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Compare 95+ Kruger National Park Safaris

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Our Best and Top Rated Kruger National Park Safaris

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Client Reviews

Amazing Safari Experience
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We had such a great experience at Greenfire Lodge arranged for us by Wayne at Kruger Safari Company. I was travelling with my 80 yo Dad and we had certain needs. Wayne took the time to zoom with me, talk to me about my options and help me narrow down the right lodge and experience for us. A 10/10 booking and safari experience top to bottom!
Easy and profesional
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Our booking process was with Wayne. He made everything so easy for us, since the first moment he gave us different options and always with nice advice, we did everything online the payment process was safe and fast, and everything was coordinate without problem, great transport logistics, the hotel super lovely exactly what we had asked for.
Perfect organization
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We started organize the trip less than 2 weeks before and Wayne has been super helpful and reactive in proposing us various options. We decided to go to Kapama for 3 days and has been an amazing experience, fully recommend. Everything has been organized for us and has been great.
Customer service is flawless!!
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Wayne assisted to organise the most amazing safari experience. It was very smooth. Wayne was very responsive within an hour you’ll get a response for any questions you have. We dealt with him via email and then whatsapp while we were there. This is a very trustworthy operator. You will be taken care of, customer service is flawless!!
I cannot recommend the Kruger Safari Co highly enough
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We recently had an unforgettable safari with Kruger Safari Co. From the beginning Wayne simplified the process and made sure we had the safari that was right for us. On arrival Carol greeted us with staff and made sure we had everything we needed throughout our stay. I can't say enough about the staff at Kruger Safari Co.
Our guide Victor was amazing!
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My friend and I both work for Delta Air Lines and were looking for a once in a lifetime Safari and experience and the Greenfire Lodge and staff did not disappoint. Our guide Victor was amazing! I'm sure all of them are great, but he was truly amazing, and we felt we had known him for years and were sad to leave after a fantastic week with him showing us the game reserve.
Definitely the "Go To" company
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Thank you! Thank you! Thank you Wayne and all involved at the Kruger Safari Company for making our first safari totally brilliant and unforgettable. Everything was perfectly organised, from the airport transfer and internal connections to the choice of venues. - We can't wait to return! We're telling all our friends you are definitely the "Go To" company for an unforgettable safari.
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A place that encapsulates the essence of African beauty and diverse wildlife, The Kruger National Park is an area for the adventurer. Kruger Park Safaris offers a unique range of safaris, activities and tours to make your wildlife experience nothing short of incredible. View all our Kruger National Park Packages and Prices.

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Self Catering

Luxury Game Reserves

Diverse National Park

The Kruger National Park is one of the biggest National Parks in Africa. It is situated at the North-Eastern tip of South Africa and spans over the Mpumalanga and Limpopo province. The parks surface area spans 19633 km² as many of the surrounding private reserves have removed their fences, allowing wildlife to roam freely between reserves. This has created a wildlife area like no other, as its beauty soaks itself into anyone who visits this diverse place. The area plays home to a number of species including:

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Brief History of the park

The Sabie Game Reserve (as it was then known) was proclaimed in 1892 by the president of the Transvaal Republic, Paul Kruger. The area between the Sabie and Crocodile Rivers were initially set aside for restricted hunting and in 1902 James Stevenson-Hamilton was appointed the first warden.

In May 1926 the Sabie and Shingwedzi Game Reserves were combined to create the Kruger National Park. There are nearly 254 cultural heritage sites in the Kruger including rock art sites.

Homo erectus (early humans) roamed the area between 500 000 and 100 000 years ago and cultural artefacts have been found from 100 000 to 30 000 years ago.

There is lots of evidence of the San and Iron Age people who lived on these lands 1500 years ago and there are historical tales of the Nguni and European explorers and settlers in the Kruger area.

 

Introduction to Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is the flagship of wildlife tourism in South Africa and one of the world’s favourite safari destinations. Located in the heart of the safari hub in the north-eastern corner of the country, the iconic national park offers visitors 2-million hectares of unrivaled beauty and outstanding fauna and flora diversity.

There’s something for everyone in the vast protected wilderness region, whether you’re a wildlife enthusiasts, avid birder, nature lover or just yearning to swop busy city life for the peace and tranquility in beautiful bushveld surrounds.

Kruger Park and its exclusive neighbour, Greater Kruger, spans the boundaries of the Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces and shares a border with Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It’s one of the largest protected wilderness areas on the continent and certainly one of the most diverse.

What’s not to love about Kruger Park?

We share some interesting facts and recommendations for places to stay and things to do in Kruger Park for the safari holiday of your dreams.

10 Fascinating facts about Kruger National Park

  1. Kruger Park is the largest and oldest national park in South Africa. There are 21 state-supported national parks in the country which are managed by the South African National Parks (SANParks). Kruger Park is South Africa’s flagship national park and an iconic safari destination.
  2. Kruger Park is massive. It covers an area of 20 000 square kilometres (2 million hectares) which makes it the same size as Israel and slightly smaller than Belgium. The Park is 360 kilometres long and 65 kilometres wide.
  3. South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique meet at the most-northerly point of Kruger Park where the Luvuvhu and Limpopo rivers converge at Crookes Corner in the Pafuri triangle. If you stand at Crookes Corner looking north; Mozambique is on your right, Zimbabwe is straight ahead and South Africa is behind you.
  4. Kruger Park is almost 100 years old. It was proclaimed a ‘no hunting zone’ in 1898 and eventually proclaimed a national park in 1926. It came about through the merge of Sabie and Shingwedzi game reserves. The first tourist who entered Kruger Park in 1927 was charged an entry fee of £
  5. There is evidence that humans occupied the wilderness region over one-and-a-half million years ago. Archaeologists have unearthed tools and artefacts that date back to the Stone Age, including significant rock painting sites. Thulamela in the far north is a stone-walled site built over 500 years ago and dates back to the Iron Age.
  6. The national park was named in honour of Paul Kruger, the president of the former Transvaal Republic. Kruger fought hard to have the wilderness area proclaimed a national park and for its precious natural resources to be protected from unchecked hunting and rampant poaching. It took 12 years from when Paul Kruger first tabled the notion in parliament to the region finally being proclaimed.
  7. Colonel James Stevenson-Hamilton was the first game warden appointed to oversee the running of what would become Kruger Park. At the time it was Sabie Game Reserve. The former Scottish cavalry officer fought in the Anglo Boer Ware before taking up his role of warden in 1902. Stevenson-Hamilton worked tirelessly for 44 years on establishing Kruger Park as a world-class tourism and conservation entity. His journals are housed in the Stevenson-Hamilton memorial museum at Skukuza Rest Camp.
  8. Each year, almost 1 million people visit Kruger Park and at least 80% are South African holidaymakers. Visitors are spoilt for choice for places to stay in Kruger Park. There are 21 SANParks-run establishments and 15 luxury safari lodges that form part of a collection of private concessions in Kruger Park.
  9. Kruger Park is home to the famous Big 5 which includes elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion and leopard. But that’s not all! The national park is world-renowned for its outstanding biodiversity, prolific birdlife and vast array of wildlife. Combined, Kruger National Park and Greater Kruger represent one of the finest and most diverse biospheres in Africa. The vast protected wilderness region is the core of the Kruger2Canyons (K2C) and Vhembe UNESCO Man and Biospheres, and the heart of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTP Treaty, 2002).
  10. Kruger Park is the only national park in Africa that has its own international airport and golf course. Skukuza Airport serves scheduled and charter flights from African safari destinations like Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Skukuza Golf Club has a 9-hole golf course that lies on the banks of the Sabie River. It’s unfenced so it’s not uncommon for golfers to tee off with buck, giraffe and zebra on the fairways.
  11. The Scientific Services Department at SANParks holds its most important yearly event, the Savanna Science Network Meeting, in the Kruger National Park in autumn. Together with external experts, Scientific Services’ formidable staff of scientists covers a wide range of subjects in their research. Among these are methods for conducting demographic surveys, keeping tabs on vegetation, studying fire behaviour, and conducting airborne game censuses, among others.
  12. The wettest season in Kruger occurs during the summer. The downpours that come from this kind of precipitation are often convectional. Typically, mild and hot weather characterises the season (October–April). Warm and mild winters are the norm.
  13. The first official research unit in SANParks was established in the 1950s, which led to the founding of the Skukuza Biological Reference Collection. Presently, the collection maintains more than 31,000 specimens of preserved flora and fauna. The reference collection’s primary objective is to provide as an identification service for private nature reserves, staff, and visiting researchers. Taxonomic and anatomical studies, reference book compilation, and tracking of species distribution changes across time and space are some of the other uses for the available material.
  14. The Majestic Seven elephants of Kruger National Park, known for their enormous tusks, have captivated and motivated people all around the globe since they were named in the 1970s. Even though ivory hunting and poaching have decimated elephant herds in many African countries, Kruger’s legacy endures.
  15. It is said that the largest female tusker in Kruger is MaMerle, a stunning elephant cow. The high-water bridge over the Sabie River was the first place she was spotted (August 14, 2004). During the 2004 elephant census, she was also photographed from a helicopter. She seemed to be carrying twins, who would be around three or four years old. She was named after Merle Whyte, whose husband, Dr. Ian Whyte, worked on large mammal research.
  16. While the majority of Kruger’s rock art is located in the park’s southwestern foothills, new evidence reveals that shelter paintings are commonplace across the whole park. In 2007, Conraad de Rosner conducted a rock art study that added 57 sites to the 120 previously known sites, the majority of which were identified by Mike English, the forefather of rock art studies in Kruger. It seems that the San hunter-gatherers of the Late Stone Age created nearly all of Kruger’s rock art.
  17. Kruger has been inhabited by humans for a very long time, beginning in the Stone Age. Near Pafuri in the extreme north lies the stone-walled Thulamela Iron Age Site, which dates back about 450 to 500 years. Several artifacts found at the site show that the town was an important node in a vibrant commercial network dominated by Arab merchants off the east coast of Africa at the time.
  18. An incredible variety of plant life can be found in Kruger National Park. Roughly 1,982 plant species are known.
  19. A common sight in the northern KNP environment is the Adansonia digitata, also known as the Baobab tree. The tree was given its name in recognition of Michel Adanson, a naturalist who observed it for the first time in Senegal, Africa, about 1750. You can see why the baobab tree is called the upside-down tree. The tree’s above-ground root system resembles its branches. Between Satara Rest Camp and Tshokwane Picnic Spot is where you will find the park’s southernmost baobab tree.
  20. The Kruger National Parkcovers six different ecosystems, including the famous Baobab sandveld and the dense Mopani scrub. Beautiful knobthorn-marula bushveld greets sightseers as they make their way down the Lebombo hills, and a diverse array of animals call the mixed acacia thicket home. The Combretum-silver clusterleaf woods adorns granite outcrops, providing shade and shelter. Riverine woods, which grow abundantly along the park’s rivers, are home to many species and provide essential resources.
  21. Among the 114 reptile species found in KNP are over 3,000 Nile crocodiles and a variety of snakes, the most menacing of which are the black mamba and puff adder.
  22. The Kruger National Park is home to around 60 species of lizards. A big and well-known chameleon, the Kruger’s Flapped-Necked Chameleon has a continuous crest of tiny, white triangular tubercles on its belly and throat. Coloration ranges from a light shade of yellow to a variety of greens and browns. There is typically a pale bar on the side and a white belly crest.
  23. Sabie, Olifants, Crocodile, Letaba, Luvuvhu, and Limpopo Rivers are among many that flow through the park.
  24. There are 517 bird species in Kruger National Park, with 253 permanent inhabitants, 117 seasonal migrants, and 147 nomadic birds.
  25. The Park’s protection zones are home to the six big bird species, affectionately referred to as the Big 6. The following are some of these species: the ground hornbill, martial eagle, saddle-billed stork, kori bustard, and the rare and elusive Pel’s fishing owl.
  26. The Park is home to 25 to 30 pairs of saddle-billed storks. There were 78 known nests of ground hornbills in 2012, with 50% of those nests being actively used. There were 178 ground hornbill family groups in total at the time.
  27. There are nine wilderness routes to choose from in Kruger National Park, some of which go deep into the bush and are almost completely uninhabited. Wilderness areas cover over half of the park’s 2 million hectares, and several route operators provide hikes through these zones. With the goal of providing guests with a true wilderness experience, groups stay in rustic, very rudimentary accommodations; game watching is a secondary attraction.
  28. A hut at Malelane Restcamp is named after Harold Trollope, who was an early developer of the Kruger and Addo Elephant Parks, as well as an avid big game hunter and one of the original owners of the Camelthorn Reserve.
  29. A very ancient leadwood tree with a traditional Portuguese Cross cut into it stands a few kilometers away from Letaba on the S95. Neither its identity nor its significance have been revealed. The artist Diocleciano Fernandes das Neves, who arrived in Lourenço Marques on October 5, 1855, when he was 25 years old, and went back to Portugal some thirteen years later, is one possible candidate for the carving. He hunted elephants and traded in the interior for those thirteen years. Kruger National Park is located where his trade route once was.

Did you know?

Kruger National Park is the core of the Kruger2Canyons and Vhembe UNESCO Man and Biospheres, and the core of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTP Treaty, 2002).

The Kruger2Canyons (K2C) Biosphere Reserve was registered in September 2001 in Paris by UNESCO. It became the 411th Biosphere Reserve site to be registered in 94 countries worldwide and acknowledged for its global significance.

Vhembe Biosphere Reserve is located in the north-east of South Africa near the border with Botswana, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

The reserve includes the northern part of Kruger National Park, Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage site, several Provincial Nature Reserves, two recognised centres of biodiversity and endemism (Soutpansberg and Blouberg), and the Makgabeng Plateau, which contains more than 1 000 rock art sites.

Where to go in Kruger Park

Kruger Park is massive and where you stay depends on what interests you and what you want to see. Basically, you can use this guideline:

  • If birds are more important than big herds of animals and you’ve got time to travel, stay in the far north in one of the most spectacular corners in Kruger around Punda Maria and Pafuri.
  • If you want elephants, no crowds and can tolerate very hot, humid and arid conditions; stay in the northern section around Olifants and Letaba.
  • If you want to see great sightings of lion and the other Big Cats and enjoy great game viewing without the safari crowds, stay in the central section around Orpen and Satara.
  • If you want to see the Big 5 and as many animals as possible in the shortest space of time and without travelling long distances, stay in the southern section between Pretoriuskop, Lower Sabie and Skukuza.

Southern Kruger Park

Southern Kruger is bound by the Crocodile River in the south and Sabie River in the north. The bushveld is  lush and there are many permanent water sources, which means the southern area has one of the highest concentrations of animals in the Park.

You’ll see excellent sightings of the Big 5 in the southern zone with guaranteed sightings of lion, rhino and large herds of elephant and buffalo in the triangle of Pretoriuskop, Lower Sabie and Pretoriuskop. There are fewer lions in the southern region as they tend to follow the large herds of antelope that favour the central region.

Southern Kruger is also rich in history as it served as the gateway to the port of Lourenço Marques (now Mozambique) for ancient traders. It’s also the birthplace of Kruger’s famous dog, Jock of the Bushveld, who travelled with the intrepid Percy Fitzpatrick.

Pros of staying in southern Kruger

  • most accessible section; easy to get to from Johannesburg and Nelspruit
  • highest concentration of game
  • incredible scenery and lush vegetation
  • rich in history
  • wide choice of accommodation
  • home to the largest rest camp and administration centre in Kruger

Cons of staying in southern Kruger

  • busiest part of the park
  • ‘queue to view’ at animal sightings

Central Kruger Park

Central Kruger Park is the largest area of the national park and makes up 30 percent of the surface area. It lies between Sabie River and Olifants River. This stretch of bushveld gets higher rainfall which means sweeter grass for grazing and a plenty of browsing trees. This in turn attracts an abundance of antelope as well as giraffe, zebra and wildebeest.

With a plenty to eat, central Kruger is also known as the ‘Big Cat Capital of Kruger’. This eco-zone  supports nearly half of the Park’s lion population as well as strong numbers of leopard, hyena and cheetah. It’s estimated that there are at least 60 individual prides of lion in central Kruger.

The vegetation is not as lush as southern Kruger but it’s still a beautiful stretch of wilderness area. Central Kruger is characterised by mixed thornveld and woodlands with sweet-grazing savanna grasslands. Perfect for easy and plentiful game viewing.

Pros of staying in central Kruger

  • good general game with strong populations of antelope
  • highest concentration of lions and strong numbers of leopard, hyena and cheetah
  • thinned out safari crowds

Cons of staying in central Kruger

  • further to drive from Johannesburg and Nelspruit
  • longer drives between rest camps
  • hotter and more humid than southern Kruger

Northern Kruger Park

Northern Kruger is vastly different from southern and central Kruger Park and attracts a different set of wildlife and nature lovers. It’s receives very little annual rainfall and is semi-arid and stark. It has its own appeal though, with vast barren landscapes dotted with shrub mopane.

A redeeming feature of northern Kruger is five major rivers forge a path across the valley, the two notable rivers being Olifants and Letaba. These permanent water sources create a tapestry of lush riverine forests and attract animals to their fertile river banks. Game viewing along the river banks is fantastic and you’ll likely to see leopard in the massive sycamore fig, tamboti and apple leaf trees that line the banks.

Northern Kruger is also home to the ‘big fellows’. It’s home to almost 60 percent of the total hippo population of Kruger and at last count, there are over 9 000 elephants in the northern belt. You’re also edging into birder’s paradise in the Far North so if you’re an avid birder, you won’t be disappointed as bird life is prolific in northern Kruger.

The area around Olifants Rest Camp is famously known for its Big Tuskers, the incredible elephants who are part of the Magnificent 7 for their record-breaking, astoundingly-long tusks.

Northern Kruger stretches more or less from Olifants Rest Camp to Shingwedzi Rest Camp. Accommodation options are somewhat limited but because this eco-zone is far off the beaten track, tourist numbers are low anyway.

Pros of staying in northern Kruger

  • low tourist numbers and ‘almost private’ animal sightings
  • great game viewing on the banks of the five major rivers
  • excellent birding
  • strong populations of elephant and hippo
  • unobstructed game viewing in stunted mopane veld

Cons of staying in northern Kruger

  • further to drive from Johannesburg and Nelspruit
  • fewer rest camps
  • hot, humid temperatures in summer
  • stark, semi-arid terrain

Far North Kruger Park

Far North Kruger is remote and far to reach so it’s one of the quietest sections of the Park and popular among avid nature lovers for its pristine, untouched wilderness. It’s also the “Birding Capital of South Africa”, if not the whole of southern Africa.

This outstanding eco-zone centres around Punda Maria Rest Camp and Pafuri Camp, and extends to the far reaches of Kruger Park to its neighbours Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The concentration of animals is lower than anywhere else in Kruger Park but it’s reputation for outstanding birding makes up for it in spades.

Far North Kruger is home to many rare and endangered bird species, many of which are endemic to the area. You’ll also find extraordinary species such as the rare knocking sand frog, a collection of endemic bats, samango monkeys, the nocturnal bushpig and the rare Sharpe’s grysbok.

Walking safaris are very popular in Far North Kruger because it’s the best way to discover this hidden gem. Flanked by the lush Luvuvhu and Limpopo rivers, Far North Kruger boasts an incredible variety of tropical, riverine forests. This includes the huge wild fig, spectral fever tree, ebony, mahogany, ironwood, wild syringa and baobab.

Pros of staying in Far North Kruger

  • one of the most incredibly diverse and scenic parts of Kruger
  • remote, isolated and almost devoid of safari tourists
  • outstanding birding
  • beautiful walking trails

Cons of staying at Far North Kruger

Did you know?

Kruger Park is made up of 6 different eco-systems. In total, these eco-systems have over 2 000 plant species.

Places to stay in Kruger National Park

The choice of places to stay in Kruger Park is endless and if you’ve got Dollars and Pounds in your pocket, on the South African exchange rate, they’re incredibly affordable. The bulk of accommodation in Kruger Park is budget-friendly, self-catering camps that are managed by SANParks.

For an exclusive safari experience comparable with what you’d get in Greater Kruger and world-renowned safari destinations in the rest of Africa, you have the option of booking a luxury suite at a 5-star safari lodge on one of the private concessions in Kruger Park. 

SANParks accommodation 

There are 21 camps in Kruger Park which are managed by South African National Parks (SANParks), the governing body that maintains and runs Kruger Park’s primary accommodation. SANParks offers basic, affordable accommodation which includes the main rest camps, satellite camps, bushveld camps and bush lodges as well as a rustic tented camp and overnight hides.

Kruger Rest Camps:

Satara Rest Camp • Central Kruger

Satara Rest Camp is located in the central section in the heart of the “Big Cat Capital of Kruger”. The bushveld has sweet grazing and plenty of browsing trees which attracts large numbers of antelope and plains game. In their wake, follow lions and cheetah as well as hyenas and wild dogs.

Satara is the second biggest camp in Kruger and the most popular in central Kruger. It’s often booked for up to a year in advance. It has a rustic charm and retains much of its Kruger heritage. The bulk of the accommodation is set out in a series of circles and comprises self-catering bungalows and traditional Kruger rondavels.

The camping section has 100 sites and is electrified. Satara also has a popular section for day visitors where they can stretch their legs and have a picnic or mid-day barbeque. Facilities at Satara include a large swimming pool, decent restaurant, well-stocked shop and fuel station.

Skukuza Rest Camp • Southern Kruger

Skukuza Rest Camp is the largest and busiest rest camp in Kruger which does put some people off but it’s the central hub of the Park and located in an area teeming with animals and birds. Daily sightings of the Big 5 and an abundance of antelope and plains game are common.

Skukuza is easily accessible for day tours and short 3-day Kruger safaris. It’s also the best Kruger rest camp for families with children because there’s so much to do in the camp in between game drives. Skukuza accommodates up to 1 000 visitors in self-catering bungalows, family cottages and guest houses and has two excellent eateries for those who don’t want to cook and clean up.

Facilities at Skukuza Rest Camp include a huge fully-stocked shop, a library, photographic studio, outdoor cinema, kid’s playground, swimming pools and a lovely river walkway. Close by is a wonderful 9-hole golf course situated in the Skukuza staff village, which also has a massive Olympic-size pool for paying guests. Skukuza Airport is a short 10-minute drive from the rest camp.

Olifants Rest Camp • Northern Kruger

Olifants Rest Camp is located in the ‘Big Tuskers Capital of Kruger’ and is as popular for its incredible location and panoramic views as it is for its great game viewing. It sits perched on an escarpment overlooking the Olifants River and Lebombo Mountain in the distance. On a clear day, you can look out across the savanna plains to the hills of Mozambique.

When the river is full, the sound of the crashing water carries up to the rest camp and you can spend hours on the terrace gazing out and looking for animals with your binoculars. The game drives from Olifants are spectacular as you have the choice of a number of rivers to explore. It’s paradise for photographers and birders.

Olifants is a big camp and even so, it’s still booked out well in advance. The accommodation is geared for family-friendly, self-catering holidays in Kruger with a choice of bungalows, family cottages and semi-luxury guesthouses. There is no camping site in Olifants but there is a popular day visitor spot for picnics and barbeques.

The large camp offers everything you need for a safari holiday in a more remote section of Kruger, including a lovely restaurant, large shop, fuel station and medical clinic. To learn more about the Big Tuskers (elephants) in the Olifants area, visit the Elephant Hall at Letaba Rest Camp which is a scenic 15-minute drive away.

Shingwedzi Rest Camp • Northern Kruger

Located in northern Kruger, Shingwedzi Rest Camp is a quieter camp but still hugely popular. The rustic rest camp retains much of its original charm and is relatively unspoilt by modern technology. Staying at Shingwedzi is all about immersing yourself in the peace and tranquility of beautiful bushveld surrounds.

Lying nestled on the banks of the lush Shingwedzi River, the accommodation is laid out in two adjacent rings. Visitors have a choice of bungalows, traditional Kruger rondavels, family cottages and a semi-luxury guesthouse.

The rest camp caters for families and friends on budget-friendly, self-catering holidays but it does have a good restaurant for those who don’t want to cook and clean up. Northern Kruger gets very hot and humid so most visitors congregate at the camp’s massive pool to cool down in between daily game drives.

The game in the dry, semi-arid plains is a bit sparse but you should see large herds of elephant and buffalo congregating closer to the river. Walking safaris are very popular in northern Kruger as well as guided night drives with SANParks rangers. Shingwedzi is positioned on the border of Far North Kruger so birdlife is prolific.

Luxury accommodation in the Park

For an exclusive safari experience similar to what you’d get in Greater Kruger, there are 15 luxury safari lodges on a collection of 5 private concessions in Kruger Park. The private concessions are operated by private entities on land on loan from the government. They are unashameably marketed to the high-end wildlife traveller and offer luxurious accommodation and world-class facilities.

The private concessions offer guests a more authentic with low tourist numbers. The safari lodges have exclusive access to their private land as well as access to Kruger’s public roads. Daily game drives are in an open safari vehicle with a dedicated guide and tracker. The private concessions were authorised by government to generate much-needed income for the Park from international tourism.

The 5 Private concessions in the Kruger are:

  • Singita Private Concession

15 000 hectares located in the remote and mountainous eastern region close to the Mozambique boundary and at the confluence of two mighty rivers; home to the ultra-luxury Singita Lebombo and Singita Sweni safari lodges.

  • Imbali Private Concession

10 000 hectares located in the heart of central Kruger Park and home to 3 outstanding luxury lodges which includes Hamilton’s Tented Camp.

  • Jock of the Bushveld Private Concession

6 000 hectare concession located in the southern Kruger’s Big 5 country where the Mitomeni and Biyamiti rivers meet and home to 2 luxurious safari lodges.

  • Lukimbi Private Concession

15 000 hectares located in southern Kruger and bordered by three rivers; it’s the largest private concession in the Kruger Park although there is only one luxury safari lodge in the area, Lukimbi Safari Lodge.

  • Tinga Private Concession

5 000 hectare located in southern Kruger with the Sand and Sabie rivers passing through the concession; renowned for its high population density of Big Cats which include leopard, lion and cheetah as well as large numbers of spotted hyena and wild dog.

The 15 Luxury Safari Lodge in the Kruger Park

With authentic buffalo dung walls and rustic finishes, Camp Shawu promises guests a real ‘Out of Africa’ experience. Private decks overlook the Mpanamana Dam and beautiful bushveld surrounds. Camp Shawu is the sister camp of Camp Shonga on a 15 000-hectare private concession.

Camp Shonga is a small intimate bush retreat built in the foothills of the Lebombo Mountains, offering views over the African bushveld as far as the eye can see. Camp Shonga shares the same ethos as Camp Shawu but with the added emphasis of guests’ participation in select environmental awareness programmes.

Hamiltons Tented Camp offers an authentic safari experience coupled with pure luxury and indulgence. There are 6 superb canvas tents at Hamiltons Tented Camp which lie nested in a grove of ancient Jackalberry trees on the banks of a seasonal river.

Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge is an exclusive safari lodge that lies nestled in a lush riverine forest on the banks of the Mluwati River. It offers guests the choice of 6 beautifully decorated air-conditioned suites with luxurious features. The tented units at Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge look onto a waterhole and beautiful bushveld surrounds.

Imbali Safari Lodge has 12 spacious private suites. Each suite has a private wooden deck and plunge pool and overlooks the N’waswitsontso riverbed. Activities include daily morning and evening game drives, guided bush walks and spa treatments in the comfort of your private suite.

Jock Safari Lodge offers luxury safari accommodation on what was the first private concession in the Kruger Park. The luxurious safari lodge exudes old-world charm combined with the distinctive character of the Zulu and Shangaan cultures. 

Lukimbi Safari Lodge is a 5-star luxury safari lodge located in southern Kruger on the largest concession in the national park. With only one deluxe safari lodge operating in a private area that spans 15 000 hectares, guests staying at Lukimbi Safari Lodge are guaranteed the ultimate exclusive safari experience.

The Outpost is located in the extreme north of the Kruger Park in the Makuleke region which is bordered to the north by the Limpopo River and Zimbabwe and Mozambique to the east. It offers luxurious accommodation in a spectacular setting which is renowned for its incredible biodiversity and prolific birdlife.

Shishangeni Private Lodge is built on what was the last private concession allocated to private operators in the Kruger National Park. It’s located in the south-eastern region with the Crocodile River on its southern boundary and Mozambique boundary to the east.

Birdwatching

There are over 517 recorded bird species in the Kruger Park, of which 250 are year-round residents. Many bird species are endemic which means they are not found anywhere else.

Kruger Park is home to many globally-threatened species. In the Pafuri area, quite a few birds listed on the red data species are found in healthy numbers. This includes the bateleur eagle and southern ground-hornbill as well as the lappet-faced vulture, martial eagle, kori bustard and grey-headed parrot.

Birdlife is prolific throughout the Park but the best place to go for birding is Far North Kruger. Stay at Pafuri Camp and enjoy incredible bird sightings.

Skukuza Golf Club

Who says you have to miss out on golf while on holiday in Kruger Park? The Skukuza Golf Course in southern Kruger is legendary. It was established in 1972 as a recreational facility for Skukuza staff members and later opened to the public. It’s situated close to Skukuza Rest Camp.

The 9-hole golf course isn’t fenced so don’t be surprised if you find yourself sharing the fairway with antelope, giraffe and zebra. Watch out for hippo and crocodiles in the water holes. It’s not the most pristine golf course in South Africa but everyone loves playing it. The 19th holes is the best hole.

Did you know?

The Big 6 in the bird world are the ground hornbill, martial eagle, saddle-billed stork, lappet-faced vulture, Pel’s fishing owl and the kori bustard.

Stevenson-Hamilton Knowledge Resource Centre & Museum

This fascinating facility is located at the entrance into Skukuza Rest Camp. It’s an opportunity to learn about the history of Kruger Park and the game wardens who pioneered its development and conservation.

The Stevenson-Hamilton Museum holds many fascinating artefacts, books and valuable documents depicting much of the life of the first game warden in Kruger Park. One of the most renowned items on display is the knife which belonged to another famous ranger, Harry Wolhuter. He used the small knife to kill the lion that had him in the grip of his jaws.

Visit cultural hesitage sites

Kruger Park as over 300 archaeological sites and is rich in cultural history. There’s evidence that the region was inhabited over two-and-a-half million years ago and artefacts found in the Park date back to the Stone Age and Iron Age.

The three most significant archaeological sites in Kruger Park that are open to the public are:

 Albasini Ruins

Albasini Ruins are the remains of the 19th century trading post that was established by a legendary Portuguese trader, Joao Albasini. Located close to Phabeni Gate, Albasini’s settlement at Magashula’s Kraal is believed to be the first European settlement in the disease-ridden Lowveld.

  • Masorini

This late Iron Age site is located on a prominent hillside about 12 kilometres from the Phalaborwa Gate on the tar road to Letaba Rest Camp. The site was inhabited by a Sotho-speaking Ba-Phalaborwa tribe during the 1800’s who developed an advanced and sophisticated industry of mining, smelting iron ore and trading in these iron products.

  • Thulamela

Thulamela is a stone-walled site located in the far north region of the Kruger Park. It dates back some 450 to 500 years to the late Iron Age. When the Great Zimbabwe region was abandoned due to political turmoil, several groups of Shona-speaking inhabitants moved south across the Limpopo River into the north-eastern region of South Africa and northern Kruger Park. They established new smaller chiefdoms such as Thulamela.

The important archaeological site has uncovered the skeleton of a female that dates back to AD 1600. A second skeleton of a man found at Thulamela dates back to AD 1450.

FAQs about Kruger National Park

Is it safe to visit Kruger Park?

Kruger Park receives over a million visitors every year and you can rest assured, safety is a priority for SANParks, the tour operators and guides.

The national park is home to many fierce creatures with big teeth and claws but as long as you follow the Kruger Park rules and regulations and your guide’s instructions on game drives and guided walks, you should be safe.

Here are the Top 10 tips to stay safe in Kruger Park when wild animals are close by:

  1. Stay in the vehicle at all times while driving around Kruger Park
  2. Keep arms and legs inside the car; don’t allow kids to stick their bodies out the sun roof
  3. Keep to the designated public roads; don’t drive off the road into the bush
  4. Stay alert when close to a herd of elephants or buffalo; keep a safe distance and move out of harm’s way if any display aggressive behaviour
  5. Give animals right of way; never come between a mother and her baby
  6. Do not speed on the roads; even if late for gate closing time
  7. On an open safari vehicle, keep quiet and listen to your guide’s instructions when dangerous animals are close by
  8. On a guided game drive or bush walk, stay with the group; don’t wander off into the bush for a toilet break or to look at something
  9. Watch your children in the rest camps; don’t allow them to feed or pet animals no matter how cute
  10. Keep your mobile phone with you on a self-drive game drive and fully charged; if you break down, you can call for help

Is there malaria in Kruger Park?

Yes, Kruger Park is located in a malaria region of South Africa.

You may read that Kruger Park is a low-to-medium risk malaria area but don’t let that dissuade you from taking the necessary precautions to prevent being bitten and falling ill with the disease. If not diagnosed and treated early, malaria can be fatal.

It’s highly recommended you take anti-malaria tablets for a safari holiday to Kruger Park. Speak to your doctor or a travel clinic before arriving in the Park because if you are going to take anti-malaria tablets, you need to take them a few days or a week before arriving (depending on the prescription).

If you experience flu-like symptoms within 10 to 12 days of arriving in Kruger Park, seek immediate medical attention. The symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, sweating, headaches, body aches and extreme fatigue.

Mosquitoes are most active between sunset and sunrise and in the summer rainfall months when the weather is hot and there is more stagnant water lying on the ground.

Precautions you can take to prevent being bitten by a possible malaria-carrying mosquito include:

  • use an insect repellent throughout the day but especially after the sun goes down
  • change into a long-sleeved shirt and long pants and wear closed shoes to cover up bare skin
  • sleep under a mosquito net

What is the best time of year to visit Kruger National Park?

Kruger Park enjoys a sub-tropical climate with warm, sunny weather for most of the year. It’s a year-round destination but the best time to visit Kruger Park really depends on what interests you.

  • Is it safe to take children on a Kruger safari tour?

A safari holiday in Kruger Park is one of the best holidays you can take with your children. Devoted Kruger Park fans start taking their children to the Park from a fairly young age and the love of the bushveld and wildlife is passed on from generation to generation.

On the whole, Kruger Park is safe for children if they’re watched carefully and the whole family follows Kruger Park’s rules and regulations to keep safe and out of harm’s way.

That being said, Kruger Park is a malaria area and it’s highly recommended visitors take anti-malaria tablets. The minimum recommended age for malaria tablets is 5 years. Children younger than this do go to Kruger Park with their parents but it’s risky. What makes it more risky is a young child will battle with the toxicity of the treatment for malaria.

Likewise, we don’t recommend you visit Kruger Park if you’re pregnant. It’s a risk to you and your baby if you contract the disease because you won’t be able to tolerate the malaria treatment.

If you have a child under 5 years of age or are pregnant, you should rather book a safari tour of Pilanesberg Game Reserve or one of the Cape safari destinations which are located in malaria-free areas in South Africa.

  • Best time for game viewing in Kruger Park

The best time to see animals in Kruger is in the dry winter months from May to September. The grass is sparse and thinned out which makes it easier to spot game and the animals tend to congregate closer to permanent water sources.

Kruger Park experiences summer rainfall, from end October to end March. The bushveld is lush and thick in summer which makes game viewing harder and, because there is so many water pools scattered around the grass plains, the animals tend to drift deeper into the bush.

Towards the end of November and early December, Kruger Park is filled with newborn animals. It’s the hottest time to visit the Kruger Park but also a wonderful time because the bushveld is brimming with new life.

  • Best time for birdwatching in Kruger Park

The summer months are also the best time for birdwatching in Kruger Park because this is when the Eurasian and intra-African migrant birds have arrived in southern Africa. Between November and April is when you’ll see the greatest variety of birds in Kruger.

What is the weather like in Kruger Park?

Kruger Park gets hot… very hot!

The region has a sub-tropical climate and for most of the year, the weather in Kruger is warm and pleasant. Temperatures peak to a high in the upper 30s and early 40s in mid-summer between November and January. It can also get very humid.

If you find very hot and humid summer temperatures uncomfortable, the best time to visit Kruger is between end-March to early-September when the temperatures are more bearable.

The northern region of South Africa experiences summer rainfall, with the rainy season starting towards the end of September and drying up towards the end of March. The good thing about the rainy season in Kruger Park is its usually a refreshing downpour and then the sun comes out. Only on rare occasions does a cold front come through and the whole Park is cool and overcast for a couple of days.

Winter in Kruger Park is mild and pleasant. Apart from being the best time for game viewing in Kruger, most international tourists find it the most pleasant time with temperate weather conditions.

Winter in Kruger starts towards end of April, peaks in June/July and starts warming up by mid-August. The days are usually mild and pleasant but the evenings get chilly once the sun goes down. Remember to pack warm winter jackets, gloves and beanies for the early morning and late-afternoon game drives.

Kruger National Park Safaris/Kruger Park Safaris

 

Located in the north-eastern part of South Africa, Kruger National Park covers nearly 20,000 square kilometres, making it one of the continent’s most sought-after destinations for observing the “Big Five” – lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos – as well as a rich diversity of other wildlife.

This park, one of Africa’s largest and most iconic wildlife reserves, offers a vast range of safari experiences that cater to both first-time explorers and seasoned adventurers.

With its remarkable landscape of savannas, woodlands, and rivers, Kruger National Park hosts an array of safari activities, providing travellers with an unforgettable experience in the African wilderness. Whether you’re interested in classic game drives, walking safaris, or multi-day excursions, Kruger park safaris promise a memorable adventure that blends the thrill of wildlife encounters with peaceful views of nature.

For those planning a safari, various Kruger park packages make it easy to experience the park’s diverse offerings. These packages often include lodging, meals, guided tours, and activities, allowing visitors to enjoy the park’s highlights in a seamless itinerary.

The park’s accommodations range from basic rest camps to luxurious lodges, each offering unique safari activities that are tailored to showcase the diverse flora and fauna of Kruger, so let’s explore the different safari experiences available at Kruger, focusing on popular activities like bush walks, game drives, and exclusive excursions from the park’s camps and lodges.

 

Types of Popular Safari Activities in Kruger National Park

 

Self-Drive Safaris

Kruger National Park is one of the few reserves in Africa where self-drive safaris are allowed, giving visitors the freedom to explore the park at their own pace.

Self-drive safaris are ideal for those who prefer a more private experience, enabling travellers to plan their routes, linger at scenic spots, and observe animals on their own schedule. The park’s extensive network of roads is well-signposted, making navigation easy for first-time visitors. Self-drive safaris also allow guests to discover more remote parts of the park that are not always included in guided tours.

While self-driving offers flexibility, it’s important to adhere to park regulations to ensure safety for both visitors and wildlife. Many travellers opt for Kruger park packages that include a combination of self-drive days and guided tours, allowing them to balance independent exploration with expert-led excursions.

Classic Game Drives

This popular activity in Kruger National Park offers a classic safari experience that lets visitors view a wide variety of animals from the comfort of an open vehicle.

Game drives are available at most camps and lodges within the park, usually conducted in open-air 4×4 vehicles that provide unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape. Drives are led by experienced guides who share insights about the animals and the ecosystem, helping visitors gain a deeper appreciation of the park’s natural environment.

Morning game drives typically start early, around sunrise, allowing travellers to witness the park as it awakens. Animals are often most active during these cooler hours, increasing the chances of spotting elusive species like leopards or wild dogs.

Evening game drives, on the other hand, offer the thrill of observing nocturnal creatures and predators that emerge after sunset. With spotlights in hand, guides help passengers scan the bush for night-time activity, creating an exciting and different experience compared to the day drives.

Night Safaris

Night safaris are a thrilling experience in the Kruger National Park, providing a glimpse into the hidden lives of the park’s nocturnal creatures.

Starting at sunset, these drives allow visitors to see species that are rarely visible during the day, such as hyenas, genets, porcupines, and even leopards. Equipped with spotlights, guides carefully illuminate the bush, searching for eye-shine that indicates the presence of wildlife.

Unlike regular game drives, night safaris provide insights into the park’s ecosystem after dark, highlighting the fascinating adaptations of nocturnal animals. Night drives are also shorter than daytime excursions, typically lasting around two hours, making them ideal for those looking to add a unique twist to their Kruger park safaris.

Bush Walks on Walking Trails

Bush walks are an exhilarating way to experience the wilderness up close, allowing safari-goers to feel connected to the environment on a deeper level.

Accompanied by armed rangers, visitors embark on walking trails that explore areas inaccessible by vehicle. During these walks, participants learn about the smaller details of the ecosystem that are often missed on game drives, from tracking animal prints to examining native plants and insects.

Bush walks also offer the rare opportunity to encounter animals at ground level, making each sighting more intimate and personal.

Bush walks vary in duration and intensity, with options suitable for beginners and seasoned walkers alike. These walks provide a unique perspective on Kruger’s biodiversity, where every rustle, footprint, and scent tells a story of survival, making them an educational and unforgettable part of any safari.

Bird Watching

Kruger National Park is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with over 500 recorded species throughout the park. Some of the notable species include the southern ground hornbill, martial eagle, and lilac-breasted roller. Binoculars and field guides are essential to learn more about bird behaviour and migratory patterns.

Bird-watching can be done at different times of the day, with early mornings and late afternoons being the prime hours for bird activity. Dedicated bird hides located at specific points within the park offer a stationary option for enthusiasts who prefer observing birds in a more settled environment.

 

Safari Experiences by Main Camps and Lodges

 

Each camp and lodge within Kruger National Park offers a unique range of safari activities and experiences.

From popular Skukuza and Satara camps to the more secluded Lower Sabie and Olifants, guests can choose accommodations based on the type of safari they wish to experience.

Skukuza Camp

As the largest camp in Kruger, Skukuza offers an extensive range of activities, including game drives, and bush walks. Morning and evening drives are particularly popular, as the camp’s location on the Sabie River attracts a variety of wildlife.

Skukuza is also a convenient base for photography safaris, as its location near rivers and open plains provides excellent lighting and scenic backdrops. A typical day at Skukuza might begin with a morning game drive, followed by a leisurely breakfast and relaxation time before heading out for an evening or night drive.

Satara Camp

Satara is renowned for its high density of predators, making it a top choice for those interested in viewing lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The camp’s game drives and bush walks provide ample opportunities to spot big cats and other large mammals in open grasslands.

Satara’s central location within Kruger also makes it an ideal base for exploring multiple regions of the park, with longer drives that showcase the diverse habitats of the area possible.

Lower Sabie Camp

Nestled along the Sabie River, Lower Sabie is known for its scenic views and abundant wildlife. This camp offers morning and evening drives that focus on riverfront sightings, where visitors can often see elephants, hippos, and crocodiles.

The day here usually begins with a morning drive, followed by some relaxation before an afternoon or a sunset drive.

Olifants Camp

Situated on a hill overlooking the Olifants River, this camp offers panoramic views and a more serene atmosphere.

Olifants is ideal for bird watching, with many raptors and migratory species in the area. Visitors can take part in bush walks, birding safaris, and scenic drives along the river.

 

A Typical Daily Routine on a Kruger Safari

 

A typical day on a Kruger safari begins before dawn, as early mornings provide the best chance of spotting wildlife. After several hours in the bush, visitors return for a breakfast and some relaxation time. The middle of the day, when temperatures are higher and animal activity is lower, is often spent resting, taking advantage of camp facilities, or enjoying a swim in the communal pool.

In the late afternoon, visitors like to enjoy an evening game drive, where they can observe animals preparing for the night. Back at camp, dinner is typically enjoyed around an open fire or in a restaurant in the bigger camps. Night drives are also available at camps, allowing guests to extend their day’s adventure into the night.

 

Safari Experiences in the Private Game Reserves of the Greater Kruger Area

 

In addition to Kruger National Park, the Greater Kruger Area includes a network of private game reserves that share an unfenced boundary with the park.

These private reserves, such as Sabi Sand, Timbavati, Klaserie, and Manyeleti, offer exclusive safari experiences that often differ from those available in the national park itself. A visit to a private game reserve in the Greater Kruger area brings a new level of intimacy, flexibility, and exclusivity, creating a more tailored and often more luxurious safari experience.

Here are some of the unique activities and benefits visitors can enjoy in these private reserves that aren’t permitted in the national park itself:

Off-Road Game Drives

One of the major draws of the private reserves is the ability to venture off established roads during game drives. Unlike in Kruger National Park, where vehicles are required to stay on designated roads, off-road driving is permitted in the private reserves.

This provides guests with a closer and more flexible experience, particularly useful for tracking elusive species like leopards or getting an up-close view of big cats on a hunt.

Night Game Drives with Enhanced Tracking

Although night drives are offered in Kruger National Park, they are often limited to certain times and routes. In private reserves, night drives are typically more flexible, with highly trained guides and trackers working together to spot elusive nocturnal animals.

These night drives often start just after sunset and continue for as long as guests desire, allowing a more extended exploration of the reserve under cover of darkness.

Guides and trackers in private reserves are often experts at locating animals that are challenging to find, such as aardvarks, genets, and honey badgers. They use special techniques to interpret tracks, calls, and scents, which can lead to thrilling nocturnal encounters.

Walking Safaris with Close Animal Encounters

While Kruger National Park offers some bush walks, the walks available in private reserves are often more intimate and tailored to guest interests. In these reserves, walking safaris allow guests to explore the bush at a slower pace, getting closer to wildlife with highly trained guides who ensure safety and maintain a respectful distance.

With fewer people and less-regulated paths, these private walking safaris create an intimate experience that is difficult to achieve in the national park.

Exclusive Photographic Safaris with Specialised Vehicles

Private reserves in the Greater Kruger are known for their specialised photographic safaris, where vehicles are modified to provide photographers with the best possible angles and stability for capturing the perfect shot.

These safaris cater to professional photographers and enthusiasts alike, with expert guides assisting not only in locating animals but also in positioning the vehicle for optimal lighting and composition.

In the national park, where road rules and viewing times apply, photography opportunities may be more restricted. However, in private reserves, guides work closely with photographers to ensure that they have ample time to capture detailed and high-quality images.

Specialised Experiences, such as Bush Dinners and Star Bed Sleepouts

Private game reserves often go above and beyond to offer unique experiences that enhance the safari adventure.

One such experience is the bush dinner, where guests dine in the open wilderness under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the African night. These dinners are typically set up in scenic locations away from the main lodge, with a traditional South African braai (barbecue) and ambient lanterns creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

Another unique offering in some private reserves is the “star bed” experience, which allows guests to sleep out under the stars in a secure, elevated platform or treehouse. These sleepouts provide an unfiltered connection to nature, where guests fall asleep to the sounds of nocturnal wildlife and wake to the early morning light.

Conservation and Community Involvement Tours

Many private reserves in the Greater Kruger are heavily involved in conservation efforts and community engagement projects. Some reserves offer exclusive conservation tours or volunteer opportunities where guests can learn about anti-poaching efforts, animal rehabilitation, and local sustainability initiatives.

In addition, many lodges have close ties with nearby communities, allowing guests to participate in cultural tours that support local development projects. These conservation tours provide insights into the challenges of protecting endangered species and maintaining the ecological balance in the Greater Kruger area.

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