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Kruger National Park safari

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ATTRACTION GUIDE · KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Kruger National Park safari

One of Africa's great safari parks, home to the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps
Time needed
Half a day
Entry
Paid (conservation fee)
Best time
May–September
Area
Central Kruger

Prides resting on rocks and in the grass.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga

  • Getting there: Fly to Skukuza or Kruger Mpumalanga International (Nelspruit), or drive about 5 hours from Johannesburg.
  • Self-drive: Tarred roads and rest camps make self-drive safaris easy; stay in your car.
  • Private reserves: Sabi Sand and other private reserves offer guided drives in open vehicles.

The story of Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park was first protected in 1898 and became a national park in 1926. It covers about 19,000 square kilometres, roughly the size of Wales or Israel.

It is home to around 147 mammal species, including the Big Five, as well as cheetahs, wild dogs, giraffes and hundreds of bird species.

Best time to visit

Best season

May to September (dry winter), when animals gather at water.

Best time of day

Dawn and late afternoon game drives.

Summer

Lush and green, with baby animals, but hotter and wetter.

Tips before you go

  • Early morning drives are best.
  • Start game drives at gate opening for the best sightings.
  • Consider malaria precautions; ask a doctor before you go.

Best hotels near Kruger National Park

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

Singita Lebombo Lodge

Luxury lodge in a private concession.

See prices

Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge

Lodge in the Sabi Sand reserve.

See prices

Skukuza Rest Camp

Kruger's main public camp.

See prices
All hotels near Kruger National Park

What's around Kruger National Park

  • SkukuzaMain rest camp.
  • Sabi SandPrivate reserve.
  • Blyde River CanyonPanorama Route.
  • God's WindowViewpoint.

Questions travellers ask

Can I see the Big Five?

Yes, Kruger has all five.

Can I self-drive?

Yes, on good roads.

When is the best season?

May to September.

Travel Plan · Kruger National Park safari Travel times, prices and opening hours change. Check official sites before you go. Photos: Unsplash. Privacy & disclosure