Kruger National Park
User Reviews (392)
South Africa ParksIt's like being inside a nature documentary!
I could not believe the density and diversity of wildlife we saw in a single day's drive. My previous frame of reference remained confined to National Geographic, ZooBooks, and other popular media. I had always believed these professionals to have camped out for days and weeks on end, just to glimpse a few species here and there, and perhaps some do, just to capture the "perfect shot." However, as mere tourists, we were only too delighted to find ourselves immediately confronted with giraffe, families of elephants, baboons, myriad of antelope species, rhinos, and even hippos, something we did not expect to see in the dry season. Occasionally our spotter pointed out reclining leopards, cheetahs feasting on fresh kill, and lions tucked away in the shade, avoiding the heat. The acute vision of our eagle-eyed man could not be lauded more.
It may be the goal of some visitors to spot all Big Five, which our group succeeded in accomplishing, but it surely would not have been any less rich an experience if we had not. It is not every day we see an eland stand majestically around a bend in the road. It is not every day we see hyenas lurking in the shade. It is not every day that we see any fan of fauna traverse the bush-lined roads. We nearly missed a giraffe standing practically next to our truck because eight of us sat snapping shots of another creature on our right side. Every thirty seconds brought with it a new herd or species to admire or photograph. Absolutely one of the most surreal days of my life.
In the evening we stayed at Nsele Lodge, full of individual bungalows, each equipped with a gigantic shower, sink, and oscillating fan or two. Optional access to a centrally-located chlorine pool or cushioned camp fire paired superbly with our homemade, al fresco dinner, all set against a backdrop of palm trees and starry skies. We slept exceedingly well. Bonus: two to three chubby small dogs could be found trotting around!
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Email Beenie Photography | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
The Best Honeymoon Imaginable
My husband and I spent two weeks in the Greater Kruger area while on honeymoon. We spent six days at Gomo Gomo and six days at Arathusa. Overall, our experience was amazing. The vast array of species left us in awe. In fact, on multiple occasions we experienced the Big Five in a single game drive.
Having stayed in the area during winter, we were able to avoid the pestering bugs and the bush that hides the wildlife. I would highly recommend this time of year. At each of the locations we enjoyed our guides and our accommodations. While Arathusa was certainly a more polished destination, you certainly pay for it. That being said, it was a better all around experience--in terms of food, guides, and scenery. Their watering hole was absolutely superb.
If I would make one change to our trip it would be our decision to drive from the OR Tambo to the park. Being from America, driving on the other side of the road was a difficult transition for my husband. Taking this stress out of the vacation would have been wise.
A Must See for Wildlife Lovers
Kruger is a wonderful National Park whether you are experiencing it with a tour or on your own. Roads are good and the accommodation is a welcome oasis after a day of game viewing. It's also the perfect place to meet up with other people and swap stories of the animal encounters of the day. Every day can bring something new from seeing a family of elephants enjoying the watering hole to following a lion on a hunt. A night drive is also a good way to see other animals that usually don't make an apperance during the day, such as a new hyena mother with her baby cubs enjoying the cool night air. Kruger National Park was a highlight of our travels through South Africa.
Email Gary Longshaw | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Always an amazing experience that keeps me coming back year after year
This was about my 20th holiday in the Kruger National park. In the space of 4 days we got close up and personal with the entire Big 5, and more, and experienced the true beauty of wild Africa at its best. This place never fails to impress me, Ive been coming here since I was a child, and will continue to return as often as I can for as long as I am able to do so.
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Email Daniel | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The best place to see African wildlife by your own.
Kruger National Park is the best place for watching animals in a self-drive safari. You feel really in contact with the wildlife, very close to them literally. And there are a lot of animals, variety and density altogether. A paradise for a wildlife photographer, whether you are a pro or not. The scenery is awesome because you drive through all kinds of African landscape, beautiful ones, even if it is dry, wet, hot hot or chilly, at dawn or sunset. Accommodations in Kruger offer just what you need, you do not need anything else to enjoy the park. The fact of self-drive make this experience more adventurous, and the friendly other tourist you meet, instead of disturbing your solitude, help you to find animals in the bush. The food they offer is fine, but the possibility of cooking by yourself or braai makes it more enjoyable. I am spanish, I've been six times already in this park, and I spend all the time recommending this trip for holidays.
Email Sumarie Slabber | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Awesome
If you are a wildlife and outdoor lover then the Kruger National Park is the place for you. We spent 4 nights in the southern parts of the Park and saw lots of animals (although this is not allways the case). We had an awesome sighting of 17 lions on a buffalo kill and came across rhinos 6 times, not to mention all the buffalo, giraffe, birds and other animals we saw.
Accommodation in the Park are mostly very basic, allthough private more expensive options are available.
If you are interested in photography then the hide, Lake Panic, near Skukuza is recommended.
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Email Grey World Nomads | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Best place on earth
We have spent six weeks in the Kruger National Park and we enjoyed it immensely. There is no shortage of wildlife. You are more than likely to see the big five here than in any other national park. The infrastructure is excellent and all forms of accommodation are available from the luxury safari lodges to the simple hut or camping. All camps have restaurants and have well-stocked shops. Activities like guided bush drives, wilderness trails, bush walks, 4x4-trails and selfdrive make all part of the vast amount of possibilities to spend an unforgettable time in the Kruger National Park.
The northern half of the Kruger is less busy than the southern part. It's recommendable not to visit the park during South African holiday season as the it is also hughely popular with South African Citizens. As far as the climate goes, any time is possible. For game viewing winter is better, as the animals can't hide in the tall grass so well and they are likely to be seen at the waterholes because of the draught. If your stay is longer than a week or you want to visit other National Parks within your holidays, check if it's worth to buy the wildcard, which gives you deals and allows free entry to almost all of the parks in South Africa.
The reason why we return again and again is not just for the wildlife but also for the sheer beauty and size of the Park. Above all it's affordable, even for people on a shoestring budget.
Email Daniel P Barker | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The best Park in South Africa
Many people go to private parks which almost guarantee you to see all the animals that are listed. This is not teh case with Kruger. Some days you may get lucky other days you won't. I have self driven and used organised drives. Self drive is good as you can stop and stay as long as you like somewhere. Organised drives are great as they do have radios which can take you to certain animals although continuously looking at Zebra's does get frustrating! If you like wildlife photography its a dream place. Make sure you take some good lenses, cleaning cloths (gets dusty) and a bean bag to rest on. Many people just look at the big animals but look for birds and the small creatures. DO NOT drive over the dung in the road as 1/ you run risk of a puncture because of thorns 2/ you can kill the dung beetles. I stayed in Hazey View which is great but plenty of places to stay outside. One thing is for certain you will love Kruger. my photos are on 500px.com/danielbarker . Its a must place to go to and i would avoid the private game reserves at all cost, in addition Kruger is a lot cheaper and more natural.
Email Chris Boyce | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good introduction, but perhaps not quite "wild" enough
I went to the southern section, from Malelane gate up to Skukuza. This is probably one of the the most popular parts of the Kruger. Access is easy, there are many lodges close by. But popular means busy; this is not the wide open savannah, its relatively dense lowveld, and visitors must stay on the roads and tracks. There are sightings on the roads, and some good ones too, but as guides usually have radios to keep in touch and report sightings, anything interesting tends to be soon surrounded by a traffic jam! I had a two guides, one okay, and one great which helped a lot, but even then we didn't see any cats at all. That's just down to bad luck. :-( Overall whilst it was a great introduction to the whole safari experience, I found it felt "managed" and somewhat canned and commercialised. I wanted and still want a "wilder" safari experience.
The Armadillo Safari & Adventure Tour far exceeded my expectations!!
The Armadillo Safari & Adventure Tours did an excellent job hosting our safari experience. The safari vehicle was clean, air conditioned ,and comfortable. The food, natural habitat, the animals: "The Big Five and more..... were over the top. How precious to see the baby elephants move along with the adult herd! we saw rhinos: A rare black rhino prancing down the field! The weather was beautiful and rather cooled down a little bit at night. I recommend The Armadillo Safari & Adventure Tour in Kruger National Park, South Africa! You wont be disappointed!!
Safari Tours to Kruger NP
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12-Day Luxury Kruger Safari & Mauritius Escape
$4,999 to $5,799 pp (USD)
South Africa & Mauritius: Private tourLuxuryTented Camp & Resort
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (City), Grand Baie (Town & Beach), Black River, Mauritius (End)
Wayfairer Travel
4.8/5 – 183 Reviews
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10-Day Mid-Range Cape Town, Johannesburg & Kruger
$1,941 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle)
Mid-range Lodge & HotelYou Visit: Cape Town (Start), Table Mountain (Cape Town), Cape Peninsula, Johannesburg (City), Soweto (Johannesburg), Greater Kruger, Balule NR (Greater Kruger), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
MoAfrika Tours
4.9/5 – 2,219 Reviews
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5-Day Kapama River Lodge Deluxe Suite Safari
$2,752 to $3,418 pp (USD)
South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle)Luxury+Lodge
You Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Kapama GR (Greater Kruger), Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)
The Kruger Safari Co.
5.0/5 – 207 Reviews
