Kruger National Park
The spectacular Kruger National Park is one of the biggest reserves found anywhere in South Africa, and is home to an amazing array of wild animals.
Kruger National Park in a nutshell
One of the highlights of visiting South Africa is to enjoy a safari, where you view wildlife in its natural habitat and enjoy an authentic African experience in the wilds. The most popular location to do this is the Kruger National Park, one of the greatest safari destinations in the world.
Here you can view all of the most iconic African species of wildlife, including the lion, elephant, leopard, cheetah, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, rhino and zebra. The experience of watching wild animals going about their daily lives is quite unique and life-changing.
It gives you another perspective on life, where the sun comes up and then goes down, and animals live as they have for time immemorial, in an uncrowded, leisurely place.
The wealth of accommodation options available in this part of the world ensure that you’ll be catered for in whatever way you wish – a luxurious lodge, a simple bush resort or the opportunity to go on a solo safari in your own vehicle.
Whichever method you choose, there are always experienced guides who will take you deep into the bush away from the roads and show you the wildlife, superb food waiting to be served, comfortable accommodation, and, best of all, an authentic taste of safari life, where the sunsets are sublime and sitting by the camp fire recounting stories of your day is what makes the experience so special.
There are also some superb private parks just outside the Kruger Park if you prefer the ultimate luxury safari experience, but wherever you go, you’re guaranteed a bucketlist experience.
A highlight of a safari adventure is seeing the Big Five – buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhino – on one trip. The open plains filled with giant baobab, fever and marula trees stretch as far as the eye can see, and a variety of beautiful, colorful birds flit from one tree to the next.
This is the closest you can possibly get to nature.
Best time to visit: In the South African winter months, May to August, when the bush is sparse and the animals congregate at water holes, making them easier to spot. Temperatures are also likely to be more bearable.
Best Area for Sightseeing: The choice is endless. See Things to do in the Kruger Park below for some ideas.
Shopping in the Kruger Park: You may find souvenirs and crafts at some of the lodges.
Food & Restaurants in the Kruger Park: The luxury lodges offer both indoor and outdoor dining areas, and some offer sublime fine dining opportunities. You will also enjoy the opportunity to savor traditional South African barbecues, which are legendary and delicious. If you’re on a solo safari, camping in the Kruger, there are grill areas at most of the campsites, and many of the main rest camps offer stores selling groceries.
Nightlife: The silence of the wild bush at night is something you will never forget, especially when its broken by the sound of a wild animal nearby.
Things to do in the Kruger Park:
- If you’re staying at a lodge, enjoy a bush walk accompanied by a professional guide.
- Enjoy morning and evening game drives, or go late at night, after the sun sets, for an opportunity to view nocturnal animals.
- Watch the sun rise when you embark on a morning game drive.
- Explore the Kruger Tablets.
- See hippos in multitudes at Hippo Pool.
- Embark on a guided mountain bike excursion.
- Visit the Albasini Ruins, an archaeological marvel.
- See the Red Rocks, sandstone slabs where elephants, giraffes and lions visit regularly.
Best way to get around: You can hire a car and do a DIY safari, or stay at one of the numerous lodges in the Park and its surrounds. It’s all up to you.
Kruger National Park travel guides