kruger national park tour packages

Kruger National Park Tours & Trips

The Big Five flock to Kruger National Park in South Africa (not far from Cape Town ) so it’s your best bet to see lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalos, yet there are other incredible experiences to delight in as well. The options are endless, so it's time to choose your adventure.

148 Kruger National Park tour packages with 310 reviews

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Kruger, Falls & Zimbabwe: Mineral Pools & National Parks

The most wonderful thing in this tour is people! The best CEO, George and Joseph, and all the tour members from all over the world. I really enjoyed my first Southern African trip because of them. Of course I am satisfied with visiting safari and seeing wild animals.

Kruger in Depth

It was awesome! Safari was exceptional, tour guide knowledgeable, tour group outstanding.

Kruger & Coast

this was an overlanding, camping style of trip. apart from the usual africa quirks (long drives, bumpy roads 'i.e. the african massage!') this trip was incredibly enjoyable. delicious food prepared by our guide Richard, and lots of great stories and culture from richard and our driver colin. we had an awesome 16 seater bus, that had huge windowms from the foot to the roof pretty much, great for game drives and viewing. the tents were very easy to set up, one of the zips was a bit busted but we were able to fix it. just make sure you bring a pillow! a comfy one if you can, makes a big difference. you are provided with mats but you need to bring a sleeping bag. had some great sightings in Kruger national park, but the highlight was the optional extra game drive in swaziland - so up close with the lions! the free day in mozambique was also fantastic - recommend finding a way/lift down to a little town nearby called ponta do oura, good activities, food spots etc. this trip also carries onto cape town for another 2 weeks, and if i had time i would have definitely done that!

Premium Southern Africa in Depth

South Africa Adventure

I had an unbelievable trip on the South Africa Tour. We saw and did so much in such a short time, it was the trip of a lifetime! Morgan and Mike were absolutely amazing. My bag was lost for a few days upon arrival and Morgan stepped in and was extremely helpful, she could not have done more. Would 100% recommend this trip and I am so sad that it is over!

Vic Falls to Kruger

South Africa: Tryst with the Wild Life & the Iconic Cape Town

Great itinerary, would have added Soweto as part of the standard to make the experience complete. CapeTown guide/driver was very pleasant, knowledgeable, prompt, and made us feel safe.

CAPE TOWN, KRUGER & VICTORIA FALLS ( Luxurious accommodation )

Embarking on the luxurious journey through Cape Town, Kruger National Park, and Victoria Falls with Little Roz Tours was an unparalleled experience that far exceeded our expectations. From the onset, the meticulous attention to detail and personalized service provided by Bronah, the owner, set the tone for a truly bespoke adventure. Bronah remained personally engaged throughout, ensuring our needs were met. We were fortunate to have a dedicated tour guide, whose expertise and gracious demeanor enriched our experience immeasurably. While the beauty of Cape Town & the wine tour captivated us, it was the private game reserve safari near Kruger National Park (Makalali) that stood as the pinnacle of our trip. Situated within a private reserve, we had the extraordinary opportunity to witness the majestic "Big Five" in their natural habitat, among a plethora of other wildlife, offering moments of awe that will be etched in our memories forever.The visit to Victoria Falls was nothing short of spectacular, compelling us to extend our stay to soak in more of the breathtaking surroundings. We wholeheartedly endorse this tour for those seeking an escape from the ordinary, craving a journey filled with exclusive experiences away from the throngs of tourists. This luxury tour promises not just a vacation, but a treasure trove of memories that will endure a lifetime. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to Bronah and our exceptional guide, Shakes, for orchestrating an adventure that was truly priceless.

Ultimate Kruger Park Big 5 Safari

Was a fantastic experience and we had a knowledgeable guide who was great and cooked a tasty braai! We booked very late but the team were really helpful, so we weren’t completely aware of the itinerary or where we would stay and what meals were included : that’s the only improvement I could suggest to an amazing holiday...

Amazing South Africa

Magical Kruger National Park Safari

Amazing trip , we had great fun

6 Day Classic Kruger Park Safari

Best Safari with Viva safaris from start to finish it was one of the best things I have experienced in my life absolutely amazing the staff the accommodation at Tremisana lodge the home cooked meals the safaris in the open sided vehicles the other friends you meet and make and to Rocky and George my favourite guides rangers we saw all the big five and more hundreds of animals birds etc and even a huge Black mamba snake on one of the safaris that good the Adrenaline rushing which is a pretty rare sighting but always felt extremely safe at all times these guys are professional. Totally recommend Viva Safari thanks Piero.

Kruger, Delta, Chobe & Falls - 14 days

Kruger & Matobo Rhino Encounter - 7 Days

South Africa Highlights (Hermanus Itinerary)

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

What people love about Kruger National Park Tours

Very good tour - lots of driving but you can see the country and its people (Zimbabwe-side) and nice landscape (South Africa-side). The Matopos park in Zimbabwe is just amazing with the local guides - THE highlight of the tour!

Our guide was superlative. Our itinerary was superb. Our accommodation and food really satisfying and well beyond expectations. It was a great trip and I'd do it again at my first opportunity. And I'll recommend to far and wide!

I did the 9 day Kruger and Coast tour. It was absolutely amazing. I didn’t expect to eat such fantastic and varied vegetarian dishes, but our guide Chad was a fantastic chef. I felt safe and reassured being with a local guide who knew the culture and people where we visited. The homestay and the game drives were definite highlights. It’s worth noting that the days are very long- early mornings most days and long drives to get to the next location. Absolutely everyone expects tips along the way so be sure to bring a lot of extra money, this cost much more than I had anticipated. Overall it was an incredible experience and I wouldn’t change a thing about it. Our driver, Vincent was also wonderful !

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• Kruger National Park Guide: 6 Things to Know
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• Kruger National Park Fees & Safari Cost (Updated 2022)

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7 Day Tremisana Game Lodge Safari

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7 Day Kruger Park Hluhluwe and St Lucia Safari

6 Day Tremisana/Treehouse Safari

6 Day Tremisana/Tent Safari

6 Day Tremisana/Masango Kruger Safari

6 Day Tremisana Game Lodge Safari

6 Day Luxury Lodge Safari

6 Day Katekani Tented Lodge Safari

5 Day Tremisana/Treehouse Safari

5 Day Tremisana/Tent Safari

5 day tremisana/masango kruger safari.

5 Day Tremisana Game Lodge Safari

5 Day Luxury Lodge Safari

5 Day Katekani Tented Lodge Safari

5 Day Fly-in Safari

4 Day Tremisana/Treehouse Safari

4 Day Tremisana/Tent Safari

4 day tremisana/masango kruger safari.

4 Day Tremisana Game Lodge Safari

4 Day Luxury Lodge Safari

4 Day Katekani Tented Lodge Safari

4 Day Fly-in Safari

3 Day Tremisana/Treehouse Safari

3 day tremisana/masango kruger safari.

3 Day Tremisana Game Lodge Safari

3 Day Fly-in Safari

3 Day Budget Tented Safari

2 Day Fly-in Safari

2 day blitz overland safari, welcome to krugerparktour.com.

The website www.krugerparktour.com is a division of Viva Safaris . Viva Safaris’ air conditioned mini buses depart daily and collect you from wherever you are in and around Johannesburg or O R Tambo airport and drive you directly to the Kruger National Park bushveld – to our exclusive Viva Safaris‘ owned safari lodges where you will be looked after by our own experienced Game Rangers whilst out in the bush in our purpose designed 4×4 Landcruisers and open sided vehicles allowing you excellent visibility. Back at our lodges, you’ll find people dedicated to taking care of you and everyone from Chefs to Housekeepers ready to make sure you have the Kruger Park  experience of a lifetime !

Best Value Safaris to Kruger Park

Viva Safaris has been established since 1991 and has over 25 years’ experience in providing our guests with the best Kruger Park safari value anywhere in South Africa – never forgetting affordability and the fact that for many tourists going on safari in Africa, it is a once in a lifetime experience and it is our responsibility to ensure that we deliver, time after time.

Up close with a lion in the Kruger Park with one of our open gameviewers

With Viva Safaris’  Kruger Park Safaris , you will experience all the magic of an African safari – game viewing in an open vehicle, night drives with a spotlight, bush walks with an armed ranger through Big Five country, intimate candlelit dinners under a canopy of stars deep in the African bush and, of course, spectacular accommodation in lodges that are part of the experience !!!

It is clear that VIVA SAFARIS is a serious player in the South African tourism industry. Our sustained growth indicates the support for our commitment to providing unforgettable wildlife experiences in the Kruger Park. You can confidently book any of our safaris for an excellent value-for-money experience.

Find your ideal Kruger Park Safari

Kruger safaris by duration, kruger safaris by type.

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Kruger National Park Safaris and Tours

African sky offers privately guided safari tours and fly-in safari packages to the Kruger National Park. Over 24 years, we have made safaris to Kruger, an unforgettable experience for many international visitors. The Kruger Park also features in many of our extended tours , safari, and honeymoon packages that explore the top travel destinations of Southern Africa.

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15 Day National Parks Overland Safari

Kruger National Park | Ithala | Hluhluwe-iMfolozi | Addo | Pilanesberg | KwaZulu-Natal

The National Park Safari is an overland guided safari that departs from and returns to Johannesburg. The visited areas include Kruger National Park, Ithala, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, Addo Elephant National Park, and Pilanesberg.

9 Day Kruger National Park and Zululand

Ithala | Hluhluwe-iMfolozi | Swaziland | Kruger National Park | KwaZulu-Natal

The Kruger and Zululand Safari combines three of South Africa's finest safari areas. It is an overland safari that departs from and ends in Johannesburg. The visited areas include Ithala, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, and the Kruger National Park.

7 Day In Depth Kruger Park

• Kruger National Park

The In-Depth Kruger National Park Safari is an overland South African safari that departs from and returns to Johannesburg. This South African safari visits three camps in Kruger, where the days are devoted to game drives in this wilderness paradise.

7 Day Kruger's Finest Fly In

Sabi Sand | Kruger National Park

This exclusive fly-in Kruger Park safari focuses on two of South Africa's top lodges, arguably the finest lodges in our country. The Mala Mala Private Game Reserve is first on the agenda, followed by game-viewing safaris in the most significant private game reserve in the Kruger Park area—the Sabi Sand.

7 Day Luxury Timbavati and Sabi Sand

Sabi Sand | Timbavati | Kruger National Park

This five-star Kruger Park safari visits two of the best private game reserves in South Africa. The Timbavati Private Game Reserve is located in the central part of the Greater Kruger National Park and is generally regarded as one of the country's finest privately owned Big Five-bearing wilderness areas.

7 Day Three Area Kruger Park Safari

Kapama | Timbavati | Sabi Sand | Kruger National Park

The Three Area Kruger Safari visits the Kapama Private Game Reserve before traveling to the Timbavati Nature Reserve and then the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve - three incredible and unique Greater Kruger Park safari experiences.

7 Day Two Sabi Sand Lodges

Mala Mala | Sabi Sand | Kruger National Park

The Two Sabi Sand Lodges Safari focuses on the premier private game reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park. This reserve is the birthplace of sustainable ecotourism in South Africa and is regarded as the country's finest game viewing area.

5 Day Best of the Sabi Sand

This Exclusive Sabi Sand Safari is a luxury Kruger Park safari to one of the most luxurious lodges on the continent. Lion Sands Ivory Lodge is one of only three lodges in the Sabi Sand, located on the Sabie River banks.

5 Day Kruger Park Explorer

The Kruger Safari is a five-day South Africa safari that departs from and returns to Johannesburg. We travel overland to the Kruger National Park, where the days are devoted to game drives in this remarkable wilderness sanctuary.

5 Day Two Kruger Park Lodges

The Two Kruger Park Lodges Safari enjoys safari experiences at lodges within the national park. Guests fly to Hoedspruit Airport, where they are met and transferred to Hamiltons Tented Camp, one of only a handful of safari camps in Kruger, built in the style of a luxurious east African tented camp.

5 Day Two Luxury Lodge Safari

The Two Luxury Lodges Safari focuses on safari experiences in the Sabi Sand at two of South Africa's premier private safari lodges. It starts and ends in Johannesburg.

4 Day Exclusive Sabi Sand

The four-day Exclusive Sabi Sand Safari is a luxury Kruger National Park safari experience to the Lion Sands Private Game Reserve, located in the southern section of the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve. Sabi Sand offers luxury safari lodgings in the Greater Kruger National Park.

4 Day Private Lodge Safari

The Four Day Private Lodge Safari provides a luxury safari experience at Lion Sands Private Game Reserve. The reserve is part of the Sabi Sand, forming part of the Greater Kruger National Park.

3 Day Quick Private Lodge Safari

The Three Day Private Lodge Safari is a Kruger safari experience that starts and ends in Johannesburg. It is a fly-in safari with two open 4x4 game drives conducted daily at Lion Sands River Lodge. Meals are included on a full-board basis.

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Kruger National Park

QUICK FACTS

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

ADDITIONAL READING

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

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

Sub regions inside

Broader region.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May 7, 2024

Very helpful even with ever changing trip!

Anja was very helpful in getting our tour booked for our group. With date changes, time changes, even up to the last minute flight changes, she was on top of things! We will use Safari.com in the future for our Kenya safari trips.

Wonderful experience with Safari.com

Wonderful experience with Safari.com. My Safari Agent, Dolan, has 20+ years of experience in booking a memorable safari. He guided me in picking the right lodging and safari within my budget. He offered several options and answered all my questions. His response time was fast, regardless of the international time difference, and we were able to make quick decisions. Highly recommend.

Dorothy was very helpful and courteous

Dorothy was very helpful and courteous. Very patient and kept me at ease. One thig did not work she offered something else. Amazing problem solving skills , communication and something I do not see a lot of today.. Great customer service!!!

May 6, 2024

Excellent service

I have been extremely impressed with the communication with John Pascal. He has taken care of my trip and I look forward to my visit. He has reduced my stress!

I would like to thank all the staff at…

I would like to thank all the staff at Safari.com. I have just returned from a fabulous trip to South Africa organised with their help. Very helpful, efficient and kind people.

May 5, 2024

Shann was very responsive

Shann was very responsive, provided multiple options, and was flexible to our changing needs and desires. Our travel selection was somewhat last minute and Shann was able to accommodate with many price points and reserves that were lower malaria risks.

May 3, 2024

Exceptional Planning and Service by Shann & Safari.com

I had an exceptional experience working with Shann as my travel advisor for planning my upcoming trip to Kruger, Botswana, and Victoria Falls. She was incredibly attentive and accommodating, seamlessly tailoring the trip to fit our budget and preferences. Shann’s meticulous attention to detail in the planning process has given us complete confidence that our trip will be smooth and memorable. She is always prompt in her responses and available to answer any questions we might have. I highly recommend her and safari.com

Leigh-Ann was amazing.

Leigh-Ann was amazing. She worked incredibly hard to provide us with our complex safari in Botswana and our travel and accommodation in South Africa. Leigh-Ann was always very helpful and encouraging which must have been very difficult for her as we were within a very tight time schedule to arrange our holiday. She was very thoughtful and even included a list of the things we would need to take. I am so happy with the final outcome and I am very thankful to Leigh-Ann and the other Safari.com team members who worked so hard to make our dream safari a reality.

May 2, 2024

Shann is great. From the first moment we got in touch. Very friendly, helpfull, patience and always available. We have a very good feeling. Looking forward to everything she arranged. Not only the safari, but also the rest of the holiday. I am sure it will be unforgettable. Thank you sooo much.

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Kruger National Park Holiday Packages

Experience South Africa’s most profound safari destination with our exclusive Kruger National Park holiday packages. Designed by a team of South Africa travel experts, our packages offer world class safari experiences and luxury accommodation. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking an adventure out in the wild, a Kruger National Park holiday promises an awe-inspiring experience like no other.

The Kruger National Park is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including the Big Five – lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, and rhinos. As you embark on thrilling game drives, expert guides will lead you through the park’s diverse ecosystems, unveiling the secrets of the animal kingdom along the way. Witness the raw power of a lioness on the hunt, marvel at the gentle giants as they roam freely, and catch a glimpse of the elusive leopard camouflaged in the trees. Every moment spent in Kruger National Park is a chance to encounter nature in its purest form.

Beyond the captivating wildlife, Kruger National Park also boasts stunning landscapes that will take your breath away. From rolling plains and ancient baobab trees to meandering rivers and rocky outcrops. As you traverse the park’s vast expanse, you’ll witness dramatic sunsets that paint the sky in hues of gold and crimson, casting a magical glow over the African savannah.

With our packages your travel is arranged from the moment you arrive in South Africa and until you leave again.

• All connecting internal flights and transfers are included.
• Your international flights should be booked to either Cape Town or Johannesburg international Airports and our team will advise and assist with flight suggestions and timings.
• Cape Town and Johannesburg International Airports are a hub for South Africa travel and major carriers fly directly worldwide.

Specials and promotions

• Our packages include discounts and various promotions throughout the year.
• Our team is up to speed with all promotions and each package is designed to incorporate these offerings together with our ‘Best-Price Guarantee’.

Accreditation & associations

• Safaris Down South is globally recognised and accredited with international and national associations.
• With our accredited certification, customers are assured that the business is legitimate, financially stable, legally compliant, insured, has integrity.  Accredited members adhere to a strict to code of conduct, guaranteeing high standards of service, good quality, trustworthiness, and recourse for the consumer.
• Safaris Down South is bonded with ATTA and  SATSA as well as third-party indemnity, ensuring financially sound relationships.

Why book with us:

Why book with us.

• No booking or credit card fees!
• Accredited and certified with global associations
• Multiple promotions and discounts added to our packages
• Best-price guarantee with all of our hotels and lodges
• Each and every itinerary has been designed by an on-trend team that is actually involved in the safari industry and South African travel
• One-on-one planning assistance and advice
• Continued support before and during your holiday

Customized packages:

• Customised packages are available on request.
• Our team will discuss your requests and design packages to suit your expectations.

All South Africa Kruger National Sabi Sands Madikwe Eastern Cape Cape Town & Safari Malaria Free

7 Nights Kruger National Park & Sabi Sands

7 Nights / 8 Days

From $  9,296 to $  9,648 per person

Includes internal flights, transfers, accommodation…

Stay at the exquisite Saseka Tented Camp in the Kruger National Park and Sabi Sabi’s signature Earth Lodge in the Sabi Sands. This is an ultra-luxurious experience with exceptional Big-5 game drives…

6 Nights Kruger National Park & Sabi Sands

6 Nights / 7 Days

From $  1,745 to $  20,218 per person

Experience world class game drives, exceptional attention to detail and warm African hospitality at two Singita Lodges. Sweni Lodge is located in the Kruger National Park and Boulders lodge in the Sabi Sands…

10 Nights Kruger National Park, Cape Town & Winelands

10 Nights / 11 Days

From $  3,767 to $  4,770 per person

With sweeping riverbed views, experience a safari at Thornybush Game Lodge in the Kruger National Park. Stay at a boutique hotel along the Atlantic coastline in Cape Town and then enjoy the Franschhoek wine region…

14 Nights Kruger National Park, Cape Town & Winelands

14 Nights / 15 Days

From $  4,363 to $  5,003 per person

Kapama River Lodge is well known for its Big-5 game drives and warm African hospitality. Stay at a boutique hotel along the Atlantic coastline in Cape Town and then enjoy the Franschhoek wine region…

From $  18,212 to $  20,055 per person

Experience the best of the best and stay at the exclusive Singita Sweni Lodge in the Kruger National Park and then enjoy an exclusive-use private villa at Cheetah Plains in the Sabi Sands…

6 Nights Kruger National Park Safari Experience

From $  7,101 to $  8,103 per person

Two 5-star safari destinations await. Thornybush Game Lodge is located in the Kruger region and Narina Lodge lies along the Sabie River in the Lion Sands Private Game Reserve…

From $  7,101 to $  7,480 per person

A combination of two world class safari lodges. The renowned MalaMala Camp in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and Siviti Safari Lodge, a small luxury safari lodge in the Kruger National Park…

From $  3,437 to $  4,521 per person

Southern Camp at Kapama ticks all the boxes and offers an exceptional 5-star safari experience. Stay at a boutique hotel along the Atlantic coastline in Cape Town and then enjoy the Stellenbosch wine region…

From $  3,361 to $  3,811 per person

From $  5,182 to $  5,821 per person

Experience the renowned Kruger National Park at 5-star Siviti Safari Lodge. Stay at a boutique hotel along the Atlantic coastline in Cape Town and then enjoy the Franschhoek wine region…

8 Nights Kruger National Park & Cape Town

8 Nights / 9 Days

From $  4,320 to $  4,580 per person

5-star Siviti Safari Lodge ticks all the boxes and offers a high standard safari experience and luxury accommodation. Stay at a boutique hotel along the Atlantic coastline in Cape Town…

From $  4,759 to $  5,204 per person

From $  50,681 to $  6,396 per person

From $  7,344 to $  10,732 per person

Lion Sands Narina Lodge overlooks the Sabie River and offers an intimate safari. In Cape Town your hotel is located in the V&A waterfront and an award winning wine estate awaits in Stellenbosch wine region…

From $  6,288 to $  6,857 per person

From the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve to Thornybush Game Lodge, this Sabi Sands & Kruger combination offers some of the countries best game viewing opportunities…

From $  9,529 to $  11,816 per person

Saseka offers a tented safari experience like no other in the Kruger National Park. Embrace the breath-taking views from your exclusive Cape Town hotel and then relax in the Cape Winelands…

7 Nights Kruger National Park Experience

From $  5,204 to $  5,475 per person

Experience two 5-star private game reserves in the Kruger National Park. Kapama River Lodge and Siviti Safari Lodge are a perfect combination, and are located in prime locations for Big-5 game viewing…

From $  4,732 to $  5,003 per person

Thornybush Game Lodge is located in a prime location in the Kruger National and boasts sweeping views over the riverbed below. Stay at a boutique hotel along the Atlantic coastline in Cape Town…

From $  19,622 to $  22,820 per person

For an ultra-luxurious safari experience, this combination exceeds expectations every time. Royal Malewane and Singita Boulders Lodge are two of the countries most exclusive safari lodges …

From $  7,101 to $  9,702 per person

The luxurious Lion Sands Narina Lodge overlooks the Sabie River and offers an intimate safari. In Cape Town your hotel is located in the V&A waterfront and overlooks a private marina…

6 Nights Kruger National Park Experience

From $  3,740 to $  4,363 per person

This combination offers two diverse experiences at high standard 5-star safari lodges. Garonga Safari Camp offers a unique tented experience and Kapama River Lodge is renowned for Big-5 sightings…

From $  4,748 to $  5,870 per person

From $  9,887 to $  14,635 per person

From $  3,502 to $  3,756 per person

Located in the Kruger National Park, Kapama River Lodge is well known for its Big-5 game drives and warm African hospitality. Stay at a boutique hotel along the Atlantic coastline in Cape Town…

From $  7,667 to $  8,998 per person

A combination countires most stylish offerings. Saseka offers a tented safari experience like no other in the Kruger National Park. Embrace the breath-taking views from your exclusive Cape Town…

Kapama Southern Camp in the Kruger National Park ticks all the boxes and offers an exceptional 5-star safari experience. Stay at a boutique hotel along the Atlantic coastline in Cape Town…

From $  7,507 to $  9,377 per person

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Explore our range of specialized tours.

Choose a private safari for a personalized and exclusive wildlife experience with your own guide and vehicle, offering flexibility and intimacy in exploring Africa’s incredible wildlife.

Choose from our range of private Safari packages that including options for couples, family safaris, and fly-in safaris.

Customize your adventure to match your preferences, whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, an exciting family experience, or a luxurious fly-in safari.

Experience a variety of safari options, complete with all the expected comforts and inclusive of conservation fees, making our Kruger Park safaris a cost-effective choice for your thrilling adventure.

SATSA Accredited

Being a SATSA accredited company means we are committed to adhering to and governed by the regulations established by the South African Tourism Services Association.

Professional

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.

In order to guarantee the finest possible African experience during your stay, we make it a priority to offer our guests round-the-clock support.

We cherish the African wilderness we call home, and our entire team, including guides and consultants, are local residents living near Kruger National Park.

With more than 20 years of experience

With over two decades of experience guiding guests through the magnificent Kruger National Park, Kurt Safari stands out as South Africa’s premier Kruger National Park safaris tour operato r . Our range of Kruger National Park safari travel packages caters to clients seeking an authentic African safari experience, where rustic adventure meets modern comfort. Every aspect of our Kruger Park safaris and tours is meticulously tailored to accommodate various budgets, preferences, and tastes.

Our Kruger Park safaris offer options for both budget-conscious travelers and those looking for a touch of luxury. Guests not only have the opportunity to explore the best of Kruger National Park along its most wildlife-rich routes but also to discover some of the region’s most fascinating and beautiful attractions.

Guided by trained and passionate guides, guests can enjoy up to 9 hours of safari time in the Kruger National Park on our Full Day Safaris, a longer duration compared to most other companies. We use comfortable open-air safari vehicles, providing guests with a remarkable bird’s-eye view of the wildlife encounters.

The majority of our private Kruger Park safaris and tours take place in the wildlife-rich Southern Kruger region, home to the renowned Big 5 – Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard, and Rhino, as well as herds of zebra, wildebeest, and a plethora of bird species, with over 148 mammal species residing in the Kruger National Park.

Kurt Safari offers a range of Kruger National Park safari packages, including 3, 4, 5, and 8-day options, including Photographic and Birding safaris led by experienced guides.

Booking any of our Kruger Park safaris is easy through our website. You can choose the package that best suits your needs, book directly online, and make secure payments. Alternatively, feel free to reach out to us to speak with one of our knowledgeable consultants.

Our base is in Hazyview, just a short 15-minute drive from the Kruger National Park. Our consultants, guides, and management team are primarily locals with a deep understanding of the Kruger National Park and its wildlife. They can provide you with valuable insights that you won’t find online, ensuring a memorable holiday.

For clients on overnight Kruger Park Packages, we arrange stays at quality private lodges, a short 10-15 minute drive from the Kruger National Park. These lodges offer top-notch quality, including Wi-Fi, breakfasts, and dinners, combined with air-conditioned accommodations, enhancing your safari experience.

Kurt, the Director of Kurt Safari, has guided Kruger Park safaris for nearly 12 years before founding our company. We are now rated as the leading safari operator on TripAdvisor. Our packages have been personally designed after years of trial and error, with a focus on quality guiding and safety, complemented by amenities such as quality accommodation, fantastic meals, and an affordable and memorable experience.

We look forward to welcoming you to Kruger and hope you enjoy your Kruger Park safari with us.

Welcome to Krugersafaris.com, where you can explore a range of affordably priced safaris in Kruger Park, along with valuable travel information.

Embark on your adventure with us.

Krugersafari.com stands as one of Kruger’s premier tour operators, with over two decades dedicated to welcoming guests from around the globe to partake in the ultimate Kruger Park safari experience.

We offer a diverse range of exceptional Kruger safaris for our clients to select from. Each safari is conducted in an open safari vehicle and led by one of our experienced guides, each with years of expertise in guiding tours through the Kruger. Our safari packages are meticulously crafted to ensure you have an unforgettable time in our beautiful country. Recognizing that for many of our guests, a visit to the park is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, we strive to make our Kruger Park safaris as enchanting, captivating, and memorable as possible. Whether you’re seeking a single-day excursion or a 3-day, 4-day, or even 5-day adventure in the Kruger, we have the perfect tour for you. Our offerings include shared safaris, private Kruger Park safaris, and packages for those interested in exploring the Panorama Route and the Kruger National Park.

Enhancing your Kruger Park experience is the newly introduced Umbhaba Eco Lodge, offering world-class service and quality, complete with en-suite air conditioning. In cases where Umbhaba Eco Lodge is fully booked, we utilize the Sanibonani Lodge in Hazyview.

The Krugersafari.com Experience

A journey to the park with us promises a relaxed experience, and our well-organized itineraries and inclusions in each tour ensure you are well taken care of and in excellent company.

Our guided tours are competitively priced and efficiently arranged, with accommodation included in each overnight package, the style of which varies based on the Kruger tour you choose.

We specialize in small guided group Kruger Park safaris, and with 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 perfect for both local and international visitors.

Each safari vehicle is open, providing excellent visibility to easily spot animals amidst the wild vegetation. This exceptional visibility makes our safaris ideal for both aspiring and seasoned photographers looking to capture unique shots. For those seeking a more photography-focused safari, explore our custom photographic safaris.

The Kruger National Park unquestionably ranks as the best place in South Africa to encounter the Big 5: Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino, and Cape Buffalo. A day trip to the park is sufficient to spot these iconic animals and more. Keep in mind that when exploring the Kruger, you never know what awaits around the next bend in the road! The Kruger boasts an incredibly diverse array of wildlife species, along with hundreds of bird and reptile species.

While we offer a wide array of Kruger Park safaris and thrilling game drives for our guests to choose from, we are also more than willing to customize a package to fulfill all your wildest safari dreams! We always go the extra mile for our guests, understanding the profound impact a real African safari can have. Our accreditation with SATSA ensures that the safari you book will meet all your expectations, providing a safe, reasonably priced, and one-of-a-kind experience. Each of our safaris promises to deliver the African adventure you desire.

You can find pricing details for our best-selling Kruger Park safaris on our website.

If you have any questions about our tours, please feel free to reach out to our helpful team based in Hazyview. You can also visit TripAdvisor to peruse our latest reviews.

We eagerly await the opportunity to welcome you to the African continent. You can book your safari through our website or contact us via email.

Essential information for kruger park safaris.

The magnificent Kruger National Park stands as one of South Africa’s most beloved and iconic landmarks. Every year, this conservation reserve warmly welcomes numerous visitors from around the globe. Many of these guests embark on various Kruger Park trips or opt for a self-driven adventure through the park, all seeking the serene solitude that can only be found in the wild. However, it’s not just the tranquility that draws visitors to the park; it’s the captivating wildlife.

Credit goes to Paul Kruger, the former president of the now-defunct Transvaal Republic, who dedicated himself to setting aside a portion of Transvaal for the preservation of animals. Without his tireless efforts, the park’s inhabitants would have long vanished from the landscape. In 1898, when the park was initially established, hunting was rampant, and trophies of big game like lions and elephants were highly coveted by foreign visitors. To safeguard the local wildlife from complete extinction, the park was designated as a no-hunting zone, and it remains one of the world’s oldest and largest conserved areas to this day.

Today, we enjoy the fruits of the wisdom and foresight of those who came before us. A Kruger Park safari is an unforgettable experience, and it’s more affordable than you might imagine. Initially, tourists didn’t enter the park; however, around 1927, the first paying visitors were permitted to explore it. In those early days, there were no accommodations inside the park, so visitors had to exit before sunset.

As time passed and transportation methods evolved, more tourists began arriving, and accommodations were developed to allow them to stay overnight. Entry fees were never excessively high, earning the park a reputation as the “People’s Park,” a place where anyone could experience the wonders of conservation. Today, even a 7-day safari is quite budget-friendly, and there’s always the option of a self-driven adventure through the park.

Booking a Kruger Park safari or a Kruger Day Tour has never been easier. A quick online search will yield a plethora of options, many of which are offered by reputable safari companies like ours. Why choose to book a safari instead of going for a self-drive? Well, in reality, it requires less planning and can save you a few bucks (pun intended).

The Establishment of an Iconic Conservation Park

Although the Kruger National Park was officially declared in 1898, it wasn’t until 1927 that it was officially named the Kruger National Park and opened its gates to tourists. Those early years were quite intriguing, as tourists would traverse the park on a train, providing limited visibility of the wildlife. The route was fixed and unchangeable, but it was considered the safest way for early visitors to experience the park. These were the days before the advent of the automobile, so it’s easy to imagine how the park’s accessibility changed after cars became commonplace.

By 1928, a board of directors was overseeing the Kruger Park, and it was determined that in order to make the park more accessible to visitors, overnight accommodations were needed. The park’s first rondavels, round-hut-style accommodations that have since become synonymous with the park, were constructed at Skukuza, Pretoriuskop, and Satara. As more and more guests flocked to the park, additional accommodations were added for their convenience, while the former ranger lodgings were also converted into unique guest accommodations.

For those who have researched South Africa and the Kruger Park in particular, it’s well-known that the summers in the region can be exceptionally hot and humid. One can sympathize with the park’s earliest overnight guests who grappled with the challenge of staying cool. In fact, staying overnight in one of the rondavels was not a popular choice in those days. While it was a novelty, the heat was often unbearable, and mosquitoes were a constant nuisance that couldn’t be kept out. These days, rondavels are equipped with fans, and some even have air conditioning. Additionally, in those early days, the accommodations did not provide complete isolation from the wilderness. As the park expanded and construction progressed, guests gained more protection from the wildlife and access to ablution blocks where they could bathe or shower.

The Flora and Fauna of Kruger National Park

While the park’s wildlife is the primary attraction for visitors, the plant life in the area is equally as captivating as the animals. The flora within the park is incredibly diverse, and the park is divided into four distinct regions, each characterized by its unique plant species.

• Thorn Trees and Red Bush-Willow Veld Located in the western and central parts of the park, just south of the Olifants River, this region is dominated by red bush-willow and acacia (thorn) trees. Marula trees are also abundant in this area, while acacia trees line the rivers and streams. The Nwatimhiri Bush and areas along the Sabie River are particularly dense with vegetation.
• Knob Thorn and Marula Veld South of the Olifants River and to the eastern part of the park, you’ll find the knob thorn and marula veld. This region offers ample grazing grounds and is characterized by red grass, buffalo grass, knob thorn trees, and marula trees, making it an essential part of the park’s ecosystem.
• Red Bush-Willow and Mopane Veld In the northern part of the park, west of the Olifants River, the predominant vegetation consists of red bush-willow and mopane trees.
• Shrub Mopane Veld The northeastern part of the park is predominantly covered by mopane trees.

It’s important to note that these regions host a wider variety of plants and trees than those mentioned above. The abundance of these trees and bushes contributes to the naming of the areas, and each region plays a crucial role in supporting the park’s diverse wildlife.

Notable Wildlife and Conservation Efforts

Kruger National Park is renowned for being home to the Big 5, which includes lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos. While these iconic animals are a major draw for Kruger visitors, the park also houses a broader array of species than any other park on the African continent, totaling 147 species of animals. In addition to numerous predators and large animals like elephants, the park is home to a variety of antelope species such as kudu, impala, nyala, and eland. Furthermore, the park serves as a sanctuary for endangered and rare species, such as the wild dog, underscoring its importance in wildlife conservation.

Anti-Poaching Measures

Due to the presence of numerous endangered species within the park, extensive efforts have been in place for many years to combat poaching. Anti-poaching units are equipped with cutting-edge prevention tools, including night vision technology and advanced telescopes. Game rangers, law enforcement officers, and military personnel have all actively participated in the campaign to curtail poaching activities. While there has been a reduction in poaching incidents, animals, particularly rhinos, remain under constant threat.

While elephants are sporadically targeted by poachers, it is the rhinoceros that often makes headlines. Poachers enter the Kruger National Park during full moon nights, targeting both black and white rhinos for their valuable horns. These horns can fetch approximately $66,000 per kilogram on the black market. Despite bans on horn trade in most countries, these restrictions have had limited impact on deterring illegal activities.

Exploring the 12 Principal Camps of Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park offers a multitude of reasons to visit, and among them is the rich history and warm hospitality found in each camp. The park is a laid-back haven, where even the bustling main camps exist in their own tranquil bubble, far removed from the modern world. Before delving into discussions about the park’s historical significance, its incredible wildlife, or the safari experiences it offers today, let’s take a closer look at each of the 12 main camps.

Located in a mountainous area, Berg-n-Dal is a unique camp that has preserved its natural environment and habitat. Dry riverbeds run along its southern and northern borders, and the camp boasts large trees. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot creatures like wild dogs, klipspringers, and leopards near the camp. Berg-n-Dal is one of the newer camps in the park, offering a range of facilities and comfortable accommodations.

Crocodile Bridge

As one of the smaller camps in Kruger National Park, Crocodile Bridge takes its name from the nearby Crocodile River. It’s an excellent spot for game viewing, especially along the Southern Circle, where lions are frequently sighted. Other animals in the area include kudu, giraffes, spotted hyenas, and cheetahs. This camp has garnered multiple nominations as the best camp in the park.

Letaba is ideally situated at the park’s midpoint, acting as a bridge between the north and south. Its name means “River of Sand,” and it’s renowned for its elephant sightings. The area around Letaba is lush and green, bursting with nighttime activity, including bats, owls, nightjars, frogs, and cicadas. It’s a prime spot for observing elephants and bushbucks.

Lower Sabie

Lower Sabie sits on the banks of the Sabie River, offering a serene and laid-back atmosphere. The camp is well-known for its majestic trees, making it an ideal location for leopard sightings. Other animals that frequent the area include hippos, lions, and various antelope species. Lower Sabie provides excellent accommodations.

Mopani camp is surrounded by Mopani trees and features a massive baobab tree at its center. The camp’s vegetation is left in its natural state, and wildlife enthusiasts can spot hippos, waterbucks, and tsessebes. The camp borders Pioneer Dam, attracting animals for afternoon and morning water breaks.

Olifants is renowned for its breathtaking views, perched high on a hill above the Olifants River. The camp is surrounded by viewing platforms that offer an excellent vantage point for observing wildlife near the water below. Animals like crocodiles, lions, elephants, and hippos can be spotted here. The camp also offers great accommodation options and a picturesque picnic area.

Orpen, along with its satellite camps Maroela and Tamboti, enjoys a strategic location. The camp is named after Eileen Orpen, the land’s owner who donated it to the park. This grassy area is ideal for observing grazing animals, and the surrounding open plains are home to numerous lion prides. The night air resonates with the roars of lions, creating an unforgettable experience. Orpen offers diverse wildlife sightings, including the Big 5, wildebeests, and jackals.

Pretoriuskop

Nestled among ancient granite rocks, Pretoriuskop is home to fascinating granite boulders. As one of the park’s oldest camps, it retains a historical charm in its layout and style. The camp is known for sightings of Sable antelopes, Lichtenstein’s Hartebeests, wild dogs, and kudus. Its proximity to one of the park’s entry points makes it a popular choice for visitors.

Punda Maria

Punda Maria, located in the park’s northernmost region, experiences scorching temperatures even during winter. It boasts a unique sandveld habitat with diverse plant life, earning it the nickname “botanical gardens of the park.” Wildlife enthusiasts may encounter nyala, wild dogs, and zebra herds. Punda Maria is an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility.

Satara was one of the first camps to build rondavels, offering overnight stays to interested guests. Today, it’s a bustling camp renowned for excellent game viewing opportunities. Nestled in a wooded area, Satara is considered rustic and a haven for birdwatchers. Visitors can spot lions, giraffes, wildebeests, and the elusive honey badger.

Shingwedzi, another camp in the park’s northern region, is celebrated for wildlife sightings, including nyala, waterbucks, and elephants. The scenic route along the Shingwedzi River provides access to the camp. With its rustic charm and limited modern conveniences, Shingwedzi offers a true break from the ordinary. The camp’s sparser vegetation makes wildlife spotting easier.

Skukuza is often saved for last on our list, serving as the capital of Kruger National Park. It’s the central hub where day visitors typically stop for lunch. Situated along the Sabie River’s southern banks, Skukuza boasts multiple lookout points and a tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can encounter animals such as spotted hyenas, bush babies, and warthogs. The camp also offers a range of accommodations and modern conveniences.

Each of these main camps provides a unique experience and a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Kruger National Park.

Additionally, the park features satellite camps, bushveld camps, overnight hides, bush lodges, luxury lodges, and campsites to cater to various preferences and interests.

Exploring Kruger National Park from the comfort of an open safari vehicle remains a highly popular way to experience the park. It allows guests to get up close to nature while ensuring their safety. With the wind in your hair and the captivating sounds of Africa all around, a safari in an open vehicle will create lasting memories. Additionally, it provides excellent opportunities to capture stunning photographs.

At Kurt Safari, we provide some of the most competitively priced Kruger National Park safari experiences. We offer private Kruger National Park tours and day tours, giving guests various options to consider when planning their visit to the park. Don’t hesitate to book your tour with us today.

Commonly asked questions about kruger national park, is a kruger national park safari the finest african safari experience.

The Kruger National Park stands as a renowned and captivating tourist destination in South Africa. This wildlife sanctuary is globally acclaimed for its rich assortment of animals, diverse biomes, and plant life. Its establishment dates back to May 1926, thanks to the dedicated efforts of game warden James Stevenson-Hamilton and the late President Paul Kruger. The Kruger National Park came into existence through the merger of various lands and the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, forming the expansive park we know today. Its primary purpose has always been the conservation of Lowveld animals.

Within the Kruger National Park resides an astonishing array of animal, plant, and bird species. It boasts some of the world’s largest and swiftest creatures, such as the African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, White and Black Rhinos, and lions, all of which draw visitors from around the globe. The park’s location in the Lowveld region offers a surprising diversity of biomes. Each of these biomes features remarkable variations in terms of animals and plant life. Travelers can traverse sandy and arid areas with resilient plants, sparser landscapes, and animals adapted to the hot and unique environment. Further exploration leads to lush savannah bush with abundant water, trees, and plant species.

Due to its vastness and diversity, every visit to the Kruger National Park promises a unique experience. Some days, guests may witness the Big 5 within a few hours, while on other days, they might encounter zebras and impalas. This unpredictability is what makes the Kruger Park a beloved and frequently visited destination, offering spontaneous and thrilling adventures.

Embarking on safaris within the Kruger National Park is an excellent way to immerse oneself in its wonder and beauty. Knowledgeable guides can lead guests to various exceptional areas, share informative and fascinating insights, and enhance their understanding of the park. These guides are well-trained and deeply passionate, which reflects in the exceptional treatment guests receive during safaris.

Kurt Safari proudly holds the title of the No.1 Rated Kruger National Park Safari Company. We offer high-quality and affordable 3-4-5 Day packages and day safaris led by experienced guides. The park’s vast expanse, coupled with its breathtaking landscapes and an astounding variety of animal species, is incredibly inviting. The Kruger National Park is steeped in captivating history and compelling stories that captivate and entertain individuals of all ages and interests. Safaris in the Kruger create indelible memories, often leaving guests with lasting impressions of adventure in one of South Africa’s wildest and most diverse places.

With numerous ways to explore and experience the Kruger National Park, the ease of booking a safari, and the friendly and helpful nature of the guides, embarking on a Kruger Park Safari is a decision you’ll never regret.

Is Kruger National Park a Hazardous Destination?

Kruger National Park enjoys global acclaim for its incredible wildlife, picturesque landscapes, and rich history. Every day, thousands of people visit the park, eager to explore its offerings. The Kruger Park boasts numerous captivating sights, including scenic hilltop camps with river views, lookout points near rivers or watering holes, and picturesque clearings by the roadside. Visitors have the opportunity to encounter animals throughout the park, which also means the possibility of interactions and potential risks, both with wildlife and fellow humans.

Among the notable dangers:

African Elephants: While these gentle giants are usually passive, they can become agitated and defensive when their calf is present. Elephants have a strong maternal instinct and will protect their offspring at all costs. Agitated elephants may provide warnings before attacking, but danger arises when separating the calf from its mother or when there is limited space to move. Fortunately, elephant attacks are not common occurrences.

Buffaloes: Buffalo herds pose a greater threat than elephant herds. When provoked, buffaloes can attack without warning. They are social animals that often defend themselves in groups. When a vehicle threatens the herd, they may charge or stampede, causing chaos and a serious danger to all involved. Buffaloes have been known to damage vehicles and harm people.

Hidden dangers include:

On-Foot Dangers: Guests walking in the Kruger, whether on a bushwalk or within rest camps, may encounter hidden dangers such as snakes and spiders. The park is home to 152 spider species, including potentially dangerous ones like the Button Spider, Sac Spider, and Violin Spider. When on foot, guests should also be cautious of snakes, which can seek shelter in various places and strike without warning when threatened.

Curious Vervet Monkeys: Some park residents, like Vervet Monkeys, are curious and may come into close proximity to humans. These clever animals travel in large troops and are commonly found near rest camps where they can access trash cans and fresh food. Vervets may enter people’s accommodations and can become aggressive when cornered or injured. A troop of Vervet Monkeys can pose a danger to both visitors and themselves.

In summary, while the Kruger National Park offers incredible wildlife encounters, visitors should be aware of potential dangers and exercise caution. It’s crucial to respect the park’s wildlife and follow safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

What is the price of a Kruger National Park safari?

Kruger National Park stands as the top tourist destination in South Africa. Its immense size, abundant wildlife and plant species, along with exceptional photography opportunities, make it a must-visit when traveling to South Africa. Many international visitors may not be fully aware of what to expect and the associated costs during their stay at Kruger National Park.

The overall cost of your safari experience in Kruger largely depends on your preferences and activities. Entrance fees to the park can vary based on your nationality. South African citizens pay R200 per adult and R50 per child, while international guests are charged R400 per adult and R200 per child. In addition, all visitors, regardless of nationality, must pay daily conservation fees of R400 per adult and R200 per child.

Visitors have the option of embarking on a self-drive safari, where they take charge of their entire adventure, from driving around the park to creating their own schedule. Self-drive safaris are popular among those who wish to explore Kruger National Park at their own pace, spend quality time with family and friends, and avoid strict schedules. The costs associated with a self-drive safari typically include entrance and conservation fees paid at the gate, fuel expenses, funds for food and snacks during the day, and money for souvenirs. Accommodation, if needed, is a separate cost and can sometimes be relatively expensive.

Alternatively, there are numerous safari companies that offer guided tours, providing a wide range of experiences at varying costs. Many of these companies offer 3/4/5-day safari packages, catering to different budgets. These packages can range from budget-friendly options to more luxurious tours that include meals. It’s essential to research different safari companies to find one that aligns with your preferences and budget. For guests opting for a 3/4/5-day safari, accommodation costs are usually included in the tour package, allowing them to focus on the experience rather than worrying about where to stay.

Safari experiences with a tour company offer the advantage of exploring more of Kruger National Park while being guided by experienced tour guides who provide valuable insights about the park and its wildlife. Guides keep track of animal sightings, ensuring reliable and exciting tours. On the other hand, self-drive safaris provide a relaxed and cost-effective alternative, allowing guests to spend the entire day making memories with family and friends at their own pace. Newcomers to Kruger Park are encouraged to consider guided tours, especially if they are not familiar with the park’s landscape and surroundings.

Which Kruger National Park Camps are considered the finest?

The Kruger National Park is enveloped by an incredibly diverse landscape, featuring a wide range of biomes that house distinct plant life, climates, and wildlife. Given its extensive size, the park offers numerous opportunities for visitors to take a break, enjoy meals, cool off, and find accommodation after a day of exploration. Throughout the Kruger Park, there are a variety of unique rest camps, tent camps, and lodges designed to accommodate and meet the expectations of any traveler.

Indulgent Retreats: Within the Kruger National Park, there are numerous exceptional rest camps, each offering unique features that set them apart. If you seek central access to the park, luxurious accommodation options, breathtaking scenery, and a wealth of amenities like a cinema, library, and restaurants, Skukuza is an ideal destination. Satara, located right in the heart of lion territory, is renowned for its prime location. Guests are virtually guaranteed to encounter numerous lion prides while visiting this area and staying at the camp. Satara Camp has a rustic charm and is not as bustling as Skukuza, providing the luxury of a modern camp combined with the tranquility of a smaller rest camp.

Elephant Haven: Elephants are a major attraction in the Kruger Park, making an area known for spectacular elephant sightings immensely popular. Olifants Camp is situated atop a hill, offering unparalleled views. The camp is celebrated for its breathtaking vistas and is often considered one of the finest camps in the Kruger. Its peaceful ambiance and reputation as an elephant hotspot make it a unique and highly regarded choice for accommodation.

Secluded and Serene: For those who prefer a lighter, more minimalist experience, there are plenty of rest camps that offer excellent camping opportunities. Berg en Dal is one of the larger camps in the Kruger, but its location in a hilly area surrounded by dry riverbeds creates one of the most serene and relaxed places to spend the night. Some of the best camping spots are situated near the camp’s fences, providing unobstructed views of the Kruger’s natural beauty, free from the interference of buildings and trees. Balule, located close to the center of the Kruger Park, is the second smallest camp in the park. Despite its proximity to Satara, Balule is a preferred choice for those seeking peace and solitude. Balule is a satellite camp without electricity, where the kitchen operates on gas, and it boasts spacious areas that offer less shade but more opportunities for stargazing. The camp is frequently visited by hyenas and elephants that patrol the low fence, allowing guests to feel truly immersed in nature during their stay at Balule Satellite Camp.

What wildlife can be observed in Kruger National Park?

Kruger National Park is home to a diverse array of mammal, bird, and plant species. Its establishment dates back to May 1926, but even before that, the Sabi Sand Reserve was dedicated to conserving Lowveld wildlife. When Kruger National Park was founded, it was declared a sanctuary where no animals were to be hunted.

The Lowveld region is renowned for its unique mammal species, many of which are exclusive to this area. Among the notable mammals in the park, Lions take the spotlight as the second-largest cat species globally and the largest in South Africa, second only to the Tiger. Lions are highly social creatures, often found in large prides comprising a dominant male, juvenile males, numerous lionesses, and their cubs. Another sought-after cat species in the park is the elusive Leopard, known for its solitary and secretive hunting behavior, blending seamlessly into the savannah vegetation. The Cheetah, the world’s fastest land animal, surprises many safari-goers with its appearance, resembling a Leopard but with a more slender build and smaller spots. Other lesser-known and rarer cat species in the park include the Rooikat, Wild Cat, Serval, and Caracal, which are solitary and often nocturnal hunters.

Antelopes are a predominant presence in Kruger National Park and are usually among the first animals encountered upon entering the park. The common Impala is a highly social species found in large herds, often mingling with Zebra and Buffalo herds. Known as the “McDonald’s of the Kruger” due to their abundance, Impalas are easy prey for many predators. Other notable antelope species in the park include the Kudu, which serves as a symbol of Kruger National Park, and the Eland, the world’s largest antelope species. These magnificent antelopes are highly prized in hunting reserves but are protected within the park.

Among the park’s largest animals are the African Elephant, renowned for its majestic herds and strong maternal instincts. It is the largest and heaviest land animal globally. The Black and White Rhinos, while popular, face severe threats from poaching, and their populations have significantly declined. Other notable giants in Kruger include the Cape Buffalo and the Blue Wildebeest, commonly found near water sources and interacting with Zebra and Impala herds. While mostly passive, they can be dangerous if provoked.

The variety of animals in Kruger National Park is astonishing. Zebras are a delight to observe as they socialize with Impalas and engage in unique interactions. Wild Dogs, although rare, are highly sought-after animals often on the wish list of safari-goers. Hyenas are more active in the afternoon and can be recognized by their distinctive calls. Giraffes are a fun encounter, though sometimes challenging to spot amid the trees. They travel in small herds, making a memorable sighting nearly guaranteed during your adventure in Kruger Park.

What bird species can be observed in Kruger National Park?

While Kruger National Park is renowned for its diverse mammal and reptile species, the rich variety of bird species within the park often goes unnoticed. Yet, the park offers exceptional opportunities for birdwatching, attracting enthusiasts with thrilling sightings.

One of the most iconic and sought-after birds in Kruger National Park is the Bateleur Eagle. This striking bird is frequently spotted perching in trees near sandy areas of the park, delighting birdwatchers on Kruger Park Safaris. Another common sight at rest camps is the Greater Blue Eared Starling, a beautiful blue bird often seen flying close to people in search of food scraps. The park is also home to a variety of eagle and hawk species, including the Bat Hawk, Hawk Eagle, and Crested Eagle, among others.

A well-known avian resident of the Lowveld is the African Fish Eagle. Its distinctive call often precedes its appearance as it soars through the skies. This majestic raptor is frequently seen near bodies of water capable of sustaining it. Their sizable nests, averaging 2 meters in diameter and a meter deep, are often found in trees near watering holes. African Fish Eagles may have multiple nests that they visit when food is scarce in a particular area. Another bird closely associated with Kruger National Park is the humble Helmeted or Spotted Guinea Fowl. These small birds are commonly observed in small flocks in rest camps, picnic areas, and along roadsides, particularly in the mornings. Local lore suggests that Guinea Fowls should only be eaten during months without an ‘R’ in their names, such as May, June, July, and August.

A group of birds, known as the “Big 6” of birds, mirrors the concept of the Big 5 mammals. This group includes the Kori Bustard, recognized as the world’s heaviest flying bird; the Martial Eagle, strong enough to knock an adult off their feet; the Leppetfaced Vulture, Africa’s largest vulture; the Pel’s Fishing Owl, often referred to as the leopard of the group due to its rarity; the Saddle-billed Stork, known for its vibrant plumage; and the Southern Ground Hornbill.

Kruger Park also hosts numerous common bird species commonly found in the Lowveld region. Birds like the Hadida, Hammerhead, Hoephoep, Kingfishers, Woodpeckers, and the Piet-my-Vrou are frequently seen throughout the park, providing a sense of familiarity and comfort to many visitors.

Discover Southern Africa?

Southern Africa offers a diverse and stunning landscape, from shifting red desert sand dunes to lush green forests teeming with life. Travelers to this region have the opportunity to embark on an unforgettable journey to some of its most coveted destinations, including Cape Town, the Garden Route, and Namibia. These tours are conducted in groups and led by experienced guides who are well-acquainted with the routes, top attractions, and hidden off-the-beaten-path adventures.

Whether you opt for a Namibia tour, a Cape Town exploration, or a Garden Route adventure, each journey is infused with a blend of history, discovery, and enjoyment. Don’t forget to pack your hiking boots and a quality camera to capture the memories of this remarkable trip.

The featured tours encompass essential elements like accommodation, entry fees to various attractions listed in the itinerary, comfortable transportation throughout the tour, and a few added surprises. To gain a more precise understanding of what each tour entails, we recommend thoroughly reviewing the details of each offer.

With a wide array of Southern Africa tours available, you can easily find and book the one that suits your preferences through our website. If you encounter any challenges in selecting the right tour for your needs, feel free to reach out to us directly for a conversation with one of our consultants.

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5 Day Safari Packages

5 Day Kruger and Panorama Budget Safari

Kruger and Panorama – 5 Day Safari

Our 5 day Kruger Park safari packages have been carefully designed to give guests as much comfort as possible. For each safari package, we have sourced the best accommodation for our guests. When compared to similar tour operators, our safaris are rated as being the best. Our trips are ideal for visiting families and groups of friends, as well as for romantic couples looking for a quiet break and singletons looking to explore the park on their own.

Start making memories of the Kruger National Park.

Book your kruger national park safari today, read more 5 day kruger park safaris, experience the wonders of the kruger with a 5 day kruger park safari.

The 5 day Kruger Park safari is the dream tour package. 5 days spent exploring the worlds most famous and beloved nature conservation effort, gives you ample time to see the best of what the park has to offer, while touring at a leisurely pace. The Kruger National Park is without a doubt South Africa’s most popular tourist destination and one that you will never forget. People lose their hearts to the Kruger and leave with a mind and album full of memories.

When embarking on a private Kruger Park safari, or a shared adventure, you will reconnect with nature and embrace the wilder side of Africa. Spending your days in the absolute peace and quiet of the park, with nothing to bug or distract your stay here, is the best remedy for a searching soul and for anyone wanting to break away from their day to day world. The tranquillity of the Kruger as well as all of the indigenous animals who call the park home, call guests to this corner of South Africa. 5 day Kruger Park safari packages are designed to provide guests with comfortable accommodation, certain meals and full Kruger day safaris, giving you everything you could ever want from a safari, and so much more.

Kurt Safari takes guests to the best parts of the Kruger National Park, with most tours travelling through the park’s Southern Region. The routes we take are well known for being the best part of the park to spot the Big 5 and a host of all kinds of other interesting animals. Leaving from the gate closest to guest accommodation in Hazyview, guests have more than enough time to fall in love with the Kruger and all who call it home.

While you might visit the park again someday, we know that for the majority of our guests the Kruger trip is a once in a lifetime experience. Guided tours ensure that guests get the most out of their time in the park. Our guides have plenty of experience living and working in the park, and the knowledge they share makes the safari all the more memorable. Each new day in the park unveils new things and new sightings, so in a way the Kruger tour you choose truly is a once in a lifetime adventure for you won’t have this kind of trip again.

We have a most incredible selection of 5 day Kruger Park safari packages which include private safaris as well as shared ones, and accommodation of all types. Our safaris are designed to fit all budgets and will provide you with a new appreciation for this ancient place.

Our 5 day Kruger safari Packages

5 Day Kruger Big 5 Safari

A full 5 days spent exploring the Kruger National Park, looking for the Big 5 and all of the other animals in the park is by far the best way to get the most out of your time with us. A package which includes so many days in the park, along with superb accommodation and delicious evening meals is all part of this particular adventure. Guests spend a maximum amount of time in the park each day they are on safari after which they will return to their luxury lodgings and some downtime.

5 Day Kruger National Park Photographic Safari

For the professional and amateur photographers alike there is the custom made photographic safari. This custom trip will present the perfect photo opportunities for every guest and each experience is bound to be unique. 2 drives each day, in a comfortable safari vehicle, designed to give you ample viewing. Once the day ends, we return to our lodgings and retire early enough in the evening to be up early the next day for another game drive. This safari trip will leave you with countless memories and a wide selection of gorgeous photographs.

5 Day Kruger Park Backpackers/Student Safari

Travelling to the Kruger on a limited budget? We have the perfect 5 day package for you. These affordable tours will have you enjoying the Kruger and all that it has to offer while staying in comfortable accommodation. Guests can see all kinds of wildlife in the Kruger, with the budget safari not affecting the quality of your Kruger trip. This exciting adventure won’t break the bank.

5 Day Kruger Park Budget Safari

The classic budget safari is a one of a kind trip which is the perfect balance of affordability and comfort. Our budget safaris are well-priced and when compared to others, you are really getting a lot out of your stay with us. With accommodation close to the park, a few meals included and transfers as part of your package, everything will be taken care of, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the safari. We travel in the Southern Kruger which is known as the best place to see animals in the park.

5 Day Kruger Park Classic Safari

A Classic Kruger National Park safari is always going to be one of the best tours you can select. This tour, with its many hours in the Kruger, guests can enjoy early morning drives as well as sunset tours of the park, giving you plenty of see all that the park has to offer. Our early morning and late afternoon drives will take you into the park at the best times to spot animals.

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#1 Kruger National Park Safaris

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4 Days - From Johannesburg

4 Day Ultimate Budget Kruger Park Safari

Our Ultimate Budget Kruger Safari is designed for those guests who would like to experience a safari to the world-renowned Kruger National Park, whist traveling on a budget.

Spend 3 nights at the Adventure lodge located in Hazyview and only 15min drive away from the Phabeni Gate into the National Park.

From ZAR 9795

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Kruger national park safaris and tours: .

Start your safari adventure here:

When you think of an  African safari , chances are that the  Kruger  comes to mind. It is by far South Africa’s best-known animal reserve. It is also the  greatest national park  on the planet, based on the wildlife that calls the park home. It gained its magnificent reputation based on the diversity of animal and plant life as well as based on the number of animals currently in the park. There is little surprise then why so many people choose  Kruger National Park tours and safaris  as the best way to explore those incredible landscapes.

Kruger National Park safari   with Moafrika Tours.A safari in South Africa is high up on the bucket list of pretty much all of those who are holidaying in this part of the world. Visiting the Kruger National Park is an unforgettable experience, in many ways it is exactly what you would expect a wild safari in Africa to be like. Except that when you go on a safari adventure with MoAfrika you will be treated to luxury accommodation. MoAfrika  has created the perfect safari packages to help you spend the ideal amount of time in the park. And time spent with a knowledgeable guide is certainly the best way to make sure that you see exactly what you came to see.

The  Kruger National Park , found in Mpumalanga and the Limpopo Province of South Africa, is unlike any place you will ever visit. Nature is rich and untouched, the animals are living in a truly natural habitat which is in and of itself incredibly special to see with your own eyes. Of course, most people come to the park with a checklist of animals that they would like to see, but the time you spend in the park is about more than just seeing animals. Time in the park is that welcome break from the real world. Along with it being downtime for most, it is also an enlightening journey when taken with a Kruger National Park tour operator.

Are you planning your first family safari?

South African National Parks  are well known for their conservation efforts. The National Parks have been created to give South Africa’s unique and diverse wildlife a safe habitat while allowing us the opportunity to see African wildlife in its rawest form. The  Kruger National Park  offers some of the very best safari opportunities for those who are looking for an adventure. 

These kinds of safaris are offered by a number of different touring companies but if you want to have the very best experience then you need to make sure that you choose the most reputable touring company. If you are going on  safari  with a company, your safari can be made or broken depending on the type that you choose. You will be spending most of your time within the park with your guide, so having a knowledgeable person who is a pleasure to be touring with, will make your  safari  a whole lot more memorable. MoAfrika not only has some of the best tour guides within the industry but we also have some of the very best touring options. With touring packages offering up to 5 days within the Kruger National Park, you will be staying in some of the finest accommodation facilities while your days will be spent travelling around the park. 

Kruger National Park safari with Moafrika Tours The  tour  begins when you are collected from  Johannesburg , either from the airport or from your accommodation. You are then driven to the park, entering through one of the famous Kruger National Park gates. Once in the park, your adventure begins immediately. Guests are treated to the very best safari experience, ensuring that they get to see as many of the parks animals as possible. Time spent in the  Kruger National Park  always ignites that something special. When you are visiting the park, it is like stepping into another world. The rustic appeal of the park helps to transform it into a real safari experience.

A tour into the Kruger will show you just how diverse the landscape is. It is home to 147 species of mammals, 114 species of reptiles, and 507 species of birds. And with 19 633 square kilometers of the conserved park to explore, the more time you spend here, the better your chances of seeing some of the most famous animals. There are many tour options to choose from as well, so you will definitely find that budget option even if finances worry you. Choose your African Safari wisely We offer Budget, Classic, Semi Luxury and all-inclusive Luxury packages. Contact us for our latest rates and prices.

Travelling with  MoAfrika  will offer you plenty of peace of mind while you relax and take in the sights. Our guides know the very best places to travel to if you want to see animals. MoAfrika’s safari options are exceptionally affordable and along with the  luxury accommodation , you will be utterly spoilt with your time spent in the park. Contact us today or browse through our website to find out more. If you are planning a Kruger safari, you may need some help.

Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa and spans an area of just under 20 000 square kilometres (7 500 sq/miles). It is 350 kilometres long and 60 kilometres wide, and comprises a number of diverse biospheres. The Park is wedged between the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga in the north-eastern region of South Africa, with Mozambique on its eastern border and Zimbabwe on its northern border. It was first proclaimed a protected “no hunting” reserve in 1898 by the then President of the Transvaal Republic, Paul Kruger. Today it is one of South Africa’s most popular tourist destinations and world-famous for its conservation and educational initiatives. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide that covers everything from places to stay in the Kruger to best game viewing spots. If you are overwhelmed by choice, Moafrika Tours offers Kruger safari tours and has the knowledge and expertise to guarantee your Kruger safari will be a trip to remember forever.

1 DAY KRUGER SAFARI

If you are travelling from White River or Hazyview in Mpumalanga, the best entrance into the Kruger National Park for a 1-day Kruger safari is Numbi Gate. Once you have paid your entrance fee, you have two choices; take the direct route via Voortrekker Road (H2-2) to Pretoriouskop Rest Camp or the longer route via Napi Road (H1-1) to the Skukuza Malelane road. Stop off for lunch at the Afsaal picnic site before making your way home via Malelane Gate. The south-west corner of Kruger National Park is characterised by Pretoriouskop sourveld with large, bare granite domes and leafy woodlands and grasslands favoured more by browsers than grazers; Malelane mountain bushveld with tall granite koppies (small hills) with mixed knobthorn sweetveld; and mixed woodland and thorn thickets found in the catchment areas along the Crocodile and Sabie Rivers. This is an excellent game viewing region because of its close proximity to water.

Voortrekker Road (H2-2) to Pretoriouskop Rest Camp

Pretoriouskop Rest Camp Voortrekker Road is rich in history as it was the main route for João Albasini’s caravans that transported thousands of kilograms of goods from the coast of Mozambique to the Lowveld trading posts, and returned to the shipping port laden with huge piles of valuable ivory. This journey reportedly took 24 days to travel between Lourenzo Marques (now Maputo) and Pretoriouskop. The caravan expedition usually included 150 Shangaans, 70 porters and 15 or more hunters who shot game for the posse. The road was named in honour of Carolus Trichardt, son of the Voortrekker Louis Trichardt, who was commissioned by the then Transvaal government to open up a regular route between the northern interior and Delagoa Bay.

Voortrekker Road was improved over time and was used extensively to transport supplies to Lydenburg and Mac Mac during the gold rush era. The massive granite boulder that is a distinctive landmark close to Pretoriouskop Rest Camp was known as Ship Mountain to the transport riders. It is rumoured that a stash of 19th-century gold coins is buried at the foot of the granite outcrop, belonging to Chief Matafini, a former Swazi military commander who took refuge there after he fell out with King Mbandeni in the 1880s. He allegedly buried his life’s fortune to avoid paying taxes to the Transvaal government but he was murdered by bandits and his treasure has never been found. Ship Mountain, or Shabeni Hill as it is known today, is covered in lichen and is a remnant of a geological upheaval that occurred some 3 500 million years ago during a time when the gabbro and basalts of eastern Kruger spilt out over the Lowveld floor when an ancient volcano erupted. A little terrier named Jock was born close to Ship Mountain. He was the beloved dog of Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, a former transport rider, who immortalised the story of his pet in his famous book, Jock of the Bushveld.White rhino The south-west corner of Kruger National Park is a good area to spot rhino. They are attracted to the vegetation around the base of Ship Mountain known as sweetveld (sweet field). The first white rhino reintroduced to Park in the 1960s were taken to a boma close to what was known as Ship Mountain. Their numbers had declined dramatically from unchecked hunting in the late 1800s. Voortrekker Road crosses the Mitomeni Spruit – the place of the jackal-berry trees. This was a popular outspan area for transport riders and you can still see the bullet holes in the leadwood trees that the riders used for target practice. The small, fleshy berries found on the trees in the area were used to make beer, and traditional healers used the bark of the jackal-berry tree to make smoke that cured a cough.

Voortrekker Road to Afsaal picnic site

Halfway between Ship Mountain and the Afsaal picnic site is Josekhulu Drift, named after Albasini’s induna (headman) – a large Zulu man known as “Big Josef”. Close to Josekhulu Drift is the site of a trading store set up by Thomas Hart during the 1870s to sell supplies to the transporters. To stave off loneliness in such a remote part of the country, Hart kept an array of unusual pets including a cheetah, honey badgers, jackals, parrots, monkeys and snakes. He was murdered by bandits in 1876 and buried next to the road by sympathetic Swazi warriors.

Napi Road to the Skukuza Malelane road (H1-1)

Napi Road drops down from the granite outcrops of the Pretoriouskop region into rolling plains of mixed bushwillow woodlands south of Skukuza. The bush in this area is quite thick which is not ideal for game viewing but it is an area where you are more likely to see rarer antelope such as sable and eland. This route takes you along the crest of the watershed that divides the two major catchment areas of southern Kruger, the Sabie and Crocodile Rivers. Your first stop is the Shitlhave water hole where you are guaranteed to see a resident pod of hippo and waterbuck grazing in the tall grass. You may also see southern reedbuck. Your drive continues past Mlaleni Hill to a popular outlook point at Transport Dam.

This area marks the start of the sweetveld (sweet field) region which attracts grazers like zebra, buffalo and elephant. The small granite koppies (hills) around Transport Dam are home to small groups of klipspringer (rock hoppers), small antelope that have the uncanny ability to skip up and down the steep rock face. From Transport Dam, you have the choice of the more direct tar road to Skukuza or the N’waswitshaka dirt road (S65). The dirt road takes you off the busy main road and it’s a good place to look for cheetah.

Afsaal picnic site to Malelane Gate on the tar road 

The tar road from Afsaal picnic site to the Malelane Gate crosses the Matjulu River and passes a historic landmark, Tlhalabye Hill. This road is popular for tourists looking for raptors and rhinos. Another option is to take the dust road via Biyamiti Wier and Renosterkoppies. Both routes have interesting loop roads and the rolling woodland region is popular among birders. White rhino are often spotted in the woodlands along the road.

Where to have lunch on a 1-day Kruger safari

Pretoriouskop rest camp .

This peaceful rest camp is one of the oldest establishments in the Kruger Park. It was opened in 1928 at a time when early tourists were first allowed into the park for day visits. The British royal family stayed at Pretoriouskop in 1947 during their tour of South Africa. This popular rest camp is set in mixed terminalia and kiaat woodlands that attract browsers such as kudu and sable antelope. It was a popular outpost for transport riders on their way to Delagoa Bay because it was situated high above the malaria- and tsetse fly-ridden Lowveld.

The transport riders used it as a base to prepare for the brutal journey across the plains to Komatipoort and on to the coastal port in Mozambique. Accommodation at Pretoriouskop Rest Camp offers everything from budget-friendly campsites for tents and caravans and self-catering bungalows to family cottages and luxury guest houses. A recent addition is a luxury tented campsite that is situated on the fence overlooking the surrounding leafy woodlands. There is a fully-stocked convenience store at Pretoriouskop Rest Camp and the Wimpy restaurant offers tourists simple, affordable meals. There is also a fuel station on the property.

Pool at Pretoriouskop Rest Camp Pretoriouskop Rest Camp boasts a spectacular swimming pool that was built up against a flat granite boulder. The large pool is hugely popular with families with young children and gets busy during the holiday breaks. The mini forest that surrounds the pool area is excellent for bird watching. On a walk around the rest camp, look out for the bright bougainvillaea shrubs and red Flamboyant trees that were originally planted by the first ranger in the Park, Harry Wolhuter. He used the camp as his base in the late 1920s and would hold staff meetings under an old Natal mahogany tree that still stands proudly today in the rest camp. These are the only non-indigenous plants that have been left to grow freely in the park as they are a nostalgic tribute to a man that did so much for Kruger National Park.

Skukuza Rest Camp

This well-known rest camp is known as the “administration capital” of Kruger National Park and an excellent place for first-time visitors to visit who are interested in the history of the Park. Skukuza is the biggest and busiest of the main rest camps with a good restaurant overlooking the river, a fast-food outlet and a massive shop where you can buy everything from impala biltong to curios and bush gear. The Stevenson-Hamilton Memorial Library is located in Skukuza and houses a wealth of memorabilia used by the early rangers, as well as stone tools from the San people.

There is even a small memorial site for the much-loved pets of the old park rangers. The rest camp was established at what was known as Sabi Crossing where there was a pontoon in operation to cross the dangerous river. The first Kruger Park ranger, Paul Bester, was stationed there in 1898 and built the first rondavel (round hut) as his home base. These rondavels have become a distinctive feature of the main rest camps in Kruger National Park. During the Anglo-Boer War, Sabi Crossing was occupied by Steinacker’s Horse, a regiment of the British Forces. The rest camp was later named Skukuza when James Stevenson-Hamilton moved there and set up his headquarters. Stevenson-Hamilton was the first official Kruger Park Ranger and his historical notes of what transpired in those early pioneering days of conservation are housed in the museum named in his honour. James Stevenson-Hamilton, first warden of Kruger National Park The Shangaan gave Stevenson-Hamilton the nickname Skukuza, meaning “he who turns everything upside down”.

However, the name is a bitter reference to the fact that he was responsible for “driving out” inhabitants who had lived in the newly-proclaimed reserve for many years. Stevenson-Hamilton went on to transform Kruger National Park from an over-hunted, disease-ridden outpost into one of Africa’s best game reserves and conservation landmarks. Skukuza Rest Camp is situated close to the confluence of the Sabie, N’waswitshaka and Sand Rivers. It is an area rich in game but the main attraction is sightings of leopard. The thorn thickets and mixed woodlands around the rest camp aswell as a permanent source of water attract an abundance of game which in turn attracts predators to the area. A popular drive in the Skukuza area is the loop around the Sabie and Sand Rivers (H1-2, H12 and H4-1). There is a fairly good chance you’ll spot lion, hyena and wild dog on this drive. Other excellent game viewing vantage points include Mathekenyane Koppie on the H1-1 and Shirimantanga Hill on the S112 where Stevenson-Hamilton and his wife Hilda asked for their ashes to be scattered. Shirimantanga Hill is part of a scenic collection of hills collectively known as “Rhino Koppies”.

Skukuza Rest Camp boasts excellent facilities for tourists including a resident doctor and pharmacy, car hire and wash, a vehicle repair workshop, photograph development facilities and banking facilities. You can take an amble down the river-front walkway to the Campbell 1929 Hut Museum, which is the oldest hut in the Park. A well-maintained swimming pool is available for day visitors to use and there is a second pool at the camping site. The main staff village is located across the river from Skukuza Rest Camp and boasts the only golfing facility in Kruger Park. It is a 72-par, 9-hole, 18-tee course set amongst beautiful bushveld trees with views over Lake Panic. The course is not fenced in and many golfers have had a game interrupted by curious buck and giraffe wondering onto the fairway. Be on the lookout for dangerous animals.

Afsaal picnic site

This is a great spot to stop off for lunch on a 1-day Kruger safari. The well-maintained picnic site is hugely popular with day visitors with a well-stocked shop, a fast-food outlet or braai facilities to choose from when the family gets hungry. The picnic site is surrounded by thick clusters of red ivory and enormous jackal-berry trees. An ancient termite mound near Afsaal is home to a tame colony of dwarf mongooses. The site was originally used by the old transport riders as half-way camp enroute to Delagoa Bay and was popular as a hunting ground to replenish dwindling food provisions.

The sweet grazing in the area attracted a variety of antelope all year round. The surrounding area around Afsaal sits on a great horn of gabbro which provides nutritious grazing for animals such as zebra, wildebeest and impala. The abundance of grazers in the sweetveld plains attracts predators such as hyena and wild dog to the area. Also be on the lookout for unusual sightings of the Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, the southern reedbuck and caracal. Afsaal is also well-known for sightings of lions that can be seen standing on the flatter boulders of the Makhoutwanini Koppies just north of the picnic site or resting in the shady, long grass beneath the trees in the leafy woodland areas. The Biyamiti Basin lies beyond Afsaal.

This wooden riverine is situated in the flood plains near Jock’s Camp and comes to life during the rainy season in summer. Gaggling parties of hornbills are a common sight in the mixed bushwillow woodlands. The Biyamiti valley is also well-known for its rock art sites that are found in ancient hunting camps that were occupied for many years by the San, the last Stone-age people. These small nomadic groups followed the migrating animal herds and their traditional ways remained virtually unchanged for over 10 000 years until the arrival of the Bantu tribes from the north.

Exit at Malelane Gate

Your 1-day Kruger safari ends as you exit the Park at Malelane Gate. However, your journey is not over yet and you have the lush, fertile valley of Malelane and the magnificent Komati Gorge to look forward to on your drive back to Nelspruit. Malelane is a charming valley situated on the N4 national highway about halfway between the capital city of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit, and the capital city of Mozambique, Maputo. It is also the gateway to Swaziland. The region is home to established farms that produce the country’s supply of sugarcane, subtropical fruit and nuts and winter vegetables. The town of Malelane has also grown in popularity over the years as a destination for gourmet enthusiasts with establishments like Hamiltons Lodge and Restaurant offering visitors a delicious country meals paired with fine wines.

2 DAY KRUGER SAFARI

The first day of your 2-day Kruger safari covered the south-west corner of the Kruger National Park. If you stopped at Skukuza for lunch and spent time learning about the history of the Park, we recommend you spend your first night at Lower Sabie Rest Camp in the south-east (travel from Skukuza on the H4-1 tar road). This is a very popular rest camp so you will need to book your accommodation at Lower Sabie well in advance. Lower Sabie Rest Camp is perfectly positioned overlooking the Sabie River, with views of the Lebombo Mountains in the distance. The modern restaurant has a stunning deck that is ideal for game viewing or just taking in the scenic beauty of the area. The endless procession of animals coming to drink at the Sabie River is a delight for both young and older visitors.

This popular rest camp has recently been refurbished and now offers luxury facilities and accommodation of a world-class standard. Luxury safari tents are a new addition, offering overseas tourists a real African bush experience. Accommodation ranges from self-catering Kruger huts and bungalows to campsites for tents and caravans. Day visitors have access to a designated picnic area with a swimming pool and braai (barbeque) facilities. There are also picnic spots at Nkuhlu, Mlondozi Dam and Tshokwane. A well-stocked shop, an internet café and filling station are a few of the facilities available at Lower Sabie Rest Camp. The camp also offers guided bush walks and game viewing on an open vehicle for visitors booked into the rest camp but you need to book in advance.

Explore the south-east routes

Up at crack of dawn, you’ll want to get an early start to explore the south-east corner of Kruger National Park. Today you can look forward to sightings of cheetah, wild dog, elephant and rhino.Your first stop for early morning coffee and rusks is Sunset Dam off the H4-1. This is an excellent waterhole for photography enthusiasts because you can get close to the water’s edge and catch the first rays of a glorious morning. For better game viewing, you can make your way to Duke’s waterhole (S137) where visitors often see territorial cheetah and wild dog. Duke’s Water Hole was named after the legendary Tom Duke, the head ranger at Lower Sabie for 20 years. Stevenson-Hamilton said in his memoirs that he often felt Duke was “the only friend he had” when he faced an uphill battle to develop the Park. The water hole is full all year round and attracts prides of lion who hang around its edges waiting for animals to come drink. There is a popular bird hide at Nhlambanyathi (S28) which gives the youngsters in the car a chance to get out and stretch their legs, or you can drive further south to Nhlanganzwane Dam. Both these spots are ideal for early morning visits when the animals and birds are most active. Be on the lookout for white and black rhino, tsessebe and bushbuck and the resident pods of hippo in the dams. Leaving Lower Sabie, you have a choice of a few scenic routes. Although the distance of the different routes are relatively short, allow yourself a good three hours for a leisurely game drive at the strict speed limit to make it to the gate in time to leave the Park.

Lower Sabie to Skukuza route (H4-1)

You may prefer to head back in the direction of Skukuza (H4-1) along a very scenic route that passes through two distinctive eco-zones. The variety of vegetation attracts an interesting mix of grazers and browsers with spectacular sightings of the magnificent Tamboti and Fig trees hugging the river bank. This is leopard country, as the concentration of these magnificent cats is higher in this part of the Park than anywhere else in the southern region. The vegetation blanking the Sabie River has changed since the destructive floods in 2000 uprooted trees and swept away reed beds. The river now follows a slightly different course since the raging river burst its banks. For a leg stretch, snacks and refreshments, there is a picnic spot at Nkuhlu (Swazi name for the Natal Mahogany tree) about halfway between Lower Sabie and Skukuza rest camp.

Lower Sabie to Tshokwane route (H10)

This road leads you north of Lower Sabie over the Sabie River and along a very pretty route that gently winds through Knob Thorn, Marula savannah and wide grasslands to Tshokwane (H10). The sweetveld vegetation in this area attracts large herds of antelope, zebra, buffalo and wildebeest which in turn attract the predators. The eastern grasslands north of the Sabie River are home to the highest concentration of giraffe. A popular spot to break the drive is Mlondozi Dam which offers visitors panoramic views over the plains and the Lebombo Mountains. Muntche Hill is an interesting stop-off as you can see a distinctive change in landscape where the flat basalt plains meet the rocky rhyolite hills. There is a 12km circular road (S122) around Muntche Hill where many visitors have reported sightings of cheetah. Another excellent viewing point is Nkumbe, at a point where the road ascends into the Lebombo Mountain range before descending toward Tshokwane. You can look out over the Mlondozi River and try to spot game on the endless savannah plains. Last stop on the H10 route is Orpen Dam where you will find a pleasant thatched shelter positioned close to the edge of the Munywini River, at the base of the Lebombo Mountain. This is an excellent spot for bird watching and of course, sightings of crocodile and pods of hippo.

Berg en Dal Loop (S110)

This is a great drive if you are planning to leave the Park via the Crocodile Bridge or Malelane Gate. It takes you into a region of southern Kruger characterised by majestic granite koppies (small hills) which are some of the oldest rocks in the world. The most impressive is Khandizwe Mountain (839m) which is the highest point in Kruger National Park. This region is known for experiencing the highest rainfall in the Park which in turn means that it boasts incredible biodiversity. The Zulu milkberry, red ivory, white pear and the Cape chestnut trees in the area are spectacular features and attract an array of birds to the region. The quirky Klipspringer and Mountain reedbuck is prolific in these parts and only found in the southern region of Kruger National Park. Leopard sightings are common as they tend to favour the granite hills for their lairs. A waterhole situated under Matjulu Hill is popular for sightings of white rhino, kudu and giraffe.

Wild dog and cheetah also favour the densely wooded environment and Berg-en-Dal is the only area where you will find the southern grey Rhebok. For breath-taking views of the western mountain range and the expansive flat savannah plains, stop at a site on the Steilberg Road (S120). The region was inhabited by the San people and is rich in artefacts from the Late Stone Age and Iron Age. Potsherds and bones dating back hundreds of years where found when Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp was built in the early 1980s. There are approximately 100 rock art sites in the south-western corner of the Park which can only be visited with a guide. The 3-day Bushman Trail is your best option to view these magnificent archaeological sites but the trail is so popular, you have to book a year in advance.

Biyamiti (S114), Bume (S26) and Randspruit (H5) Roads

This region is defined by low hills with rough and sandy soil and sweet grass that attracts the browsers. The Bume Road (S26) is more scenic alternative to the Crocodile River Road as the drive meanders along streams and riverbeds which is excellent for game viewing. The abundance of Knob thorn acacias, bushwillow and Marula trees in the area provides excellent nutrition for browsers and you’re guaranteed to see large numbers of giraffe, kudu and duiker. Herds of elephant make their way down to the rivers that are flanked with leadwood, jackal-berry, sycamore figs and sausage trees. Small groupings of black rhino are concentrated in the Nwatimhiri and Gomondwane thickets north of Crocodile Bridge and south of the Sabie River. This is also an area that you will find Sable antelope, the largest and most spectacular of all antelope in the Kruger National Park. Pick up the Biyamiti Loop (S23) off Bume Road and make your way to Biyamiti Weir. Flocks of European bee-eaters make this region their home in our summer months and birding in general is excellent. Otherwise you can head eastwards along the Randspruit Road (H5) which takes you past the site of Sardelli the Greek’s trading store on the banks of the Vurhami River. The best drive in the southern part of Kruger National Park is the road (S139) that follows the Biyamiti River past Biyamiti Bush Camp. Only visitors who are booked into this small and intimate camp are allowed access to this part of the Park so it’s well worth booking into the camp for a night to experience the privacy and isolation of the area.

Exit via Crocodile Bridge

Once you have thoroughly explored the Biyamiti Basin, it is time to head home and your nearest exit point is Crocodile Bridge Gate. If you need to fill up your car or your tummies, you can stop off at Crocodile Bridge Camp which is a short drive from the gate. Be on the lookout for white rhino as they favour the mixed woodland vegetation. The shy black rhino usually stay deep in the thorn thickets. Sightings of lion, spotted hyena, leopard, cheetah and wild dog are also common in this southern-most corner of the Park. The area is dominated by open savannah grassland on basalt which provides sweet, nutritious grazing for common game such as impala.

If you find yourself on the Gomondwane Road (H4-2), stop off either the Gezamtombi or Gomondwane waterholes for excellent game viewing. This historical road was the first road built in the Kruger National Park and was laid out by CR de Laporte in the early 1920s in what was then Sabi Game Reserve. It follows the route that Chief Magashula used to travel from his kraal (home) in Phabeni to Delagoa Bay and tracks made by the first traders that made up João Albasini’s entourage. Remnants of the San people who once lived and hunted in the area are found on overhanging sandstone rock near the Hippo Pool (S27). This scenic route out of the Park is known as the ‘Southern Circle’ and boasts high concentrations of hyena, prides of lion and rest of the Big 5. It is rated as one of the best game viewing drives in the Park and can get quite congested. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to explore the area and still make it to the Crocodile Bridge Gate in time. There are always animals to see as you cross over the Crocodile Bridge on your way out of the Park. If you have a few moments to spare, you can make a quick turn to Gezantfombi Dam which is a short drive away from the bridge. If you time it right, you’re guaranteed to see elephants cooling off in the water.

Once out of Kruger National Park, you have a scenic drive to look forward to through the lush, fertile Malelane valley and the magnificent Komati Gorge. Then it is homewards on a dual-carriageway through the capital of Mpumalanga Province, Nelspruit, to Johannesburg.

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After a thoroughly enjoyable day exploring the southwest routes, we recommend staying at one of the private satellite camps that are ideally positioned for the next part of your Kruger safari; exploring the central belt of the Park. You have a choice of Talamati Bush Camp, Tamboti Tent Camp or Maroela Private Camp. These private camps book up a year in advance; if you can’t get a booking, the most accessible option is Satara Rest Camp. The camp environment is child-friendly, with ample space within the camp to roam around safely. It has a rustic feel with most of the self-catering bungalows set out in a series of circles. Accommodation in Satara comes standard with an evening choral show which includes chirping fruit bats, screaming cicadas, the gentle calls of owls and nightjars, the whoop of hyena, the screech of jackal and the distant roar of lions.

Satara Rest Camp is situated on an open plain surrounded by groves of stunted knobthorn and marula trees aswell as a light mix of wooded thickets. If you get to the rest camp with some time to spare, you can stop off at Girivana Water Hole which is a short drive from the camp and excellent for game viewing. This area boasts the highest concentration of lion and sightings of hyena are also common. The predators are attracted to the open grasslands that are home to large herds of grazers, such as the common impala (affectionately known as the fast-food of the bush). Keep an eye on the sky for circling vultures as that means there has been a lion kill close to the camp.

Explore the central region of Kruger National Park

The central belt of Kruger National Park is dominated by sweetveld (grass) that grows on fertile soils layered on shale and volcanic basalt. The delicious vegetation is a gastronomic delight for grazers and browsers and the area is well known for its abundance of impala, kudu, wildebeest, zebra, waterbuck and sable antelope. There are also large concentrations of buffalo and giraffe which in turn bring predators to the area. A belt of granite in the central-west region produces clay soils that are rich in nutrients. Magnificent tree species such as the marula and knobthorn dominate the savanna grasslands.

These trees produce delicious fruit and flowering leaves that attract an array of birds, butterflies and browsers such as elephant, kudu and giraffe. Higher concentrations of black rhino are found in the central belt for the same reason. Most of the land in the central region of the Park originally belonged to the state and had been designated as farming land. These privately- or company-owned farms were expropriated or exchanged for land elsewhere and the negotiated settlement cost the government at the time a fortune. As a result, the uneven western boundary was the result of the government limiting the number of farms it had to purchase.

Five seasonal rivers meander across the central region of the Park and game is abundant in seasons with high rainfall. However, the region is also afflicted by extremely dry spells that have, at different times, depleted animal numbers. In the late 1960s, the Park’s board granted permission for a number of man-made dams to be built in the central region which has resulted in game herds concentrating in areas that were only traditionally visited in summer. This is problematic from a conservation point of view but fantastic for visitors on a Kruger safari. The abundance of game in the central region means Satara Rest Camp is an extremely popular tourist destination. It is estimated that there are no fewer than 60 lion prides within a 20 kilometre radius of the camp and on average one lion kill every three days.

Many smaller camps and tented camps have sprung up to capitalise on the popularity of the central basin and these camps provide visitors with a more private and isolated bush experience. Cheetah sightings in the central region are rare as the habitat of southern Kruger is more ideal for them. The high density of lion in the central region is problematic for cheetahs and has also had a negative impact on the number of endangered wild dog in the area. Lion account for at least one third of wild dog pup deaths and therefore these quirky painted dogs avoid areas with a higher concentration of lions. The spotted hyena holds its own against lion and the breed thrives in the central region of the Park. It is estimated that at least 1 200 spotted hyena reside in the central bowl. As both lion and hyena favour impala as a quick and easy meal, there numbers put a strain on the breeding herds of these common grazers.

Game drive routes from Satara   Satara Rest Camp to Olifants Rest Camp (H1-4)

This is the route to take if you are heading north in the direction of Olifants Rest Camp or Letaba Rest Camp. The road takes visitors along a flat and monotonous landscape dominated by knobthorn and marula trees. It is not the most scenic route to Olifants Rest Camp but the abundance of animals in the region makes it ideal for game viewing. There are a number of water pans along the road which is great for birders. Follow the N’wanetsi River along the S100 and stop off at the Shibotwana and Nsasane waterholes before coming out on the Gudzani Road (S41).

The exclusive N’wanetsi Singita Lebombo Lodge is located in this area, a privately-owned lodge that attracts the rich and famous. N’wanetsi and Sweni outlook points are a good place to stop if you need to stretch your legs or you could pull into the Sonop and Shishangani waterholes which are excellent for game viewing and early evening sundowners. The Olifants region consists of three ecosystems with savannah grasslands to the south, Mopaneveld to the north and the riverine forest of the Olifants River. Mountainous thornveld with black rocks and mixed woodland form a barrier between the northern mopaneveld and the southern mixed bushwillow woodlands. The S90 road takes tourists on a Kruger safari that winds through grasslands dominated by knobthorn trees. Large herds of game are found in this area and the road is a lot less congested than the main roads in the southern part of the Park.

Satara Rest Camp to the Timbavati picnic spot (S39)

The road travelling along the Timbavati River is regarded as one of the best routes in the Kruger National Park. It is also the home of the famous White Lion of Kruger. The S39 follows the Timbavati River for almost 50 kilometres, crosses many geographical zones and is rich in biodiversity. Thornveld and mixed woodland melts into Mopaneveld with granite outcrops, gabbro, ecca shale and basalt dominating the region.

At Waypoint 482, take the S127 to the Timbavati picnic spot which is located at a point where four roads merge together. The Piet Grobler Dam is located at Waypoint 487; it’s a large concrete dam built across the Timbavati River. It was named in honour of Piet Grobler, the grand-nephew of Paul Kruger, who played a significant role in establishing the Kruger National Park. If you want to push on, make your way to Ratelpan Bird Hide (S39) and the Goedgegun and Roodewal water holes. The S39 route runs along the Timbavati River and is an incredibly scenic drive with great game viewing. Birders should be on the lookout for the kori bustard, which is the heaviest flying bird in the world and known for impressive aerial displays performed in the mating season. This is a Riverine and Thornveld area, although large stands of the exotic Lala Palm are found at Ratelpan.

The bird hide at Ratelpan is one of eleven in the Park and overlooks the river. A delightful sight is watching a herd of elephant wonder down the bank on the other side for a refreshing drink and swim. Birders will be on the lookout for the Comb duck, Pied and Giant kingfishers and the thick-billed Cuckoo. Photographers flock to Leeubron Water Hole on the S39 as it is regarded as one of the top 10 sites for wildlife photography. Animal numbers in this central region have steadily increased since the fence dividing the western Kruger from the private reserves in the Timbavati was removed.

Satara Rest Camp to Orpen Rest Camp

If you are not heading north for a longer stay, your third day of a Kruger safari will see you explore the middle-western belt of the central region before you head towards Orpen Gate, passing the many private and tented camps in the region. You will leave behind sweetveld that makes up the ecology of the eastern plains for the sourveld of the western part of the central region. The most direct route from Satara Rest Camp to the Orpen Gate is the tarred H7 main road.

A short drive from the camp is the gravesite of William Lloyd who was a ranger at Satara in 1920. It’s worth a quick stop, if only to appreciate the hardships rangers and their families endured in those times. In those early days, the Satara ranger’s camp was so remote that it could only be reached on foot or horse back. Lloyd and his young wife and small children lived in complete isolation. Lloyd succumbed to pneumonia and died, forcing his wife to send a message to Stevenson-Hamilton who immediately travelled to the camp to offer his assistance. By the time he got there, Lloyds’ wife had buried her husband in a shallow grave under a tree close to the house. There are three small camps in the Orpen area but when it’s time to stop for lunch and to fill up your tank, head to Orpen Rest Camp. Maroela Camp and Tamboti Tented Camp offer basic facilities mainly geared for campers.

The Orpen area is popular among birders as it is well-known as raptor and vulture territory. The most common sightings are the Cape vultures and Bateleurs. You are also guaranteed of seeing large herds of buffalo on the H7 route through the Orpen area. These massive bovines may look like domestic cattle but they are one of the most dangerous animals in the African bush and part of the Big 5. Large concentrations of wildlife are also found at Nsemani Pan and surrounds which is located a short drive from Satara Rest Camp. The pan is located on a narrow strip of ecca shale that divides the granite woodlands of the west from the basalt plains in the east. The thornveld is broken by rocky granite outcrops, with the most impressive being Mathikithi Koppie. It’s also probably the best place to see white rhino aswell as an impressive concentration of elephant, giraffe and kudu.

Exit via Orpen Gate

Just before you leave Kruger National Park through Orpen Gate, you have the opportunity to stop and stretch your legs at an outpost situated close to the gate. Rabelais Hut is the site of the original entrance gate to the central region and is located on the old Orpen road to the east of N’wamatsata Drift, approximately 9 kilometres from Orpen Rest Camp. The original hut that served as the reception and guard house has been well preserved. The rest camp and gate was named in honour of the Orpen family, the original owners of the farm. Orpen Gate was relocated to its current position in 1954 when the boundary fence was moved further westward as a result of the expropriation of the farm lands. Rabelais Hut is now used as an information centre and a small living museum. The hut and the nearby waterhole derive their name from the French writer and satirist Francois Rabelais.

4 DAY KRUGER SAFARI

With two days left of a 5-day Kruger safari, we recommend you spend your fourth night at Letaba Rest Camp in the north-eastern region of the Park. This rest camp is ideally located to explore an area of the Park that promises spectacular views, prolific birdlife and excellent game viewing. The name Letaba means ‘river of sand’ in Sotho. Letaba Rest Camp is situated on a sweeping bend of the Letaba River, midway between the southern and northern boundaries of the Kruger National Park. Against the drier, sandy landscape the camp stands out like a green oasis. It is situated in Mopane shrubveld surrounded by mixed grass plains and apple leaf trees. Taller trees like leadwoods, tamboti and nyala are found along the drainage lines and riverine forest. To get to Letaba Rest Camp from the Olifants area, either take the main Olifants-Letaba tar road (H1-5) or the slightly longer Letaba River dust road (S46/S44). The main tar road takes you through relatively flat Mopane shrubveld while the Letaba River Road ambles along the south bank of Engelhard Dam and the winding route alongside the river.

The Olifants River is known as one of the most spectacular stretches of the Park, where rugged veld meets the lush riverine forest. There are often leopard sightings along this road, although the area is appreciated more for its scenic beauty and birdlife than its abundance of animals. Birders will be on the lookout for the rare saddle-billed and black storks that chose the Olifants River as one of their main breeding grounds. When you’ve finally settled into your accommodation at Letaba Rest Camp, keep an eye out for a new species of spider that was first discovered in 2003. The baboon spider has, to date, not been recorded anywhere else in the world except in a patch of Mopane trees near the camp.

Explore the Letaba area

The Letaba basin is known as an archaeologists dream destination as it is believed to be the area the first Bantu-speaking tribe moved to when they travelled from the northern regions of Africa to settle on the Letaba River in about 400 AD. Remnants of early human inhabitants make it an extremely interesting part of the Park to explore if you’re not there just for the wildlife. The northern region of Kruger National Park is dominated by Mopaneveld and alluvial flood plains and has a much lower carrying capacity than the southern region. It is known rather as a rewarding birding destination, with the Shingwedzi flood plains being one of the country’s top summer birding spots. Shingwedzi itself is renowned for its big tuskers as most of the legendary Magnificent Seven made the flood plains their territorial home.

Game drives in the Letaba-Shingwedzi-Punda Maria area (H1-7)

There are not many roads in the northern region of the Park and the only link from the Letaba area to Punda Maria Rest Camp is the H1-7. This is a spectacular route with a number of loops that take you from the drier mopaneveld through a stunning riverine forest.

Mpholongolo Loop (S56)

This 20-kilometre detour takes about 2 hours and offers visitors on a 5-day Kruger safari spectacular bird and game viewing in an isolated part of the Park. Lion, buffalo, elephant and leopard are common sightings on this route. The area is semi-arid but an ample water supply from the Shingwedzi and Luvuvhu Rivers attracts a decent stock of wildlife. Mopane trees thrive in this sun-baked region, which have the ability to withstand longer periods of dry weather. In areas with poor, shallow soil the trees grow as a multi-stemmed shrub and play an important role in an elephant’s diet. Caterpillars of the emperor moth, known as mopane worms, feed on the leaves and are a delicacy for the local African people.

Letaba River

This river is one of seven major tributaries in the Park and forms part of a corridor of biodiversity that includes the Olifants, Shingwedzi, Tsendze and Mphongolo Rivers. Imposing trees grow along its bank, including the tall apple-leaf, sycamore fig, nyala, tamboti and jackal-berry trees. Large pools that break up the flow of the river are home to crocodile and pods of hippo. During a severe drought in the mid-1940s, the Letaba River stopped flowing. This dry spell had a devastating impact on the hippo population and the dry years that followed further decimated their numbers. In 1970 an American industrialist, Charles Engelhard, financed the construction of a large dam on the river downstream from the Letaba Rest Camp. Three other dams and a number of reservoirs (artificial dams) were constructed at later dates, including the Kanniedood (cannot die) Dam.

The construction of artificial water sources created some controversy among conservationists but the decision was finally made to build the dams to safeguard the animals that are highly dependent on a good water source. Wildlife numbers have steadily climbed in recent years through conservation initiatives and the most rewarding result is that the concentration of elephants in the Letaba area has grown significantly. As mentioned, the northern region of the Park is paradise for avid birders. The Mopane woodlands attract an array of unusual birds that are not found elsewhere in Kruger National Park. Birders should be on the lookout for the mourning dove, the endangered Arnot’s chat, grey-rumped swallow and brown-throated Martin.

Lamont Loop (S55)

This loop is located north of Shingwedzi and takes you on a winding route alongside the wide, sandy river bed. It is an excellent road for sightings of elephant grazing among the mopane shrubs. Nkulumboni South and Nwarihlangari are two water holes that you can visit but don’t expect to see anything too exciting as the concentration of game is very limited in this area.

Babalala to Dzundzwini (H1-7)

This area is a mix of mopane shrubveld and mixed mopane woodlands. The lush wetlands around the Babalala picnic site attract an array of birds, in particular the migratory water birds. The wetlands are part of the Shisha River system that form a series of protected vleis (wetlands) that have been identified by BirdLife SA as an important habitat for some of South Africa’s rarest birds. The Babalala picnic site offers braai facilities with a good supply of wood, ice and cold drinks on sale. Be on the lookout for cheetah in the area. Birders will be keen to spot the corn crake, African crake and the more common black crake.

Letaba to Mopani Rest Camp (H1-6)

This is a popular route for sightings of elephant who favour the mopaneveld and wetter floodplains close to the Letaba River. Free-tailed bats come out in large numbers in the evening, setting off from the high-level bridge to gorge on mosquitoes and other pesky critters. A good place to stop for lunch is the Mopani Rest Camp which is located on the banks of Pioneer Dam. It lies nestled in a Mopani wooded area broken only by a scattering of koppies (small hills). A signature feature of the camp is a huge gnarled baobab tree that stands in the heart of the camp. Built in 1992, Mopani Rest Camp is the youngest of the main camps in Kruger National Park. It offers visitors spectacular views of Pioneer Dam which is rich in birdlife and a higher concentration of animals than the rest of the stark landscape. For a unique bush experience, visitors can book to spend the night in the Shipandane bird hide.

Guided trails to the Shilowa heritage sites can be booked in advance. The walk takes you to a site that lies to the right of the Tropic of Capricorn and marks the so-called First Site believed to be where the first humans settled in the area in the period 1 200 AD and 1 600 AD. A second site dates back to the late 1700s when the Pedi inhabited the area. They were driven out of the region in the 1800s by the Tsonga chief Gugunyane. After lunch, take the H1-6 which is a series of loop roads that follow the Tsendzi River south of the camp. Confluence Lookout is a good spot for better game viewing. Thereafter, take the Tropic of Capricorn Loop (S143) where you will cross over the imaginary line at Shilowa Mountain on the edge of Lebombo. Shilbavatsengele is an excellent lookout point. For a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape dotted with majestic baobab trees, make your way up Bowker’s Kop which is to the north of Mopani Rest Camp. Birders should be on the lookout for the rare knob-billed duck which often makes an appearance at the waterhole opposite the hill.

Engelhard Dam

The routes around the Engelhard Dam take tourists on a panoramic drive through a magnificent landscape rich in biodiversity. The Matambeni bird hide and the Engelhard view site are two good lookout points which can be reached either via the S62 on the northern side of the Letaba River or from the S46 on the southern side. The large weir lies to the east of Letaba Rest Camp and is known as a birding paradise with regular sightings of herons, plovers, bee-eaters, storks, crakes and jacanas.

Von Wielligh’s Camp

A magnificent baobab tree stands sentry at the confluence of the Olifants and Letaba Rivers and marks the site where GR Von Wielligh set up camp. He was one of the original surveyors in the area and his name is still etched on the tree which he carved in 1891.

Exit via Phalaborwa Gate

Take the H14 from Mopani Camp to reach Phalaborwa Gate at the end of your 4-day Kruger National Park safari. Your journey out of the Park will take you through woodlands of Mopane trees, bushwillows and acacias. You might not have seen much game on your last day but you should have enjoyed magnificent bird sightings. If you have time, you can make a detour to the Sable water hole or the Masorini Cultural Village which is located at the base of the Vudogwa Mountain. Sable water hole is so named as it is known for its larger concentrations of Sable antelope.

They are quite difficult to spot as these shy animals tend to blend into the dense thickets. The Masorini Settlement provides visitors with a glimpse of how the early iron makers and traders lived in the 16th century. The site is located about 11 kilometres from Phalaborwa Gate. The ancient village has been restored and you can see where the smelters lived on the lower terrace of Masorini and where the forgers lived on the higher terraces; the forgers enjoyed a higher status. The stonewalls, grinding stones, potsherds and the remains of foundries – which includes a well-preserved smelting furnace – date back to the 19th century. There are also implements on exhibit that date back to the Stone Age and Iron Age. There is a spectacular outlook point on the Masorini hilltop overlooking Shikumbu Hill where the Chieftain lived.

5 DAY KRUGER SAFARI

You can’t really do justice to the northern region of the Kruger National Park with only one day to spare but you’ll have enough time to whet your appetite for a return visit. We recommend you spend your last night of a 5-day Kruger safari at the Punda Maria Rest Camp which is located a short 8-kilometre drive from the Punda Maria Gate. This section of the Park is completely different from the central and southern regions and often described as the ‘botanical garden’ of the Kruger National Park. It boasts a unique biodiversity, has higher concentrations of game than the drier Letaba area and is well-known as a bird paradise. It is also an important archaeology region, being the area that the first inhabitants settled in the Stone and Iron Age.

Visitors staying at Punda Maria Rest Camp can stay in luxury safari tents nestled in lush vegetation or pretty white-washed bungalows that have much-needed air-conditioning. For a budget-friendly option, visitors have the choice of 50 camp or caravan sites. The rest camp was given the name Punda Maria by the first ranger posted to the area, Captain JJ Coetser. He thought Punda Maria was the Swahili name for zebra which is the first large animal he saw on his arrival. The correct spelling is actually ‘punda milia’ meaning ‘striped donkey’ but the name stuck, despite an attempt in 1981 to change it.

The name Maria is not a form of ‘milia’ but the name of the captain’s wife who stoically bore him 12 children. Captain Coetser played a vital role in curbing rampant ivory poaching in the region which had become a haunt of smugglers, poachers and hunters. These roughnecks based themselves at the confluence of the Limpopo and Luvuvhu Rivers at a point where the borders of Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), Portuguese East Africa (now Mozambique) and South Africa meet. This settlement of derelict shacks became known as Crooks’ Corner. These lawless men made their living illegally trading in ivory, using labour recruited from the Witwatersrand Basin during the gold rush era. Their base at Crooks’ Corner meant they could skip across one of the borders to hide out when authorities came searching for them.

Explore the Far North of Kruger National Park

The northern region of the Park stands out in stark contrast to the southern regions based on its unique ecology. It is situated in the tropics and has a geological base of sandstone rather than granite and basalt that is common throughout the rest of the Park. The landscape is referred to as sandveld and, although stark in parts, has stunning stands of trees where you are guaranteed to see elephants. If you are this far north, it is worthwhile pushing on to explore the area around Pafuri. The landscape is a spectacular mix of South African Lowveld and African woodlands with various trees including the bushwillow species, silver cluster leaves and white syringe. It is known as the ‘northern biome’ and is one of the most ecologically diverse areas in the Park.

Animals in this area are scarcer than the southern region of the Park, although small groupings are found on the banks of the Luvuvhu and Limpopo Rivers. You want to visit Pafuri purely for its diverse array of rare plants and birdlife. Unusual sightings of the Sharpe’s grysbok and the Suni antelope are a rare and exciting, hiding out in the thickets along the river. You may also be lucky enough to spot one of the territorial leopards in the area. Rare birds to lookout for include the Bohms spinetails, the African finfoot and the white crowned plover. Other unusual sightings to tick off your list include the Pel’s fishing owl, thick-billed cuckoo, racket-tailed roller, Arnot’s bush chat, bush shrike, narine trogon and trumpeter hornbill.

An unusual feature of the far northern region of the Kruger National Park is the hot springs in the Parfuri area. The region lies on a fault-line known as the Limpopo Mobile Belt, which is the joint between the Kaapvaal Craton (the crust of the earth supporting South Africa) and the Central African Craton to the north. Water heated deep below the earth’s surface makes its way through cracks in the underground sediment.

Luvuvhu River Drive to the Parfuri picnic site

Make your way along the Luvuvhu River Drive to the Parfuri picnic site (S63) which is the only viewpoint in this part of the Park. This scenic spot is surrounded by luscious Anna trees and thick woodlands. Thereafter, you can make your way to the Thulamela Iron Age site

A loop road takes you to the foot of Dzundzwini Hill where you will find a giant sausage tree. This is the site of the first camp built for Captain JJ Coetser. In the 1830s the area was under the control of chief Matibee and when Louis Trichardt, a well-known Voortrekker, passed through the area, he named the hill ‘Matibeetuijn’ (meaning Matibee’s garden). Vegetation in the camps in the region is fairly stark but one plant stands out on arrival, the impala lily. This plant produces white flowers with a pretty pink stripe and looks pretty harmless. In fact, the impala lily is deadly poisonous. San Bushmen used the sap from the impala lily as poison on the tips of their arrows that they used to kill small game and fish.

Dzundzwini to Shingwedzi (H1-7)

There are several water holes along this route but game viewing is fairly bleak as the area is dominated by sourveld. You can stop to stretch your legs at the Babalala viewpoint which is a thatched shelter built around an enormous sycamore fig. Be on the lookout for cheetah that are often sighted lazing on anthills jutting out the open grasslands below. The area is known for its accipiters (birds of prey) with common sightings of the black sparrowhawk and African goshawk.

The Ivory Trail  This interesting trail takes you back in time to when hunting expeditions came to the elephant-hunting grounds during the 19th and early 20th century. The ancient trail left the Great North Road near the present-day town of Polokwane and passed Soekmekaar, descending into the Lowveld near Klein Letaba. The well-worn path headed east in the direction of Shingwedzi River where there was a solitary store, the last place to stock up on provisions before heading deep into the bush.

The hunters set up thornbush-covered camps at nightfall that offered them some protection from the lions in the area. The area was occupied at the time by a Shangaan-speaking chief called Sikololo who was known for his hospitality and generosity; offering them produce from his protected gardens in exchange for game meat. To ward off wild animals desperate to get into his precious fruit and vegetable gardens, the tribal women had to stay up all night beating drums. The ancient trail wound through the mopane forests to a camping spot known as Senkhuwa (after the wild fig trees in the area).

The site of this more pleasant camp is now known as Klopperfontein, named after an ivory hunter called Hans Klopper. Baobab Hill marks a point on the Ivory Trail where the road winds down into the Luvuvhu River Valley to Makuleke Drift. This took the hunters deep into elephant territory and the trail from here splinters into numerous bush paths.

Makuleke Wilderness Area

The Makuleke Conservancy is known as the ‘jewel of northern Kruger’. It is a 24 000-hectare private concession located between the Luvuvhu River to the south and the Limpopo River to the north. The region is dominated by sandveld, easily distinguished by its central African vegetation, large alluvial flood plains and rare plant species.

Extensive anti-poaching measures have seen game numbers flourish, including prides of lion that have returned to the region after almost been wiped out by poachers. Small herds of elephants cross the Limpopo area in winter from Zimbabwe in the south to graze in the thick bush, and large populations of hippo and crocodiles can be seen at the confluence of the Limpopo and Luvuvhu Rivers at Crooks’ Corner. Be on the lookout for eland and the rare Sharpe’s grysbok. This region is well-known as a birder’s paradise, with the main attractions being the Pel’s fishing owl, black-throated wattle-eye, orange-winged pytilia, African crowned eagle and racket-tailed roller.

Makulele Heritage Site

The Makuleke area is rich in archaeological finds. One of the earliest Stone Age sites can be found on the northern banks of Luvuvhu River near Crooks’ Corner. Large stone hand axes found at the site have been dated back to approximately 1.5 million years. Tools found at the site were most likely used by Homo ergaster, one of the earliest members of the genus Homo.

At this time, the last of what are known as the ‘ape men’ were still in existence but under pressure from the new, bigger-brained genus Homo; the first of our ancestors to master the art of stone tool-making. On an exploration dig at Hutwini Hills, one of the world’s oldest board games was found – the maraba. This ancient game was played out on a flat rock which served as a board, with regularly-spaced carved-out holes. The game is similar to what we call Chinese checkers.

Nyala Drive along the Luvuvhu River  This route takes you on a scenic drive alongside the Luvuvhu River that winds its way through the sandveld into the alluvial flood plains before joining the Limpopo at Crooks’ Corner. The route is flanked by forests made up of nyalas, large-leaved fever berries, forest fever and sycamore fig trees. These magnificent trees attract an array of birdlife and the usual sightings of nyala, kudu and impala.

Luvuvhu River Drive to Crooks’ Corner (S63)

This drive is the most spectacular of all the drives in the northern region of the Park. The road follows the Luvuvhu River through tropical woodland to shady viewpoints that overlook the wide river. The vegetation ranges from dry thornveld and baobabs to lush riverine forest dominated by nyala, jackal-berry and fig trees. Probably one of the most popular attractions is the forest of ghostly green fever trees. Game viewing is somewhat limited except along the banks of the river but, on the alluvial plains, you should see sightings of nyala, kudu and impala. There are leopard in the area but they are hard to spot as they tend to hang out in the thick undergrowth of the Luvuvhu River.

Exit via Pafuri Gate

Your 5-day Kruger safari has come to an end and it is time to return home. Pafuri Gate will be the closest exit point if you have been exploring the Parfuri area. The drive back to Johannesburg from here will take about 6-7 hours so you may need to spend the night someplace outside the Park before making the long journey home. Mutale Falls offers visitors self-catering accommodation in safari tents set on a high ridge overlooking the Mutale River. There is no electricity in the camp but the paraffin and solar lights add to the overall rustic appeal of a bush experience. Mutale Falls is located in the Makuya Reserve that offers visitors the opportunity to visit viewing points overlooking the Luvuvhu Gorge. So if you’re not quite ready to end your Kruger safari, this reserve promises sightings of the Big 5 and magnificent viewing.

Kruger National Park (A Guide to the Northern Territories) On the 26 th  of March in 1898 President Paul Kruger signed a proclamation establishing a sanctuary for wild life between the Sabie and Crocodile Rivers. It was an auspicious day for conservation. The first national park in the world had been created by the Americans at Yellowstone in 1872 – but the Sabie Game Reserve (the original name of the Kruger National Park) was the first of it’s kind in all of Africa.

The park has come a long way since its inception. From humble beginnings it is internationally known as a “must-see” tourist attraction, not only in Africa, but globally. Whether you are doing a day-trip or making a week of it, you would be spending the majority of your time driving around the park, taking it it’s beauty and natural wonders. But every now and then it is necessary to take a break from driving, to stretch your legs, make a rest stop and answer the call of nature. Luckily for visitors there are more than a dozen camps dotted throughout the park, where one can relax, grab a bit to eat and shop for some curious. Here we will explore the 9 camps in the northern territories of the Kruger Park – starting at the very top, and working our way down to Orpen Gate.

You might also like our  Pilanesberg Safaris . Contact us for our affordable 2024/2025 breakaway packages.

Northern Kruger Park Camps

1. punda maria.

This far northern reach of the Kruger National Park is certainly the wildest and most remote and apart from boasting an incredibly diverse and prolific birdlife, over three-quarters of the Kruger’s wildlife and vegetative biodiversity also occurs in the Punda Maria region of the Park. The northernmost rest camp is Punda Maria, which is the camp’s original name. For many years, it had been renamed Punda Milia. It was assumed that this is what the local ranger, Captain Coetser, had meant to call it. Coetser had served in East Africa, and had learned Swahili. Punda Milia, meaning “striped donkey”, is the Swahili name for the zebra. Maria was ranger Coetser’s wife. According to T.V Bulpin, Punda Maria means “striped Maria”. The Punda Maria rest camp is located in the Sandveld region in the north of the Kruger Park.

This environment is also described as the botanical garden of the Kruger National Park. There are trees and plants here that are unique and can only be found here in this area. Wildlife that is often spotted here are the impala, the sable antelope, the moose, zebra, buffalo and the elephant. In addition, this fantastic piece of nature is a true bird paradise! Spotted are also the Nyala, the grysbok, wild dogs and the crowned guineafowl, but you have to look for it!

Camping in Punda Maria rest camp

There are 50 tent or caravan sites available. Places with and without electricity and braai sites and suitable for a maximum of 6 people per pitch. There are shared laundry / shower and cooking facilities. There is 24 hours of hot water, electric hotplates and washing facilities.

Bush walks with a guide, you go a few hours with a trained and armed ranger, the group will not be larger than 8 people.

They will read the tracks of elephants, rhinoceros and lion and tell you about the fascinating nature of South Africa. Think of comfortable shoes, easy clothes and do not forget your camera and binoculars! Walks are not allowed for children under the age of 13. You must book this activity in advance -Gamedrives, choice of sunset, night and morning game drives. For these game drives, it makes sense to book these in advance to avoid disappointment on the spot.

Upon request (at least 2 months in advance and upon availability) you can book a “Day drive”. You rent a car and driver and then you can visit those places of the park where no tourists come. – Bush Breakfast or Bush braai including the game drive (ride of max. 1 hour) to the place of the Bush meal. Meals in a beautiful place near an open fire in the middle of nature are a great experience (Meal is between 90 min and 2 hours). Ask for availability during your booking. -Paradise Flycatcher camp walk -Thulamela Archaeological walk (50 km outside the camp) This walk gives a look in history and is related to Zimbabwean culture. You must book this excursion in advance to avoid disappointment.

Things to look out for  1) Nyala 2) Sharpe’s Grysbok 3) Wild Dog 4) Zebra 5) Crested Guineafowl

2. Shingwedzi 

The Shingwedzi Rest Camp is located in the northern part of Kruger National Park in the heart of Mopane country. A beautiful route towards the south-east following the road along the Shingwedzi river towards the Kanniedood dam is one of the most rewarding tours. Waterbuck, nyala, kudu and elephants are often spotted in this area and the bird life is exuberant and colorful. An overnight stay in Shindwezi camp is an experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life. It is a camp that still carries the essence of the bush life and the absence of modern technology only adds to that. Magical evenings in the circle of your accommodation and the glowing warm coals in your braai, make the tongues come loose … In this environment you are mainly looking for the gigantic Eagle owl, elephants, the African rock python, the spotted hyena and the much less dangerous, but very special green pigeon.

Camping Shingwedzi Rest Camp

There are 50 camping spots with electricity and braai / barbeque facilities at Shingwezi camp.The camping spots are for a maximum of 6 people. The camp is equipped with common shower / toilet and washing rooms and there is a shared kitchen. There is 24 hours hot water supply, electric hotplates, and washing up facilities.

Bush walks with a guide, you go a few hours with a trained and armed ranger, the group will not be larger than 8 people. They will read the tracks of elephants, rhinoceros and lion and tell you about the fascinating nature of South Africa. Think of comfortable shoes, easy clothes and do not forget your camera and binoculars! Walks are not allowed for children under the age of 13. You must book this activity in advance-Gamedrives, choice of sunset, night and morning game drives. For these game drives, it makes sense to book these in advance to avoid disappointment on the spot.

Upon request (at least 2 months in advance and upon availability) you can book a “Day drive”. You rent a car and driver and then you can visit those places of the park where no tourists come.- Bush Breakfast or Bush braai including the game drive (ride of max. 1 hour) to the place of the Bush meal. Meals in a beautiful place near an open fire in the middle of nature are a great experience (Meal is between 90 min and 2 hours). Ask for availability during your booking. – Northern Plains 4×4 adventure trail (weather dependent activity)- Kanniedood Bird hide bird spot spot ± 7 km from the camp- Ntishivana Bird hide bird spot spot ± 30 km from the camp- Every night wildlife films with the exception of the Sunday evening

Things to look out for

1) Giant Eagle Owl 

2) Elephant 

3) African Rock Python 

4) Spotted Hyena 

5) Green Pigeon

The Mopani rest camp is located on the banks of the Pioneer Dam and is named after the Mopane fields that surround the camp. A central old Baobab tree is the focal point and heart of this camp. The vegetation of the camp is as it is, wild which adds a unique atmosphere to this beautifully situated rest camp. Animals that you are definitely looking for are: hippos, waterbuck, Tsessebe and the African Eagle.

Accommodation Mopani Rest Camp

Bungalows, there are 43 – 4 bed units with 2 single beds and a bunk bed in a niche. They are equipped with a bathroom, a veranda with kitchenette and an outside braai. (2 same types of bungalows are suitable for wheelchair users) Cottages, there are 12 – 4 bed units. 1 bedroom with 2 single beds and 2 sofa beds in the room, these are fully equipped with 2 bathrooms, 1 of which is en-suite. There is a veranda with kitchenette and outside braai. Guest Cottages, there are 45 – 6 bed units. 3 bedrooms with 2 single beds each. There are 2 bathrooms, 1 en-suite, a kitchen, living / dining room, large veranda and an outside braai. Guesthouse, This is a great luxury accommodation situated in a beautiful spot with a view over the dam. Equipped with kitchen (with microwave), 4 bedrooms (1 with a double bed the others with one person beds) these are separate from the living / dining room. There are several bathrooms, DSTV (limited number of channels) and braai facilities. (1 of the bedrooms is suitable for a wheelchair user)

Bush walks with a guide, you go a few hours with a trained and armed ranger, the group will not be larger than 8 people. They will read the tracks of elephants, rhinoceros and lion and tell you about the fascinating nature of South Africa. Think of comfortable shoes, easy clothes and do not forget your camera and binoculars! Walks are not allowed for children under the age of 13. You must book this activity in advance-Gamedrives, choice of sunset, night and morning game drives. For these game drives, it makes sense to book these in advance to avoid disappointment on the spot. Upon request (at least 2 months in advance and upon availability) you can book a “Day drive”. You rent a car and driver and then you can visit those places of the park where no tourists come.- Bush Breakfast or Bush braai including the game drive (ride of max. 1 hour) to the place of the Bush meal. Meals in a beautiful place near an open fire in the middle of nature are a great experience (Meal is between 90 min and 2 hours). Ask for availability during your booking.

Things to look out for  

1) Hippopotamuses 

2) Waterbuck 

3) Tsessebe 

4) African Fish Eagle 

5) Mopani Trees

4. Boulders

Situated more or less 25km south of mopani, is boulder bush lodge. it is embedded in the rocky outcrops found in the north of the kruger national park. the magnificent rocks create a backdrop to the units which are built on stilts. wooden boardwalks connect the bedrooms to the communal area. the rooms are spaced snugly together, without compromising on privacy. this makes it suitable for groups comprised of close families and friends that want to experience nature’s tranquillity together. the viewing deck allows guests an unobstructed view of the mopane veld plains, which enclose a private waterhole..

Things to look out for  1) Giant Eagle Owl 2) Giraffe 3) Zebra 4) Tawny Eagle 5) Buffalo

5. Shimuwnin Bushveld Camp

Shimuwini camp is located in the northern section of the kruger national park, northwest of letaba camp. upon leaving the tar road to drive along the riverfront to shimuwini, visitors will find themselves in a different world. shimuwini is exclusively reserved for visitors to the camp. it’s a blissfully peaceful drive, winding along among silver cluster leaf, leadwood, mopane and baobab trees, stopping in a pull-away to look out over the river and watch the wildlife that congregates there and come to drink from the water source. shimuwini is the shangaan word for ‘place of the baobab tree’. there is an abundance of birds from pied, brownhooded and great kingfishers to blackcrowned night heron and greyheaded bushshrike. yellowbilled hornbill, crested barbet, blackheaded oriole and green pigeon feasted on the jackalberry fruits right in front of our chalet. we saw tree squirrels chasing each other in the trees, watched kurrichane thrushes hopping along the ground in search of food and listened to the insistent ‘three blind mice’ call of the chinspot batis. all of this without leaving camp., 6. camping in shimuwini bushveld camp.

15 self-catering units that run along a naturally broad section of the Shimuwini River, the camp has an intimate feel, devoid of large crowds and day visitors. The living and eating area of the chalets are outdoors in a deep porch under thatch that was cool even at midday.  Activities -Bush walks with a guide, you go a few hours with a trained and armed ranger, the group will not be larger than 8 people. They will read the tracks of elephants, rhinoceros and lion and tell you about the fascinating nature of South Africa. Think of comfortable shoes, easy clothes and do not forget your camera and binoculars! Walks are not allowed for children under the age of 13. You must book this activity in advance-Gamedrives, choice of sunset, night and morning game drives. For these game drives, it makes sense to book these in advance to avoid disappointment on the spot. Upon request (at least 2 months in advance and upon availability) you can book a “Day drive”. You rent a car and driver and then you can visit those places of the park where no tourists come.- Bush Breakfast or Bush braai including the game drive (ride of max. 1 hour) to the place of the Bush meal. Meals in a beautiful place near an open fire in the middle of nature are a great experience (Meal is between 90 min and 2 hours). Ask for availability during your booking. – Two Bomas for braaing- Bird Hide- Private road leading to the camp- Note, there is no restaurant at Shimuwini Bushveld Camp (which only ads to it’s charm)

1) Caracal 

3) Baobab Trees 

5) Waterbuck

The Letaba rest camp is located in a bend of the Letaba River, halfway between the northern and southern borders of Kruger National Park. The name means “river of sand” and is a beautiful place to watch the elephants. Letaba is a green oasis is the mopane field and favorite with many visitors. Sleep under the starry sky and fall asleep with the nocturnal sounds of the African bush a symphony that stops as soon as it starts …. In this camp you will mainly look for the Bushbok, the elephants, the Lala Palm, the redhead weaver and the osprey.

Camping in Letaba rest camp

There are 60 camping and / or caravan pitches with electricity points. Maximum number of people per camping spot is 6. There are shared laundry and cooking occasions. There is 24 hours of hot water, electric hobs and washing up facilities.

Bush walks with a guide, you go a few hours with a trained and armed ranger, the group will not be larger than 8 people. They will read the tracks of elephants, rhinoceros and lion and tell you about the fascinating nature of South Africa. Think of comfortable shoes, easy clothes and do not forget your camera and binoculars! Walks are not allowed for children under the age of 13. You must book this activity in advance-Gamedrives, choice of sunset, night and morning game drives. For these game drives, it makes sense to book these in advance to avoid disappointment on the spot. Upon request (at least 2 months in advance and upon availability) you can book a “Day drive”. You rent a car and driver and then you can visit those places of the park where no tourists come.- Bush Breakfast or Bush braai including the game drive (ride of max. 1 hour) to the place of the Bush meal.

Meals in a beautiful place near an open fire in the middle of nature are a great experience (Meal is between 90 min and 2 hours). Ask for availability during your booking. -Letaba Elephant Hall-TV Lounge-Riverside camp walk-Masorini Ruins, located 38 km west of the camp-Matambeni Bird hide, bird watching place 10 km north of the camp-In the season an educational children’s program-Olifant Wilderness trail (bookable overnight activity)-Mananga 4×4 Adventure trail (always weather dependent and to be booked in advance)-Wildlife film is shown every day except Sunday.

1) Bushbuck 

3) Lala Palm 

4) Red Headed Weaver 

5) Fish Eagle

8. Olifants 

The olifants restcamp is located on the top of a hill that stretches a few hundred meters above the olifants river. viewpoints give you a fantastic view of the river below you with a view like that of an eagle looking for its prey … go in this part of the park looking for elephants, lions, hippos, nile crocodiles and the fighting eagle., accommodation at olifants rest camp.

Bungalows (105) In the camp are 2, 3 or 4 bed units all with bathroom (most with shower but one has a bath).-air conditioning-some have kitchenettes while others use the shared kitchens There are 2 – 4 bed units with two single beds in each bedroom, 2 bathrooms of which 1 is en-suite. -Air conditioning,-Eat / living room,-Large veranda with outside braai.-The outdoor kitchen has a hob (no microwave), fridge / freezer, sink and dining and cooking utensils.

Guesthouses

Nshawu is a luxury residence suitable for 8 people located in a beautiful location with spectacular views. There is a well-equipped kitchen with microwave, there are 4 bedrooms (each with 2 single beds) and several bathrooms. DSTV with limited number of channels.Lebombo is a luxury residence suitable for 8 people located in a beautiful location with spectacular views. There is a well-equipped kitchen with microwave, there are 4 bedrooms (1 bedroom with a double bed and the other each with 2 single beds), several bathrooms. DSTV with limited number of channels.

Bush walks with a guide, you go a few hours with a trained and armed ranger, the group will not be larger than 8 people. They will read the tracks of elephants, rhinoceros and lion and tell you about the fascinating nature of South Africa. Think of comfortable shoes, easy clothes and do not forget your camera and binoculars! Walks are not allowed for children under the age of 13. You must book this activity in advance-Gamedrives, choice of sunset, night and morning game drives. For these game drives, it makes sense to book these in advance to avoid disappointment on the spot. Upon request (at least 2 months in advance and upon availability) you can book a “Day drive”. You rent a car and driver and then you can visit those places of the park where no tourists come.- Bush Breakfast or Bush braai including the game drive (ride of max. 1 hour) to the place of the Bush meal. Meals in a beautiful place near an open fire in the middle of nature are a great experience (Meal is between 90 min and 2 hours).

Ask for availability during your booking.-Olifant Wildernes trail, you must book this trip in advance-Olifants River Back-Pack Hiking trail, a 4 day hiking safari with 3 nights, where you provide your own tents, food and cooking. Where no toilets are available.-Mountain bike trails with a choice of morning (4 hours) or afternoon trip (3 hours), Tour for up to 6 people and persons under 16 years are not allowed on these tours. Mountain bikes, backpack, water bottles, helmets and snacks are provided by the camp. There will be two qualified, armed rangers

1) Elephant 

3) Hippopotamuses 

4) Nile Crocodile 

5) Martial Eagle

The Satara Rest Camp is located in a beautiful game view area. It is therefore no wonder that this is a busy park. The vegetation here is fairly open and so you have a good view of the exuberant animal life. The camp itself has a rustic look, especially because many accommodation are placed in circles. With the sheet of wood around the camp it is clear that there are many birds to see. At night it is mainly the fruit-bats and the cicadas and the crickets that you hear, although that sound is often interrupted by the call of an owl, the scream of hyena or jackal and the roar of the lions. And you thought it was quiet in Africa! In the camp and surroundings you will especially look for the Red-billed buffalo weaver, lions, giraffes, wild beast and the honey badger

Camping in Satara Rest Camp

In Satara Rest camp 100 camping spots are equipped with electricity. Maximum number of people per campsite is 6. There are shared shower / toilet and occasions. The shared kitchen is equipped with 24 hours hot water, there are electric cooking plates and washing up facilities.

Meals in a beautiful place near an open fire in the middle of nature are a great experience (Meal is between 90 min and 2 hours). Ask for availability during your booking.- Sweni Bird hide, located 30 km from the camp on the Sweni river- Rattles Pan Bird hide, located 35 km from the camp at the Piet Grobler dam on the Timbavati / Roodewal road.- In the season there is a program for the children- Sweni wilderness trail; to book in advance walking excursion with overnight stay in a camp on the Sweni River- Mananga 4×4 adventure trail; to book on an ad hoc basis in the camp. You go with your own 4×4 (preferably with GPS) with a maximum of 6 cars off the beaten track in the Kruger NP. Trip is about 48 km.-On request, a traditional dance evening with dinner can be arranged-Wildlife films are screened on a big screen every night, with the exception of Sunday evening.

1) Red-billed Buffalo Weaver 

3) Giraffe 

4) Blue Wildebeest 

5) Honey Badger

The Orpen rest camp is a small camp and centrally located on the western border of the Kruger Park. The name is derived from the person who donated the land; Eileen Orpen. Trees and large open grass plains attract the countless grazers, who are often watched hungry by cheetah, lion and leopard. Orpen is known for its versatile wildlife and often you will find elephants, rhino, buffalo, wild dog, zebra and giraffe. A true paradise for the animals and for the wildlife enthusiast!

Accommodation in Orpen Rest Camp

Bungalows (6), 2 bed units (two single beds) and en-suite bathroom with shower, air conditioning, outside kitchen with stove and fridge / freezer and equipped with cooking and eating utensils.Guest cottages (3), 6 bed units, with 2 bedrooms with 3 single beds and air conditioning. One bedroom is en-suite and there is a second bathroom with shower, sink and toilet. The cottages have fully equipped kitchenettes with fridge / freezer, sink, dining and cooking utensils and an outside veranda that serves as a sitting room.Orpen has 2 satelite camps Maroela and Tamboti, accommodation for nature and camping enthusiast!

Bush walks with a guide, you go a few hours with a trained and armed ranger, the group will not be larger than 8 people. They will read the tracks of elephants, rhinoceros and lion and tell you about the fascinating nature of South Africa. Think of comfortable shoes, easy clothes and do not forget your camera and binoculars! Walks are not allowed for children under the age of 13. You must book this activity in advance-Gamedrives, choice of sunset, night and morning game drives. For these game drives, it makes sense to book these in advance to avoid disappointment on the spot. Upon request (at least 2 months in advance and upon availability) you can book a “Day drive”. You rent a car and driver and then you can visit those places of the park where no tourists come.-Timbavati picnic spot (55 km outside the camp)-Ratel pan Bird spot place (58 km outside the camp)

2) Black-backed Jackal

3) Blue Wildebeest

4) White-backed vulture

5) Lesser Black-winged Plover

Kruger National Park Tips and Tricks:

• Sleeping quarters, ablution and kitchen facilities are serviced daily by cleaning staff.
• Day visitors are no longer allowed to bring or consume alcohol in any public areas eg. parking lots, picnic sites, wildlife viewing areas or roads, gates as well as all other areas designated as public.
• Outdoor lighting in the rest camps is limited, therefore a torch/headlamp is necessary when walking outside at night.
• Majority of rest-camps have shops and restaurants. Unless stated otherwise, accommodation fees do not include meals.
• Don’t try to cover too much distance at one time. The Kruger National Park is a huge tract of land. Plan your trip ahead of time. Slow travel and regular stopping will result in more attractions than covering a lot of ground.
• Early morning and evening times, more often than not, result in the most game views.

The Kruger National Park has a rich history. Read on below to discover it origins and more about its fauna and flora. In a continent where man and wild animal had been fighting a war of extermination since prehistoric times, the implementation of a national park was man’s first offer of peace between the two.

The Kruger National Park occupies 1 948 528 hectares of the what was formerly known as the Eastern Transvaal, which was renamed Mpumalanga “The Place of the Rising Sun” in 1995, and stretches up the eastern border of the Limpopo province, right up to the Zimbabwean border to the north, and neighbours Mozambique to the East. The Kruger National Park is home to more than 500 different species of birds, more than half of the birds recorded in South Africa. These include 13 threatened and endangered species such as the Egyptian, white-headed, white-backed, cape and Lappet-faced vulture; bateleur; Crowned, Martial and Steppe Eagle as well as the Pallid, Augur and Long-legged buzzard. Not to mentioned non-endangered species which include various ducks, geese, Guinea fowl, quail, flamingo, cuckoo, cranes, storks, pelicans, heron, egret, ibis, sandpipers, hawks, owls, hornbill, Bee-eaters, kingfisher, falcon, parrots, shrike, crows, flycatchers, weavers, waxbills, starlings, flycatchers, thrush, tits and swallows. For the arborists and tree lovers, the Kruger park is a mecca; playing home to approximately 404 identified species of trees.

The Kruger National park can be divided into 16 macro zones. North of the Olifant River one will find predominantly Mopane Veld, whereas south of the river is classified and thornveld. It is a little-known fact that, much like their animal counterparts, the Kruger park also has a Big 5 of Trees, namely: Baobab Tree, Fever Tree, Knob Thorn Acaia, Marula Tree and the Mopani Tree. Other iconic trees include: Common Cluster Fig, Delagoa Thorn, Lowveld Fig, Natal Mahogany, Monkey Orange, Mustard Tree, Raisin Bush, Tamboti Tree, Red Bushwillow, Coral Tree, Jackalberry, Leadwood, Lala Palm, Sausage Tree, Umbrella Thorn Acacia, Candelabra Euphorbia and the Round Leafed Teak. Others species that can be found are: various thorn trees, acacia, ivory, num-nums, bushwillows, corkwood, fig trees, gum and raisin trees. The number one attraction in the Kruger National Park is, of course, its collection of around 150 species of mammals.

From the largest elephant to the tiniest field mouse, there is an abundance of animals to spot. On every visitor’s check list is the famous Big 5: Elephants, Rhino, Lions, Leopards and Buffalo. Which shouldn’t be too difficult to find under the right circumstances, or under the guidance of a field guide. But did you know that The Kruger National park also has a Little 5? These are little animals that share parts of their names with the big 5. They’re antlions, eastern rock elephant shrews, leopard tortoises, red-billed buffalo weavers and rhino beetles. But not to worry, there are hordes more animals to tick off your list, such as: Aardvark, Aardwolf, African civet, African wild cat, dozens of species of bat, Baboon, Bat-eared fox, the endangered Black and white rhinoceros, Black-backed jackal Blue wildebeest, Brown hyaena, Bushbuck, Bushpig, Caracal, Cheetah, Duiker, Eland, Elephant, Giraffe, Greater canerat, Grey rhebok, Hartebeest, Hippopotamus, Honey badger, Impala, Klipspringer, Kudu, Large-spotted genet, Leopard, Bushbaby, Lion, Mongoose (assorted), Mountain reedbuck, Nyala, Oribi, Otter, Pangolin, Porcupine, Reedbuck, Roan, Rock dassie, Sable, Samango monkey, Serval, Sharpe’s grysbok, Side-striped jackal, Small-spotted genet, South African hedgehog, Steenbok, Striped polecat, Suni, Thick-tailed bushbaby, Tree squirrel, Tsessebe, Vervet monkey, Warthog, Waterbuck, Wild dog, Yellow golden mole, Various species of rodent such as mice, rats, shrews, rabbits and hares. On top of the mammals there are over 50 varieties of fish, 40 types of frogs, 34 species of snake, as well as many different types of lizards, such as geckos and 5 different types of iguana; also, three species of tortoise, numerous crocodiles and countless different insects.

The park has five main botanical divisions. The environment and natural food of each division determine the variety and density of wild life within its boundaries. The largest division is also the hottest and most arid. This is the area north of the Olifants River, extending as far as the approaches to the valley of the Luvuvhu River, a tributary of the Limpopo. The vegetation is dominated by the medium-sized Mopane tree,  Colophospermum mopane , which seems to be untroubled by the poor, alkaline soil and erratic rainfall of the region. Nature has ingeniously adapted the mopane tree for such conditions: when the heat becomes unbearable, the leaves fold along the mid-rib. This allows rays of the sun to pass directly to the ground, and moisture inside of the tree is thus conserved.

The tree, therefore, casts a poor shadow, but absorbs a minimum of heat. Its leaves are aromatic, tasting and smelling of turpentine, but they are nutritious and relished by antelope and elephants. A fat, spotted caterpillar, the mopane worm, feeds on the leaves and is itself eaten by local inhabitants. With a high protein content and a piquant, nutty flavour, the worms can be dried and stored, or roasted and eaten immediately. They are considered a delicacy to the rural population. The second largest division lies south of the Olifants River, on the eastern side of the park as far as the southern boundary on the Crocodile River. This division is dominated by acacia thorn tress. It has a higher rainfall and more fertile soil than the area north of the Olifants River. Its sweet tasting grasses offer excellent grazing and supports a higher population of animals. It is the home of great herds of impala, zebra and wildebeest, as well as buffalo, giraffe and many other species of game. The acacia trees of this division belong to a family of 700 species, mainly native to Africa and Australia. The name acacia derives from the Greek word, akakia, meaning thorny. All the various species are valuable to both man and animal. They have nutritious leaves and seed pods; the gum of certain species provides gum Arabic, used in the manufacture of adhesives; the wood is excellent for kindling and has a pleasant aroma. Even the thorns have been used – as gramophone needles. They were used as an alternative to steel needles before the diamond stylus was perfected. The thorns caused less wear to the records.

Each spring, the delightfully fragrant white and yellow acacia blossoms provide a superb show. The umbrella-shaped canopies of many acacias offer shady camping sites for man, and cool areas in which wild animals doze away the hottest parts of the day. The third largest division of the Kruger National Park – between he Olifants and Crocodile rivers, immediately to the west of the acacia division – also has sweet grazing, and is a parkland populated by many antelope. The red bush-willow tree,  Combretum apiculatum , flourishes here. West of this area is the fourth largest division of the park, lying between the Sabie and Crocodile rivers up to the park’s western boundary, this natural parkland is well-watered – about 760 millimetres of rain falls a year – thickly wooded but with sour tasting grass, less favoured by antelope. Here is a vast variety of trees. Acacias do well, and there are many elegantly canopied species. Combretums also grow in large numbers, and there are giant sycamore figs, mkuhlus, marulas, kiaats and spectacular flowering tress such as the white pear and the orange coral tree. The smallest division lies along the park’s northern boundary, in the valleys of the Luvuvhu and Limpopo Rivers. This is an area of tropical, riverine forest – huge wild figs, spectral fever trees, ebony, mahogany, ironwood, wild seringa and many baobabs (especially in the Valley of the Giants, where they grow in an enchanted forest of their own).

A total amount of about 265 500 mammals inhabit the five divisions of the park. The most numerous is the impala, with a population of about 120 000, mostly concentrated in the sweet grazing areas, particularly along the Sabie River. This graceful creature is the record jumper of all the antelope, surpassing even the springbok. Impalas been seen to clear 3 metres in height and 9 metres in length. The second most common animal special is buffalo. More than 37 500 roam the sweet grass plains along the eastern borders between the Sabie and Crocodile Rivers. Some 26,500 Burchell’s zebra are scattered throughout the park, but they prefer the sweet grazing on the eastern side. There are 11,500 blue wildebeest spread throughout the park but also concentrated in the sweet grass areas. Elephants wander all over the park; about 13,500 live here permanently.

The park stopped culling elephants around 1994 and implemented a relocation programme, but by 2004 the population had increased to 11,670 elephants, by 2006 to approximately 13,500, by 2009 to 11,672, and by 2012 to 16,900. The park’s habitats can only sustain about 8,000 elephants. The park started using annual contraception in 1995, but has stopped that due to problems with delivering the contraceptives and upsetting the herds. Few humans have attempted to settle permanently in the area of the Kruger National Park. The conservationists of the past were the mosquito and the tsetse fly. Their presence made vast area of bush unhospitable for man, and thus provided game with sanctuary from their most dangerous enemy. From paintings on the walls of rock shelters, it is evident that Bushmen hunted in the area of the park. They came from the highveld each winter, when the mosquitos were less active, and retreated to the safety of the heights as soon as summer came. The tsetse fly did not worry the bushmen, as they kept no cattle. Although the fly has a vicious bite, the species in the park did not carry sleeping sickness. But it did spread nagana, which was lethal to horses and draught animals. Even dogs die of nagana. Most men entering the area found it to be so hostile that they fled almost as soon as they arrived, though a handful from tribal disturbances, who had already lost their livestock, eked out an existence in the bush until they were killed or driven away by malaria. The first non-indigenous people to explore the area of the park were safari traders and slave traders, who trekked from the coastal trading ports through the bush to reach the tribes settled on the highveld. This trade was handicapped by malaria at the ports.

In 1720 the Dutch, the first to settle at the bay of Lourenco Marques, then known as Delagoa Bay, had to abandon the settlement because of fever and attacks by pirates. The Portuguese then established the trading base of Lourenco Marques, and their safari parties blazed well-trodden paths through the bush to the interior of the, then, Transvaal. The entire period from 1870 to 1890 was a restless, adventurous time, peopled by hunters and prospectors and highlighted by stories of fortunes found and lost by many unusual characters. The Kruger National Park contains many simple piles of stones marking graves of such long forgotten men. Among these were many of the transport men, who resorted to ingenious schemes to defeat the tsestse fly. The travelled through the worst areas at night, when the flies were less active. The smeared their draught animals with grease and potent mixtures thought to repel the tsetse fly, and used exotic creatures such as camel in the vail hope that would prove resistant to ngana.

The modern tourist roads in the park which follow old transport trails have in their foundations the bones of countless oxen which died from the disease. In 1896 the livestock disease of rinderpest swept down from central Africa and killed great numbers of cloven hooved animals, which were particularly susceptible to it. These animals, such as buffalo were favoured hosts of the tsetse fly, and it died with them, ever to return. B them however, the day of the transport wagons was over – trains of the eastern line had superseded them. With the fly gone, wild animals were ruthlessly hunted for ivory, skins, horns and biltong. Professional hunters were joined by crowds of construction workers from the eastern and Selati lines, and the contractors who were supplying them with food. The entire game population of the Lowveld might well have been wiped out had it not been for the intervention of several members of the Transvaal cabinet, supported by president Kruger. The Sabie Game Reserve of 1898 covered only 350 000 hectares but this was the area which was most plagued by the hunters, and therefore an ideal nucleus for the future national park. But there was little opportunity to enforce the ban on hunting. Political problems were mounting, and in October 1899 the Anglo Boer war broke out. Komatipoort, the railway centre on the southern boundary of the reserve, was occupied by the British. In order to hold with Mozambique, a force of 600 bush ranger and adventurers was raised. It wasnamed Steinacker’s Horse, after it’s flamboyant commanding officer, Lieutenant-colonel Ludwig Steinacker. Steinacker and his men shot game for the pot, but at least their presence, together with the war, kept out the biltong hunters, whose wholesale slaughtering of animals was a major threat to wild life in many wilderness areas of Southern Africa.

At the end of the Anglo-Boer War, in 1902, the British administration set out to restore the processes of government in the shattered Transvaal, and they supported the original conservation ideals of President Kruger. A warden was appointed to care for the Sabie Game Reserve. It was a most fortunate appointment. The man selected was Major J. Stevenson-Hamilton, short in stature and temper, but packed with resolution, courage, energy and a deep understanding of wild animals. With severely limited resources, he had to establish control over a wild area, keep out poachers and cope with numerous adventurers and treasure-seekers looking for what was popularly known as the Kruger millions. He also had to fend off so-called land developers, and others who were forever buttonholing him and members of parliament with questions, about when the reserve was to be “thrown open for shooting”. For the administration centre of the reserve, Stevenson-Hamilton selected the site where the rusty, unused, Selati railway line reached the Sabie River. During the Anglo-Boer War, a small blockhouse had been built there, and this became the warden’s home and office. At first it was known simply as Reserve, but to the African it was the home of the man they knew as siKhukhuza (he who scrapes clean’) because of Stevenson-Hamilton’s bustling reorganization of the area. Today, Skukuza – the European form of the name – is the administrative centre and principal tourist park in the park. Stevenson-Hamilton recruited his first two rangers from the disbanding ranks of Steinacker’s Horse.

Gaza Grey was stationed on the Lower Sabie River, and Harry Wolhuter was stationed in the western section near the old transport trail landmark known as Pretoriuskop. This hillock was named after President Marthinus Pretorius and marked the western end of the tsetse infected areas. Apart from the old transport trail and the Selati line, there were no other roads in the reserve and no facilities. A ganger’s trolley was the only vehcle on the abandoned railway line. The game rangers had to patrol on foot or horseback. In 1903the Shingwidzi Game Reserve was proclaimed, covering 500 000 hectares in the north, between the Letaba and the Luvuvhu Rivers. This was separated from the Sabie Game Reserve by a block of privately owned ranches and mining concessions. This wild ranching area was also placed under the control of Stevenson-Hamilton, together with the Shingwidzi Game Reserve. Taken together, these three areas covered substantially the area of the Kruger National Park today. To control them efficiently with his existing means, was impossible for Stevenson-Hamilton. He appointed, as ranger of the Shingwidzi Reserve an equally flamboyant, larger-than-life character named Major A.A. ‘Manjoro’ Fraser, wo made his home in an old shack. Here Fraser was content with his isolated existence; when unwelcome visitors called, Fraser would jump through the back window and hide in the bush until they departed.

The extreme north of the Shingwidzi Reserve, on the banks of the Luvuvhu, adjoined what was known as Crook’s Corner, the haunt of an assortment of ivory hunters, smugglers, illicit labour-recruiters known as blackbirders, and renegades. These men were out of Stevenson-Hamiltons area, and therefore free of his authority. Controversy developed over the future of the three separate areas. To Stevenson-Hamilton, the protection of wild animals was of prime importance, but he soon realized that the area could never be retained as a pure wilderness. It was threatened by too many private interests, and there was a mounting clamour about good ground going to waste – it was thought that it should all be de-proclaimed and disposed of as farms. With the revival of the Selati railway and its completion as far as Tzaneen in 1912 there was further controversy, for the line made the area accessible and set many people thinking of ways to make money through commercial activities in the Lowveld.

The First World War broke out with the future of the three areas still undecided. Stevenson-Hamilton and several rangers went off to war, and the animals were left to the care of Major Fraser and a skeleton staff. During the war, however, a commission was appointed by the government to inquire into the whole concept of game reserves, and when Stevenson-Hamilton returned with the rank of Lieutenant-colonel in 1918 he was delighted to find that the commission had been recommended that government policy be directed towards ‘the creation of the area ultimately as a great national park where the natural and prehistoric conditions of our country can be preserved for all time’. Stevenson-Hamilton busied himself with essential post-war administrative changes. Old hands had retired, and new men had to be found. New posts were established at places such as Punda Milia (‘striped donkey’) – the Swahili name for the zebra, and the Letaba River. The first visitors arrived in 1923, brought in by train on a package tour service organized by the South African railways and known as the ‘round in nine’, because it lasted nine days. The tourists slept on the train, parked at Skukuza, were escorted on a walk through the bush, and had a camp fire party. Clearly, there was little doubt that if the area was opened up by roads there would be a flood of visitors. The government, public, tourist industry, and bodies such as the wildlife protection society were all increasingly enthusiastic about the concept of a national park. In order to consolidate the area, 70 private owned farms between the Sabie and Letaba Rivers were expropriated. Others, lying between the Sabie and Sand Rivers, were excluded but belonged to people who were sympathetic to conservation, and many of the farms are now included in the Sabie Sands Game Reserve, the largest private game reserve in Africa.

It was Steven-Hamilton and Stratford Caldecott, an artist appointed by the railways to publicize the park, who conceived the name of Kruger National Park. On 31 May 1926 the South African Parliament unanimously passed the second reading of the National Park Act, and the Kruger National Park came into full legal existence. Stevenson-Hamilton was appointed its first warden under a board of control made up of members selected by the government, Transvaal Provincial Council and the Wildlife Protection Society. The immediate intention was to open the park to the public. It was felt that the best way of winning general support for the concept of conservation was to allow people to see the beauty of the wilderness and its wealth of wildlife. Road building began. The first road was from Skukuza to the Olifants River, the second from Skukuza to Pretoriuskop, and the third from Skukuza to the Crocodile Bridge. In that year, 1927, the first 3 cars were allowed through the Pretoriuskop Gate, and the Kruger National Park was launched on a career destined to make it one of the greatest tourist attractions of the world.

There was an enormous amount to be done in order to make the park hospitable for visitors. Roads had to be extended and improved, camps had to be built, services had to be provided for food, petrol, breakdown and other emergencies. The park authorities had to learn many things by experience. The southern area was opened to visitors, and at first, they were free to come at any time of the year. In 1929 a large party of around-the-world American tourists arrived in the midst of the rainy season. Their vehicle became bogged down and they were forced to spend the night perched n thorn trees to avoid lions. In their exposed positions they could not escape the mosquitos and several tourists went down with malaria. This caused concernably bad publicity. After this incident, he park was closed during the rainy season, except for Pretoriuskop, where a permanent camp was build, with comfortable accommodation for tourists throughout the year. Pretoriuskop has ever since been a favourite camp from which to tour the park. More and more visitors arrived. In 1931 a road was built providing access to the far northern areas of the park, all the way up to Crook’s Corner, where the last of the renegades and adventurers, including the renowned BveKenya (S.C. Barnard), the ivory poacher, found civilization fast encroaching on their hide-out and began leaving for other parts. This was a period in the history of the park which is fondly remembered by many of the early visitors. The simplicity of the caps, the rough roads, and the absence of strict regulations made a tour a great adventure. Charles Astley Maberly, the naturalist and artist, known as the man who could talk to animals, spent months each year travelling around on a bicycle.

Charles Thomas Astley was the eldest of the three children of Charles James Astley and Margaret née Goodman. He developed an interest in natural history at an early age, writing and publishing “Nature Studies of a Boy Naturalist” whilst still at school at Repton. At the age of 18 he moved to South Africa to live with a farming family near the Kruger National Park in which he spent a lot of time. He then bought his own farm near Duiwelskloof, called “Narina” after a bird of the veldt, which he ran as a wildlife sanctuary. He wrote a number of books on wild animals (Animals of Rhodesia in 1959, Animals of East Africa in 1966, Game Animals of South Africa in 1967), illustrated a number of books by other writers such as Bulpin and Wolhuter and painted a great deal of the local wildlife. Whenever he saw a suitable subject to draw he would jump off his cycle without the least fear of danger and set to work.

An African game ranger who also travelled about on a bicycle, perhaps summed up these times when a tourist stopped in to warn that he was peddling straight towards a large pride of lions on a hill next to the road. The ranger simply shrugged. “Eat you”, he said with a smile, “but not me. Me government.” Unconcerned, he continued on his way.

The Second World War delayed further development in the park. In 1946, Stevenson-Hamilton retired after 42 years of service. He left with a plea that his beloved park should not be turned into a glorified zoo and botanical garden, dotted wit scientific experimental stations, hotels and recreational facilities. To him a national park was essentially a wilderness area. Excessive development and over management would only destroy its unique atmosphere. His philosophy was: The game rangers rifle and the veld managers box of matches might be important tools of control, but indiscriminate or careless use of them could have drastic results, and regrets could not revive the corpse of an animal or a tree. He was succeeded as warden by Colonel J.A.B. Sandenburg, but the days of the paternal game warden figure were over. Vast changes were inevitable during the post-war Kruger National Park.

Sandenburg saw the beginning of them when the British Royal Family visited the park in 1947 and brought world-wide publicity. Suddenly, it seemed that everybody wanted to visit the famous park – foreign politicians, business conventions, touring sports teams, celebrities by the score and tourists by the thousand. Pressures on services and management became immense. The entire control of the park was substantially changed with the appointment of an overall director of national parks, under whom were specialists in charge of tourism, works and engineering and biological control.

The post of warden vanished, and Sandenburg resigned in 1953. In 1955 more than 100 000 tourists visited the park. Ten years later the number exceeded 200 000, and in 1977 there were more than 400 000. Human pressure on the wilderness was relentless. The Kruger National Park had become a tourist wonder of the world and its management had to confront the reality that it was going to become more difficult to control people in the park than the wild animals. Road were extended and the principal routes tarred. New camps were built and old one enlarged, modernized and provided with shops, restaurants and other facilities. Boreholes and dams were built to supply drinking water to man and game.

The park was divided into 400 control blocks, each block with its vegetation and wildlife carefully studied by specialized scientists with computerized aids to assess trend and the maximum carrying capacity of the blocks for particular plants and animals. Surplus numbers of animals have to be culled and a biproduct factory at Skukuza produced biltong, skins and curios. The entire area of the park is now open throughout the year. Modern hygiene and medication have reduced the menace of mosquitos, and the lush green growth of the rainy season in the park is revealed to visitors in all its splendour. A visit during any season is therefor practical. Each month has its own character, with enumerable fascinating things to do and see, to discuss in the camps at night or to remember long afterwards, perhaps in the setting of some distant city.

The Kruger Park will, for all these reasons, always be regarded as the prototype of wild life sanctuaries in Africa. Comparisons with other reserves are inevitable, and some reserves will be acclaimed bigger, better, wilder, more varied in the animal population, but the Kruger National Park sets a formidable standard. Other parks may, indeed, have natural assets with the Kruger Park lacks; but its scenery, plants and animals, as well as its singularly romantic history, will always ensure that it has a unique place amongst the world’s game reserves.

Looking for a last minute breakaway? MoAfrika offers customized tours and the best safari experiences. Contact us for our 2, 3, 4 or 5 night safaris.

Luxury and Budget African Safaris, Tours, Holidays

Tourist attractions in South Africa are sometimes best seen by booking a tour . For close on 2 decades, MoAfrika has been taking both local and international tourists to those attractions that are considered to be the best places to visit in South Africa. Our many years of travelling the country have allowed us to create the perfect tour packages!

South Africa. There is not another place like it on earth! For so many reasons, South Africa is one of the world’s very best destinations for tourists, even though we might be considered a third world nation. Despite political setbacks and a little lack of development here and there, South Africa still has plenty to offer. We have more than 100+ South African Tours.

#1 African Safari Operator for affordable budget Kruger trips and luxury tailor-made safari packages .

Call it rustic appeal, or perhaps it is the intrigue that keeps bringing tourists back to our shores, South African holidays are undeniably a once in a lifetime experience. From Kruger Park safaris and other wildlife experiences to bustling city hubs and stunning, sometimes blissfully empty coastlines, South Africa is every tourist’s dream destination.

Where to go when planning a Guided African Tour or Safari

The list is literally endless. And what’s really great about planning a trip to South Africa is that your itinerary can be set up to match your mood or your personality. Sounds farfetched but it’s true. Travelling during the offseason (particularly during the South African school terms and the winter months) could present you with a quieter experience. You could also opt to avoid the “hot” destinations, such as Cape Town and head inland to the Pilanesberg, where you can have a laidback safari.

You might like our Victoria Falls Tours 

But in order to plan where you will be going, you first need to know what is out there. South Africa is quite an affordable destination for overseas tourists , and with all of the modern day amenities, your holiday is going to be a relaxed one.

One thing to keep in mind when planning, is that each part of South Africa is very different from the next. Not only are we a culturally diverse nation, but it sometimes feels like each region of our nation is actually a part of a completely different country altogether. This is because our country has many different eco-systems, landscapes and people.

This is our list of places where you should go while here, but always keep in mind that with each place we mention, there are numerous other places surrounding it. For instance, say you go to Cape Town . Within Cape Town, there are hundreds of attractions, but journeying just outside of the city will present more than you bargained for. Think of it as micro-attractions within and around the main attraction. With this in mind, you won’t miss a thing!

Since we’re talking about Cape Town quite a bit, we might as well start this list with the Mother City. Cape Town is a brilliant place to visit, regardless of the time of year. It offers something all year round and the beauty of the city and its surrounds is undeniable. Not only will you find that there is a myriad of incredible beaches, which you will find difficult to tear away from during the summer, but there are many urban attractions including the V&A Waterfront and thousands of great places to eat.

You might like: Cape Town Safaris 

And then there is Table Mountain, Boulders Beach (which is home to penguins) and just outside of the city, you’ll find acre upon acre of wine land country. You’ll never be bored here, but you might find it a bit overwhelming to plan your stay. If this is the case, have a look at the tour options we have available.

Sun City and the Pilanesberg

This is a two in one treat. You get to have the safari experience, alongside some city fun! South Africa is a great place to experience a safari, and while the Kruger Park safari is the most popular destination, it is by no means the only wildlife destination. Game parks offering wildlife safaris are dotted all over South Africa. And some of the best South African safari packages are based in the Pilanesberg.

Much like other places in South Africa, the Pilanesberg is full of history. But not the kind you might be thinking. This reserve is in a crater and has many geologically significant points. Aside from that, it is also home to all kinds of animals; predators and plains game alike. We highly recommend staying more than a day in the Pilanesberg and we have just the tour package for you!

And our Pilanesberg tour package happens to include a stop off at the fantasy world that is Sun City. For some tourists, Sun City is the ultimate resort destination. The resort is only 3 hours away from Johannesburg and provides plenty of entertainment including its own man-made beach! Whether you visit here after your stay in the Pilanesberg or if you choose to make Sun City your main holiday destination, you won’t be disappointed.

Kwa-Zulu Natal and Durban

Should you travel from Cape Town to the Pilanesberg and then head to Kwa-Zulu Natal, you will instantly notice that the landscape has made a dramatic change. Kwa-Zulu Natal could not be more different from the dry interior. This province is well known for its dramatic greenery as well as the intense humidity. The province has many safari destinations but it is best known for its beaches and for its historical landmarks. Many wars have taken place in this province and tourists can take tours of the battlegrounds while learning about the fights that have influenced South African history.

After exploring the province and visiting the battlegrounds and perhaps even enjoying a hike in the Drakensberg Mountains, taking a tour of Durban is a fantastic way to make sure that you have seen all that this part of the world has to offer.

Durban is a city filled with life and it is home to many different cultures. Much like Cape Town, there is plenty to do in and around the city, and a tour is the best way to get a genuine feeling for the city. Of all the incredible places to see in Kwa-Zulu Natal, Durban is the final jewel in the journey. And Durban is known as the “Playground” for a reason. Along with spending time on the beaches, you can also visit uShaka Marine World.

Kwa-Zulu Natal also gives tourists the opportunity to go on a real wildlife safari. The Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park is well-known for its white rhino conservation programme, and guests to the park will be in the perfect position to see these magnificent animals.

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Province By Province: Other Must-See Places in South Africa

MoAfrika has specially created many tours in order to give tourists an unbelievable South African holiday. The great thing about booking a tour with a travel operator is that all of the admin and planning is taken care of, but it also adds a bit of diversity to your South African excursions. A tour with an experienced tour guide is far more interactive and exciting, as your guide is going to be well informed about where you are headed. They will be able to share all kinds of information about where you are going. Every province in the country is different and has attractions that are unique to the province.

South Africa has 9 provinces and here are the must-see places of each.

It is exceptionally difficult to decide on a single destination in this province. Many would say that this is South Africa’s tourism capital because it is home to the most popular areas of the Kruger National Park. While the Kruger extends into the Limpopo Province, most of the action happens in the southern areas of the Kruger. View Our Kruger National Park Safaris

For many tourists , the Kruger Park safari is the main reason why they venture to our country. Kruger Park safaris are as popular as ever. There is never a dull moment in the park and the only regret you might have is not spending more time here!

Limpopo is another of South Africa’s provinces that are home to countless safari destinations. The province is hot and dry; it is rugged and rustic. One of the best places to visit is up in the mountains, well away from the heat. We’ve already mentioned a safari destination, so instead of pointing out another one, we’re headed to the Magoebaskloof. In this area of the province, there are places to go fishing, places to enjoy a memorable meal and there are countless hiking trails. A self-drive is possibly the easier way to see the area in its entirety, however, if you should prefer not to drive yourself, there are tours available.

Kwa-Zulu Natal

Away from the busy tourist areas, you will find plenty of enjoyment in the Midlands as well as at various stops along the Drakensberg Mountain Range. A hike in the Drakensberg will possibly give you a different perspective of the world around you. The pictures simply don’t do these mountains any justice. You can experience all seasons in one day when you are in the mountains, so knowing what to pack and having some knowledge of the trail is very important. You might want to consider booking a hiking tour instead of going solo. View our Durban Tours

North West Province

Even with all the faults our country has, one thing is certain: we are committed to conservation! Just about every province has some conservation effort going on, and just about every nature reserve has a conservation programme running.

The Lion Park is devoted to the conservation of lions, and guests to the park will see lions in a way that they would never have otherwise seen them. Here you will have a different kind of unforgettable safari.

Although it is South Africa’s most urban province, it is just that characteristic that makes Gauteng such a stunning place to visit. Taking a tour around Pretoria, Soweto and Johannesburg is a must, as is paying a visit to all of the biggest landmarks, such as the Union Buildings. Both cities can be daunting to navigate if you haven’t been there before, so sometimes the best way to see everything is by touring with an operator.

A larger portion of the South African farming community is based here. So you can just imagine the flatlands filled with row upon row of maize plants. Even though the Free State might not seem like the most enticing destination, visiting Clarens makes it all worth it. Clarens is based in the foothills of the beautiful Maluti Mountains. This small town is perfect for hikers as well as for those looking for a romantic getaway.

Northern Cape

Also home to a few safari reserves, the Northern Cape is known for its extremely hot, desert-like climate. The big attraction that you shouldn’t miss seeing is the Big Hole. What started out as a mine has become a tourist attraction, and while it is disputed whether or not the Hole is the biggest hole excavated by land, it is truly a sight to see!

Eastern Cape

Arguably South Africa’s wildest province, the Eastern Cape is not only home to secret beaches, but it is also home to the Wild Coast. Kilometre upon kilometre pristine yet, well, wild beaches, along with small tourist towns, dot the coastline, enticing visitors. You can also a href=”https://moafrikatours.com/tour-category/garden-route”>visit the Garden Route, which extends into the Western Cape.

Western Cape

With Cape Town and all of the surrounding wine lands, you are spoilt for choice when in this province. While here, be sure to tour around all the smaller towns. This province is filled with history, and you will find most of it in the small towns. This is also a different approach to touring the province.

Some of the best places to see in South Africa are off the beaten track. When you are planning a South African holiday or escape to natural beauty, to check out self-driving options as well as tour operators. A combination of the two can provide you with a stunning excursion.

If you are looking for

• South Africa Tours
• Safaris in south africa
• African Safari
• Tanzania Safaris
• Uganda Safaris
• Namibia Safaris , Botswana Tours
• South Africa Holidays and Tour vacation packages 2018/ 2019

…. CHOOSE Moafrika tours for complete peace of mind.

MoAfrika is a reputable tour operator, and we pride ourselves on offering guests affordable, memorable tours throughout South Africa and Africa.

Your South Africa Tour Starts HERE.

FAQ’s ABOUT KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Is Kruger National Park on your bucket list? Here is a list of Questions & Answers to help you plan a safari tour to South Africa’s favourite national park. If your question is not on our list; ask your MoAfrika Tours agent for help.

What is Kruger National Park?

Kruger National Park is the oldest and largest national park in South Africa. The original protected wildlife area was established in 1898 and Kruger Park as we know it today was officially declared a national park in 1926. It’s a state-sponsored entity but the bulk of its revenue is self-funded through sustainable ecotourism.

The vast national park is core to the Kruger to Canyons (K2C) Biospheres which is designated by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as a International Man and Biosphere Reserve. It’s also part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park which is a peace park that links Kruger Park with the Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe and with the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique.

Kruger National Park is world-renowned for its outstanding biodiversity and rich fauna and flora. It’s also one of the most significant archaeological regions in southern Africa. Cultural artefact from 100 000 to 30 000 years ago as well as over 300 recorded archaeological sites in Kruger Park date back to the Stone and Iron Age. There’s also ample proof that ancient traders from Great Zimbabwe travelled through the region to the African east coast between the 11 th  and 15 th  centuries.

Where is Kruger National Park?

Kruger National Park is located in the far north-eastern region of South Africa in Mpumalanga Province, otherwise known as the Lowveld. Mozambique lies on its eastern border and Zimbabwe on its northernmost boundary.

If you walk out into the middle of the dry riverbed at Crooks’ Corner at the very top of Kruger Park where the Luvuvhu and Limpopo rivers merge, you’ll find yourself standing on the three-way junction of South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

Which is the closest town to Kruger National Park?

The closest towns to the main entrances of Kruger Park are Nelspruit, White River, Hazyview and Malelane. You can fly from Johannesburg to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) in Nelspruit and take a shuttle transfer to Kruger Park, or fly direct to Skukuza Airport (in Kruger Park).

The drive from Johannesburg to the most accessible entrances in the southern section takes between 5-6 hours, with a refreshment stop along the way. The drive from Mbombela (Nelspruit) to the most accessible entrance gates into southern Kruger is just over a 1-hour drive.

How big is Kruger National Park?

The Kruger National Park covers an area of 19 485 square kilometres (7 523 square miles), and stretches over the provinces of Mpumalanga and Limpopo. It’s 360 kilometres (220 miles) from north to south, and 65 kilometres (40 miles) from east to west.

Greater Kruger is an amalgamation of private game reserves that are unfenced and add an additional 1 800 square kilometres to the national park. Combined, Kruger Park and Greater Kruger represent the largest and most diverse protected wilderness region in Africa.

For foreign travellers, the size of Kruger National Park is:

• 2 000 000 hectares
• 20 000 square kilometres
• 7 720 square miles
• 4 942 108 acres

As a comparison, Kruger Park is:

• the same size as Israel
• slightly smaller than Belgium
• almost the same size as Wales
• about a third of the size of Ireland

England is 15 times bigger than Kruger Park (in other words, you could fit 15 Kruger Parks into England).

In which province is Kruger National Park located?

Kruger National Park is located in Mpumalanga Province, otherwise known as the Lowveld to locals. The capital city of Mpumalanga is Mbombela (Nelspruit). Mpumalanga literally means “the place where the sun rises” in the local Swazi language, and perfectly describes the gorgeous subtropical warm weather and sunny blue skies that the province is famous for.

Mpumalanga lies in the far north-eastern region of South Africa and shares a border with two countries: Swaziland (now Eswatini) and Mozambique. It shares borders with the provinces of Limpopo to the northwest, Gauteng to the west, the Free State to the southwest and KwaZulu Natal to the south.

The imposing Drakensberg escarpment divides Mpumalanga into a westerly half which consists mainly of high-altitude grasslands known as the Highveld; and an eastern half situated in a low-altitude subtropical belt known as the Lowveld (or Bushveld). Locals affectionately call the latter the ‘Slowveld’ because life moves at a far slower pace in Mpumalanga.

Who owns Kruger National Park?

Kruger National Park is a state-sponsored entity that is managed by South African National Parks (SANParks). It’s the oldest and largest national park in South Africa that falls under the auspices of SANParks. The only private establishments in the Kruger National Park are luxury safari lodges that are located on private concessions and are owned and operated by independent safari companies.

SANParks is a public body that operates under the jurisdiction of the Department of Environmental Affairs. The organisation manages a system of 26 functional national parks in South Africa; with a total area of just over 4.7 million hectares comprising 67% of the protected areas under state management.

SANParks is primarily a self-funding government body. At least 80% of its operating revenue is generated through sustainable ecotourism. Its chief mandate is conservation, followed by responsible tourism and socio-economic development.

When was Kruger National Park established?

Kruger National Park was formerly established in May 1926 when Sabie and Shingwedzi game reserves were combined and proclaimed a national park. Prior to that, the valuable wilderness region between the Sabie and Crocodile rivers had been set aside in the early 1880s for restricted hunting. At the time, uncontrolled hunting in the region was decimating game numbers. In fact, certain species faced extinction without state intervention.

Paul Kruger recognised the urgent need to provide a wilderness sanctuary for South Africa’s precious animals and proposed that the game-rich region in the far north-eastern corner of South Africa be declared a protected conservation zone where hunting was prohibited. It took 12 long years for Kruger’s proposal to come to light and for the region to be proclaimed a national park.

James Stevenson-Hamilton was the Park’s first warden of Kruger National Park and made a significant impact on South African wildlife management and conservation. You can visit the Stevenson-Hamilton’s Memorial Library at Skukuza Rest Camp; it houses journals and old photographs that are a fascinating insight into the life of a game ranger in those early days.

What is the difference between the Kruger Park and Greater Kruger

Kruger Park and Greater Kruger are nextdoor neighbours. The difference is Kruger National Park is a state-controlled national park that is managed by SANParks and is accessible to the general public; Greater Kruger is an amalgamation of private game reserves that are a members of Associated Private Nature Reserves (APNR).

Everyone is welcome in Kruger National Park; either staying in SANParks accommodation or coming in as a day visitor. There’s a wide choice of accommodation in the Kruger Park which caters for everyone’s travel budget.

Access to the private reserves of Greater Kruger is restricted to paying guests and the safari lodges are typically 5-star establishments that are unashameably marketed to high-end travellers. For the same luxury and exclusivity in Kruger Park; visitors need to stay at a luxury safari lodge on one of the private concession in the national park.

Fences have been removed so the animals can roam freely between Kruger Park and Greater Kruger. Combined, Kruger Park and Greater Kruger make up one of the largest protected wilderness regions in Africa which is renowned for its outstanding biodiversity and rich fauna and flora. Kruger Park covers an area of 20 000 square kilometres. Greater Kruger adds an additional 1 800 square kilometres of extra roaming area for the wildlife.

How do I book a safari tour of Kruger National Park?

South Africans usually book their holiday in the Kruger National Park directly through the SANParks website. Regular Kruger Park visitors know which areas to visit and where they want to stay, so it’s just a matter of doing an online booking to secure their reservation.

Foreign tourists are more likely to book a safari tour through a reputable tour operator like MoAfrika Tours, a company that has a long history of taking visitors to the national park. It’s a reliable and safe option and does away with the hassle of hiring a car and driving yourself to and around Kruger Park.

You can opt for a whistle-stop 3-day tour to the southern section of Kruger which is a much busier part of the Park, or you can treat yourself to a longer stay and venture further to the central and northern sections.

We offer bus tours and transfers from Johannesburg, Pretoria,  Durban , Port Elizabeth and Cape Town to any travel destination in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Uganda or Vic-Falls.

Is the kruger park safe to visit.

Kruger National Park is safe to visit as long as you follow the rules and regulations of the national park. These rules and regulations are in place to protect you; whether you’re in camp or out in the bush on a game drive.

Things to worry about on a safari tour of Kruger Park

• wild animals
• insect bites
• dehydration

Common tips for a safe safari holiday

• Speak to your doctor or chemist before you travel to Kruger Park for advice on medication and vaccinations that you need
• Travel with a basic first-aid kit to treat minor ailments and injuries; including ointment for burns, antihistamine cream or tablets, anti-nausea and anti-diarrhoea, plasters and bandages, and after-sun spray for sunburn
• Stay hydrated by drinking lots of fresh water during the hot summer months
• Pack a wide-brimmed safari hat that covers your face, ears and neck
• Buy a good brand of sunscreen and insect repellent
• Always sleep under a mosquito net if one is provided

For more information on the SANParks Code of Conduct and Rules & Regulations:  read here

If you’re travelling to Kruger National Park with a reputable tour operator, you shouldn’t have any problems as they make safety a priority and will avoid any areas or situations which puts their clients’ lives at risk.

Safety tips for a game drive in an open safari vehicle

• Stay in the vehicle at all times except when you’re allowed to get off for sundowners or to visit a rest camp or bird hide; always follow your game rangers instructions and ask him/her where you can go when you stop for a bush pitstop.
• Don’t stand up in the vehicle, hang arms out the window or look out through the sunroof. Keep your arms tucked in; if they’re hanging off the side of a vehicle, they’ll make a tasty morsel for a predator.
• Don’t talk or laugh too loud. Keep quiet on game drives out of respect for your fellow passengers and so you don’t startle game and birds at wildlife sightings.
• Stay close to your guide and group on a walking safari and always walk in single file. Watch where you put your feet while walking in the bush.

Is it safe to take children to Kruger National Park?

Kruger National Park is a wonderful safari destination for the whole family. Hundreds of thousands of South Africans will tell you they have had some of their best holidays in the Kruger Park when they were young, and continue the tradition of taking their young children to the Park.

The large Kruger Park rest camps are child-friendly and more suitable for younger children because there’s lots to do when the family returns mid-morning from daily game drives.

Kruger Park is located in a malaria area and this might put some parents off taking young babies and small children to the Park if they are not the right age to take anti-malaria tablets. Speak to your doctor about the risk of malaria for your child in the Kruger Park.

Things to worry about when you take children to the Kruger Park:

• Malaria; delay going on holiday to Kruger Park until your child/children are old enough to take anti-malaria tablets. Make them sleep under mosquito nets if provided, put long-sleeve shirts and pants (pyjamas) on as the sun is setting and they must be sprayed with a good insect repellent throughout the day.
• Stay in the vehicle during game drives; don’t let kids stick their heads or arms out of the window, and never let them wander off into the bushveld if you stop at a hide or picnic spot.
• Wild animals and snakes; make sure your kids know that wild animals and snakes are dangerous and not something to play with (like they see in Steve Irwin videos).
• Sunburn and dehydration; make your kids wear a high-factor sunscreen and reapply regularly throughout the day, drink lots of water to stay hydrated and stay out of the sun during the hottest time of the day.
• Open pools; there are pools at the large rest camps but they are not covered with a net. Don’t leave young children who cannot swim unattended at a pool and watch out they don’t wander off to the pool without your following them.

Does Kruger National Park have the Big 5?

Kruger National Park is a Big 5 safari destination. The Big 5 includes buffalo, elephant, rhino, leopard and lion. It’s a term that hunters from the old days used to describe a group of animals they most feared encountering on a hunting safari. The Big 5 were also the most sought-after by trophy hunters.

Today, the Big 5 is a term used to describe the wild animals that attract the most attention on safari tours. Trophy hunting is strictly forbidden in the Kruger Park so tourists only “shoot” them on a safari tour with their cameras.

What animals will I see in the Kruger National Park?

The Big 5 (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard) are the most famous animals found in the Kruger Park but they’re just the tip of the iceberg because Kruger National Park has an abundance of wildlife that’s just as exciting to see on a safari tour.

In fact, Kruger Park has more species of large mammals than any other African game reserve (last count was 148 species). Many species are vulnerable and endangered and vigilant conservation and anti-poaching initiatives are in place to protect South Africa’s valuable wildlife.

Last recorded game count in Kruger National Park: 2010/2011

Source:  SANParks

Buffalo                 37 130

Elephant              13 750

Lion                        1 620 – 1 750

Leopard               1 000

Rhino                    ** undisclosed

Spotted hyena  5 340

Cheetah               120

Wild dog              120

Common game

Zebra                    23 700 – 35 300

Giraffe                  6 800 – 10 300

Hippopotamus  3 100

Crocodile             3 000

Impala                  132 300 – 176 400

Kudu                     11 200 – 17 300

Wildebeest         6 400 – 13 100

Waterbuck          3 100 – 7 800

Eland                     460

Sable                     290

Tsessebe             220

Roan antelope  90

How many bird species are there in Kruger Park?

Birdlife in Kruger National Park is prolific, particularly in the far north region which is known as a birders’ paradise. One out of 10 bird species in the world are found in Kruger Park. 

There are 517 recorded species of birds which are broken down as follows:

• 253 resident species
• 117 non-breeding migrants
• 147 nomad species (birds without boundaries)

The best time to visit Kruger Park for birding is in the summer months between November and February. This is when strong numbers of Palearctic and Intra-African migrants are present.

Big 6 Kruger Park birds

• Lappet-faced vulture
• Martial eagle
• Saddle-billed stork
• Kori bustard
• Ground hornbill
• Pel’s fishing own

Is Kruger National Park fenced?

Kruger National Park covers an area of 20 000 square kilometres. There is fencing in various sections of the Park but it’s impossible for SANParks to fence the entire perimeter of the national park. The main priority is to fence boundaries that lie adjacent to rural settlements so dangerous wild animals don’t endanger their lives and eat their livestock.

The large Kruger Park rest camps are fenced, most of them are even electrified. However, the remote bush camps, satellite camps and bushveld lodges are not fenced or electrified. Be very careful when walking around your camp and be on the lookout for wild animals, particularly after dark.

The private game reserves of Greater Kruger removed their fences many years ago so game could roam freely between the two regions. Sabi Sands shares an unfenced boundary with Kruger Park on its western border, and acts as a wild bushveld buffer between Kruger Park and Greater Park.

Is it safe to travel to South Africa?

Most foreign tourists know that South Africa has a problem with crime; it’s widely publicised in the international press. It’s extremely important that you make your own and your family’s safety a priority when planning a trip to South Africa and travelling around the country.

Violent crime is restricted to ‘crime hotspots’ and you should stay well clear of these areas. Use common sense when travelling around South Africa to prevent falling victim to petty theft, street muggings and car jackings. South Africa is no different to any other country that attracts foreign tourists; don’t flash cash, don’t wear expensive jewelry, be aware of your surroundings and don’t get distracted talking on or checking your phone, don’t walk around on your own at night and don’t do or go to places that puts your life in danger.

Consult online travel sites for tips on keeping safe on a holiday in South Africa. The same rules apply anywhere that you travel to in the world when it comes to personal and financial safety.

Is there malaria in the Kruger Park?

Kruger National Park is located in a medium-to-high risk malaria area. The risk of contracting malaria is higher in the warm, rainy summer months between November and April. Mosquitoes are more active between dusk and dawn. This is when you need to take extra precautions to prevent being bitten.

It’s strongly recommended you take anti-malaria tablets, regardless of what time of year you visit Kruger Park. Consult your doctor or a travel clinic for advice on anti-malaria tablets.

Tips to prevent mosquitoes from biting you

• use effective insect repellent spray throughout the day and after the sun sets
• change into long-sleeved shirts and long pants before the sun sets
• wear socks and shoes in the evenings around the camp
• sleep under a mosquito net if provided

How to treat malaria

Malaria is a life-threatening disease and can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated early. Immediately consult a doctor for a malaria test if you experience flu-like symptoms within 10 days of entering a malaria area.

Malaria symptoms include headaches, body aches, fever, sweating, chills and extreme fatigue. You’ll also experience nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, stomach pains and racing heartbeat.

What is the weather like in the Kruger Park?

Kruger National Park has a sub-tropical climate. Apart from infrequent cold fronts, seasonal thunderstorms and chilly winter nights and early mornings; Kruger Park is a “sunshine and blue skies” holiday destination for most of the year.

Seasonal temperatures in Kruger Park

Summer temperatures reach an average of mid- to upper-30s (degrees centigrade) with scorching heat at the height of summer between November and January. Summer temperatures can peak at 40°C and over with very high humidity.

Winter temperatures during the day are generally mild and pleasant, but it can get very chilly at night after the sun goes down. The coldest months in Kruger Park are June/July.

Seasonal rainfall in Kruger Park

Kruger Park experiences rainfall in the summer months between November and April. The days are usually hot and sunny with late-afternoon thunderstorms. It rarely rains for an extended period of time in the Kruger Park, unless a cold front is moving through the region.

Southern hemisphere versus northern hemisphere

South Africa is located in the southern hemisphere. This means the summer and winter season in Kruger Park is opposite to Europe and North America (countries in the northern hemisphere).

• Kruger summer: October to April
• Kruger winter:  May to September

Weather warnings for Kruger Park

The rainy season in Kruger Park is hot and humid, with temperatures frequently peaking at over 40°C/104°F. December to February are the hottest and most humid months; keep hydrated and stay out of the burning sun at the hottest times of day (between 11am and 2pm).

Kruger Park experiences occasional flash floods during unseasonably high rainfall periods. Avoid crossing any bridges in the Park that are covered in fast-flowing river water. Never venture off-road in the wet season as your vehicle could get stuck in thick mud.

When is the best time to visit the Kruger Park?

The Kruger National Park is a year-round destination. When you visit depends on what you want to do and see in the Park.

Busiest time in Kruger Park

The busiest times in the Kruger Park is during the popular local holiday seasons, such as Christmas/end of year, Easter/March-April and the mid-year school holidays. The southern section of the Park gets very overcrowded at these times.

Best time to see animals in the Kruger Park

The best time for game viewing in the Kruger Park is in the winter months between May and August. This is the dry season and the grass is sparse and thinned out so it’s easier to spot game. Animals tend to congregate closer to permanent water source in the dry winter months.

The bushveld is lush and thick during summer because this is the rainy season in northern South Africa. The problem is animals are harder to spot in the thick bush and they tend to wander further away from the main water sources because there is enough water elsewhere.

Best time for birds in the Kruger Park

The best time for birdwatching in Kruger Park is between November and February. This is when different species of migratory birds descend on the area and bird sightings are incredible.

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Where can i stay in kruger park.

There is a wide selection of budget-friendly and family-friendly SANParks accommodation in the Kruger Park, and for a more exclusive experience you can book a holiday at a luxury safari lodge in a private concessions in the Park. Where you stay in the Kruger Park depends on the type of safari experience you want and your travel budget.

SANParks accommodation mainly caters for the self-catering market and ranges from the popular Kruger Park rest camps to bushveld camps, satellite camps and bush lodges.

Kruger Park Rest Camps

The most popular accommodation in Kruger Park are the SANParks rest camps. The majority of visitors stay in the self-catering bungalows/rondavels (round huts), in either a basic 2-sleeper bungalow or the 4- and 6-sleeper family units.

Each bungalow has single/twin beds and is equipped with a basic kitchenette and braai (barbeque) facilities. Crockery, cutlery and linen is provided. You have the option of preparing meals at your bungalow or eating out at the rest camp restaurant. Most visitors bring everything they need with them on a self-catering holiday in the Kruger Park but you can stock up with provisions at the shop in your rest camp.

The large Kruger Park rest camps offer caravan and camping sites with separate ablutions and washing-up facilities. There is a shop, restaurant, laundromat and a petrol station in each large rest camp.

Skukuza Rest Camp in the upper-southern section is the largest rest camp in Kruger Park and is the administrative centre for the Park. There is a medical centre on the property for minor ailments and injuries, and the Skukuza Airport is located close by. Visitors with a serious illness or injury are transferred to one of the large private hospitals in Mbombela (Nelspruit).

There are 9 rest camps in Kruger Park:

• Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp: located in southern Kruger on the bank of the Matjulu Spruit
• Lower Sabie Rest Camp: located in east-central Kruger on the bank of the Sabie River
• Olifants Rest Camp: located in north-east Kruger overlooking the Lebombo Mountain
• Orpen Rest Camp: located on the western boundary close to Orpen Gate
• Pretoriuskop Rest Camp: located in south-western Kruger close to Numbi Gate
• Punda Maria Rest Camp: located in northernmost Kruger close to Punda Maria Gate
• Satara Rest Camp: located in central Kruger
• Shingwedzi Rest Camp: located in northern Kruger overlooking the Shingwedzi River
• Skukuza Rest Camp: located in southern Kruger on the bank of the Sabie River

Kruger Park Bushveld Camps

Kruger Park Bushveld Camps offer visitors a more authentic safari experience in remote bushveld areas. They offer basic accommodation with self-catering facilities. There are no shops, restaurants or petrol pumps in the Bushveld Camps. You can stock up on provisions at the closest Kruger Park rest camp.

There are 5 bushveld camps in Kruger Park:

• Bateleur: located in northern Kruger, south-west of Shingwedzi Rest Camp
• Biyamiti: located in southern Kruger, closest to Malelane and Crocodile Bridge entrance gates
• Shimuwini: located in north-central Kruger, south-west of Mopani Rest Camp
• Sirheni: located in far north Kruger, south-east of Punda Maria Rest Camp
• Talamati: located in central Kruger, south-west of Satara Rest Camp

Kruger Park Satellite Camps offer basic SANParks accommodation in secluded bushveld. They are located some distance from the main rest camps but close enough so you can pop across to stock up on provisions at the shop, eat out at the restaurant and fill up with petrol.

There are 4 satellite camps in the Kruger Park:

• Balule: located south of Olifants Rest Camp, close to the eastern boundary of Kruger Park
• Malelane: located close to Malelane entrance gate, on the southern boundary of Kruger Park
• Maroela: located 2 kilometres east of Orpen Rest Camp, on the western boundary of Kruger Park
• Tamboti: located 2 kilometres east of Orpen Rest Camp, on the western boundary of Kruger Park

Kruger Park Bush Lodges

Kruger Park Bush Lodges offer private self-catering accommodation in remote sections of the Park. Access is restricted to paying guests and must be booked out as a single group. There are no shops, restaurants or a petrol station at the Kruger Park Bush Lodges.

There are 3 bush lodges in the Kruger Park:

• Boulders Bush Lodge: located south of Mopani Rest Camp in north-central Kruger Park
• Pafuri Border Camp: located in far northern Kruger Park, close to Punda Maria Rest Camp
• Roodewal Bush Lodge: located north of Satara Rest Camp on the banks of the Timbavati River

Can I book luxury safari accommodation in the Kruger Park?

Luxury safari lodges in the Kruger Park are located on private concessions that are managed by private safari operators. These luxury lodges offer an exclusive safari experience that is on par with the world-renowned luxury lodges in Greater Kruger.

Access to the private concessions is restricted to paying guests; while the game rangers can take guests out in open safari vehicles on the public roads of Kruger Park.

You get the best of both worlds staying at a luxury safari lodge in a private concession; 5-star accommodation, outstanding facilities and world-class service as well as exclusive access to the private concession; coupled with unrestricted access to the public roads of Kruger Park.

There are 18 luxury safari lodges on private concessions in the Kruger National Park:

Baobab Hill Bush Lodge

Located in Makuleke Contract Park in northern Kruger Park, access via Punda Maria Gate

Located in a 15 000-hectare private concession in southern Kruger overlooking Mpanamana Dam, access via Malelane Gate

Camp Shonga

Located in a 15 000-hectare private concession in the south-eastern Kruger, access via Malelane Gate

Fitzpatrick’s Lodge at Jock

Located in the 6 000-hectare Bushveld Concession in south-western Kruger, access via Malelane Gate

Hamilton’s Tented Camp

Located in the 10 000-hectare Mluwati Concession in central Kruger, access via Orpen Gate

Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge

Imbali Safari Lodge

Jock Safari Lodge

Located in the 6 000-hectare Bushveld Concession in south-western Kruger, access via Numbi or Malelane Gate

Lion Sands Narina Lodge

Located in a 5 000-hectare private concession in southern Kruger on the banks of the Sabie River, access via Paul Kruger Gate

Lions Sand Tinga Lodge

Lukimbi Safari Lodge

Located in the 15 000-hectare Lwakahle Concession in southern Kruger, access via Malelane Gate

Pafuri Camp

Located in the 24 000-hectare Makuleke Contract Park in far northern Kruger, access via Punda Maria Gate

Plains Camp Tented Safari Lodge

Located in a private concession in south-central Kruger, access via Paul Kruger Gate

Rhino Post Safari Lodge

Located in the 12 000-hectare Rhino Walking Safari Concession in southern Kruger, on the boundary of MalaMala Game Reserve and Sabi Sands, access via Paul Kruger Gate

Shishangeni Private Lodge

Located in a 15 000-hectare private concession in southern Kruger, access via Malelane Gate

Singita Lebombo Lodge

Located in the 33 000-hectare Nwanetsi Concession in eastern Kruger, access via Paul Kruger Gate

Singita Sweni Lodge

Located in the Lebombo concession in south-east Kruger, access via Paul Kruger Gate

The Outpost

Located in the Makuleke Region in northern Kruger, access via Punda Maria Gate

Are there shops in Kruger National Park?

There are no large shopping centres in Kruger National Park; only convenience stores in the large Kruger Park rest camps where you can stock up on basic provisions and buy gifts and souvenirs. The largest shop in Kruger Park is at Skukuza Rest Camp.

You will find the following at the different types of accommodation in Kruger Park:

A convenience store, restaurant(s), swimming pool and petrol station; open to Kruger day visitors

Kruger Park Satellite Camps

No convenience store, restaurant, swimming pool nor petrol station; located close to the main rest camps which you can visit during the day to stock up on provisions and eat out at the restaurant. Open to Kruger day visitors.

No convenience store, restaurant, swimming pool nor petrol station; access restricted to paying guests

No convenience store, restaurant, swimming pool nor petrol station; access restricted to a single party of guests

What can you do in the Kruger National Park?

The main reason people visit the Kruger National Park is to explore the vast protected wilderness area; on the lookout for the Big 5 and other incredible wildlife sightings, birdwatching and enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Kruger Park caters for the whole family and time spent back in the rest camps after daily game drives is just as much fun as game viewing; spending time at the rest camp pool, game and bird watching from the restaurant deck and braaiing (barbequing) at night under clear starry skies at your bungalow. 

Top 10 things to do in the Kruger Park

1  daily game drives.

Most visitors to Kruger Park go on daily game drives in their own vehicle. The majority of foreign visitors book a safari tour with a reputable tour operator such as MoAfrika Tours or book a game drive in an open safari vehicle with a professional SANParks ranger.  Visitors staying in one of the luxury safari lodges in a private concession are taken on daily game drives in an open safari vehicle with a professional ranger.

2  Bird watching

Kruger Park has 517 recorded bird species, including several rare and infrequent visitors. It’s heaven for avid birds, otherwise known as “twitchers”. Some bird species are year-round residents while others are nomadic or migratory. The best time for birdwatching in the Kruger Park is between November and February when the migratory birds come to visit.

There are 11 bird hides in the Kruger National Park as well as a few that are found within the rest camps. The Shipandani Hide close to Mopani Rest Camp and Sable Dam Hide close to Phalaborwa Gate can be booked in advance for a ‘sleep over’.

3  Kruger Park wilderness trails

Guided wilderness trails in Kruger National Park are extremely popular with wildlife and birding enthusiasts who prefer a more authentic bushveld experience. You walk with an armed ranger in remote parts of Kruger Park, often in areas where game vehicles are not allowed. Walking groups stay in rustic but comfortable camps deep in the bushveld.

Bookings for Kruger Park wilderness trails are made through the  SANParks website .

There are 7 Kruger Park wilderness trails:

• Metsi Metsi

4  Kruger Park guided bush walks

Guided bush walks in the Kruger are a great alternative to sitting in a vehicle for game drives. They’re usually offered by the bigger rest camps where you join two armed ranger for a leisurely walk in the vicinity of the campsite. The walks are not strenuous and are less than two hours long. It’s a great way to experience the bushveld and see things you don’t see in a vehicle.

5  Cultural heritage sites

Kruger Park is rich in cultural history; there are over 255 recorded archaeological sites which provide proof that the region was inhabited during the Iron Age.

The three most important cultural sites in the Kruger Park are:

• Albasini Ruins

This is the site of the remains of the 19th century trading post of the famous Portuguese trader, Joao Albasini; located close to Phabeni Gate (10 kilometres from Hazyview). It’s believed that Albasini’s settlement at Magashula’s Kraal was the first European settlement in the disease-ridden Lowveld.

This late Iron Age site is located on a prominent hillside about 12 kilometres from the Phalaborwa Gate on the tar road to Letaba Rest Camp. The site was inhabited by a Sotho-speaking Ba-Phalaborwa tribe during the 1800’s who developed an advanced and sophisticated industry of mining, smelting iron ore and trading in these iron products.

Thulamela is a stone-walled site located in the far north region of the Kruger Park. It dates back some 450 to 500 years to the late Iron Age. Several inhabitants from the Shona tribe that inhabited Great Zimbabwe moved south and set up smaller chiefdoms close to Thulamela. The skeleton of a female that dates back to AD 1600 was uncovered at Thulamela. A second skeleton of a man found at the site dates back to AD 1450.

6  Stevenson-Hamilton Memorial Library

Stevenson-Hamilton Memorial Library is located in Skukuza Rest Camp. Opened in 1961, the Stevenson-Hamilton centre consists of a library and museum. It houses a valuable collection of books, hand-written notes and Park records that tell a story of the famous game rangers of the Kruger Park.

The memorial library in Skukuza was named in honour of James Stevenson-Hamilton who was the first Warden of what is now the Kruger National Park, then known as the Sabie Game Reserve. Skukuza is the name given to James Stevenson-Hamilton by his staff, meaning “he who sweeps clean” in Shangaan.

7  Letaba Elephant Hall

Letaba Elephant Hall is located at Letaba Rest Camp. It showcases the famous elephants of the Kruger Park with life-size exhibits, including skulls and tusks of the largest elephants that roamed the region.

Most specimens belonged to the ‘Magnificent 7’, a group of great tuskers who died between 1981 and 1985. The most famous of all was Mandleve who died of natural causes in 1993. Mandleve had the largest tusks ever recorded in the Kruger Park.

8  4×4 Kruger Adventure Trail

The Mafunyane 4×4 Adventure Trail is a 3-night/4-day four-wheel drive trail that explores the north-western section of Kruger Park, between the Olifants and Luvuvhu rivers. A maximum of 6 vehicles are allowed on the trail per day, covering a total distance of 270 kilometres over the four days.

The trail departs from Phalaborwa Gate every Thursday afternoon at 12h00 and ends at Punda Maria Camp on Sunday morning. The 4×4 adventure trail only operates during the dry season from 1 March to 30 November. A maximum of 4 persons are allowed per vehicle. No children under 12 years unless arranged prior to departure.

9  Eco-Trails

The Kruger eco-trail departs every Sunday from Crocodile Bridge in southern Kruger and ends on Thursday at Pafuri Camp in northern Kruger. All vehicles must be at least 2×4-wheel drive and you need to carry all the equipment you need for camping.

The adventure eco-trails only operate during the dry winter season; between 1 April to the last Sunday in October. They may be cancelled if heavy rain is forecast.

10  Skukuza Golf Course

The Skukuza Golf Course is a popular golfing destination in southern Kruger, located next to Skukuza Rest Camp. The 9-hole course is not fenced and part of the appeal is you might find yourself sharing the fairway with common buck, warthog and very rarely hippo. It’s not an upmarket golf course; it’s designed for a fun day playing with family and friends.

Motorised golf carts and pull carts are available for hire. Light refreshments and full bar facility at the Skukuza Golf clubhouse.

Which are the best areas to go to in Kruger National Park?

Where you go in the Kruger National Park depends on what you want to see and how much time you’ve got. The majority of tourists visit the southern section of Kruger Park because it’s the most accessible region to Johannesburg and has the highest concentration of animals. As a result, southern Kruger gets overcrowded, particularly during the busy local holiday season.

To make it simple to help you plan a trip to Kruger Park, we’ve divided the Park into 4 regions:

Explore southern Kruger

South-east and South-west Kruger are the two most popular sections in the Park for two reasons; it’s the most accessible region if you’re travelling from Johannesburg and it has the highest concentration of animals. Skukuza Rest Camp is located in southern Kruger; it’s the largest rest camp in the Park and the administrative centre of SANParks.

High game numbers in the south are largely due to the fact that southern Kruger has ample water resources as it’s bound by the Crocodile River in the south and the Sabie River in the north. You’ll see large herds of impala and kudu, as well as strong numbers of white rhino, buffalo, elephant, zebra and giraffe.

The only downside of southern Kruger is it does get very busy, particularly in the busy holiday seasons. This means that there is often traffic congestion around animal sightings and you have to ‘queue to view’.

Explore central Kruger

Central Kruger has vast plains of sweet grass dotted with a mass of browsing trees. This ecosystem attracts an abundance of plains game such as zebra, wildebeest and giraffe. And in turn, the plains game attracts strong numbers of predators such as lion, leopard, hyena and cheetah.

In fact, central Kruger supports nearly half of Kruger’s total lion population. It’s estimated that there are at least 60 individual prides of lion in central Kruger.

Explore northern Kruger

The northern region of Kruger Park is semi-arid; it receives significantly less rainfall than the central and southern regions and as a result, it’s vegetation and population of animals is vastly different. You’ll find vast expanses of shrub mopane which cope better in the hot, dry conditions.

The areas that are more lush flank the five rivers that forge their way through the valley. This includes the Letaba, Olifants and Luvuvhu rivers. A major attraction to the northern region is its strong herds of elephant; the latest count was 9 000 resident elephants in the area.

Northern Kruger attracts strong numbers of elephants and is famous for being home to many of the famous ‘Magnificent 7’ which were the largest and most impressive elephants in southern Africa.

Explore far north Kruger

The far north region is regarded as the best birding destination in Kruger Park. It’s completely isolated from the busy sections of the Park and there’s very little safari traffic in the area. The far northern section is home to unique species that are not found anywhere else in the national park, including the rare knocking sand frog, rare Sharpe’s grysbok, samango monkeys, nocturnal bush pigs and a collection of endemic bats.

The far north region is a popular area for guided bush walks along the banks of the Luvuvhu River which meets the Limpopo River at the famous Crooks’ Corner;  the three-way junction where the boundaries of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique converge.

How do you get to the Kruger Park?

There are four airports serving the Kruger National Park:

• Skukuza Airport: located a short drive from the largest rest camp in the Kruger Park
• Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA): located in the outskirts of Nelspruit, the capital city of Mpumalanga; useful for easy access to southern Kruger Park
• Eastgate Airport: located on the outskirts of Hoedspruit in the Greater Kruger; useful for easy access to central Kruger Park and private game reserves in the Greater Kruger National Park
• Phalaborwa Airport: located on the outskirts of the closest town to north-central Kruger; useful for easy access to the far north regions of the national park

Most travellers fly direct to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) from OR Tambo International Airport or Cape Town International Airport, and pick up a rental car or tour shuttle bus to their accommodation in the Kruger Park. The main airline servicing KMIA and Skukuza Airport is Airlink, a division of SAA.

The drive from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park is anything from 5 to 7 hours long, depending on where you are staying in the Park. The main entrance gates in the southern section of Kruger Park are reached via Nelspruit, White River, Hazyview and Malelane. The main entrance gates to the central and northern section of Kruger Park are reached going via Hoedspruit and Phalaborwa.

How far is Johannesburg from Kruger National Park?

Johannesburg is the largest city in Gauteng Province and the ‘business capital’ of South Africa. The majority of foreign tourists arrive and depart from OR Tambo International Airport and catch connecting flights or transfer vehicles to their holiday destination.

Pretoria is the other major city in the Gauteng Province. It’s located north of Johannesburg, just less than an hour’s drive away.

Visitors can catch the high-speed Gautrain to travel between Johannesburg, Pretoria and OR Tambo International Airport. Travelling at a speed of 160 kilometres per hour:

• the Gautrain trip from Johannesburg to OR Tambo International Airport takes 15 minutes
• the Gautrain trip from Johannesburg to Pretoria takes 35 minutes

Johannesburg to Numbi Gate: access to south-east and south-west Kruger Park

4 hours 30 minutes ǀ approximately 400 kilometres via the N12 and N4

Johannesburg to Malelane Gate: access to the southern-most section of Kruger Park

Johannesburg to Orpen Gate: access to central Kruger Park

5 hours 15 minutes ǀ approximately 470 kilometres via the N12

Johannesburg to Punda Maria Gate: access to far north Kruger Park

6 hours 15 minutes ǀ approximately 550 kilometres via the N1 and R81

How far is Hazyview from Kruger National Park?

Hazyview is the central safari hub for the southern region of Kruger Park, with easy access to two popular entrance gates. There are a number of good hotels, family-friendly holiday resorts and great restaurants in Hazyview. Book a full-day safari tour of Kruger Park with one of the popular tour operators that are based in Hazyview.

Hazyview to Numbi Gate: access to southern Kruger

21 minutes ǀ approx 16 kilometres via the R538

Hazyview to Paul Kruger Gate: access to southern and central Kruger

45 minutes ǀ approx 44 kilometres via the R536

Hazyview to Phabeni Gate: access to central and south-east Kruger

18 minutes ǀ approx 14 kilometres via the R536

Hazyview to Orpen Gate: access to central Kruger

1 hour 10 minutes ǀ approx 75 kilometres via the R40

Hazyview to Punda Maria Gate: access to far northern Kruger

4 hours 17 minutes ǀ approx 330 kilometres via the R40

How far is Sabie from Kruger National Park?

Sabie is a picturesque town located along the famous Panorama Route. It’s popular for mountain bikers, hikers, nature lovers, fisherman and golfers. There are a number of popular family-friendly holiday resorts and hotels in the Sabie valley for weekend getaways.

You can book a full-day trip into Kruger National Park with a reputable tour operator so you don’t miss the opportunity to see the Big 5 and experience the scenic wonders of South Africa’s favourite national park.

Sabie to Phabeni Gate: access to southern Kruger Park

50 minutes ǀ approximately 60 kilometres via the R536

Sabie to Numbi Gate: access to southern Kruger Park

1 hour ǀ approximately 70 kilometres via the R536 and R40

Sabie to Paul Kruger Gate: access to southern Kruger

1 hour 15 minutes ǀ approximately 86 kilometres via the R536

How far is Malelane from Kruger National Park?

Malelane is a picturesque agricultural valley and the closest town to the southern-most corner of Kruger National Park. It’s also the gateway to Mozambique and Swaziland. Malelane has a large shopping centre with a wide range of popular retail outlets, restaurants, delis and supermarkets. It’s the ideal place to visit to stock up on provisions before entering the Park.

Malelane to Malelane Gate: access to southern Kruger

10 minutes ǀ approx 6 kilometres via the R570

Malelane to Crocodile Bridge Gate: access to south-eastern Kruger

45 minutes ǀ approx 53 kilometres via the R536

How far is Phalaborwa from Kruger National Park?

Phalaborwa is an agricultural town in Limpopo Province that’s located near the confluence of the Ga-Selati and Olifants river, and lies adjacent to the western boundary of Kruger National Park. It’s the closest town to the northern region of the national park.

The two most popular tourist attractions in Phalaborwa are the Hans Merensky Nature Reserve which lies on the banks of the Great Letaba River just west of Kruger Park; and the Hans Merensky Golf Course located close to Phalaborwa Gate at Kruger Park. The 18-hole golf course was designed by Bob Grimsdell and received the Diamond Arrow Award for being the highest-rated golf course in the Limpopo Province.

Phalaborwa to Phalaborwa Gate: access to northern Kruger

5 minutes ǀ approx 2.1 kilometres via the R71

Phalaborwa to Punda Maria Gate: access to far northern Kruger

2 hours 30 minutes ǀ approx 187 kilometres via the R81

How much is the entrance fee for Kruger National Park?

The daily entry and conservation fee for Kruger National Park is discounted for South African citizens and residents, as well as Southern African Development Communities (SADC) nationals.

Prices valid for 1 November 2020 to 31 October 2021

South African citizens and residents (provide South African ID)

R110 per adult/ per day

R 55 per child/ per day

SADC Nationals (provide valid passport)

R200 per adult/ per day

R100 per adult/ per day

Standard conservation fee (foreign visitors)

R440 per adult/ per day

R240 per child/ per day

SADC is a regional organisation that consists of the following country members:

• Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
• Seychelles ( ** ratification pending )
• South Africa

For updated Kruger Park conservation and entry fees: visit the  SANParks website

How much does it cost to stay in the Kruger National Park?

Kruger National Park offers a wide choice of accommodation suitable for every budget; from affordable caravan and camping sites to self-catering bungalows, family guest houses, tented camps, bush lodges and luxury safari lodges on private concessions.

For latest prices for Kruger Park accommodation, visit the  SANParks website .

A better option for foreign visitors is to book a popular all-inclusive safari package through a reputable tour operator. The packages include collection and transfers from Johannesburg to Kruger Park, budget or luxury accommodation, daily game drives and meals (as per the itineraries)

Check out  MoAfrika Tours website

For a vast choice of safari tour packages; there’s something for everyone., how can i help stop rhino poaching in kruger national park.

Rhino poaching in South Africa reached a crisis point in 2018 with 1 100 rhinos killed in that year alone. There are less than 29 500 rhinos left in the world and the species is highly endangered. Latest statistics released in 2019 show that the number of rhinos killed for their horns has declined slightly thanks to ruthless anti-poaching measures; however, rhino poaching is still a critical problem. Between 2 and 3 rhinos are killed on average per day in the Kruger Park.

Vietnam is one of the world’s largest consumers of illegal rhino horn. A study in the country revealed that illegal rhino horn is bought and consumed mainly as a “medicine” for sexual potency and hangovers, but also as a status symbol. It’s been thoroughly proven that rhino horn has no medicinal benefits; in fact, it’s as effective as chewing your fingernails.

The demand for illegal rhino horn is not likely to decrease because of Asian peoples’ beliefs are firmly entrenched. Anti-rhino poaching campaigns in Asian countries are making some impact but there is still so much work to do. Raising awareness of the plight of rhinos and educating people to save them is extremely important.

You can help stop rhino poaching by firstly, never buying or consuming illegal rhino horn and secondly, talking to people about the problem. Spread the world around the world to help save our precious rhinos.

If you would like to make a donation towards an anti-rhino poaching programmes, make sure it is a reputable and registered organisation that is formally monitored and audited.

The leading organisations in South Africa that are helping fight the rhino poaching crisis are:

Stop Rhino Poaching

Save The Rhino

What do you wear on a holiday in Kruger National Park?

It’s not necessary to buy a whole safari ‘khaki-mad’ wardrobe for your trip to Kruger Park. Pack what is comfortable and suitable for the weather you’ll experience on your safari tour. The reason safari outfits are popular with foreign visitors is they’re made for the bush; meaning they’re the right weight, fabric and colour.

Here are common tips for what to pack for a safari tour to Kruger Park:

• lightweight cotton clothing in neutral tones; avoid bright colours and heavy fabric (including denim)
• long-sleeve shirts and long pants for the evenings; helps prevent mosquito bites and needed for game drives on chilly winter mornings and evenings
• waterproof and/or windproof jacket for the evenings and game drives on open safari vehicles
• sweatshirts/hoodies for cooler mornings and evenings
• comfortable walking/hiking shoes and good quality socks
• closed sandals/shoes for the evenings (to prevent mosquito bites)
• flip flops/open sandals for hot summer days
• camera, charger and extra memory card
• bird book and/or Kruger Park guidebook
• wide-brimmed hat to cover ears, face and neck
• high-factor sunscreen
• quality insect repellent
• basic first-aid kit

What are the most popular tourist attractions in Mpumalanga Province?

1. greater kruger.

Greater Kruger lies alongside the Kruger National Park, on its western boundary adjacent to the central section of the Park. The closest access point that links Greater Kruger with Kruger Park is Orpen Gate. Sabi Sand Game Reserve shares a 50-kilometre unfenced boundary with the national park, and acts as a wild buffer between the national park and the unfenced private reserves of Greater Kruger.

The closest large town to Greater Kruger is Hoedspruit. It’s the central tourism hub of the region and you can fly there directly from Johannesburg to Eastgate Airport. Most travellers drive to Greater Kruger; it’s a 5-7 hour drive depending on where you’re staying, with a refreshment stop along the way.

Collectively, the unfenced private reserves of Greater Kruger cover an area of 1 800 square kilometres (180 000 hectares/695 square miles) of land dedicated to conservation. The fences that prevented free movement of game between the private reserves of Greater Kruger and Kruger Park were removed in 1993.

Hoedspruit and a number of popular private game reserves in the area are often marketed as Greater Kruger destinations but they aren’t formal members of the governing body that established the Greater Kruger, namely Associated Private Nature Reserves (APNR).

The private reserves of Greater Kruger offer an exclusive safari experience with luxury accommodation that rivals the best of Okavango Delta and the famous Serengeti. Guests pay a premium for this premier experience.

Numbers of visitors and safari vehicles are strictly limited in Greater Kruger. The private lodges are quieter and more intimate, and wildlife sightings are restricted to three vehicles at a time. It’s perfect for wildlife enthusiasts who don’t like crowds but it comes at a high price.

2. Geotrail of Makhonjwa Mountain

There are only two places in the world that the oldest and best-preserved rock sequences are openly exposed and one of those places is Barberton in the far eastern corner of Mpumalanga Province. You can view these ancient rocks on a newly-developed route called the Geotrail of Makhonjwa Mountain.

The Makhonjwa Mountains are also known as the Barberton Greenstone Belt or Barberton Mountain Land. It’s a range of small mountains that covers about 80% of Mpumalanga and where you’ll find rocks that are between 3 and 3.6 billion years old. These incredible rock formations provide the only direct physical evidence from which Earth’s earliest history can be constructed.

The world’s oldest gold deposits were also found in the Barberton mountains, estimated to be over 3 billion years old.

3. Panorama Route

The world-famous Panorama Route is a spectacularly-scenic drive that takes you via the historic ‘gold rush’ towns and the Blyde River Canyon. The most popular towns to visit along the Panorama Route are Pilgrim’s Rest, Graskop and Sabie.

• Pilgrim’s Rest

Pilgrim’s Rest was declared a formal gold field in 1873 and served as the hub of the gold-rush era, attracting fortune hunters from around the world. Today, the entire town is a national monument and functions as a living museum that preserves the history of gold mining in South Africa.

Graskop was established in the early 1880s as a gold mining camp. It lies at an altitude of 1 493 metres and is popular today as a holiday destination for nature lovers, bird watchers, fishing fanatics and mountain bikers. Graskop is most famous for Harry’s Pancakes; a restaurant that serves the best savoury and sweet pancakes in the country.

Sabie is another thriving tourist town that started after HT Glynn and JC Ingle found gold in the area and formed the Glynns-Lydenburg Gold Mining Company. Today, Sabie is a forestry town that’s famous for its vast gum plantations, thought to be the largest man-made forest in the world.

Sabie is the tourism hub of the Panorama Route and attracts hordes of hikers, mountain bikers and nature lovers to its scenic mountainous surrounds. It’s also famous for its incredible waterfalls. The most popular waterfalls in Sabie is Lone Creek Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Maria Shire Falls and Forest Falls.

4. Blyde River Canyon

Blyde River Canyon is a natural phenomenon that’s the central focus of the Panorama Route. It’s the third-largest canyon in the world and the largest Green Canyon. It stretches over an area of 26 kilometres and is 800 metres deep, and lies on the northern section of the Drakensberg Escarpment.

Also known as Motlatse (meaning ‘permanent river’), Blyde River Canyon is carved out of nearly 2.5 kilometres of red sandstone and is situated below the confluence of the Blyde (meaning ‘joy) and Treur (meaning ‘sorrow’) rivers.

There are a number of famous natural viewpoints in the area, including:

• Kadishi Tufa Waterfall

The second-highest Tufa waterfall in the world, which is formed when water running over dolomite rocks absorb calcium and deposit rock formations more rapidly than they erode the surrounding rock.

• The Three Rondavels (meaning ‘round huts’)

A famous outlook point gives you a bird’s eye view of three round mountain tops with slightly pointed tops that look similar to a traditional rural homestead.

• The Pinnacle

A naturally-carved, free-standing rock buttress that rises off the lush forest floor

• God’s Window

A picturesque viewpoint that looks out over the magnificent natural surrounds of the Lowveld. On a clear day you can see Kruger National Park and the Lebombo Mountains which lie on the border of Mozambique. The clifftops drop away to an astonishing 700-900 metre gorge that’s filled with an incredible collection of indigenous trees, shrubs and wildlife.

• Bourke’s Luck Potholes

Enormous natural potholes that have been carved by pebbles rolling around in flooded pools, where the Blyde and Treur river merge to become one mighty river.

5. Sudwala Caves

This outstanding cave system is thought to be one of the oldest in the world, and estimated to have been formed some 240 million years ago. There’s evidence that it was used as shelter in prehistoric times and as a place of refuge when bloody battles were fought during the power struggle for the Swazi throne.

The public is able to access 600 metres of the cave system which takes you to the central chamber which is 70 metres in diameter and 37 metres high. It’s as big as a 500-seater concert hall.

Which is the best safari tour operator in Kruger National Park?

MoAfrika Tours has been taking clients to the Kruger National Park for over 20 years. We offer a wide range of safari tour packages to suit different accommodation needs and budgets. Over the years, the owner of MoAfrika Tours and the team have developed excellent relationships with safari operators and venues in both the Kruger Park and Greater Kruger; and have put together a selection of the best safari tours at the best price.

Why choose MoAfrika Tours for a safari tour to Kruger National Park?

MoAfrika Tours is a leading tour operator based in Johannesburg, offering a diverse selection of day tours and long-stay tours to destinations in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and Mozambique.

Your safety and well-being are our main priority. We offer transfers in reliable luxury vehicles and our guides are experienced, knowledgeable and professional. The team at MoAfrika Tours is here to help any time, any day; booking extra activities, sorting out any problems, offering advice to make your trip extra special and just being there for you if you need to talk to someone.

We know touring, we know Africa and we’re looking forward to getting to know you.

We offer tailormade safaris and tours that will suit your travel needs. wherever you want to go on your tour to  south africa . allow us to offer you the best guided safaris., frequently asked questions, is a kruger national park safari worth it.

Safaris in the Kruger National park offer unrivaled game viewing opportunities of all of Africa’s iconic species incl. the famous Big 5 in a truly natural habitat, 508 bird species, 49 fish species, 51 snake species and 114 reptile species. The nature in the Park is untouched and very rich.

Why is Kruger National Park such a big success?

Apart from amazing wildlife sightseeing opportunities, the huge success of the Kruger National Park can be ascribed to being used as an educational hub and a major conservation and research center for the study of vast amounts of animals and wildlife.

Are 2 days enough for a Kruger National Park Safari?

With only 2 days at your disposal you will get a good taste of the Kruger National Park’s splendid wildlife viewing. 

What are the different routes I can take from Numbi Gate in the Kruger Park?

Routes that can be followed from the Numbi gate are: (S8, S14) – the route around Pretoriuskop / (H2-2) – Voortrekker Road / (H1-1) Napi Road towards Skukuza / (S3) Albasini Road northwards towards Phabeni 

Why is Numbi gate such a popular entrance into the Kruger National Park?

It is one of the loveliest entrances to the Kruger Park.  Visitors are greeted with a sweeping vista over the scenic Lowveld to the East and the granite foothills to the North and South of the Park. The area around Numbi gate boasts a high diversity of animal and plant species thanks to some of the highest rainfalls in the Kruger recorded here.

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MoAfrika tours and the Kruger Safari Co. are destination management companies (DMC) and are not entities of the South African National Parks Board (SANparks).

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KRUGER NATIONAL PARK HOLIDAY PACKAGES

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The choice of things to do and places to stay in Kruger Park are endless. From the game-rich southern section to the Big Cat Capital in central Kruger, the elephant and hippo hub of northern Kruger and the birding paradise of far-north Kruger; you’re guaranteed an exceptional safari holiday.

South Africa’s iconic national park is vast, covering an area of 2.5 million hectares and spanning two provinces. Added to that is 180 000 hectares of unfenced private game reserves that make up Greater Kruger, an exclusive safari destination that lies on Kruger Park’s western boundary.

Where you stay depends on what Kruger Park holiday appeals to you; game viewing, birdwatching, photography, guided wilderness walks, mountain biking and 4×4 eco trails or just the pure joy of being in the bushveld in one of the finest safari destinations in the world.

To help you plan your Kruger Park safari holiday, here’s a comprehensive guide to the region. Remember, the north-eastern corner of South Africa is the safari hub of the country and you can opt to stay in Kruger Park or outside of Kruger Park.

WHY VISIT KRUGER PARK FOR A SAFARI HOLIDAY

Kruger National Park is the oldest and largest national park and one of the finest safari destinations in Africa. It’s neighbour, Greater Kruger, is made up of 7 unfenced private game reserves that are made up of a stunning collection of private safari lodges.

Combined, Kruger Park and Greater Kruger offer wildlife and nature lovers over 21 000 square kilometres of pristine wilderness that’s easily accessible and highly affordable on the current SA exchange rate.

Here are our Top 10 reasons to book a Kruger Park holiday package:

• Outstanding biodiversity

The fauna and flora of Kruger National Park is outstanding. Official figures quote 147 mammals, 507 recorded bird species, 114 reptile species, 34 amphibian species and 49 fish species. There are 200 different kinds of grasses, about 400 different kids of trees and shrubs and over 1 000 plant species.

Kruger Park falls within the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region which encompasses other national and provincial reserves such as the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve. Three of southern Africa’s most significant biomes are incorporated in the Kruger to Canyon Biosphere.

• Central to the largest Peace Park in Africa

Kruger Park makes up 57 percent of a 35 000 square kilometre Peace Park known as the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park (GLTP). It’s still in development but GLTP will eventually link the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique, Kruger National Park in South Africa and Gonarezhou National Park, Manjinji Pan Sanctuary and Malipati Safari Area in Zimbabwe.

GLTP will also incorporate the area between Kruger Park and Gonarezhou, the Sengwe communal land in Zimbabwe and the Makuleke region in South Africa.

The ultimate territory plan for GLTP will protect almost a 100 000 square kilometres (99 800 s/kms) of pristine African bushveld and its precious natural resources. GLTP will be the largest transfrontier park in Africa and represents some of the most exciting and ambitious conservation projects in the world today.

• Vast protected wilderness region

The sheer size and scale of Kruger Park is hard to comprehend until you fly over it. The national park and its neighbour, Greater Kruger, is over 2 million hectares of protected African bushveld. It’s the largest national park in South Africa and the seventh-largest in Africa.

Kruger Park is roughly the size of Wales and Israel, and slightly smaller than Belgium and Switzerland. It takes about 16 hours to drive from the southern tip of Kruger Park to the northern tip without stopping.

• Year-round holiday destination

You can enjoy a Kruger Park holiday any time of the year as far as weather is concerned. Kruger Park has a sub-tropical climate and the sun shines over the beautiful bushveld most of the year. When you visit Kruger Park for a safari holiday depends on what interests you.

Most visitors arrive in the dry winter months which is best for game viewing. However, if birding interests you more, you’ll arrive in the wet summer months at the same time the migrant birds arrive from Europe.

• Home to the Big 5

Kruger Park safari  holidays typically revolve around game viewing and the big attraction is the Big 5. This famous group is made up of elephants, buffalo, rhino, lions and leopards. Don’t get the Big 5 confused with the ‘biggest’ animals in the bush; these five are the ones that will do the biggest damage with their tusks, horns, teeth and claws if they catch you on foot in the bush.

The term Big 5 originated from the old hunting days when these five were considered the most dangerous to encounter in the bush on a hunting safari. Today, the Big 5 is a marketing term for the five most popular animals to see in the bush.

• Best bird watching in southern Africa

Bird life in Kruger Park is prolific but if you want birding par excellence, you have it in spades in far-north Kruger (around Punda Maria and Pafuri). There are 507 recorded bird species in Kruger Park, many of them are endemic to the region and rare or endangered. In just a few days in far-north Kruger, you’re likely to tick at least 200 off the list.

The best time of year for a Kruger Park holiday if you’re an avid birder is late summer, from December to February. The best way to enjoy birdwatching in Kruger Park is on foot on a guided wilderness safari tour.

• Affordable self-drive safari holidays

Unlike the remote and exclusive game reserves of Greater Kruger and the iconic safari destinations in Africa, you can enjoy a Kruger Park holiday driving around in the comfort of your own car (preferably a 4×4 vehicle for the height advantage).

Self-drive Kruger Park holidays are a big drawcard because it keeps the costs down and makes a Kruger Park holiday more affordable for your average safari tourist.

The private game reserves in Greater Kruger and the luxury lodges on private concessions on Kruger Park do not allow self-drive game viewing. Guests are taken out daily in open safari vehicles with a dedicated ranger and tracker.

The best thing about self-drive Kruger Park holidays is you can spend the whole day out in the Park and only need to return in time before gate closes at the rest camp.

• Guided wilderness walking safaris

If you have the time and an adventurous spirit, the best way to enjoy a Kruger Park holiday is on a guided wilderness walking trail. They’re conducted in remote sections of the Park with low tourist numbers and it’s the most authentic way to experience in the African bushveld.

Guided by a dedicated armed ranger and tracker, you experience the bushveld at eye level and get to see the amazing fauna and flora that’s often overlooked in a car or open safari vehicle. You experience the bushveld with all 5 senses, including tasting it when you chew on a piece of sweet grass as you stroll through the beautiful bushveld.

• A region rich in history

Kruger Park safari holidays and seeing the Big 5 are a major drawcard but the national park offers so much more. It’s a dream destination for nature lovers interested in its incredible biodiversity, photographers who are spoilt for choice for perfect photographic opportunities and those with a fascination with history and archeology.

Kruger Park was proclaimed a national park in 1926 but its history is so much richer than its role as a wildlife conservation region. There are over 300 significant archeological sites in Kruger Park and artefacts found in the region that date back to the Stone Age and Iron Age.

This includes Masorini which is a late Iron Age site established in 1800s and Thulamela, a stone-walled site that dates back some 450 to 500 years. The skeleton of a female that dates back to AD 1600 was discovered at Thulamela. A second skeleton of a man found in the same area dates back to AD 1450.

• Something for everyone

Kruger Park is vast and every region offers something unique. The national park has five distinct eco-zones ranging from the lush game-rich southern section to the semi-arid central and northern region and the striking cliffs and wooded riverine forest in the far north.

Let’s narrow the choice down for you…

• if birds are more important than big herds of animals and you’ve got time to travel, stay in the far north in one of the most spectacular corners in Kruger around Punda Maria and Pafuri
• If you want elephants, no crowds and can tolerate very hot, humid and arid conditions; stay in the northern section around Olifants and Letaba
• If you want to see great sightings of lion and the other Big Cats and enjoy great game viewing without the safari crowds, stay in the central section around Orpen and Satara
• If you want to see the Big 5 and as many animals as possible in the shortest space of time and without travelling long distances, stay in the southern section between Pretoriuskop, Lower Sabie and Skukuza

BEST KRUGER NATIONAL PARK HOLIDAY PACKAGES

Kruger Park holiday packages take you from the game-rich southern section to the northernmost tip, where you can re-trace the steps of gentle giants on the ancient elephant migratory paths. In between, you have the ‘Big Cat Capital of Kruger’ in central Kruger and the riverine oases of northern Kruger.

Where to go and where to stay on a Kruger Park holiday? That all depends on how much time you have and what interests you.

You have a wide choice of affordable self-catering accommodation in Kruger Park that’s managed by SANParks as well as luxury safari lodges on the private concessions. The latter offers superior accommodation in pristine bushveld and an exclusive safari experience that’s comparable to the luxury safari lodges in Greater Kruger.

Here’s a quick guide to help you plan your dream Kruger Park safari holiday. For more information on Greater Kruger holiday packages, keep reading.

3-day Kruger Park holiday package

The majority of visitors on a 3-day Kruger Park holiday package visit southern Kruger Park. It’s the most accessible section of the Park if you’re travelling from Johannesburg to Kruger Park. Five out of the 9 entrance gates are located in the southern section, providing easy access to five of the best Kruger Park rest camps.

More importantly, southern Kruger has the highest concentration of animals. You’re guaranteed great animal sightings almost as soon you drive through the southern Kruger gates. This includes the famous Big 5, with large herds of elephant and buffalo as well as strong numbers of rhino found throughout the southern section.

Southern Kruger receives the highest rainfall and is bounded by the Crocodile River and Sabie River. Lush, fertile savanna plains and permanent sources of water means Big 5 game viewing in southern Kruger is outstanding.

This section of the national park is rich in history as it served as the gateway to the port of Lourenço Marques (now Mozambique) for ancient traders. It’s also home to Skukuza Rest Camp which is the administrative headquarters of the Park and the largest rest camp in Kruger.

Entrance gates in southern Kruger

• Paul Kruger
• Crocodile Bridge

Main rest camps in southern Kruger

• Lower Sabie
• Pretoriuskop
• Berg-en-Dal

Luxury lodges on private concessions

• Lukimbi Safari Lodge
• Camp Shonga
• Shishangeni Private Lodge
• Tinga Narina Lodge
• Tinga Legends Lodge
• Jock Safari Lodge
• Fitzpatrick’s at Jock

4- to 5-day Kruger Park holiday packages

With more time to spare, you can enjoy the best of southern and central Kruger. Book 2 nights in southern Kruger and 2 nights in central Kruger and you get a combo of diverse eco-zones and brilliant animal sightings. Southern Kruger has the highest concentration of game but central Kruger is ‘Big Cat City’.

Central Kruger supports nearly half of the Park’s lion population as well as strong numbers of leopard, hyena and cheetah. It’s estimated that there are at least 60 individual prides of lion in central Kruger.

The central section of Kruger Park is hot, humid and doesn’t receive much rainfall but the grazing is sweet and browsing trees are plentiful. The unique vegetation zone attracts an abundance of antelope and plains game like zebra, giraffe and wildebeest. With plenty to eat, large numbers of Big Cat hang out in central Kruger.

Entrance gates in central Kruger

Main rest camps in central Kruger

• Singita Lebombo Lodge
• Singita Sweni Lodge
• Imbali Safari Lodge
• Hoyo Hoyo Tsonga Lodge
• Hamiltons Tented Camp
• Plains Camp at Rhino Walking Safaris

6- to 7-day Kruger Park holiday package

Ultimately, you want to spend a whole week in Kruger Park to really experience the sheer scale and extent of its outstanding biodiversity. Once you’ve covered southern and central Kruger, you should head to northern Kruger for a totally different experience. If you can squeeze the far-north section into your Kruger Park holiday plans, you’re guaranteed to have a safari tour of your dreams.

Northern Kruger receives very little annual rainfall and is semi-arid and stark. It’s saving grace is five major rivers forge a path across the valley, the two notable rivers being Olifants and Letaba. These permanent water sources provide fertile grazing zones for animals who hang out in the thick riverine forests and lush river banks.

Game viewing along the banks of the meandering rivers is fantastic, particularly if you love elephants and hippos. In fact, northern Kruger is regarded as the “Elephant Capital of Kruger Park” and is home to the legendary Big Tuskers.

Last count, there were over 9 000 elephants in the region. And that’s not all! Northern Kruger is home to almost 60 percent of the total hippo population of Kruger.

Entrance gates in northern Kruger

Main rest camps in northern Kruger

Far-north Kruger is remote and a long drive from Johannesburg so it’s one of the quietest sections of the Park. The concentration of game is low compared to southern Kruger but you’ll find a decent selection of animals in the far north, including strong numbers of elephant.

The main attraction of this remote section is its outstanding diversity of bird species. Far-north Kruger is regarded as the finest birding destination in southern Africa and is affectionately known as the “Birding Capital of South Africa”.

Far-north Kruger has a unique eco-zone, characterised by sandveld, thorn thickets, wooded savanna and towering shale cliffs. The best way to experience the northernmost tip of Kruger and enjoy one of the best birding experiences of your life is on a guided wilderness walking trail.

A Kruger Park holiday package in the far-north section typically includes a 3-day guided walking trail and accommodation in remote, untouched wilderness areas.

Entrance gates to Far North Kruger

• Punda Maria

Main rest camps in Far North Kruger

• Pafuri Camp
• The Outpost

BEST ACCOMMODATION FOR A KRUGER PARK HOLIDAY

There is a wide selection of accommodation within Kruger Park and surrounding areas and it does become a bit confusing when searching for places to stay. To help you narrow down your choice when planning a Kruger Park holiday, here’s a breakdown of the different type of accommodation in the national park.

Main rest camps

• selection of self-catering bungalows and guest houses
• basic provisions supplied for self-catering Kruger Park holiday
• units serviced daily
• electrified
• ensuite and communal ablutions
• onsite restaurant
• onsite shop
• onsite fuel station
• swimming pool and outdoor recreation facilities

Caravan and camping sites

• located in the main Kruger Park rest camps
• electrified and non-electrified sites
• communal ablutions and kitchen facilities
• onsite shop, restaurant, fuel station and ATM facilities

Satellite and bushveld camps

• smaller than main rest camps
• located a short drive from the main rest camps
• selection of self-catering bungalows and chalets
• communal ablutions
• no shops, restaurants, fuel pumps or ATM facilities
• check-in at the main rest camp or entrance camp

Bush lodges

• private self-catering lodges booked on an exclusive-use basis
• restricted to paying guests
• no shops, restaurant, fuel pumps or ATM facilities
• check-in at the main rest camp or entrance gate

Tented camp

• rustic camp in remote area
• basic provisions supplied for a self-catering Kruger Park holiday

Luxury safari lodges

• ultra-luxury accommodation and facilities on private concessions
• marketed to the high-end traveller
• daily game drives in an open safari vehicle with dedicated ranger
• exclusive access to the private concession
• access to public roads in Kruger Park

WHY VISIT GREATER KRUGER

Many people are confused over the difference between Kruger Park and Greater Kruger so let’s clear that up for you before you start searching for Kruger National Park holiday packages. The two regions are vastly different, although they lie adjacent to each other.

What is the difference between Kruger Park and Greater Kruger?

Kruger Park is a state-supported national park that’s managed by South African National Parks (SANParks). Greater Kruger is made up of 18 unfenced private game reserves and is managed under the auspices of Associated Private Nature Reserves (APNR).

In 1993, the fences around the private game reserves in the region were removed to create Greater Kruger. Collectively, the 7 private game reserves and the independent game reserves within each reserve cover an area of some 180 000 hectares.

The boundary fence between Kruger Park and Greater Kruger was also removed. Animals are free to roam between the two protected wilderness areas but not human visitors.

The luxury safari lodges in Greater Kruger have exclusive access to their private land as well as unrestricted access to the public roads in Kruger Park. Guests staying at the private lodges in Greater Kruger enter through the main gates and pay an entrance fee for a day tour of Kruger

It’s anything from a 40- to 50-minute drive from the different entrance gates to Greater Kruger and the closest Kruger Park entrance gate.

Game rangers taking guests from Greater Kruger to Kruger Park are not permitted to drive across the other private game reserves and cross over the unfenced boundary into Kruger Park.

The private game reserves that make up Greater Kruger are:

Balule Private Game Reserve: 40 000 hectares

• Mohlabetsi (include Jejane Private Nature Reserve)
• Mohlabetsi River

Timbavati Game Reserve: 14 000 hectares

Sabi Sand Game Reserve: 65 000 hectares

Umbabat Private Game Reserve

Klaserie Private Game Reserve: 60 000 hectares

Thornybush Private Game Reserve: 11 500 hectares

Manyeleti Private Game Reserve: 23 000

Main differences between Greater Kruger and Kruger Park

Greater Kruger

• made up of a collection of unfenced private game reserves
• collectively, covers an area of 180 000 hectares
• managed under the auspices of APNR
• exclusive access to private land
• luxury safari lodges marketed to the high-end traveller
• daily game drives in open safari vehicles with dedicated ranger
• not restricted to gate closing times

Kruger National Park

• state-supported national park
• covers an area of 2 million hectares
• managed by SANParks
• wide selection of affordable self-catering accommodation
• luxury safari lodges on private concessions
• unrestricted access to public roads
• restricted access to private concessions
• allow self-drive game drives
• restricted to gate closing times

FAQS: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK HOLIDAY PACKAGES

Here are a few of the most common questions people ask when they’re planning a dream safari holiday to Kruger Park:

Where is Kruger National Park?

Kruger National Park is located in the north-eastern corner of South Africa and spans the boundaries of Mpumalanga Province and Limpopo Province. Kruger Park shares an international boundary with Zimbabwe on its northern boundary and Mozambique on its eastern boundary.

Greater Kruger lies adjacent to Kruger Park, on its western boundary. Timbavati, Manyeleti and Sabi Sands lie on the unfenced boundary with the Park.

What are the closest towns to Kruger National Park?

Hazyview and Hoedspruit are the closest towns to the busiest sections of Kruger Park. They serve as the safari hub for wildlife tourism in South Africa.

Southern Kruger Park

• White River
• Komatipoort

Central Kruger Park

Northern Kruger Park

• Louis Trichardt

What airports service Kruger Park and Greater Kruger

Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport receives the most international safari tourists for Kruger Park holidays. The national park also has its own airport, located 10-minutes’ drive from Skukuza Airport.

The airports that service Kruger Park and Greater Kruger include:

• Nelspruit International Airport
• Skukuza Airport
• Hoedspruit Airport
• Phalaborwa Airport

What is the best time of year for a Kruger Park holiday?

The region has a sub-tropical climate and year-round sunny weather so you can enjoy a Kruger Park holiday any time of the year. When you visit depends on what interests you.

• best time for game viewing in Kruger Park: dry winter months between mid-April to mid-September when the grass is shorter, thinned out and the game congregates close to rivers and waterholes
• best time for birdwatching in Kruger Park: wet summer months between November and February when the migrant birds have arrived from Europe
• busiest time in Kruger Park: South African holiday season, particularly end of year/Christmas holiday between December/January and Easter/school holiday in March/April

Is there malaria in Kruger National Park?

Kruger Park is located in a malaria area. The southern and central section is regarded as a low-to-medium risk malaria area and the northern and far north section is a medium-to-high risk malaria region. The risk of malaria in Kruger Park increases in the wet summer months between November and February.

Malaria is a life-threatening disease and can be fatal if not diagnosed or treated early. It’s highly recommended you take anti-malaria tablets for a Kruger Park holiday and take precautions to avoid being bitten.

Best place to book for a Kruger Park safari holiday

There is a wide selection of accommodation both within Kruger Park and surrounding areas. The majority of visitors stay in affordable, self-catering accommodation at the main rest camps. You also have the option of a number of bushveld camps, satellite camps and tented camps in more remote areas of the Park.

For a more exclusive safari experience, you can book accommodation at one of the luxury safari lodges on the private concessions in Kruger Park. These luxury lodges are marketed to the high-end traveller and offer superb facilities and excellent game viewing in open safari vehicles.

Accommodation outside of Kruger Park for a safari holiday ranges from hotels, B&Bs, resorts and self-catering guesthouses in Hazyview, Hoedspruit or Phalaborwa to ultra-luxury safari lodges in the private game reserves of Greater Kruger. Visitors enjoy full-day tours in Kruger Park and return to their accommodation after the gate closing times.

Are there shops in Kruger Park?

Each main rest camp has a convenience store where you can buy basic provisions for a self-catering Kruger Park holiday as well as sweets, snacks, drinks and gifts. The largest shop in Kruger Park is located at Skukuza Rest Camp.

Where can I fill up with fuel on a Kruger Park holiday?

The main rest camps in Kruger Park have fuel/petrol pumps. You can also have your tyres checked and pumped with air at the Kruger fuel stations.

Skukuza Rest Camp has a mechanics workshop that can help if you have car trouble or breakdown while on a Kruger Park holiday.

Where can I get medical attention on a Kruger Park holiday?

A General Practitioner is available at the medical clinic at Skukuza Rest Camp. The doctor sees and treats patients with minor injuries and ailments. Anyone with a more complicated or life-threatening condition is sent to a private hospital in either Nelspruit or Phalaborwa.

It’s highly recommended that you take out comprehensive travel insurance for a Kruger Park holiday. This should include medical insurance that covers an emergency evacuation from Kruger Park, worse case scenario to be airlifted to the nearest hospital.

How much does it cost to stay at Kruger National Park?

Kruger National Park offers a wide range of accommodation and the prices differ depending on where you stay. SANParks aims to provide affordable self-catering accommodation for a broader market.

Other reasons why Kruger Park is more affordable than popular safari destinations in countries like Botswana, Tanzania and Zambia is because the national park:

• is accessible to Johannesburg; expensive charter flights to remote areas aren’t necessary
• allows self-drive safari tours
• offers self-catering accommodation

The luxury safari lodges on the private concessions in Kruger Park and the private game reserves of Greater Kruger are unashameably marketed to the high-end traveller. The prices are high because the luxury lodges follow a ‘high-quality/low numbers’ tourism model.

Other costs to factor into your budget for a Kruger Park holiday package include:

• entry fee and daily conservation fee; rates for SA citizens, SADC nationals and foreign visitors
• community fund levy; 1 percent added to the cost of all accommodation

Refer to the official SANParks website for up-to-date entry and conservation fees.

Search for Kruger Park holiday packages

The Kruger Co specialises in safari tours to Kruger Park and Greater Kruger. Check our website for a wide choice of Kruger Park holiday packages, ranging from 3-day Kruger tours to 10-day Kruger tours. We also offer private Kruger tours which can be customised to your interests, timing and budget.

Join us for a safari holiday of your dreams in the iconic Kruger region.

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Located in Mpumalanga , the legendary Kruger National Park is the crown jewel of South Africa ’s national parks, and one of the country’s most visited tourist attractions. Home to the famous Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo), visitors come here from all over the world to enjoy superb game viewing on Kruger National Park tours.

The Kruger Park is one of the largest national parks in Africa   and the setting for dozens of safari lodges. If you opt for a luxury safari, you can enjoy private game drive s that are  led by knowledgeable guides who take you deep into the bush, tracking and sighting animals. If you prefer to go game viewing on your own, there are numerous resorts located in the Kruger National Park itself as well as a number situated just outside. These safari lodges and camps are an excellent base from which to tour the Kruger National Park. You can drive its extensive network of roads and enjoy game viewing at leisure.

Why we love Kruger safari holidays 

• The Kruger National Park teems with wildlife, and all the animals that you hope to see on safari reside here.   
• It’s home to the illustrious Big 5: elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo.   
• It’s considered one of the best places in Southern Africa to see leopards in their natural habitat.   
• The Kruger Park is a year-round destination that boasts varied attractions, unique to each season.  
• The Kruger National Park is enormous – you can visit numerous times and never have the same experience.   
• Bird watching is excellent, with more than 500 species to discover.   
• It’s home to 145 different species of animals that you can view on safari.   
• Sunsets in the Kruger Park are unforgettable.   
• It’s an excellent opportunity to learn more about nature and wildlife conservation.  

A safari adventure in the Kruger National Park is one you will never forget. Seeing wild animals in their natural environment is truly special, and should be on the bucket list of every  traveller . Experience the best Kruger National Park safari  package  with Thompsons Holidays.    

Things to do in the Kruger National Park 

Nothing compares to exploring the African bush. In the Kruger National Park, your choices of how to experience the wild are endless. There are so many places to visit in the Kruger Park, each region unique in its landscapes, wildlife density and seasonal attractions.  There are numerous picnic areas plus several excellent game viewing sites at watering holes where you can see a variety of wildlife, particularly in the early mornings and late afternoons either on a private game drive with an experienced guide or self-driving.

Things to do in the Kruger National Park 

• Embark on a guided walking safari in a private concession.   
• Enjoy game viewing at sunset in an open safari vehicle.   
• Have dinner in the bush cooked African-style over hot coals.   
• Take a dawn safari in a hot air balloon.   
• Discover the Albasini Ruins, remains of a 19th-century trading post.  
• Enjoy a picnic in the bush at the Tshokwane Picnic Site.   

A Kruger National Park holiday  package  revolves around viewing wild animals and enjoying the magic of the bush. Let Thompsons Holidays make your Kruger National Park travel experience a memorable one. Browse our available packages, from luxury to cheap, and book now.

Know before you go...

Getting there & getting around   

• The Kruger National Park is serviced by the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, which lies 40km from the Numbi Gate (southern Kruger). Flight duration from Johannesburg to the Kruger National Park: 50 minutes. From Cape Town: 2 hours, 37 minutes.    
• The Kruger Park is also serviced by Phalaborwa Airport in the north and Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport in the central region.  
• You can self-drive to the Kruger Park from Johannesburg. The nearest gate is Malelane. Drive time from Johannesburg: 4 hours, 13 minutes (406km) via N12 and N4.  
• The Kruger Park road network is excellent, with well-maintained tarred and gravel roads, and excellent signage, making self-drive tours the best way to get around.  
• Entrance fees and daily conservation fees apply. Be sure to speak with your Thompsons for Travel agent about rates.

Health information 

• The Kruger National Park is in a malaria area. Please consult your doctor about prevention before your trip and do not forget to pack it.  

When is the best time to visit?

• The Kruger Park is a year-round destination , with each season bringing its own charm and highlights.
• Game viewing can be at its best during the dry winters months.
• The rainy summer season is beautifully lush and green, and the best season for birdwatching.

What must I pack? 

• Light, cotton (breathable) clothing for summer, warm layers for winter.  Neutral tones are always the best choice for a safari.  
• Lightweight rain jacket.  
• Comfortable walking shoes.   
• Sunscreen, lip balm, hat, swimsuits and sunglasses.    
• Binoculars and a small torch.   
• Mini first aid kit and regular prescription medication. Don’t forget your malaria medication.  
• Hand sanitiser and insect repellent.    
• Camera.   

What can I do to be a responsible traveller?

• Always give the animals the right of way. Do not feed animals in rest camps or the greater park.  

Safety tips

• Follow all the Park rules. Make sure you are at your booked camp before the gates close.   
• Stay in your vehicle at all times.   
• Follow the rules of the road.  

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• Guided Safari
• Classic 3 Day Kruger Safari

3 Day Classic Kruger Safari Package

3 Day Classic Kruger Park Safari Experience

On our 3 Day Classic Safari Package you will see the beautiful bush and diverse wildlife found in Kruger National Park. You will be met at Kruger Mpumalanga airport for your transfer service to the park. Your driver’s knowledge of the region and anecdotes will ensure that you have a memorable trip en-route to Kruger.

Spend your safari in one of the prime game viewing areas of the park, just relaxing and enjoying a fully inclusive holiday. Whether you are a family or a group of friends, this is a great way to spend a few days out in the bush, encountering herds of Wildebeest, Elephant and Zebra, or seeking out the region’s prowling predators.

Return to camp in the evenings and savour a delicious meal. Swap stories of the day’s encounters around a cosy fire and listen to the sounds of the African night - the call of a Leopard or the roar of a Lion in the distance.

• Classic lodge accommodation in Kruger National Park
• Game drives in an open 4 x 4 safari vehicle
• Services of qualified and experienced English speaking guides

Day 1: Nelspruit - Kruger National Park

Upon landing at Kruger Mpumalanga Airport, you will be met by your driver for the trip to Kruger National Park. As you enter this prime game viewing area, your safari begins and you will already start seeing wildlife, such as a stately Kudu or fat-bellied Warthogs. Keep your camera and binoculars at the ready - a pride of Lion may be around the next corner.

Check into your lodge where you are spending the next two nights in classic thatched suite accommodation. You will have time to settle in and orientate yourself with your surroundings before your first 3-4 hour afternoon-evening safari. Join your guide experiencing the late afternoon magic of the bush, spotting endangered White Rhino, tall Giraffe feeding in thorn thickets and herds of Buffalo coming down to drink at waterholes.

Upon your return there is time to freshen up for pre-dinner drinks. Relax around the fire and swap stories about life in the bush before dinner.

Afterwards, gather around the dancing flames of the fire and be entertained by your guide's stories of bush life. Fall asleep in your comfortable chalet to the muted sounds of the night. (Dinner included)

Day 2: Kruger National Park

The smell of fresh coffee indicates the start of a new day. After some snacks, you will set out on an early morning game drive in the Kruger National Park. The guide might find Leopard or Hyena tracks and interpret the events that happened during the night. You will learn about the habits of the wildlife encountered whilst enjoying the fresh morning air on the open safari vehicle. Return to camp where a hot and welcoming brunch awaits.

Spend a few hours at your leisure, maybe indulging in some spa treatments, relax around the pool or in your chalet with a good book until lunch and then it is time for another exciting game drive. Continue to discover this diverse region, spotting everything from a Mongoose to herds of Elephant. Spot some of the region's excellent birdlife.

Sundowners are served as the sun sets and then the spotlights come on to see the nocturnal wildlife of the park. Return to the lodge for dinner in the boma. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 3: Kruger National Park - Nelspruit

There will be time for a last game drive to try and spot any wildlife you may have missed before having a hot breakfast. Your driver will then take you back to the airport. (Breakfast included)

• Return road transfers from the airport to your lodge
• 2 nights' accommodation in comfortable chalet with en-suite bathroom, private deck and air-conditioning,
• All meals as specified in the itinerary
• Sundowner drinks on afternoon game drives
• Guided morning and afternoon-evening game drives inside the Kruger National Park in an open game drive vehicle accompanied by experienced guide
• Conservation fees

Not Included

• Personal items, drinks, spa treatments, laundry service and all other extras to be settled directly on departure
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Best Kruger National Park Safaris (View Cost, and Package Rates)

• Greater Kruger Luxury Private Game Lodge Safaris
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Award Winning Guided Kruger National Park Safaris

Budget kruger safaris, classic kruger safaris, best sellers, luxury kruger safaris, 3 day kruger safaris.

Fly in from Cape Town and enjoy our 3 Day Classic Kruger Safari, plus flights

Explore the South African bush and world-renowned Kruger National Park

See the Big Five on three open vehicle game drives, guided wildlife safaris.

Accommodation, game drives and perfectly-prepared meals taken care of.

Travel from one location to another in complete safety and comfort!

4 Day Kruger Safaris

This Sabi River & Kruger Park Safari is the ideal way to experience the African bush.

Did you know that the Kruger National Park is home to at least six different types of ecosystems?

Get enough time to see most of the better known animals - perfect for the wildlife..

You’ll have enough time to see most of the better known wildlife, and to share in other..

Be amazed by the Big 5 and so much more - open vehicle game drives

5 Day Kruger Safaris

Experience the world-renowned Kruger Park in all its glory with our Kruger Tented Safari!

Experience the beauty of the Kruger National Park with us on an unforgettable Kruger Park safari!

Visit Three Rondavels in the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes and God’s Window

Enjoy a SANParks Sunset Drive and a Morning Game Drive on your last day with Outlook Safaris.

Kruger Park, Swaziland and KwaZulu-Natal Safari

KwaZulu-Natal is one of the hidden gems of the South African wildlife safari experience.

Explore not only the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the province of KwaZulu-Natal, Kruger and Swaziland.

Another unforgettable stop on your journey will be to the vibrant and cultural, Swaziland.

Experience the Ultimate Kruger National Park Safari Tailor-made for over 17,500 guests since 1998

Exploring the kruger from the comfort of your own vehicle we can help you book your accommodation.

Our consultants have an intimate knowledge of all South African National Parks' properties. If you need professional, prompt advice and service, we can assist with your accommodation and park bookings.

Why choose Kruger Wildlife Safaris Proudly Outlook Travel since 1998

Authenticity, passion and professionalism are just some of the founding principles on which Kruger Wildlife Safaris was built. We believe in the charm and distinct beauty of the Kruger National Park and we want our guests to be able to experience that too. Specialising in small group Kruger safaris, expect an all-round personalised, tailor-made and truly South African experience when you travel with us.

Why YOU Should Book a Kruger National Park Safari

Since the earliest days, when those first tourists excitedly entered the Kruger in 1926, the Park has become a place of immense fascination, so much so that it is featured on countless bucket lists as a must-visit travel destination.

It is one of the oldest and most diverse wildlife parks in the world and the best way to explore it is on safari

Safaris in Africa have taken guests to some of the most beautiful places on the continent, introducing them to a whole new world.

The term safari originated from the Arabic word “safar” which translates to “making a journey”. It then evolved into “safariya” and then later turned into the Swahili word safari, a direct derivative of the Arabic word. But back then, safari was not linked to travelling from the word go. Rather to go on safari would mean to embark on a trading mission.

Initially, the holiday-style safaris became popularised by literature which introduced the concept to overseas tourists who had previously never imagined such a thing existed. And with the creation of cinema, the enigma that was the safari suddenly leapt from the imagination and onto the big screen, bringing the possibility of enjoying such a trip to life.

In the 20th century, the safari quickly became the ultimate holiday although it was not as we experience it today. Back then, safaris were not only sold as a way to see the “Dark Continent” but they doubled as a hunting expedition.

Originally, there was only one African safari, and it was rustic. Luxury did not exist in Africa back then, at least not luxury as we know it today. Guests would sleep where they stopped for the night, in rough tents, and would travel not in the air-conditioned comfort of a safari vehicle, but rather on foot, in a cart and on horseback.

The safaris would often take place in East Africa, with many travelling to Kenya. In what is considered the original safari destination, guests would learn what life was like for those who followed a culturally-rich, traditional way of living.

Guests would experience an eclectic mixture of landscapes, cultures and wildlife, leaving the continent with a greater sense of the world.

As the popularity of such trips soared, the safari underwent many developments. Trips extended right across Africa, covering the north to the south, the east to the west. And the word safari took on a whole new meaning, becoming an umbrella term defined by whatever prefix word it was given.

These uniquely-African tours remain one of the continent’s greatest tourism treasures and millions flock here each year to indulge in that sense of great freedom, and welcoming hospitality that Africa is well-known for.

And they come for the diversity of wildlife.

Africa has remained committed to protecting its priceless animal heritage. And there is no better example of this passionate, unyielding dedication and commitment than the famous Kruger National Park.

The Differences between visiting a National Park and a Private Reserve

The Kruger National Park is a national park, hence its nickname “the People’s Park”. But if you were to select a different park in the area, you might be visiting a private park, and if that is the case, then there are a few things that you need to know:

Self-drives

Often, a private reserve doesn’t allow guests to self-drive and so rented vehicles are on occasion only permitted to be driven to the lodge at which the guest is staying but not around the reserve itself. In public parks, guests have more freedom in this regard and can self-drive using their rental vehicle.

Guided and Private Drives

In the private reserve, a guided game drive is the norm. In the public national park, self-drive is the norm although some camps in the Kruger offer guided tours and guests always have the option of signing up for a guided tour with a reputable tour company operating in the area.

The same goes for the private game drives and night drives, although in the Kruger, the only night drives permitted are those done by official park guides.

Accommodation and Amenities

Private reserves are known for their luxury accommodation, comfortable beds and showers, and private pools. In national parks, most accommodation facilities and amenities such as the swimming pools, are shared by guests. Private nature reserves also don’t allow camping whereas in the national parks, camping is often the norm.

Vehicles at sightings

This has become a bone of contention in many national parks. When a fantastic sighting has occurred, vehicles swamp the area, with everyone vying for a look and perhaps that perfect photo. The issue is that not everyone gives the next person the chance to see what they are seeing and so guests miss out. The other issue is that so many vehicles can end up scaring the animal away.

In private game reserves, the number of vehicles at a sighting is limited. Large tour buses are also prohibited from entering private reserves, for much of the same reason.

Not all guests want or can afford the luxury trips and while both private reserves and national parks have luxury stay options, private reserves do not cater for those who are travelling on a budget. National parks have a wide selection of budget accommodation options, and those who choose to travel with a tour company will find that there are so many tour packages that it is quite easy to select the appropriate one.

Why should you book a tour of the Kruger National Park?

If seeing wildlife roaming the mountains, forests and plains of Africa has always been your dream, you probably don’t need any more reason to book your Kruger safari. The Park is home to some of the biggest and most diverse animal populations on the planet so spotting wildlife is a guarantee.

The landscapes are also an attraction and they vary from wide open plains in the centre and north of the park, where antelope are chased by cheetah through the swirling grass, to the thick forests that run along most of the Park’s rivers. The west of the Park is filled with rocky hills in which leopards and lions raise their cubs while the east of the Park has its legendary acacia trees.

The Kruger National Park is also considered one of the best places in the world to see the well-known Big 5.

There is no right or wrong way to tour the Kruger, and there is also no specific amount of time to spend in travelling the dusty roads. A morning is sometimes more than enough time for some guests to see all they have come to see, although they are the lucky few. Ideally, a week in the Park is perfect for an all-round, memory-filled safari.

So, if you are still deciding on whether or not you should plan a trip to the Kruger, perhaps this will help you make up your mind:

The Park has some of the largest populations of wildlife. For instance, around 2,000 lions live here alongside some 20,000 elephants.

Visitors are more than just tourists - their visit plays a direct role in conservation. Not only do their entrance fees go towards the upkeep of the Park and the protection of wildlife, but their very interest helps keep the Kruger going.

The diversity of the landscapes makes for some incredible photo opportunities.

The Kruger is situated in the third largest biosphere on the planet. The Kruger to Canyon Biosphere is quite famous for its unique vegetation.

The Kruger’s location is easily accessible from most of the country’s biggest cities. As most guests will arrive via O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, they are within 5 - 6 hours driving distance from the Park. The easiest way to get to the Kruger via the city is by using a tour transfer or to drive yourself.

South Africa is one of the most urban countries on the continent. This means that not only is the infrastructure sound, but guests will have access to everything they need, from medical care to their favourite face cream, should they have left it at home.

Some of the best guides in the world can be found in the Kruger. Not only are they perfectly capable of conversing in English but they are also immensely professional and highly knowledgeable.

There are many other places to explore in South Africa. Although the Kruger might be the main attraction for your holiday, the diversity of the country means there is so much more to see! Guests who intend to stay longer can look forward to planning a whole South African experience.

The Kruger is also wonderfully affordable, with the exchange rate benefitting overseas tourists. The Kruger tour operators also offer several safari tours, which means guests can plan accordingly to their budget to enjoy the very best of what the Park has to offer. Or, they can travel on their own.

Every trip is unique. The fantastic thing about the Park is that no two experiences are the same. Sightings change every moment and what you see might be what someone else misses. So every day spent in the Park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience in every sense of the word.

What are the best times of the year to visit the Kruger?

Throughout Africa, every safari is planned according to the rainfall. There are parts of Africa, and indeed parts of the Kruger, where rainfall can completely flood an area, blocking roads and effectively putting a halt to all safaris.

It is immensely important that when a safari trip is being considered, guests should be aware of the time of year they intend to travel and the kind of weather they can expect to encounter.

The Kruger National Park lies in a summer rainfall area. Summer in South Africa runs from around September to the end of February, although it never really cools off completely until around May. Rains fall all throughout the summer months but from January to February, the Kruger is prone to flooding.

Best Times to Travel

The summer months are mostly considered the Park’s low season as the heat keeps a lot of people away. Not only do temperatures heat up to above 40 degrees Celsius in the summer, but the humidity can also be unbearable. And with the humidity and rain, mosquitoes become a bit of a pest.

Late afternoon and evening thundershowers are a norm this time of the year. Summers also make visibility less than ideal as the grass is overgrown in most parts of the Park.

During this time of the year, guests will enjoy the best safari prices though, as it is low season, so this is one perk for travelling in the summer months.

Low chance of rainfall and a high chance of tourists - travelling in winter has both its pros and its cons. Winter is considered the Park's peak season as it is the most comfortable time of year to travel but the downside is that the Park is filled with guests and so, the prices are also higher than usual.

If you intend on travelling to the Kruger between the months of May to September/October, you should consider booking your trip around 3 to 6 months in advance. The upside of travelling through the Park in winter is that not only is the malaria risk lower than usual, but visibility is superb and the risk of flooding is virtually non-existent.

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Kruger Safari From Johannesburg - Compare 364 Tours

Everyone should visit Kruger National Park on safari at least once in their lifetime. It really is one of the best wildlife and safari destinations anywhere in Africa. Partly it’s to do with the wildlife, and partly it’s because this is a large and wonderfully diverse park that’s really easy to get around. Just outside the national park, especially to the west, are a number of private reserves that offer the same wildlife but with fewer visitors. And it makes sense to visit Kruger from Johannesburg, thanks to Joburg’s busy airport with good international and domestic connections, and the excellent road network between the city and the park.

4-Day Encounter the Kruger Park Safari

$789 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 13 people per vehicle) Mid-range Lodge

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

Explore Kruger Park   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  1 Reviews

3-Day Best Budget Kruger Park Safari

$571 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle) Budget Guest House

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

Elephant Herd Tours & Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.8 /5  –  94 Reviews

2-Day Kruger National Park Safari

$540 to $594 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 7 people per vehicle) Mid-range Lodge

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

Nhlalala Travel   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  34 Reviews

3-Day Unforgettable Safari Experience in the Kruger Park

$647 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle) Mid-range Lodge

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

Shinzelle Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  63 Reviews

5-Day Luxury Kruger Park and Sabi Sand Safari

$2,921 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Luxury Lodge & Chalet

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Kruger NP, Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger) , Johannesburg (End)

Safari.com   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.7 /5  –  186 Reviews

5-Day Kruger Park and Manyeleti Reserve Bongan Lodge

$875 pp (USD)

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

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

Bongan Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  22 Reviews

3-Day Ultra Luxury Radisson Kruger Safari

$648 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle) Luxury+ Hotel

MoAfrika Tours   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  1194 Reviews

4-Day Classic Kruger Park Safari

$989 pp (USD)

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

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

Wildlife Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  263 Reviews

4-Day Tremisana/Treehouse Kruger Park Safari

$821 pp (USD)

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Balule NR (Greater Kruger) , Kruger NP, Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route) , Johannesburg (End)

Viva Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  264 Reviews

5-Day Tented Safari with Greater Kruger Experience

$1,377 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Mid-range Camping & Self Catering Accommodation

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Tshukudu GR, Kruger NP, O.R. Tambo Airport (Johannesburg) , Johannesburg (End)

Khalanga Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  63 Reviews

3-Day Big 5 Budget Safari, Kruger National Park

$386 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle) Budget Lodge

Safari With Us   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  217 Reviews

4-Day Private Kruger National Park Safari

$1,255 to $1,381 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Mid-range

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Southern Kruger, Central Kruger, Johannesburg (End)

Wild Planet Safari   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  206 Reviews

3-Day Camping Safari in Kruger National Park

$541 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle) Budget Camping

Mbombela Experience Tours & Transfers   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  32 Reviews

2-Day Lukimbi Safari Lodge

$783 to $937 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Luxury Lodge

East Cape Tours   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  61 Reviews

6-Day Sabi Sands and Kruger Park Safari

$4,230 to $4,641 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Luxury Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger) , Kruger NP, Johannesburg Airport (End)

Discover Africa Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  420 Reviews

4-Day & 3-Night Kruger National Park Budget Safari

$583 to $649 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle) Mid-range Guest House

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

The Mzansi Experience   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.7 /5  –  64 Reviews

5-Day Imbali Lodge Safari

$2,385 pp (USD)

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

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

The Kruger Safari Co.   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  126 Reviews

7-Day Classic Eco-Safari in Kruger (Transfers Incl)

$4,119 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Mid-range Lodge & Guest House

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Klaserie NR (Greater Kruger) , Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight) , Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route) , Johannesburg (End)

5.0 /5  –  42 Reviews

3-Day Luxury Mdluli Game Lodge Kruger National Park

$540 pp (USD)

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

Gems of Africa Safari and Tours   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  100 Reviews

4-Day Zula Kruger Panorama Tour

$1,123 to $1,242 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Mid-range Tented Camp

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Sudwala Caves (Highlight) , Kruger NP, Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route) , Sabie (Town) , Johannesburg (End)

Zula Zula Adventure Bus   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  2 Reviews

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5 Questions About Kruger Safaris From Johannesburg

Answered by

Anthony ham.

How many days do I need for a Kruger safari from Johannesburg?

“The more time you can be on safari in Kruger, the better it is for you. It’s a big park, with lots of different wildlife possibilities: if you have plenty of time here, you might be able to see all that there is to offer. A 3-day Kruger safari from Johannesburg is the minimum time to really get a feel for what the park has to offer. Remember that a 3-day safari means traveling to the park on day 1 and returning on day 3: you only have 2 nights and 1 full day in the park. A 4-day safari will give you a precious extra day, allowing you to really get to know one area of Kruger well. If you can devote 5 or 6 days to your Kruger safari, you’ll really enjoy the benefits. The extra days should mean that you can explore more widely, perhaps visiting two different areas, such as getting to know the southern and central sections of the park. To see all of Kruger, I recommend a minimum of 7 (and anywhere up to 10) days in the park.”

How do I get to Kruger from Johannesburg?

“To get to Kruger, you’ll either travel by air or by road. If you can afford to fly (and are not on a self-drive safari), flying is the best option. This is especially true on shorter safaris where flying means that you’ll reduce travel time and allow more time for actually being on safari. There are two ways to get there by air. The first is on a domestic flight to/from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, which lies not far outside Kruger’s southwestern boundary. The other option is to take a charter flight into one of the airstrips inside Kruger or in one of the reserves alongside the park. By road, which is generally the way you’ll travel on a cheap or affordable safari package, Kruger is 375km/235mi northeast of Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport. It should take four to five hours to get there (or even up to six hours if you’re self-driving). Roads to and from Kruger are paved, although some roads within the park are well-graded gravel.”

What animals can I expect to see in Kruger National Park?

“Kruger is a fantastic place to view wildlife. It’s well known for being one of the best places anywhere to see the Big Five: every time I have visited Kruger, I have seen lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. But the Big Five (which were named by colonial hunters as the five most dangerous animals to hunt) is just the beginning. You can also see zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, greater kudu, impala, cheetah, spotted hyena, hippo and so much more. The birding is also excellent, with more than 500 species recorded. The same wildlife can be seen in the private reserves just outside Kruger because there are no fences separating the reserves from the park. On one afternoon game drive in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, I once saw all of the Big Five. Those who travel to reserves such as Sabi Sand Game Reserve often report a similar experience.”

Should I go on a self-drive or an organized Kruger safari?

“It all depends on what kind of safari experience you want to have, and there is no such thing as a bad safari in Kruger. If you’re planning a self-drive Kruger safari from Johannesburg (which is my favorite kind of safari), make sure that you have at least 4 or 5 days to enjoy your trip. Otherwise, you’ll spend a lot of your time traveling. The main advantage of a self-drive safari is the wonderful sense of freedom you’ll have and the control it gives you. You’re the one who decides when and where to go, and it’s entirely up to you how long you spend enjoying each wildlife encounter. An organized safari comes in two main forms: a group or private safari. The difference between the two is that on a private safari, you’ll have the guide, driver, vehicle and game drives all to yourself. Both group and private safaris have the advantage of being led by an expert guide who takes care of everything. They will also show you a side of Kruger that you might never discover on your own.”

How much will it cost for a Kruger safari from Johannesburg?

“Your Kruger safari from Johannesburg could cost as little as US$100 per person per day for a budget camping safari. On this kind of safari and for this price, you may be expected to help out around camp with setting up and taking down tents, cooking and washing up. At the top end of the market, where you can look forward to luxury accommodation in a lodge or tented camp, the price may be US$500 per person per day, but it can go much higher. Apart from the accommodation, variables that have an effect on the price include the time of year in which you travel and the type of safari you choose. Private safari tours and packages generally cost much more than group or self-drive safaris. And always ask your safari operator what’s included. Quoted prices for organized safaris should include accommodation (including camping equipment, where applicable), transfers, guide, driver, vehicle, game drives, park entry fees, meals and most drinks.”

Kruger Safari Reviews

Lizzie is a reputed guidebook writer and author of the Footprint guides to South Africa, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

South Africa’s flagship park with excellent facilities and unrivalled game-viewing

South Africa’s largest park most certainly fulfils most visitors’ expectations of seeing magnificent herds of game roaming across acacia-studded savannah. After countless visits at different times of the year, I have found it can get a...

Full Review

Philip is an acclaimed travel writer and author of many guidebooks, including the Bradt guides to Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and South Africa.

South Africa’s most iconic national park

Kruger Park is such a vast entity that it is difficult to summarize in a few paragraphs. The most accessible and by far the busiest part of the park is the southern quarter, which generally offers the best wildlife viewing. The top...

The parks we visited during our stay were varied. The first evening safari we didn’t see the animals we hoped. However the full day drive the following day made up for this. We saw everything we hoped to, mainly the Hippis and Giraffes....

It is everything that thousands of others have experienced. It is soo big that it would take weeks to discover each region, but we were thankful for seeing the best that we could in a limited timeframe.

Brilliant glamping experience. The safari tour guide was knowledgeable and we managed to spot the animals. The glamping staff were friendly and they kept the facilities clean. This was a girls trip and we felt safe throughout our stay....

Once in a life time unforgetable experiance . All staff members were very helpful +HIGHLY capiable.

Viva Safaris kept to their programme, Bushwalk, Great Kruger Safaris with very well trained, friendly guides, Sunrise and Sundown safaris (Bush Braai was unbelievable crowned with an Amarula Liquer Toast). The safari jeeps accomodated very...