Teeming with a breathtaking diversity of wildlife, stunning natural scenery, and incredible vistas, Kruger National Park is an ultimate safari destination in South Africa.
The park sees visitiors all over the world, but the natives visit the park the most.
According to Krugerpark, approximately 950 000 people visit Kruger National Park each year of which 80% are South Africans.
So if you want to visit Kruger National park too then in this travel guide, we’ll share the best things to do in Kruger National Park, the best time to visit, where to stay, what o pack for your safari trip, and valuable tips to make your visit an unforgettable one.
Summary
| Park | Kruger National Park |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1926 |
| Things to do | Scenic walk, safari and many more |
| Hotels near Kruger National Park | Buhala Lodge, Bush camps and Lodge and many more |
| Entry Fee | 55 ZAR- 110 ZAR |
| Camping Location | Multiple Location |
Where Is Kruger National Park?
Kruger National Park is located in Limpopo and Mpumalanga province near the Mozambique border in South Africa.
You can reach Kruger National Park in three ways mainly- you can either take a flight to Johannesburg and then, after driving for four hours, you can reach the park.
Or you can take a flight to Kruger Mpumalanga airport from Johannesburg, then drive an hour to reach the park, or else you can take a flight from Johannesburg to Skukuza.
About Kruger National Park
This National Park is one of the largest safari parks globally and the most popular safari destination in Africa covering over 2 million hectares of land.
The park is home to various wildlife, including 147 mammals, 507 birds, 114 reptiles, and 34 amphibian species.
The park is a part of the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere, designated as an International Man Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO).
This Park has a well-developed tourist infrastructure and a variety of accommodations to cater to different budgets.
More than 950,000 people visit the Kruger National Park each year to find peace and tranquility from their busy lives.
Safari at Kruger National Park in South Africa | A Travel Guide Video
History Of Kruger National Park
The Lowveld has always been a significant hunting ground for the local hunters, but in the 1800s, it was destroyed by hunters who operated in an unregulated environment.
In 1884, President Paul Kruger proclaimed the area and established a sanctuary to protect the animals between the Sabie and Crocodile Rivers.
In 1898, the Sabi Game Reserve was established to control hunting in the park and protect endangered animals. The reserve was located in the Southern part of the modern park.
All the native tribes were removed at Makuleke in the Pafuri triangle in the following decades.
In 1926, Shingwedzi Game Reserve, Sabie Game Reserve, and farms were joined together to create this park.
The park was opened for tourists in 1927, and after a bit of a rocky start, it turned into one of the most famous tourist attractions in South Africa.
Today, the park covers 19,633 sqm and serves as a home to more than 753 species of animals and 1982 species of plants in the park.
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Things To Do In Kruger National Park
Whether it’s your first time or you’ve visited before, this park offers an astounding variety of things to see and do. Here are some must-do things for the first-timers:
Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve
The Blyde Canyon Nature Reserve is home to the world’s third-largest canyon and one of the main attractions in the park.
The reserve boasts cliffs that rise nearly 2625 feet from the river below.
This nature’s wonderland is full of stunning scenery and waterfalls and lets you indulge in a plethora of activities from hiking, rock-climbing adventures to horse riding, boat excursions, and hot-air ballooning.
It is an ideal destination for nature lovers and hardcore adventure lovers.
Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Sabi Game Reserve offers a luxury safari experience next to the Park, a leopard haven.
Unlike other safaris, Sabi Sands Game takes visitors off-road in the wilderness to increase the chances of spotting Africa’s “Big Five.”
Visitors can choose from a wide range of packages that reward you with a genuine and up-close wildlife viewing experience.
Bourke’s Luck Potholes
Bourke’s Luck Potholes are the bizarre geological wonders formed over the decades of swirling eddies of water eroding the sandstone bedrock at the Treur and Blyde Rivers.
These cylindrical rock sculptures are divided by sandstone outcrops.
There are viewing platforms and bridges that take visitors right above the stunning formations and view them from various angles and viewpoints and capture some lovely pictures.
Mac Mac Falls
Besides lush canyons and game drives, Mac Mac Falls is one of the most popular destinations among tourists.
Located in the Mpumalanga Province, these twin falls plunge some 70m into a gorge below and can be viewed from an observable deck above the falls.
Now designated as a national monument, Mac Mac Falls also features pools, great for swimming and family picnics.
The best time to visit the Mac falls is during summer when the water level is complete and the surroundings are lush and green.
Elephant Safari
The Park is a place known for its diverse wildlife, and an elephant safari is one of the best ways to explore the stretches of the park’s landscape and learn a lot about elephants in their natural habitat.
The safari usually starts at 3 pm and lasts for two hours where you will cross rivers and dams and explore flora and fauna of the park.
The safari will be a pretty wet experience, so make sure to bring waterproof clothing and rubber boots with you.
Best Time To Visit Kruger National Park
The best time to visit this Park is between April and September, during the dry season when temperatures are mostly pleasant.
Water levels are also low due to the lack of rain and sparse vegetation, which means you’ll have a better chance to spot animals.
July, August, and September are the driest months, while October to March is the rainiest months, so avoid visiting the park during these months.
Map Of Kruger National Park
Make sure to download the map of Kruger National Park highlighting main points of interest, lookout points, picnic areas, and rest camps to familiarize yourself with the distances between different points of interest and plan your route.
Hotels Near Kruger National Park
This Park offers a broad spectrum of accommodation options catering to every kind of traveler. There are tons of hotels, motels, villas, and guest houses near the park for easy access.
Here are our top recommendations that are worth considering a stay:
- The Private Luxury Safari Lodges
- Bush Camps and Lodges
- Buhala Lodge
- Grand Kruger Lodge
- Hotel Numbi and Garden Suites
- Premier Hotel The Winkler
Camping Locations
This park has rest camps inside the park that lets you stay overnight and offers a range of facilities.
The biggest rest camp in Skukuza, and there are plenty of rustic rest camps. Beware of the animals while camping, and don’t leave your food unattended.
The park also has tent and Caravan campsites located just over half a mile from the rest camps.
Campsites are very well-serviced and offer all the necessary amenities for the campers. For more information, click here.
Weather Of Kruger National Park
The weather in this Park is quite influenced by subtropical climate. The park experiences summer and winter at the opposite times to Europe and North America.
Summers are hot and humid, while winters are dry and warm at the start and then get mild with cooler nights.
December, January, and February are the most desirable and wettest months of the year, while May to September are the coolest months, so it’s recommended to dress in warm winter clothing.
Check out the current weather before going to find out what to expect.
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Entry Fee & Passes Of Kruger National Park
The fee to enter the Park is 110 ZAR per adult and 55 ZAR per child. The entry fee for international visitors is 280 ZAR and 140 ZAR and children under 12.
However, considering the vast array of wildlife you’ll get to see there, the entrance fee is just a mere pittance.
Checklist Of Things To Pack
Here are some must-have items that you should pack to make sure your National Park adventure goes off without a hitch:
- A small backpack
- Cotton clothing in light tones
- Warm clothing layers
- Comfortable Shoes
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a wide brimming hat
- Waterproof jacket
- Binoculars
- Reusable water bottles
- Flashlight/ headlamp
- Firestarter
- Pocket knife
- Medical kit
- Mosquito spray
- Map
FAQ
How many days do I need in Kruger National Park?
We’d recommend spending at least five days to have a complete safari experience, travel between different rest camps, and hike in the other areas.
Which is the most beautiful part of the Kruger National Park?
Number Hill offers one of the most stunning views in the park. The area is also rich in wildlife, good for spotting “Big Five” and elephants.
How long does it take to drive through the Kruger National Park?
Depending on your chosen entrance, it takes around five to nine hours to drive through the park.
The speed limit inside the park is 50km/h on the main roads and 40km/h on the back roads.
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