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THE 10 BEST Kruger National Park Safaris

Safaris in kruger national park.

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• Kruger National Park
• Pabeni Gate Kruger National Park
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1. 5 Day Katekani Lodge Kruger National Park Safari

2. Kruger National Park Full-Day Safari from Hazyview

3. Kruger National Park - Private full day Safari trip.

4. 7 Day Classic Kruger National Park Safari

5. Kruger National Park Full-Day Tour

6. Fullday Gamedrives in Kruger National Park from Marlothpark

7. Full-Day Kruger Park Safari from Nelspruit, Whiteriver or Hazyview

8. Kruger National Park - Private Sunrise Half day Safari trip.

9. Kruger National Park sunrise Morning Private safari

10. Sabi Game Reserve Sunset Safari Tour with Dinner

11. Kruger National Park Full Day Guided Tour

12. Kruger National Park Afternoon Private safari

13. Sunrise Safari

14. Two Days, One Night Tour: Blyde River to Kruger National Park

15. Overnight Kruger National Park Classic Camping Safari

16. Safari Game Drive in the Greater Kruger out of Hoedspruit

17. Kruger National Park Full Day Private safari

18. Private Full Day Safari (10 hours) in Kruger National Park

19. 2-Days Kruger Park Safari & Panorama Route Tour from Hazyview

20. Kruger Safari Tour - Morning Half Day

21. Full Day Safari - Kruger National Park

22. Small-Group Full-Day Safari Tour in Kruger National Park

23. Exhilarating 7 Day Kruger Safari Adventure - South to North

24. Kruger National Park - Private 3 day, 2 night safari trip.

25. 5 day-Kruger National Park Safari from Kruger Int. Airport (KMI), Panorama Route

26. Kruger National Park Night Safari minimum 4people

27. Kruger National Park Morning Safari 2 people minimum

28. Kruger National Park Private Full-Day Safari - Private Safari Vehicle & Guide

29. Full Day Kruger Park Wildlife Safari from Hoedspruit

30. 3 Night & 4 Day Private Kruger Park Safari

What travelers are saying.

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 17, 2024

So helpful so friendly.

So helpful so friendly. Wow 5 stars not enough for Lisa

Safari booked. SA here I come.

I have never been to SA before, so naturally I was a bit apprehensive about booking a safari on my own. I turned to safari.com for help and I'm so glad I did. Keith was so helpful, patient and saved me money! That's a win, win, win. I would recommend safari.com to anyone planning their trip and their experiences in SA.

As all ways the best service from Dolan…

As all ways the best service from Dolan Sequera

May 16, 2024

Trip planning made easily and with kindness!

I was in need of help quickly to book a place to stay for 6 people. I wasn’t sure if I should drive or fly and Pascal helped me so quickly and was so kind and patient. He texted with me, called me and was wonderful to work with. He provided me with 2 quotes and helped me through the booking process. Looking forward to our trip!

Safar.com review. Victoria falls Safari

Leigh Anne was a pleasure to deal and worked tirelessly to make sure we had the best experience. Thank you.

Great customer service

Heleen went out of her way to find us accommodation. We left our planning way to late and were looking at the busiest time of year yet she worked her magic.

May 15, 2024

Sara - great travel agent!

Sara was amazing to work worth and was very quick to respond with any questions I had!! She put together multiple safari packages for me to choose from and guided me every step of the way. I highly recommend working with her!

May 14, 2024

Helpful, friendly

Tanya from Safari were a great help at such short notice. Her friendliness, kindness and great service are much appreciated. 5 Stars for Tanya

• Destinations

Kruger National Park

South africa.

An Unmatched African Safari Destination

Immerse yourself in one of the world's greatest wildlife havens, the Kruger National Park. South Africa’s largest national park offers a safari experience beyond comparison – teeming wildlife like the Big 5, diverse landscapes, and luxurious accommodations.

Diverse Wildlife and Unforgettable Safaris in Kruger National Park

The Kruger National Park is home to the legendary Big 5 , consisting of the lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and African buffalo. However, there are many other fascinating wildlife species. 

From small critters to majestic giants, Kruger guarantees wildlife encounters that will make your safari a truly unforgettable experience.

Unique Safari Experiences Tailored to Your Interests

From exciting morning game drives to thrilling night safaris and guided bush walks, we can design your Kruger safari to match your interest. Whether it's bird-watching, photography, or tracking the Big 5 , your Kruger safari experience will be as unique as you are.

Luxury Lodges in the Heart of Kruger

Experience the African wilderness from the comfort of Kruger's luxury lodges . Offering stunning views, world-class service, and an exclusive, immersive safari experience, these lodges are the perfect place to relax after a day of thrilling wildlife encounters.

The Best Time to Visit the Kruger National Park

While the Kruger National Park offers excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year, the dry winter months (May to September) are considered the best time for game viewing. 

However, the wet summer season (October to April) is perfect for bird-watching and ooh-ing and aah-ing over adorable newborn wildlife .

Exploring Beyond the Borders of Kruger National Park

While Kruger is the crown jewel, the surrounding private reserves such as Sabi Sand , Timbavati , and Manyeleti offer even more exclusive safari experiences with fewer crowds and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Here you can often drive off-road to get a closer look at wildlife, go on walking safaris, and embark on night game drives to see the nocturnal wildlife in action.   It’s also super easy to pair your Kruger safari with a relaxing beach holiday in Mozambique or Mauritius or with a visit to the breathtaking Victoria Falls .

Our Commitment to Conservation and Community Upliftment

If you book your dream African holiday with Rhino Africa, your visit directly protects this spectacular wildlife haven and uplifts local communities. Therefore, you're supporting sustainable tourism initiatives that have a lasting positive impact on our continent.

Plan Your Kruger National Park Safari with Rhino Africa

Ready to venture into the African wilderness? Contact Rhino Africa today, and let our Travel Experts tailor the perfect Kruger National Park safari for you. 

With our in-depth knowledge, first-hand experience and passion for our continent, we'll ensure your Kruger safari is a journey of a lifetime.

In Africa, It's Not About What You Know, But Who You Know.

We've partnered with the best to ensure you get front row seats at the best possible price., frequently asked questions.

We've taken the liberty to answer everything you may need to know about visiting Kruger National Park

Kruger is a year-round destination, but it remains seasonal. In other words, the  best time to visit the Kruger National Park for a safari  depends on your safari interests. Here's what you can expect to experience through the months of the year.

November to December:  The summer months are hot and humid with either continual rains or very typically afternoon thundershowers, which generally clear before the game drives depart. Many newborn animals are around, most notably the impala lambs, which are beautiful but vulnerable to predators.

January to March:  These usually are drier months with very hot days. If you're an avid birder, this is the time to see the beautiful migratory birds. Going on early morning drives with early returns to escape the heat is typical.

April:  The vegetation starts changing from a thick, lush green bush to a slightly sparser and browning bush during this autumn season. The temperature starts cooling down at night, but the daytime is still warm. There could be an occasional thunderstorm in the afternoon. 

May to June:  You can expect cold temperatures at dawn and night during the winter months. Warm clothing is recommended, such as gloves, scarves, beanies and insulated jackets. The vegetation turns brown, and trees start losing leaves. Therefore, this sparser vegetation allows for better wildlife visibility during game drives. During this time, large herds of elephants are very mobile, increasing your chances of spotting them en route! 

July to September:  Over these months, the bush is very dry. Evening and early mornings are chilly, so layer up for your game drives! Game viewing is fantastic due to excellent visibility, and the wildlife congregates around the scattered watering holes. One of the best moment for Kruger National Park safaris !

September to October:  Spring is at the height of the dry season, boasting hot, dry winds and colourless, sparse vegetation. Because the rivers and dams are low, you can see high concentrations of wildlife in these areas, making game viewing excellent. The first rain generally falls towards the end of October, and signs of spring and a new wet season are evident.

Whichever season you choose, our Rhino Africa Travel Experts will ensure you pick the  best time to visit Kruger National Park  according to your safari expectations.

The cost to visit Kruger National Park  can range anything from $500 to $2,500 per person per night, depending on service providers, availability, and seasonality.  We also have a selection of curated Kruger National Park tours, starting at $1700, but remember that all our tours can be tailor-made to suit your preferences. 

In 2022, a day ticket for international travellers entering Kruger National Park costs anything from $28 per adult, per day and from $14 per child per day.

However, please note that the total cost to visit Kruger National Park depends on several factors, including but not limited to the duration of your trip, the type of accommodation, and the specific location within the reserve. 

We always recommend that you stay at least three nights and choose one of the private concessions within the Greater Kruger National Park for a more exclusive Kruger National Park safari experience.

There are several ways of getting to Kruger National Park, each of which has a slightly different cost implication and levels of convenience to consider. 

If you plan to travel from  Johannesburg to Kruger National Park , daily charter flights operate between Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport and many of the private lodges in and surrounding the Kruger. A "lodge hop" in a small light aircraft to your lodge of choice is the easiest and most convenient way to travel to the safari destination. The flights take about 90 minutes and deliver you straight to the corresponding airstrip of the lodge you are travelling to. Luggage is, however, limited to 20kg in soft-sided bags on these flights.

Alternatively, you can touch down in Kruger Mpumalanga Airport, Hoedspruit or Skukuza Airport, where a road transfer, often a game drive in itself, will bring you to your final destination. Commercial flights from Johannesburg take one hour, Durban an hour and a half, and from  Cape Town to Kruger National Park , it's only just over two hours.

Self-driving to Kruger Park is feasible and enjoyable for those with more time. The gate is about a six-hour drive from Johannesburg, and the tarred road is well maintained, with clean service stations along the way. In fact, the Maputo Corridor means you will be travelling on a dual carriageway for most of the way. Fuel is never a problem in South Africa, and you won't get lost with Google Maps or Waze. Roads are also surprisingly well-signposted, and traffic density is generally low.

Based on your lodge of choice, time, and budget, our Travel Experts will gladly advise you on the  best way to get to Kruger National Park  or the surrounding reserves.

Where is Kruger National Park, and what is its history?  Kruger National Park stretches across the northeastern part of South Africa and was originally founded by Paul Kruger in 1898 and called the Sabi Game Reserve. In 1926, it was enlarged and made into a national park. In 2002 the Kruger National Park became part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park. This peace park links Kruger with the Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe to the north and with the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique to the east.

The park is part of the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere, an area designated by the United Nations Education and Scientific Organisation (UNESCO) as an International Man and Biosphere Reserve (the "Biosphere").

Early History

Evidence of early humans is found in the area, dating back as early as 1,500,000 BC. The San people also existed in the area as far back as 100,000 BC. In 200 AD, while looking for more grazing land for their cattle, the first Nguni speaking people migrated south into the area and displaced the San. 

By 800 AD, the Arabs started raiding the area for slaves, using the ports in Mozambique. A civilisation also sprang up in the northern regions of the park, and they built the Thulamela Stone Citadel, which was occupied between 1250-1700 AD. They also extracted iron ore from up to 200 mines, converting it into iron for trade.

The first known European to explore the now Kruger National park area was Francois de Cuiper, who led a Dutch East India Company expedition from the Cape Colony in 1725. However, the expedition was attacked by local tribes-people near Gomondwane and driven away.

Around 1838, Voortrekker expeditions led by Louis Trichardt and Hans van Rensburg explored the Lowveld, and later wagon routes were established to and from the Kruger area.

Gold was first discovered in September 1873 at Pilgrim's Rest and then in 1881 at Barberton. Fortune seekers rushed to the Lowveld. The prospect of finding gold banished all fear of lions, crocodiles, and malaria. This started the dramatic decline of wild animals in the region due to the hunting and trading of animal horns and skins.

The Park since the 20th Century

In 1912, a railway line was routed through the reserve. Stevenson-Hamilton (a British major who became the first warden of the Kruger National Park) successfully used this to get tourists to stop over for lunch. By 1916 a government commission was appointed to assess the future of the reserves. In 1926, as an act of reconciliation, the British administration officially renamed the reserve after Paul Kruger and declared it South Africa's first National Park.

In 1927, the park was opened to the public, who were charged a £1 fee. Only a handful of cars visited the new park that year, but in 1935 some 26,000 people passed through the gates. Today the number is around one million per year.

Here's a rough idea of  what you can expect on a Kruger National Park safari . Please note that this differs depending on where you stay and what time of year you visit.

05:00:  Wake up to get your day started!

05:30:  Coffee with your ranger and tracker before going on safari, most often on an open 4x4 vehicle. 

09:30:  Start heading back to the lodge for a scrumptious breakfast.

11:00:  Depending on where you're staying at what time of the year, you can often embark on a bushwalk with an armed tracker. This gives you a chance to appreciate the smaller wonders of the bush.

13:00:  Enjoy your lunch and some leisure time.

16:00:  Meet for your afternoon game drive.

16:30:  Your evening game drive promises different sightings than the morning, with nocturnal animals coming out to play.

18:00:  Watch the incredible sunset while you drink a G&T.

18:30:  Using a spotlight, take a peek into the lives of your nocturnal creatures.

19:30:  Return and freshen up for dinner.

20:00:  Feast on dinner while your ranger tells you stories around the campfire.

Unfortunately, the Kruger National Park is not a malaria-free area. However, it is entirely possible to have a safe, malaria-free Kruger safari by using prophylactic drugs. Please note that we are not doctors, so you should always speak to your doctor about malaria prevention before travelling.

Here are our malaria prevention tips for your Kruger National Park safari :

1. Repel the Mosquitoes.  Always wear repellent as well as long-sleeved shirts and long trousers in the evenings and mornings. Please note that clothes alone won't protect you, as they can bite through the material. Most of our lodges will have screened windows and doors, air conditioning systems, and mosquito nets to further protect you. The female mosquito responsible for transmitting malaria is a silent mossy, so you will have to ensure you repel them. They can strike at any time of day but are most active at dusk as well as dawn.

2. ALWAYS Take Anti-Malaria Tablets.  The most important thing you can do to protect yourself against malaria is taking prophylactic tablets. Please note that you have to speak to your doctor before taking these tablets.

3. Keep an Eye Out for Symptoms and Finish Your Course of Meds.  If you start to notice any flu-like symptoms, you must get a malaria test to be safe and catch it early because malaria reacts well to early treatment. Also, don't stop taking your meds until the course is complete!

When wondering  what is the best way to visit Kruger National Park , we’ll always recommend to our guests that they opt for a private game reserve. So, what’s the difference and why a private game reserve?

Well, the public parks tend to be more crowded, and you could get stuck behind a convoy of other vehicles out on safari. This means that you might miss some animal sightings. There are also strict times when you’re allowed to be out on the roads in public areas, and you must stick to the main roads. 

On the other hand, if you stay at one of the private game reserves sharing an unfenced border with the Kruger National Park, you have a more exclusive experience. The lodges within these private game reserves are also generally more luxurious. Because they have private land, you can go out on safari in open-air vehicles and go off-road to get a closer look at the wildlife. They also limit how many vehicles can be out at a time so that you have an uninterrupted view! Furthermore, there are no set times, and you can even head out on safari after dark! 

You can also experience Kruger with all your senses by enjoying activities such as bushwalks, multi-day walking safaris, photo safaris, and more.

Some more useful Kruger National Park Travel Tips

Watch our travel tips videos for more insights into kruger national park, why book with us.

Kruger National Park

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

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Elephant Hall Museum

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

Sabi Sand Game Reserve

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

Kapama Private Game Reserve

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

Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

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

Crooks Corner

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

Bobbejaankrans

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

Renosterpan

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

Klaserie Private Nature Reserve

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

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Kruger National Park - South African Safari Tours

Steeped in legend and history, the iconic Kruger National Park in South Africa is waiting for you to explore its vast landscapes and spectacular African wildlife.

Plan your Kruger National Park safari trip from our recommended Kruger Park safari tours which range from exclusive private safaris to affordable group safaris. Take a journey of exploration to find Africa's Big Five : Elephant, Lion, Rhino, Leopard and Buffalo, you will discover unique wildlife on a real Kruger National Park safari in Africa.

Classic Safari Tours

Our Classic Kruger Safaris offer you an authentic African safari experience with excellent wildlife sightings. Think 4x4 game drives followed by dinner under the African stars...

Safari Lodge

This Kruger Park lodging guide introduces you to the best safari accommodation in Kruger Park. You will stay in luxury safari lodges or opulent tented camps.

Romantic Safari

Romance, indulgence and luxury escapes. Exquisite destinations to celebrate your love. These Kruger Park honeymoon packages at the most sought after lodges...

Premier Safari Collection

Create timeless memories on the ultimate private South Africa safari Experience a safari with every luxury on hand, outstanding cuisine and a range of five star facilities...

Family Safari Holiday

Take your children on a safe, magical journey of discovery into nature's wonders. These family tours in Kruger Park provide options for kids of all ages, with tailored programs, fun...

Popular Safaris

For the time-constrained traveller wanting to experience the essence of a wildlife safari, this collection of Krugerpark tours , offers you a choice of classic, deluxe and luxury...

Accommodation Near Kruger Park

Hotel lodging and accommodation near Kruger National Park are close enough for you to participate in a self-drive or guided Full-day Safari Browse guest houses, lodges and hotels near Kruger Park entrance gates ...

Fully Guided Safari

Enjoy traditional Kruger National Park safari comfort, accompanied by a skilled ranger on your game viewing safaris. These fully guided safari travel packages deliver standard lodge accommodation and guided game viewing...

Luxury Lodge Safari in Kruger National Park

This selection of the finest luxury accommodation and lodging in Kruger Park is where you will discover a way to appreciate the African wild and do it in comfort - with exceptional cuisine, magnificent wildlife experiences and great hospitality. Our South African safari and game lodges range from artistically elegant to super luxurious with en-suite bathroom facilities.

Self-Catering Rest Camps in Kruger Park

Looking for more affordable self-catering accommodation in Kruger National Park? Rest Camps in Kruger Park offer a range of accommodation from campsites to huts, bungalows, cottages, rondavels, safari tents and guest houses. Facilities include restaurants, shops, petrol stations and more. Ideal for a self-drive safari, although guided game drives can also be arranged.

Kruger National Park Map

Where is Kruger National Park? A Kruger Park Map is indispensable in the planning of any safari. Find out how to drive to Kruger Park from Johannesburg, and how to get around Kruger Park if you are doing a self-drive safari . Here you can find

• Main Kruger Park Map
• Best Game Viewing Routes Map
• Kruger Park Gate Times and Distances List
• Map of Historical Kruger Park Sites
• Map from Johannesburg to Kruger Park

Flights to Kruger National Park

Get flight times and schedules for departures from Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban, to Kruger International Airport.

Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve

Timbavati private game reserve.

• Manyeleti Game Reserve

Thornybush Private Game Reserve

Balule private game reserve, nearby activities and attractions.

There are also other fabulous activities in the surrounding areas that will enhance your Kruger National Park safari experience. How about an amazing Kids elephant safari or a majestic hot air balloon flight? These are real once in a lifetime experiences! Other options include horseback riding, blissful spa treatments and golf.

You can also see what is being done on a grassroots level for the survival of African wildlife at rehabilitation, breeding and endangered species centres .

Combining any of these activities with your Kruger Park safari adventure is something you definitely should consider - maximize your holiday experience in every way.

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3 Day Best of Kruger Safari

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

3 Day Best of Kruger Private Safari

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Full Day Safari

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

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

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

Safaris Depart Johannesburg Every Monday – Wednesday – Saturday

4 Day Best of Kruger Safari

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

Private Safaris Depart Daily

Private Full Day Safari

Private morning safari, private afternoon safari.

4 Day Kruger & Panorama Private Safari

5 day kruger & panorama private safari.

3 Day Best of Kruger Budget Safari

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

Tailor Made Guided Safaris

Morning Safari

Afternoon safari.

2 Nights Umbhaba Eco Lodge Self-Drive Safari

3 nights umbhaba eco lodge self-drive safari.

Namibia Tours & Safaris

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read our Complete Guide to the Kruger National Park here

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

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

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

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

The Kurt Safari Kruger Experience

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kruger park safaris: must know info.

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

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

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

The Founding of a Legendary Conservation Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kruger Park Flora and Fauna

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

Thorn trees and red bushwillow veld

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

Knob thorn and marula veld

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

Red bushwillow and mopane veld

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

Shrub mopane veld

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

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

Famous Fauna and the Effort to Conserve

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

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

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

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

Anti-Poaching Efforts

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

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

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

Must Know Kruger National Park Rules

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

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

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

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

The kruger’s 12 main camps.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Crocodile Bridge

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

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

Lower Sabie

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

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

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

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

Pretoriuskop

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

Punda Maria

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Select your kruger park safari.

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

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

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

Full and Half Day Safaris

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

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

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

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

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

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

Private 3, 4 and 5 day Kruger Park Budget Safaris

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

• The 3 day Kruger Park safari 

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

• The 4 day Kruger Park safari 

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

• The 5 day Kruger Park safari 

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

The 3, 4 and 5 Kruger Park Classic Safaris

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

• The 3 day classic Kruger National Park Safari

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

• The 4 day classic Kruger National Park Safari

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

• The 5 day classic Kruger National Park Safari

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

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

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

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

• The 3 day backpackers Kruger National Park safari

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

• The 4 day backpackers Kruger National Park safari

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

• The 5 day backpackers Kruger National Park safari

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

The Guided Group Open Vehicle Safaris

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

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

Book your tour today.

Why book a kruger national park safari with us.

Affordable World-Class Safaris

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

SATSA Accredited

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

Professional Services

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

Constant Support

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

We are passionate Africans

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

Frequently Asked Questions about the Kruger National Park

Is a kruger safari the best african safari.

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

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

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

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

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

Is the Kruger Park Dangerous?

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

Some of the “Big” dangers

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

The Hidden Dangers

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

The common treat

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

How much does a Kruger Park safari cost?

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

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

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

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

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

Which Kruger Camps are the best?

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

Luxury Living

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

Home of the Elephants

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

Secretive and Relaxing

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

Which animals can you see in the Kruger National Park?

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

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

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

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

Which birds can be spotted in the Kruger National Park?

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

Explore Southern Africa

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

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

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

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

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

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Top 20 Best Kruger Safaris - Compare 405 Tours

4-Day Ultra Luxury Radisson Kruger Safari

$894 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle) Luxury+ Hotel

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight) , Johannesburg Airport (End)

MoAfrika Tours   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  1223 Reviews

4-Day All-Inclusive Kruger Safari with Hoyo Hoyo

$1,500 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Luxury Lodge

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

Safari.com   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.7 /5  –  186 Reviews

5-Day Ultimate Kruger & Panorama Experience

$897 to $986 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle) Mid-range Guest House

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Hoedspruit (Town) , Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight) , Johannesburg (End)

Wild Planet Safari   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  206 Reviews

3-Day Best Budget Kruger Park Safari

$581 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  –  96 Reviews

3-Day Kruger Safari and Panorama Route - Midrange

$699 to $709 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Mid-range Lodge

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight) , Johannesburg (End)

Nhlalala Travel   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  38 Reviews

3-Day Kruger Park and Manyeleti Reserve Bongan Lodge

$702 pp (USD)

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

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Manyeleti GR (Greater Kruger) , Central Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)

Bongan Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  22 Reviews

5-Day Kruger Park & Private Game Reserve Safari

$1,587 pp (USD)

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

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Hoedspruit (Town) , Kruger NP, O.R. Tambo Airport (Johannesburg) , Johannesburg (End)

Shinzelle Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  63 Reviews

4-Day Safari to Kruger National Park via Panorama Route

$1,040 pp (USD)

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

Wildlife Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  264 Reviews

5-Day Tremisana/Treehouse Kruger Park Safari

$945 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle) Mid-range Lodge

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  –  265 Reviews

5-Day Closed Vehicle Safari - Greater Kruger NP

$1,788 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Budget Tented Camp

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Panorama Route (Highlight) , Balule NR (Greater Kruger) , Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)

Khalanga Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  64 Reviews

3-Day Kruger Safari from Nelspruit

$572 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle) Luxury Lodge

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

Balanta Imagine Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  1 Reviews

3-Day Big 5 Budget Safari, Kruger National Park

$396 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  –  219 Reviews

3-Day Johannesburg to Kruger National Park Safari

$614 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle) Budget Camping

Mbombela Experience Tours & Transfers   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  32 Reviews

4-Day & 3-Night Kruger National Park Budget Safari

$583 to $649 pp (USD)

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

The Mzansi Experience   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.7 /5  –  64 Reviews

7-Day Classic Eco-Safari in Kruger (Transfers Incl)

$4,169 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 Touch Timbavati & Open Orpen Gate to Kruger Park

$816 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle) Mid-range Lodge

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Timbavati NR (Greater Kruger) , Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)

Wildlife Encounters   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  20 Reviews

3-Day Mid-Range Kruger National Park Safari at Tremisana

$797 pp (USD)

Gems of Africa Safari and Tours   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  100 Reviews

5-Day Imbali Lodge Safari

$2,438 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  –  130 Reviews

14-Day Best of South Africa and Mozambique

$5,719 to $6,389 pp (USD)

Mozambique & South Africa: Private tour Luxury Hotel & Bush Camp

You Visit: Cape Town (Start) , Franschhoek (Winelands) , Kruger NP, Sabi Sand GR (Greater Kruger) , Vilanculos (Town & Beach) , Johannesburg (City) , Vilankulo (End)

4.9 /5  –  149 Reviews

6-Day Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park

$2,971 pp (USD)

BST Tours   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.8 /5  –  30 Reviews

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Kruger National Park Safaris

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

Jock Safari Lodge Safaris

3 day kruger park jock safari lodge.

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

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

4 Day Kruger Park Jock Safari Lodge

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

5 Day Kruger Park Jock Safari Lodge

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

Rhino Post Lodge Safaris

3 day rhino post lodge safari experience.

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

4 Day Rhino Post Lodge Safari Experience

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

5 Day Rhino Post Lodge Safari Experience

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

Hamiltons Safari Lodge Safaris

3 day hamilton’s tented lodge safaris.

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

4 Day Hamilton’s Tented Lodge Safari

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

5 Day Hamilton’s Tented Lodge Safari

Imbali safari lodge safaris, 3 day imbali lodge safari.

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

4 Day Imbali Lodge Safari

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

5 Day Imbali Lodge Safari

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

Hoyo Hoyo Lodge Safaris​

3 day hoyo hoyo lodge safari.

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

4 Day Hoyo Hoyo Lodge Safari

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

5 Day Hoyo Hoyo Lodge & Sabi Sands Umkumbe Lodge Safari

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

5 Day Hoyo Hoyo Lodge Safari

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

6 Day Hoyo Hoyo Lodge & Sabi Sands Umkumbe Lodge Safari

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

Shishangeni Lodge Safaris​

3 day shishangeni lodge safari.

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

4 Day Shishangeni Lodge Safari

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

5 Day Shishangeni Lodge Safari

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

Camp Shonga Safaris

3 day shonga camp safari.

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

4 Day Shonga Camp Safari

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

5 Day Camp Shonga Safari

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

Camp Shawu Safaris

3 day camp shawu safari.

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

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

4 Day Camp Shawu Safari

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

5 Day Camp Shawu Safari

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

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

Kruger National Park: Everything You Need To Know Before You Visit

Heide Brandes

• Activities and Interests
• Africa National Parks
• Destinations
• National Parks
• South Africa

Heading down the dusty roads of Kruger National Park in far northeastern South Africa, our safari vehicle slowed to a halt as yet another herd of elephants began stomping across the road like giant wise guardians. Just minutes before, a pod of lanky giraffes caused our vehicle to stop for a while, and a wary group of water buffalo, with their meaty bodies and curling horns, watched us as we passed. Somewhere in the distance, a lion roared.

This is Kruger National Park , 7,580 miles of wild lands that are home to 500 bird species and 145 mammal species, including elephants, black and white rhinos, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hippopotamuses, and lions. Located in the heart of the Lowveld, the entire park is a wildlife reserve and is bigger than the country of Israel. For many, Kruger National Park is a bucket-list destination, a glimpse of wild Africa.

Kruger National Park, originally known as the Sabi Game Reserve, was founded in 1898 by Paul Kruger, who wanted to protect the animals of the game reserve. On May 31, 1926, Kruger’s dream came true when the National Parks Act was passed. The Sabi Game Reserve and the neighboring Shingwedzi Game Reserve were combined to create Kruger National Park.

Today, roughly 950,000 people visit Kruger National Park every year, and the majority of the visitors — a whopping 80 percent — are South Africans. The park boasts more than 1,500 miles of all-weather roads that allow visitors to explore the park in their own vehicles, but safari guides are readily available as well.

Whether you decide to tour Kruger on your own or sign up for a safari, we have everything you need to know to get the most out of your visit to this important, awe-inspiring, and massive park.

When To Go To Kruger National Park

The dry winter months between May and September are generally the best times of year to visit Kruger National Park because the bush thins out a bit, making the animals easier to spot. September is a popular month, since the night and morning are less chilly.

The wet season between October and April has its advantages, however. The land turns green and lush, and many of the animals start having babies. Migratory birds are also plentiful around this time of year, but the days can be muggy and humid. The bugs are also out in force, so this is the time to take antimalarial medication, just in case.

How To Get To Kruger National Park

Flying into South Africa is by far the easiest way for international tourists to visit the park. There are four airports that serve the park: the Hendrik Van Eck Airport in Phalaborwa in northern Kruger, Hoedspruit Airport in the central region, the newly opened Skukuza Airport , and the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in the southern area.

That being said, most international visitors fly into the Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport , where daily flights are offered between Johannesburg and many of the regional airstrips surrounding Kruger. The flights take about 90 minutes and can drop you off at the airstrip in the park closest to the lodge where you are staying.

Daily flights also operate to Skukuza from Cape Town . The Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport also operates daily flights from Durban and Cape Town, and another flight is available from Cape Town to Hoedspruit. Many of the lodges offer transport to and from the regional airports.

You can also rent a car and drive from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park, especially if you plan to take a self-guided tour of the park. The drive is approximately 5 to 7 hours, but it will give you the freedom to stop at other attractions along the way.

Where To Stay In Kruger National Park

Where you decide to stay depends on what kind of Kruger experience you want.

Kruger National Park has camp-run accommodations , and each camp has its own unique offerings, ranging from basic camping to the quintessential safari tents to luxury lodges. Kruger has 10 luxury safari lodges you can book, and the surrounding private game reserves offer luxury accommodations, meals, and highly trained personnel. The private lodges include Londolozi Founders Camp , Mala Mala Main Camp , Londolozi Varty Camp , and Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge . You may also consider the newly built Skukuza Safari Lodge in Kruger.

The average length of stay for a safari in Kruger is a minimum of two nights up to a week. If you plan to stay for more than four days, consider choosing two separate lodges so that you can enjoy a nice variety of experiences, animals, and foods.

Pro Tip: If you do opt for a private game reserve, know that these reserves are not fenced off from predators. Lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, and zebras can wander through the camp, so exercise extreme caution and never walk around unaccompanied after dark.

Should I Explore The Park On My Own Or Take A Guided Safari?

When I visited Kruger National Park, the group I was traveling with opted for a self-guided tour of the game reserve. Luckily, our driver was well versed in how to spot animals in the park, but having a true safari experience is worth the cost and consideration as well.

If you opt for a game drive , you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Morning drives, sunset drives, and even nighttime drives can be booked at the park, and an experienced and knowledgeable guide will point out wildlife and information you likely wouldn’t notice on your own. Most lodges and private lodges offer their own driving and walking safaris as well.

If you choose to explore the park on your own, maps will be your best friend. A great list of maps can be found here .

If you want the best of both worlds, Kruger offers a Park & Ride program. Just park at a select gate and hop on a safari ride through the park to see the Big Five and more.

Pro Tip: Kruger also offers safari adventures for the disabled .

How To Prepare For A Safari Bush Drive

You wake up in your safari tent or in your luxury lodge room excited for the day and the chance to see the famous wildlife of Africa. The golden hours of safari are typically the early morning, sunset, and nighttime, so try to book your drives during those hours, when the animals are more active.

To have a good Kruger experience, plan to bring items like binoculars, insect repellent, a camera, a map, plenty of bottled water and snacks, and a hat and sunscreen to protect against the African sun. You’ll also want to pack a couple of light T-shirts, a few long-sleeved shirts for the chilly nights, a rain jacket if you’re visiting during the rainy season, good walking shoes, shorts and long pants, and a hat.

Avoid wearing white, which makes you very visible to the animals. Red attracts some animals, and bright blue can attract biting flies. Stick with neutral colors like sand, brown, and muted green.

Remember, you are in the wild. Never approach wild animals, and do not get out of your vehicle unless you are in a designated “hide” area. Every year, there are fatalities because a careless tourist got out of their vehicle to take a closer look at an elephant or lion. Also, keep your windows up when possible. Baboons can be pretty aggressive about snatching food out of vehicles.

Don’t swim in the rivers and lakes in Kruger. Hippos are the most dangerous of all the big animals, are very territorial, and run faster than humans do. Crocodiles can also ruin your day if you get too close.

Always listen to your guide, if you have one. If they say not to run, then don’t run. If they say to move away, then move away. Your guide’s job is to keep you safe in one of the world’s last true wildernesses, so trust that they know what is best for you.

Pro Tip: Your guides and spotters work hard, so expect to tip each of them anywhere from 50 to 150 rands per day. If you have the same guide each day, err on the side of tipping well. If you don’t know how much to tip the guides or staff, ask the tour operator or the concierge at your lodge. While most tips are in the South African rand, American dollars are appreciated as well.

Medical Tips And Advice

No one wants to get sick or injured while on an epic safari, but if something does happen, South Africa has plenty of clinics, hospitals, and medical personnel. That being said, you should have medical insurance or travel medical insurance. If you do an internet search for “travel medical insurance,” you’ll find plenty of affordable options.

While South Africa is mostly malaria free, Kruger National Park does have some areas where the malarial mosquito is found. Antimalarial drugs are available at pharmacies in South Africa and by prescription from your doctor.

The water is safe to drink in South Africa and at Kruger National Park, and many of the lodges and hotels provide bottled water as well.

Be aware that HIV is still a concern in Africa, so avoid contact with bodily fluids and do not have unprotected sex.

Other Activities In Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park isn’t just about game drives and safari walks.

Golfing enthusiasts will be thrilled with the Skukuza Golf Course , which was built in 1972. The course is designed for golfers of all levels, but again, you may have a few run-ins with the local wildlife, since the golf course isn’t fenced in.

Mountain biking , group backpacking with a trail leader , and birding are also popular activities at Kruger National Park. The 4×4 Adventure Trails , which get you off the beaten track to areas of park that are rarely seen, are also worth checking out.

Many of the luxury lodges offer spa experiences as well as swimming pools, chef-inspired meals, full bars, and all the bells and whistles. You will not get bored — trust me!

And speaking of meals, a bush braai is a not-to-be-missed experience. A braai (barbecue) around the boma (outdoor enclosure with a fireplace) is available at most of the camps in Kruger, and it usually includes a choice of three grilled meats, salads, breads, drinks, and desserts. If you book a night game drive, you can also book a braai in the middle of the Kruger bush under the night sky. Available at all rest camps, this 3-hour experience requires booking in advance.

Pro Tip: Bring a good book or two. During the high heat of the day, when the animals are hunkered down and being lazy, you’ll want to take advantage of the down time to relax, read under some shade, and just appreciate the experience of being in Africa.

Heide Brandes is an award-winning journalist and travel writer based in Oklahoma. She loves outdoor adventures, exploring different cultures, and finding off-the-wall, bizarre, and wondrous experiences to enjoy. Heide writes for numerous national and international publications and is an award-winning member of the Society for Professional Journalists, North American Travel Journalists Association, and Society of American Travel Writers. Besides traveling and writing, Heide is also a professional Bellydancer, a medieval re-enactor, and a quirky chick who lives in Oklahoma City.

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Kruger Park Safaris

See africa's mighty big 5.

Viva Safaris

Sharing our passion for wildlife for 30+ years.

Value-for-money Safaris to Kruger Park

Kruger Park Safari Experiences with Viva Safaris

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

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

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

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

Kruger National Park Safari Packages and Tours

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

Viva Safaris has got it right – the blend of exclusive and personal sightings in our private reserve, Balule, and the wide diversity and great number of animal encounters in Kruger provide an unequalled wildlife opportunity.

The beautiful Marula Tree Boma under the African night sky

Armed ranger leads group of guests along Olifants River

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

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

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

Guests being shown wildlife during bushwalk

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

Relaxed Motlala leopard looking at Jordan and guests

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

Dining room overlooking Breakfast Dam at Marc’s Camp

Kruger Park Safari Lodges

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

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

Tremisana chalet

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

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

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

One of the treehouses at Marc’s Treehouse Lodge

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

Katekani Tented Lodge

Katekani Tented Lodge Bed

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

Masango Camp Chalet interior

The pool at Masango Camp

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

The Kruger National Park

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

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

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

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

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

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK – A BRIEF HISTORY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UNDER THREAT

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE FIRST WARDEN – KRUGER PARK

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

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

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

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

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

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

WILDERNESS TRAILS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PRE-HISTORIC MAN 

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

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

THE FIRST TOURISTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

MODERN TOURISM IN THE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOGRAPHY OF THE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

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

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

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

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

A NEW FRONTIER: THE GREAT LIMPOPO TRANSFRONTIER PARK

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

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

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

SEASONS AND CLIMATES FOR KRUGER PARK SAFARI

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

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

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK FLORA

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

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

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK BIRDING

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE GREAT BIG 5

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

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

What to look out for at the Kruger National Park

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

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

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK REST CAMPS

Main Rest Camps:

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

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

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

ENTRANCE GATES

The Kruger National Park has 9 gates:

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

DAY VISITORS

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

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

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

CULTURAL SITES

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

Letaba Elephant Museum

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

Albasini Ruins

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

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

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

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

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

Thulamela archaeological sites

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

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

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

Stevenson-Hamilton Memorial Library

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

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

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

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

PARK REGULATIONS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK FOR LITTLE ONES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kruger Park Safari Packages

14 Day Scheduled Volunteer Safari Program

2 Day Blitz Overland Safari

2 Day Fly-in Safari

3 Day Budget Tented Safari

3 Day Fly-in Safari

3 Day Tremisana Lodge Safari

3 Day Tremisana/Masango Safari

3 Day Tremisana/Treehouse Safari

4 Day Fly-in Safari

4 Day Katekani Tented Lodge Safari

4 Day Luxury Lodge Safari

4 Day Tremisana Lodge Safari

4 day tremisana/masango safari.

4 Day Tremisana/Tent Safari

4 Day Tremisana/Treehouse Safari

5 Day Fly-in Safari

5 Day Katekani Tented Lodge Safari

5 Day Luxury Lodge Safari

5 Day Tremisana Lodge Safari

5 day tremisana/masango safari.

5 Day Tremisana/Tent Safari

5 Day Tremisana/Treehouse Safari

6 Day Katekani Tented Lodge Safari

6 Day Luxury Lodge Safari

6 Day Tremisana Lodge Safari

6 day tremisana/masango safari.

6 Day Tremisana/Tent Safari

6 Day Tremisana/Treehouse Safari

7 Day Tremisana Lodge Safari

7 Day Tremisana/Pumusa Kruger Hluhluwe and St Lucia Safari

Read our latest kruger park safari newsletters.

February 2024

December 2023 / January 2024

November 2023

October 2023

September 2023

August 2023

Viva safaris pic of the week.

Hippopotamus at Tremisana dam during sunset drive

Lionesses near Tremisana

Zebra crossing the road in front of guests in Kruger

North of Xigamba Dam a White Rhino cow with teenage bull calf

Big herd of Buffalo at Ngirivane waterhole

Brilliant shot of White Rhino at Hluhluwe on our 7 Day Kruger Hluhluwe Safari

Elephant inside Tremisana

Elephant at waterhole at Tremisana Lodge

A very beautiful leopard on Barnard eastern side of Ngwenya dam.

Black Rhino on Balule Nature Reserve

Male Lion attacked and killed wild dog

Happy guests up close

New white lion cub seen near Orpen

Lion greeting at Tremisana Lodge

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

Elephant at Tremisana Lodge car park

Lionesses, Tremisana property

Close up to feeding elephant near Tremisana Dam

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

Baby Impala, Marula Road, Balule Nature Reserve

Wonderful recent reviews.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fabulous stay ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🦁🐆🦌🐃🦓🐗🐘🦒🦅🦜🦦🐾🐾

March 2023: Perfection

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

February 2022: Best experience at Viva Safaris!

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

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

December 2022: Can’t Wait to Return!

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

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

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

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

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

Gallery of Viva Safaris vehicles close to wildlife

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Safari in Kruger National Park

The best safaris in kruger national park.

Stuart Butler

• In this guide

Kruger National Park

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

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

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

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

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

Kruger's best safari reserves, lodges and camps

Thornybush Game Reserve

Best for: Luxury lodges and the Big Five

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

Timbavati Game Reserve

Best for: The Big Five and photography

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

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

Balule Nature Reserve

Best for: The Big Five and luxury lodges

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

Kapama Game Reserve

Best for: Family friendly holidays and birdwatching

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

Manyeleti Game Reserve

Best for: The Big Five and family friendly safari

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

Klaserie Nature Reserve

Best for: Luxury lodges and photography

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

Karongwe Game Reserve

Best for: Birdwatching and the Big Five

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

featured kruger safaris

Affordable Greater Kruger Safari Combo

Kruger Safari & Beach

8 days from kruger to mozambique.

Cape Town & Kruger Luxury Safari

Cape Town & Kruger Family Safari

Lion in Kapama Game Reserve

Safari in Kruger National Park: Need to know

Everything you wish you'd known before you booked.

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

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

Where to go in Kruger National Park

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

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

Safari by foot

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

Kruger wildlife

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

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

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

Kruger's hidden gems

Anthony Ham

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

When to visit Kruger National Park

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

When to go on safari in South Africa

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

Kruger safari FAQs

Your questions, our expert answers, can you recommend any mid-luxury accommodation in kruger we don't need top luxury but happy to splurge a bit..

Most of the accommodation actually within Kruger National Park is run by the park authorities - great locations, but the accommodations are fairly basic and very busy. If you want to splash out, this is probably not what you're looking for.

Consider instead one of the private reserves (conservancies) that sit alongside Kruger - they have much the same wildlife, but way more choice when it comes to accommodation, and fewer visitors and vehicles. I've always enjoyed Timbavati Nature Reserve and Shindzela - I saw all the big five in one afternoon here!

The best safaris in Sabi Sands

About the author.

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

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15 Best Safari Lodges In Kruger National Park

When it comes to exceptional game viewing, there is nothing that can compare to the Kruger National Park. It is not uncommon to witness the majestic Big 5, including the elusive leopard, powerful lion, formidable buffalo, magnificent rhino, and majestic elephant, all in one day. Additionally, you may also have the privilege of spotting rare species like the cheetah and wild dog. This park is not only one of Africa’s oldest conservation areas, but it also boasts the widest range of wildlife in South Africa. However, you may be wondering which part of the park is the best and where you should choose to stay.

To avoid the crowds and experience a truly remarkable safari, we recommend heading straight for Kruger’s private game reserves. These reserves, driven by conservation efforts, are among the finest safari locations in the park and are home to some of the most exceptional safari lodges on the entire continent. Whether you are a couple, honeymooners, or a family, these 5-star lodges offer a luxury safari experience that is unparalleled. From exquisite cuisine and impeccable service to serene health spas, fully-equipped gyms, and even your very own private butler, these lodges have it all. Moreover, with Africa’s top trackers and guides, you can expect outstanding off-road game viewing, thrilling night game drives (which are not accessible in the public park), and a luxury safari vacation that will leave a lasting impression. In our comprehensive guide, we have compiled the top 15 lodges in Greater Kruger, which encompasses the vast Kruger National Park and a collection of neighboring private reserves. It is widely regarded as one of the best destinations for wildlife viewing in Africa.

While the national park offers accommodation in well-equipped government rest camps that are perfect for self-drive safaris and budget package tours, the private reserves provide a more lavish experience. Within Kruger, there are several private concessions that function as private game reserves. These reserves are home to small, exclusive safari lodges that offer all-inclusive packages. The Big Five viewing opportunities in Greater Kruger are exceptional, and the private reserves and concessions are unmatched when it comes to regular, up-close encounters with these magnificent creatures.

If you are seeking an exclusive luxury safari experience, you may be wondering where to stay.

Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Nestled within the prestigious Sabi Sand Reserve l ies the renowned Sabi Sabi group of opulent safari lodges. Boasting a century of safari expertise and distinctive camps, these lodges exude a warm hospitality, tradition, and style that caters to the diverse preferences of wildlife enthusiasts. Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, a recipient of numerous accolades, offers an unparalleled safari accommodation experience for couples seeking to commemorate a special occasion. Combining rustic charm with contemporary elegance, this extraordinary lodge stands as one of Kruger’s most exceptional safari retreats. Its generously proportioned suites, nestled within a private concession in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, feature secluded plunge pools and bespoke furnishings that seamlessly blend with the natural surroundings. Prepare to embark on a luxury safari adventure unlike any other, as this lodge harmoniously incorporates its environment and elements for an unforgettable experience. 

If you’re searching for the ultimate private game reserve in South Africa, look no further than the Sabi Sand Game Reserve . Renowned as the finest in the country, Sabi Sand boasts an expansive 65,000 hectares of untouched wilderness in the Mpumalanga region. What sets it apart is its unfenced border with the famous Kruger National Park, spanning an impressive 50 km (30 miles). Within this remarkable reserve, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the complete African Big 5, including lions, rhinoceroses, buffalos, leopards, and elephants. However, it is the majestic leopards that truly steal the show in Sabi Sands.

For those seeking a luxurious and romantic getaway, the game reserve is an ideal choice. The exclusive Lion Sands Ivory Lodge offers eight elegantly luxurious villas, each with its own deck and plunge pool. Here, you can indulge in spa services and relish in private dining experiences. To enhance the romance, consider booking a night in the remote Chalkley Treehouse, where you can sleep under the twinkling stars. Sabi Sands caters to a range of budgets and preferences when it comes to accommodation. From the more affordable Umkumbe Safari Lodge to the opulent Sabi Sabi camps and the two Singita lodges, there is something for everyone. To truly immerse yourself in the wildlife experience, take advantage of the guided wildlife drives and exhilarating walking safaris available. If you’re wondering when the best time to visit is, October is highly recommended. During this period, the weather is pleasant, and the wildlife sightings are abundant. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

Best Suited For – Couples 

Buy Now – SABI SANDS

Mala Mala Safari Lodge 

Situated strategically between the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and Kruger National Park, MalaMala Game Reserve offers an extraordinary opportunity to witness the majestic Big Five in a vast and exclusive wilderness area. Among the top-notch lodges in the Greater Kruger National Park, MalaMala Sable Camp stands out, providing luxurious accommodation for a maximum of 20 guests in seven opulent suites. The safari deck made of wood offers a breathtaking view of the Sand River, a natural corridor for wildlife. The photographic opportunities are truly out of this world, with leopards stealing the spotlight as the star attraction.

Rattray’s at MalaMala transports you back to the golden era of safaris, capturing the essence of a bygone time. As the largest private conservation area in the region, MalaMala Game Reserve is not shared with any other Kruger safari lodges, ensuring that you have exclusive access to uncrowded animal sightings and abundant game. Another advantage is that MalaMala encompasses a significant portion of the life-giving Sand River. The highlights of Rattray’s on MalaMala include personalized butler service, extraordinary leopard sightings, spacious suites with private heated plunge pools, a maximum of four guests per vehicle, and a stunning location on the banks of the Sand River.

Some of the popular activities at Rattray’s on MalaMala include guided walks, night drives, stargazing, and game drives. Drawing inspiration from the glorious era of safari, Rattray’s at MalaMala transports you to a time long gone. As the largest private conservation area in the region, the MalaMala Game Reserve stands alone, without any other Kruger safari lodges to share its vast expanse. This exclusive setting ensures that your Kruger National Park safari experience will be unparalleled – with uncrowded animal sightings and an abundance of game, all to be enjoyed in solitude. The reserve’s vastness is enhanced by the presence of the life-giving Sand River, which further enriches the wildlife encounters.

Nestled on the banks of the Sabi Sand River, amidst towering trees and sprawling lawns, MalaMala Camp is a true sanctuary of safari bliss. The camp boasts ten luxurious suites, eight opulent rooms, and a single room, each equipped with air conditioning and an outdoor deck that offers uninterrupted and breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness.

The camp’s amenities include an indoor dining room, a cozy lounge, a library complete with satellite television, a historic bar, complimentary internet access, and a spacious wooden safari deck that provides an exceptional vantage point for observing the wildlife that frequents the river for a drink. Additional features include a grand infinity pool overlooking the river, a safari boutique, a well-equipped gym, and a rejuvenating massage service. Expert rangers, brimming with an astonishing knowledge of the wilderness, lead twice-daily game drives that promise unforgettable adventures. For those seeking a more immersive experience, embark on a walking safari, guided by a professional expert, to fully immerse yourself in the wonders of the bush.

Perfectly Suited To:

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Imbali Safari Lodge

Located in central Kruger, the Imbali Safari Lodge is situated on a private concession spanning 100km2/40mi2. This exclusive lodge offers 12 spacious suites, providing a luxurious experience amidst the tranquil African bush. While mornings and afternoons are dedicated to wildlife exploration, the lodge invites you to unwind and relax during the heat of the day. Take a refreshing dip in your private plunge pool while savoring a cocktail, or indulge in a soothing massage on your deck, surrounded by the harmonious melody of birdsong.

The rooms feature large French doors that stretch the length of the space, allowing you to immerse yourself in the breathtaking wilderness at your leisure. An expansive deck overlooks either the N’waswitsontso River or the savannah grasslands, complemented by an outdoor pool to enhance your leisurely bush experience. Lounge on a sunbed with a captivating book, or let the bubbles of the pool soothe your tired muscles, while the enchanting chorus of weavers, thrushes, and kingfishers provides a magical soundtrack for your relaxation. Each suite includes a complimentary mini-bar stocked with selected beverages, as well as a tea/coffee facility for your convenience.

The spacious stone and marble bathroom boasts a Victorian-style bathtub and a walk-in shower, complete with signature bath amenities, a hairdryer, and plush bathrobes. Immerse yourself in the peace of the Kruger bush as you soak away the stresses of modern life with natural bath salts. When it’s time to rest your soul, sink into the comfortable king-size bed for a rejuvenating siesta or a peaceful night’s sleep after your safari adventure. A mosquito net envelops the entire bed in the evening, ensuring you are cocooned in utmost comfort. Expect a bedtime story on your pillow or a delightful treat to savor before retiring for the night. Mluwati Concession, a private area within Kruger National Park, is comprised of three lodges – I mbali Safari Lodge , Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge, and Hamiltons Tented Camp. Its establishment was driven by the desire to ensure the long-term sustainability of this renowned National Park. Being one of the pioneering private concessions in Kruger, Mluwati has dedicated immense efforts to preserve the integrity of this pristine wilderness, which has served as a haven for a diverse range of wildlife for over a century. With over 114 reptile species, 34 amphibians, and 147 mammals, including the iconic Big Five of Africa, this sanctuary has captivated nature enthusiasts from around the world.

Bird enthusiasts will be enthralled by the plethora of avian species that inhabit Kruger. With over 500 species, many of which can be found in Mluwati Concession, birdwatchers can spot magnificent creatures like the Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill, Crested Barbet, and Burchell’s Glossy Starling. Within the Mluwati Concession, guests will be treated to breathtaking landscapes, a remarkable array of wildlife, vibrant birdlife, and flourishing plant life. Each safari experience is guaranteed to be unique and unforgettable. During your stay at Imbali Safari Lodge, indulge in morning and evening safaris. Witness the exhilaration brought by the first rains, observe terrapins frolicking in river pools, listen to the melodious calls of the Pied Kingfisher, and delight in the harmonious chirping of sociable tree frogs. Immerse yourself in the aromatic scents of the bush, be serenaded by the shrill cries of the Magpie Shrike, and behold the graceful dance of the wind through the feather grass that adorns the savannah plains. An expedition at Imbali will introduce you to new fragrances, intriguing sounds, and the captivating beauty of an extraordinary African landscape that will awaken and enchant your senses.

Best Suited – Couples 

BUY NOW – IMBALI GAME RESERVE

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Londolozi Game Reserve 

Experience the epitome of luxury and royalty at the renowned Londolozi Pioneer Camp, the oldest and arguably the most prestigious safari lodge in Kruger. Located in the privately-owned Sabi Sand Game Reserve, this African pilgrimage offers a serene and contemplative wilderness encounter. The camp, nestled in seclusion, comprises three interconnected opulent suites and a charming bush homestead, accommodating groups of up to 12 individuals. Indulge in the lavish amenities, including an “explorer lounge,” interactive kitchen, lookout deck, breakfast balcony, and a refreshing lap pool. The decor seamlessly blends Ralph Lauren sophistication with the rustic charm of a safari homestead, adorned with exquisite memorabilia, leather accents, and sparkling crystal, exuding timeless elegance.

Highly skilled rangers will curate personalized game drives and bush walks tailored to your preferences, whether you seek a family-oriented safari or a focus on botany, tracking, or birding. Immerse yourself in the untamed wilderness, relishing champagne sunsets or savoring delectable bush dinners under the enchanting glow of the full moon. Discover the essence of self-discovery, social development, and conservation through the transformative Londolozi experience. Embark on a luxurious wellness safari and retreat, guided by renowned wellness experts, life coaches, wisdom keepers, and shamans. Alternatively, embark on a photographic big cat safari, supported by a professional photographic studio, or engage in community development projects within a visionary African village.

Designed to enhance spaciousness, luminosity, and privacy, Londolozi Private Granite Suites offers unparalleled relaxation. Delight in invigorating massages, rejuvenating yoga classes, or take a refreshing dip in your private plunge pool. Simply unwind with a drink in hand and marvel at the breathtaking vistas of colossal granite boulders and the captivatingly wild scenery, creating an indelible memory of your extraordinary Kruger National Park safari vacation. At Londolozi Private Granite Suites, prepare to immerse yourself in the epitome of relaxation. Whether it’s through invigorating yoga sessions, rejuvenating massages, or simply unwinding in your own secluded plunge pool, this sanctuary offers an unparalleled level of tranquility. Embrace the untamed beauty of the surroundings as you admire the majestic granite boulders, savoring a refreshing drink in hand. Every element of this opulent retreat has been meticulously crafted to enhance the essence of light, space, and seclusion, ensuring an unrivaled luxury experience.

Key Features:

• Exceptional private concession within Sabi
• Captivating vistas of unique and untamed landscapes
• Intimate camp, catering to a maximum of six guests
• Unparalleled bespoke service
• Extraordinary Big 5 game viewing opportunities

Best Suited For:

• Honeymooners

BUY NOW : LONDOLOZI GAME RESERVE

Malayenti Game Reserve 

If you have a penchant for venturing off the well-trodden path, the Manyeleti Game Reserve is an exceptional choice for an exclusive and private safari experience. Nestled deep within the safari heartland of Mpumalanga, this reserve shares unfenced borders with the renowned Timbavati and Sabi Sands private reserves, as well as the iconic Kruger National Park. Despite its remarkable location, Manyeleti remains relatively unknown compared to its famous neighbors, resulting in fewer visitors. As a result, you’ll practically have the entire park to yourself, with only three lodges scattered across a vast expanse of 56,800 acres of breathtaking wilderness.

One of the most captivating aspects of Manyeleti is its serene and untouched ambiance. With no crowds, noise, or light pollution, you can truly immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of nature. In fact, the name Manyeleti, which means “Place of the Stars” in Shangaan, perfectly encapsulates the pristine night skies that adorn this remarkable reserve.

For an authentic Hemingway-style safari experience, consider staying at one of the Honeyguide Tented Camps. Alternatively, if you seek five-star luxury reminiscent of colonial times, Tintswalo Safari Lodge is an excellent choice. Both options offer guided walking tours and wildlife drives, allowing you to fully explore and appreciate the incredible biodiversity that Manyeleti has to offer.

The best time to visit Manyeleti i s from May to September. Situated along the banks of a shimmering seasonal river and surrounded by vast plains, Tintswalo Safari Lodge offers unparalleled luxury bush accommodation. This remarkable destination is located within the Manyeleti Game Reserve, which serves as a gateway to the Big Five and an array of other captivating wildlife. From wild dogs and hyenas to cheetahs, leopards, and various antelope species, Manyeleti is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Additionally, zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, white rhinos, warthogs, and large herds of buffalo can also be spotted within the reserve.

At Tintswalo Safari Lodge, guests can embark on exhilarating game drives led by expert trackers and professional rangers. These thrilling excursions take place in open-topped 4×4 safari vehicles, allowing for an immersive and unforgettable wilderness experience.

Whether you’re a couple seeking a romantic getaway, a family in search of adventure, or a solo explorer yearning for a luxurious Big Five safari, Tintswalo Safari Lodge is the ultimate destination to fulfill your desires.

Best Suited for – Families 

BUY NOW : MALAYENTI GAME RESERVE

Kapama Game Reserve 

Kapama Game Reserve, situated in South Africa, stands as one of the most extraordinary and picturesque reserves across the African continent. With its awe-inspiring wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and expansive savannas, this reserve is truly a haven for adventurers. Spanning 15,000 hectares of untouched African bush, Kapama provides the perfect sanctuary for a diverse range of species. Housing an impressive 350 bird species and over 40 different types of mammals, including the renowned Big 5, which includes elephants, lions, leopards, African buffalos, and rhinoceroses, this reserve allows these magnificent creatures to thrive in their natural habitats. Guests are granted the rare opportunity to witness these incredible animals in their wild surroundings through guided game drives and bush walks, offered twice a day after breakfast. Immerse yourself fully in the African bush experience.

For the ultimate safari experience, the best time to visit Kapama Game Reserve is from May to September. Visitors can choose from four luxurious lodges, each offering an exceptional stay. The accommodation options include Buffalo Camp, Southern Camp, River Resort, and Kapama Karula.

Nestled between the verdant Blyde River Canyon and the vast Kruger National Park lies the expansive Kapama Private Game Reserve. This remarkable reserve boasts an abundance of wildlife, including the renowned “Big Five” – elephants, buffalos, lions, leopards, and rhinoceroses – thriving in its unspoiled bushland. The undulating hills, valleys, and streams that grace the reserve create a distinctive natural scenery. The vegetation predominantly consists of grasslands, thickets, and woods, providing a rich habitat for both small and large species. The reserve also offers various cottages and resorts, providing accommodation and a range of activities, such as walking safaris and game drives. Overall, Kapama Private Game Reserve is a beloved destination for nature enthusiasts, offering a remarkable opportunity to witness the splendor and diversity of African flora and fauna. The reserve features four premium lodges and luxurious sleep-out tent accommodations, some of which are located along the banks of the Klaserie and Kapama rivers. The best time to visit this remarkable reserve is from May to September.

Best Suited For – Families 

Buy Now – KAPAMA GAME RESERVE

Timbavati Nature Reserve

The Timbavati National Reserve, a renowned private reserve connected to Kruger National Park, stands as the closest competitor to Sabi Sand Game Reserve. While these two reserves may appear similar, the safari experience in Timbavati feels more authentic and in tune with nature. Within the Timbavati Nature Reserve, a vast array of animals and birds thrive in abundance. Known as the “Magnificent 7,” the lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, African wild dog, buffalo, and cheetah all call this place home. One of the reserve’s most exceptional and rare features is the presence of white lions, which have been observed here since 1938 and have become a symbol of Timbavati’s wildlife legacy.

For those planning a visit, the best time to explore Timbavati is from May to September. Within the private nature reserve, Kings Camp offers a glimpse into the charm and romance of a bygone era. The nine suites, inspired by colonial aesthetics, overlook the vast savannah dotted with acacia trees and a waterhole frequented by a diverse range of animals throughout the day and night. Each suite is equipped with air conditioning and boasts a Victorian-style ball-and-claw bath, as well as both indoor and outdoor showers.

Best Suited For – Couples and Families 

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Lukimbi Safari Lodge

Lukimbi, spanning an impressive 150km2/60mi2, stands as one of the largest private concessions in Kruger. The lodge itself boasts 16 cozy suites, nestled alongside the enchanting Lwakahle River. Elevated on stilts, the buildings are interconnected by wooden walkways, meandering through ancient trees. And of course, one mustn’t forget the glistening pool that grants a breathtaking view of the river. Who knows what captivating sights await as you cool off amidst the scorching heat of the day?

At Lukimbi Safari Lodge, prepare to indulge in exclusive game-viewing and a level of luxury that surpasses all expectations. This intimate lodge, tucked away within Kruger National Park, ensures uninterrupted private safaris and an abundance of personalized attention. Crafted from natural materials and harmoniously nestled beneath the shelter of ancient trees, this vibrant and eccentric lodge seamlessly blends with the surrounding African landscape. Each space within the lodge offers awe-inspiring vistas that will leave you in awe. Immerse yourself in the captivating artisanal décor and artwork, luxuriate in a stone bathtub overlooking the river, find solace on your private deck, or take a refreshing dip in your very own plunge pool.

Prepare yourself for an unforgettable encounter with wildlife. Accompanied by professional guides, embark on off-road adventures to spot the illustrious Big Five. Keep your eyes peeled for rare wild dogs and peculiar creatures like wildebeest (gnu) and hyenas. Allow yourself to be enchanted by the presence of over 300 bird species, lizards, snakes, and the iconic dung beetle during a guided bush walk. Witness buffalo herds from the comfort of your deck, take a dip in the pool while observing hippos leisurely basking in the river. Indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments and make use of the gym facilities, or simply revel in the art of doing nothing. For parents seeking respite, the lodge offers a diverse Kids’ Programme, Safari Playroom, and reliable babysitters.

Delight in the exquisite cuisine presented in the dining room, where imaginative dishes are meticulously crafted from fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. Immerse yourself in the traditional African experience by savoring a braai (barbecue) within the boma. Complement your meal with award-winning South African wines, while the guides regale you with captivating tales of the bush.

Suited for – Everyone 

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Royal Malewane

Once the holiday home of the Biden family, The Lodge at Royal Malewane is a traditional and elegant bush-style lodge. Exuding an air of old-world charm, it was designed and adorned to provide a serene sanctuary amidst the African wilderness. Royal Malewane lives up to its name effortlessly, ensuring that you feel like royalty during your stay at this luxurious lodge. Nestled in Thornybush Private Game Reserve, adjacent to the renowned Kruger National Park, the lodge offers breathtaking vistas of untouched nature. Take a refreshing dip in the pool, indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment, or get your heart pumping at the exclusive gym in one of the most sought-after safari destinations in the park

With a remarkable staff-to-guest ratio of four to one, you will undoubtedly feel like royalty at Malewane. If you seek an exceptionally exclusive safari experience in Kruger National Park, this is the perfect choice. Take a revitalizing plunge in the swimming pool, work up a sweat at the gym, or pamper yourself with a treatment from an internationally qualified therapist at the spa. Royal Malewane, situated in Thornybush Private Game Reserve alongside Kruger National Park, offers awe-inspiring panoramic views of unspoiled natural beauty.

Highlights:

• Opulent suites designed with meticulous attention to privacy
• Personal butler service and a dedicated chef
• Unforgettable culinary experiences
• The finest safari spa in South Africa
• Game drives in a private reserve
• Expansive private decks with pristine pools provide the ideal setting to unwind and let go as elephants gracefully pass by.

Boasting uninterrupted views of the surrounding bushveld, the six luxury suites epitomize opulence, while the Africa House and Royal Suites offer exclusive services where your every need is attended to with utmost discretion. Immerse yourself in Africa’s abundant wildlife during twice-daily game drives led by the most qualified guiding team on the continent, or embark on an immersive bush walk that will awaken all your senses. Visiting the local community is an inspiring, humbling, and educational experience.

Consider the Royal Malewane Lodge in the Thornybush Private Game Reserve, located on the boundary of Kruger National Park, if you desire a luxurious and exclusive experience. This enchanting lodge captures the allure of a bygone era, drawing inspiration from Mombasa, Persia, and ancient civilizations to create an atmosphere of opulence and exoticism. The lodge offers a selection of accommodation options, including six lavish suites, two regal suites, and the magnificent Africa House with its six bedrooms. Each unit boasts its own private deck, pool, and personalized services, providing an intimate and secluded retreat amidst the untamed wilderness, offering breathtaking views.

Embark on an unforgettable journey to witness the Big Five, guided by the most knowledgeable experts in Africa. Engage in a thrilling game drive or a guided bushwalk, immersing yourself in the intricate ecosystem, from the tiniest insects to the magnificent birds. For bird enthusiasts, a specialized bird safari awaits, while photography enthusiasts can partake in a dedicated photographic safari. After basking in the warm African sun, pamper your senses with a rejuvenating treatment utilizing indigenous ingredients, or unwind by the serene courtyard pool. Alternatively, take advantage of the state-of-the-art gym, heated pool, and steam room for a complete wellness experience.

Indulge in exquisite dining experiences that epitomize quality and create lasting memories. Savor a delectable meal under the vast African sky, overlooking the majestic Malewane River, accompanied by the harmonious melodies of the bushveld and the enchanting voices of a local choir. Whether you desire a tailored menu for an intimate dining experience or a sumptuous six-course feast for your esteemed guests, the lodge’s culinary team will cater to your every need. Moreover, for those with specific dietary requirements, the lodge offers meals prepared in a kosher-compliant kitchen, ensuring everyone’s preferences are met.

• Gourmets / Foodies

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Lion Sands Game Reserve

Experience an unforgettable safari at Lion Sands, where you can witness the majestic big 5 in their natural and untouched habitat in the Sabi Sands. Lion Sands stands out as the only private sanctuary that extends across both the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and Kruger National Park, connected by the Sabie River. This unique feature allows wildlife to roam freely between the two sides, offering an unparalleled opportunity to witness a remarkable variety of species. All rates at Lion Sands include two daily game drives or bush walks, and upon request, private vehicles and bush walks can be arranged.

In addition to the thrilling safari experiences, Lion Sands offers a range of other activities to indulge in. Immerse yourself in the enchanting night sky with stargazing sessions, or pamper yourself with a selection of spa treatments. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, helicopter flights and hot air balloon rides can also be organized. Nature seamlessly blends with luxury at Lion Sands, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the river. This private game reserve boasts four luxurious safari lodges situated in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and Kruger National Park. Located on the edge of the perennial Sabie River, Lion Sands provides exclusive access to a rich and diverse array of wildlife. Among the lodges, River Lodge stands as the heart and soul of the Lion Sands area.

The design of Lion Sands River Lodge is characterized by its open and spacious layout, providing guests with the perfect opportunity to unwind in one of Africa’s most renowned game areas. Embark on thrilling safari adventures during morning and afternoon game drives, expertly guided by experienced professionals. Take a refreshing dip in the pool, gather around the open firepit to share captivating stories, and marvel at the wildlife from the comfort of your private wooden viewing deck. At Lion Sands, your safari dreams will come true, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

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Dulini Lodge

Dulini provides a captivating and intimate safari experience in Kruger. Nestled in the heart of the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, one of the most exceptional locations in Kruger National Park, Dulini is a haven for honeymooners. The lodge boasts six exquisitely adorned suites, offering ample living space for guests. Find solace beneath the ancient jackalberry tree, a perfect vantage point for bird enthusiasts. Noteworthy features include private game-viewing decks with heated plunge pools, a fully equipped gym, delectable cuisine, a temperature-controlled wine cellar, and a secluded location within a private concession.

Situated at the core of the magnificent Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, Dulini epitomizes an intimate and enchanting safari experience in Kruger. A paradise for honeymooners, this intimate lodge comprises six lavishly decorated suites, providing generous living areas. Unwind beneath the shade of the lodge’s ancient jackalberry tree, indulging in the pleasure of bird watching. Dulini Moya offers guests a serene and unpretentious retreat in the heart of the African wilderness. The Dulini Game Reserve is renowned for its thriving leopard population, majestic prides of lions, wild dogs, cheetahs, rhinos, elephants, and herds of buffalo. Embark on exhilarating dawn and dusk game drives in specially equipped 4×4 safari vehicles to explore the surrounding untamed landscapes, and be prepared to be captivated by the remarkable photographic opportunities. Additionally, guided bush walks are available for those seeking a closer encounter with the flora, fauna, and hidden wonders of the bush that may be missed during game drives.

While children aged eight and above are welcome at Dulini Moya, younger children are also permitted if the lodge is booked exclusively. The destination boasts six suites, each featuring an en-suite bathroom, indoor and outdoor showers, a lounge area with a cozy fireplace, a viewing deck, and a refreshing plunge pool.

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Ulusaba Cliff Lodge

Perched atop a rugged cliff, this exquisite Kruger safari lodge offers unparalleled vistas of the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve. It is an idyllic haven for families or a close-knit group of friends seeking an exclusive and secluded safari experience. The suites, spread across different levels and interconnected by stairs, ensure that the breathtaking views are accessible at all times. Indulge in ultimate relaxation with rejuvenating spa treatments at the renowned Aroma Boma.

Key features include:

• A personal chef and a private safari vehicle
• Guided walking safaris
• Unrivaled views of Sabi
• Twice-daily game drives
• An exclusive Kruger safari retreat with only two suites

This magnificent Kruger safari lodge perches atop a rocky outcrop, providing an intimate getaway for two families or a group of friends seeking a private safari vacation in Kruger National Park. The suites are strategically positioned on different levels, connected by stairs, offering awe-inspiring views of the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve. Pamper yourself with a range of revitalizing spa treatments at the renowned Aroma Boma. Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, owned by Sir Richard Branson, is home to a collection of exquisite lodges. Nestled beneath ancient trees on the edge of a dry riverbed in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, you’ll find the prestigious Ulusaba Safari Lodge. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, the lodge exudes a warm ambiance, capturing the essence of the bush and providing elegant accommodations.

The lodge facilities include a lounge area, dining area, swimming pool, two tennis courts, a bush observatory, gym, outdoor boma, spa treatment room, gift shop, and wine cellar. With internationally renowned chefs creating an Africa-inspired menu, guests can anticipate exceptional dining experiences in the boma, on the deck, in the dining area, or even under the African sky. Immerse yourself in the wonders of the African wilderness with twice-daily open-vehicle guided game drives, unforgettable bush walks, scenic helicopter flights, and visits to local villages.

• Families with children over 12 years

SUGGESTED READ:  Ten Best Places To See Gorillas in Africa

Singita Sweni Lodge

Nestled amidst the lush canopy of the Sweni River lies Singita Sweni Lodge, the enchanting sibling of Singita Lebombo. While Singita Lebombo boasts expansive vistas, Singita Sweni exudes an intimate charm. Its seven open-plan suites, perched on stilts, seamlessly blend into the surrounding trees. The lavish decor, adorned with vibrant hues that beautifully complement natural elements, creates an opulent ambiance.

Drawing inspiration from the dwellings of local wildlife, the architecture of Sweni Lodge effortlessly melds with the banks of the Sweni river. The riverside suites, elevated on stilts, feature floor-to-ceiling glass windows that blur the boundaries between your accommodation and the captivating Kruger landscape. Indulge in the exquisite flavors of rare South African wines, refine your archery skills, pamper yourself with rejuvenating spa treatments, or embark on a culinary adventure at the renowned Singita Community Culinary School.

Notable highlights of this extraordinary sanctuary include private terraces adorned with day beds, elevated suites boasting floor-to-ceiling glass panels, exquisite dining experiences paired with boutique wine tastings, and a breathtaking riverside location within a private concession. As one of the most intimate Kruger safari lodges, Singita Sweni Lodge accommodates a mere 12 guests, ensuring an exclusive and personalized experience.

With its architecture inspired by the abodes of local animals, Sweni Lodge harmoniously blends into the verdant banks of the Sweni River. The awe-inspiring riverside suites, elevated on stilts, feature floor-to-ceiling glass that accentuates a seamless fusion between the interiors and the captivating Kruger landscape. Immerse yourself in the art of archery, indulge in luxurious spa treatments, savor the rarest South African wines, or embark on a gourmet safari experience at the renowned Singita Community Culinary School. Situated in a remote wilderness area renowned for its majestic lion prides, Singita Sweni Lodge nestles along the meandering Sweni River. The lodge’s dark wood structures and shades of green effortlessly blend with the natural surroundings.

Six luxurious suites, adorned with full-length glass walls, offer breathtaking views of the riverine forest. Each suite boasts an en-suite bathroom with an outdoor shower, a comfortable living area, and an elevated viewing deck complete with a daybed.

The lodge’s facilities include a dining area, bar, swimming pool, wine cellar, laundry service, and an open-sided lounge with a cozy fireplace. Guests can expect the ultimate safari experience, with a plethora of wildlife, including the renowned Big Five, and over 500 species of birds. Activities offered include twice-daily open-vehicle game drives led by expert trackers, guided walking safaris, and stargazing.

• Foodies /Gourmets
• Discerning travellers

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Singita Boulders

Nestled within a private concession spanning 130km2/50mi2, Singita Lebombo Lodge perches high on a cliff, providing a breathtaking view of Kruger. While exuding a contemporary elegance, the suites with their glass walls seamlessly blend into the natural surroundings. Wine enthusiasts will be delighted by Singita’s extensive cellar, which boasts a premium selection of wines that can be enjoyed during personalized wine tastings and meals.

Situated in the serene Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, Singita Boulders Lodge has been meticulously designed to maximize its tranquil setting. It stands as one of the most exceptional 5-star lodges in the Kruger, offering impeccable service, extraordinary culinary experiences, and consistently remarkable Big 5 game viewing. For an exclusive and luxurious safari adventure in Kruger National Park, Singita Boulders is an unparalleled choice.

Notable highlights of this lodge include the opportunity for up-close encounters with the Big 5, indulgent spa treatments, an unmatched reputation for leopard sightings, an exceptional wine cellar, and the breathtaking views provided by the front-facing glass walls.

With a sensitive design that enhances its peaceful ambiance within the pristine Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, Boulders Lodge stands as one of the premier 5-star lodges in Kruger. It promises a safari experience in Kruger National Park that is unparalleled in luxury and exclusivity. The service is attentive and discreet, the culinary experiences are beyond compare, and the sightings of the Big 5 are among the most dependable in all of Africa.

EXTENDED READ:  20 Best Private Game Reserves In South Africa

Balule Nature Reserve

Balule Nature Reserve, situated in South Africa’s North West Province, is a vast protected area that shares open borders with Kruger National Park. In an effort to provide ample space for animals and prevent overgrazing, numerous farmers in the 1990s dismantled their fences, transforming Balule into the premier private game reserve in the country. Nestled in the captivating Waterberg region, this conservation area is renowned for its abundant and diverse wildlife, encompassing a myriad of animals, birds, reptiles, and insects. Within its borders, one can encounter the highly endangered African wild dog, African leopard, rhinoceros, South African cheetah, lion, and of course, the majestic African elephant, which serves as a popular attraction for tourists. Moreover, Balule Nature Reserve boasts awe-inspiring natural landscapes, characterized by towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, meandering rivers, and a vibrant array of fauna. However, the most captivating feature of this enchanting sanctuary is the picturesque Olifants Elephant River, where during the dry season, large herds of elephants and buffalo gather, creating a truly mesmerizing spectacle.

Best Suited For – Everyone 

Q1: What are some of the best safari lodges in Kruger National Park?

Some of the best safari lodges in Kruger National Park include Singita Lebombo Lodge, Lion Sands Ivory Lodge, and Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge.

Q2: What makes these safari lodges stand out among others in Kruger National Park?

These safari lodges stand out due to their exceptional luxury accommodations, stunning locations within the park, exclusive wildlife viewing opportunities, and top-notch service and amenities. They offer a unique and unforgettable safari experience for visitors.

Q3.Which safari lodge in Kruger National Park is renowned for its eco-friendly practices?

Singita Sweni Lodge is recognized for its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices, making it a top choice for environmentally conscious travelers.

Q4. What distinguishes Lion Sands Ivory Lodge from other lodges in terms of accommodation?

Lion Sands Ivory Lodge is known for its ultra-luxurious treehouse-style villas, offering guests a unique and intimate experience with the African wilderness.

Q5. Which Kruger National Park lodge is celebrated for its wildlife photography opportunities?

Londolozi Private Game Reserve, with lodges like Londolozi Founders Camp, is renowned for its exceptional wildlife photography opportunities, attracting enthusiasts from around the world.

Q6. What types of activities can guests enjoy at Ulusaba Private Game Reserve?

Guests at Ulusaba Private Game Reserve can enjoy a range of activities, including game drives, guided walks, and even hot air balloon safaris, providing diverse ways to experience the wildlife.

Q7. How does Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge contribute to a sustainable safari experience?

Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge is committed to sustainability, implementing eco-friendly practices and supporting local communities, making it a choice for travelers seeking responsible tourism.

Q8. Are there budget-friendly safari lodges in Kruger National Park, and if so, which ones are recommended?

Yes, there are budget-friendly options in Kruger National Park such as Satara Rest Camp and Lower Sabie Rest Camp, providing more affordable accommodations while still offering an authentic safari experience.

It’s time for you to take the decision!! Kruger National Park with its rich wildlife is waiting for you!! 

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Kruger National Park Guide For First Timers – Everything You Need To Know

Last Updated April 18, 2023 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Guides » Kruger National Park Guide For First Timers – Everything You Need To Know

If it’s your first time at Kruger National Park, you will undoubtedly be a little overwhelmed with all the choices and decisions you have to make.  Luckily, it’s a lot simpler than you think once you know what to expect.  This guide goes through everything that you need to know when it comes to planning your first safari adventure in South Africa known to be one of the best places in the world to see the “Big Five” – Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhino.

Read more about South Africa

• How to Plan a Safari in South Africa
• 13 of the must-see things in Africa
• Shark cage diving in Gaansbai near Cape Town
• What to pack for a beach and bush vacation to South Africa and Seychelles
• What it’s really like to safari in South Africa

Where to book hotels?

• For our trip, we primarily used Booking.com  because with their Genius tier, we could often save 10-15% off stays.
• South Africa also has the Protea brand under Marriott so for those that are Bonvoy members, it’s a great way to spend your points because they are mostly low category.

In This Article

My recommendations for where to stay in Kruger

South african national parks booking system, how to have better chances to spot wildlife, game drives, lr2w riverside bungalow, bd2 bungalow, power outlets, about kruger national park .

Kruger National Park is easily one of the world’s greatest game parks.  It’s known for its professional management of wildlife, nature conservation, and safeguarding of African cultural heritage.  It’s developed significantly since it was officially opened as a park in 1927 but the history goes far before that.

There’s evidence that prehistoric man roamed the region and that leading into the Stone Age and Iron Age where there are actually a number of archeological sites and cultural artifacts discovered on that same land.

In 1898, The Sabie Game Reserve was established with the thanks of Paul Kruger who wanted a way to preserve the wildlife in the region which was dwindling in population because of excessive hunting.  In 1902, the first warden was appointed and his name was James Stevenson-Hamilton with nickname “Skukuza” which means “he who sweeps clean” because of the work he did to eliminate poaching in the area.  Finally, in 1926, the Parliament passed the National Parks Act and various game reserves were merged to create Kruger National Park before opening in 1927 to the public.

Table of Contents

Deciding where to stay in Kruger 

This can be an incredibly complicated answer but if we’re taking this from the perspective of 1) This is your first time in Kruger and 2) You have limited amounts of time, your choices are going to start narrowing down to where it becomes much more manageable.

Kruger is massive.  Take a look at this map and you quickly realize that there’s no way you can even see 10% of the park in one trip. It’s so huge that it borders Zimbabwe in the north and and is right along the western border of Mozambique.

In a nutshell, Kruger is comprised of several main gates.  You’ll see those marked in green and these are the entrances where you can .  Then you have the rest camps which have a varying mix of facilities such as restaurants, cafes, gas stations, and accommodations.  These camps are gated and will naturally be your base of operations.

The question I asked was “where do first timer’s go?”  You’ll notice the large cluster of gates and camps in the south and that’s not an accident.  It’s the easiest to get to and more popular because this area is known to have a higher concentration of wildlife because the southern park has higher rainfall.  I’m not going to guarantee it but you will most likely be exploring Kruger from Orpen Gate and below.

A big part of it was logistics because I knew that I wanted to do a private reserve and self-drive in Kruger.  For me it was about how could I combine my loop without going really out of the way and also what were the availabilities of the camps in Kruger and Elephant Plains.

The truth is, you really can’t go wrong no matter where you go.  If you’re going to be focusing on the south, as you most likely will, the wildlife that you’re able to see will be very similar.  Ultimately, it’s really luck that you need on your side and good eyes.

It’s hard to understand which rest camp to pick without actually being there but if I can simplify things for you, here are questions you want to ask yourself and points to consider:

• Where you stay in Kruger will determine the roads that you explore and you won’t go as far as you think you will so in a way you want to pick carefully.
• Each rest camp differs quite drastically with the number of services they offer (i.e. restaurants, cafes, gas station), types of accommodations, size, and in general how modern they’re developed
• Focusing on accommodation, the bungalows were very different in style so if you have specific needs such as an indoor kitchen vs outdoor kitchen, availability of BBQ, and overall size, you’ll need to do your research
• Camps offer different activities so this could sway your decision
• Which gate you plan on entering in from will likely determine where you start or perhaps it’s the other way around.  For instance, Berg-en-Dal and Crocodile Bridge rest camps are the main ones to south but if you’re planning to enter through the west you’re likely looking at Pretoriuskop or Skukuza.

It might be easiest if I go through my decision making process and hopefully yours is relatable.

Trip parameters

• Only have 3 nights to work with so off the top I knew that at a maximum I really only wanted to try two rest camps.
• We would be finishing with the Panorama Route before heading into Kruger so this put is closer to Paul Kruger gate.  It did not make sense for us to start in the most southern part of the park.
• We weren’t exactly looking for an extremely rugged bushveld experience but if one was available, I would consider it
• Bungalows that had their own private bathrooms were key given that this was our honeymoon and there was no way we could do camping.

Picking our rest camp

• From everything I read, Skukuza is the biggest rest camp with the most amenities.  Now we didn’t care for the golf course that’s there but we knew there was the biggest park shop for supplies and several options for meals whether it be quick lunches or proper sit-down meals.  It also didn’t hurt they have a great view of Sabie River that runs in front of it.
• Skukuza just made sense as a place to start because it seemed like a really comfortable place to get acclimated to how Kruger works and the game sightings in the area looked quite appealing as well
• Not wanting to move right away, we decided to start with 2 nights here
• With 1 night left, I started looking at bushveld camps with their cottages and safari tents but availability was looking slim
• Satara was in the mix but it was quite the long drive north when moving camps and it would also take a long time to exit the park on our last day
• Ultimately Lower Sabie just seemed to keep things simpler and I liked the set up of the camp with really good views of Sabie River

What if we started with Kruger straight from Johannesburg?

This is a valid point because our driving routes would’ve been different.  If this was the case, I probably would’ve picked Berg-en Dal or Crocodile Bridge camps to start since it would’ve made more sense to enter the park from the south.

Using the SAN Parks booking system

The South African National Parks (SAN Parks for short) surprised me by having a pretty in depth booking system online.  The good news for everyone is that you can book your entire Kruger National Park experience online.

Thankfully the system is relatively easy to navigate and makes sure you don’t do anything stupid.  It’s smart enough to know that you can’t book an activity unless you already have an accommodation booking in the camp and the data is real time.  It tells you exactly how many spots are left.

There’s a but of course.  As nice as it was to have this online system, it’s not the most user friendly especially if you’ve never been to Kruger.  Here’s what you can expect.

Too many options

While I now understand what’s going here, if you’re looking at this for the first time, you’re probably wondering what the difference is between Sunrise Drive V1, V2, and V3 and likewise for the Night Drive and Sunset Drive.  The codes just add to the confusion.

For the activities, these are just all the same thing but they’ve got 3 safari trucks available because they know there are a lot of people wanting to do these trips.

What are these accommodations actually like?

This is the most frustrating part.  The booking system does a terrible job at showing you what the accommodations look like.  You need to do your research outside of the website to figure out what each of the bungalows are like.  When you hover over each one, all you get is a tiny thumbnail and basic description that it really doesn’t help at all.

Like the activities, you’re also overloaded with too many choices as they list out every single combination and permutation and their individual codes.

I got so fed up that I just randomly picked one.

Other things you need to know

• A 1% community fund is added to all transactions
• Daily conservation fee is quite substantial so expect that to be added to your total.  At the time of writing, this was R328 for adults and R164 per day.  You have the option to pay this online with your booking or in-person.  It’s probably easier to just take care of it all in one go online.
• Double check before you book because the cancellation fees are quite harsh
• Full payment is required via credit card
• Check-out time is 10AM and check-in time is 2PM
• Email confirmations will be sent out after every change
• An email package containing a set of PDFs will be sent as well which includes an indemnity form.  You can have it filled out ahead of time or just fill one out when you sign-in
• No liquor is allowed to be brought into the park

Travel Tips – Unless you’re really not sure what your schedule is going to be like, I’d try to book as much as you can ahead of time because things sell out quickly.  You also don’t want to have to be worrying about this stuff and going to the reservation office while you’re there.

How self-drive safari works 

Remember those choose-your-own-adventure books where you were making decisions about where your character should go or what they should do next?  The self-drive safari in Kruger National Park is kind of like that.  There are a bunch of different roads to choose from and every day you pick where you want to go.  Some roads will have nothing to see and others will yield some incredible sightings.  You just never know!

I recommend picking up a Kruger National Park guide book that they sell in all of the gift shops.  They come with detailed maps that mark all the tarred (paved) and dirt roads.

For more details about how we ended up planning our safari through Kruger, make sure to head over to the guide for the Best Way to Safari in South Africa in Kruger National Park and Private Game Reserve

The key to success here is to wake up early and be ready to drive out of the gate right when it opens.  This is when a lot of animals are still quite active as the temperatures are also much cooler.  November – January, the gate opens as early as 4:30AM so plan to be out until 10 to 11AM.

While the sun is on full blast in the afternoon, the temperatures rise so high that all the animals duck for shade and so your chances of seeing anything are pretty small.  We did it on one occasion and we mostly just saw elephants hiding under trees.  The afternoon is a great time to grab lunch and rest at camp.

Plan to head back out by 3-4PM again as the sun starts to lower.  Animals start coming back out again and so maximize what time you have left until your gate closes.  This could be as late as 6:30PM.  Once the gates close, you’re not able to head back out.

Travel Tips – Waterholes can sometimes be a goldmine for sightings because animals small and large head there to hydrate or hunt their prey.  It’s always worth swinging around there.  Some may be empty but some may surprise you.

Travel Tips – Download the Latest Sightings app ( iOS / Android ) which is crowdsourced by people that are in the park.  The app can be a bit clunky but it’s neat to see it all come in live.  Of course, every time I opened the app and saw big sightings, we were never close to the area so it’s hit or miss.

Activities available at each rest camp 

Each rest camp offers their own set of activities for guests and you’ll want to take advantage of them while you’re there.  Keep in mind though that you can only book these activities if you’re actually staying in the rest camp that’s offering them.

The one activity I do recommend that you do is the morning or afternoon walk .  It’s one of the few ways you can actually walk in the park.  It’s fully guided with two armed rangers and kept in small groups of 8 or less.  Sure, you probably won’t see any big animals (you really don’t want to encounter any) but it was an incredibly way to see the landscape up close, immerse yourself with the African bush, and learn quite a bit from the commentary from the rangers.

I was a little disappointed with the sunset drive and night drive that we did however I think a lot of that has to do with us having come from a private reserve.  If you’re only doing Kruger National Park, I still think the drives are a great way to see animals because they can communicate with other park drivers and lock in on sightings.  The night drive is hit or miss but in our case we got to see two lions hanging out on the road so that was pretty amazing.

Why were we disappointed?  It starts with the boarding of the buses.  They’re of coursed fully booked and you quickly learn that it’s a free for all and “fend for yourself” kind of system.  When the ranger comes out, everyone rushes in and tries to get checked-in as soon as you can.  Everyone knows that having a good seat matters on these drives.  It was way too stressful .

The commentary wasn’t particularly riveting and if you sat near the back, you could barely hear anything.  It also didn’t feel like the spotter was working particularly hard to spot wildlife but perhaps we just weren’t as lucky.

You also have to remember that this is a big truck and so what that means is that somebody’s going to have either a head obstructing your view or a tree.  The driver tries their best to change the angles of the truck and move backwards of forwards to give everyone an equal chance but I felt like it was always biased towards the front.

Lastly, the night drives depend on passengers to shine the flood light.  This puts too much reliance on the passenger to know what to do.  On the one drive we were on, the person manning the light was either passing out or didn’t care to shine it at the right angle the driver wanted.  It was frustrating to say the least.

It should also be noted that there are some interesting multi-day activities as well that include Olifants River Back-pack Trail, Wolhuter Wilderness Trail, Bushman Wilderness Trail, and more.

Travel Tips –  The best seats are the ones near the entrance steps into the truck.  I like this spot mainly because you don’t have a row of heads in front of you to potentially obstruct your view and if you need to move out to the entrance steps, you can get there quickly.  The worst seats is the back row where you’re sandwiched in and very hard to get a good view.

Review of Skukuza

You can say that the Skukuza rest camp is the capital of Kruger National Park.  It’s the largest camp and has the most complete collection of facilities.  As a result I found that this was the most beginner-friendly of all the camps.  While the grounds are large, the layout is easy to navigate and everything you need, they have.

Another reason why it’s so popular is because of all the wildlife that can be spotted in the area.  It’s in the heart of Big 5 territory so your chances of seeing something exciting are quite high once you exit the gates.

Key Features

• Wide variety of accommodation types
• 9 hope golf course
• Amazing riverside walks and wilderness hikes
• High chances of spotting the Big 5 here

Once you enter the camp, you’ll find all the administrative offices to the left that reminded me of a city hall.  It’s in these collection of buildings where you check-in, make bookings and also where you’ll find the post office and bank.  Conveniently located at the entrance is also the gas station.

Drive further and you’ll find a large parking lot to gain access to the main cluster of facilities that include the shop, restaurants, and cafeteria.

From there Skukuza extends to the left and right with additional facilities such as the auditorium/conference centre and all of the accommodations and campsites.

This is the one of the few camps that have free wifi .  It’s located at the back of Cattle Baron towards the river where you’ll find a mini internet cafe and lounge chairs.

A nice feature to the the rest camp is that you have an unfenced view of the river.  You’re freely able to walk along the pathway that runs left to right of camp.  It’s a great place to grab a seat on one of the many benches to read a book and catch wildlife passing through on the other side.

The gift shop is the largest and most thorough of the two rest camps we visited.  Not only does the shop have all the customary souvenirs, you’ll also find a mini supermarket here for those looking for on-the-go-food or supplies for cooking.   There’s a small pharmacy of basic meds if you’re looking for that.  Lastly, all the camping supplies you might need can also be found here so you’re covered if you’ve forgotten anything.

Travel Tips –  You can purchase Vodacom top up vouchers at the gift shop.  Just ask the cashier and they’ll be able to print them for you.

Restaurants

A big bonus for Skukuza is the fact that they have so many food options.

The main restaurant is Cattle Baron.  Think of this as a proper sit-down restaurant serving dishes like steak, fish, and pasta.  This is also the restaurant that has the buffet breakfast every morning.

Also run by the restaurant is more of a cafeteria-style restaurant where you get in line to order fast-food items such as sandwiches and salads.  You wait by the restaurant and when it’s ready they’ll call your number.

By the river is a platform above the river that’s an extension of Cattle Baron but mainly for casual drinks and meals as well.

Skukuza is unique in that it has its own 9-hole golf course.  You can also book a number of activities that are run every day including:

• Morning/afternoon bush walks
• Sunrise or sunset safari drives
• Night drive

Accommodation types

In Skukuza you’ll find camp sites, 21 furnished safari tents, bungalows, cottages and 4 guesthouses.

Here are the notable facilities at Skukuza rest camp:

• Post Office
• Public Telephone
• Car Rentals
• Gas Station
• Restaurants + Cafeteria
• Auditorium and Conference Facilities
• Internet Café
• Communal bathrooms/showers
• 2 swimming pools in camp (for overnight residents only)
• Shop (gifts, groceries, camping supplies)
• Communal Kitchens
• Basic First Aid Assistance
• Cellphone reception

There are quite a number of variations of bungalows, each with their own designation code in the booking system.  The particular one that we had was the LR2W Riverside Bungalow and it really is just the standard bungalow except it faces the Sabie River so there’s a small increase in nightly rate.

The Skukuza bungalows are in the rondavel style which means they are circular huts outfitted with an outdoor kitchen, two single beds and private bathroom.  Without going for the larger cottages and guest houses that are meant to house more people, the bungalows are your best balance for price, comfort, and size.

Each bungalow has a parking spot next to it so you’re guaranteed a place for your car.

The bungalows themselves do show some age so don’t expect them to blow your expectations in any way.  There isn’t an incredible amount of space but for two people it’s just enough and seeing as you’ll only be in the bungalow to nap or sleep, you really don’t need too much.

Inside the bungalow you’ll also also find air condition and an old school TV hanging on the wall but it’s unlikely that you’ll be using it.

The outdoor kitchen is unique in that there’s a full-sized fridge, stove, and pots and pans but all the cabinets are locked up and the fridge has its own metal cage around it.  For those staying in Kruger a long time, it makes sense to use the kitchen but for anyone focusing on safari in Kruger for a few days, you’ll likely won’t get too much use out of the kitchen.

I would equate the bungalows at Skukuza to a small motel so go in with that expectation in mind.  The rondavel style architecture is unique to the locale and has everything you need for a comfortable night’s sleep.

Review of Lower Sabie

Lower Sabie is really a miniature version of Skukuza with a great vantage point over the Sabie River and high chance of animal sightings.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Drives in a lot of animals throughout the year
• Family oriented camp
• Attracts many varieties of bird species

From the parking lot, there’s essentially a long walkway that takes you down to the restaurant and viewing platform above the banks of the Sabie River.  Along the way is the main reception building for check-in, post box, and gift shop.

Near the entrance is also a gas station.

One thing you’ll notice that stands out with Lower Sabie are the large green spaces that is set up amongst the accommodations and the main facilities.  These green lawns also feature giant sycamore fig trees which is why it attracts so many birds.  You also get a nice view of the river including the other side but there is a fence in place which obstructs your view so in that way, the boardwalk of the rest camp is not as nice as Skukuza.

The gift shop at Lower Sabie is a fraction of the size what is at Skukuza so as you’d expect there’s slightly less selection.

The restaurant/cafeteria/cafe is operated by Mugg & Bean which is a popular chained cafe in South Africa.  This is more full-service than most but it gives visitors an option of grabbing a coffee or quick sandwich to go or sit down and have a proper meal.

The food they serve is equivalent to something like a Denny’s or Applebees but the pricing is quite reasonable.

The best part about the restaurant is the viewing deck.  It can get windy there at night but during the day, there’s an opportunity to see a ton of action on the river and on the banks of the other side.

On our last day, we saw numerous hippos wading in the water and a male lion passing through as if to say goodbye to us.

Lower Sabie offers a number of activities but note that typically there is only one truck for each activity type which is different from Skukuza which typically runs 3 trucks per activity.

At Lower Sabie, you’ll find luxurious guesthouses, family cottages, huts, bungalows, safari tents (including semi-luxury 2-bedded tents) and campsites.

Here are the notable facilities at Lower Sabie rest camp:

• Public Telephones
• Clinic and Basic First Aid Assistance
• Restaurant/Cafeteria/Cafe
• Swimming Pool
• Emergency Road Service
• Petrol/ Gas Station
• Cellphone Reception
• Communal Kitchens & Ablutions
• Limited DSTV only available in Guest Houses
• Separate Day Visitors Picnic Area and swimming pool on perimeter of camp

I was looking for an accommodation in a similar class to the LR2W Bungalow at Skukuza and it looked like the Bungalow was the way to go once again.

While the accommodation essentially got us the same type of amenities such as our own private parking spot, kitchen, private bathroom, two single beds, and TV, the architecture and layout of this bungalow was completely different.  As if built in a totally different time, this was not in the rondavel style and instead in a more modern cottage floorplan.

You enter in through the front screen door and you’re immediately in the kitchen (yes this one’s actually indoors). You then go through another door and this is the bedroom.  Go through another door at the back and you’re in the bathroom with separate subdivided sections for shower, toilet, and sink.

Overall, I’d say the bungalows in Lower Sabie is more spacious and modern.  It was definitely a nice bonus that the kitchen was inside as it did feel a little awkward to have to keep going in and out to access things.  That’s why we were more comfortable with buying a few Savanah Dry’s at the gift shop to drink in our bungalow.

The bungalows also have their own circular BBQ charcoal grill if you so choose to use.

Everything Else

There are few things that I wanted to cover that didn’t make sense in any of the other sections so let’s dive right in.

Check Out Process

This is super easy.  Check out times at all camps is 10AM.  When you’re all packed up and good to go, you don’t need to go to the registration office.  Simply drop the keys in the box as you exit the gate and that’s it!

In each of the bungalows that we had, there were just enough outlets to work with to charge our gear either throughout the day or in the evening.  Skukuza’s bungalows were a bit smaller and so they actually had a power bar for the TV.  I unplugged all the things that were connected to it and used it to plug in all of my devices instead.

You’ll also be surprised to hear that there are some outlets on the large safari trucks at Kruger.

Do you have any questions that I haven’t touched on here?  Make sure to drop a comment down below and I’ll make sure to get back to you right away.

What you should read next

• How to Plan a Safari in South Africa – Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands
• South Africa Travel Tips Guide – Read This Before You Go
• What It’s Really Like To Safari In South Africa
• Planning A Honeymoon to South Africa and Seychelles
• Le Meridien Bora Bora Overwater Bungalow and Resort Review

About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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I went on a budget and a luxury safari in Africa. Here's how they compare — and the one thing you really need to look for when booking.

Posted: March 14, 2024 | Last updated: March 14, 2024

• I have been on two glamping safari trips in Africa on two very different budgets.
• My all-inclusive stay was great but my cheaper glamping experience was fine, too. 
• Private game reserves are actually the most important thing to splurge on, not accommodations. 

I've been on two African safari trips . Both involved glamping but on completely different budgets.

My first more affordable trip, a lodge in South Africa with separate safari excursions, cost me about $1,100. My second, an all-inclusive lodge in Tanzania, cost me about $4,000 after a 50% off deal.

Here's how the two compare and what I think you should look for before you plan an African safari .

My affordable safari experience was at Jackalberry Ridge, where some tents cost $80 a night.

The first time I went on a safari, I went to Kruger National Park in South Africa. I didn't book a tour package, instead opting to stay at affordable lodging and book safari day trips to the park.

I stayed five nights near Kruger and one night in Johannesburg before my flight home. I spent around $1,100 for lodging, safari tours, a rental car, and food (not including flights).

After landing in Johannesburg, I rented a car ($130 for five days) to drive to my lodging in Marloth Park, a town bordering the edge of Kruger National Park.

I was staying at Jackalberry Ridge , a self-catering accommodation with no on-site restaurant, no room service, and limited housekeeping.

The one-bedroom tents at Jackalberry Ridge go for as low as $80 a night, and two-bedroom tents go for $135.

When I checked in late, there was no one at the reception desk — just an envelope with my name on it containing my keys and a map.

My main tent felt pretty spacious, with a king bed and a living-room area.

I had booked a two-bedroom unit (two tents), but my friend couldn't come at the last minute. Since I couldn't change the reservation, I still stayed in the two-bedroom unit and my friend paid her share.

The campsite came with a small pool to dip in, but it was covered as the weather was pretty cold.

Each unit had a private bathroom and kitchen in a building separate from the tents, so I needed to leave my tent to use the bathroom at night.

The bathroom was standard, with a tub, shower, and toilet.

This is glamping, so I had access to running water and a flushing toilet. I had hot water, but I found it went from scalding hot to cold in a few seconds.

I ended up taking quick showers and just washing my hair with cold water, which wasn't ideal since it was a little chilly in the morning.

It's also worth noting that Jackalberry Ridge was renovated recently, so the issue I had with hot water may have been fixed now.

I also had access to a kitchen in the same building as the bathroom.

The kitchen was well-equipped with things like pots, a microwave, and a sink, so I could cook meals or heat up leftovers.

I signed up for a couple of day safaris and did one at night.

Although I had a rental car and could've done a self-drive safari around Kruger, I didn't trust myself to spot animals while focusing on the roads.

Instead, I signed up for a couple of day safaris and one night safari. The safari tour prices often don't include the park entrance fee (about $25 per person per day), which I paid when I got to the entrance.

My three safari trips and park fees came to around $280.

I got to see zebras, giraffes, and more.

I saw a lot on the safari, including zebras, impalas, kudus, and giraffes. I saw lions and a leopard, although only from afar with binoculars. I even got a glimpse of the elusive rhinoceros.

I also spent one day taking another popular day trip in the area, the Panorama Route. This scenic road goes past Lisbon Falls and the beautiful Blyde River Canyon. The guided tour was $110.

As far as my very first safari trip goes, it was great. I got to see the Big Five , even though some of them were pretty far away.

For my next safari trip, I leveled up.

I saw a Travelzoo deal for an all-inclusive safari at Taasa Lodge , a five-star luxury safari in Tanzania.

The deal was $6,000 for two people for a whole week — the lodge is usually $12,950 for two for seven nights. It was still a splurge, but I'd be saving more than 50% on a bucket-list experience.

The package came with seven nights of lodging, two safari activities a day, three daily meals, and drinks.

Still, we spent more than the original advertised price. There are obligatory "daily government park fees" and "daily concession fees" that added about $893 per person to our bill.

We also had to take a regional flight to get to Taasa, which was more expensive than my rental car in South Africa.

To redeem the Travelzoo deal, we had to complete our booking through a specific travel agency.

We ended up opting for an all-inclusive add-on package which includes the $893 fees above, domestic airfares from Arusha to Taasa (which would already cost around $600), and our agency arranging our Tanzanian tourist visa and airport transfers. The add-on also included extra activities at the resort (more on that later).

Overall, we paid $1,715 per person on top of the $3,000 each for the lodge stay.

I hadn't anticipated paying so many extras, but it was nice to have someone take care of the logistics of getting to the resort.

My tent was luxurious and equipped with a comfortable king bed and a large living room.

When I arrived at the lodge, the staff greeted me with a glass of juice and a wet towel to refresh myself.

My tent was quite spacious. I especially liked that it had a desk and plenty of outlets I could use to charge my electronics. Our bathroom was behind our bed, and I was glad it was inside the tent this time.

We also got a butler who kept track of our schedules and made sure we had what we needed.

The bathroom felt spacious, with two sinks and a shower.

The shower's hot water was great and we had double sinks we could get ready at.

Another perk of the lodge is that we could have staff do our laundry every day, which meant we could pack less clothing.

There's a main lodge with a communal living room, dining area, and bar.

We got breakfast at the buffet in the main lodge unless we were going on a morning safari.

Most people ate dinner in the dining room, but we could've requested to have food brought to our tent.

We also passed a small pool next to the main lodge.

The pool was on the small side, but certainly had great views.

I didn't end up using it as my afternoons were filled with safari, and the mornings and evenings were chilly.

On the mornings with an early safari, we had a simple breakfast next to our Land Cruiser.

Safari breakfasts consisted of hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, doughnuts, bacon and sausage, fruits, and orange juice. Staff also made French-press coffee, which we could spike with cream liqueur.

Our Land Cruiser had a cooler of beers and sodas in the back, too.

At the private game reserve, we got pretty close to wildlife.

Taasa is located inside a private game reserve, which means staff can pretty much drive anywhere within it. This was a huge leg up from my day trips in Kruger National Park on my last safari.

Inside national parks like Kruger or Serengeti, you're only allowed to drive on designated roads for safety reasons (both for the tourists and the animals).

But in a private reserve, guides can drive offroad. Plus, the guides communicate with each other when they find something special.

We saw a bunch of animals in the private reserve and Serengeti.

We also left the reserve to spend a couple of days going into Serengeti National Park, as there were things you could only find there instead of within the private reserve.

For example, I'd planned my trip to take place during the Great Migration, and I wanted to see wildebeests crossing the Mara River.

We also went to Serengeti to find rhinoceros and hippopotamus.

Every dinner at the resort consisted of three courses: soup, an entrée, and a dessert.

The main course was usually some type of Western food, and there was always a vegetarian option.

It would've been nice to be offered more typical Tanzanian dishes, though. For me, part of the fun of traveling is learning about different countries' cuisines.

I also had access to an open bar in the main lodge. Staff could make simple cocktails, and there was lots of beer and wine. The drinks were all included with the price of the stay (except for fancy Champagnes and select wines).

One morning, we had a special breakfast on the plains.

On one day of the trip, we had a special bush breakfast. It was one of the extra activities we got with that special add-on package.

Instead of our usual safari breakfast, we had freshly prepared omelets in the wild.

We also got another special treat in the bush that morning — a toilet!

When you're offroading looking for wild animals, you can end up pretty far from a proper toilet.

On most safari days, the car stops (when guides think it's safe), and people go behind the car to do their business.

This was the only time we had this portable toilet while out on a safari. On my budget safari day trips at Kruger, we'd have to wait until we reached a rest-stop facility.

Again, we spent a lot of time watching lions.

After breakfast, we were back in safari mode.

We found a family of lions, and as we were in the private reserve, we were able to stay and watch the cubs play for quite a while.

At Kruger, when lions are spotted, traffic starts backing up on the road as all the safari cruisers stop to look, so you can't stay too long.

Here, we knew no one else would be coming.

On a different morning, our guide got a tip that another car had found a leopard sleeping.

The communication between guides in the private reserve paid off when one spotted a sleeping leopard.

When our group arrived, the leopard was napping on the tree next to his catch. Eventually, it came down, and we got a better look.

Our trip ended with a great happy hour and outdoor dinner.

Other activities that were part of our add-on package included a visit to a Maasai village in Kenya and a special happy hour and barbecue dinner.

And, for our journey home, the travel agency took care of everything, including transfers, until we boarded our international flight.

My big takeaway is that it's really worth paying to be inside a private reserve.

In my opinion, the difference between these two safari trips that's the most worth paying for is being in a private reserve.

After all, the main reason I fly to Africa is for the safari, not the glamping.

I much preferred my lodging at Taasa, mostly because of the bathroom. But if I hadn't had the 50% off deal, I'm not sure the full price would've been worth it.

Still, it was a wonderful experience, and if I had more money, I may feel differently. Even so, the budget glamping was pretty comfortable and just fine for a week.

But again, as far as the safari experience goes, the private reserve is hard to beat. Being able to go offroading and get closer to the animals is quite the experience.

And if luxurious lodges are out of the question, private reserves can also be visited more affordably. Some lodges inside private reserves, like Shindzela or Rhino River Lodge, can cost around $250 per person per night.

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Johannesburgo

Ciudad del cabo, parque kruger.

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Ruta Jardín

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Para obtener una tarifa lo más aproximada posible al precio real, indica la moneda y el país de origen deseados.

2.000.000 hectáreas rebosantes de lujo salvaje , impresionante vida silvestre y zonas de conservación de fauna, la escapada perfecta a una de las legendarias reservas naturales y privadas de toda África. Aproximadamente del mismo tamaño que el conjunto de Israel, un poco más pequeño que Bélgica y básicamente un tercio del tamaño de Irlanda.

Podríamos catalogarlo como enorme y mágico  ¡La Reserva Natural de safari más grande de África!

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Más que conocer, somos el Parque Kruger a su imagen y semejanza , expertos residentes y sabios en cualquier detalle que puedas detectar, cómo llegar, qué ver, qué necesitas, cuál es la mejor época de visita…etc. ¡Y mucho más!

Antes de nada deberías saber: El Parque fue proclamado en 1898 inicialmente como la Reserva de Caza Sabie por Paul Kruger , el entonces presidente; propuso por primera vez la necesidad de proteger a los animales salvajes [¡una idea excepcional!] Pero tardó 12 años en proclamarse cuando el área intermedia de los ríos Sabie y Crocodile fueron reservados para la caza restringida. James Stevenson-Hamilton finalmente fue el primer guardián del bosque y fue proclamado el 1 de Julio de 1902. ¡Un lujo poder colaborar con esta vibrante reserva natural!

La Ley de Parques Nacionales fue proclamada el 31 de Mayo de 1926 y con ella la combinación de las Reservas de Caza Sabie y Shingwedzi, y al fin, nació nuestro pasional Parque Nacional Kruger ¡Bienvenido!

336 especies de árboles, 49 de peces, 34 especies de anfibios, 114 de reptiles. 507 de aves y 147 de mamíferos. Leopardos, Leones, Rinocerontes Negros, Búfalos, Elefantes…Se dice que el Parque Nacional Kruger tiene almacenadas más de 48 toneladas de marfil y hay unos 12.000 elefantes en el hábitat. 

A su vez, está dividido en 6 ecosistemas: Baobab sandveld, Mopane matorral, Lebombo knobthorn-marula bushveld, Mixto acacia matorral, Combretum-silver clusterleaf, Bosque en granito y Bosque ribereño. Los rangers y guías personales, te mostrarán secretos fascinantes de su fauna y flora, algo que probablemente nunca te hayas detenido a observar; ¡la rutina de un simple escarabajo te hará sentir tan fascinante como el majestuoso rugido de un león!

Nuestro Parque Kruger en sí, hace referencia a un parque repleto de naturaleza sin vallados, pero es mucho más grande y salvaje de lo que nunca podrías imaginar . Los más codiciados e icónicos Big Five de África , los avistarás en primer plano, disfrutarás de safaris realmente sensacionales, ¡incluso realizándolos a pie! con elegantes alojamientos galardonados, Alto Standing internacional y guías privados.

Además, acoge unos 254 sitios de patrimonio cultural, incluidos 125 sitios de arte rupestre, existiendo una amplia evidencia de que el Homo erectus (hombre prehistórico) vivió en el área 100.000 años atrás. Los artefactos culturales de entre 100.000 y 30.000 años atrás, son evidencia de que el hombre de la Edad de Piedra también deambuló por estos recónditos lugares. Los bosquimanos y la gente de la Edad de Hierro de hace unos 1.500 años también estuvieron presentes; existen ruinas arqueológicas importantes en Thulamela y Masorini, ¡Hay numerosos ejemplos de San Rock Art en el Parque!  

Seas veterano en safaris o nuevo en este tipo de experiencias, te llevarás un recuerdo de tu viaje, digno por excelencia. 

Con nuestra selección de los más célebres tours por este territorio de incalculable valor natural, vivirás la auténtica emoción de safaris, condensada en la más bella flora y fauna del continente africano; con todo tipo de comodidades, seguridad, aventura y estancias de lujo garantizadas. ¡La Reserva dispone de 21 Campamentos de descanso, 2 concesiones privadas de lodges y 15 oportunidades de estancias privadas en pleno safari!

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Descubre los secretos del mágico turismo en África. Su hospitalidad y gente, sus maravillas naturales, las típicas joyas artesanales y mucho más.

El corazón de · AVENTURA ÁFRICA ·, Ciudad del Cabo te sorprenderá, descubre nuestros mejores hoteles y resorts de lujo.

¿Aún no conocéis los destinos Top del Sur de África, familia? Aventuraros al auténtico templo del safari y descubrid la clave de vuestro viaje.

Elige un paquete de viaje personalizado con las tres joyas del Sur de África, sin duda será un placer… ¿Qué mejor para tu Luna de Miel?

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Averiguad nuestro itinerario ejemplo para parejas exigentes a África, imaginarlo, crearlo y nosotros lo diseñaremos a vuestro gusto y medida.

Adéntrate al detalle en el turismo real del Parque Kruger. ¿Sabías que cerca de la reserva se encuentra el espectacular Blyde River Canyon?

Nueva Ley del Menor 2015. Viajes a Sudáfrica con Menores, Trámites y Documentación, Visados, Vacunas, Pasaportes.

Curiosidades

¡Buenas noticias! Nuestro fantástico Parque Kruger es un destino para todo el año. Aunque atraviesa varios flujos estacionales típicos del Sur de África , cada trasformación brinda su propio conjunto de atracciones. En verano, el sol y la lluvia compiten entre sí, las tormentas eléctricas dan luz a las tardes y nacen lindos animales bebés. En otoño, el color marrón reemplaza al verde a medida que la temporada seca avanza. 

La temporada seca de invierno se considera el mejor momento para ir a Kruger a disfrutar de actividades de exploración al aire libre, los encuentros con la vida silvestre se intensifican por la escasa vegetación: la falta de agua obliga a los animales a congregarse en las cuencas de agua ¡el mejor momento de visita salvaje! Y finalmente, la primavera, donde la sequía aumenta, y comienza el mejor momento para un safari excelente, ¡además las primeras lluvias avanzan a pasos diminutos!.

Mapa de Sudáfrica

Actividades en sudáfrica.

Buceo en jaula con tiburones

Avistamiento de ballenas

Safari de lujo

Museos y galerias de arte

Cata de vino

Alojamientos en sudáfrica.

Mosselberg on Grotto Beach

Grand Dédale

Camp Jabulani

Aventura África, expertos en organizar viajes privados a África, combinamos a la perfección las playas paradisíacas más selectas y los destinos de safari más encantadores del continente, por excelencia.

Compartimos todo lo que es único, cálido y bello de África.

Nuestros viajes son sólo la chispa de tu inspiración, personalizaremos todo lo que desees.

Apasionados por cumplir todo al detalle, nuestros servicios y alojamientos ofrecen experiencias de primera clase.

Lo que dicen nuestros clientes de su experiencia en África

“El mejor viaje de nuestra vida, las palabras quedan cortas para describir lo vivido...”

"Mil gracias por todo vuestro trabajo y enhorabuena de verdad, por hacer que los sueños se hagan realidad..."

Gracias Jorge y Anri por el viaje tan especial que hemos vivido en todos los sentidos. No ha habido ni un solo fallo, ¡todo perfecto! Isabel y Miguel

Viajes Recomendados

El viaje más estiloso a sudáfrica.

Disfruta de la exquisita gastronomía de Sudáfrica, sus premiados vinos y su fauna a través de safaris únicos.

Descubre la mejor oferta de ocio y cultura de Ciudad del Cabo y haz un safari de lujo en el Kruger National Park donde vivirás una experiencia inolvidable.

Safaris en Kruger y playas de Mozambique

Un viaje muy cómodo que combina el Parque Nacional Kruger en Sudáfrica con el paraíso tropical de la Isla de Bazaruto en Mozambique. 

Explora la sabana africana a través de auténticos safaris en todoterrenos, y relájate en las playas vírgenes de arena blanca de Bazaruto.

La forma más auténtica y lujosa de vivir un Safari en África

Otros destinos.

Travel | May 17, 2024

Get a Taste of South Africa Through These 15 Photos of Stunning Wildlife and Vibrant Communities

From desert landscapes to glittering beaches, see what this country has to offer

Text by Tracy Scott Forson

Photographs selected by Jeff Campagna

With nearly 20 national parks across the country, South Africa has more than enough beautiful landscapes and wild fauna to attract naturalists, conservationists and animal lovers. Safari tours are common, and travelers are able to see everything from antelopes to zebras. Add to that the waterfalls, distinct vegetation and scenic oceans, and you have an unforgettable journey to one of the most beautiful countries in the world. See for yourself.

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Tracy Scott Forson | READ MORE

Tracy Scott Forson is a senior editor at Smithsonian magazine.

Jeff Campagna | | READ MORE

Jeff Campagna is a photo editor at Smithsonian magazine. You can follow him on Instagram at @jeffcampagna .

• AFRICA Top10
• BUSINESS & MONEY

Going Guided On Safari – It’s The Best Way 

• May 16, 2024 May 16, 2024
• South Africa , NEWS

There are arguably few better places on the African continent to experience the magnificence of an untamed wilderness as in Kruger National Park. 

Home to the Big 5, diverse ecosystems and an abundance of bird life – among its many treasures – a visit to Kruger National Park is a bucket list destination for both local and international visitors, and rightly so. Covering an expanse of some 20 000 square kilometres, it’s a space best navigated with the assistance of a safari guide. 

Interestingly, Euromonitor International, a leading provider of global business intelligence, market research data and analysis, lists guided tours as one of the fastest growing travel categories in the world. Guided tours are one of the best ways to learn about places and things from experts who are committed to sharing their intimate knowledge of a topic. As such, it’s a fast and cost-effective way to embrace a new experience. 

Exploring Kruger National Park with a knowledgeable safari guide guarantees an enhanced, more intimate experience. “Safari guides are passionate, they’re informed, they understand Kruger and all its glorious nuances, and they have great stories to share that make the tours so much more intimate, interesting and memorable,” says Anton Gillis, Kruger Gate Hotel CEO. 

In fact, Gillis says there are a number of reasons why a guided safari tour in Kruger National Park is a must-do for visitors. 

In on the secrets 

A safari guide is a connection between the visitor and the wonders of the park. They’re there to bring the magnificence of the landscape, the animals, the birds and the flora to life. 

“Most safari guides are very eager to share their knowledge and insights, and enhance the visitor experience in that way. Don’t shy away from asking them questions – the more you ask the more Kruger comes to life,” Gillis shares. 

Interesting questions to ask a safari guide are around the daily routines of the animals, what one is likely to see on a night safari versus a day safari, and in what way seasonal changes impact the movement of the animals. Many safari guides will also have insightful views on topics like conservation and changing weather patterns, and almost all of them have fascinating stories about (close) encounters with the animals. 

The greater good 

The safari industry in South Africa is an important economic enabler that creates employment opportunities for hundreds of people from the local communities surrounding Kruger National Park. As with any economic opportunity, employment in the safari industry has a knock-on effect, supporting not only those directly engaged but also sustaining the livelihoods of their families. 

What’s more, many safari guides are skilled professionals with dynamic skill sets and in-depth knowledge of the bush. 

“A guided safari is about so much more than driving tourists and pointing to the odd giraffe or buck. They understand the park’s ecosystem and the nuances within. They have a wealth of knowledge that ensures that our guests not only witness extraordinary wildlife sightings but also gain insights into the intricate web of life that makes Kruger National Park such a captivating destination,” says Gillis. 

Opting to experience Kruger National Park with a safari guide is a way of showing an appreciation for the passion, experience and expertise of not just an individual guide but indeed an industry of safari guides who, beyond sharing their knowledge of paradise with visitors, also contribute to conservation efforts and research undertakings that are crucial to maintaining the status of Kruger as a world-class wildlife destination. 

Elvis Gazide is one of Kruger Gate Hotel’s most experienced guides, with a keen understanding of what makes for a great safari experience. “Guiding is my passion. Bringing the bush to life for people is what I love doing and it is what allows me to support my family. It’s also great to witness somebody seeing wildlife up close for the first time.”

Personalised experiences

Personalisation is all the rage, and definitely also possible on a guided safari tour. A seasoned safari guide can curate an experience to match the client’s interests and preferences. 

Whether it’s nature photography or bird watching you’re into, or if you’re keen to learn more about the trees of the Kruger National Park, a safari guide can help ensure a more intimate encounter with these interests. 

In fact, Enock Mkansi says curating a personalised experience for guests around their interest is one of his favourite things about working as a guide at Kruger Gate Hotel. “I love it when I can make the guest’s experience more special by showing them more of what they are personally interested in. My job also allows me to share my knowledge and understanding of Kruger National Park with others. It’s such a special place and it’s great when guests get to see that too,” he says.

What’s more, for those keen to do a self-drive safari, a guided safari is a great way to “acclimate” to Kruger National Park before taking on the thrill of doing it yourself, at your own pace. “One could view a guided safari as a ‘short course’ on how to best go about your safari, taking the lead from those who do it every day,” Gillis says. 

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Surveillance Safari: Crowdsourcing an anti-poaching movement in South Africa

In South Africa’s Balule Nature Reserve, an all-female anti-poaching unit is using live streaming and Samsung’s smartphone technology to support its conservation efforts and enlist volunteers from around the world.

For upwards of three million years, we humans and our antecedents have used tools to interface with the natural world around us. But in the last few decades, the human population has exploded and our tools today are having globally damaging impacts, transforming biomes across the planet. Yet our technologies also have the potential to mend our relationship with nature, protecting ecosystems and recovering lost biodiversity–if we develop and deploy them in the right ways.

The earliest stone tools were discovered in Africa–a continent that also harbors some of the world’s most iconic wild animal species, including the so-called “Big Five”–elephant, lion, leopard, rhinoceros and buffalo. So, it’s relevant and appropriate that Samsung, one of the world’s leading consumer electronics companies, is working alongside conservationists in South Africa to protect these animals and others like them.

In 2020 the Kruger National Park faced a crisis. Covering just under 20,000 square kilometers of South Africa’s northeast quarter, Kruger is one of Africa’s biggest game reserves, typically attracting around one million visitors each year, many of whom come to see the Big Five. When South Africa entered the first phase of COVID-19 lockdowns on March 27, 2020, those visitors vanished. This spelled trouble.

“Resources for animals, rangers and anti-poaching units were vastly depleted,” says conservationist and digital marketing expert Peter Stewart. “Many local people who worked in ecotourism lost their jobs, so there was a much higher risk of informal poaching.”

This was especially true of the iconic rhinos that are a particular target for poaching gangs in Kruger National Park.

Stewart is a partner at Africam, a wildlife media company that uses live HD streaming cameras to support conservation education around the world. He and his team were approached by Samsung with a possible means of compensating for the crash in visitor numbers and the commensurate dangers this posed to wildlife in the park: If people couldn’t come to Kruger, what if Samsung and Africam could bring the park to them–or more precisely to their mobile devices?

By combining Africam’s live streaming infrastructure with the advanced camera systems and mobile technology of the latest Samsung Galaxy devices, the new partnership would build a global community of virtual rangers who could, in theory, monitor wildlife around the clock. The result was Wildlife Watch–a pilot program launched on March 3, 2021, which installed Samsung Galaxy S20 FE handsets, repurposed specifically for surveillance, in the Balule Nature Reserve – an around 99,000-acre tract of land on the eastern edge of Kruger National Park.

For Hungry Minds

Wildlife Watch also enlisted the Black Mambas–the world’s first all-female anti-poaching unit, consisting of 36 rangers. The Mambas were provided with Samsung smartphones to help them monitor wildlife, communicate with one another, and document their day-to-day work. Real-time tracking meant they didn’t have to rely on radios, plus fellow rangers could, for example, respond more swiftly to the presence of poachers or a pride of lions.

Wildlife Watch recorded more than seven million social engagements over a four-month period, as humans everywhere turned to their mobile devices to connect with the outside world. In one instance, virtual rangers identified a wild dog with a snare on one of its legs. They quickly alerted rangers, who removed the snare and gave the animal medical treatment. What’s more, the Black Mambas were a hit with global audiences and have since become important role models in their communities.

“Our mission is to show people that we are here and we're patrolling the boundaries of the reserve to make the Kruger National Park an undesirable place for poachers,” says Sergeant Felicia Mogakane of the Black Mambas. “People started to believe in us because they've really seen our impact—that our model is effective… we are protecting the wildlife in there. Ever since we've been deployed, no rhino has been killed in our reserve.”

Following the success of the Wildlife Watch pilot, Samsung, Africam and the Black Mambas recently announced an expansion of the program. The second phase launched to the public on March 4, 2023 and makes use of the advanced camera systems in the latest Galaxy S21 Ultra and S23 Ultra handsets, including enhanced low-light capabilities and 10 times optical zoom to generate HD video day and night. The technology continues to support the Black Mambas in their work, not only protecting iconic wildlife in the Balule Nature Reserve, but also engaging with people in rural communities, many of whom have never seen species like lion, elephant and rhino.

This second phase also tested the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 as an additional means of monitoring movements in the reserve. The tags are a great way for the Black Mambas to orient themselves in the reserve, providing location markers for things like camera traps, signs of infraction or evidence of animal behaviors. The Galaxy SmartTags can be tracked using SmartThings Find, part of Samsung’s SmartThings connected ecosystem, which provides personalized and automated experiences using AI.

The wild habitats that remain in sub-Saharan Africa continue to face threats from human encroachment, poaching and human-wildlife conflict. It is estimated that the region as a whole has lost around 50 percent of its large mammals in the past few decades. Whether we like it or not, we are the custodians of these spaces and their future survival depends on us. Mobile technologies are crucial to the future of conservation—they provide vital tools on the ground for ranger units like the Black Mambas. But they also amplify local issues and perspectives, giving global audiences the opportunity not only to learn about these unique ecosystems and species, but also to play an active part in conserving them.

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Buffalo literally in spotlight while saving 'friend' from lion attack, share this article.

Dramatic footage shared Thursday shows the compelling moment that an African buffalo rushed in to save another buffalo from a savage lion attack.

As viewers can see, the male lion has one buffalo by the throat in what appears to be a death grip until another buffalo rushes in to scatter the pride and force the male lion to release its grip and flee.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Latest Sightings – Kruger (@latestkruger)

As the hero buffalo enters frame, a spotlight, presumably from a safari vehicle, shines on the rescue and both buffaloes. The massive bovines remain stationary and perhaps stunned briefly before wandering off.

The footage was shared by Latest Sightings , which features content captured in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, and credited to Sara Zegut.

The video description: “Buffalo risks it all to save friend from lion’s death grip!”

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