Kruger National Park
& Private Game Reserves
One of the world’s most famous wildlife areas, Kruger National Park is home to an astonishing range of mammals and birdlife, offering you the chance to see the Big Five.
Kruger Safaris
Kruger National Park is ideal if you are looking for a safari fix while exploring some of the other highlights South Africa has to offer.
The main park is largely served by tarred roads used by self-drive visitors. However, we focus our attention almost exclusively on the private reserves surrounding this area such as Sabi Sands, Timbavati, and Manyeleti, where the experience is much more consistent with what we’d offer in the most authentic safari countries.
These reserves are defined by extraordinarily luxurious safari lodges, which are without a doubt among the best of their kind in Africa. The majority are permanent lodges, although there are one or two excellent traditional tented camps.
The wildlife experience in these camps and lodges is quite different to the rest of Kruger, with off-road driving, night drives, and walking safaris widely available.
However, be warned that if you’re looking for a more immersive safari experience, you may be better off looking at the likes of Tanzania, Zambia or Botswana. Get in touch to discuss your safari and we can put together the perfect itinerary for you.
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- Excellent choice of superb private game reserves
- Guaranteed big five sightings
- One of the best known wildlife areas in the world
- Luxurious safari lodges
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20+ Years of Experience
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BEST TIME TO VISITKRUGER NATIONAL PARK
You’ll have the best chance to witness the majestic animals inside Kruger National Park by visiting in the dry winter season between May and September.
As well as pleasant temperatures, there is a lack of rainfall. This is when you’re likely to see the wildlife as a variety of species will congregate around the scarce water sources available in the park. Vegetation is also sparse, so game is unlikely to be hidden by trees or high grass.
However, the park looks the most beautiful from October to April (the rainy, summer season) due to the abundance of foliage. Late November and early December is also when Kruger starts to become filled with adorable newborn animals and plenty of summer migratory birds.
Unfortunately, this period also brings chaotic tropical storms which aren’t ideal for exploring. Plus, October to April is Kruger’s high season so the main camps will be particularly busy. But don’t let the crowds put you off if this is when you wish to visit. This is why we prioritise the private reserves instead, free from Kruger’s usual hustle and bustle.
It’s also worth mentioning that mosquitos are more prevalent during the hot, humid summer season. Although the risk of malaria is low, the region does lie within the malarial belt so it’s advisable to take antimalarial medication if visiting at this time.
BEST TIME TO VISITKRUGER NATIONAL PARK
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Kruger National Park (FAQS) NEED TO KNOW
What is the accommodation like in Kruger National Park?
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to Kruger National Park accommodation options. Every traveller is different and your unique approach will determine the best camp or lodge for you and your family. That may be a simple but comfortable tent if you want to get as close to nature as possible, or a luxury safari lodge to make sure your down time is blissfully restful and relaxing.
Is Kruger National Park a suitable family safari destination?
Home to the Big Five and incredibly visitor-friendly, Kruger National Park is a fantastic family safari destination. There are numerous child-friendly activities on offer and thanks to the local knowledge of our experienced team, we can help you create the ultimate itinerary to mesmerise every member of your family.
What is the best way to explore Kruger National Park?
As one of the world’s most famous safari spots, we’re sure you won’t be surprised to hear that Kruger National Park can be busy. That’s why the lesser visited private game reserves are the best places to explore. You can take game drives and short bush walks to glimpse the amazing wildlife wandering freely between the park and the reserves. The experience is sure to be far better without the swarms of tourists, and you can also get much closer to the animals than what is possible in the main park.
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Into The Wild Brochure
Need some more inspiration? Request a copy of Into The Wild, our comprehensive anthology of safaris and wilderness travel.
A print anthology of safari and wilderness travel with over 220 pages of travel inspiration.