7- Day Kruger Park Safari
The term “safari” refers to an overland journey that visitors to Africa typically embark on to gain a better understanding of the continent’s diverse peoples, landscapes, and animals.
What Is a 7- Day Kruger Park Safari?
Because it enables you to witness a variety of species in their natural habitat, going on a safari is an exciting and adventurous way to see the “real Africa.” This is one of the reasons why going on a safari is so popular. As a consequence of this, going on a safari provides you with a genuine sense of the continent of Africa.
The word “journey” was the original meaning of the Swahili word “safari,” which derives its meaning from the Arabic word “safara,” which also refers to travel.
Walking into the bush on foot, driving through it in 4×4 vehicles, or flying across it in light aircraft are all possible ways to experience a safari.
On a 7-day Kruger Park safari you have the option of driving yourself or going on a guided, open-air vehicle safari that is both convenient and provides the greatest possible view of the local wildlife.
Safaris in Kruger Park are often led through the more wildlife-dense southern part of the park, where you have a greater chance of seeing all of the “Big 5” animals as well as large herds of wildebeest and zebra and a wide variety of bird species.
Imagine having the opportunity to spend 7 whole days at a private retreat in a natural bushveld, where the only sounds you will hear are the soothing tones of plentiful birds, and the rush and bustle of city life will feel like it is hundreds of kilometres away…
This is what you can anticipate during a 7-day luxury safari in the Kruger.
Brief overview of the Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park, in north-eastern South Africa, is one of Africa’s largest game reserves. Its high density of wild animals includes the Big 5: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos. Hundreds of other mammals make their home here, as do diverse bird species such as vultures, eagles and storks. Mountains, bush plains and tropical forests are all part of the landscape.
The private game reserves on the national park’s western border offer more luxurious (and pricy) accommodation but with added adventures like off-road game driving, guided nature walks and night drives. Due to this, Big 5 sightings are basically guaranteed.
Many Kruger Park safaris provide a combined package, with accommodations ranging from four to five star lodges and open vehicle safari drives, to more basic accommodation, including optional self-catering, and a choice between self-driving or guided game drives.
What Should I Pack for My Safari
- Pack comfortable clothes in light, neutral colours.
- Pack clothes that can be worn in layers.
- A lightweight, water-resistant rain jacket
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and lip balm for sun protection
- Walking shoes that are comfortable
- Binoculars
- Camera, lenses, additional batteries, and memory cards
- A personal first-aid kit
- Something a little more upscale for lodge and/or hotel dinners
- All of your critical documents
Best Time to Go on Safari
From May through September you will have the best wildlife viewing on safari in the Kruger. High season is from October to March, and then it gets very crowded during school holidays.
April to May and September to October have the best, mild weather and the months June through August is very dry and cold.
3 Best 7-Day / 6-Night Kruger Park Packages
The Kruger Safari Co.’s Budget 7-day Kruger Park safari tour provides an economical opportunity to explore the wildlife.
Over the course of 7 days, you may truly appreciate the Kruger National Park’s stunning scenery and wildlife sightings. You may see the Big Five – Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo, Rhino, and Lion – more than once, either on your own or with skilled local guides on a morning, sunset, or night drive.
The opportunity to utilise your own or leased car for your safari vacation saves money. You can explore the park at your leisure and stop to enjoy countless animal and bird sightings.
You will most likely stay in one of the following sorts of lodgings:
- In a big rest camp, a self-catering bungalow, chalet, or family cottage.
- Bushveld camps offer self-catering accommodation.
- Self-catering bush lodges that can be reserved exclusively for families and groups of friends for an intimate and private safari experience.
- Satellite camps are positioned near a large rest camp but far enough away to avoid the crowds.
Several tour operators offer low-cost 6-day safaris with the option of driving yourself or travelling with a professional and experienced guide. Game drives in the morning, at sunset, or at night can be included in your package, although they are normally accessible as optional extras because they are not usually included in the amount you pay for your lodging.
You’ll be self-catering, although many of the larger rest camps include restaurants and take-out alternatives. For each night stayed in the Kruger National Park, you must pay a conservation charge.
Tour operators also offer several luxury 6-day safaris into Kruger from Johannesburg. Accommodation are provided in luxury lodges in concession inside the park or in private reserves on the western border of the park.
Itineraries include breakfasts and dinners at the lodges, as well as morning and sunset game drives in open safari vehicles. Walking safaris and other activities are optional.
Pros and Cons of a 7-Day /6-Night Safari
Pros | Cons |
You can drive along most of the roads in the Kruger National Park | If your game drives are not planned properly, it may become boring |
You can spend more than one night in several camps | The longer safari will cost more money |
You should be able to see all of the Big 5 | |
You will have ample time for additional activities |
5 Tips for Going on Safari
- Reserve your accommodation within the park to experience more of its magic
- A 4×4 vehicle is not required for a self-drive Kruger safari.
- Pack plenty of DEET mosquito repellent and light clothing to cover your arms and legs at dawn and nightfall, when mosquitoes are most active.
- Get the Kruger Explorer app or a wildlife book to identify animals
- Drive slowly and be courteous at sightings
Luxury vs Budget Safaris Explained
Safaris have a reputation for being a costly way to spend a holiday but on a budget, self-drive safari is a viable option when money is tight. You are just required to pay conservation fees and are free to drive around for the duration of your stay. You can also stay in a standard self-catering lodging that does not offer any extra luxuries or delights.
A luxury safari in Kruger National Park, on the other hand, offers some of the best prospects to see the Big 5, as well as award-winning accommodations, beautifully organised logistics, and some of Africa’s most expert trackers and guides.
Luxury Kruger Park Safaris offer fully-inclusive packages for the discerning traveller, with four to five-star lodges that offer exclusive and personalised service. Return road transfers from Johannesburg are included, as are meals and open vehicle safari drives.
Optional Activities on Your 2-Day Safari
You can engage in any of the following park activities without breaking the bank during your visit:
- Drive around in your own car
- Guided bushveld walks departing from the major rest camps
- Skukuza Golf Club is a great place to play golf.
- Picnics and braais in the bush
- Birdwatching
Types of Accommodation to Choose From
Self-Catering Rest Camps in Kruger Park
Rest camps in Kruger National Park provide a wide variety of lodging options, including campsites, huts, bungalows, cottages, rondavels, safari tents, and guest houses.
The camp facilities include restaurants, stores, and gas stations. These camps are ideal for a self-drive safari, but you can also make use of guided wildlife drives.
Concessions & Luxury Lodges in Kruger National Park
Within the boundaries of Kruger National Park are several concession areas that have been leased out for usage on a private basis.
Although these concessions are located within the main Kruger Park, only booked guests are permitted entrance to, making your safari experience all the more unique.
FAQ’s
Is a 7-day Safari Too Long?
Although 3 to 5 days is usually enough time for a safari, a 7-day safari is not too long. It will just give you more memorable experiences.
How Many Nights Do You Need in Kruger National Park?
An average Kruger Park stay is between 2 and 5 nights but ideally no less than 2 nights.
Which Time to The Year Is Best for Kruger National Park?
The best time to visit the Kruger National Park is the dry season from May to October for good game viewing and walking safari conditions. Vegetation is sparse at this time of year, making animals easier to spot. They also tend to gather around permanent water sources.
Where Should I Go for My First Safari?
South Africa, and more specific the Kruger National Park is often the first destination of choice for new safari goers.
What Should I Not Wear on Safari
Don’t wear bright-coloured clothing, busy patterns or camouflage clothing. Comfortable clothing in light or neutral colours work best in the heat.
