Kruger National Park is justifiably one of Africa’s most famous safari destinations. The size of a small country, it supports a huge variety of wildlife and is probably the last place anywhere to harbor sustainable breeding populations of all the (including both species). A vast and well-maintained network of surfaced roads makes Kruger particularly suited to .
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Best Time To Go
- May to September (Dry season)
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High Season
- December to January and July to August
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Size
- 19,485km² / 7,523mi²
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Altitude
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140-783m /459-2,569ft
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Pros & Cons
- Core of a 35,000km²/13,514mi² transfrontier park extending into Zimbabwe and Mozambique
- Breathtaking diversity of large mammals, with populations all measured in the thousands
- Phenomenal birdlife includes many heavyweights scarce elsewhere in South Africa
- A major stronghold for the
- Africa’s most DIY-friendly safari destination, with clearly signposted roads and affordable rest camps
- Several private concession lodges offer an exclusive safari experience
- An easy day trip from Mbombela (Nelspruit), Hazyview or Hoedspruit
- Southern and (to a lesser extent) Central Kruger get very busy in season
- Trunk roads are tarred and lack wilderness appeal
- Crowding on sightings can be frustrating, especially in the far south
Wildlife
Most of the animals people hope to see on safari are present in Kruger, including the . Elephants and buffalo are common. are also numerous, but less easily seen, while are scarcer. Lion, and are the most visible large carnivores, but leopard, cheetah and are also around. A long list of antelope includes , , , and .
More about Kruger’s wildlifeScenery
Kruger’s main habitat is . The vegetation is relatively thick throughout, especially during the Wet season (October to April). The gently rolling landscape has its highest peak at Khandzalive (839m/2,753ft), in the southwest. Olifants Rest Camp, set high on a bluff overlooking the eponymous river, is a scenic highlight with jaw-dropping views. Notable trees include the in the tropical north and the (a striking yellow-barked ) near water.
Activities
are easily planned using maps that are usually available at entrance gates and rest camps. Most rest camps offer guided game drives, and . Several operators based outside the park offer guided drives too. More specialized guided activities (best booked well in advance) include overnight wilderness hiking trails and 4x4 vehicle eco-trails. Most private concession lodges offer overnight packages inclusive of guided game drives and walks.
Areas of Interest
- Southern Kruger: The sector of Kruger south of the Sabie River is the closest to Johannesburg and accounts for 40% of visitor accommodations. Wildlife viewing is unbeatable but it can get busy.
- Central Kruger: For a compromise between the busy south and remote north, Central Kruger – the area between the Sabie and Olifants Rivers – is relatively quiet and prime elephant, lion and cheetah country.
- Northern Kruger: Dotted with a handful of small camps, the region north of the Olifants River is wilder than the south and has much less traffic, but wildlife viewing is more hit-and-miss.
- Private Concessions in Kruger: Several formerly inaccessible corners of Kruger are now leased to concessionaires that provide an exclusive luxury safari experience comparable to the top private lodges of Sabi Sand and Timbavati Nature Reserves.
Weather & Climate
Kruger experiences a hot and tropical summer, from October to April. This is also when the park receives most of its annual rainfall, so storm activity is not uncommon in the afternoons. The milder winter, from May to September, is more comfortable for visitors, although it can get chilly overnight.
More about the weather and climateBest Time To Visit
The Dry season (May to September) is usually regarded as the best time to visit Kruger. Skies are normally clear, wildlife viewing is at its prime, and it is low season – a big attraction for a park that can get very busy (especially in the south). However, if birding is your interest, consider making your trip during the Wet season (October to April), when a multitude of arrives.
More about the best time to visit