Kruger National Park Safari Holidays
Kruger National Park is one of the world’s greatest destinations for wildlife viewing. Alongside Africa’s ‘Big 5’, rhino, buffalo, elephant, lion and leopards, you’ll find safari favourites like giraffe, zebra, impala, hippos and crocodiles.
When is the Best Time to Visit Kruger National Park?
Kruger National Park is a fantastic safari destination throughout the year, but your experience will vary depending on when you come.
May to September – This is arguably the best time for wildlife viewing. This is South Africa’s winter, so daytime temperatures are pleasant, but it can get very chilly overnight. It’s also the driest time of year, meaning that the vegetation is less dense and animals tend to gather around waterholes, making for great sightings.
October to December – This is South Africa’s spring and the beginning of the rainy season. The bush is lush and thick, and daytime temperatures can get very warm, even as high as 40°C in December. This is a great time to see new-born animals.
January to April – Kruger National Park is experiencing heavy rains at this time of year, but the landscape really comes alive, meaning the scenery is beautiful. You can enjoy some fantastic seasonal savings in these months.
How Long Should You Spend in Kruger National Park?
Due to Kruger’s sheer scale, staying at least a few days means you can see a lot more. To explore multiple areas of the park and have a good chance at spotting a variety of wildlife, we’d recommend spending between three and five days in Kruger National Park.
Spending a few days at a private reserve in the Greater Kruger, as well as spending a few days in the National Park, is also a popular option.
How Do You Get to Kruger National Park?
Kruger National Park is served by its own airport, Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, and there is a daily scheduled flight from Johannesburg, which takes an hour. From there, its a 90 minute drive or transfer to the main area, Skukuza.
You can also self drive in Kruger National Park, so you are able to drive from Johannesburg, which takes around five or six hours. The drive is very scenic, as you travel from the jacaranda trees and high-rises of Johannesburg, through the undulating expanse of the Great Escarpment and into the bush of Kruger.
If you’re staying in a private reserve in the Greater Kruger, or a hotel just outside of the park, you can enter Kruger National Park through one of the nine gates. You can either drive yourself into the park, or many lodges offer guided game drives.
What is the Safari Experience Like in Kruger National Park?
The safari experience within Kruger National Park differs to that in Greater Kruger’s private reserves.
There is a large network of roads within Kruger National Park, that you can explore during a safari, and off-roading is not permitted. This means its a very accessible destination for a first safari. Self drive safaris are allowed within Kruger National Park, which is a popular way to explore, as you can go as you please. However, most lodges also offer guided safaris.
Accommodation in Kruger National Park
There is a huge range of accommodation within Kruger National Park. For budget-conscious travellers, there are simple rest camps in different areas of the park. These are basic but comfortable, and they are situated in prime locations. This is a great option if you’re looking to embark on a self drive safari.
Kruger National Park is also home to private safari lodges, which offer a more luxurious experience. Guest suites are typically spacious and sophisticated, with features like private decks or plunge pools, and the lodges typically offer daily guided game drives.
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