4×4 vehicles with experienced trackers greatly enhance your game viewing experience. Unlike in the public areas of the Kruger, guides are allowed to track animals off-road or at night.
• Photographic opportunities are excellent at Thornybush. Your safari experience, including game drives and walks, can be tailored specifically to meet your photographic needs.
• Guided nature walks allow you to experience the African bush firsthand, and the rangers are keen to share local knowledge.
• With over 300 species in the reserve, birding safaris are excellent. Tailored game drives with an experienced guide will have you tick rare and unique species off your list of bird sightings in no time.
• Extensive conservation studies have been done at Thornybush on the ultra-rare Pangolin. This elusive anteater is the most trafficked animal globally and is critically endangered. While never a guarantee, your chances are good to spot one on a night drive at Thornybush.

Practical Information for Thornybush

• Thornybush is about 5 hour’s drive from Johannesburg. Several daily domestic and international flights depart from OR Tambo International airport. From OR Tambo, you can fly to a local airport (Hoedspruit, Nelspruit, Skukuza, or Phalaborwa) close to the reserve. From here, a short transfer will get you to Thornybush.
• Bring warm clothing as it gets cold at night and a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect against the heat in the day. Light long-sleeved clothing serves as good protection from the sun too.
• Thornybush is situated within a malaria region. Speak to your doctor before you travel for advice on anti-malaria medication.

Timbavati Game Reserve is home to one of nature’s most magnificent creatures, the white lion. Ancient folklore tells of a time when the local Shangaan tribe saw a bright light streaking across the sky and crashing on the African savannah.

Shortly after that, the lions of Timbavati began giving birth to snow-white cubs. These unique lions have been regarded as sacred ever since.

Timbavati Game Reserve encompasses a vast 580km2 (224 square miles) of savannah on the western border of the Kruger National Park. The borders are unfenced and allow wildlife, including the Big Five , to migrate freely between the reserves.

An abundance of plains game like kudu, giraffe, wildebeest, buffalo, and waterbuck can be seen, while the endangered African wild dog is also often spotted in Timbavati.

The collection of luxury lodges at Timbavati caters to the traveler looking for a touch of class. Your African safari need not be without spa treatments, private pools, and five-star cuisine!

Walkers River Camp, Jaydee, and Eagle Owl are three exclusive self-catering camps offering families or groups of friends a truly secluded safari experience while still providing all the amenities you’re used to at home.

Highlights of Timbavati

• Timbavati is home to the endangered white lion, and sighting one of these unique creatures is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
• Photographic safaris can be tailored to your needs. Professional photographers with specialized game-drive vehicles will give advice and tips and can arrange additional gear if needed.
• Daily personalized game drives and bush walks greatly increase your chance of animal sightings. The traditional knowledge shared by the skilled rangers is invaluable too.
• Timbavati is aiding rhino conservation by micro-chipping their rhino population. Guests at the Kings Camp can participate in the tracking and darting process.

Practical Information for Timbavati

• The Timbavati reserve is roughly a six-hour drive from Johannesburg. Daily international and domestic flights call in at OR Tambo International Airport, where you can catch a connecting flight to a local airport (Hoedspruit, Nelspruit, Phalaborwa, or Skukuza) near the reserve.
• Some of the lodges in Timbavati have private runways, and you may opt to travel (approx. 1 hr 30 min) by scheduled flight directly from Johannesburg to your accommodation.
• It gets scorching in the day so bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. You’ll also need to pack warm clothing, as evenings and early mornings can be chilly.
• Malaria is a risk in this part of Africa, so it’s advised to speak to your doctor about a course of prophylaxis before you travel.

Travel with Confidence

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When is the best month to travel to kruger national park.

• Kruger National Park in January

The Kruger is at its hottest during January. You’ll want to be in the shade during mid-day as temperatures regularly soar over 30°C/86°F. It’s also the rainy season which brings mild humidity and afternoon thunderstorms. Evenings are generally warm and pleasant.

The holiday season in South Africa lasts until the second week of the month, so to avoid the crowds, it’s best to head for the north of the park, one of the private concessions within Kruger, or the several private reserves along its borders.

Besides, the oasis of a luxury lodge is the best place to be in the summer heat. Game drives in these areas deliver better results than self-driving in the Kruger, as the expert game rangers can track animals off the beaten track.

The rainwater turns the African savanna beautifully lush and green, but it also means animals are harder to spot.

More available water keeps them from congregating at larger water holes too. Birding safaris , however, are excellent since large numbers of migratory species can be seen.

• Kruger National Park in February

Daytime temperatures remain in the high 20°C/68°F and can sometimes rise into the mid 30°C/86°F. February sees the last of the summer rainfall, and the occasional late afternoon thundershower can occur. The evening temperatures are usually mild.

Birding safaris are excellent during the summer months, and the far northern regions (Punda Maria and Pafuri) of the park are especially exceptional since they see many migratory species.

Since the vegetation in the park is very dense this time of year, game viewing is better done in the private reserves where expert game rangers can track the animals off-road, something taboo within the Kruger.

Summer weather makes game viewing harder for several reasons: animals have plenty of water and are not drawn to larger water holes, they prefer to stay put in the shade during the day, and thicker vegetation makes them harder to spot.

On the flip side, the greenery is excellent for landscape photography, birding is good, and many summer-born animals can be seen.

• Kruger National Park in March

March is the last of the summer months in the Kruger. While daytime temperatures are dropping, you can still expect hot days, pleasant evenings, and the occasional afternoon thundershower.

March is generally a quieter time in the Kruger than the months leading up to it, so the southern and central regions see much fewer visitors. Head for the roads that run along the riverbanks between the camps of Skukuza and Lower Sabie (Sabie River), Olifants and Letaba (Letaba and Olifants Rivers), and Olifants and Satara (Timbavati).

You’ll see fewer visitors in the Kruger, and the thick green and leafy vegetation make for beautiful landscapes, but it also makes game viewing harder. Furthermore, the abundance of water throughout the park means fewer animals congregate around larger water holes.

• Kruger National Park in April

April brings autumn to the Kruger, and the vegetation in the park gradually fades from lush bushveld to a dry brown and yellow palette.

Rainfall decreases, but the occasional afternoon thundershower still occurs. Daytime temperatures remain hot while nights are getting cooler but not cold.

For the best probability of seeing animals, the private concession areas and game lodges on the western border of the Kruger are a good bet. Here the expert guides can track animals better in the thick vegetation.

April is also the last month in which a birding safari is still good in the northern regions of the park – as soon as winter begins to arrive, the migratory species depart for warmer climates.

April often has good weather with clear skies, so it’s a pleasant month in terms of weather, but the park (excluding private concessions and reserves) gets very busy during the Easter weekend at the end of the month. Finding accommodation in the public camps of the park can be difficult.

• Kruger National Park in May

May heralds the turning point where the Kruger’s climate starts to transition into winter. Towards the end of the month, the rain begins to dry up, and the landscape becomes dry and dusty. Daytime temperatures remain warm and pleasant, while evenings start getting cooler.

Cooler temperatures make venturing to the far north of the park more pleasant, and the thinning vegetation helps in spotting the less dense populations of animals here.

May is generally your last chance to see the landscape flourishing before winter sets in, turning the vegetation dull and brown. However, the central and southern regions see fewer visitors this time of the year and, due to higher populations of animals, still offer the best game viewing opportunities.

Flights tend to be cheaper this time of the year before going up for the June/July holiday season. The park also sees fewer visitors in May.

On the flip side, if you enjoy sweeping green landscapes, this is not the time of the year to visit, as the impending winter season turns the vegetation brown, leafless and dull.

• Kruger National Park in June

June is both the coldest and driest month in the Kruger. Daytime temperatures are mild, and humidity is low, but evenings and early mornings can get quite cold.

The southern and central regions of the Kruger are best for game drives during winter since there are more rivers and other water sources, meaning these regions carry a higher population density of animals.

There are also more accommodation options here (besides camping), and you might be interested in staying indoors in the cold evening weather.

From June onwards, the Kruger’s animals, specifically the elusive big cats, become easier to spot in the sparse vegetation and tend to move around a bit more in the cooler temperatures.

Evenings and early morning game drives are quite cold, and the bushveld is not as pretty as in the summer months.

• Kruger National Park in July

July is second only to June as the coldest month in the year and equally dry. ‘Cold’ in the Kruger, however, only really applies to nights and early mornings since the daytime temperatures are usually quite comfortable and even fairly hot on some days.

The northern parts of the reserve receive fewer visitors, which makes it a good option if you want to avoid crowds. However, there is a greater density of animals in the south, especially when it comes to predators, which makes it your best bet for good sightings. Explore the areas adjacent to the Sabie River: Satara, Skukuza, and Lower Sabie.

The winter landscape is dull and dry, but that’s a good thing for game viewing as the vegetation is sparse and the grass low, making animals easier to spot.

The cooler weather and low humidity make for delightful days in the park. Still, South African school holidays and European summer holidays make July the Kruger’s second busiest time of the year.

• Kruger National Park in August

Things are slowly starting to warm up during August, but rain is still absent, and the climate remains dry. Humidity is low, daytime temperatures sit in the mid 20°C/68°F, and evening temperatures are mild.

August is the middle of the dry season, and water sources for the animals are scarce. For the best game viewing opportunities, it’s best to stay in the central and southern regions of the park, where there are more water sources and a higher density of animals.

August is a good month for game viewing on safari since the rainless winter season thins out the vegetation, making it easier to spot animals. Camping can be uncomfortable in the colder night temperatures.

• Kruger National Park in September

Spring arrives a little later in the Kruger, so the flora does not experience a colourful transformation this month. Vegetation is still sparse and colorless after the rainless winter. Temperatures during the day are hot and humid, with little to no rain expected.

At the end of the dry season in September, the vegetation in the Kruger is at its sparsest. For this reason, it’s the best time of the year to visit the Kruger, and any of the large permanent water holes make for good animal sightings. Stick to the southern and central regions for the highest density of animals.

The risk of malaria is low, and you’re likely to find large concentrations of animals at watering holes at this time of the year, but the days are often uncomfortably hot, dry, and dusty.

• Kruger National Park in October

The first proper rain of the wet season starts to arrive during November in the form of the occasional afternoon thundershower. Expect hot and humid days and balmy evenings.

The southern section of the park has the highest density of animals, and in terms of visitor numbers, November is the calm before the storm of the end-of-year holidays.

The upper central and far northern regions start seeing the first arrivals of migratory bird species and are a good bet for birding-focused safaris .

November is a great time to spot baby animals, and the young impala, one of the most abundant antelope species in the park, is especially cute.

It’s a quieter time of the year, too, as most South Africans plan their visits for the December holidays. On the other hand, humidity is high, and the risk of malaria increases.

• Kruger National Park in November
• Kruger National Park in December

The last month of the year is extremely hot as well as the wettest in the Kruger. Expect plenty of rain with hot and humid conditions as daytime temperatures climb well above 30°C. Evenings can be equally hot and humid.

December is high season, so the whole of Kruger gets pretty busy. Head for the northern parts of the reserve where fewer visitors venture if it is solitude you are after. However the north has lesser densities of animals, so for the best game-viewing opportunities, you might consider the private concessions in the park and the private luxury reserves on the Kruger’s western perimeter. These areas provide exclusivity and much less crowded game viewing.

Many baby animals are born this time of year to coincide with the abundance of water and food sources. This makes for special sightings even though the lush vegetation makes game viewing harder than in winter. The downside is that this is peak season and the park is packed with visitors. Additionally the hot and humid weather might not suit everyone.

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Faqs about kruger national park.

• Travel along the N1 through Polokwane (Pietersburg). Link up with the R524 at Makhado (Louis Trichard) and follow this route for 140km. This will bring you to the gate.
• Allow 5 to 6 hours for the journey to the gate. Pafuri Border Camp is about 70 kilometres from the gate.
• Allow plenty of time for the drive to the camp, especially if you want to take advantage of the game viewing opportunities!
• Safari/bucket showers are common in mobile or tented camps where there is no permanent plumbing. They are an effective yet environmentally friendly way to shower where water is at a premium and provide plenty of hot water to wash comfortably.
• Generally, there is an en-suite private shower stall within your tent with a “rainfall” style shower head at which you can control the water flow. Outside the tent, there is a large waterproof bag or bucket which is filled with about 10 to 15 litres (5 US gallons) of hot water before being raised with a pully/rope system to either connect to the shower pipe or fill a cistern.
• The water is delivered at the ideal temperature so it is best to use it as soon as it arrives. Staff typically fill the showers at a pre-arranged time of day, or you simply need to give them a few minutes notice so they can get it ready.
• Safari lodges have guest rooms similar to a hotel with en-suite bathrooms. They are comfortably furnished with facilities normally associated with a hotel rooms, except your rooms are normally set in beautiful wilderness settings, with nature and wildlife around.
• Tented lodges have rooms which are tents on a platform and with a roof and also have en-suite facilities with showers, flush toilets and hot water. Basically all the amenities of a hotel room, except canvas walls and roof.
• The boutique lodges and camps can be very stylish and smart in terms of design and decor, often with very spacious rooms and even going so far in some cases as having plunge pools for each room.
• Eco-camps and smaller tented camps have insect-proof tents with en-suite facilities including a safari shower and flush toilet.  They give a more authentic safari experience but the tents are comfortably furnished with proper beds and you don’t need to bring your own sleeping bag! The emphasis is usually on having excellent guides and great wildlife viewing away from the crowds. Guests often eat together and people travelling alone usually say that they found the atmosphere friendly and enjoyed meeting other like-minded travellers around the campfire in the evening or at dinner.
• The Adventure Camps are a budget option with guests bringing their own sleeping bags and towels. Accommodation is in small dome tented with a mattress on the floor. Each tent has its own nearby cubicle with a flush toilet, safari shower, and wash basin. The Adventure Camps are suitable only for those who don’t mind “real camping” and can put with some degree of “roughing it”. Apart from the accommodation in simple dome tents, the meals and the guiding are the same standards as the higher quality camps and game drives are in 4x4 safari vehicles. For those on a limited budget, the Adventure Camps are a good alternative to the big tourist lodges and minibus tours for those for whom the safari experience is more important than hotel accommodation.
• Most lodges and hotels will have safes for your valuables either in your room or at the reception.
• The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). There are numerous currency exchange outlets and the main credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex and Diners) are normally accepted everywhere.
• Most petrol stations and toll roads take credit cards, but always have a small amount of cash on you for tips etc. Numerous ATMs can be found in all the big towns.
• Electricity in Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and in most of the continent is 220/240 volts.
• Most safari lodges and camps are not connected to an electrical supply. Solar lighting (backed up by batteries) is common, with many lodges having a generator, which runs part of the day (morning and late evening when guests are out on their activities).
• Lanterns also provide light at night. In many camps running on solar power, you will not be able to use a hairdryer.
• Some areas won’t suit the family and it's also wise to be aware of malaria in others, however, South Africa has a few malaria-free safari locations and there are other safari lodges and bush camps throughout Africa that cater to young children and toddlers, just do the research beforehand.
• Southern Africa is a hot wildlife destination. There is a world of luxury bush camps, lodges and Eco-friendly tourist establishments in the heart of wildlife heaven.

See Kruger National Park in Your Comfort

• Affordable Safaris in the Kruger National Park
• Budget Safari in the Kruger National Park
• Luxury Safari in the Kruger National Park

The Kruger National Park offers a surprising array of mid-range safari options for the traveler who wants to avoid roughing it but is not partial to having the utmost in luxury.

Part of making your visit to the park more affordable lies in how you put your trip together: shave off a spa treatment here and a five-course dinner there, and soon you’re left with most of the luxury but much less of the cost one on your affordable Kruger Safari trip .

Instead of taking a charter flight or shuttle service directly to your lodge, hire a car at the airport and make a road trip out of the journey to the Kruger National Park.

The world’s third largest canyon, the Blyde River Canyon, is en route to the Kruger and certainly worth a visit, not to mention other nearby sites like Sabie’s Waterfall Route and the quaint village of Pilgrim’s Rest.

A great way to enjoy the Kruger National Park is to split your stay between one of the public camps of the park and a lodge within one of the private concession areas. This means you’ll have time to enjoy self-drive safaris in the park, which is a great hands-on game-viewing experience.

Once within the exclusive concession area, a seasoned guide will use their expertise to show you the very best of the African bushveld. As a bonus, these guides are allowed to conduct game drives outside of their concessions into the park’s public areas to give you an optimal chance of spotting elusive species such as the enigmatic leopard.

Several of the private luxury reserves along the unfenced western border of the park, known as the Greater Kruger, contain affordable lodges, guest houses, and tented camps aimed at a mid-range budget. Self-catering is an option in some of the camps and guest houses, many of which you’ll have exclusive use of if you book the whole camp or house.

Stay at these, and you’ll save on some of the over-the-top frills while enjoying treats like guided game drives and walking safaris . Here guides are allowed to track animals off-road and at night – something you are not allowed to do on your own in the public areas of the Kruger.

Practical Information for Affordable Safaris in the Kruger National Park

• Travel in the off-season when both flight and accommodation prices are lower. The winter season (May to September) is less busy in the Kruger yet still excellent for game viewing. Keep an eye out for package deals, as many of the lodges offer free nights and discounted offers.
• Rent an SUV or a 4×4 vehicle , as the added height is helpful for game viewing, especially in the summertime when the grass in the Kruger stands tall. The extra interior space is also welcome on long drives and for luggage storage.
• Several rental companies offer fully kitted vehicles that are camp-ready with rooftop tents, awnings, kitchen setups, chairs, and tables. Larger vehicles also cater to groups or families.
• Staying just outside one of the park’s main gates – in Hazyview, Phalaborwa, or Nelspruit, for instance – and making day trips into the Kruger is often comparatively more affordable.

The Kruger National Park is certainly the most well-suited safari destination for budget-conscious travelers. More than a century of conservation efforts have ensured that the magic of the African bush and its incredible wildlife is accessible to all who visit the Kruger.

Getting to the park is easy – from the nearest international airport, OR Tambo International in Johannesburg, a comfortable drive along the N4 highway will get you there in under five hours. All major car rental companies have counters at the airport offering a comprehensive range of rental options.

One of Kruger’s best features for those on a budget is that you can conduct game drives in your own vehicle. The well-maintained road network (mostly tarred or good gravel) within the park means you don’t need to hire an expensive 4×4 – a regular hatchback or sedan will do the job on your budget Kruger safari tour .

The cost of accommodation usually takes a large chunk out of any travel budget, but luckily the Kruger has a wide range of affordable accommodation options throughout the 19,485km2 (7,523 square mile) park.

The southern regions around Lower Sabie, Skukuza, Berg-en-Dal, and the central regions near Letaba and Satara offer more bang for your buck in terms of facilities and game viewing opportunities.

These regions are also more easily accessible than the far north, meaning that you spend less time traveling to and from your destination and more time experiencing wildlife or leisure time at camp.

Camping is the most affordable accommodation option. The Kruger main camps have ample facilities such as restaurants, swimming pools, and grocery shops that make for a most comfortable stay without breaking the bank.

Traveling in the Kruger on a budget doesn’t necessarily mean you have to camp, as many camps also offer reasonably priced safari tents, chalets, and guesthouses. These are excellent options for groups of friends and families.

While there is no denying that a luxury safari lodge is an experience bar none, there is plenty of benefit in a more hands-on approach. You curate your experience by setting your own schedule, planning daily excursions, and seeing the Kruger the way the locals do.

Travel Tips for Affordable Safaris in the Kruger National Park

• Book accommodation well in advance if you plan on traveling during Easter, the school holidays in late June/early July, or the month of December. The park is at its busiest during these periods.
• Many car rental companies offer camping-ready vehicles that are fully kitted with all equipment needed for setting up a campsite. This is a much more convenient option than sourcing camping gear separately.
• The park offers guided bush walks from all the main camps, which are an exceptional way of experiencing the wildlife of the Kruger. Game drives in open 4×4 vehicles are also on offer and are an excellent way to supplement your own game viewing.
• Several overland and hop-on-hop-off bus tour operators offer all-inclusive travel packages to the Kruger National Park. These tours typically include transport to and from major cities, accommodation (camping) in the park, and game drives.

The Kruger National Park consistently ranks among Africa’s best luxury safari destinations. The private concessions and game reserves here spare no expense when it comes to absolute opulent living in the heart of the African bush.

While the vast expanse of the Kruger National Park public areas is meant to cater to all, you’ll want to head to one of the private concession areas if all-out indulgence is what you’re after.

Here all your needs are taken care of from the moment you set foot in these exclusive sections of the park to the moment you leave. The concessions are set in prime Big Five country and are unfenced, meaning you can experience exceptional game viewing minus the crowds.

The private game reserves on the western perimeter of the Kruger, many of whom share unfenced borders with the park, are arguably a step up from the concession areas. The lodges, luxury tents, and villas are set in the most spectacular environments possible, and the views from your suite or villa are often worth the trip alone.

Most lodges offer personal guides, housekeeping staff, and chefs and customize your stay according to specific needs. Expect private swimming pools, wine cellars, libraries, rooftop viewing areas, five-star spa treatments, therapeutic massages, and wellness centers.

Both the concession lodges and private reserve lodges offer activities not found elsewhere in the park, such as nighttime game drives, off-road tracking of animals, and activities specifically developed for children. Several lodges offer tailor-made experiences that might focus on photography , romantic getaways , birding , and even fine dining.

Speaking of dining, the luxury lodges’ cuisine is world-class with a distinctive African flair. What’s more, meals are often set in spectacular bush settings.

Ever had breakfast while overlooking a waterhole teeming with wildlife? How about high tea under an ancient African acacia tree? You simply must try a lavish five-course dinner prepared by your personal chef with the Milky Way shimmering over an atmospheric lantern-lit banquet.

• Most lodges offer direct air transfers to and from the nearest international airport, OR Tambo, in Johannesburg. However, some lodges offer direct or connecting flights from other popular destinations such as Cape Town , Victoria Falls , Vilanculos , and Mauritius .
• Speak to a dedicated safari expert who’ll curate your Kruger National Park safari , as well as connecting destinations, to your specific needs. There’s no better way to distill the myriad of options in the Greater Kruger to your personal itinerary, budget, family size, and expectations.
• Several lodges offer private and secluded villas for exclusive use. This option caters to the discreet individual, couple, or family by providing personal housekeepers, chefs, and game rangers for your stay.
• A host of personalized activities and excursions in the Greater Kruger and nearby regions can be arranged from your lodge. These include, but are not limited to, helicopter, hot-air balloon, and microlight flights over the stunning Blyde River Canyon, golfing at the world-class Hans Merensky or Leopard Creek Golf Estates, and customized photographic , horseback and birding safaris .

Holiday Styles and Options in Kruger National Park

• Romantic Safari in the Kruger National Park

Picture this: A red sun kisses the horizon as the last rays of daylight bathe the camelthorn trees around you in a warm glow. At the waterhole in front of you, a mother elephant helps her newborn take a mud bath while an elegant giraffe kneels nearby for a drink.

You sip a sundowner and watch as a troop of baboons grooms each other, a pod of hippo snort in the water, and a herd of impala antelope nibble away at an early dinner on a grassy embankment. As the day’s heat fades, a palpable serenity descends on the world, and another glorious African day ends.

This is not just some idyllic scene from a nature documentary; this is daily life in the Kruger National Park.

It’s easy to see why the Kruger National Park is consistently rated as one of the top safari destinations in Africa. The enormous 20000 km2 (7,722 square mile) park is not only home to the famous Big Five (elephant, rhino, cape buffalo, lion, and leopard), but it also boasts an incredibly diverse African savanna biome.

More than 140 species of mammal, including oddities such as the shy aardvark and the fierce honey badger, call it their home, while over 300 species of trees stand proudly scattered across the landscape.

The Kruger National Park is a birder’s paradise , so be sure to pack your binoculars and keep an eye out for a large variety of raptors, vultures, storks, kingfishers, and weavers among the 500-odd species.

Each season brings its own flavor to the Kruger, changing the features of both the landscape and animals, meaning no two visits are alike. Summers are hot, humid, and full of rainfall that drapes the landscape in a lush green grassy cloak. Winters are a dry affair but much cooler and excellent for game viewing.

While wildlife is certainly the main attraction, the Kruger has another major drawcard: its world-class lodgings. Since becoming South Africa’s first official national park in 1926, the Kruger has systematically established a wide range of accommodation options in a dozen main camps, several bushveld camps, private lodges, and four remote satellite camps.

Whether you fancy camping, self-catering cottages, family units, guest houses, luxury lodges, or even your very own private villa, you’ll be spoiled for choice throughout the park.

Besides the accommodation within the Kruger , a host of private game reserves on the park’s western perimeter share unfenced borders with the Kruger, which means you can also experience the park’s abundant wildlife from several exclusive 5-star luxury safari lodges.

Here you’ll enjoy everything from personalized game-viewing experiences and spa treatments to exceptional cuisine and more, all with little to no other visitors.

Ease of access completes the trifecta of Kruger’s best features. The park lies a mere four to six hours from the nearest international airport (OR Tambo in Johannesburg), making travel to and from the reserve a breeze.

You can even travel via a charter flight and cut travel time to under two hours. An extensive network of tar and good gravel roads makes it easy to get around in the park. You won’t need a 4×4 or a GPS to find your way here.

The Kruger National Park is a place that you can visit for a lifetime without ever running out of sensational experiences. Thanks to nearly a century of conservation efforts, Mother Nature’s circle of life remains largely untouched in the reserve. Best of all, you can easily and comfortably observe it without needing a David Livingstone-style expedition.

The Kruger is, without a doubt, a place where the warm heart of Africa still beats strong. Spend enough time here, and you’ll soon find your own heart beating to the same rhythm.

There is something intrinsically romantic about the African savannah, one of the last vestiges on Earth where the majesty of nature so effortlessly inspires a sense of connection. It’s no wonder the Kruger National Park is the quintessential South African safari destination for couples.

The park’s proximity to the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg (only a 5-hour drive away) means that you could arrive in South Africa in the morning and watch the sun set over the African savannah by the end of the day.

All major car rental companies have counters at the airport, and self-driving allows adding other scenic destinations, like the Blyde River Canyon, on the way to the Kruger. Alternatively, scheduled flights to local airports near the Kruger cut travel time significantly.

The budget-conscious traveler might choose to stay at one of the various self-catering chalets, guest houses, or lodges and do self-drive game viewing in a rental vehicle.

However, for the ultimate in privacy and luxury, it’s best to head to one of the dozen-or-so private concession lodges within the Kruger or the collection of private luxury reserves on the western edges of the park.

Here you’ll enjoy opulence to the finest detail. Secluded suites with sensational views, private pools, outdoor rose (or champagne!) baths, and exquisite cuisine set the scene for the best romantic getaway.

Several private game reserves offer treehouse experiences: a night under the stars on a secluded raised platform in the bush. There’s no better way to spend an evening with a loved one, not to mention the fine dining provided by your own personal chef.

Speaking of meals, why not try traditional gourmet cuisine under the open African sky? Various lodges offer a bush banquet set in the open bush framed by lantern light and the Milky Way overhead.

Many couples-orientated packages at the luxury reserves include personal game drives and bush walks with an experienced game ranger who will tailor the experience to your preference, such as photography , birding , or spotting rare species at night.

Spa treatments are a quintessential luxury on any honeymoon, and when you stay at one of the luxury lodges, you can expect the very best. Want to keep active during your stay? Most lodges offer gyms, yoga classes, and wellness centers.

Travel Tips for a Romantic Safari in the Kruger National Park

• Most of the luxury lodges offer all-inclusive packages specifically aimed at couples. Book one of these, and you won’t have to worry about a thing from start to finish. Honeymoon packages that include activities and experiences aimed explicitly at couples are often offered at a discount.
• Combine a trip to the Kruger with a visit to one or more of Southern Africa’s other top attractions like Cape Town , Victoria Falls , and Mauritius . Several lodges and tour operators offer such combo packages.
• Scheduled flights from OR Tambo arrive and depart daily from local airports (Hoedspruit, Nelspruit, Phalaborwa, or Skukuza) near the Kruger, which cut travel time to under 2 hours. From here, a short transfer gets you to your lodge. Several lodges have private airstrips, so direct flights are possible too.

Who is Travelling to Kruger National Park with you?

• Family Safari in the Kruger National Park
• Solo Travel in the Kruger National Park

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.

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.

There is a very particular kind of adventure that comes with solo traveling. It takes you to unimaginable new places, experiences, and people and also affords the opportunity for calm, uninterrupted self-reflection. The vast expanse of the Kruger National Park offers you plenty of both.

Kruger National Park might be one of the wildest places in Africa and home to the biggest land mammals on Earth, but that doesn’t mean that it is out of bounds for the solo traveler. The extensive network of tar and good gravel roads makes getting around a breeze, and a wide selection of accommodations suits every budget .

The myriad of campsites is a great DIY option, while safari tents, chalets, and guest houses offer all the creature comforts (plus the marvel of air conditioning) you’re used to at home.

If you’re looking for a touch of exclusivity and personalized service, take your pick from one of the private concession areas within the park or the multiple five-star luxury lodges that border the Kruger.

In the private concession areas and private game reserves, you’ll arguably get a more personal experience than going solo in the park’s public areas.

Daily game drives with an experienced ranger come as standard at most luxury lodges, birding and photography excursions can be tailored to your preference, and shuttle services to and from airports eliminate the need to rent a vehicle. Last but not least, all meals are taken care of.

The southern and central regions of the Kruger National Park are your best bet for spotting large populations of animals and having access to comfortable accommodation facilities like restaurants, fuel stations, and shops.

If you’re a veteran of solo travel and have the time, then the northern part of the park is much less populated with stunning, unspoiled landscapes.

Travel Tips for Solo Travel in the Kruger National Park

• If you plan on spending multiple days in the reserve and/or plan to move between different camps, you’ll need a vehicle. The roads are superb, so any vehicle will do, but if you’re planning to camp, you may want to consider renting a camper van or kitted-out 4×4.
• A larger rental vehicle like an SUV or 4×4 can aid game viewing since it has a height advantage, especially in the summer when the grass is tall.
• There’s no public transport within the park. If renting a vehicle is not an option, or you prefer not to drive, stay at one of the private lodges in the greater Kruger, where shuttle services and daily game drives are included in your stay.
• Be sure to buy a map of the reserve at the entrance gate or a camp shop. You’ll need it to navigate through the Kruger on your own.
• All the main camps have restaurants with reasonable prices and small shops for self-catering. You can also book guided drives and walks with rangers from here.
• Several overland and hop-on/hop-off tour operators offer multi-day guided trips to the Kruger. Join one of these, and you’ll meet fellow travelers, and your accommodation, meals, and game drives in the park are included.
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Kruger Safari on a Budget: How to Plan the Perfect Self-Drive Trip

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Kruger National Park is the easiest and most affordable safari destination in Africa. This South African park is one of the largest game reserves on the continent with nearly 2 million hectares of diverse wildlife including elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, hippos, giraffe, zebra, wild dogs and much more.

In my last post I compared staying in a lodge on a neighbouring private game reserve with self-driving in Kruger National Park. I recommend doing both (we loved our stays at Umlani and Klaserie Sands lodges), but if you are on a budget, a self-drive safari is the cheapest option.

It’s easy to do, although it’s best to plan in advance as the park is popular with South Africans as well as tourists. This post will tell you everything you need to know to plan your Kruger self-drive safari.

When to Visit Kruger National Park How Long to Visit Renting a Car for a Kruger Self-Drive Safari Kruger Self-Drive Safari Costs Tips for Driving in Kruger National Park Accommodation Options in Kruger National Park Kruger National Park Facilities Which Kruger National Park Rest Camp? How to Book a Kruger National Park Rest Camp Kruger National Park Self-Drive Itineraries What to Pack for a Self-Drive Safari

When to Visit Kruger National Park

You can visit Kruger National Park at any time of year. The most popular time to visit is during the dry, winter months from April to September with warm days (25ºC) and cold nights (9ºC or less). This is the best time for game viewing as the vegetation becomes sparse and animals are forced to the waterholes to drink. It’s the busiest time in the park.

The rainy, summer season is from October until March when temperatures are 30ºC or higher during the day and in the low 20s at night. The vegetation becomes lush and green with the rains and waterholes and rivers swell.

It’s more difficult to see wildlife as animals can be hidden in the long grasses and have no need to go to waterholes. This is the best time of the year for birds and newborn animals (we saw lots of cute baby zebras).

We visited in mid-January because we wanted to combine our trip with two months in Cape Town during the summer (it’s dry on the other side of the country). It didn’t rain all the time, but it was overcast and windy on three of our four days until the sun came out as we were leaving.

We had much better weather a few days previously while staying in private game reserves, so it’s a matter of luck at this time of year. It was hot but our car and the bungalows we stayed in had air conditioning so it wasn’t a problem.

Although we saw many animals, it was challenging at this time of year. On one windy morning drive we saw very little. We had more luck in the private reserves as we were guided by experts, were in a higher safari vehicle and could go off road and get closer to the animals.

I would avoid visiting during South African school holidays as the park gets very busy and accommodation will be booked up.

See this SAN Parks average temperature chart for the temperatures to expect for each season of the year. 

How Long to Visit

If you are only doing a self-drive safari, 3–5 nights is a good amount of time for first timers. Many locals and experienced visitors stay for a week or two. Kruger is huge with over 20 camps to choose from, so there’s plenty to explore.

If you are also staying in a lodge on a neighbouring game reserve, you could add on a self-drive trip from 2–5 nights. Our self-drive trip was three nights after five nights divided between two lodges and this felt ideal.

Renting a Car for a Kruger Self-Drive Safari

Most international flights to South Africa arrive in Johannesburg, which is where we started. After a few days in the city, we returned to the airport to pick up a rental car for our road trip across South Africa .

We booked with Around About Cars who use Tempest in Johannesburg and paid R5508 ($430/£334) for a 36-day rental (we drove all the way to Cape Town).

You can search on Rental Cars or Kayak for the best deals. You’ll need a credit card in the driver’s name for a deposit (ours was R6500). A UK driving licence was fine—an international one wasn’t necessary.

You don’t need a 4WD for Kruger as most of the roads are tarmac. We rented the cheapest compact car.

It’s a 4–5 hour easy drive from Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport to Kruger National Park—the closest gate is Malelane in the south.

We chose to spend two nights at the lovely Hotel Havana Nights in Graskop first (four hours from Johannesburg airport) to explore the beautiful Panorama Route. We then spent five nights in the Timbavati and Klaserie private game reserves before entering Kruger at the Orpen Gate in the centre of the park.

I recommend spending at least one night outside the park so that you can get an early start on your first day in Kruger—Hazyview is another option.

You could also fly to Skukuza Airport, Phalaborwa Airport, Hoedspruit Airport or the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport near Nelspruit (usually the cheapest option) and rent a car locally.

Use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals.

Kruger Self-Drive Safari Costs

Our three-night self-drive safari in Kruger National Park cost US$102/ £80 per person per day. This includes car hire, petrol, accommodation, park fees and food.

We travelled as a couple, stayed in the most expensive bungalows, and ate in restaurants for lunch and dinner.

You could reduce costs to $60 or $70 a day by camping or staying in huts with shared bathrooms and self-catering.

Considering the cheapest lodge I found in a private game reserve (Shindezla) cost R1950 ($152 /£118) per person per night and most cost far more ($250-2000 a night), self-driving is definitely the cheapest way to go on safari in Kruger.

Our biggest expense after accommodation was the Kruger National Park entrance fee of R304 ($24/£18) each per day for international visitors.

I think we would have been better off buying a South African National Parks Wild Card for R3455 per couple which gives you access to all South African parks for a year. As we visited quite a few parks during our three months in the country this would have been good value. You can buy a Wild Card membership online or from some gates.

See my detailed breakdown of our Kruger self-drive costs .

Tips for Driving in Kruger National Park

• Have your passport number and accommodation reservation number ready at the gate to fill in the registration form. We didn’t need to show our passport or printed booking as we expected.
• The camps are well-signposted but I highly recommend buying a map. Andy and Lorrain Tinker’s Kruger National Park Guide and Map  is available from the rest camp shops (we bought ours at Orpen when we entered). It was really helpful with maps, suggested drives, and pictures of animals and birds where you can mark off what you’ve seen.
• Driving is on the left in South Africa.
• The speed limit in the National Park is 50km/h, but if you are looking for animals it’s best to drive even slower.
• No driving after dark is allowed.
• Gate and camp opening times vary based on sunrise and sunset. See the times here and make sure you allow plenty of time to get to your camp or gate before sunset. 
• Wildlife viewing is best early in the morning and just before sunset so try to head out when the gates open.
• Stay in your car at all times unless you are at a designated area where you are allowed to get out.
• Look out for cars by the side of the road—there may well be animals to see.
• Take cash as there are only a few ATMs. We could use our credit card at most restaurants and shops and for the entrance fee.
• There are nine gates to Kruger National Park and they don’t all appear on Google Maps. Check the directions before you arrive. 

Accommodation Options in Kruger National Park

You could stay in a town outside the park and do day trips, but the travelling wastes time so I recommend staying in one of the SAN Parks rest camps inside the park which have a number of accommodation options. Prices depend on the camp, season and individual unit (you’ll pay more for a view, for example). This is the cost for two people.

• Camping — You’ll need your own tent. Most sites have power. From R285 ($22/£17).
• Huts – Single bedroom with shared kitchen and bathroom. From R520 ($41/£32).
• Safari tent – Permanent tent, some share a bathroom and kitchen, others are more luxurious. From R580 ($45/£35).
• Bungalow – Single ensuite bedroom, most with a kitchen. Some have perimeter or river views. From R1120 ($87/£68).
• Cottage – A bigger family unit with living room, some with multiple bedrooms. From R2100 ($164/£127) for four people.

We stayed in bungalows, all with air-conditioning, bathroom, kitchen and view. Towels are provided and rooms are cleaned daily. The accommodation is functional and clean but basic and it was quite a step down after the lodges we stayed in.

There are also some privately-run luxury lodges in Kruger National Park, but if you are looking for luxury I recommend staying in a lodge on a neighbouring private reserve instead where you’ll be able to drive off road and get closer to the animals.

Kruger National Park Facilities

Kruger National Park has a good range of facilities and we were impressed by the choice in the shops and restaurants, especially compared to what was on offer in Etosha National Park in Namibia. This may be the only place you can go on safari and stop for a cappuccino or pizza. Although this detracts from the wilderness experience, it was also very convenient.

The main rest camps have a restaurant, shop and petrol station. The most common restaurant is the Mugg & Bean chain which has a range of decent options (vegetarian meals are marked and include salads, soup, toasted sandwiches, wraps, nachos and breakfasts).

Some camps have a handy Mugg & Bean On the Move where you can pick up a coffee, smoothie, sandwich, pastry or one of their giant cakes to take away. Satara has a Debonairs Pizza as well as Mugg & Bean.

You can see a list of restaurants and menus here. 

The shops are better equipped than we expected with some fresh produce, basic supplies, souvenirs and most things you might need. It’s still a good idea to stock up before you enter the park if you are self-catering. All campsites and accommodation units have braais (barbeques). We were too lazy to cook for ourselves so ate snacks for breakfast and at restaurants for every lunch and dinner.

Many camps have swimming pools.

There are only ATMs at Skukuza and Letaba.

WiFi areas are only available at Skukuza and Berg en Dal. All rest camps have good 3G signal, but there’s no coverage between camps.

The smaller bushveld and satellite camps do not have a restaurant or shop.

There are a number of picnic areas between camps with toilets and barbeque facilities and sometimes a shop/cafe.

The main camps offer guided safaris and walks, which you might want to consider if you aren’t also staying in a lodge. The drives are in large vehicles, though, and I didn’t hear particularly good reviews of them.

Which Kruger National Park Rest Camp?

Most visitors stay at a few rest camps to explore different areas of the park. Ideally you’d spend two nights at each camp so that you are not constantly on the move. See the park map above or download a larger map from the SAN Parks website. 

The lower third of the park has the most game but is more crowded with visitors (although that was not a problem for us in low season). The most popular camps here are Lower Sabie and Skukuza.

The middle section of the park includes the Satara camp (known for lions), and Olifants and Letaba, which are known for elephants.

Most visitors don’t make it to the far north of the park. There’s less game here, but it’s good for birding, it’s much quieter, wilder and has more beautiful scenery. Locals we met recommended this area, but it’s not the best place for first-time visitors with limited time who want to see the Big 5. Camps include Shingwedzi and Punda Maria.

In addition to the main rest camps, there are a number of smaller satellite and bush camps that offer more of a wilderness experience. They don’t have a shop or restaurant so you’ll need to cook for yourself.

Our friends at The Road Forks spent a week in various Kruger rest camps driving from north to south and they said:

“If we had to do it over again, I would start at the Phalaborwa gate, spend 1 night at Mopani, 2 nights at Letaba (D32/33), 2 nights at Olifants, and 2 nights at Skukuza. We visited almost all the other rest camps in the park and we liked those four the best. In particular, Letaba and Olifants have amazing views of huge watering holes where all the animals come in, meaning that even after the gates shut in the evening, we could watch the animals at the watering hole.” 

The camps you choose will depend on how long you have, your interests, and availability as many get booked up a year in advance.

We spent one night at Olifants and two nights at Lower Sabie.

Olifants Rest Camp Review

Olifants is located high above a river and we chose a perimeter bungalow with a view. We could see hippos and elephants in the river from our outdoor kitchen/ terrace and from the Mugg & Bean restaurant.

Otherwise our bungalow was disappointing—it had two twin beds and was rather gloomy and outdated. We had an ensuite, air conditioning, and a fridge. Olifants has a pool and fairly well-equipped shop.

On the drive from Satara to Olifants we saw lots of elephants, hippos, big herds of zebra and giraffe, and even a distant lion. We actually saw more in the central area of the park than the south, perhaps because the open savannah areas are better for game viewing during the rainy season.

Lower Sabie Rest Camp Review

Lower Sabie is one of the most popular camps in the park. We chose a perimeter bungalow with ensuite, air conditioning and outdoor kitchen. Although it was similar to our Olifants room, we preferred it as it had a big window where we could enjoy the river view from bed.

We also preferred the Mugg & Bean restaurant at Lower Sabie as it is more open, spacious and all tables have river views—again we saw hippos while we were eating. The shop is similar to the ones at Satara and Olifants, there’s a pool, and we took advantage of the laundry facilities.

Lower Sabie is supposed to be one of the best areas for game viewing, but we didn’t have much luck on our morning drive to Skukuza. This could be because we were there in the rainy season and there were high winds during our drive.

How to Book a Kruger National Park Rest Camp

My biggest advice is to book as far in advance as possible. If you are camping you won’t have as much of a problem, but if you want a bungalow with a view they get booked up quickly.

We booked our accommodation three months ahead and when I checked back a week later all the bungalows in Lower Sabie were gone and only huts and campsites were left.

Here’s how to book your Kruger accommodation:

1) Choose the camps you are interested in

See the section above. Don’t overthink this too much as you can’t go really wrong. Be flexible as your first choice might not be available.

2) Look on the SAN Parks site for availability

Go to the SAN Parks Kruger availability page and either select the camp you are interested in or choose your date and check availability in all camps (a good option if you are booking last minute).

If you select a camp (such as Lower Sabie ) you’ll be taken to a page where you can browse by accommodation type, calendar month, or date.

I found the “Browse by calendar month” option most useful. Click on the accommodation type to see prices, facilities and photos.

The accommodation types are described by codes (BD2, BD3U etc) which can be a little confusing. The number refers to the number of people the room is for (a BD3U can sleep three people), a U means it’s on the perimeter of the camp (more private and may have a view), and V is for the best views. We had a BD2V bungalow at Olifants and a BD2U bungalow at Lower Sabie.

If you click the Accommodation drop down in “Where to Stay” in the toolbar you’ll get an overview of the accommodation options at the camp.

The SAN Parks forum has a useful list of camp maps so you can see where the different rooms are located. 

They also have a list of the best units for each camp . Apparently, you can request particular unit numbers after you have booked but we didn’t do this.

3) Register and book

When you have chosen your accommodation and found an available date, click the “Book & Pay Directly Online” button at the bottom and agree to the terms and conditions. You’ll then need to create an account and continue to the Online Bookings page.

Annoyingly you have to start over again once you are signed in. Choose New Reservation—Accommodation from the menu, select Kruger National Park from the list, and choose your camp and dates. You can then either check out or add more accommodation in a different camp. You’ll need a credit card to make the payment.

I had lots of problems with the website and had to keep trying. You know your booking has gone through when you have a reservation number—you should be sent an email with your reservation letter or you can see it under “Existing Reservations”.

4) Keep checking if you didn’t get the accommodation you wanted

SAN Parks allows you to change your reservation (date or camp) for free, which means that cancellations often come up. If you didn’t get the unit or camp that you wanted, keep checking back. I originally booked a BD2 bungalow at Lower Sabie in the middle of the camp and checked the site every few days for two and a half weeks before a BD2U perimeter bungalow came up.

It was easy to change to a different room—login to the site and select your booking from “Existing Reservations”, then select the new accommodation type from the drop down menu. After it is confirmed you can go back in to pay any extra fees—I had to pay a little extra but it was worth it to us for the view.

Kruger National Park Self-Drive Itineraries

Useful resources for planning your Kruger self-drive itinerary

• Kruger National Park Guide and Map by Andy and Lorrain Tinker is available in park shops and has suggested itineraries.
• Kruger National Park map to download. 
• A list of times to drive between gates and camps going at the speed limit. 
• A more realistic time estimate between gates and camps allowing time for game viewing.

Each camp or picnic stop is spaced about one hour apart or two hours if you stop for sightings on the way. I don’t recommend driving more than three sections in one day (for example Olifants-Satara-Tshokwane-Lower Sabie).

Driving is slow going in the park—you may stop often for sightings, have the road blocked by elephants, or need to detour because of a road closure. You don’t want to risk being on the road after dark (you will be fined and you endanger the wildlife).

You can either drive between gates and camps or if you are staying two nights in one camp, take day drives (early morning and late afternoon are best) from there. Check the sighting maps at the camps to see what has been seen recently. 

Our Tinker guide said that if you only have a day or two in Kruger and want to see the Big 5, drive this route: Skukuza-Berg-en-Dal-Crocodile Bridge-Lower-Sabie-Skukuza.

This was our route:

Day 1: Orpen Gate-Satara-Olifants – 4 hours in the afternoon with a lunch stop at Satara. We saw wildebeest, four elephants, large herds of zebra and giraffe, kudu, and hippos. North of Satara you can see for miles in the wide open plains and meadows of wildflowers and long grasses (in the rainy season). It was pouring with rain by the end of our drive.

Day 2: Olifants-Satara-Tshokwane-Lower Sabie – 6.5 hours with a lunch stop at Satara, toilet break at Tshokwane picnic area and a road closure. It was another rainy day and we didn’t get started until 9.30 am as we were exhausted after all the 5 am starts at lodges. On the road back down to Satara we saw a distant lion peeking its head out of the grass, a hippo, two elephants, and lots of impala, giraffe, wildebeest and zebra.

We got a toasted sandwich to take away at Satara and continued to the Tshokwane picnic area (which has a shop and a decent looking restaurant serving local BBQ food including vegetarian options). Sightings included lots of baboons and the usual zebras, giraffe etc. There were plenty of vervet monkeys on the tables (don’t feed them!).

The direct route to Lower Sabie was closed due to a bridge being down (rainy season problems) so we had to detour towards Skukuza.

A highlight was coming across at least 17 rare wild dogs sleeping by the side of the road. Other sightings included an elephant family, plenty of birds (vultures, bateleur eagle, southern ground hornbill), baboons, hippos, and warthogs.

Day 3: Lower Sabie-Skukuza-Lower Sabie – 4 hours including a toilet break at Skukuza. We left at 5.15am on a very windy morning and disappointingly didn’t see much—baboons, impala, two hippos, a few giraffe (no big herds like around Satara), and one elephant.

This is supposed to be the prime game viewing route in the park but we had more luck in the Satara/Olifants area—probably due to the weather at this time of year and because it’s easier to see animals in the savannah areas.

We could also have done an afternoon drive from Lower Sabie, but we were tired and our morning drive hadn’t been very productive, so we just relaxed and did laundry instead.

Day 4: Lower Sabie-Crocodile Gate – 1.5 hours. We left just after 7 am and the sun finally came out! The landscape becomes more open towards the gate and we saw big herds of impala, giraffe, zebra, and wildebeest. Other sightings included a spotted hyena, vervet monkeys, two elephants, and a hippo.

Our itinerary gave us a good overview of the park and we would have had more luck with viewings in the dry season. If we had had more time we would have started further north and worked our way down.

What to Pack for a Self-Drive Safari

• Comfortable clothes – There’s no need for safari wear as you’ll be inside your car. You’ll need light layers in the summer and a jacket in the winter. As usual, we travelled carry-on only .
• Long trousers and a top in neutral colours plus covered shoes if you plan to do a guided bush walk.
• Insect repellent – We applied deet repellent throughout the day and weren’t bitten.
• Kruger is a malarial area so consider taking malaria pills . We chose not to as the risk seemed low, but do get medical advice before your trip.
• Long lens – I used my mirrorless camera, the Olympus OMD-EM5 and the Olympus 75–300mm lens . It is a much smaller, lighter combo than an SLR with a telephoto lens and I was happy with the results. An even longer lens would have been useful in Kruger as the animals were further away than in the private game reserves.
• Spare camera batteries and memory cards .
• Binoculars – We didn’t have any but often wished we did.
• Head torch/flashlight – It can be dark walking around the camps at night.
• South African power adapter – They use a three-pronged plug that isn’t included in universal adapters.
• Flask – To fill up with coffee for your drives. Especially useful for early morning starts. We bought ours in a supermarket in Graskop outside the park, but the camp shops also sell them. 
• Cool box – We didn’t have one but it would be useful for cold drinks and essential if you are self-catering to keep your food cool on long drives between camps. You can buy them in camp shops or in supermarkets outside the park. 
• Snacks – The park shops have a decent range but you might want to stock up before you enter the park. If you are self-catering it’ll be cheaper and you’ll have more choice (especially of fresh produce) in a supermarket outside the park.
• Don’t forget travel insurance! We’ve used True Traveller for the last six years as they are the best deal we’ve found for UK/EU residents. For everyone else, Heymondo are a well-respected option.

Kruger National Park was a highlight of our South Africa road trip . Self-drive safaris are easy, affordable and give you the opportunity to see a huge variety of wildlife from the comfort of your own car. Hopefully this guide will help you plan your own Kruger self-drive trip—let me know if you have any questions. 

See my comparison of Kruger self-drive vs lodges in private game reserves to choose the safari that’s right for you, my breakdown of our Kruger self-drive costs  to see exactly what we spent, and our South Africa road trip itinerary to explore more of the country. 

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12 Comments

Just came across your blog and loved reading about your time in Kruger. We stayed 5 weeks in Marloth Park, a gated “holiday town” with animals roaming freely around, that borders Kruger near the Crocodile gate. I highly recommend it for long term stays. We had daily exchanges with warthogs, kudo, wildebeests… in our yard, giraffes and zebras grazing by the house, and long days driving through Kruger. With our park pass, we could grocery shop in Malelane and drive home through Kruger. What a trip!

Reply ↓

How wonderful to have so long at Kruger!

Have gone thru your post many times and have made many helpful notes. we are headed to Kruger in October and will spend the entire month in the Park. Starting at Berg en dal and ending up at Shingdwezi Camp. Decided to Add a three night adventure at Hoyo Hoyo. Our last safari 10 years ago wasn’t long enough. So, now that we are retired and have the time, we will move slowly from south to North.

Your blog post has been a great help. Many thanks.

PS. The SA park website is quite frustrating!

Hi! Just wondering how your experience was with around about cars / Tempest? We are about to embark upon a similar trip, and wondered if you had any issues with these companies?

Many thanks :-)

We had no issues with them other than having to pay a cleaning fee at the end, which we didn’t expect. The car was quite a mess though, but if we’d had known we would have cleaned it ourselves.

Did you mention that a lot of people try to visit the area when local kids are in school? I think there is actually a website with this info.

Yes, we looked up South African school holidays before our trip to avoid them.

Such a nice shot of the elephants and the zebra. They are so adorable!!! I am so jealous, I would love to see all the animals roaming freely.

Awesome write-up. Is it possible to take a day trip in from a nearby town?

Yes, you could stay in Hazyview or Nelspruit and either drive yourself or take a day tour into the park. I recommend staying overnight in the park if possible though.

The Southern part of the Kruger is much more game rich, where Lower Sabie is situated. Oliphants are as far North as I would be wanted to stay at. We stayed at Oliphants and enjoyed.

Yes, that’s true although in the rainy season we had more luck in the Satara/Olifants area in the centre of the park. Our local friends love the north for the quiet and scenery but then they probably aren’t as interested in seeing big game.

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Kruger National Park Safaris

The  Kruger Park  is famous for its Big 5 game viewings and nearly 2 million hectares of pristine bushveld. Luxurious lodges are scrattered throughout this vast area, each offering a unique experience in South Africa’s favourite park.

Jock Safari Lodge Safaris

3 day kruger park jock safari lodge.

Embark on a remarkable 3-day adventure at Jock Safari Lodge, immersing yourself in the untamed wilderness of Kruger National Park, where thrilling game drives and luxurious accommodations await.

• Collection from OR Tambo Airport Bus Terminals by 07:00am

4 Day Kruger Park Jock Safari Lodge

Experience the ultimate wildlife adventure with a 4-day stay at Jock Safari Lodge. Encounter the Big Five, indulge in luxurious accommodations, and immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Kruger National Park.

5 Day Kruger Park Jock Safari Lodge

Embark on a remarkable 5 Day safari expedition at Jock Safari Lodge, nestled within the iconic Kruger National Park. Encounter the Big Five, indulge in luxury accommodations, and create lifelong memories in the heart of the African wilderness.

Rhino Post Lodge Safaris

3 day rhino post lodge safari experience.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the wild wonders of South Africa with our exclusive 3-day Rhino Post Safari Lodge package. From the moment you arrive at Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport, we’ll whisk you away on an incredible safari adventure.

4 Day Rhino Post Lodge Safari Experience

Prepare to be transported into a realm where untamed beauty meets luxurious comfort. Your journey begins with collection at a convenient location, followed by a scenic drive to Rhino Post Safari Lodge. Nestled within a private concession, the lodge offers a sanctuary of serenity and elegance.

5 Day Rhino Post Lodge Safari Experience

Welcome to an extraordinary 5-day safari expedition at the esteemed Rhino Post Safari Lodge, nestled within the breathtaking Kruger National Park. Get ready to embark on an immersive journey through the African wilderness, where thrilling encounters and unrivaled luxury await.

Hamiltons Safari Lodge Safaris

3 day hamilton’s tented lodge safaris.

Staying in luxury tented accommodation that exudes ‘Out of Africa’ romance and elegance, you’re promised an outstanding safari experience with morning and afternoon game drives and a magical “sofa safari” from the privacy of your own viewing deck. Hamiltons Tented Camp is situated in pristine bushveld on a 10 000 hectare private concession which is restricted to the exclusive use of safari lodges operating in the concession.

4 Day Hamilton’s Tented Lodge Safari

Hamiltons Tented Camp is an exclusive safari destination located in northern Mpumalanga Province on a 10 000 hectare private concession in the iconic Kruger National Park. It’s named after Colonel Stephenson Hamilton who was instrumental in establishing the national park which is the oldest and largest one in Africa. Hamiltons Tented Camp captures the romance and elegance of the pioneering safari era with its themed ‘Out of Africa’ décor. Luxurious features include antique hip baths, an outdoor shower, dreamy beds draped in breezy mosquito nets, cooling air-conditioning and warm fires in winter as well as Nomadic African spa treatments which you can have in the comfort of your safari tent. Dining at Hamiltons Tented Camp is a decadent affair, complete with fine crystal wine glasses, pewter silver water jugs and elegantly-dressed butlers waiting attentively on you.

5 Day Hamilton’s Tented Lodge Safari

Imbali safari lodge safaris, 3 day imbali lodge safari.

The 3-day Imbali safari tour takes guests to the heart of the Kruger National Park to the Mluwati Concession. Glorious days at Imbali Safari Lodge are spent exploring the vast wilderness region on sunrise and sunset game drives and enjoying hours of relaxation and pampering back at the lodge, as well as a magical “sofa safari” from the privacy of their own viewing deck. The private concessions within the iconic Kruger National Park are areas of land where carefully selected operators have a license to offer all the benefits of a luxury safari lodge on a private reserve. Guests staying at Imbali Lodge are taken on game drives in an open safari vehicle within the private concession and have access to the public roads of Kruger Park.

4 Day Imbali Lodge Safari

The 4-day Imbali safari tour takes guests to the heart of the Kruger National Park to the Mluwati Concession. Imbali Safari Lodge is one of three luxury safari lodges in the private concession and promises guests luxurious accommodation in a spectacular setting and an outstanding safari experience. The private concessions within the iconic Kruger National Park are areas of land where carefully selected operators have a license to offer all the benefits of a luxury safari lodge on a private reserve. Guests staying at Imbali Lodge are taken on game drives in an open safari vehicle within the private concession and have access to the public roads of Kruger Park.

5 Day Imbali Lodge Safari

Imbali Safari Lodge is a splendid 5-star luxury lodge that lies nestled in a grove of ancient Jackalberry and Tamboti trees on the banks of the seasonally-dry N’waswitsontso River in the iconic Kruger National Park. It’s one of three luxury lodges in the Mluwati Concession. The safari operators have exclusive access to the 10 000-hectare private concession and unrestricted access to the public roads of Kruger Park. Each air-conditioned deluxe suite is stylishly decorated in neutral colours with enchanting African touches. Large glass doors open onto a private viewing deck with its own plunge pool.Luxurious features include an ensuite bathroom with stone and marble fittings and a Victorian-style bath and walk-in shower and a massive King-size bed with mosquito netting and quality linen.

Hoyo Hoyo Lodge Safaris​

3 day hoyo hoyo lodge safari.

The private concessions within the iconic Kruger National Park are areas of land where carefully selected operators have a license to offer all the benefits of a luxury safari lodge on a private reserve. Guests staying at Hoyo Hoyo Tsonga Lodge enjoy game drives in an open safari vehicle within the private concession as well as the Kruger Park itself. Glorious days at Hoyo Hoyo Tsonga Lodge are spent exploring the vast wilderness region on sunrise and sunset game drives and enjoying hours of relaxation and pampering back at the lodge, as well as a magical “sofa safari” from the privacy of their own viewing deck.

4 Day Hoyo Hoyo Lodge Safari

The 4-day Hoyo Hoyo safari tour takes guests to the heart of the Kruger National Park to the Mluwati Concession. Hoyo Hoyo Tsonga Lodge is one of three luxury safari lodges in the concession and promises guests luxurious accommodation in a spectacular setting and an outstanding safari experience. The private concessions within the iconic Kruger National Park are areas of land where carefully selected operators have a license to offer all the benefits of a luxury safari lodge on a private reserve. Guests staying at Hoyo Hoyo Tsonga Lodge enjoy game drives in an open safari vehicle within the private concession as well as the Kruger Park itself.

5 Day Hoyo Hoyo Lodge & Sabi Sands Umkumbe Lodge Safari

Enjoy on an extraordinary 5-day, 4-night combo safari through South Africa’s captivating Kruger National Park. Experience the renowned Hoyo Hoyo Lodge, where modern comfort meets traditional African design. Delight in exhilarating open vehicle safari drives, seeking the impressive Big Five and more. Savor delectable meals and embrace the serene atmosphere of the lodge. Continue your adventure at Umkumbe Lodge in Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, renowned for its remarkable wildlife sightings. Immerse yourself in the wilderness and treasure unforgettable moments before concluding your journey in Johannesburg. Prepare for a safari expedition brimming with enchantment and awe-inspiring wonders.

5 Day Hoyo Hoyo Lodge Safari

Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge is a luxury ecotourism destination that’s located in Mluwati Concession in central Kruger National Park. It’s architectural design isinspired by the rich cultural heritage of the local Tsonga tribe and you experience their vibrant lifestyle through its colourful décor elements, unique spa treatments and fascinating storytelling. Guests have exclusive access to the private concession as well as unrestricted access to the public roads in the Kruger Park. Mluwati Concession is one of only a few private concessions in the national park, in a protected wilderness area that’s renowned for its outstanding biodiversity and incredible Big 5 sightings.

6 Day Hoyo Hoyo Lodge & Sabi Sands Umkumbe Lodge Safari

Embark on an extraordinary 6-day safari adventure through Kruger National Park. Begin at the renowned Hoyo Hoyo Lodge, where modern comfort and traditional African design blend seamlessly. Enjoy thrilling open vehicle safari drives, encountering the Big Five and other fascinating wildlife. Indulge in delectable meals and soak in the tranquil ambiance of the lodge. Continue the adventure at Umkumbe Lodge in Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, renowned for its exceptional wildlife sightings. Immerse yourself in the wilderness, capturing unforgettable moments. Conclude your journey in Johannesburg, filled with enchantment and awe-inspiring wonders. This safari expedition promises a remarkable experience in South Africa’s captivating wilderness.

Shishangeni Lodge Safaris​

3 day shishangeni lodge safari.

The lodge can accommodate 44 guests in 22 individual chalets, with units decorated in contemporary style with earthy colours/ Each unit comes fitted with mosquito nets, sports a balcony with a view, en-suite bathrooms, outside shower, air conditioning, telephone, mini-bar a fireplace and seating area. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas.Dinner comprising traditional cuisine is served at the restaurant or around a boma fire under the stars. In addition to the main lodge guests can also book in one of the two additional camps.

4 Day Shishangeni Lodge Safari

The lodge offers big five game viewing, superior service, excellent cuisine, and accommodation in the form of luxury chalets and tents in the Mpanamana Concession. The lodge can accommodate 44 guests in 22 individual chalets, with units decorated in contemporary style with earthy colours/ Each unit comes fitted with mosquito nets, sports a balcony with a view, en-suite bathrooms, outside shower, air conditioning, telephone, mini-bar a fireplace and seating area. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas. Dinner comprising traditional cuisine is served at the restaurant or around a boma fire under the stars. In addition to the main lodge guests can also book in one of the two additional camps.

5 Day Shishangeni Lodge Safari

Take a large shot of African nature, add wildlife and luxury, and stir in some superior service, and you find yourself describing Shisangeni Private Lodge. The lodge is situated in a private concession in the Kruger National Park, with the perennial Crocodile River to the south and Mozambique in the east forming its borders. This is a place where the people love to enchant you with traditional stories around boma fires under an African sky, where you can experience magnificent sunsets, game and predators at the watering hole, early morning or late afternoon game drives with an expert guide and sundowners in the bush, a pampering at the spa, a splash in the pool, with endless photo opportunities.

Camp Shonga Safaris

3 day shonga camp safari.

Together with Shishangeni Private Lodge and Camp Shawu, Camp Shonga forms part of a trio managed by BON Hotels. It is situated in a private concession in the Kruger National Park, with the perennial Crocodile River to the south and Mozambique in the east forming its borders.

4 Day Shonga Camp Safari

Camp Shonga is that small intimate bush retreat that you have dreamt about all your life. Built in pristine bush in the foothills of the Lebombo Mountains, it mainly offers views over the African bushveld.

5 Day Camp Shonga Safari

At Camp Shonga emphasis is placed on guests’ engagement in the environment. Although located in the Big Five terrain of the Kruger National Park, the camp is ideal for the guest that want to experience and gain knowledge about the region and its diverse eco-systems.

Camp Shawu Safaris

3 day camp shawu safari.

Camp Shawu is the epitome of that picture of the ‘real Africa’ painted by famous explorers during colonial times.

The suites are built out of authentic Buffalo dung walls and have decks overlooking the dam where many animals come down to drink during the day. Guests can experience excellent game viewing from the decks of the camp and can go on game viewing drives with expert guides.

4 Day Camp Shawu Safari

It is an adventure camp in a private concession of the Kruger National Park and offers guests a range of activities and elegant accommodation on the edge of the Mpanamana Dam. The camp is named after a famous elephant, ‘Shawu’, who had the longest tusks ever recorded in South Africa and roamed this valley for sixty years.

5 Day Camp Shawu Safari

Camp Shawu is the epitome of that picture of the ‘real Africa’ painted by famous explorers during colonial times. It is an adventure camp in a private concession of the Kruger National Park and offers guests a range of activities and elegant accommodation on the edge of the Mpanamana Dam. The camp is named after a famous elephant, ‘Shawu’, who had the longest tusks ever recorded in South Africa and roamed this valley for sixty years. The suites are built out of authentic Buffalo dung walls and have decks overlooking the dam where many animals come down to drink during the day. Guests can experience excellent game viewing from the decks of the camp and can go on game viewing drives with expert guides.

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Complete Guide to Safari in Kruger National Park, South Africa

A safari in Kruger National Park, South Africa is one of those once-in-lifetime experiences for most people. Renowned the world over for its jaw dropping landscapes, true African experience, and of course, the animals – a safari in Kruger National Park is a must visit for any traveller so South Africa.

I have just returned from the most incredible few days in Kruger National Park. It lived up and exceeded every expectation I had. The animals, the lodge, the game drives, the weather, the true sense of wilderness. It was truly incredible. But I must say, I found it hard to plan.

In the months prior to my Southern Africa adventure, I really struggled with planning a trip to Kruger National Park. Keeping in mind the whole park is the size of some European countries, it’s pretty difficult to know where to start.

It’s a funny thing, because many South Africans living in Johannesburg or Durban will head to Kruger multiple times a year, in the same way a Brit might plan a weekend break to the Cotswolds or the New Forest. They have their favourite lodges or camps, they tend to self-drive and they are fairly self-sufficient. But for Europeans or visitors from the US and the rest of the world, it definitely doesn’t seem that straight forward. Not least because there are some of the world’s most dangerous predators just freely roaming around!

So that’s why I’m writing this guide, in the hope that this will help guide you in your planning process and shape up an epic trip to Kruger National Park. It is aimed at those planning their first safari adventure to Kruger. Feel free to skip ahead to certain sections in the contents box below too, if easier!

Safari in Kruger National Park – Everything you need for planning a trip

Where is kruger national park.

Kruger National Park is located in the north-east of South Africa. Kruger extends nearly 220 miles from north to south, and is about 40 miles wide – a large portion of Kruger actually borders with Mozambique too. It’s around 20,000 sq km in size, and home to more than 200,000 mammals, together with hundreds of variety of birds, reptiles and interesting insects.

When is the time to visit Kruger National Park?

Kruger is an interesting place, as there isn’t really a bad time to go. Each season offers a unique experience, and different pros and cons.

May – September

The South Africa winter months are considered a great time to visit Kruger. This is by far the driest time of the year, which means the vegetation and the bush is less dense, and therefore it’s easier to spot animals. The low rainfall at this time of year means many rivers and waterholes are low or even dry, meaning the few that do have water are likely to have more animals at them. The temperature in the winter is warm during the day, but can be very chilly though the night. This may mean your sunrise or sunset game drives will be freezing!

This is the ‘high season’ and prices at hotels and lodges will be increased.

October – December

This is the South African spring and early summer months, which marks the start of the rainy season. The rivers may still be quite low, but flash rainfall is likely to mean the bush will be very green and quite thick. This makes it harder to spot animals. Daytime temperatures can push up to 40c and nighttime is cooler, but definitely not cold. Spring time is also a great time to see baby animals and newborns.

We went in November and experienced gloriously hot and sunny days, with cool and pleasant evenings. We also experienced an extreme tropical storm one evening that lasted about two hours and was easily some of the heaviest rain I’ve seen in my life.

January – April

Whilst the rest of South Africa is warming up and experiencing long and sunny days, Kruger is experiencing heavy rains. However, the landscape comes alive with stunning colours, from the vivid green of the bush to the deep blue of the rivers and lakes. Prices are lowest for lodges and camps at this time.

How many days to spend at Kruger?

Well, of course this comes down to what you’re looking for and the time you have. Some South Africans actually visit Kruger for two or three weeks at a time with their campervans and enjoy long slow days of animal spotting and braais (aka BBQs).

For most travellers from Europe or the US for example, it’s unlikely you’ll have this long to spare. Nor do you necessarily want to spend this long in a national park – there is such a thing as too much of a good time!

We spent three days in Kruger, which was great but I would have liked one extra day.

The animals are most active early morning and late in the evening, so sunrise and sunset drives are popular. However, this means early rises (in the summer months, this can be as early as 2.45am!) and late returns. As you can imagine, this can become quite exhausting.

Having three or four days for safari in Kruger National Park (or longer), really means you can make the most of the drives but also enjoy some much needed downtime. You’ll be surprised how much wildlife you see just from your poolside or your lodge/tent too!

How to get to Kruger National Park

Choosing the best option for getting to Kruger depends on where you’re coming from, how long you’re spending in Kruger and of course, your budget.

The most expensive and most convenient way is to fly into Kruger. Depending on where your lodge is within the park, it’s likely that one of the three main airports will work for you. These are: Nelspruit (the biggest airport by far), Hoedspruit and the tiny airstrip at Skukuza (my favourite airport ever). The main air route between these is from Johannesburg, however, if you happen to go to Livingstone in Zambia (for Victoria Falls), then you might find the route from here to Nelspruit very convenient!

SAA Airlink (part of South African Airlines) is the main operator.

The least expensive (and slowest way) is to drive from Johannesburg. Google Maps says the drive is around 5-6 hours to Kruger, but some people do find it takes longer. The road conditions aren’t excellent and there are often a lot of dangerous crashes or incidents. However, it does of course afford you a lot of flexibility if you drive yourself. You can also arrange a transfer with a local company,.

Which area in Kruger to visit?

For me, the was one of the hardest things to work out. My dreams of staying in a luxury lodge with a private pool were quickly dashed when I saw the prices. Many of these are located near Skukuza in the southern-central part of Kruger. When I realised there was a very convenient direct flight from Livingstone to Nelspruit, it made most sense to find a location to go in the southern part of Kruger. I spent hours trawling websites to work out where had the best sightings of animals and most reliable weather.

It wasn’t an easy task and I ended up picking an area called Marloth Park, near to the Crocodile Bridge gate entrance. We ended up loving this location and exploring the southern part of Kruger.

The southern region of Kruger is as mentioned, home to Skukuza airport and the Skukuza rest camp. This is the biggest camp in Kruger with a great number of activities and facilities, therefore making it a great base. Game viewing is also considered to be really good in the southern region.

The central region of Kruger is also known for excellent viewing and having several good camps, such as Satara and the beautiful Olifants camp, with its impressive clifftop location.

Up in the northern part of Kruger, game viewing is considered slightly less, but it’s quieter in general and makes for a very relaxing stay.

The other thing to factor is whether to stay in Kruger, or just outside of it. Where possible, I would recommend staying in Kruger or as close as possible to the gates.

For example, if you fly into Nelspruit and opt to stay in one of the towns near here like Hazyview or White River, not only are they a bit industrial and bland, but you’re not really sleeping amongst the wildlife. Instead, an area like Marloth Park is a little further to drive initially from the airport (1 hour), but so much closer to the gate to start your game drives and also, right in the heart of the wildlife.

Kruger National Park really varies from north to south, from weather and wildlife, to flora and fauna.

Whilst it is often acknowledged that the southern portion of Kruger has the best chance of seeing the Big 5, if you visit the northern portion, you can also do the epic Blyde River Canyon drive.

Book a Blyde River Canyon panoramic drive and Kruger visit here

Entrance/exit times for Kruger National Park

Assuming you’re doing your drives with a ranger, you’re unlikely to have to be too concerned about gate entrance opening and closing times. But it’s worth noting that each gate opens just before sunrise and closes around sunset. Whilst they don’t physically lock you inside the park if you’re late to go back to the gate, you can be given a hefty fine.

Night drives cannot be done independently and you have to go in with an official SANpark game ranger.

Entry fees for Kruger

Again, if you do drives in the park with official SANpark game rangers, the entry fees will be included in the cost of your drive.

If you join an independent guide for a drive, or self-drive, you’ll have to pay the Kruger Park entrance fees.

As of January 2020, these are:

International visitors: R400 per adult per day, and R200 per child per day. This is about £20/USD27 per day, or £10/USD14 per day.

South African Citizens and Residents (must take ID): R100 per adult, per day and R50 per child per day.

You can buy these at the gate by visiting the small adjacent hut and filling in some forms. The SANParks site here has further information on entry fees and other formalities.

As you can see, a safari in Kruger National Park can add up over several days – but it is so worth it!

Public Game Reserves vs Public Game Reserves

Kruger is a national park, run by government organisation SANparks. Animals are completely wild and run freely in Kruger.

A private game reserve is located on land owned privately, and often have fenced boundaries. The private reserves have all the same animals, but they’ve been brought into the area. The numbers of animals in a private reserve are typically far less, but as the ground surface area is less, you can actually have a higher chance of seeing animals. For example, at Sabi Sands, famous for its close-up leopard sightings, you may actually see less packs or herds of animals moving around. So this definitely comes to personal preference and what you’re looking for. In a private game reserves, all drives are guided, but in Kruger NP it’s both self-driving and guided drives.

When you go to a private game reserve, you’re not technically in Kruger. You’re in the area considered as Greater Kruger National Park, which is the title given to all the reserves adjacent to the national park, as well as the ones within.

Private game reserves often only have high end accommodation lodges, but public game reserves will have a variety to cater to a wider range of visitors.

Deciding Where to Stay in Kruger National Park

Generally, there are main accommodation types to choose from:

• SANpark owned and run ‘rest camps’ within the park
• High-end private lodges within the park
• Hotels located near to the entry gates (or further afield)

These are the government run camping grounds located with fenced off areas within Kruger Park. These are popular with South African families, groups or couples looking for a budget-friendly accommodation option in the heart of the action.

I would say less foreign tourists stay in these, partly due to the fact that you’d mostly need your own car to get to them or to arrange a transfer.

One such camp is Lower Sabie Rest Camp , for example. This is one of the bigger rest camps with Kruger, offering camping spots, spaces for caravans and motorhomes, safari tents, and small rondavels (a type of hut), with varying amenities. These range from around £15/$20 from a camping spot, to ensuite cottages/huts for around £120/$160 a night.

There are around 10 or so of these camps throughout Kruger. They all have electricity, a first-aid centre, a supplies shop, braai-ing areas (BBQs) and communal kitchen facilities. There is often a laundromat/laundry and a restaurant and a cafeteria. You might also find a petrol station.

It’s good to know also that many of these cater to disabled tourists too.

You can book stays at official rest camps through the SANparks website here . In the high season, you might want to book your stay well in advance to guarantee it.

High end private lodges

By far the most expensive option, staying in a private lodge is the most luxurious way to stay in Kruger. It is definitely the bucket list-worthy option, for sure!

These lodges give you the full and complete safari experience. Not only are the lodges themselves beautiful, often with thatched roofs and private pools, but you’re also likely to stay on a full board basis. This means three fine meals a day, and your game drives included. You can expect fancy linen and toiletries, air conditioning, butlers, luxury open air showers and even gyms. Some even have beautiful spas too. And with this, you can often expect to pay in excess of £1,000 per night.

I’ve listed some of the best private lodges in Kruger below, all of which are stunning luxury places to stay:

• Lion Sands – Tinga Lodge
• Thornybush Simbambili Lodge
• Inyati Game Lodge
• Leopard Hills Lodge
• Idube Game Reserve

Lodges and hotels outside of Kruger

So the final option is to stay in a far more affordable lodge or hotel outside of Kruger. These are often located near the gates or within a 20-30 minute drive. Then to be on a B&B basis, with lunch, dinner and other activities all arranged as add-ons. These kinds of hotels and lodges generally offer the best value for money, and still a wonderful authentic safari experience.

Here’s a few suggestions:

• Protea Hotel by Marriott Kruger Gate
• Jock Safari Lodge
• Maqueda Lodge
• Grand Kruger Lodge & Spa
• Needles Lodge

Needles Lodge, Marloth Park – Our Experience

After much research and deliberation, we decided upon Needles Lodge located by the southernmost gate of Kruger. This area was called Marloth Park.

Location wise, the lodge was just 1 hour from Nelspruit airport, and around 3 hours from Skukuza airport. From the lodge to the nearest gate (Crocodile Bridge), it was around a 25 minute drive.

Our lodge was absolutely beautiful, like staying at a large family home. Animals such as zebra, ostrich and mongoose just wondered freely through the property, even right on up to edge of the raised dining area.

There was a delightful pool, sunloungers, a telescope, a huge lounge area with a TV, books and boardgames and lots of spaces to relax in. We also loved our room, which was huge with beautiful art and wooden furniture. I couldn’t recommend staying here more, especially for a more affordable stay.

We also found the food to be excellent, and included lunch and dinner in our stay. The team cooked us up some wonderful dishes which we ate alongside our fellow lodgers. Just fantastic!

Check rates for Needles Lodge here

Other facilities in Kruger

Inside the park, there are many services and facilities to help tourists. After all, some people come here for weeks at a time!

Petrol stations: Inside the park, you’ll find several petrol/gas stations. There are also some at the entry gates.

ATM/Banks: There are only a couple of ATMs inside, and mostly at the larger rest camps like Skukuza or Letaba.

Shops: There are many shops throughout the park selling Kruger themed gifts and things like carved animals etc. You can also find braai–ing equipment, food, drinks and essentials like suntan lotion or toiletries inside.

What to wear and what to take to Kruger

Dressing for safari is definitely a thing. If you do any kind of walking safari, you absolutely must dress in sand/khaki colours and your guides probably won’t let you go in any kind of bright colours at all.

If you’re doing guided drives, it matters less what colour you wear as you’re strictly not allowed to get out the jeep. However, I definitely felt more the part wearing my cream, khaki and sand coloured clothes!

For a safari in Kruger National Park, you may need several layers if you’re starting your game drive early in the morning, especially in the winter months (May-September). A large jacket and long trousers, and lighter clothes to peel off to as the temperature rises. For evening game drives (or night drives), you’ll definitely need long sleeves to protect yourself against bugs. The jeeps are opened sided so you are exposed to the elements, and the insects!

Most jeeps or lodges will have warm ponchos or blankets to wrap around yourself too. When the jeep gets going, the wind can really whip up and surprise you with how chilly it can feel!

In terms of other things to take on safari, I’d definitely recommend a good camera with a good zoom if you want to capture good animal shots. iPhones are unlikely to always cut it, especially if the animal is quite far away.

You could bring your own binoculars but your lodge or driver may have these, as well as high beam torches.

Otherwise, you actually don’t need to take too much else!

Malaria and other health risks in Kruger

There is a risk of malaria whilst on safari in Kruger National Park, and it is advisable to take malaria tablets for any length trip. Bite prevention is highly recommend, and most lodges have mosquito nets too. Bring lots of bug spray!

Self-drive or guided game drives?

For most overseas travellers to Kruger, it is most likely you’ll want a guided game drive. This means not only do you not have to worry about the driving part, and can fully focus your energy on spotting wildlife, but you’ll also enjoy the benefit of an experienced and highly knowledgeable guide.

Of course, some people will still prefer to pick up their own hire car and self drive Kruger National Park. If you do this, my top tips for self-driving in Kruger are:

• Arrive to the gate really early, especially on weekends or public holidays as the queues grow quickly
• There are also only so many vehicles permitted per day
• Bring thermos and snacks in the car
• Note on the map your nearest petrol stations, and if you pass one, always fill up, just to be on the safe side
• Ask passing cars about sightings – 99% of people will be keen to help
• Remember to not get out your vehicle unless in designated parking areas
• Stay on the marked roads and don’t exceed 50kmh
• Do not litter – this should be obvious! Bring a litter bag

Booking a safari or game drives in Kruger National Park

As I’ve mentioned above, your lodge will be able to arrange game drives for you. These might be included in your ‘full board’ stay, or you may have an activities booklet to choose these from.

If you’re after something a little more bespoke for your safari in Kruger National Park, then another idea is to contact a local company. There are hundreds to pick from, which again can seem a little daunting. I came across Chasin’ Africa through TripAdvisor and couldn’t recommend the company more.

Not only did the team at Chasin’ Africa completely understand my request (a 7 hour game drive finishing at Skukuza airport and therefore taking our luggage), but it was arranged with such ease. I paid in advance through their payment portal and it was all very straightforward. I spoke to Leanne at Chasin’ Africa and she was happy to answer all of my hundreds of questions too!

We had already decided upon accommodation, but Chasin’ can also help you with this too. You can also check their amazing TripAdvisor reviews here too.

One thing I’d keep in mind when arranging your game drives is that it is definitely better having less people in the jeep. More so than you could expect.

So there you have guide to a safari in Kruger National Park, South Africa.

I think a safari experience at Kruger is truly one of the best experiences to be had. South Africa too is one of the best countries I have ever been to, and if you’re doing a longer trip around the country do check out my other posts. I’ve got a comprehensive guide to the Garden Route and an article detailing the best beaches in SA .

I’ve written Cape Town itineraries , as well as a guide to the  best places to eat in Cape Town , day trips from Cape Town and a complete guide to day trips from Cape Town .

Feel free to drop me a line if you would like any advice or further recommendations for planning your safari in Kruger National Park. If you’ve enjoyed this guide to Kruger, then please do share using the below links!

Wanna see more? Check my Instagram  here , my Facebook  here  or my Twitter  here !

Disclaimer: This visit to Kruger National Park was entirely paid for by myself, and there was no involvement from the tourism board or a hotel. This is an independent guide.

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I have been dying to do a safari in South Africa, this looks incredible. Thank you for sharing

Omg this looks amazing, especially the lodge with the zebra! This is a bucket list item for me – we’re going to do a safari for our honeymoon, although I think we’ll go to the Serengeti rather than Kruger. But Kruger looks really amazing too!

Sounds like this was an amazing experience! I can’t wait to go on safari one day

thanks for sharing! there is so much confusing info out there so this was super helpful!

Thanks for the info. .I am planning for 2 nights in Krugger. .1st I am driving from Johannesburg to Marloth Park and stying there. .2nd day going for full day self drive safari. . and will stay at Crocodile rest camp. .next morning will do sunrise safari (govt.one /Sanparks)and after noon we will head back to blyde river canyon.plz suggest any better plan if required. .or is it right?? Does SANPARKS safari start from only Crocodile rest camps?

Hi Rajdeep, that sounds like a good plan but quite busy for a 2night trip! The SANPARKS organised safaris also start from other rest camps in Kruger though- hope that helps!

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• Game Viewing
• Game Drives

Kruger Park Safaris Game Drives

The formal definition of what to expect when going on safari is a trip into the wild to see animals in their own environment. However; what you really experience when a lion is only a meter away, or the top half of a Giraffe's legs are at eye level when you drive past, is indescribable.

It’s more than just an experience; it’s a thrill of excitement.

While on the game drive it is very important to adhere to the etiquette of the vehicle as this will ensure the safety of yourself and fellow passengers. Try to keep in mind that the threat of humans is still apparent therefore, your behaviour could cause the wildlife to either run off or become aggressive.

Pay attention to the local knowledge of your guide and tracker pointing you in the right direction of good sightings, while providing you with an in-depth knowledge of fauna, flora and the area itself, leaving you with an indescribable feeling of the bush.

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• Payment Options
• About Kruger Park Safaris

GAME DRIVES

• Full Day Game Drive
• Morning Game Drive
• Afternoon Game Drive

WHAT TO EXPECT

We start with an early morning pick-up (05h30 – 06h00) from one of the many Entrance Gates into Kruger National Park. From there we make our way to one of the Camps in Kruger while enjoying the diversity of wildlife the Kruger has on offer.

Here the guests usually have breakfast (before 09h00) which is packed by their Hotel and they have a chance to browse through the shops and get to the bank (Skukuza). After Breakfast we head to a different Camp for lunch. On route we try to show guests as much as possible – our Open Safari Vehicles are all equipped with two-way radios to enhance the experience! Lunchtime also gives guests a chance to stretch their legs and enjoy the splendour of this magnificent place!

After Lunch we make our way back to the Hotel or Gate. This includes a “comfort stop” for the guests on the way at one of the many Camps or Picnic areas inside Kruger. The drop-off time is pre-arranged with the Guide but is subject to Gate-closing time!

WELCOME TO Private Kruger Safaris & B1 Photo Safaris

Welcome kruger park south africa, safari services on offer: ​.

Private Kruger Safaris Overnight Packages

Wildlife Photographic Safari Packages

Day game drives from Hazyview or Skukuza Camp

Local Airport Transfers KMIA or Skukuza Airport

Blyde River Canyon Tours

German-speaking guide is available for all tours on request.

Camera Equipment rentals when going on safari with us.

Choose your private safari service

Private Day Game Drives Safaris from Hazyview or Skukuza Camp

3, 4, 5 to 10 day Tailor Made Safari Packages Stay in Kruger Park

Private Wildlife Photo safari packages Camera & Lens rental service

Panorma Route Tours KMIA & Skukuza Airport private road transfers  

3-4-5 to 14-day private kruger safaris packages.

Tours start from KMIA or Skukuza Airport daily

German-speaking guide is available on request.

Single rates are available 

Private Safari rates do decrease the more guests you have.

Stay inside The Kruger Park for the best game-viewing possible. 

3 Day Private Kruger Park Introduction Safari (Min 2 Guests)

3 Days / 2 Nights Private Tour 

Stay inside Kruger Park Camps

4 Day Private Kruger Park Safari  (Min 2 Guests)

4 Days / 3 Nights Private Tour 

Stay inside Kruger Park Camps Night Drive from the camp

5 Day Private Classic Kruger Park Safari  ( Min 2 Guests)

5 Days / 4 Nights Private Tour 

Stay inside Kruger Park Camps Late Night Drive

Tailor-made and Extended Private Tours 

Explore the whole of Kruger Park South to North and back.

6 to 14 Day Private Northern, Central and Southern Kruger Park Safaris  (Min 2 Guests)

Private Day Game Drives and small group tours.

All our game drives are private so no strangers tagging along. You book the safari vehicle with an experienced guide for your safari in The Kruger National Park Our vehicles can take 1 to 9 guests in comfort same rate as you hire the vehicle and the guide.

Private Vehicle Moning Safari

Half Day Safari 04:45 to 12:30 Depart daily from Hazyview or Skukuza camp Breakfast and Comfort stops 1 to 9 Guests

Half Day Safari  13:30 to 18:30 Depart daily from Hazyview or Skukuza Camp Confort Stop mid afternoon 1 to 9 guests

Private Vehicle Afternoon Safari

Private vehicle full day safari.

Full Day Safari  04:45 to 16:00 Depart Daily from Hazyview or Skukuza Camp  Breakfast, comfort and Lunch stop 1 to 9 Guests

Private Wildlife Photo Safaris in Kruger National Park

All of our photo safaris are private and tailored to your needs. We recommend a 10-day safari for optimal results, but it ultimately depends on your availability.

1 Day Private vehicle photo safari.

B1 Photo Safaris will assist in a great one day photo safari where you will learn tip and tricks from experienced wildlife photogrtaphers. Photographers of all levels are welcome beginners to professionals. One day tours start from Hazyview or Skukuza  1 to 4 Photographers

3 Day Photo Safari in Kruger Park

This introductionary photo safari tour is decinged to help you with your camera settings for wildlife and to help you start a african animal and bird portfolio to share with friends across the world

5 to 10 Day Kruger Park Tailor-made photo safaris

For those that want to see more of the central and southern part of the Kruger Park wildlife these tailor made safaris are just the safari for you.  Stay in different camps and soak in the bushlife.

14 Day South to North Kruger Park Wildlife Photographic Safari

Explore the entire Kruger National Park from Berg-en-dal to Punda Maria and back to Skukuza while staying in private bush camps to experience the breathtaking scenery and animals and birds. Moving around in the Park give you the best oppertunities on different animals to photograph.  

Other Services and Tours

Panorma Route Tours / Blyderiver Canyon visit

KMIA and Skukuza Airport Private Transfers

DSLR Lens & Camera Equipment Rental

Private Vehicle Local Airport Transfers

Local Airport road transfer in closed 4x4 airconditioned vehicle. Skukuza Airport and KMI airport road transfers to lodges and camps in Hazyview, Kruger National Park, Marloth Park and the southern part of Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve.  

Full Day Panorama Route  Highlight Tours from Hazview Graskop Gorge lift Bourke's Luck Potholes Three Rondawels private view point Wonderview Lisbon and Berlin waterfalls.  

Private Vehicle Blyde River Canyon Tours

DSLR Camera and lens hire via African Photographic Services

Canon &

Sony camera equipment for hire when you are on a photo safari with us.

See equipment   

Collection & delivery for a small fee. 

Safari & Tour Services

Experience the natural splendour of Kruger National Park with our private guided safaris. Our top-rated guides and open safari vehicles provide a personalized adventure for you to explore the park's wildlife. Our daily game drives ensure that you get the most out of your visit. In addition, we offer complimentary pick-up services from Hazyview Town and Skukuza Camp for your convenience. Book your safari adventure online now. Visit Kruger Park's African wildlife animals and birds and let us help you create unforgettable memories in the famouse South African Kruger National Park.

Any Questions? WhatsApp us now

SPECIAL RATES  UNTIL 15 December 2023

Daily Game Drives from Hazyview or Skukuza Camp

Private Game Drives Only.

You book the Safari vehicle for your party

Our rates are based on vehicle and guide hire, not per person, and are consistent for groups of 1 to 9 guests. We offer morning, afternoon, and full-day game drives from any accommodation in Hazyview or Skukuza camp, available every day. We happily offer complimentary pick-up service from any lodge in Hazyview Town or Skukuza Camp/Protea Hotel Kruger Gate. Our 9-seater open safari vehicle is accompanied by a seasoned guide, and mineral water is available on the drive. Please note that conservation fees are not included in the rates.

Multi-day safaris overnight tours stay in Kruger National Park Camps

Indulge in the ultimate private safari experience at Kruger National Park, featuring multiple camps and an experienced guide at your disposal throughout the duration of your 2 to 14-day journey. Our customizable safari tours are tailored to suit your preferences, ensuring that you receive a personalized and unforgettable experience. Our team of experts is committed to providing you with a seamless journey, ensuring that your time in Kruger National Park is both enjoyable and informative.

Wildlife Photographic Safaris Overnight in Kruger Park 

We provide photographic safaris that can be completed in a day to capture wildlife. Moreover, we also offer multi-day photographic safaris. If you do not have your photographic equipment, we have camera and lens rentals available. Our photographic safaris are guided by experienced wildlife photographers who double up as guides. Our safari vehicle is equipped with Gimpro Gimbals and bean bags for your comfort. B1 Photo Safaris  is the leading photographic safari service provider.

Private Local Airport Transfers

You can easily arrange private road transfers from either Nelspruit KMIA or Skukuza Airport to your desired local destinations around Hazyview, Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, and Kruger National Park, with complete confidence in the quality of our service.

Camera and Lens Hire

If you're interested in participating in our photo safari, we have Nikon and Canon cameras available for rent. The added bonus is that we will handle all aspects of equipment pickup and delivery from our third-party supplier located in Nelspruit at no cost to you.

To reserve your rental, please book in advance and complete payment prior to equipment pickup and delivery can be arranged at a small fee.

To reserve your rental, please book in advance and complete payment prior to equipment pickup.

Blyde River Canyon Panorama Route Tours

Private Panorama Route Tours are offered from Hazyview Town and include convenient accommodation pick-up. The tour highlights include a visit to the breathtaking Blyde River Canyon, the Three Rondawels Waterfalls, and the stunning Graskop Gorge. Here, you can take a rainforest walk and ascend the 51m glass lift for an unforgettable view. The Blyde River Canyon is not only the greenest canyon in the world but also the third largest.

Private Kruger Park Safaris

PK Safaris offers daily private game drive tours departing from Hazyview and Skukuza Camp. In addition, we provide multi-day safaris that include accommodation at The Kruger National Park's main and bushveld camps. For those interested in wildlife photography, we offer Private Wildlife Photographic safaris ranging from 2 to 14 days. Our safari vehicle is equipped with Gimpro Gimbals and bean bags to enhance your photographic experience, and our experienced guide will assist you in capturing better wildlife photographs. For more information about our tours and safaris, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Reviewed by knudjk2023

16 May 2023

Unforgettable and Adventurous First Safari Our safari experience with Hennie is unforgettable. We were taken care of extremely well from airport pick up/drop off to the safari itself. Hennie is a great guide and shows so much enthusiasm for the animals. He is very dedicated that you get the best experience, that you see the animals you would like to see, and he shares his immense knowledge about the animals and the bush.  

Reviewed by R1351BWchrisl

Experienced the best with the best photograher in South Africa I'm very happy to have discovered PK safaris. They are equipped with everything needed for amateur and professional photography. Every safari is a photo opportunity. It is so important the guides understand how to handle the vehicle for best light, anticipate what the wildlife will do next, and is helpful with both small and large needs.

Reviewed by Marc8823556

Unforgettable day Our safari in Kruger National Park was amazing! Our guide Jurie gave us a lot of information about the animals and nature and was able to answer all of our questions. He was very nice and funny. We had a great day seeing zebras, elephants, buffalo, giraffes and even a leopard, lions and many others.. Thank you for this unforgettable day.

About Private Kruger Safaris

Welcome to Private Kruger Safaris, your ultimate safari experience in the heart of South Africa. Our safaris offer guests the opportunity to explore the awe-inspiring Kruger National Park and witness an incredible array of wildlife in their natural habitats. With our base in Hazyview, we provide unparalleled access and insight into the park's intricate ecosystems. Our day tours are perfect for those who want to experience the park's iconic landscapes and wildlife in a single day. For those seeking a more immersive experience, our extended overnight safaris provide the opportunity to truly connect with nature and gain a deeper understanding of this incredible wilderness. Our overnight and extended safaris are mostly led by experienced guides Hennie and Bernhard Bekker, who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and love for the Kruger National Park with guests. The Kruger National Park is a world-renowned destination for tourists, attracting over 1.4 million visitors annually.

At Private Kruger Safaris, our goal is to ensure that every guest has a truly unforgettable safari experience. Our tours and safaris provide a unique opportunity to witness the park's natural beauty while also learning about conservation efforts and wildlife preservation. Book your safari with Private Kruger Safaris today for an unforgettable adventure in one of the world's most incredible natural wonders.

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• Umbhaba Specials

3 Day Best of Kruger Safari

• Umbhaba Accommodation
• 4 Day Kruger and Panorama Safari
• 5 Day Kruger and Panorama Safari
• Kruger and Panorama
• Group Open Vehicle Safaris
• Full Day Cape Winelands Tour
• Full Day Cape Canopy Tour
• Full Day Walk to Freedom Tour
• Full Day Cape Point & Peninsula Tour

3 Day Best of Kruger Private Safari

• 4 Day Kruger and Panorama Private Safari
• 5 Day Kruger and Panorama Private Safari
• Private Vehicle Full Day Safaris
• Private Vehicle Morning Safaris
• Private Vehicle Afternoon Safaris
• General FAQ’s
• Accommodation Kruger Park
• Image Gallery
• Video Gallery
• Our Open Vehicle
• Kruger National Park News
• Kruger Park Mammal Guide
• Kruger Park Bird Guide
• History of the Kruger Park
• Morning Safaris
• Afternoon Safaris

Full Day Safari

• Full Day Panorama Tour
• Half Day Soweto Tour
• Full Day Soweto Bicycle Tour

Book the Best 3, 4 or 5 Day Kruger Park Safaris and Tours

“Kurt Safari is the # 1 Rated  Kruger National Park Safari Company on Tripadvisor. We specialise in 3, 4 and 5 Day Kruger Park Safari Packages , as well as Day Safaris and Tailor-Made Kruger Safari Trips .

Safaris Depart Johannesburg Every Monday – Wednesday – Saturday

4 Day Best of Kruger Safari

4 day kruger & panorama safari, 5 day kruger & panorama safari.

Private Safaris Depart Daily

Private Full Day Safari

Private morning safari, private afternoon safari.

4 Day Kruger & Panorama Private Safari

5 day kruger & panorama private safari.

3 Day Best of Kruger Budget Safari

4 day best of kruger budget safari, 4 day kruger & panorama budget safari, 5 day kruger & panorama budget safari.

Tailor Made Guided Safaris

Morning Safari

Afternoon safari.

2 Nights Umbhaba Eco Lodge Self-Drive Safari

3 nights umbhaba eco lodge self-drive safari.

Namibia Tours & Safaris

Garden route tours, cape town / johannesburg day tours, trip advisor reviews, for the last 20 years, kurt safari’s experienced kruger guides have been driving both local and international travellers through some of the most exquisite and wildlife-filled areas of the world-famous kruger national park..

Today, we are a highly ranked, and much recommended, TripAdvisor  Kruger National Park safari  company. We have curated an exclusive array of safaris, activities, and tours that promise to give you a wildlife encounter that is nothing less than absolutely extraordinary. We offer some of the very best 3, 4 and 5 Day Kruger Park Safari Packages, as well as an array of Day Safari options. 

A place of untouched African landscapes, the Kruger National Park is a true haven for those seeking adventure in a place that is home to a rich and diverse wildlife and plantlife. It’s a place made for the more adventurous spirit. Have a look at our comprehensive selection of Kruger National Park packages and discover the magic within each expedition.

Our Kruger Park Safaris Depart from Johannesburg Every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday

OUR OFFICE IS THE ROADS, CAMPS AND ATTRACTIONS OF THE MAJESTIC KRUGER NATIONAL PARK. AND OUR PASSION FOR THIS EXCEPTIONAL PLACE HAS MADE KURT SAFARI SOUTH AFRICA’S MOST ESTEEMED KRUGER NATIONAL PARK SAFARIS TOUR OPERATOR

We have a selection of the very best  Kruger National Park Safaris travel packages, each of which have been created for clients who are looking for that real African Safari experience, where a rustic adventure meets first world comfort. Every aspect of our Kruger Park safaris and tours are tailor made to suit a variety of budgets, experiences, and tastes.

Our  Kruger National Park safaris include a range of affordable trips, created just for those travelling on a limited budget, and we also have a selection of Kruger Park tours designed for holiday makers wanting a luxury African vacation. Not only do our guests get to explore the best of the  Kruger National Park , spending their days slowly driving along some of the most famous roads, those well-known for their wildlife population’s, but they also have the option to explore some of the region’s most interesting and beautiful attractions.

In the company of a trained and passionate guides, our guests spend up to 9 hours a day in the Kruger National Park . This is more time than most other companies allow for, and this means our guests have a better chance of seeing the Big 5 and more. We make use of the most comfortable, open-air safari vehicles, giving guests a real bird’s eye view of the wildlife we encounter.

Most of our Kruger Park safaris and tours are conducted in areas of the Southern Kruger, where wildlife populations are abundant. This part of the park is home to the Big 5 – Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard and Rhino – herds of rambling zebras and wildebeest, and more birds than you could imagine. The Kruger National Park has over 148 mammal species, and many of which can be seen in the Southern regions of the park. 

Kurt Safari offers one of the widest varieties of Kruger National Park Safari Packages, from exciting 3, 4, and 5 Day Packages to an epic 8 day Photographic and Birding safaris. Each tour is conducted with professional guides, who are both passionate about the park and knowledgeable about its inhabitants.

To book any of our Kruger Park safaris , you can browse through our website and find the one most suitable for your needs, your expectations and your budget. You can then book directly via our website, pay online and start preparing for your trip. Alternatively, you can contact us and have a chat with one of our knowledgeable consultants.

We are based in the sleepy Lowveld town of Hazyview, which is a 15-minute drive away from the Kruger National Park . Our consultants, guides and management team are predominantly locals who’ve spent a lifetime living in the area. They all have tremendous knowledge about the Kruger National Park and its wild inhabitants and can give you the kind of advice that you won’t find online, which you can use to make your holiday simply unforgettable.

Guests who choose an overnight holiday with Kurt Safari, stay at some of Hazyview’s most incredible private lodges. Just a 15 minute drive from the park, the lodges we use are chosen for their comfort and their high standard of excellence and friendly hospitality. The lodges we choose have Wi-Fi and the booking includes breakfast and dinner. We are also able to block book accommodation. 

Kurt Schultz, the Director of Kurt Safari personally guided Kruger Park safaris for almost 12 years before creating his safari company. Today, the company is rated as one of the leading Kruger Safari operators on TripAdvisor, and all of our packages have been personally curated, after many years of trial, error, and trips in the park. We believe that the Kruger Park safari should be simple but wild, with a focus on quality guiding and safety. We also believe that what can make a market truly special is the added benefits such as secluded but comfortable accommodation, indulgent meals, and the opportunity to have a memorable experience, even if you are travelling on a budget. 

We very much look forward to welcoming you to one of our our favourite places, the Kruger National Park. We hope that you truly enjoy your Kruger Park safari with us.

Read our Complete Guide to the Kruger National Park here

Welcome to kurt safari. here you will find a selection of well-priced kruger park safaris as well as travel information., your adventure begins here.

Kurt Safari Co is one of the Kruger’s leading tour operators, with over 20 years spent welcoming guests from all over the world to experience the ultimate Kruger Park safari.

We have a diverse selection of fantastic Kruger safaris for our clients to choose from. Each safari is carried out in an open safari vehicle and in the company of one of our professional guides, each of whom has years of experience guiding tours through the Kruger. Our safari packages are designed in such a way that you are guaranteed to have a truly unforgettable time in our beautiful country. We know that for many of our guests, a visit to the park is a once in a lifetime adventure and so we try to ensure that our Kruger Park safaris are as entrancing, captivating and as memorable as possible. Our tailor-made safaris as well as our standard safari packages, offer something for everyone. Whether you are looking to spend a single day, 3 days, 4 days or even 5 days in the Kruger, we have the tour for you. We also have shared safaris and private Kruger Park safaris, as well as packages for guests wanting to see the Panorama Route and the Kruger National Park.

Our guests stay in the exclusive Umbhaba Eco Lodge, where they can look forward to a world class experience in their air conditioned en-suite room. Should there be no availability at Umbhaba Eco Lodge during their trip, guests will stay at the equally stunning Sanibonani Lodge in Hazyview.

The Kurt Safari Kruger Experience

A Kurt safari is a laidback experience and our itineraries, as well as all that is included in each tour, will ensure that you are well taken care of and in the best company. 

Our guided tours are well priced and well organised and accommodation is included with each overnight package.

We specialise in small guided group Kruger Park safaris and with our daily departures from Johannesburg to Hazyview, you can arrive in the city in the morning and be enjoying the Kruger in the afternoon! Our Kruger safaris are ideal for both locals and international visitors.

Each safari vehicle is open, giving you ample visibility, allowing you to easily spot animals through the wild vegetation. This visibility makes each safari perfect for budding and experienced photographers looking to capture those one of a kind snaps. If you are in search of a more photographic focused safari, please have a look at our custom photographic safaris.

The Kruger National Park is without a doubt the best place in South Africa to spot the Big 5. The Kruger is home to the Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino, and Cape Buffalo and a day trip to the park can offer enough time to spot these animals and many more. Keep in mind that when visiting the Kruger, you never know what is waiting around the next twist and turn in the road! The Kruger boasts a massively diverse number of wildlife and bird species.

Although we have a wide range of Kruger Park safaris and exciting game drives for our guests to choose from, we are also more than happy to customise a package to fulfil all of your wildest safari daydreams! We always go the extra mile for our guests as we know how truly amazing and memorable a real African safari should be. We are SATSA accredited, which is our guarantee to you that the safari you are paying for will live up to all of your expectations. You can look forward to a safe, well-priced, one of a kind safari. Each of our safaris will meet your expectations for that African experience you seek.

You can view the pricing of our bestselling Kruger Park safaris on our website.

Should you have any questions about our tours kindly get in touch with our helpful Hazyview based team. You can also check out TripAdvisor to see all of our latest reviews.

We look forward to welcoming you to the African continent. You can make your safari booking via our website or by getting in touch with us via email.

Kruger park safaris: must know info.

The majestic Kruger National Park is one of South Africa’s best loved iconic landmarks. Each year the conservation reserve welcomes thousands of guests from all over the world. Embarking on one of the many Kruger Park trips available, or taking a self-drive through the park , is the way that most guests are introduced to the quiet solitude that you will only find when out in the wild. But it is not the quietness that brings guests to the park. It’s the animals.

Booking a Kruger Park safari or a Kruger Day Tour has also never been so easy. A quick look online will present you with a huge number of options, most of which are from top-notch safari companies, such as ours. Why book a safari instead of doing a self-drive? 

We reap the benefits of the wisdom and foresight of those who came before us. The Kruger Park safari is an experience to be remembered and it’s one that is not as costly as you might think.

The Founding of a Legendary Conservation Park

Paul Kruger , the onetime president of the now-defunct Transvaal Republic, made it his mission to have an area of the Transvaal set aside for the conservation of animals. Without his efforts, the animals that we now see roaming the park would have long been erased from the land. Back in 1898, when the park was first founded, hunting was rife and trophies of big game, such as lions and elephants were much sought after by overseas visitors. 

To prevent the local animal life from becoming completely eradicated, the park became a no-hunting zone and to this day remains one of the oldest and biggest areas of conserved land in the world.

The Kruger National Park might have been proclaimed in 1898 , but it was only in 1927 that it was named the Kruger National Park and opened to tourists. Those early days were interesting, to say the least, with tourists literally flying through the park on a train. Not a lot could be easily seen, and the route was one that could not be changed. But this was the safest way for the earliest visitors to see the park. These were the days before the can.

By 1928, the Kruger Park was being steadily run by a board of directors and it was decided that in order to make the park more accessible, overnight accommodation needed to be built. The park’s first rondavels, a round hut style of accommodation that is as synonymous with the park as the Big 5, were built at Skukuza, Pretoriuskop and Satara. As more guests visited the park, more accommodation was added for their benefit while the former accommodation used for rangers was also converted into unique accommodation for guests.

Fees were never exorbitant and so the park became known as the People’s Park; a place where anyone could experience all that the conservation effort had to offer. 

If you have done your research about South Africa, and the Kruger Park in particular, you will know that the summers are exceptionally hot and humid. So you can sympathise with the park’s earliest overnight guests and their struggle to stay cool. 

In fact, staying over in the park, in one of the rondavels, was not a popular choice. Sure it was a novelty, but the heat was as unbearable as the mosquitoes, which could not be kept out. These days, rondavels have fans and some even have air-conditioning.

Kruger Park Flora and Fauna

While animals are what draws people to the park, the flora of the area is just as captivating as the fauna. The plants and trees of the Kruger are really diverse, and different flora can be seen in different areas of the park. The Kruger is divided into 4 distinct areas, each distinguishable based on the flora of the area.

Thorn trees and red bushwillow veld

In the west and more or less centre of the park, just south of the Olifants River, lies the red bushwillow trees as well as acacia (thorn) trees. The area also boasts plenty of marula trees. The acacia trees line the rivers and streams. Along with the Nwatimhiri Bush, the areas along the Sabie River are very dense with vegetation.

Knob thorn and marula veld

In the area south of the Olifants River, and to the east of the park, lies knob thorn and marula veld. This region provides plenty of grazing ground. Red grass and buffalo grass, as well as the knob thorn and marula trees, make this an important region of the park.

Red bushwillow and mopane veld

North of the Olifants River and to the west of the park, the red bushwillow trees and mopane trees mostly make up the vegetation.

Shrub mopane veld

Almost the entire northeastern area of the park is covered with mopane trees.

While these areas have more plants and trees than mentioned above, it is the abundance of these trees and bushes that contribute to the naming of the areas. Each region is exceptionally important for the survival of fauna.

Famous Fauna and the Effort to Conserve

The park is famously home to the Big 5, which consists of the lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. 

These iconic animals are part of the allure of visiting the Kruger, but they are not the only incredible animals to have a home here.

In fact, there are more species in the Kruger than in any other park on the African continent! 

Overall, there are 147 species of animals in the park. Along with numerous predators and large species such as elephants, the park also has a host of antelope such as kudu, impala, nyala, and eland. The Kruger National Park is also home to various endangered as well as rare species, such as the wild dog.

Anti-Poaching Efforts

As the park has many endangered species, efforts to prevent poaching have been underway for many years. Anti-poaching units are equipped with the latest in prevention equipment such as night vision technology and advanced telescopes. Game rangers, the police and the army have been actively involved in the effort to stop poaching and while instances have been reduced, animals are under constant threat.

While elephants are occasionally hunted, it is the savage slaying of our precious rhinos that makes the headlines. Poachers sneak into the Kruger, often when the moon is full, and hunt rhinos for their horns. The horn is worth around $ 66 000 per kilogram and although there is a ban on the trade of the horn in most countries, the ban sadly has little effect.

Those who go on a Kruger Park safari drive are incredibly lucky to see a rhino.

Must Know Kruger National Park Rules

In the beginning, the rules for guests visiting the park were very relaxed and not widely enforced.

But as time has gone by, more rules have been added to the sheet given to guests upon entry. All of the rules are simple to understand and very easy to follow. If this is your first time going to the park, here’s what you need to know:

• Guests are only allowed to drive in the park from sunrise to sunset. Before the evening comes, guests need to be out of the park or they need to be at the rest camp they are booked into. An exception is made when guests embark on a Kruger Park night drive but guests are not allowed to self-drive after dark, so you’ll need to make arrangements and bookings for such an experience.
• Another important rule and one that applies greatly if you are going to be doing a self-drive through the Kruger is the speed limit. There is a strict speed limit in the park ; 50 km on tar roads and 40 km on gravel (dirt) roads.
• It goes without saying, but indeed sometimes needs to be said, that guests are not allowed to leave the safety of their vehicles . There are also those rare cases of guests wanting to touch the animals, which is also forbidden. One of the major park rules is that people must remain in their vehicles.
• Feeding or disturbing the animals is also very much against the rules . Littering goes in this category and it is also forbidden. Because all of the animals are wild, feeding them can do more harm than good. Animals also often mistake litter for feed and end up eating the litter and becoming ill or dying.
• If you will be doing more than a Kruger Park day tour, then there are other rules that you will have to adhere to. Being booked into your camp before 14:00 pm and leaving by 10:00 am the following day is a must.
• Another thing to take into consideration is the noise rule . Camps are generally quiet places. What keeps them quiet is the rule that states that guests must limit noise between the hours of 21:30 pm and 6:30 am. Cell phones are permitted in the camps, but minimal use is encouraged.
• Only safari vehicles and private vehicles are granted access to the parks . Motorbikes are not allowed and roller-skates and skateboards are not permitted.
• All of the rules and regulations are enforced by legislation (the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act of 2003). This means you can be charged or fined for breaking the rules. The rules and regulations are there for the safety of the guests while they can also make the trip more relaxed and enjoyable.

Reputable safari companies always adhere to the rules of the park.

The kruger’s 12 main camps.

There is a laundry list of reasons why you should visit the Kruger National Park.

And one of those reasons is the history and the hospitality you will find in every camp. If anything, the park is one really laid-back place to be. Even the busy main camps, of which there are 12, are in their own bubble, away from the modern world.

Berg-n-Dal is one of the few camps in the park set in a mountainous area and the natural environment and habitat have been well preserved within the camp. The camp has dry riverbeds on the southern and northern borders, along with very large trees. Some of the animals to see near the camp include the wild dog, the klipspringer, and the leopard. If you are staying over in the park, then you’ll be happy to know that there are a number of facilities available along with great accommodation.

Berg-en-Dal is one of the Kruger’s newest camps. The beautiful rocky region in which it has been built often makes it the perfect place to see cats while the camp also has an indigenous rock garden that guests can explore. The camp was originally built in 1984 but just before the camp was opened, it just about completely burned to the ground. Officials scrambled to get the facilities rebuilt, and somehow managed to get everything done in time for the opening.

The camp has been built on top of a prehistoric settlement and the area around the camp is filled with all kinds of examples of ancient life and it has a Bushman Trail which allows guests to view San Bushmen rock art. The bush walk is about 20 minutes and guests will see various ecological and geological sites when viewing the paintings.

There are a few archaeological sites close to the camp and pot shards and bone fragments have been unearthed here. Some of the latest evidence shows that those who lived in the area were from the Iron Age.

The camp is in the southern Kruger, a region of the park that is well-known for its abundant wildlife. The camp has all kinds of accommodation including camping, cottages, guesthouses and bungalows. It also has a big swimming pool, an internet cafe, a conference centre, and picnic areas for day tourists. Not many guided Kruger Park safaris stop here, but those that do enjoy a quieter setting than compared to Skukuza. The Kruger National Park accommodation at Berg-en-Dal is rustic but comfortable and affordable.

Crocodile Bridge

One of the smaller camps in the Kruger National Park, Crocodile Bridge gets its name from the Crocodile River, which flows close to the camp. Game viewing is excellent when you drive the Southern Circle which is near to the camp. In this area, lions are often spotted. Other animals known to prowl the area include kudus, giraffes, spotted hyenas and cheetahs. This camp has been time and again nominated as the best camp in the park.

Situated at the halfway point of the park, a perfect fit between north and south, is Letaba. The name means River of Sand and it is one of the best-known places to spot elephant. While a lot of areas in this sector of the park are already turning into grassland, Letaba is green and lush. And the night erupts with life. When you stay at Letaba, bats, owls, nightjars, frogs and cicadas keep the night alive. But there is more than the nightlife to keep you entertained. The areas surrounding Letaba are known for sightings of elephants and bushbuck.

Lower Sabie

Lower Sabie is situated along the banks of the Sabie River. The camp’s location gives it a laid back, calm atmosphere that guests can really unwind in. The camp is well known for having numerous, massive trees which makes it the ideal place to see leopards. Other animals you can see in the area includes hippo and lion, along with all of the usual antelope. A large number of other animals also visit the river to have a drink of water. At Lower Sabie, you will also have access to fantastic accommodation.

This is one of the camps in the park that is home to plenty of Mopani trees. But the most significant feature of the camp is the massive baobab tree that sits in the centre of the camp. Most of the camp’s vegetation is left to grow naturally. Some of the animals that you can spot in the area include hippo, waterbuck and tsessebe. The camp is on the border of the Pioneer Dam, so seeing animals late in the afternoon and early morning coming for a drink of water is the norm.

Olifants is well-known for the amazing views that it has on offer. The camp is situated high up on a hill, above the Olifants River. The camp is surrounded by viewing platforms, which offer a great way to spot the wildlife roaming near the water below. Some of the animals you can see here include crocodile, lion, elephant and hippo. Along with great accommodation, there is also a great picnic spot for day visitors.

With two satellite camps, Maroela and Tamboti, Orpen is well situated. The camp got its name from the Eileen Orpen who was owner of the land which was donated to the park and became the place where Orpen now is. This grassy area is a great place to spot grazing animals, while the wide open surrounding plans are home to many prides of lions. By night, the air is filled with the sounds of roaring lions, something that you will never forget. Orpen is well known for having a diverse array of wildlife, and some of the animals you will come across include rhino, buffalo, elephant, leopard and lion which make up the Big 5. Other animals include wildebeest and jackals.

Pretoriuskop

Pretoriuskop is a camp nestled between millions of years old outcrops of granite rocks. There are a number of interesting granite boulders in this south-western based camp. But the real attraction here is, of course, wildlife. Pretoriuskop is one of the park’s oldest camps and evidence of its age can be seen in the layout and style of the camp. The animals that are often spotted here include the Sable antelope, Lichtenstein’s Hartebeest, wild dog and kudu. Many people like to stay at this camp because it is quite close to one of the entry points to the park.

Punda Maria

Only those willing to brave the heat are brave enough to stay at Punda Maria during the intense summer months. And even in the midst of winter, this camp can get hot. Punda Maria is found in the north-most part of the park and because of the sandveld habitat, it is home to a number of interesting plants. Punda Maria is often called the botanical garden of the park. When travelling in this region you might come across nyala, wild dog and plenty of zebra herds. The drive is a long one when you are heading north. Often only those who will be spending more than a few days in the park will attempt a stay here.

Some of the first rondavels were built at Satara after more and more guests became interested in spending a night in the park. Today, Satara is a very busy camp and one known for its excellent game viewing opportunities. Satara is in a wooded area and the camp itself is considered to be rustic. If you are an avid bird watcher, this is definitely the place to go. And along with the birds you can see here, there is also a variety of animals such as lion, giraffe, wildebeest and the honey badger.

Another camp located in the northern region of the park, Shingwedzi is known for its wildlife sightings, such as nyala, waterbuck and elephant. To get to the camp, you will need to take the scenic route along the Shingwedzi River. This camp is also one that is considered to still be rustic, with a lot of the conveniences of modern living not found here, a factor that makes staying here a real break away. If it is tranquillity that you are seeking, you’ll find it here. Along with tranquillity, you will also find some interesting birds such as the Giant Eagle Owl and the Green Pigeon.

Of the plants that you can see here, there is Natal Mahogany, mopane scrub, brack thorn, sausage trees, and mustard trees. There is also a lot of bird life in the area.

As a northern camp, Shingwedzi is worlds away from the wet and humid sub-tropical southern areas of the park. Here the vegetation is sparser, which makes seeing wildlife a little easier. The further north you travel, the terrain changes from mountains and hills, to wide open plains and you can imagine cheetahs darting over the grassland. Shingwedzi is not on the day Kruger Park safari destination list because it is further away than most camps, but it is the ideal place to spend a holiday if you are looking for tranquillity.

Shingwedzi is famous for being home to some of the biggest elephants the park has ever seen. The Magnificent Seven once roamed the areas around the camp, and they became famous for having the biggest tusks ever recorded for elephants in the Kruger. An artist who learned of the elephants searched the area to find them and immortalise them in his artwork. Once the art became public, and more people learned about the elephants, guests from all over the world came to see them. The great tuskers lived in the area during the 1070s and 1980s, when the last of the tuskers died. The park has not seen the likes of these elephants again, and today, their tusks can be seen in various camps. The Shingwedzi River runs close to the camp, and it is one of the best places in the area to spot all kinds of wildlife. When the river comes down in flood, even more animals can be seen. Beyond the river lies an old alluvial plain which has a few trees and little vegetation.

Shingwedzi camp is a modern one with a touch of that rustic appeal that the Kruger has become so well known for. The camp has a restaurant and café, a swimming pool, a shop, a petrol station and a picnic area. For those who want to stay over in the camp, they are really spoiled for choice when it comes to their accommodation options. Shingwedzi has camping spots, huts, bungalows, and more luxury accommodation such as guest cottages and houses. The fixed Kruger National Park accommodation is kitted out beautifully and has fans and/or air conditioning for those intense northern Kruger summers. The camp is laid out perfectly for those wanting privacy while staying in the park and during the day, their Kruger National Park safaris offer unforgettable sightseeing.

Leaving the best for last, we have Skukuza. This camp is the capital of the park and when you are on a Kruger Park safari, this is the camp where you are sure to be stopping off for lunch. The camp is situated along the southern banks of the Sabie River and there are plenty of lookout points here. Guests stopping off for lunch can do so outside in a seating area as well as on benches that look out on the river. The camp is nice and shady, the perfect place to catch your breath, cool off and eat a snack. A few of the animals often spotted in the area include spotted hyena, bush baby and warthog.

Some wildlife comes into the camp, and day visitors enjoying a Kruger Park safari can get really up close to the wildlife. Monkeys and warthogs can be found roaming the camp in search of left over picnic snacks. Guests should be warned, however, as the monkeys can get very brazen and end up stealing food from your table or even your hand. Skukuza means “He who sweeps clean”, and it is named in honour of one of the camp’s most famous and beloved wardens, James Stevenson-Hamilton. The camp was originally called Sabie Bridge Camp, but upon the 30th anniversary of James Stevenson-Hamilton working in the park, it was renamed.

Serving as the camp’s administrative headquarters while also being the one place where all day visitors converge, Skukuza has a long and important history. As the “Capital City” of the Kruger National Park, all of the day to day administration and management of the park is done here. Well away from the prying eyes of the tourists, the park’s officials work around the clock to ensure that the park is running smoothly. Those who live and work in the park have made their homes in the quiet Skukuza Village, where there is also a school, a few shops and a weather station.

As far as Kruger National Park accommodation goes, there are all kinds of options to choose from. Camping and rondavels remain the most common and the most popular style of accommodation, although the camp does have more luxurious lodgings. There are plenty of things to do in the camp, for both day visitors and those staying over. The most luxury lodgings is the Kruger Shalati Train, which is to be built on the Sabie Bridge in 2019. The camp has a refreshing swimming pool, a golf course, and countless memorials and museums. Be sure to take a look at the dog memorial, which pays homage to the hounds that helped shape the park. You should also see the oldest hut in the Kruger, which is now a museum.

The camp has all kinds of modern conveniences, such as shops, ATMs, a classy restaurant, a café and ablution facilities. Guests staying over can look forward to air conditioned accommodation.

One of the best ways to spend your time in Skukuza, when you are on a day Kruger National Park safari is to set up a picnic while overlooking the Sabie River. You never quite know what you’ll see when you are in the camp.

Most Kruger National Park safaris will end up at Skukuza at some point in the day. We, for instance, enter the camp at around 10 am to give our guests some time to stretch their legs and grab a bite to eat.

In addition to these main camps, there are also a number of satellite camps, bushveld camps, overnight hides, bush lodges, luxury lodges and campsites.

Select your kruger park safari.

The biggest decision you need to make when planning a trip to the Kruger National Park is deciding what type of safari experience you would like to have. A quick online search brings up all sorts of safari packages, but the only way to narrow down the search is to know more or less what you want to get out of your Kruger National Park safari. It doesn’t help to book a Kruger Park day safari when what you really want is 10 days in the park.

Generally, the more time you spend in the park, the more animals you will see. The Kruger is home to hundreds of different animal species, including the Big 5. And the different regions of the park have unique habitats, meaning where you go in the park will be a deciding factor for what you see.

Kurt Safari offers guests a variety of safari packages, including 3, 4, and 5 day tours of the Kruger National Park as well as morning, afternoon and full day game drives and night drives.

Full and Half Day Safaris

To save time, and particularly if you are on a budget, opting for either a Kruger Park day tour or a half day tour is one of the easier ways to get a taste of the Kruger. Generally, we encourage visitors to spend more than a day in the park, in order to see everything. But when you are limited on either time or money, choosing a day or half a day in the park, can be a great introduction to this magnificent place.

We have Kruger Park Full Day Safaris, Afternoon Safaris , Morning Safaris and tours that combine the best of the Kruger, with a trip to the picturesque Panorama Route. 

Full day private Kruger Park safaris can offer you the best way to see the park, and you have the added benefit of enjoying the sights on your own or in the company of friends and family. We offer private morning and afternoon Kruger Park safaris as well as full day safaris. 

The other option is to have a full day Kruger National Park safari. Again, this private Kruger experience will give you just enough time to spot all sorts of animals. And the more time spent in the park, the more animals you are likely to see. A full day safari is also less likely to leave you feeling rushed. Along with taking you to the best places in the park, there is also the added opportunity that comes with being in the company of an experienced tour guide, who is sure to share a few stories of their time in the park.

Visiting the park during the morning or afternoon is often considered to be the best times, as the heat is not intense and the animals are likely to be grazing. During the peak heat times of the day, animals tend to seek out shade, leaving guests with a disappointing drive.

We depart on our safaris in the early morning and later afternoon, when the heat of the day has either not yet arrived or has cooled off, as these remain the best times of the day to see animals. Each of our Kruger Park Safari prices are affordable, and each will take you into the parts of the park best known for wildlife sightings.

Private 3, 4 and 5 day Kruger Park Budget Safaris

Within our selection of safari packages, we have something for every type of traveller, including those travelling as part of a small group. For these guests, we have created the 3, 4 and 5 day Kruger National Park safaris. Our tours are designed to include sophisticated,comfortable accommodation. 

• The 3 day Kruger Park safari 

This tour includes 3 days and 2 nights. The days are spent on safari, while in the evening you will return to the beautiful Umbhaba Eco Lodge or an equally upmarket nearby lodge should Umbhaba lack capacity. Breakfast and dinner are included as well as your transfers. Along with days spent on safari, this tour package also includes a Kruger Park night drive. With the 3 day Kruger Park safari , you will certainly have plenty to see, especially as we travel to those areas best known for animal sightings.

• The 4 day Kruger Park safari 

Much like the 3-day package, your evenings will be spent at either Umbhaba Eco Lodge or a similar nearby lodge. This package includes 4 days and 3 nights in the wild, with your days being spent on safari. The ideal tour package to give you ample time in the park, you are sure to see numerous animals while you are on this safari.

• The 5 day Kruger Park safari 

Finally, the last budget safari that we have available is the 5 day Kruger Park safari. While this package is similar to the 3 and 4-day tours, you will have 5 days in the park . And with this extra time, seeing the Big 5 is very much a possibility. You will be accommodated in either Umbhaba Eco Lodge or another nearby lodge.

The 3, 4 and 5 Kruger Park Classic Safaris

If you are looking to have a truly relaxing safari experience, and you are not so tightly constrained by your budget, the 3, 4 or 5 day classic Kruger Park safaris are a must. Stylish accommodation in a 4 star hotel and just the right amount of time spent in the park, when you sign up for one of our classic safaris, you will be in for a treat.

• The 3 day classic Kruger National Park Safari

Heading out early in the morning and late in the afternoon for a real Kruger experience, the 3 day classic safari is as comfortable as it is exciting. Your guide will be taking you to some of the best areas in the park, spending the day on the dusty Kruger roads looking for the Big 5 and all the other interesting park inhabitants. We offer guests transfers from Johannesburg and for the next 3 days you can sit back while we drive you through the Southern regions of the park. Breakfast and dinner are included.

• The 4 day classic Kruger National Park Safari

With 4 days and 3 nights included as a part of this tour package, you will have plenty of time to relax and enjoy your Kruger trip. The day starts early with an exciting Kruger Park tour, while the afternoons are for relaxing until late afternoon, when guests go on another game drive. This tour package also includes a night drive, something that everyone should experience at least once in their lives.

• The 5 day classic Kruger National Park Safari

The more time you spend in the park, the more opportunity you will have to see the Big 5. The 5 day classic Kruger National Park safari is a must for anyone who wants to take their time and have a truly memorable holiday. You will be accommodated in 4 star lodgings and breakfast and dinners are included. Much of this tour package is similar to the 3 and 4 day classic safaris, although you will have extra time in the park.

The 3, 4 and 5 day Kruger National Park Backpackers Safari

Not at all like the classic safari, and quite different to the budget option, the various Kruger National Park Backpackers safaris are designed for those who enjoy an on the move type of holiday. 

Regardless of the number of days you want to spend in the park, your accommodation will remain the same, as guests opting for the Kruger National Park Backpackers safari will be lodged at the Bushpackers Campsite and Accommodation. This accommodation includes meals and will give you that touch of rustic living that you might be after when visiting the Kruger. This is more than a backpacker’s safari, it is also ideal for students looking for an adventure!

• The 3 day backpackers Kruger National Park safari

With 3 days spent enjoying a safari , and accommodation provided by the Bushpackers Campsite and Accommodation, guests embarking on this safari package are in for a real treat! Days will start off and end with a Kruger Park safari.And as always, we take guests to the more exciting areas of the park, where animal sightings are frequent.

• The 4 day backpackers Kruger National Park safari

Regardless of the package you select, always keep in mind that the more time you spend in the park, the more chances you have of seeing the animals you really want to see. Some guests have truly seen all they wanted to see in the 4 days that they have been on safari. We take guests to the Southern areas, as these are the most populated regions of the park.

• The 5 day backpackers Kruger National Park safari

You cannot go wrong with any 5 day safari . Giving you more than enough time to see many of the park’s inhabitants, anyone embarking on a 5-day safari is in for a once in a lifetime trip. And when opting for the backpacker’s safari, you won’t be breaking the bank. This safari also includes a tour of the Panorama Route.

The Guided Group Open Vehicle Safaris

Experiencing the Kruger National Park in the comfort of an open safari vehicle remains one of the most popular ways to see the park. Guests are up close to nature, and even though you are in an open safari vehicle, you will still be kept safe. With fresh air blowing in your hair, and the unmistakable sounds of Africa filling up the vehicle, seeing the Kruger in an open vehicle will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. And they are also the perfect vehicle for capturing some incredible photographs.

At Kurt Safari, we offer some of the best priced Kruger National Park safaris. With private Kruger National Park tours and Kruger National Park day tours, guests have a number of different options to choose from when they are planning a visit to the park.

Book your tour today.

Why book a kruger national park safari with us.

Affordable World-Class Safaris

With a range of safari options, which include all of the comforts you can expect as well as conservation fees, you can save money by booking one of our exciting Kruger Park safaris.

SATSA Accredited

As a SATSA accredited company, we are dedicated to and bound by the rules and regulations as set out by the South African Tourism Services Association.

Professional Services

From booking your accommodation, to planning your day trips into the Kruger National Park in the company of one of our tour guides, Kurt Safari will do it all for you.

Constant Support

To ensure that your stay in Africa is the best possible experience, we strive to provide our guests with 24/7 support.

We are passionate Africans

We love every part of the African wilderness that we are privileged enough to call home. Our guides, consultants and management team are all locals and we live close to the Kruger National Park.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Kruger National Park

Is a kruger safari the best african safari.

The Kruger National Park is a truly wonderful and famous tourist destination in South Africa. The animal conservancy is world known for its diverse range of animals, biomes and plant life. The park was founded all the way back in May 1926, by the hard working game warden James Stevenson-Hamilton and the late President Paul Kruger. The Kruger National Park came to be after  areas around it and the Sabi Sand Game Reserve merged together to form the Kruger National Park we know today. The Kruger National Park was built with the conservation of animals in the Lowveld in mind.

The Kruger National Park is home to an unbelievable number of animal, plant and bird species. The Kruger National Park hosts some of the largest and fastest animals known in the world. Animals like the African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, White and Black Rhinos and lions are some of the most popular animals in the Park and attract visitors from around the world. The Kruger Park’s location in the Lowveld provide a surprizing amount of different biomes. Each of these different biomes have stunning diversity when it comes to animals and plant life. Guests can find a sandy and dry area that hosts resilient plants, sparser landscape and lesser animals that are adapted to the hot and unique environment, while traveling a distance onwards and encountering a dense savannah bush with lush trees, lots of water and plants.

Because the Kruger National Park is such a sprawling and diverse place, every experience is different. One day guests will be able to see the Big 5 in a few hours while other days they only see zebras and impala and this is why the Kruger Park is such a well loved and visited place, for the random and exiting adventures that await. Safaris in the Kruger National Park are also great ways to experience the wonder and the beauty of the Park as guides can take guests to a variety of unique areas, provide helpful and interesting information, and they can enlighten and enrich the knowledge of the Guests. The guides are all well trained and they are living their passion, and that passion shines through with how well guests are treated on safaris.

Kurt Safari is the No.1 Rated Kruger National Park Safari Company, we offer quality and affordable 3-4-5 Day packages and day safaris with Leading guides. The sheer size coupled with the breath-taking scenery and unbelievable amount of different animal species is very inviting. The Kruger is filled with amazing history and great stories that will entice and entertain people of any age and inclination. Safaris in the Kruger are so memorable that many guests never forget their first ever time, leaving lasting memories of adventure in one of the wildest and most diverse places in South Africa.

With so many ways to explore and experience the Kruger National Park and the ease of applying for a safari, along with the friendliness and helpful ness of the guides, you can never go wrong with a Kruger Park Safari.

Is the Kruger Park Dangerous?

The Kruger National Park is world famous for its amazing animals, stunning scenery, and great history. Thousands of people visit the Kruger Park on a daily basis and want to experience all that the Park has to offer. There are plenty of great sights in the Kruger, from stunning hilltop camps overlooking the river, lookout points near a river or watering hole and even a beautiful clearing next to the road. Guests can interact with animals almost anywhere in the Kruger National Park which means there is always a risk of an altercation, with both animals and people.

Some of the “Big” dangers

One of the animals that can potentially cause problems and cause for concern when travelling in the Kruger Park is the African Elephant. These gentle giants are passive and don’t generally cause any problems unless a calf is present. Elephants have a strong maternal instinct and will protect its calf at all costs. Agitated Elephants can attack out of nowhere but will luckily provide warning before attacking. The Danger comes when you are separating the calf from the mother or when you are backed into a difficult position with little room to move. Luckily, Elephant attacks are not a common occurrence so guests can rest assured. Buffalo herds are more dangerous than an elephant herd as if you antagonize them, they attack without warning. Buffaloes are very social animals and often attack or defend in groups. When the herd is threatened by a vehicle, they will often charge or stampede to or away from the threat, causing complete chaos and providing a serious danger to all involved. Buffaloes have been known to damage cars and kill people.

The Hidden Dangers

Taking a break from the larger dangers in the Kruger, guests also face dangers when on foot in the Kruger. Some of the more hidden dangers guests can encounter when on foot, be it during a bush walk or walking around in the rest camps, are snakes and spiders. The Kruger Park is home to 152 different species of spider that range from the Crab Spider to the Baboon Spider, but out of all these, guests should avoid the Button Spider, Sac Spider and the Violin Spider as they are the three most dangerous species in the Park. Snakes have a tendency to seek shelter in a variety of places, from holes and bushes, to cracks in a wall and inside containers. Snakes are one of the biggest threats a guest can encounter while in a rest camp or bush walk as they are always well hidden and strike without warning when threatened.

The common treat

Some of the residents of the Kruger Park are extremely curious and will often be in closer interaction to humans, one of these residents is the Vervet Monkey. Vervet Monkeys are very clever animals that travel in large troops and are very common near rest camps where trash cans fresh food can be found. Vervets can enter people’s homes and cause havoc and will sometimes lash out and attack people when cornered or injured. Where there is one, there are plenty and many members of a troop can attack, causing a dangerous situation for both parties.

How much does a Kruger Park safari cost?

The Kruger National Park is the most popular tourist attraction in South Africa. The pure size of the reserve paired with the large amount of animal and plant species as well as stunning photography opportunities makes the Kruger a must visit when visiting South Africa. Many visitors to the Kruger National Park are international and are not as knowledgeable to what they can encounter and what they can expect everything to cost while they are staying here.

Your whole safari experience and the cost of it all depends greatly on what you want to do while in the Kruger. Entrance fees to the Kruger National Park vary, depending on where you are from. Guests with a South African ID will pay R200/adult and R50/child, while guests from outside SA will pay R400/adult and R200/child. Everyone international or not must pay conservation fees per day staying in the Kruger, with R400/adult and R200/child.

Guests can easily take part in a self drive safari, which means that guests are responsible for everything the whole safari, driving from place to place and making their own adventure. Self drive safaris are very popular among guests looking to experience the Kruger National Park at their own pace, spending time with family and friends without being on a tight schedule or rush. The Costs regarding a self drive safari are generally the entrance and conservation fees paid at the gate, fuel money, money for food and snacks for the long day ahead and money for souvenirs. Accommodation, should you wish to stay over are paid separately and can sometimes be pricey.

There are plenty of safari companies that can take guests on amazing safaris. There are a large variety of different tours that guests can take that will provide them with different experiences and that will cost differently. Many companies have a 3/4/5 day safari series that allow guests to experience the Kruger National Park in multiple days. Many of these 3/4/5 day safaris range from cheap budget safaris to expensive tours through the park and surrounding areas with meals included. Every safari company is different and its worth doing your homework. For the Guests that are planning on taking a 3/4/5 day safari will see that their accommodation costs are also included into the tour costs allowing guests to focus their minds on the experience and not where they are going to spend the night(s).

A Kruger Safari with a safari company allows guests to experience more of the Kruger National Park, they are driven around by an experienced tour guide that provides them with very interesting information about the park and the animals they will encounter along the way. Guides stay in the loop with animal sightings providing very reliable and exciting tours. Self drives are relaxing and cheaper alternatives to Guided Tours. Guests have the whole day to get where they need to do and make memories along the way with friends and family and isn’t a rushed affair. Newer guests to the Kruger Park are encouraged to take part in a guided tour as they are not always familiar with the landscape and the suurroundings.

Which Kruger Camps are the best?

The Kruger National Park is surrounded in a truly stunning landscape with a large variety of different biomes that house different plant life, climate and animals. The Kruger National Park is a very large conservation reserve and because of its large size, it needs to provide plenty of opportunity for guests to stretch their legs, enjoy some food, cool off and lay down their heads after a long day. The Kruger Park is littered with a variety of unique rest camps, tent camps and lodges to accommodate and meet any person’s expectations.

Luxury Living

There are so many amazing rest camps in the Kruger National Park, each providing something unique that other camps don’t have. If you are looking for central access to the Kruger National Park, great accommodation options, stunning scenery and plenty of amenities like a cinema, library and restaurants, Skukuza is the perfect place to visit. Satara is famous for its location, smack in the middle of Lion territory. Guests are guaranteed to encounter plenty of lion prides while visiting the area and staying at the camp. The Camp has a rustic appeal and isn’t as busy as Skukuza, meaning you will have the luxury of a Modern camp with the peace of a small rest camp.

Home of the Elephants

Elephants are always a huge attraction in the Kruger Park and is one of the most popular animals, which means an area that is known for their amazing elephant sightings will be an immediate hit. Olifants is built on the top of a hill that provides a view that is almost unrivalled. The camp is known for its stunning views and is also the home of Elephants. Olifants is often considered one of the best camps in the Kruger, because of its views, its peacefulness and because it is a hotspot for elephants, providing a truly unique experience as the accommodation options are also top notch.

Secretive and Relaxing

For those who prefer to live a little lighter, there are plenty of rest camps that provide great camping spots. Berg en Dal is one of the larger camps in the Kruger but its location in a hilly area surrounded by dry riverbeds, provides one of the most relaxing and chilled places to stay the night. Some of the best places to set up your tent is near the fences of the camp as you have a front row seat to the beauty of the Kruger and your views aren’t obstructed by buildings and trees. Located close to center of the Kruger Park, Balule is the second smallest camp in the Park. Though it is located close to Satara, many people who want some peace and quiet often flock to Balule. Balule is a satellite camp that has no electricity, with the kitchen run on gas, and has very spacious areas that mean less shade but more places to do stargazing. The camp is frequented by Hyenas and Elephants that patrol the low fence. Guests can truly feel close to nature while staying at Balule Satellite Camp.

Which animals can you see in the Kruger National Park?

The Kruger National Park is home to a large variety of different species of Mammals, Birds and Plants. Since the inception of the Kruger National Park back in May of 1926. Back then, before the founding of the Kruger, the Sabi Sand Reserve already focussed on the conservation of animals of the Lowveld. When the Kruger National Park was founded, it was declared that no animals are to be hunted as they were found on Conservational Ground. The Lowveld is known for a large variety of unique mammal species, many of which can only be found in the Lowveld. The Kruger Park is home to a surprising number of wild cats, the most common of the Kruger Wild Cats are the Lions. Lions are the 2nd largest species of cat in the world and largest in South Africa, only bested by the Tiger. Lions are very social animals that can live in large prides that consist of a dominant male, a number of juvenile males, many lionesses and their cubs. The most popular or sought-after cat is the Leopard , a solitary and secretive hunter that blends in perfectly into the savannah plant life. The Cheetah is the world’s fastest land animal and a true surprise for anyone on a Kruger Park Safari. The Cheetah has an appearance similar to the Leopard but is much less stocky and has smaller spots. The other cat species in the Kruger National Park are lesser known and much rarer than the Lion and Leopard. The Rooikat, Wild Cat , Serval and Caracal are very solitary animals and are much harder to encounter while on safari as many of them are nocturnal hunters.

Antelope make up a majority of the animals that can be encountered in the Kruger National Park and is probably the first animal you will encounter when entering the Park. The most common antelope in the Kruger is the Impala . These social animals can be found in large herds and are often in the vicinity of Zebra and Buffalo herds. Impala are known as the McDonalds of the Kruger as there are so many of them in the park and they are an easy catch for most predators. Some of the famous antelope in the Kruger Park include the Kudu , which is used as the face of the Kruger National Park, and the Eland , the largest species of antelope in the world. These stunning antelope are prized animals on hunting reserves but are luckily safe in confines of the Kruger National Park.

Though not belonging to the same species, the following animals are some of the largest animals in Africa. The African Elephant is the majestic and gentle giant of the Kruger National Park and is well known for its amazing herds and strong maternal instincts. The African Elephant is the largest and heaviest land animal in the world and one of only a few species of elephant in the world. The Black and White Rhinos are some of the most popular animals in the Kruger National Park, but unfortunately due to poaching their numbers have dropped dramatically and there are very few left in the wild. Some of the more common of these giants are the Cape Buffalo and the Blue Wildebeest . These animals are most commonly found near water sources and socializing with Zebra and Impala herds. These animals are mostly passive but can be very dangerous if provoked.

The variety of animals that can be encountered in the park is staggering. Zebras are always fun to see in the Park as they socialize with Impalas and interact uniquely with them. Wild Dogs , though rare are very popular animals and on many people’s wish list during safaris. Hyenas aren’t very common during the daytime but are quite active during the afternoon. You can often hear Hyenas long before you encounter one. Giraffes are great fun to encounter and can sometimes be tricky to spot amongst the trees. They travel in small herds, but you are almost guaranteed to encounter one on you adventure through the Kruger Park.

Which birds can be spotted in the Kruger National Park?

The Kruger National Park is mostly known for their large variety of mammal and reptile species and not many people give much attention to the large variety of bird species and the amazing bird watching opportunities the Park has to offer. The Kruger Park has a diverse and unique variety of bird species. Birdwatching in the Kruger National Park is a very popular activity that provides plenty of great sights and thrills. One of the most iconic and popular birds in the Kruger National Park is the Bateleur Eagle. This beautiful bird can often be seen perching in trees near more sandy parts of the Kruger. The Bateleur is a very sought-after bird by bird watchers and is a true blast to encounter while on a Kruger Park Safari. One of the most common birds you will likely see when stopping at a rest camp is the Greater Blue Eared Starling, that beautiful blue bird that often flies close to people in search of dropped food. The Kruger National Park is actually home to a number of different eagle and hawk species. Some species like the Bat Hawk , Hawk Eagle , Crested Eagle amongst the many. One of the most iconic birds in the Lowveld is the African Fish Eagle. This majestic raptor can more often than not be heard before you spot them circling in the skies. Its iconic whistle has become synonymous with the lowveld is often spotted near bodies of water that can sustain it. Their rather large nests are often seen near watering holes in the trees, with nest sizes averaging 2m in diameter and a meter deep. These birds often have more than one nest that they travel between when food is scarce in an area. A bird that, by many people, has become synonymous with the Kruger National Park is the humble Helmeted or Spotted Guinea Fowl. These little birds can often be seen in small flocks in rest camps, picnic areas and next to the road in the mornings. A common story that is known in the Lowveld is, Guinea Fowls can be eaten but only during months that do not contain an R in them like May, June, July, and August. There is a grouping of birds that were created to mirror the Big 5 of mammals. The big 6 consists of the Kori Bustard, known as the world’s heaviest flying bird, the Martial Eagle, that is strong enough to knock an adult man off his feet, the Leppetfaced Vulture, Africa’s Largest Vulture, The Pel’s Fishing Owl, known as the leopard of the group because of how rare it is, the Saddle-billed Stork, the most colourful of the group and the Southern Ground Hornbill. The Kruger Park also houses some of the more common birds that can be found around the lowveld. Birds like the Hadida, Hammerhead, Hoephoep, Kingfishers, Woodpeckers, and the Piet-my-Vrou are all common and can be found spread out through the park and provide a sense of familiarity for most people.

Explore Southern Africa

From rolling red desert sand dunes that shift in the afternoon breeze, to vibrant, natural green forests brimming with life, Southern Africa is as diverse as it is beautiful.

Those travelling to Southern Africa can enjoy a truly memorable journey to some of the most desired destinations such as Cape Town , the Garden Route and Namibia . Tours are carried out in groups, and in the company of a guide who knows the roads, the best attractions and those secret off the beaten track adventures.

Namibia tours, tours of Cape Town and Garden Route tours all include a slice of history, a dash of discovery and a whole lot of fun! Bring along your hiking boots and good camera, and prepare yourself for an unforgettable trip.

The featured tours include your accommodation, entry fees for the various attractions on the itinerary, comfortable transportation while on tour, and a few added extras. To get a more accurate idea of what to expect, be sure to read through each tour on offer.

With a wide selection of Southern Africa tours available, you can find and book a tour via our website. If you are having difficulty finding the right tour to meet your needs, you can always contact us directly and have a chat with a consultant.

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A true first-timer’s guide to a safari field trip with kids in Kruger National Park

Just a short drive away from the sprawling metropolis of Johannesburg, South Africa, Kruger National Park does an amazing job of making budget-friendly safaris accessible for worldschooling families like ours. So accessible, in fact, that it took us less than a day to go from “Maybe we should go on safari” all the way to setting up our tent!

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Hours: Sunrise to sundown (Changes seasonally) Entry Fee: R440/adult (about $24) per day R220/child (about $12) per day Official Website: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger/

Kruger is located in northeastern South Africa, sharing borders with both Mozambique and Zimbabwe. It is home to a huge variety of wild animals, including all five of the Big 5, various rare and interesting birds, and large herds of smaller game animals. And it’s a super-easy location to visit if you’re interested in doing a self-drive safari.

Self-drive safaris are much cheaper than guided safaris, so discovering that Kruger allows guests to drive themselves instantly meant the difference between being able to afford a safari or not for our family. And since going on a true African safari has been on my family’s list since forever , it meant a trip to Kruger was too good to pass up.

Our overall experience in Kruger National Park

When I first woke up on the Sunday before our safari trip, I had no idea that that very day I would be preparing for a full week of getting up close to some of the most dangerous animals in Africa. Kruger National Park had been on our list of places to consider visiting, but we hadn’t made any real effort to make our trip into a reality.

That all changed when my wife pointed out that she had a relatively open calendar that week and that she wanted to spend some well-deserved time outside. After a few minutes of brain-storming, we realized that we probably wouldn’t get a better chance to visit Kruger, and less than an hour later we were at the store buying a tent!

We ended up spending a total of 5 nights (6 days) inside of Kruger, and almost all of our daylight hours were spent driving the roads between the camps! We saw all 5 of the Big 5, spotted and reported some endangered birds, and even learned a bit about the area’s history.

We had been told that taking at least one guided drive was important if you wanted the best animal sightings, and so we did sign up for 2 guided drives, but our favorite sightings all occurred while we were driving ourselves.

An African safari feels like something that should take a long time to plan and a large budget to pull off, but Kruger National Park surprised us with how easy it was to fit into our time in South Africa,

We decided to do a 5-night stay inside the park, staying at a different rest camp each night. Each day we drove from one camp to the next, doing our best to spot as many animals as we could.

What animals can you find in Kruger National Park?

Kruger is a world-class park for safaris, and many of the African animals that you would want to see on a safari are here.

The animals that most people want to see are, of course, the larger African mammals. Kruger has more than 140 different species of mammal within its park borders, including all five species that make up the Big 5! With that much diversity, it isn’t likely that you’ll see everything in a single trip, but if you keep your eyes out, you’ll be sure to see some amazing things.

What are the Big 5?

The Big 5 are the 5 most dangerous animals to hunt in Africa. They include lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and water buffalo. But while these animals may be dangerous to hunt, you don’t really have to worry about them all that much from the safety of your car.

Lions and leopards are so accustomed to visitors that they will almost entirely ignore your car unless it gets right up close to them, and so long as you give the herbivores space, they will also leave you alone. That said, elephants can cause some pretty serious damage to your car if they want to, so do watch their body language for signs of possible aggression and leave space to back off if needed!

Other mammals in Kruger

Apart from the Big 5, Kruger is home to tons of great animals that make it a great place to do a safari with kids. We saw tons of giraffes, usually side by side with herds of zebra. Impala and other deer-like grazers are extremely common, to the point that you almost get tired of seeing them, and many of the watering holes and rivers host large herds of hippos. If you’re really lucky there are even cheetahs!

Smaller mammals are much harder to spot but are also definitely around. Baboons and Vervet monkeys are common, and can often be seen near the camps. While their antics are cute, they have figured out that people mean food, and Vervets especially will break into campsites in search of things to steal.

Some mammals are harder to spot. We saw two different species of mongoose, a honey badger, and a hare, but missed out on both African Porcupines and Pangolins.

Birds in Kruger National Park

When we decided to go on safari, I didn’t realize how interesting the birds in the park would be. I knew that I wanted to see the big cats and lumbering giants of the savanna, but birdwatching wasn’t on my mind. But from the tiny weaver birds whose nests could be seen everywhere all the way up to the endangered Giant Ground Hornbill, Kruger has tons of fascinating birds for those willing to look for them!

It was the Giant Ground Hornbill that first caught my eye. While we were waiting in line to enter the park, my son pointed at a poster hanging on the wall next to the entry gate. It was a request for guests to report any sightings of the hornbills as a way of helping with conservation efforts. A genuine citizen science opportunity!

Just like that, the Giant Ground Hornbill, which I previously knew nothing about, immediately became the top animal on my must-see list!

We ended up seeing two separate groups of them during our 5 days at Kruger, but that was just the start as far as birds were concerned. We also spotted several species of owl, bateleur eagles, ox peckers, and secretary birds.

Other animals in Kruger Park

While most of the animals that we saw fell into one of the two categories above, there were a few notable exceptions.

On top of everything else, Kruger is home to a wide variety of reptiles as well. The largest of these is the Nile crocodile, which despite its name, can be found throughout much of Africa. We saw tons of these hanging out at the watering holes. Other notable reptiles include chameleons and the leopard tortoise, which can sometimes be seen alongside the road.

Unfortunately, there are also mosquitos in the park. Kruger is in a malaria zone, so be sure to bring some bug repellant for the evenings, just in case!

How much does it cost to visit Kruger National Park with kids?

When you think of going on a week of safari, it seems like the sort of thing that would be expensive, and if you insist on the nicest accommodations and guided game drives, it is. But visiting Kruger with kids doesn’t have to break the bank!

Bottom line, for my family of 4, 6 days and 5 nights in Kruger cost us under $1500 USD in all, including all our food, gear, and gas on top of campground reservations and entrance fees.

That doesn’t include transportation to South Africa or the cost of renting a car, since we were already in the country and we borrowed a friend’s car for the trip. But as far as world-class safaris go, I think that’s pretty economical!

Here’s a breakdown of what those costs looked like, so you can know what to expect:

Of course, if you need to add transportation and a rental car to that, the price does go up a bit, but using a flight aggregator tool like Skyscanner can help you find the best prices on tickets and help drive prices down.

If your are renting your car, something a little higher off the ground is better. The extra height allows you to see animals that might otherwise be hidden in the grass.

If you are also renting a car, keep in mind that something a little higher off the ground is better. The extra height allows you to see animals that might otherwise be hidden in the grass.

To keep flying cost-effective, I highly recommend making the most of your stay in South Africa and seeing some of the other wonderful sights in the country! My family absolutely loved our time in Cape Town, and the Drakensburg Mountains area is beautiful.

Check out my other articles on South Africa to get more inspiration for your next African adventure!

A hidden gem for families visiting South Africa – The Drakensbergs

An Amazing Penguin Adventure With Kids At South Africa’s Boulders Beach

The Desolate Prison Island where Nelson Mandela Spent 18 Years

Table Mountain – Visiting An African World Wonder With Kids

15 Amazing Educational South African Adventures for Worldschooling Families

Should i get a guided safari drive.

If there’s one piece of advice that we’ve received time and time again, it’s that we just had to go on at least one guided drive during our time on safari.

In large part, that’s because the drivers of the park’s vehicles are all in contact with each other and will often know exactly where to go to see the best animals because another driver already told them. They also have a ton of experience spotting animals and may spot something you would have missed.

Both of those reasons are true, but I’m still torn on whether to tell you to get a guide or not.

See also: The Guide to Guides: Should I Get One, or No?

Our family went on two guided drives during our week at Kruger, and we saw some amazing animals on both drives. But we also managed to find equivalent or better sightings while driving on our own. Even for the guides, it comes down to luck, since the animals rarely stay in the same place for long.

When we drove on our own, we were able to go at our own pace and we often drove much slower than the other cars around us. We could choose what to sit and watch, and what to skip because we’d already seen. With the guided drives, they would often hurry past areas where there hadn’t been a sighting in order to get to where lions or elephants had definitely been spotted. That works, but it left me wondering what we might have missed in getting there. We also spent longer looking at some animals than I needed since everybody wanted pictures, and we hurried past other animals that I might have lingered with.

Still, both guided drives were fun. And we saw lions on both of them!

Ultimately, it comes down to your family’s preferences. I’d suggest scheduling at least one for the sake of the experience.

Our family’s 5-day itinerary for Kruger National Park

This was my family’s first outing to Kruger, and we had no idea where to begin. A lot of the blogs where we did our research would name all the different camps as possibilities but gave very little real direction as to which camps would work best for us as a family. Add to that the fact that it’s pretty much impossible to predict where the animals are going to be, and planning a spur-of-the-moment 5-day trip felt pretty intimidating.

What we ended up doing was choosing an entrance to the park at the southern end and moving northward from camp to camp according to the listed site availability on SANParks’ reservations website . Each morning we would start by driving slowly to our next campsite spotting animals along the way. We also booked two guided drives through the same reservations site, which turned out to be as simple as checking a box.

For a first-time safari schedule, it ended up working great!

Here’s where we stayed:

Night 1 – Malelane Satelite Camp

The drive to Kruger took us almost 5 hours from Pretoria, so for our first night, we decided to stay just inside the park’s border at Malelane Satelite Camp. I didn’t know it at the time, but Malelane is significantly different from the other camps that we stayed in, and it ended up being my favorite night in the park!

Camp amenities –

• Campsites with a braai (grill) or air-conditioned huts
• Shared Kitchen facilities with stove, sink, and refrigerator
• Clean restroom facilities with showers
• Camper hookups at each site for power
• Feels like actually camping!

If you do find that you need some supplies, there is a store, a restaurant, and a gas station in the nearby Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp, approximately 10km away (the red marker on the map). Just be sure to be back inside the gate before dark!

For one thing, Malelane is a satellite camp, not a rest camp. That meant there wasn’t a store or a restaurant within the camp’s fence, and it felt exactly like camping should. A fence encircled the entire camp to keep the animals out, so there wasn’t any worry over nocturnal visitors, and I ended up staying up late taking pictures of the stars and listening to the hippos calling up from the river below us.

We didn’t expect much in the way of animals this close to the edge of the park, but we ended up seeing elephants, giraffes, and rhinos all within a few miles of the camp, and we heard that there were several leopard sightings in that same area the day after we left!

Night 2 – Skukuza Rest Camp

On our first full day of safari, our first stop was the Berg-en-dal Rest Camp to the north, for gas before beginning the long, slow drive up to Skukuza Rest Camp.

Skukuza Camp amenities –

• Campsites, huts, Safari tents and more!
• Shared kitchen facilities with a stove and sink
• Restaurants and cafes
• A bank, car hire, library, and museum
• Guided safari drives
• A large store for anything you may have forgotten

We had heard somewhere that the mark of a veteran Kruger visitor is driving your car at speeds of no more than 25 kph, and that worked out pretty well for us. Within the first hour or so of driving, we had already spotted both elephants and rhinos! All of our rhino sightings happened on this leg of our trip, but they came so easily that we didn’t realize they were somewhat rare sightings until later.

We also decided to take the Mlambane loop on our way north, as a way of getting off the main road. That decision led us to our first lion sighting in the park! In fact, a lot of our most interesting sightings happened when we took detours off the main roads. If you have the time and the inclination, definitely take advantage of the loops.

Around mid-morning, we stopped in at the Tindlovu Picnic area (marker 3 above) for a restroom and snack break. There’s no camping at that site, but they do have a cafe and a store, which made it a welcome stop. (Try the rooibos latte!)

Continuing northward, we arrived at Skukuza and set up camp.

Skukuza is the largest of the Rest Camps in Kruger and functions as something of a headquarters for the area. Apart from the campsites, they have a couple of different restaurant options in the camp, a large store where you can get bush meat for grilling, a swimming pool, and a library/museum!

The amenities are definitely nice, but the trade-off is that the campsites felt crowded. There weren’t as many trees for shade, and our site was well away from the camp’s edge, meaning we couldn’t do any evening wildlife watching through the fence. Not my favorite spot.

Skukuza was also where we did the first of our guided drives. We chose to do a nighttime drive with a guide since guests aren’t allowed outside the camps at night except on the guided drives. Our driver knew where a pride of lions was resting, so we started the drive by heading out to see them. After that, it was just trying to spot the glint of eyes in the bush as our spotlights swept the bush. We saw some mongooses, bush babies, buffalo, and hippos, plus our driver managed to spot not one, but two separate chameleons in branches along the road!

Night 3 – Lower Sabie Rest Camp

Our next rest camp destination was the Lower Sabie Rest Camp, located southeast of Skukuza. We left Skukuza earlier than we had left Malelane in hopes of seeing something unique, but while we enjoyed the calm of the morning, we didn’t really find much until later in the morning when we happened upon a crowd of cars near a bridge.

We rolled down the window to ask what they saw, and it turned out to be a leopard! We have friends who went on safari in Kruger for 10 years straight before seeing their first leopard, so we felt pretty lucky to find this one.

Soon after, we arrived at the Lower Sabie Rest Camp and set up our tent.

Lower Sabie Camp amenities –

• Campsites with a braai (grill), safari tents, or guest house accommodations
• Shared Kitchen facilities with stove and sink
• Restaurant, Cafe, and Store
• Beautiful river views

As it was still early in the day, we decided to drive south to Crocodile Bridge and see what we could see. It was a lucky decision because while we were there we met someone who had just spotted a lion right on the road a short drive from there. We followed his directions and got some amazing shots of a young male lion walking down the road!

After that, it was back to camp for some sunset shots of the local giraffes, and dinner looking over the Lower Sabie River. Lower Sabie’s campsites felt almost as cramped as Skukuza’s, but the view from the restaurant was amazing. And since we had waited until sunset to get back, it didn’t much matter that it was cramped because we went straight to bed!

In the morning, we made our coffee, hopped in the car, and set off for Satara.

Night 4 – Satara Rest Camp

While you can spot lions and leopards throughout the park, Satara is the rest camp best known for being in “big cat territory,” so on the drive up we were specifically looking out for new cat sightings. So obviously, this was the section of our trip where we finally spotted the Giant Ground Hornbill.

Ironically, they were not on the ground, but instead were feasting on the fruit in one of the trees. We took pictures the best pictures we could, wrote up the GPS coordinates for reporting, and continued on.

Satara Camp amenities –

• Campsites with a braai (grill), guest houses, or bungalows
• Restaurants and Groceries

Satara is the third-largest rest camp in Kruger, but the since the campsites are located along the outer perimeter, we were able to get a site where we could see the wildlife outside the fence! After setting up, we decided we were tired of snacking on biltong in the car for lunch and went to check out their steakhouse. We ended up splitting a bush meat platter filled with cuts of meat from some of the different grazers you can spot in the park.

While Satara is known as a place for spotting big cats, our family was most impressed with the abundance of elephants in the area. Several times we were able to watch entire herds of elephants crossing the road in front of us, including some absolutely adorable babies!

In the morning, we took our second guided drive of the week. The sunrise drive we were on was the first car out of camp, and almost immediately we spotted lions lounging on the road! We also spotted a couple of hyenas, elephants, buffalos, and tons of grazers, but those lions were definitely the highlight of the drive.

Satara was as far north as we went during our time in the park, though it is only about midway up. So after we finished the guided drive, we packed up and began our trip back toward the gates.

Night 5 – Skukuza Rest Camp

Our final night was spent back in Skukuza, in almost the exact same camping spot as before. But we still had a full day of exploring to do before nightfall, and we decided to seek out the elusive cheetah. We checked out the sighting boards and noticed that a cheetah had been spotted not far from Skukuza at the Albasini ruins.

Other Kruger Camps

• Berg-en-dal
• Crocodile Bridge
• Pretoriuskorp
• Punda Maria

Satellite Camps

Bush Lodges in Kruger

These are even more remote camps that you can reserve.

We never did find that cheetah, but since we were in the area, we did check out the ruins!

Apparently, there was once a trading post there that profited off of trade routes through the area that would become Kruger National Park, and the ruins are the remains of that post’s foundations. But what caught my eye was the map next to the ruins, laying out all the historical sites and markers in the park! You can see that map on Kruger’s website .

Even before it was a national park, the area had a rich history, and there are a ton of interesting historical markers and educational sites to check out if you’re inclined. Apart from the Albasini ruins, we also checked out the Selati Rail Car that has been transformed into a restaurant in Skukuza, the Stevenson-Hamilton Library and Museum, and the southernmost Baobab tree.

Other historical places that caught my eye but that we didn’t visit include San Bushman rock paintings, the Thulamela Iron Age site, and the statue of Jock of the Bushveld!

After checking out the ruins, we headed back to Skukuza for our last night in the park, and in the morning we headed back south to Malelane gate.

My family loves reading stories that are set in the locations we visit, and it turns out the story of Jock of the Bushveld is available for free on Kindle.

Making a Self-Drive Safari into an Experiential Learning Event

Part of the joy of worldschooling with your kids is getting to teach them about the world through utterly engaging experiences like an African Safari. Experiential learning works because kids get to see things firsthand, which helps cement concepts in place.

But while just taking a field trip with your kids already does a great job of teaching them on its own, putting in a little extra effort can really help to drive home important concepts that they may not get through observation alone.

Here are some suggestions!

Animal Studies

Safaris lend themselves incredibly well to doing animal studies since the animals are right there ! Studying different animals can help kids to learn about the amazing amount of biodiversity that exists on earth, and about how animal adaptations help them to thrive in their home environments.

This doesn’t have to look like a book report or a research paper, either. (Though it can!) I like to look up facts about animals while we’re watching them and share them with my kids. Like, did you know that elephants communicate with each other using vocalizations that are so low-pitched that humans can’t hear them all? That lion roars can be heard up to 5 miles away? Or that a hippo’s main food is grass?

Animal studies are great because they’re so easy and interesting!

Just a note here. I love having a cell phone mount that attaches to binoculars or a spotting scope. Some of the animals were far enough back in the bush that our kids had a hard time seeing them, and they probably wouldn’t have except that my phone worked as a viewer for the binoculars so they could see exactly where they were. After that, they could spot them with their own eyes.

These are the binoculars I used and they did a great job helping the kids spot animals. The phone mount worked great with my Pixel 4a.

Teaching about conservation

Conservation is an increasingly important concept in today’s world, especially if we want these animals to continue thriving in the wild. Safaris, and other nature-centric outings, are perfect field trips for helping kids to fall in love with nature and encouraging them to care for their world.

With smaller kids, this can definitely just be talking about how we need to pick up our trash and leave places better than when we found them, but as kids get older it’s important to talk about the larger impacts humans have on the environment and discuss ways of mitigating that.

Doing Citizen Science

Finding and reporting our sightings of the Giant Ground Hornbills was one of my personal highlights of the trip, and hearing my kids tell complete strangers about the process was another.

This wasn’t a planned part of our trip, but I’m so glad we had the opportunity to take part in researching these amazing birds!

Posters for older citizen science opportunities monitoring cheetahs and wild dogs were still hanging at some of the rest camps, so it appears that these opportunities are a semi-regular sort of thing, too.

Go for Cross-Discipline Learning

While animals and the environment are obviously the big winners when considering learning opportunities during a safari, Kruger actually has some other pretty interesting things going for it as well.

Historical markers throughout the park make great leaping-off points for learning about the region’s history. While the museum at Skukuza is small, it has some great information about the indigenous peoples who lived there before Kruger became a park. And there’s a neat display showing off the area’s geology at the Berg-en-dal rest camp as well.

Any of these and more can become great starting points for lessons for inquisitive kids!

The key is to explore as much as possible, and when something sparks your kids’ interest, dive into it with them!

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• Travel Guide
• Self-Drive Safari

Your Kruger Park Self-Drive Safari Guide

Undoubtedly the best way to experience the Kruger Park is to with your own vehicle. A Kruger Park self-drive safari gives you the freedom to plan for your own interests and move at your own pace.

Self-Drive Guides and Maps

A key to enjoying a self-drive safari is to understand that time operates differently in the natural world. The rhythm of the bush is beyond human control and is dictated primarily by the cycle of seasons and the times of the day. The three broad Kruger experiences are:

• Some of the best game viewing in Africa
• Spectacular unspoilt landscapes
• Complete solitude of the wilderness

It is possible to incorporate all three experiences into a single trip, and to help you decide you should read the following... Recommended Self-drive Routes and Maps If you are self-drive safari enthusiast visiting Kruger Park, this comprehensive compendium of routes and maps will help you choose and plan your trip.

• where best to see rhino,
• the ideal wild dog locations,
• best time to see elephants & where
• best birding seasons and best spots

Each region of the park can be examined in detail, and will reveal to you what animals and birds are active in a particular area, as well as a the best lodges or camps to stay at as you explore Kruger Park. To maximise the Kruger experience one must consciously slow down and breath deeply. Remember, too, that the landscape is a fabric in which all the birds, plants and wildlife are like interwoven threads. Look for the points of connection. There are petrol stations at all the major camps and workshop facilities at Skukuza, Letaba and Shingwedzi.

Kruger Park Self-Drive Tips

Plan your day around bush time During a 24-hour period there are four main activity times in the animal world - early morning, day-time, late afternoon and night-time. Much of the "action" happens either early in the morning or late in the afternoon and one should plan one's game drives around these times, and rest when the wildlife rests, which is during the middle of the day.

Make use of get-out points Make a point of stopping at the first get-out spot after entering the park. Spend at least a quarter of an hour walking around, listening to the sounds of the bush, feeling the temperature, looking at the landscape. What kind of birds are around? What is the weather doing? This is the best way to start adjusting your body clock away from the rush of the outside world.

While in the park, plan your Kruger Park self-drive journeys around get-out points - either at picnic spots or Rest Camps. It breaks up the time spent in your vehicle and sensitizes you to the different environments and scenery.

Drive slowly There is one uncontested truth about enjoying Kruger - the slower you drive, the more you'll see. Avoid the temptation to go fast when nothing much appears to be happening in the bush around you. Wildlife blends naturally into the environment and can easily be missed if you are speeding.

Switch off at waterholes Stop at waterholes, on river banks or shade points and switch off the engine. These are often the most rewarding moments as one witnesses the passing pageant of animal life and the central role that water plays in governing their relationships.

Ditch the "checklist mentality" It's great to see as much as you can. But the beauty of Kruger is that it allows you to experience the rhythm and cycles of the natural world in its entirety. Good sightings should be events that punctuate your experience of the Park rather than be an end in themselves.

Use Rest Camps as education centres There is a wealth of information in every Rest Camp, from the names of trees to environmental and archival displays. Each bit of information enhances your subsequent drive. Rest Camps are a good source of information as to what to look out for in an area. Most of them have at least one sightings board which can help you plan your route in the direction of the last observed kill. Remember that Lions will probably be at a kill hours after it has happened and scavengers may linger in the area for days.

Get creative about Impala As one of the most common large mammals in the park, you may see up to 30 different Impala herds in a day - start differentiating between them - how big are they? How many ewes are there in relation to rams? Are they huddled closely together, which often indicates their awareness of danger? Or are they spread out. Are the impala grazing or browsing? What other animals are with them?

Bring. Learn. Share

The tools for the Kruger experience are:

• Insect repellent
• Warm jacket for game drives (even in summer)
• Bottled water and snacks
• Camera and film (if you are an aspirant photographer)
• All these items are available for purchase at the Parks shops.

Respect wildlife and other humans

Most people have come to Kruger to get away from the noisy outside world and to experience African wildlife at its finest. Don't interfere with wildlife either by feeding them or driving too close to them.

Wildlife always has right of way in crossing the road. At kills or sightings where there are several cars, take your place in the queue, switch off your engine and enable everyone else to enjoy the experience too. Remember also that most of your fellow humans have come to Kruger for a "wilderness" experience and thus minimising unnecessary noise from music, cell phones and loud talking would almost certainly be appreciated.

Stay in your car on your Kruger National Park self-drive unless you are at official get-out points - wildlife is used to vehicles, which have an accepted silhouette, whereas a human shape signifies that of a predator, which will cause alarm.

Share your experiences Ask people at Rest Camps or get-out points whether they have had any special experiences or sightings, and share yours. Everyone is in Kruger for more or less the same reason, so don't feel shy about talking to strangers. Information gleaned from other visitors may be helpful in planning the next part of your route.

Kruger Park Self-Drive Routes

Find more information and maps on all the main Kruger Park Self-Drive Routes

Read questions and answers in our Help on Self-Drive Safari guide

Kruger Park Self-Drive Safaris

Help on Self-Drive Safari

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Self-Drive Safari in Kruger National Park, South Africa (Detailed Guide)

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Home » Self-Drive Safari in Kruger National Park, South Africa (Detailed Guide)

If you’re looking for somewhere to completely indulge in the wildlife, look no further! The Kruger National Park in South Africa is one of our all-time favorite adventure spots. And it’s hard to imagine why it wouldn’t be.

With almost 8000 square miles of spectacular landscapes, you’ll have the opportunity of spotting the infamous big-5, cheetahs, wild dogs, giraffes, and over 500 bird species.

And the best way to see it all? It has to be driving through the park. There are plenty of safaris that run through the Kruger, but what enough of us don’t consider is taking our own cars.

Taking a self-drive can be leisurely, affordable and done at your own pace. Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with safari’s, we’ll share all of our secrets to a successful self-drive through Africa’s favorite game park.

Tip: Check out our ultimate guide to Travelling South Africa with Kids .

Self-Drive Safari in the Kruger National Park, South Africa

Self-drive safaris are an awesome way to explore the park if you’re looking for something to suit your own interests. It gives you the freedom to take as long as you please and enjoy some quality family time.

Self-drives offer flexibility to explore whatever region of the park you’re interested in. Some regions are known for their large rhino population, while another could be ideal for spotting wild-dogs. Depending on what animals you’re looking to spot, taking your own car makes it possible to see it all.

It’s easy to find your way around the park; the tracks are all extremely visible and the Kruger is generally a busy place. It’s made simple with guided routes and maps that are readily available at all the park entrances.

What’s also a great idea is carpooling through the park. If you’re with a big group of people, rent some walkie-talkies to make spotting the animals easier. Be sure to check the wildlife spot boards before you enter the park (and the rest camps) to see where the wildlife was last spotted during the day.

Kruger National Park Cost

What’s great about the Kruger is that your budget doesn’t stop you from experiencing the wild. Of course, Safaris can be incredibly expensive, with luxury lodges, game drives, and fine dining. But for the majority of us, something a little more budget-friendly sounds perfect.

Opting for a self-drive safari is a great way to bring down the costs, and probably allow more freedom to spend the cash on accommodation or some of your other travel expenses. So what are the costs involved for visiting the Kruger National Park?

Kruger National Park Entrance Fees

If you’re not staying at some of the park’s lodges, you’ll be paying a daily conservation fee. The entrance fee grants you access for 1 day and is priced in South African Rands.

The park has 10 different entrances that you’re able to pay the entrance fee. The Kruger National Park prices vary each year, these are the fees for 2020.

South African Citizens (with a Valid SA Passport)

Here are the South African Citizen’s entrance fees:

• $7 USD / R100 per adult
• $3,50 USD / R50 per child

Standard Conservation Fee

Here are the standard fees for overseas travelers:

• $28 USD / R400 per adult
• $14 USD / R200 per child

Gate Opening and Closing Times:

• Nov-Jan:         05:30 – 18:30
• Feb:                 05:30 – 18:30
• Mar & Oct:      05:30 – 18:00
• Apr:                 06:00 – 17:30
• May-Jul:          06:00 – 17:30
• Aug-Sept:        06:00 – 18:00

There’s considered to be 4 main activity times in the park; early morning, day-time, late afternoon and night-time. Most of the action happens early in the morning and late at night, which is when the animals start feeding.

To maximize your experience, you’ll need to get an early start, and then try to end as late as possible.

As well as an entrance, you’ll also need a visa to get into South Africa. But don’t worry about it, we’ve written an in-depth article about how to get a South African Visa .

Kruger National Park Bookings

Although it’s possible to pay for your entrance once you’ve arrived at the park, it’s best to pre-book this kind of stuff. Booking online is simple and you’ll receive a 5% discount for your accommodation and camping.

The park only gives out a limited number of passes a day, and the park is usually busy no matter what the season. So put this at the top of your checklist and then there’s no need to worry about missing out.

Kruger National Park Lodges Prices

If you’re opting for a self-drive, be aware that driving takes up a lot of your time. It’s best to consider spending the night at the park; whether it’s camping or staying at a lodge. Trust us, there’s a lot to see in the park and you’re not always guaranteed to spot the animals you came to see.

To avoid disappointment, try booking your accommodation at the park. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and definitely worth the money. Prices range anywhere from USD $100 to well over USD $1000 per person per night.

Check out the current prices for family-friendly Kruger Park lodges here !

Visiting Kruger National Park

Kruger Park can get super busy, especially during the school holidays. The best times to visit the park are the dry season, from May to September. It’s South Africa’s winter and the park doesn’t get much rain during winter.

Eventually, the veld starts to thin out and the waterholes begin to dry out. The thin grass makes it easier to spot the animals, and the low water supply means the animals congregate at waterholes. Waterholes are the perfect spots to park the cars and watch the animals rehydrate.

High seasons are in December through to January, and June to August. We’d probably recommend not going during those seasons if you’re self-driving through the park. The trails can get really busy and you’ll often have to wait in long lines in your car (and trust us, that’s not always fun to do in the African sun).

October to April is when things start getting greener, with beautiful and lush scenery. Animal spotting isn’t that great though, but what is great is that it’s baby season for the animals! You might get lucky and spot some baby ellies or lion cubs.

How to Get to Kruger National Park

So where is Kruger National Park located? It’s one of the biggest game reserves in the world, which spans the Northern provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

Look North and South of the park and you’ll find 2 incredible rivers, the Limpopo River and Crocodile River. Rivers are worth taking a drive to because of the thriving wildlife found here which you don’t see inland.

Getting to the park is simple, whether you’re flying or driving…

Flying:  

If you’re in Cape Town, Durban or Johannesburg you’ll be able to catch a flight directly to the park. These are private scheduled flights and you’ll need to book in advance if flying is easier for you.

If you’re not flying, take the scenic route and have a road trip. Because you’re doing a self-drive, renting a car from a city and driving makes more sense.

If you’re arriving at an airport and heading straight to the park, you’ll find numerous car rental services. Be sure to rent a 4×4 to get a higher vantage point.

Here’s a guide to reaching the park’s main entrances , as well as how long the journey takes.

Driving from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park

Johannesburg is the closest big city to the park and also a great city to tour before the Kruger. The drive from Joburg is about 260 miles to reach the Southern Gate and it’ll probably take you about 4-6 hours.

Check out the current prices for car rental in Johannesburg City Centre here . Make sure to get a quote for the car with a GPS navigation system and (if traveling with little one) with a  right size travel car seat .

Leaving the city you’ll head on the main road towards Nelspruit. Along the way, there are gas stations, shops, and restaurants to keep the journey easy.

Be sure to fill up your car at the petrol stations along the way. If you’ve got some spare time stopover in Nelspruit, there are a few good adventure experiences, like cave exploring and abseiling.

From Nelspruit, you’ll drive on to White River, and while there isn’t much there, there are some spectacular viewpoints on the hills. You’re now about a 40-minute drive towards reaching one the Kruger’s entrance gate.

Final Tips and Tricks for Your Self-Drive Kruger National Park Safari

Self-driving should be experienced by us all at least once in our lives, and know you know how easy it can be. Here are some final things to remember so that you’ll have the best time possible in the park.

1. Have a Good Plan

Plan your visit around the action hours, when the animals begin to wake up and then towards the evening when the animals start getting hungry again.

2. Always Stay in the Car

Unless you’ve reached a ‘get-out’ spot, it’s important to stay in the vehicle. These ‘get-out’ spots are considered safe areas that can be used for picnics, getting some fresh air and admiring the bush’s beauty.

If you’re interested in experiencing the wildlife outside your car, consider going on a walking tour.

Click here to book your walking tour in Kruger Park to see the wildlife on foot.

3. Bring the supplies along

It’s going to be a long day in the car, and you’ll want to be prepared. Here are some of the essentials you can’t be forgetting:

• Bug spray (for the summer season)
• Self-drive routes and maps
• Warm jackets from the evenings
• Snacks for the car
• Other travel accessories
• Buy a map at the souvenir shop before entering the park

Summary for Your Self-Drive Safari

You’re convinced already, right?  The game drives are so much better than going to zoos. The experience of being able to witness animals in their natural habitat and doing their daily business can’t be compared to anything else.

It’s so good for the soul and you’ll learn so much about the wild. Share your self-drive safari travel stories with us, we can’t wait to hear about it!

Further Reading:

If you are interested in other self-drives in South Africa than you will want to check out the Garden Route and the Panorama Route for sure.

Andrzej Ejmont

1 thought on “self-drive safari in kruger national park, south africa (detailed guide)”.

Any special tips for kruger with kids please? Accomodation wise and safari-wise? My boy is 3 years old.

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Animals Around the Globe

Kruger National Park – All you need to know

Posted: November 25, 2023 | Last updated: November 26, 2023

Have you ever heard about the Kruger National Park?

Or even luckier- have you ever been yourself? This is one of South Africa's national treasures. A spectacular piece of land totally protected and roamed by Africa's most incredible animals .

The Big 5 , amongst many more, reside in this wild and wonderful place, and the diverse fauna and flora bring in almost a million visitors every year. 

The  Kruger National Park  is approximately the size of the whole of Wales which measures to 1,948 528 million hectares. It covers both the Mpumalanga and the Limpopo Provinces in the northern parts of South Africa and offers the visitor an exhilarating and up-close wildlife experience. 

Where to begin?

Lion Sands River Lodge

If you wish to make your dream of exploring the Kruger a reality, these operators can make that a reality for you!

Upon arrival one also has to pay a conservation fee- this is for the upkeep and safety of the National Park as there is a lot of work being done to protect the animals internally.

From there airport, visitors usually get picked up by their game lodges accommodation (if you’ve gone that route), or you can hire a car to do your own viewing and travel within the Kruger.

Once you land you immediately get a sense of excitement and can usually spot amazing animals from the plane. As soon as you step out of the plane the wilderness is clear and exciting! 

The hub of the Kruger National Park and the biggest rest camp is called Skakuza. There is a small airport called the Skakuza Airport, with a landing strip suited for small planes.

Skukuza Rest Camp

Skakuza, as the largest rest camp, has so much to offer. The accommodation in the camp gives one a real sense of culture in the Kruger as all the accommodation sites are shaped in traditional hut formats- completely round. The African culture in this area believes that having corners in a home is a space where evil spirits can dwell- hence the round huts and rondavels.

When walking around the camp, be careful of mischievous monkeys trying to steal a meal or even a backpack, and keep looking for rare and precious bush babies.

Skakuza is situated on the Southern Banks of the Sabie River. The camp is well foliaged and there are lots of lofty trees along the river's edge. Activities and facilities are diverse in this camp, as are the animals and plants found both within the camp and in the surrounding areas. 

Entry and exit of the camps in relatively strict and there are severe penalties for not meeting the curfew of the camps internally. No one is permitted to do independent night drives- as it is far to dangerous. However, guided tours with special permission occur every evening and one can do so with a permitted company.

There are also various permits and passes you must obtain from here, wether you’re hiring a car to do your own game drives, or with a guided tour, there are very strict regulations to follow for your own safety as well as the animals safety.

This camp serves as the ‘headquarters’ for the Kruger, and it is from here you can enjoy a meal and their restaurants and consult the SANParks (South African National Parks) officials about any queries and concerns.

Skukuza, as previously mentioned is the Kruger National Park’s largest rest camp and administrative headquarters. 

• Thick–tailed Bush Baby
• Spotted Hyena
• Purple–crested Lourie

These are all very lucky to spot, and some break into the camp itself, but mostly one can spot these cute five in the surrounding area and in trees. In the case of the hyena- this certainly won’t be in the camp itself- not to worry.

Satara Rest Camp

Clearly, Satara is a special camp to visit for its rich and popular wildlife viewing. It is situated around 90 kilometres from Skakuza, and has the most amazing sense of ‘wild’ in the camp.

Of the smaller animals, the Honeybadger is something to look out for on this South African safari. At night, spotted hyena regularly whoop from the camp’s perimeter while the repetitive sonar chink of fruit bats blends with the chirp of cicada and cricket.

Besides the regular big cats , general game includes; Blue wildebeest, zebra, waterbuck, giraffe and the ubiquitous Impala. Rhino, buffalo and elephant are also easily seen from Satara.

Because the fertile grazing land surrounding Satara this attracts vast herds of antelope and other grazers, and therefore, the large cats that prey on them are in abundance for you to see on your South African safari.

Satara Camp stakes its reputation on being one of the best spots in the world for viewing Lion, Leopard and Cheetah in the wild. Satara Camp is often referred to as the ‘cat camp’ because of the large numbers of Lion and Cheetah in the area, and is for this reason that Satara is such a popular camp.

Plenty of activities like bush barbecues and traditional dances complement the game viewing here. Even an Open Air Theatre is available in this camp for visitors to enjoy. As mentioned earlier, Satara is the best camp for viewing lion, leopard and cheetah and there are good bird watching opportunities from the Sweni Bird Hide near by.

Large cats are frequently spotted in the Muzadzeni area, where a large and successful Lion pride operates, or along the 5100 route that runs east from Satara Camp, hugging the bank of the N’wanetsi stream. This stretch is especially productive in winter when the veld is dry, and Lion and Leopard lie waiting to ambush thirsty Antelope that swarm in large herds to drink at the few remaining pools of water. 

Although there are no major rivers, there are watercourses lined with well-developed trees. There are 3 dams and 6 waterholes in the area, offering you plenty of opportunity to spot the Big Five.

Satara, like other camps, has a plethora of resident birds. Particularly prominent are Red-billed buffalo weaver, glossy, greater Blue-eared and Burchell’s starling and mourning dove. At night, giant eagle, barn owl, scops and pearl spotted-owls can be seen and heard in the camp. The open plains to the north of the camp are a good place to record Montagu’s and pallid harrier for a South Africa safari.

Lower Sabie

In this rest camp, the bounty and plenitude of nature are very evident, eloquently symbolised by the most conspicuous of its numerous trees, the mighty sycamore fig, which provides generously for the livelihood of many birds and insects . Not only do these giants produce fruit at least twice a year, but different trees produce fruit at different times, extending the gifts of life over many months. Watching the endless procession of animals coming to drink at the Sabie River establishes a sense of one’s own place in the eternal cycle.

Lower Sabie is a camp which graces the banks of the Sabie River, one of the few perennial rivers to flow through the Kruger National Park. Visitors cannot but feel soothed by the view towards the river and the Lebombo Mountains beyond. 

Game viewing is possible from Olifants Rest Camp where a shaded lookout platform is positioned. Here at your Kruger Park accommodation you are sure to spot Hippopotamus, Crocodiles in the Olifants River as well as the occasional Lion kill.

To the south, rolling plains are dotted with Buffalo, Giraffe and Kudu. While along the Olifants River, wildlife such as Lion, Crocodiles and Hippopotamus can be viewed on gameviewing and sightseeing excursions in Kruger Park, as well as an abundance of birdlife such as Owls, Storks and Eagles.

Because Olifants Camp is situated in a transitional zone, 2 distinct types of vegetation can be found, offering a wide range of game. In the north, the low lying Mopane trees provide cover for Zebra, Impala, Kudu and Elephant .

Guests that visit Olifants will be exposed to an unforgettable window of Africa. This camp is situated a top a hill which towers several hundred feet over the Olifants river. Views from the lookout platforms allow one to see the river below, just as a soaring eagle would survey it, as it hunts from the skies.

Pretoriouskop

Nostalgia prompted an exception to the rule for Pretoriuskop, the Kruger National Park’s oldest rest camp, and exotic flowering plants were allowed to stay, enhancing the strong sense of the past that is so pervasive.

The impressive granite dome known as "Shabeni Hill" is not far from the camp, which is found in the south-western corner of the Kruger National Park. It is immediately apparent to any visitor that Pretoriuskop is unique as brilliant red trees adorn the camp, pre-dating the decision to make exclusive use of indigenous plants in laying out rest camp gardens.

When the world was still young, some 3 500 million years ago, molten rock forced its way through the earth’s crust and solidified to form the spectacular granite outcrops where Pretoriuskop Rest Camp is now nestled. 

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