Kruger National Park
Plan Your Visit to Kruger National Park
By Car: The quickest way to reach Kruger National Park from Cape Town is by taking the route via the N1 highway. It is recommended to get to Bloemfontein for your overnight stop. To get to the Skukuza, you can drive along N12 before turning to R40, N4, and R536 for the rest of the way. You can either book a rental car or drive on your own; the overall journey will take around 2-3 days.
By Plane: Travelling by plane from Cape Town to Kruger National Park is the recommended option. You can either get to Skukuza or Phalaborwa airport and there’s a direct flight of two and a half hours. You also need to book a connecting flight via Johannesburg which will add an extra hour or two.
Best Time to Visit:The best time to visit Kruger National Park is between May and October. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and you can easily spot the wild animals that live there.
Health and Safety Tips:It is advised not to walk alone in the park and make sure to take your mobile phone with the emergency numbers punched in. On your safari tour, don’t stand up in the vehicle, hang your arms out of windows, and don’t look out from the sunroof.
- Light clothing
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- A good pair of hiking shoes
- Lightweight waterproof jacket
- A wide-brimmed hat
- Medical kit
- A camera, charger, and memory cards
- Long-sleeved shirts and trousers.
Kruger National Park Flora & Fauna
The Kruger National Park is home to more than 1,982 species of plants. This place is heaven on earth for all the nature lovers out there. Some of the best flora you can spot in Kruger National Park include The Sausage Tree, Umbrella Thorn Tree, Lala Palm, Mopani Trees, Red Bushwillow, Euclea Divinorum, and more. There’s a story behind every flora you’ll discover in Kruger National Park. The Baobab Tree is also known as an upside-down tree and you’ll know why. Its branches look like the tree’s root system above the ground. Also, you’ll find the Umbrella Thorn Tree which looks like an umbrella. The Lala Palm is one of the common plants which you’ll find in the northern regions of the park.
The Kruger National Park consists of 147 mammal species, 114 reptile species, 49 fish species, 508 bird species, and 51 snake species. Among the hundreds of species in the park, the common ones are rhinos, lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, crocodiles, etc. You can also explore several fish species including the rare lungfish, which you can spot in Park’s 7 rivers. Besides spotting these species, you can even enjoy bird watching at some of the camps in the park. When you visit the Kruger National Park, you’ll step into the world of Africa’s Wildlife. This is a must-visit place to visit with kids as they’ll get a chance to explore a variety of species in the park. You can even get closer to them during your safari tour.
Things to Do at Kruger National Park
The Wolhuter Trail in Kruger National Park is a site where you’ll get a chance to view the white rhinos. This is a walking trail where you’ll explore the place on foot and indulge in a camp stay.
Timings: It starts from Wednesday afternoon to Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon to Wednesday morning. It is a three-night trail with two days spent walking.
Pricing: The pricing for Wolhuter Trail starts from $337.5 per person.
Another best trail to enjoy in the Kruger National Park is the Napi Wilderness Trail. During your trail, you’ll explore a variety of flora and also get the best views of black and white rhinos.
Timings: The time duration for this trail is 3 days and 2 nights. You’ll walk for 2 hours to track, discuss, and explore all the wonderful flora and fauna around the park.
Pricing: N/A
Go for a morning drive to capture the beautiful views of the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant) along with other residents in the park. You’ll get a guide who will discuss the animals and the culture of the park.
Timings: The timings to go for a morning drive are between 5:30 am - 11:30 am.
Pricing: The pricing starts at $375.29 per person.
In this package, you’ll stay in the camp and you can chase the sun rays of the setting sun as you explore the surrounding flora and fauna. In your sunset safari tour, you’ll discover the beauty of the bush as the light turns into darkness along with the roars of the “Big Five”.
Timings: It starts from 12:30 pm - 6:00 pm.
Pricing: The pricing starts at $76.99 per person.
The Kruger National Park also has a golf course where you can enjoy thrilling golf sessions with your loved ones at The Skukuza Golf Course. During your golf session, you’ll spot uninvited guests like hippos, impalas, warthogs, and baboons. You can also spot the “Big Five” during your session.
Timings: The timings for Golf Course is between 6:30 am - 12:30 pm.
Pricing: The pricing starts at $22.08 per person.
This is one of the best packages to add more fun and thrill to your vacation. You’ll follow a skilled guide as you traverse around the Kruger National Park in an open-game viewing vehicle. Pedal like a madman and explore the beautiful flora and fauna around the park.
Timings: The cycling starts early in the morning straight into the sunrise.
Pricing: The pricing for mountain biking starts at $37.53 per person.
Camps and Lodges in Kruger National Parks
Located in the best birding region of the Kruger National Park, Pafuri Camp has 19 luxury tents where 52 guests can be easily accommodated. It includes night drives in open 4x4 cars and offers incredible wildlife sightings to tourists.
Location: Makuleke Contract Park Northern Kruger National Park, Pafuri, 0973, South Africa.
Price: $82.03 per person.
Amenities: Pool, free WiFi, Breakfast, 1 restaurant, babysitting, coffee/tea in a common area, and more.
Skukuza Rest Camp is one of the biggest camps in the Kruger National Park. This camp offers golfing sessions at a 9-hole golf course, riverside walks, hikes, and game drives. Spot the “Big Five” and rare bird species around the park.
Location: Kruger National Park, Skukuza, 1350, South Africa
Pricing: The pricing ranges between $16 - $431
Amenities: Private baths, running water, restaurants, car wash, cafeteria, swimming pool, comfortable beds, library, and more.
Hamilton's Tented Camp is one of the best Kruger Park camps for couples. In this camp, you’ll get a chance to stay in a luxury en-suite safari tent that overlooks the Nwatswitsonto River. Hamilton Tented Camp is home to several wildlife animals like Wild Dogs, Lions, Leopards, and more.
Location: Kruger National Park Hamiltons Tented Rd Kruger Park, 1350, South Africa
Pricing: $711 per person.
Amenities: breakfast, afternoon snacks, dinner, etc.
This Lodge is one of the most popular places in the Kruger National Park. With this lodge, you’ll spot the best sightings in a single-game drive. It is also home to several wildlife species and it is located near the dams in the area.
Location: Sabi Sand Game Reserve, R536, 1242, South Africa
Price: The pricing starts at $639.39 per person.
Amenities: Swimming pool, patio, gym, spa, etc.
Located at the banks of the Sabie River, Lion Sands Ivory Lodge is the place where you can enjoy African fine dining with your loved ones. It is also a great place to relax and chill and you can indulge in several outdoor activities.
Location: Unnamed Road, Mpumalanga, South Africa, 1260, South Africa
Pricing: The pricing starts at $1224.48 per person.
Amenities: Stargazing, bush dining, golf, helicopter flights, plunge pool, etc.
Located in the Nwanetsi Concession Area, it is one of the best lodges for tourists where you can enjoy the best sightings and spot the “Big Five”. The place is beautiful as it overlooks an African Plain where two rivers meet.
Location: N'wanetsi River, Kruger National Park Mpumalanga, Kruger Park, 1350, South Africa
Pricing: $2229.58 per adult per night; $1114.79 per child per night.
Amenities: Free WiFi, swimming pool, free breakfast, etc.
Kruger National Park Tour Packages
This is one of the best packages you can book when visiting with your family. In this package, you’ll head to the lush Cape Winelands and explore beautiful attractions like Botanical Gardens, Table Mountain, and more. Besides experiencing the beauty of this place, you’ll taste delicious wines and cheeses. You’ll also come face to face with African animals who live there.
In this package, you’ll visit two of South Africa’s most beautiful destinations. The first destination is Cape Town where you’ll get a chance to admire varied sounds and sights. You can also visit the best restaurants to taste delicious cuisines. The second destination is the Lion Sands in Kruger National Park. It is a beautiful blend of amazing flora and fauna.
A Kruger Walking Safari package will give you a chance to come close to African Wilderness. This is a safari adventure where you’ll spend one night at a safari lodge in addition to two nights at a tented camp. The best thing about this tour is you can enjoy the bush walks and explore the wildlife on foot while also indulging in birdwatching.
This is one of the best packages to book right now to make your trip more captivating. It is a 4-day hotel safari tour where you can stay in top-class hotels while also being able to enjoy the wildlife of the Kruger National Park. You can also explore spectacular viewpoints, such as Three Rondavels, God’s Window and Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and more.
The 5-days luxury Kruger National Park Safari tour will offer you memories that will last with you forever. Besides enjoying Africa's wildlife, you’ll be provided top-notch accommodations, amazing facilities, and other services that will make your vacation more fascinating. You can also enjoy mountain bike exploration and guided safari tours. Discover the beauty of the wilderness on a 4x4 car or foot.
In this package, you’ll spend two days at the park and you’ll enjoy a special sunset drive and barbecue amidst the bushes. Also, you’ll get a chance to view and get closer to the “Big Five” animals early in the morning on foot. In this package, you’ll head to Blyde River Canyon where you can capture the scenic views of the Three Rondavels.
FAQ's Of Kruger National Park
What is Kruger National Park famous for?
Kruger National Park is one of the largest national parks in South Africa which is home to several species around the world. You can easily spot the “Big Five” in the reserve and discover the scenic views of waterfalls, gorges, and rainforests. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon or a memorable trip with your loved ones, this is the place for you.
How much does it cost to enter Kruger National Park?
The entry fee for South African residents is $6.07 per adult and $3.04 per child. For SADC nationals with passports, the entry fee starts at $12.15 per adult and $6.07 per child. The entry fee for international visitors is $24.29 per adult and $12.15 per child. You have to pay additional fees for activities you want to enjoy.
How long do you need to stay in Kruger National Park?
It is recommended to spend at least a week in the Kruger National Park. A minimum of two days will give you a glimpse of nature and enjoy the scenic views of waterfalls and rainforests. Also, you need another five days to appreciate the diversity of the Kruger National Park. you can maximise your game-viewing opportunity and indulge in other activities.
What is the best time of year to visit Kruger National Park for a Safari?
Winters are the perfect time to visit Kruger National Park for a safari. While some tourists prefer to visit during the summer months, dry winter months are the ideal season for a safari. During this time, the weather is great and you can easily spot the wildlife species during your safari tour. During winter months, the bushveld is more open and allows great visibility.
Which are the best camps in Kruger National Park?
The best thing about Kruger National Park is that it has something for everyone. Some of the best camps in Kruger National Park include Lower Sabie Rest Camp, Skukuza Rest Camp, Shingwedzi Rest Camp, Orpen Rest Camp, Punda Maria Rest Camp, Olifants Rest Camp, Tamboti Tented Camp, etc. All these camps include multiple amenities that will make your trip more fascinating.