Kruger National Park Safari: Our Complete Travel Guide
Two million hectares of wilderness and all the iconic African wildlife you’ve dreamed about while watching National Geographic documentaries : that’s what Kruger National Park, South Africa’s largest and most prestigious safari destination, has to offer. Wondering why you should choose this park? When and how to visit? Which accommodations to book and what budget to plan for? In this article, we answer all your questions to help you plan the perfect safari in Kruger National Park
Why travel to Kruger Park in South Africa?
A reference in wildlife observation
In the far northeast of the country, the Kruger National Park, two and a half times the size of Corsica, is rightly considered a benchmark for wildlife observation, with thousands of animals. Among 148 species of African mammals, you will likely have the chance to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, buffalo), including some of the park’s 17,000 elephants, 48,000 buffalo, 1,500 lions, and 1,000 leopards. But your safari in Kruger Park will also lead you to discover many species of antelope, giraffes, zebras, hippos, cheetahs, hyenas, the very rare and endangered wild dogs, not to mention more than 500 species of birds.
No matter where you are in the park, if you stay still for a few minutes, you'll see that something is always happening: the call of a Senegal kingfisher, a nervous impala, a busy dung beetle pushing its ball along a dirt path… The Park remains above all a wild place! Rivers meander through the vegetation, leopards hide in old trees.
Kruger: ideal for family safaris
The Kruger Park can be visited with your own vehicle, as a self-drive tour. The paved roads or tracks are in good condition and do not require a 4x4. However, we recommend an SUV-type vehicle to make wildlife observation easier and ensure everyone's comfort – you will spend several hours each day in this car.
Your children are comfortably seated, sheltered from sun or rain, and you travel at your own pace. You are free to choose when to start your safari, how long to stop in front of an animal, when to take a picnic break... Kruger Park with family means freedom!
Most camps are equipped with a well-stocked mini-market, reasonably priced restaurants, and a swimming pool, ideal for cooling off during hot summer days. For older kids and adults, the park offers many activities related to wildlife and nature – even a golf course!
In short, Kruger is great for family travel, like the rest of South Africa.
By plane or car: Kruger Park is easily accessible
Depending on the duration and pace of your trip to South Africa, you can reach Kruger Park:
- by car (about 5 hours' drive from Johannesburg);
- or by plane: if you are short on time, domestic flights connect Johannesburg or Cape Town to airports near Kruger’s gates, and even to Skukuza airport, inside the park.
How to visit Kruger Park?
Several days or self-drive stays are needed to explore the whole park... If you only have a few days, it's better to stick to one zone (south, center, or north) and enjoy!
Southern Kruger
This area extends from Crocodile Bridge to Orpen Gate, including the renowned Sabi Sands Game Reserve, a private area that could be the cherry on top of your stay. The famous Big Five and many other species thrive amidst this lush vegetation.
Central Kruger
From Orpen Gate to Letaba, including the private reserves of Thornybush to Makalali, the landscape features more grasslands, perfect for impalas, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, and black rhinos, as well as lions and cheetahs...
Northern Kruger
Wilder, this is a paradise for birdwatchers, elephants, and baobabs. This destination deserves more than a weekend to also explore the Venda region (far north of Limpopo, bordering Zimbabwe), where different experiences and activities are possible.
Where to sleep in Kruger National Park?
Rustic, comfortable, or modern? Whatever your preferences, the park offers a wide range of accommodation options: camping, hut, fully equipped bungalow, safari tent, lodge, or hotel… You can even book a night in a hide to watch animals at a waterhole. Magical!
SanParks Rest Camps
Sleeping inside Kruger Park, lulled by the sounds of nocturnal animals – but completely safe: that's what the famous rest camps offer, public accommodations managed by South African National Parks (SanParks). In our opinion, it's one of the best ways to experience the legendary Kruger!
Indeed, you don’t waste time driving to the park: as soon as the gates open (between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m., depending on the season), you're already in nature, meeting wild animals.
Private Lodges & Concessions
Depending on your safari budget, you can also opt for a few nights – or an entire stay – in one of the many private lodges in the area.
Located inside Kruger, in private concessions or on the border (Sabi Sands, Timbavati, Manyeleti, Klaserie…), these lodges offer high-end services:
- luxury accommodation;
- gourmet dining;
- two game drives per day and sometimes a bush walk;
- a professional ranger guide to almost certainly find the Big Five;
- à la carte services (spa, babysitting, kids’ activities…)
How much does a safari in Kruger Park cost?
A public area accessible with your own vehicle, Kruger Park suits all budgets, from camping to luxury lodges in private concessions.
Here are some examples of rates for one night for 4 people in one of the many SanParks accommodations:
- camping: from €30 per night per site;
- cottage (with bathroom and equipped kitchen): from €150 per night.
In private lodges, prices generally start around €200 per night per person, full board with safaris, and can quickly increase.
Park entry fees in 2025 are €26 per person per day (half price for children under 12). If you're planning a long stay or visiting several national parks in South Africa, buying the Wild Card, valid for one year and across the country, can be a good deal.
You can also book activities: 4x4 safaris by day or night, guided bush walks (for a few hours or several days), or even a barbecue in the wild (the famous South African braai).
☀️ Contact us to build a custom itinerary in Kruger Park, within your budget.
What’s the best time for a safari in Kruger Park?
Although animals are present year-round, each season has its pros and cons for doing a safari in Kruger Park:
- The southern winter is generally the best time for safari. From May to October, it’s the dry season in Kruger. Less vegetation and water sources attract animals: wildlife sightings are easier. However, bring warm clothes for mornings and evenings in the heart of winter (June to August).
- The southern summer, wetter, has other advantages: it’s the birthing season, the park is green, and migratory birds are present… not to mention the temperatures that allow you to enjoy the pools!
☀️ Learn everything about the best time to visit South Africa.
Our tips for a successful safari in Kruger Park
- Rest camps are very popular with South Africans and tourists, especially during school holidays. Plan to book your trip in advance if you want to stay inside the park.
- Small towns near the park like Hazyview or Malelane have accommodation in various categories: a good way to explore Kruger Park even if a night in a rest camp is a must!
- Note, it's not possible to explore the entire park in just a few days: choose one region (South, Center, North) or a combination of two... The park deserves more than a quick visit: you travel slowly to find animals and stop frequently to observe. Speed is limited (40 to 50 km/h), but it’s rare to average more than 25 km/h.
- Combine the best of both worlds by spending a few days self-driving in the public part of Kruger, then enjoy the exclusive experience of a private lodge. Besides luxury accommodation and guided safaris, you almost certainly see the Big Five!
- Take the opportunity to spend a day or two in the nearby Blyde River Canyon, or continue exploring South Africa with a Kruger / Cape Town combo. For an exceptional trip, add the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe to your Kruger journey – another natural gem in southern Africa.
Of course, there are a few downsides: the South can be very busy in peak season and camps are not always as well maintained as they should be. But what other place in Africa, this accessible, offers you such wild and untouched nature? The roads are good, accommodation options are plentiful and offer great value.
The best safari season is just around the corner… Our experienced French-speaking team can help you plan a custom itinerary to safari in Kruger Park!
Ready to live the experience?