The Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s most popular and largest game reserves. It is about 6 hours from Johannesburg, with a well-maintained tarred road to enter. We have put together the basics to know before your trip or to entice you to make the trip!
While taking a safari through the six different landscape zones, you will be able to see the Big Five (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos) and hundreds of other species making the park their home. Like vultures and eagles flying high above you, zebras near the Limpopo River and hyenas laughing away, to name a few.
Entry requirements: To enter the park, all SA visitors above 18 years are required to produce an Identity Document or driver’s licence. Foreign visitors need their passports. You will pay an entrance or conservation fee at the main gate. Visitors who are staying at South African National Park Camps require a service voucher with SanParks, you will then be issued with an entry permit.
Entrance fees: Here you can find the Daily Conservation Fees for 1 November 2023 to 31 October 2024.
When to visit: It is best to plan your visit during the dry seasons with little rain, from May to October for game viewing and walking safaris. The animals will be easy to spot and track during this season.
What to do: Here are a few ways to enjoy the wildlife experience in the Kruger.
- Game Drives/Safaris are one of the best ways to explore, with your binoculars in hand. There are so many different animals to see and sights to observe. Most booked safaris do offer game drives in their packages. Another option is to book a night drive to see all the nocturnal animals that are not out and about during the day.
- Bushwalks are an incredibly intimate way to spot the smaller animals and insects that you would not usually see on a faster-paced game drive. You can do a morning walk or even an afternoon walk with an experienced guide.
- Birdwatching is another option, as the Kruger has a rich birdlife and our beloved birdwatchers and photographers will be more than satisfied. The lucky ones among you might even spot some eagles or kingfishers.
Accommodation: There are lots of options when it comes to accommodation. You can have the bushveld experience in the form of camps or you can enjoy a leisurely time at any of the luxury game lodges.
Sabi Sands offers a more intimate and exclusive experience and something for every budget. From the African bush with cosy bush camps to unique luxury lodges and guided game tours.
Mbizi Bush Lodge is a luxury safari lodge, with a restaurant that has traditional African cuisine with a touch of Asian flavours. The Lodge also offers a variety of activities, like game drives, The Hans Merensky Golf Estate, a Balloon Safari with a glass of bubbly as you see all wildlife awaken from the air and lastly, a River Safari where you will be able to see crocodiles, hippos and game animals drinking from the river.
Jock Safari Lodge is influenced by the indigenous Zulu and Swazi cultures. You can choose between thatched rooms or the riverbeds at the main lodge. If you would like to make your experience wild, you can choose an outdoor sala, which is an outdoor room, fully immersing yourself in the nightlife of the wild. From safaris to golf to pampering in the spa to bird watching. Jock Safari Lodge is sure to provide you with an exhilarating outdoor adventure or a relaxing time with your family.
Talamati Bushveld Camp is set in the dry “grasveld” (grass fields) offering a diverse set of animals to spot and is a more budget-friendly accommodation for families or larger groups of tourists. The units are self-catering and offer game drives at all hours.
Some extra tips
- Follow all the safety guidelines within the Park, keep a safe distance from the animals and if you are on risky safari, always remain inside the vehicle.
- You can do your self-driving safari, but you would need to ensure that your vehicle is suitable for off-road driving and that you follow the speed limits and rules.
- It is important to consult your doctor before your trip for medications, as Kruger Park is a high malaria-risk area.
- The cell service is quite weak, so prepare to unwind in nature and be free from social media.
- Pack comfortable clothing, for cooler and warmer weather. The weather can quickly change between the two extremes during the day and the evening.
- A fun activity for you and your family or friends is to create a list of all the animals you would like to see and then mark those you have spotted at the end of your trip.
The Kruger National Park is a protected area for the animals and plant diversity. It is important to be respectful and responsible towards the environment, wildlife and the communities surrounding the park. We hope we’ve covered the basics and that you are ready to have a memorable time in the Kruger!
