Kruger National Park
South Africa’s Kruger National Park is one of the world’s greatest safari destinations, and in terms of the wildlife it is possible to see there, it is virtually unsurpassed anywhere in the world. It also happens to be one of the best organised and most efficiently run parks in Africa. This combination of unrivalled wildlife encounters and ease of access make Kruger National Park tours an essential element of any visit to South Africa.
- Wildlife:
Kruger National Park has more species of mammals than any other African reserve. The elephant population is so large that it needs to be controlled and the park is home to around a quarter of the world’s population of wild rhinos. The park also contains large numbers of bird, reptile, amphibian and fish species.
- Scenery:
The park encompasses diverse landscapes including at least six distinct ecosystems. The park is at its most verdant during the South African summer but it is during the drier months of winter, when the park is more barren and less visually appealing, that animal sightings are at their highest.
- Wilderness factor:
The park is very popular and the most commonly visited areas can become quite busy. However, for those who wish to escape the main tourist areas, it is possible to head out into the true wilderness, either on foot or by car, to seek out a more authentic experience.
A Safari in Kruger National Park: What to expect
For most people, the idea of ‘going on safari’ means being driven out into the African bush to attempt to spot exotic wildlife – and this activity is at the heart of any visit to Kruger. The best times for wildlife drives are at sunrise and sunset when the animals are most active and visitors can hope to spot the Big Five of elephants, rhinos, lions, cape buffaloes and leopards as well as hippos, cheetahs, hyenas, rare African wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, crocodiles and many, many more. As with any activity involving wild animals, there is never any guarantee of seeing a particular species on any one excursion, but the unpredictability of each drive out into the wilderness only adds to the excitement of each encounter. Driving tours can be arranged with experienced guides who will be able to interpret everything you see on each drive.
Highlights
- Ample opportunities to spot the ‘Big Five’, elephants, rhinoceros, lions, leopards and buffalo, as well as hippos, crocodiles, wild dogs and many more
- Many and varied activities available not restricted to ‘classic’ safaris in the back of a jeep
- Self-drive and guided safari options available
- One of the most affordable places to go on safari
- Range of accommodation options to cater to all preferences and budgets
Lowlights
- Can become crowded
- Need to book a long time in advance to secure the most popular accommodation
Other Activities
One of the best things about Kruger is that, while wildlife drives are the core experience, there is so much more to the park than just that. Much of the park is open to self-drive exploration and there is also the possibility to embark on guided walks, undertake multiple-day wilderness hikes, follow established backpacking trails, explore on mountain bikes or depart on multiple-day driving adventure tours. There is ample provision for spotting the park’s extensive birdlife and there is even a golf course – although golfers may sometimes need to look out for unexpected visitors like impalas, hippos or baboons!
For those hoping for a more authentic, intimate experience, a number of private game reserve also operate within the borders of the park. They allow visitors much closer contact with the wildlife, far from the crowds of the most commonly visited areas.
Best time to visit Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park can be visited year-round and each season offers a different experience.
- Dry Season (April to September) is probably the best time to visit Kruger. During this period, temperatures are lower, vegetation is less dense and animals are drawn out to waterholes to drink, making this the best time to spot wildlife. There is also less chance of contracting malaria. Warm clothing may be required for evening and night time activities.
- Rainy season (October to March) sees the park at its lushest, but it can be harder to spot wildlife due to the denser vegetation. November and December are the best months for spotting newborn animals.
Read our guide on Best Time to Visit Kruger for a more detailed information.
Recommended length of stay
Kruger is open to day visitors and stays of over a week can also be organised. However, a good amount of time would be at least three to five days in the park. This allows time for several sunrise and sunset animal-spotting drives as well as offering the opportunity to participate in some of the other activities available in the park.
Accommodation types available
There is a broad range of accommodation available to suit all preferences and budgets. The main areas of accommodation are known as rest camps and they feature varied accommodation types including camp sites, permanent safari tents, cottages and luxury lodges. Rest camps also have shops and restaurants.
Bushveld camps are more remote than the main rest camps and the facilities are more limited. There are no shops or restaurants and accommodation is self-catering.
Bush lodges are private properties with no shops or restaurants and with self-catering facilities.
At the top of the range are luxury lodges, which may include swimming pools, saunas, exercise rooms or other similar facilities you would expect in five-star accommodation.
The park also features overnight wildlife-spotting hides and a campsite.
Good to know
- There is nowhere to withdraw cash within the boundaries of the park
- Visitors should be prepared to meet bugs, spiders, scorpions, snakes, mice or bats. This is the wilderness and such encounters are inevitable!
- ‘Braai’ facilities are available at many of the accommodation areas – braai is the traditional South African-style barbecue and should not be missed.
- A number of the accommodation options feature accessibility adaptations meaning Kruger Park tours are suitable for wheelchair users.
Kruger is considered one of the easiest and safest places to organise a safari and, with its abundant plant and animal life, it has become one of the most popular choices on the continent for wildlife adventures. It can never be guaranteed that any one particular species will be sighted, but, in Kruger, unforgettable encounters with all kinds of animals in their natural habitat and lifelong memories most certainly can.
To find out about other national parks in South Africa, read out list of best South African National Parks.