kruger national park safari trip

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• 4 Day Kruger and Panorama Private Safari Tour
• 5 Day Kruger and Panorama Private Safari Tour

3-4-5 Day Kruger Safari Packages

Rated on TripAdvisor as leading Kruger Safari packages with 1564 – 5 Star Reviews / Departing Johannesburg every Monday – Wednesday – Saturdays

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4 Day Private Kruger and Panorama Safari

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Explore our range of specialized tours.

Choose a private safari for a personalized and exclusive wildlife experience with your own guide and vehicle, offering flexibility and intimacy in exploring Africa’s incredible wildlife.

Choose from our range of private Safari packages that including options for couples, family safaris, and fly-in safaris.

Customize your adventure to match your preferences, whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, an exciting family experience, or a luxurious fly-in safari.

Experience a variety of safari options, complete with all the expected comforts and inclusive of conservation fees, making our Kruger Park safaris a cost-effective choice for your thrilling adventure.

SATSA Accredited

Being a SATSA accredited company means we are committed to adhering to and governed by the regulations established by the South African Tourism Services Association.

Professional

From booking your accommodation to planning your day trips into the Kruger National Park in the company of one of our tour guides, Kurt Safari will do it all for you.

In order to guarantee the finest possible African experience during your stay, we make it a priority to offer our guests round-the-clock support.

We cherish the African wilderness we call home, and our entire team, including guides and consultants, are local residents living near Kruger National Park.

With more than 20 years of experience

With over two decades of experience guiding guests through the magnificent Kruger National Park, Kurt Safari stands out as South Africa’s premier Kruger National Park safaris tour operato r . Our range of Kruger National Park safari travel packages caters to clients seeking an authentic African safari experience, where rustic adventure meets modern comfort. Every aspect of our Kruger Park safaris and tours is meticulously tailored to accommodate various budgets, preferences, and tastes.

Our Kruger Park safaris offer options for both budget-conscious travelers and those looking for a touch of luxury. Guests not only have the opportunity to explore the best of Kruger National Park along its most wildlife-rich routes but also to discover some of the region’s most fascinating and beautiful attractions.

Guided by trained and passionate guides, guests can enjoy up to 9 hours of safari time in the Kruger National Park on our Full Day Safaris, a longer duration compared to most other companies. We use comfortable open-air safari vehicles, providing guests with a remarkable bird’s-eye view of the wildlife encounters.

The majority of our private Kruger Park safaris and tours take place in the wildlife-rich Southern Kruger region, home to the renowned Big 5 – Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard, and Rhino, as well as herds of zebra, wildebeest, and a plethora of bird species, with over 148 mammal species residing in the Kruger National Park.

Kurt Safari offers a range of Kruger National Park safari packages, including 3, 4, 5, and 8-day options, including Photographic and Birding safaris led by experienced guides.

Booking any of our Kruger Park safaris is easy through our website. You can choose the package that best suits your needs, book directly online, and make secure payments. Alternatively, feel free to reach out to us to speak with one of our knowledgeable consultants.

Our base is in Hazyview, just a short 15-minute drive from the Kruger National Park. Our consultants, guides, and management team are primarily locals with a deep understanding of the Kruger National Park and its wildlife. They can provide you with valuable insights that you won’t find online, ensuring a memorable holiday.

For clients on overnight Kruger Park Packages, we arrange stays at quality private lodges, a short 10-15 minute drive from the Kruger National Park. These lodges offer top-notch quality, including Wi-Fi, breakfasts, and dinners, combined with air-conditioned accommodations, enhancing your safari experience.

Kurt, the Director of Kurt Safari, has guided Kruger Park safaris for nearly 12 years before founding our company. We are now rated as the leading safari operator on TripAdvisor. Our packages have been personally designed after years of trial and error, with a focus on quality guiding and safety, complemented by amenities such as quality accommodation, fantastic meals, and an affordable and memorable experience.

We look forward to welcoming you to Kruger and hope you enjoy your Kruger Park safari with us.

Welcome to Krugersafaris.com, where you can explore a range of affordably priced safaris in Kruger Park, along with valuable travel information.

Embark on your adventure with us.

Krugersafari.com stands as one of Kruger’s premier tour operators, with over two decades dedicated to welcoming guests from around the globe to partake in the ultimate Kruger Park safari experience.

We offer a diverse range of exceptional Kruger safaris for our clients to select from. Each safari is conducted in an open safari vehicle and led by one of our experienced guides, each with years of expertise in guiding tours through the Kruger. Our safari packages are meticulously crafted to ensure you have an unforgettable time in our beautiful country. Recognizing that for many of our guests, a visit to the park is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, we strive to make our Kruger Park safaris as enchanting, captivating, and memorable as possible. Whether you’re seeking a single-day excursion or a 3-day, 4-day, or even 5-day adventure in the Kruger, we have the perfect tour for you. Our offerings include shared safaris, private Kruger Park safaris, and packages for those interested in exploring the Panorama Route and the Kruger National Park.

Enhancing your Kruger Park experience is the newly introduced Umbhaba Eco Lodge, offering world-class service and quality, complete with en-suite air conditioning. In cases where Umbhaba Eco Lodge is fully booked, we utilize the Sanibonani Lodge in Hazyview.

The Krugersafari.com Experience

A journey to the park with us promises a relaxed experience, and our well-organized itineraries and inclusions in each tour ensure you are well taken care of and in excellent company.

Our guided tours are competitively priced and efficiently arranged, with accommodation included in each overnight package, the style of which varies based on the Kruger tour you choose.

We specialize in small guided group Kruger Park safaris, and with daily departures from Johannesburg to Hazyview, you can arrive in the city in the morning and be enjoying the Kruger in the afternoon! Our Kruger safaris are perfect for both local and international visitors.

Each safari vehicle is open, providing excellent visibility to easily spot animals amidst the wild vegetation. This exceptional visibility makes our safaris ideal for both aspiring and seasoned photographers looking to capture unique shots. For those seeking a more photography-focused safari, explore our custom photographic safaris.

The Kruger National Park unquestionably ranks as the best place in South Africa to encounter the Big 5: Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino, and Cape Buffalo. A day trip to the park is sufficient to spot these iconic animals and more. Keep in mind that when exploring the Kruger, you never know what awaits around the next bend in the road! The Kruger boasts an incredibly diverse array of wildlife species, along with hundreds of bird and reptile species.

While we offer a wide array of Kruger Park safaris and thrilling game drives for our guests to choose from, we are also more than willing to customize a package to fulfill all your wildest safari dreams! We always go the extra mile for our guests, understanding the profound impact a real African safari can have. Our accreditation with SATSA ensures that the safari you book will meet all your expectations, providing a safe, reasonably priced, and one-of-a-kind experience. Each of our safaris promises to deliver the African adventure you desire.

You can find pricing details for our best-selling Kruger Park safaris on our website.

If you have any questions about our tours, please feel free to reach out to our helpful team based in Hazyview. You can also visit TripAdvisor to peruse our latest reviews.

We eagerly await the opportunity to welcome you to the African continent. You can book your safari through our website or contact us via email.

Essential information for kruger park safaris.

The magnificent Kruger National Park stands as one of South Africa’s most beloved and iconic landmarks. Every year, this conservation reserve warmly welcomes numerous visitors from around the globe. Many of these guests embark on various Kruger Park trips or opt for a self-driven adventure through the park, all seeking the serene solitude that can only be found in the wild. However, it’s not just the tranquility that draws visitors to the park; it’s the captivating wildlife.

Credit goes to Paul Kruger, the former president of the now-defunct Transvaal Republic, who dedicated himself to setting aside a portion of Transvaal for the preservation of animals. Without his tireless efforts, the park’s inhabitants would have long vanished from the landscape. In 1898, when the park was initially established, hunting was rampant, and trophies of big game like lions and elephants were highly coveted by foreign visitors. To safeguard the local wildlife from complete extinction, the park was designated as a no-hunting zone, and it remains one of the world’s oldest and largest conserved areas to this day.

Today, we enjoy the fruits of the wisdom and foresight of those who came before us. A Kruger Park safari is an unforgettable experience, and it’s more affordable than you might imagine. Initially, tourists didn’t enter the park; however, around 1927, the first paying visitors were permitted to explore it. In those early days, there were no accommodations inside the park, so visitors had to exit before sunset.

As time passed and transportation methods evolved, more tourists began arriving, and accommodations were developed to allow them to stay overnight. Entry fees were never excessively high, earning the park a reputation as the “People’s Park,” a place where anyone could experience the wonders of conservation. Today, even a 7-day safari is quite budget-friendly, and there’s always the option of a self-driven adventure through the park.

Booking a Kruger Park safari or a Kruger Day Tour has never been easier. A quick online search will yield a plethora of options, many of which are offered by reputable safari companies like ours. Why choose to book a safari instead of going for a self-drive? Well, in reality, it requires less planning and can save you a few bucks (pun intended).

The Establishment of an Iconic Conservation Park

Although the Kruger National Park was officially declared in 1898, it wasn’t until 1927 that it was officially named the Kruger National Park and opened its gates to tourists. Those early years were quite intriguing, as tourists would traverse the park on a train, providing limited visibility of the wildlife. The route was fixed and unchangeable, but it was considered the safest way for early visitors to experience the park. These were the days before the advent of the automobile, so it’s easy to imagine how the park’s accessibility changed after cars became commonplace.

By 1928, a board of directors was overseeing the Kruger Park, and it was determined that in order to make the park more accessible to visitors, overnight accommodations were needed. The park’s first rondavels, round-hut-style accommodations that have since become synonymous with the park, were constructed at Skukuza, Pretoriuskop, and Satara. As more and more guests flocked to the park, additional accommodations were added for their convenience, while the former ranger lodgings were also converted into unique guest accommodations.

For those who have researched South Africa and the Kruger Park in particular, it’s well-known that the summers in the region can be exceptionally hot and humid. One can sympathize with the park’s earliest overnight guests who grappled with the challenge of staying cool. In fact, staying overnight in one of the rondavels was not a popular choice in those days. While it was a novelty, the heat was often unbearable, and mosquitoes were a constant nuisance that couldn’t be kept out. These days, rondavels are equipped with fans, and some even have air conditioning. Additionally, in those early days, the accommodations did not provide complete isolation from the wilderness. As the park expanded and construction progressed, guests gained more protection from the wildlife and access to ablution blocks where they could bathe or shower.

The Flora and Fauna of Kruger National Park

While the park’s wildlife is the primary attraction for visitors, the plant life in the area is equally as captivating as the animals. The flora within the park is incredibly diverse, and the park is divided into four distinct regions, each characterized by its unique plant species.

• Thorn Trees and Red Bush-Willow Veld Located in the western and central parts of the park, just south of the Olifants River, this region is dominated by red bush-willow and acacia (thorn) trees. Marula trees are also abundant in this area, while acacia trees line the rivers and streams. The Nwatimhiri Bush and areas along the Sabie River are particularly dense with vegetation.
• Knob Thorn and Marula Veld South of the Olifants River and to the eastern part of the park, you’ll find the knob thorn and marula veld. This region offers ample grazing grounds and is characterized by red grass, buffalo grass, knob thorn trees, and marula trees, making it an essential part of the park’s ecosystem.
• Red Bush-Willow and Mopane Veld In the northern part of the park, west of the Olifants River, the predominant vegetation consists of red bush-willow and mopane trees.
• Shrub Mopane Veld The northeastern part of the park is predominantly covered by mopane trees.

It’s important to note that these regions host a wider variety of plants and trees than those mentioned above. The abundance of these trees and bushes contributes to the naming of the areas, and each region plays a crucial role in supporting the park’s diverse wildlife.

Notable Wildlife and Conservation Efforts

Kruger National Park is renowned for being home to the Big 5, which includes lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos. While these iconic animals are a major draw for Kruger visitors, the park also houses a broader array of species than any other park on the African continent, totaling 147 species of animals. In addition to numerous predators and large animals like elephants, the park is home to a variety of antelope species such as kudu, impala, nyala, and eland. Furthermore, the park serves as a sanctuary for endangered and rare species, such as the wild dog, underscoring its importance in wildlife conservation.

Anti-Poaching Measures

Due to the presence of numerous endangered species within the park, extensive efforts have been in place for many years to combat poaching. Anti-poaching units are equipped with cutting-edge prevention tools, including night vision technology and advanced telescopes. Game rangers, law enforcement officers, and military personnel have all actively participated in the campaign to curtail poaching activities. While there has been a reduction in poaching incidents, animals, particularly rhinos, remain under constant threat.

While elephants are sporadically targeted by poachers, it is the rhinoceros that often makes headlines. Poachers enter the Kruger National Park during full moon nights, targeting both black and white rhinos for their valuable horns. These horns can fetch approximately $66,000 per kilogram on the black market. Despite bans on horn trade in most countries, these restrictions have had limited impact on deterring illegal activities.

Exploring the 12 Principal Camps of Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park offers a multitude of reasons to visit, and among them is the rich history and warm hospitality found in each camp. The park is a laid-back haven, where even the bustling main camps exist in their own tranquil bubble, far removed from the modern world. Before delving into discussions about the park’s historical significance, its incredible wildlife, or the safari experiences it offers today, let’s take a closer look at each of the 12 main camps.

Located in a mountainous area, Berg-n-Dal is a unique camp that has preserved its natural environment and habitat. Dry riverbeds run along its southern and northern borders, and the camp boasts large trees. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot creatures like wild dogs, klipspringers, and leopards near the camp. Berg-n-Dal is one of the newer camps in the park, offering a range of facilities and comfortable accommodations.

Crocodile Bridge

As one of the smaller camps in Kruger National Park, Crocodile Bridge takes its name from the nearby Crocodile River. It’s an excellent spot for game viewing, especially along the Southern Circle, where lions are frequently sighted. Other animals in the area include kudu, giraffes, spotted hyenas, and cheetahs. This camp has garnered multiple nominations as the best camp in the park.

Letaba is ideally situated at the park’s midpoint, acting as a bridge between the north and south. Its name means “River of Sand,” and it’s renowned for its elephant sightings. The area around Letaba is lush and green, bursting with nighttime activity, including bats, owls, nightjars, frogs, and cicadas. It’s a prime spot for observing elephants and bushbucks.

Lower Sabie

Lower Sabie sits on the banks of the Sabie River, offering a serene and laid-back atmosphere. The camp is well-known for its majestic trees, making it an ideal location for leopard sightings. Other animals that frequent the area include hippos, lions, and various antelope species. Lower Sabie provides excellent accommodations.

Mopani camp is surrounded by Mopani trees and features a massive baobab tree at its center. The camp’s vegetation is left in its natural state, and wildlife enthusiasts can spot hippos, waterbucks, and tsessebes. The camp borders Pioneer Dam, attracting animals for afternoon and morning water breaks.

Olifants is renowned for its breathtaking views, perched high on a hill above the Olifants River. The camp is surrounded by viewing platforms that offer an excellent vantage point for observing wildlife near the water below. Animals like crocodiles, lions, elephants, and hippos can be spotted here. The camp also offers great accommodation options and a picturesque picnic area.

Orpen, along with its satellite camps Maroela and Tamboti, enjoys a strategic location. The camp is named after Eileen Orpen, the land’s owner who donated it to the park. This grassy area is ideal for observing grazing animals, and the surrounding open plains are home to numerous lion prides. The night air resonates with the roars of lions, creating an unforgettable experience. Orpen offers diverse wildlife sightings, including the Big 5, wildebeests, and jackals.

Pretoriuskop

Nestled among ancient granite rocks, Pretoriuskop is home to fascinating granite boulders. As one of the park’s oldest camps, it retains a historical charm in its layout and style. The camp is known for sightings of Sable antelopes, Lichtenstein’s Hartebeests, wild dogs, and kudus. Its proximity to one of the park’s entry points makes it a popular choice for visitors.

Punda Maria

Punda Maria, located in the park’s northernmost region, experiences scorching temperatures even during winter. It boasts a unique sandveld habitat with diverse plant life, earning it the nickname “botanical gardens of the park.” Wildlife enthusiasts may encounter nyala, wild dogs, and zebra herds. Punda Maria is an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility.

Satara was one of the first camps to build rondavels, offering overnight stays to interested guests. Today, it’s a bustling camp renowned for excellent game viewing opportunities. Nestled in a wooded area, Satara is considered rustic and a haven for birdwatchers. Visitors can spot lions, giraffes, wildebeests, and the elusive honey badger.

Shingwedzi, another camp in the park’s northern region, is celebrated for wildlife sightings, including nyala, waterbucks, and elephants. The scenic route along the Shingwedzi River provides access to the camp. With its rustic charm and limited modern conveniences, Shingwedzi offers a true break from the ordinary. The camp’s sparser vegetation makes wildlife spotting easier.

Skukuza is often saved for last on our list, serving as the capital of Kruger National Park. It’s the central hub where day visitors typically stop for lunch. Situated along the Sabie River’s southern banks, Skukuza boasts multiple lookout points and a tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can encounter animals such as spotted hyenas, bush babies, and warthogs. The camp also offers a range of accommodations and modern conveniences.

Each of these main camps provides a unique experience and a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Kruger National Park.

Additionally, the park features satellite camps, bushveld camps, overnight hides, bush lodges, luxury lodges, and campsites to cater to various preferences and interests.

Exploring Kruger National Park from the comfort of an open safari vehicle remains a highly popular way to experience the park. It allows guests to get up close to nature while ensuring their safety. With the wind in your hair and the captivating sounds of Africa all around, a safari in an open vehicle will create lasting memories. Additionally, it provides excellent opportunities to capture stunning photographs.

At Kurt Safari, we provide some of the most competitively priced Kruger National Park safari experiences. We offer private Kruger National Park tours and day tours, giving guests various options to consider when planning their visit to the park. Don’t hesitate to book your tour with us today.

Commonly asked questions about kruger national park, is a kruger national park safari the finest african safari experience.

The Kruger National Park stands as a renowned and captivating tourist destination in South Africa. This wildlife sanctuary is globally acclaimed for its rich assortment of animals, diverse biomes, and plant life. Its establishment dates back to May 1926, thanks to the dedicated efforts of game warden James Stevenson-Hamilton and the late President Paul Kruger. The Kruger National Park came into existence through the merger of various lands and the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, forming the expansive park we know today. Its primary purpose has always been the conservation of Lowveld animals.

Within the Kruger National Park resides an astonishing array of animal, plant, and bird species. It boasts some of the world’s largest and swiftest creatures, such as the African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, White and Black Rhinos, and lions, all of which draw visitors from around the globe. The park’s location in the Lowveld region offers a surprising diversity of biomes. Each of these biomes features remarkable variations in terms of animals and plant life. Travelers can traverse sandy and arid areas with resilient plants, sparser landscapes, and animals adapted to the hot and unique environment. Further exploration leads to lush savannah bush with abundant water, trees, and plant species.

Due to its vastness and diversity, every visit to the Kruger National Park promises a unique experience. Some days, guests may witness the Big 5 within a few hours, while on other days, they might encounter zebras and impalas. This unpredictability is what makes the Kruger Park a beloved and frequently visited destination, offering spontaneous and thrilling adventures.

Embarking on safaris within the Kruger National Park is an excellent way to immerse oneself in its wonder and beauty. Knowledgeable guides can lead guests to various exceptional areas, share informative and fascinating insights, and enhance their understanding of the park. These guides are well-trained and deeply passionate, which reflects in the exceptional treatment guests receive during safaris.

Kurt Safari proudly holds the title of the No.1 Rated Kruger National Park Safari Company. We offer high-quality and affordable 3-4-5 Day packages and day safaris led by experienced guides. The park’s vast expanse, coupled with its breathtaking landscapes and an astounding variety of animal species, is incredibly inviting. The Kruger National Park is steeped in captivating history and compelling stories that captivate and entertain individuals of all ages and interests. Safaris in the Kruger create indelible memories, often leaving guests with lasting impressions of adventure in one of South Africa’s wildest and most diverse places.

With numerous ways to explore and experience the Kruger National Park, the ease of booking a safari, and the friendly and helpful nature of the guides, embarking on a Kruger Park Safari is a decision you’ll never regret.

Is Kruger National Park a Hazardous Destination?

Kruger National Park enjoys global acclaim for its incredible wildlife, picturesque landscapes, and rich history. Every day, thousands of people visit the park, eager to explore its offerings. The Kruger Park boasts numerous captivating sights, including scenic hilltop camps with river views, lookout points near rivers or watering holes, and picturesque clearings by the roadside. Visitors have the opportunity to encounter animals throughout the park, which also means the possibility of interactions and potential risks, both with wildlife and fellow humans.

Among the notable dangers:

African Elephants: While these gentle giants are usually passive, they can become agitated and defensive when their calf is present. Elephants have a strong maternal instinct and will protect their offspring at all costs. Agitated elephants may provide warnings before attacking, but danger arises when separating the calf from its mother or when there is limited space to move. Fortunately, elephant attacks are not common occurrences.

Buffaloes: Buffalo herds pose a greater threat than elephant herds. When provoked, buffaloes can attack without warning. They are social animals that often defend themselves in groups. When a vehicle threatens the herd, they may charge or stampede, causing chaos and a serious danger to all involved. Buffaloes have been known to damage vehicles and harm people.

Hidden dangers include:

On-Foot Dangers: Guests walking in the Kruger, whether on a bushwalk or within rest camps, may encounter hidden dangers such as snakes and spiders. The park is home to 152 spider species, including potentially dangerous ones like the Button Spider, Sac Spider, and Violin Spider. When on foot, guests should also be cautious of snakes, which can seek shelter in various places and strike without warning when threatened.

Curious Vervet Monkeys: Some park residents, like Vervet Monkeys, are curious and may come into close proximity to humans. These clever animals travel in large troops and are commonly found near rest camps where they can access trash cans and fresh food. Vervets may enter people’s accommodations and can become aggressive when cornered or injured. A troop of Vervet Monkeys can pose a danger to both visitors and themselves.

In summary, while the Kruger National Park offers incredible wildlife encounters, visitors should be aware of potential dangers and exercise caution. It’s crucial to respect the park’s wildlife and follow safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

What is the price of a Kruger National Park safari?

Kruger National Park stands as the top tourist destination in South Africa. Its immense size, abundant wildlife and plant species, along with exceptional photography opportunities, make it a must-visit when traveling to South Africa. Many international visitors may not be fully aware of what to expect and the associated costs during their stay at Kruger National Park.

The overall cost of your safari experience in Kruger largely depends on your preferences and activities. Entrance fees to the park can vary based on your nationality. South African citizens pay R200 per adult and R50 per child, while international guests are charged R400 per adult and R200 per child. In addition, all visitors, regardless of nationality, must pay daily conservation fees of R400 per adult and R200 per child.

Visitors have the option of embarking on a self-drive safari, where they take charge of their entire adventure, from driving around the park to creating their own schedule. Self-drive safaris are popular among those who wish to explore Kruger National Park at their own pace, spend quality time with family and friends, and avoid strict schedules. The costs associated with a self-drive safari typically include entrance and conservation fees paid at the gate, fuel expenses, funds for food and snacks during the day, and money for souvenirs. Accommodation, if needed, is a separate cost and can sometimes be relatively expensive.

Alternatively, there are numerous safari companies that offer guided tours, providing a wide range of experiences at varying costs. Many of these companies offer 3/4/5-day safari packages, catering to different budgets. These packages can range from budget-friendly options to more luxurious tours that include meals. It’s essential to research different safari companies to find one that aligns with your preferences and budget. For guests opting for a 3/4/5-day safari, accommodation costs are usually included in the tour package, allowing them to focus on the experience rather than worrying about where to stay.

Safari experiences with a tour company offer the advantage of exploring more of Kruger National Park while being guided by experienced tour guides who provide valuable insights about the park and its wildlife. Guides keep track of animal sightings, ensuring reliable and exciting tours. On the other hand, self-drive safaris provide a relaxed and cost-effective alternative, allowing guests to spend the entire day making memories with family and friends at their own pace. Newcomers to Kruger Park are encouraged to consider guided tours, especially if they are not familiar with the park’s landscape and surroundings.

Which Kruger National Park Camps are considered the finest?

The Kruger National Park is enveloped by an incredibly diverse landscape, featuring a wide range of biomes that house distinct plant life, climates, and wildlife. Given its extensive size, the park offers numerous opportunities for visitors to take a break, enjoy meals, cool off, and find accommodation after a day of exploration. Throughout the Kruger Park, there are a variety of unique rest camps, tent camps, and lodges designed to accommodate and meet the expectations of any traveler.

Indulgent Retreats: Within the Kruger National Park, there are numerous exceptional rest camps, each offering unique features that set them apart. If you seek central access to the park, luxurious accommodation options, breathtaking scenery, and a wealth of amenities like a cinema, library, and restaurants, Skukuza is an ideal destination. Satara, located right in the heart of lion territory, is renowned for its prime location. Guests are virtually guaranteed to encounter numerous lion prides while visiting this area and staying at the camp. Satara Camp has a rustic charm and is not as bustling as Skukuza, providing the luxury of a modern camp combined with the tranquility of a smaller rest camp.

Elephant Haven: Elephants are a major attraction in the Kruger Park, making an area known for spectacular elephant sightings immensely popular. Olifants Camp is situated atop a hill, offering unparalleled views. The camp is celebrated for its breathtaking vistas and is often considered one of the finest camps in the Kruger. Its peaceful ambiance and reputation as an elephant hotspot make it a unique and highly regarded choice for accommodation.

Secluded and Serene: For those who prefer a lighter, more minimalist experience, there are plenty of rest camps that offer excellent camping opportunities. Berg en Dal is one of the larger camps in the Kruger, but its location in a hilly area surrounded by dry riverbeds creates one of the most serene and relaxed places to spend the night. Some of the best camping spots are situated near the camp’s fences, providing unobstructed views of the Kruger’s natural beauty, free from the interference of buildings and trees. Balule, located close to the center of the Kruger Park, is the second smallest camp in the park. Despite its proximity to Satara, Balule is a preferred choice for those seeking peace and solitude. Balule is a satellite camp without electricity, where the kitchen operates on gas, and it boasts spacious areas that offer less shade but more opportunities for stargazing. The camp is frequently visited by hyenas and elephants that patrol the low fence, allowing guests to feel truly immersed in nature during their stay at Balule Satellite Camp.

What wildlife can be observed in Kruger National Park?

Kruger National Park is home to a diverse array of mammal, bird, and plant species. Its establishment dates back to May 1926, but even before that, the Sabi Sand Reserve was dedicated to conserving Lowveld wildlife. When Kruger National Park was founded, it was declared a sanctuary where no animals were to be hunted.

The Lowveld region is renowned for its unique mammal species, many of which are exclusive to this area. Among the notable mammals in the park, Lions take the spotlight as the second-largest cat species globally and the largest in South Africa, second only to the Tiger. Lions are highly social creatures, often found in large prides comprising a dominant male, juvenile males, numerous lionesses, and their cubs. Another sought-after cat species in the park is the elusive Leopard, known for its solitary and secretive hunting behavior, blending seamlessly into the savannah vegetation. The Cheetah, the world’s fastest land animal, surprises many safari-goers with its appearance, resembling a Leopard but with a more slender build and smaller spots. Other lesser-known and rarer cat species in the park include the Rooikat, Wild Cat, Serval, and Caracal, which are solitary and often nocturnal hunters.

Antelopes are a predominant presence in Kruger National Park and are usually among the first animals encountered upon entering the park. The common Impala is a highly social species found in large herds, often mingling with Zebra and Buffalo herds. Known as the “McDonald’s of the Kruger” due to their abundance, Impalas are easy prey for many predators. Other notable antelope species in the park include the Kudu, which serves as a symbol of Kruger National Park, and the Eland, the world’s largest antelope species. These magnificent antelopes are highly prized in hunting reserves but are protected within the park.

Among the park’s largest animals are the African Elephant, renowned for its majestic herds and strong maternal instincts. It is the largest and heaviest land animal globally. The Black and White Rhinos, while popular, face severe threats from poaching, and their populations have significantly declined. Other notable giants in Kruger include the Cape Buffalo and the Blue Wildebeest, commonly found near water sources and interacting with Zebra and Impala herds. While mostly passive, they can be dangerous if provoked.

The variety of animals in Kruger National Park is astonishing. Zebras are a delight to observe as they socialize with Impalas and engage in unique interactions. Wild Dogs, although rare, are highly sought-after animals often on the wish list of safari-goers. Hyenas are more active in the afternoon and can be recognized by their distinctive calls. Giraffes are a fun encounter, though sometimes challenging to spot amid the trees. They travel in small herds, making a memorable sighting nearly guaranteed during your adventure in Kruger Park.

What bird species can be observed in Kruger National Park?

While Kruger National Park is renowned for its diverse mammal and reptile species, the rich variety of bird species within the park often goes unnoticed. Yet, the park offers exceptional opportunities for birdwatching, attracting enthusiasts with thrilling sightings.

One of the most iconic and sought-after birds in Kruger National Park is the Bateleur Eagle. This striking bird is frequently spotted perching in trees near sandy areas of the park, delighting birdwatchers on Kruger Park Safaris. Another common sight at rest camps is the Greater Blue Eared Starling, a beautiful blue bird often seen flying close to people in search of food scraps. The park is also home to a variety of eagle and hawk species, including the Bat Hawk, Hawk Eagle, and Crested Eagle, among others.

A well-known avian resident of the Lowveld is the African Fish Eagle. Its distinctive call often precedes its appearance as it soars through the skies. This majestic raptor is frequently seen near bodies of water capable of sustaining it. Their sizable nests, averaging 2 meters in diameter and a meter deep, are often found in trees near watering holes. African Fish Eagles may have multiple nests that they visit when food is scarce in a particular area. Another bird closely associated with Kruger National Park is the humble Helmeted or Spotted Guinea Fowl. These small birds are commonly observed in small flocks in rest camps, picnic areas, and along roadsides, particularly in the mornings. Local lore suggests that Guinea Fowls should only be eaten during months without an ‘R’ in their names, such as May, June, July, and August.

A group of birds, known as the “Big 6” of birds, mirrors the concept of the Big 5 mammals. This group includes the Kori Bustard, recognized as the world’s heaviest flying bird; the Martial Eagle, strong enough to knock an adult off their feet; the Leppetfaced Vulture, Africa’s largest vulture; the Pel’s Fishing Owl, often referred to as the leopard of the group due to its rarity; the Saddle-billed Stork, known for its vibrant plumage; and the Southern Ground Hornbill.

Kruger Park also hosts numerous common bird species commonly found in the Lowveld region. Birds like the Hadida, Hammerhead, Hoephoep, Kingfishers, Woodpeckers, and the Piet-my-Vrou are frequently seen throughout the park, providing a sense of familiarity and comfort to many visitors.

Discover Southern Africa?

Southern Africa offers a diverse and stunning landscape, from shifting red desert sand dunes to lush green forests teeming with life. Travelers to this region have the opportunity to embark on an unforgettable journey to some of its most coveted destinations, including Cape Town, the Garden Route, and Namibia. These tours are conducted in groups and led by experienced guides who are well-acquainted with the routes, top attractions, and hidden off-the-beaten-path adventures.

Whether you opt for a Namibia tour, a Cape Town exploration, or a Garden Route adventure, each journey is infused with a blend of history, discovery, and enjoyment. Don’t forget to pack your hiking boots and a quality camera to capture the memories of this remarkable trip.

The featured tours encompass essential elements like accommodation, entry fees to various attractions listed in the itinerary, comfortable transportation throughout the tour, and a few added surprises. To gain a more precise understanding of what each tour entails, we recommend thoroughly reviewing the details of each offer.

With a wide array of Southern Africa tours available, you can easily find and book the one that suits your preferences through our website. If you encounter any challenges in selecting the right tour for your needs, feel free to reach out to us directly for a conversation with one of our consultants.

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3-Day Kruger Safari Tours

The Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s great safari destinations. Extending over 19,485km²/7,523mi², it is one of the largest national parks anywhere on the continent, and home to 150 mammal and more than 500 bird species. When it comes to the Big Five, Kruger is a key stronghold for both species of African rhino, and it also supports immense herds of elephant and buffalo, and some unusually relaxed big cats. A 3-day Kruger safari provides a great opportunity to get a good look at South Africa’s most popular national park, and to enjoy a sampling of its varied wildlife. Be warned, however, that once you have visited Kruger and caught the safari bug, you may well want to return one day for a longer safari.

3-Day Essence of the Kruger Safari

$644 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 13 people per vehicle) Mid-range Lodge

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Greater Kruger, Kruger NP, Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route) , Johannesburg (End)

Explore Kruger Park   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  1 Reviews

3-Day Best Budget Kruger Park Safari

$558 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle) Budget Guest House

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Kruger NP, Nelspruit (End)

Elephant Herd Tours & Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.8 /5  –  98 Reviews

3-Day Kruger Safari and Panorama Route - Midrange

$671 to $681 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Mid-range Lodge

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight) , Johannesburg (End)

Nhlalala Travel   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  41 Reviews

3-Day Kruger Park and Manyeleti Reserve Bongan Lodge

$685 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 12 people per vehicle) Budget Lodge

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Manyeleti GR (Greater Kruger) , Central Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)

Bongan Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  23 Reviews

3-Day Ultra Budget Glamping Kruger Safari

$362 to $382 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle) Budget Tented Bush Camp

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)

MoAfrika Tours   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  1284 Reviews

3-Day Kruger Safari from Nelspruit

South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle) Luxury Lodge

You Visit: Nelspruit (Start) , Kruger NP, Nelspruit (End)

Balanta Imagine Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

3-Day Kruger Park Safari with Stargazing

$957 to $1,053 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Mid-range

Khalanga Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  64 Reviews

3-Day Tremisana Lodge Kruger Park Safari

$763 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle) Mid-range Lodge

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Balule NR (Greater Kruger) , Kruger NP, Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route) , Johannesburg (End)

Viva Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  265 Reviews

3-Day Kruger Park Safari

$2,029 to $2,300 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Luxury+ Tented Camp

Discover Africa Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  430 Reviews

3-Day Big 5 Budget Safari, Kruger National Park

$377 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle) Budget Lodge

Safari With Us   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  220 Reviews

3-Day Incredible Greater Kruger Safari

$597 pp (USD)

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Balule NR (Greater Kruger) , Central Kruger NP, O.R. Tambo Airport (Johannesburg) , Johannesburg (End)

Shinzelle Safaris   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  63 Reviews

3-Day Camping Safari in Kruger National Park

$529 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle) Budget Camping

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Kruger NP, Johannesburg Airport (End)

Mbombela Experience Tours & Transfers   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  32 Reviews

3-Day Luxury Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge Kruger National Park

$991 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle) Luxury Lodge

Gems of Africa Safari and Tours   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  102 Reviews

3-Day Luxury Kruger Private Concession Fly-in Package

$1,436 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Luxury Lodge

Safari.com   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.7 /5  –  186 Reviews

3-Day Kruger Train on the Bridge Lodge Safari

$1,426 to $1,658 pp (USD)

The Kruger Safari Co.   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

5.0 /5  –  130 Reviews

3-Day Kruger National Park Big Five Tented Safari

$514 to $565 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle) Budget Lodge

The Mzansi Experience   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.7 /5  –  64 Reviews

3-Day Kruger National Park

$554 to $844 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle) Mid-range Hotel

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Hazyview (Town) , Kruger NP, Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route) , Johannesburg (End)

Pure Diamond Tours and Safari   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

Not yet rated

3-Day Kruger 4x4 Open Vehicle Safari - 4 Star Lodge Stay

$869 to $902 pp (USD)

South Africa: Private tour Mid-range Resort

Africa Incoming   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.7 /5  –  13 Reviews

3-Day Sabi Sand & Kruger Ensuite from/to Johannesburg

$932 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle) Mid-range Lodge

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Sabi Sand GR (Greater Kruger) , Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)

Wild Kruger   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  57 Reviews

3-Day Kruger, Big 5 at Budget Price

$740 to $820 pp (USD)

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Hoedspruit (Town) , Kruger NP, Johannesburg (End)

Wild Planet Safari   Tour operator has an office in South Africa

4.9 /5  –  210 Reviews

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6 Questions About 3-Day Kruger Safaris

Answered by

Philip briggs.

Is 3 days enough time for a trip in Kruger National Park?

“Absolutely. Three days is sufficient to get a decent feel for Kruger’s landscapes and to see a good selection of its wildlife, though it will restrict you to exploring one small area of this vast park. That said, if it is possible to spend longer than 3 days in Kruger, I would give it serious consideration. Additional time in the park will allow you to explore it more thoroughly, and every extra game drive improves the odds of seeing elusive species, such as leopard, cheetah, African wild dog and rhino.”

Is it better to fly or go overland to Kruger?

“As a rule, it’s more efficient to fly, especially for a short safari. Kruger is about five hours’ drive from Gauteng (which includes Johannesburg, Pretoria and O.R. Tambo International Airport), so the return drive will eat into your safari time. That said, many Kruger tours do start and end in Gauteng, and this has its advantages too. Driving is generally cheaper, and you will see some interesting countryside en route. And, with an early start, you’ll be in Kruger for lunch. Kruger is further from seaside destinations such as Durban, Cape Town or the Garden Route, so traveling overland isn’t a realistic option unless you’ve enough spare days to treat it as a road trip. One situation where driving into Kruger is clearly preferable is if you’re already staying close by, for instance in Mbombela, Hazyview or Hoedspruit. It also makes sense to drive if your Kruger safari is part of a longer road trip through the likes of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) or northern KwaZulu-Natal. If you decide to fly, several different airports service Kruger, and your best choice will be influenced by where you’ll be staying. The busiest flight hub is Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, which lies outside the national park, but offers good access to southern Kruger via Numbi Gate (40km/25mi) or Phabeni Gate (60km/36mi). Useful alternatives include Skukuza Airport, which stands inside the park close to Skukuza Rest Camp, and Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport, which is near central Kruger’s Orpen Gate.”

What accommodation can I expect?

“Accommodation options are wide open on a 3-day tour to Kruger. More than a dozen rest camps offer the choice of camping or staying in a comfortable self-catering bungalow. Some safaris stay outside the park, at one of several lodges that lie close to an entrance gate. These accommodation options include simple backpacker lodges, smart chain hotels and owner-managed boutique properties. In terms of pure value for money, accommodation options outside the park are generally preferable. Personally, given the choice, however, I would always stay within the park. This allows you to enjoy the memorable experience of being in the bush at night. It also leaves you better placed for game drives in the early morning, when carnivores are most active. At the top end of the range, several private game lodges stand in concessions within Kruger, and many more can be found in the various private reserves that share open boundaries with the national park. These all-inclusive lodges tend to be small and luxurious, and to place a strong emphasis on quality wining and dining. In private reserves and concessions, guided game drives in open 4x4s are the norm, and you’re likely to enjoy better big cat sightings than you would on public roads.”

Which animals am I likely to see on a 3-day Kruger safari?

“On any tour to Kruger, you stand a good chance of seeing all the Big Five and many other iconic African savannah creatures. Elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, warthog and hippo are all but certain, together with a varied selection of antelope including wildebeest, greater kudu and impala. On a 3-day safari, lions are very likely, as are spotted hyenas and jackals, but leopard and cheetah are a little less likely. Kruger is an important stronghold for both rhino species: the larger and more placid white rhino is common and very likely to be seen over the course of 3 days, but you would be very lucky to see the more scarce and secretive black rhino. Kruger supports excellent and varied birdlife and you can expect to see heavyweights, such as ostrich, southern ground hornbill, saddle-billed stork and various vultures and eagles.”

How do I avoid the crowds in the park?

“The best way to dodge the crowds in Kruger is to avoid the public area south of the Sabie River. The majority of rest camps are concentrated in this southern sector, and it’s also the main area utilized by day safaris. The payoff is that southern Kruger offers the most reliable wildlife viewing in the park, and your best chance of spotting all the Big Five on a 3-day safari. Within Kruger’s southern sector, traffic is heaviest around Skukuza, the largest rest camp, so a good compromise is to stay at smaller rest camps such as Lower Sabie, Crocodile Bridge or Malelane. Another good compromise would be to stay in central Kruger, staying at a rest camp such as Satara, Olifants or Letaba. Central Kruger also offers good wildlife viewing, but it is seldom as crowded as the far south. The area north of Letaba is even less crowded, but wildlife viewing tends to be slow, so it is not recommended for first-time visitors. If you are not restricted by budget, think about staying at a private reserve bordering Kruger (for instance MalaMala Game Reserve, Sabi Sand Game Reserve or Klaserie Nature Reserve), or a concession lodge within southern Kruger (these include Shishangeni, Lukimbi and Rhino Post safari lodges). These exclusive variations on the Kruger experience take guests on guided 4x4 safaris through areas that are rich in wildlife but closed to the general public. Kruger attracts a high volume of domestic visitors, so it’s best to avoid long weekends and local school holidays.”

How much does a 3-day safari in Kruger National Park cost?

“The price of a 3-day Kruger safari depends on whether you stay inside or outside the reserve, and whether you camp, stay in budget rest camps, or go for more luxurious accommodation. Typically you will be looking at around US$650 per person at the lower end of the price scale, US$900 to US$1,000 in the mid-range, and US$1,200 to US$1,600 or upwards for a more luxurious and exclusive experience in a concession lodge or private reserve. Kruger is also well suited to self-drive visits, which usually work out more cheaply than guided safaris. The negative of self-driving is that you’re unlikely to see as much wildlife as you would with an expert guide, but it does offer a greater sense of autonomy.”

Kruger Reviews

Lizzie is a reputed guidebook writer and author of the Footprint guides to South Africa, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

South Africa’s flagship park with excellent facilities and unrivalled game-viewing

South Africa’s largest park most certainly fulfils most visitors’ expectations of seeing magnificent herds of game roaming across acacia-studded savannah. After countless visits at different times of the year, I have found it can get a...

Full Review

Mike is an award-winning wildlife writer, former editor of Travel Zambia magazine and author of the Bradt Guide to Southern African Wildlife.

Africa’s Best DIY Safari

South Africa’s premier wildlife reserve divides opinion. Some who’ve visited supposedly ‘wilder’ parks argue that the Kruger’s developed infrastructure, complete with paved roads and large public camps, undermines the wilderness...

The parks we visited during our stay were varied. The first evening safari we didn’t see the animals we hoped. However the full day drive the following day made up for this. We saw everything we hoped to, mainly the Hippis and Giraffes....

It is everything that thousands of others have experienced. It is soo big that it would take weeks to discover each region, but we were thankful for seeing the best that we could in a limited timeframe.

Brilliant glamping experience. The safari tour guide was knowledgeable and we managed to spot the animals. The glamping staff were friendly and they kept the facilities clean. This was a girls trip and we felt safe throughout our stay....

Once in a life time unforgetable experiance . All staff members were very helpful +HIGHLY capiable.

Viva Safaris kept to their programme, Bushwalk, Great Kruger Safaris with very well trained, friendly guides, Sunrise and Sundown safaris (Bush Braai was unbelievable crowned with an Amarula Liquer Toast). The safari jeeps accomodated very...

• Full Day Safari Excursion

Full Day Kruger Safari Tour

Full Day Safari Experience

It has been said that even an hour in paradise is a rewarding experience and this can also be said to be true of Africa's greatest wildlife sanctuary, the Kruger Park. An hour is rewarding, but a whole day is a life-changing experience. For an authentic safari experience, our full day Kruger Park safari will give you an unbelievable overview of this iconic destination.

Game viewing from open safari vehicles in the Kruger Park has to be one of the ultimate safari experiences in Africa and being able to do this in a day is ideal for those with limited time available.

Please note this full day safari is ideal for guests who are already staying in or near Kruger National Park and is not recommended for guests travelling from Johannesburg for the day. For guests with limited time please see the Kruger Safari Express which includes at least 1 night accommodation enabling visitors from Johannesburg to experience a full day guided safari in Kruger Park at a comfortable pace.

Full Day Safari Highlights

• Big Five game drives
• Knowledgeable of local guides
• Encounters with amazing wildlife, and natural beauty
• Picnics in scenic spots

Full Day Safari In Kruger National Park

You start your day early with an exciting open vehicle game drive. During the course of the day, you will make a pit stop at a peaceful, scenic picnic spot or a Rest Camp where you can get something to eat before setting off to explore more of the Kruger National Park. Kruger National Park is well-known for its boundless opportunities to spot the famous African Big Five - Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo, Rhino and of course Lion. Day safaris are conducted in open 4 x 4 safari vehicles. The day trip is an ideal tour as it provides a good overall experience at a relaxed pace. You will experience South Africa's natural beauty, capture boastful wildlife photographs and have amazing African wildlife encounters. With so much on offer, a full day Kruger Park safari is the best way to experience the park if you have limited time and want to learn more about the park from a knowledgeable guide.

• Bottled mineral water on the safari vehicle
• Kruger Park entrance and conservation fees

Not Included

• Meals and drinks other then bottled water
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• Umbhaba Specials
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5 Day Safari Packages

5 Day Kruger and Panorama Budget Safari

Kruger and Panorama – 5 Day Safari

Our 5 day Kruger Park safari packages have been carefully designed to give guests as much comfort as possible. For each safari package, we have sourced the best accommodation for our guests. When compared to similar tour operators, our safaris are rated as being the best. Our trips are ideal for visiting families and groups of friends, as well as for romantic couples looking for a quiet break and singletons looking to explore the park on their own.

Start making memories of the Kruger National Park.

Book your kruger national park safari today, read more 5 day kruger park safaris, experience the wonders of the kruger with a 5 day kruger park safari.

The 5 day Kruger Park safari is the dream tour package. 5 days spent exploring the worlds most famous and beloved nature conservation effort, gives you ample time to see the best of what the park has to offer, while touring at a leisurely pace. The Kruger National Park is without a doubt South Africa’s most popular tourist destination and one that you will never forget. People lose their hearts to the Kruger and leave with a mind and album full of memories.

When embarking on a private Kruger Park safari, or a shared adventure, you will reconnect with nature and embrace the wilder side of Africa. Spending your days in the absolute peace and quiet of the park, with nothing to bug or distract your stay here, is the best remedy for a searching soul and for anyone wanting to break away from their day to day world. The tranquillity of the Kruger as well as all of the indigenous animals who call the park home, call guests to this corner of South Africa. 5 day Kruger Park safari packages are designed to provide guests with comfortable accommodation, certain meals and full Kruger day safaris, giving you everything you could ever want from a safari, and so much more.

Kurt Safari takes guests to the best parts of the Kruger National Park, with most tours travelling through the park’s Southern Region. The routes we take are well known for being the best part of the park to spot the Big 5 and a host of all kinds of other interesting animals. Leaving from the gate closest to guest accommodation in Hazyview, guests have more than enough time to fall in love with the Kruger and all who call it home.

While you might visit the park again someday, we know that for the majority of our guests the Kruger trip is a once in a lifetime experience. Guided tours ensure that guests get the most out of their time in the park. Our guides have plenty of experience living and working in the park, and the knowledge they share makes the safari all the more memorable. Each new day in the park unveils new things and new sightings, so in a way the Kruger tour you choose truly is a once in a lifetime adventure for you won’t have this kind of trip again.

We have a most incredible selection of 5 day Kruger Park safari packages which include private safaris as well as shared ones, and accommodation of all types. Our safaris are designed to fit all budgets and will provide you with a new appreciation for this ancient place.

Our 5 day Kruger safari Packages

5 Day Kruger Big 5 Safari

A full 5 days spent exploring the Kruger National Park, looking for the Big 5 and all of the other animals in the park is by far the best way to get the most out of your time with us. A package which includes so many days in the park, along with superb accommodation and delicious evening meals is all part of this particular adventure. Guests spend a maximum amount of time in the park each day they are on safari after which they will return to their luxury lodgings and some downtime.

5 Day Kruger National Park Photographic Safari

For the professional and amateur photographers alike there is the custom made photographic safari. This custom trip will present the perfect photo opportunities for every guest and each experience is bound to be unique. 2 drives each day, in a comfortable safari vehicle, designed to give you ample viewing. Once the day ends, we return to our lodgings and retire early enough in the evening to be up early the next day for another game drive. This safari trip will leave you with countless memories and a wide selection of gorgeous photographs.

5 Day Kruger Park Backpackers/Student Safari

Travelling to the Kruger on a limited budget? We have the perfect 5 day package for you. These affordable tours will have you enjoying the Kruger and all that it has to offer while staying in comfortable accommodation. Guests can see all kinds of wildlife in the Kruger, with the budget safari not affecting the quality of your Kruger trip. This exciting adventure won’t break the bank.

5 Day Kruger Park Budget Safari

The classic budget safari is a one of a kind trip which is the perfect balance of affordability and comfort. Our budget safaris are well-priced and when compared to others, you are really getting a lot out of your stay with us. With accommodation close to the park, a few meals included and transfers as part of your package, everything will be taken care of, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the safari. We travel in the Southern Kruger which is known as the best place to see animals in the park.

5 Day Kruger Park Classic Safari

A Classic Kruger National Park safari is always going to be one of the best tours you can select. This tour, with its many hours in the Kruger, guests can enjoy early morning drives as well as sunset tours of the park, giving you plenty of see all that the park has to offer. Our early morning and late afternoon drives will take you into the park at the best times to spot animals.

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A place that encapsulates the essence of African beauty and diverse wildlife, The Kruger National Park is an area for the adventurer. Kruger Park Safaris offers a unique range of safaris, activities and tours to make your wildlife experience nothing short of incredible. View all our Kruger National Park Packages and Prices.

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Safari Destinations

Kruger National Park

Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Kapama Reserve

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Self Catering

Skukuza Rest Camp Lower Sabie Rest Camp Berg en Dal Rest Camp Pretoriuskop Rest Camp Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp Biyamiti Bushveld Camp

Olifants Rest Camp Letaba Rest Camp Talamati Bushveld Camp Malelane Satelite Camp Satara Rest Camp Orpen Rest Camp

Roodewaal Private Camp Balule Satelite Camp Tamboti Satelite Camp Maroela Satelite Camp Mopani Rest Camp Shingwedzi Rest Camp

Punda Maria Rest Camp Shimuwini Bushveld Camp Sirheni Bushveld Camp Bateleur Bushveld Camp Tzendze Rustic Camp Boulders Private Camp

Luxury Game Reserves

Kapama Game Reserve Thornybush Game Reserve

Timbavati Game Reserve Klaserie Game Reserve

Balule Game Reserve Manyeleti Game Reserve

Diverse National Park

The Kruger National Park is one of the biggest National Parks in Africa. It is situated at the North-Eastern tip of South Africa and spans over the Mpumalanga and Limpopo province. The parks surface area spans 19633 km² as many of the surrounding private reserves have removed their fences, allowing wildlife to roam freely between reserves. This has created a wildlife area like no other, as its beauty soaks itself into anyone who visits this diverse place. The area plays home to a number of species including:

• 147 Mammals
• 114 Reptiles
• 507 Bird Species
• 34 Amphibians
• 336 Tree Species

Brief History of the park

The Sabie Game Reserve (as it was then known) was proclaimed in 1892 by the president of the Transvaal Republic, Paul Kruger. The area between the Sabie and Crocodile Rivers were initially set aside for restricted hunting and in 1902 James Stevenson-Hamilton was appointed the first warden.

In May 1926 the Sabie and Shingwedzi Game Reserves were combined to create the Kruger National Park. There are nearly 254 cultural heritage sites in the Kruger including rock art sites.

Homo erectus (early humans) roamed the area between 500 000 and 100 000 years ago and cultural artefacts have been found from 100 000 to 30 000 years ago.

There is lots of evidence of the San and Iron Age people who lived on these lands 1500 years ago and there are historical tales of the Nguni and European explorers and settlers in the Kruger area.

Introduction to Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is the flagship of wildlife tourism in South Africa and one of the world’s favourite safari destinations. Located in the heart of the safari hub in the north-eastern corner of the country, the iconic national park offers visitors 2-million hectares of unrivaled beauty and outstanding fauna and flora diversity.

There’s something for everyone in the vast protected wilderness region, whether you’re a wildlife enthusiasts, avid birder, nature lover or just yearning to swop busy city life for the peace and tranquility in beautiful bushveld surrounds.

Kruger Park and its exclusive neighbour, Greater Kruger, spans the boundaries of the Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces and shares a border with Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It’s one of the largest protected wilderness areas on the continent and certainly one of the most diverse.

What’s not to love about Kruger Park?

We share some interesting facts and recommendations for places to stay and things to do in Kruger Park for the safari holiday of your dreams.

10 Fascinating facts about Kruger National Park

• Kruger Park is the largest and oldest national park in South Africa. There are 21 state-supported national parks in the country which are managed by the South African National Parks (SANParks). Kruger Park is South Africa’s flagship national park and an iconic safari destination.
• Kruger Park is massive. It covers an area of 20 000 square kilometres (2 million hectares) which makes it the same size as Israel and slightly smaller than Belgium. The Park is 360 kilometres long and 65 kilometres wide.
• South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique meet at the most-northerly point of Kruger Park where the Luvuvhu and Limpopo rivers converge at Crookes Corner in the Pafuri triangle. If you stand at Crookes Corner looking north; Mozambique is on your right, Zimbabwe is straight ahead and South Africa is behind you.
• Kruger Park is almost 100 years old. It was proclaimed a ‘no hunting zone’ in 1898 and eventually proclaimed a national park in 1926. It came about through the merge of Sabie and Shingwedzi game reserves. The first tourist who entered Kruger Park in 1927 was charged an entry fee of £
• There is evidence that humans occupied the wilderness region over one-and-a-half million years ago. Archaeologists have unearthed tools and artefacts that date back to the Stone Age, including significant rock painting sites. Thulamela in the far north is a stone-walled site built over 500 years ago and dates back to the Iron Age.
• The national park was named in honour of Paul Kruger, the president of the former Transvaal Republic. Kruger fought hard to have the wilderness area proclaimed a national park and for its precious natural resources to be protected from unchecked hunting and rampant poaching. It took 12 years from when Paul Kruger first tabled the notion in parliament to the region finally being proclaimed.
• Colonel James Stevenson-Hamilton was the first game warden appointed to oversee the running of what would become Kruger Park. At the time it was Sabie Game Reserve. The former Scottish cavalry officer fought in the Anglo Boer Ware before taking up his role of warden in 1902. Stevenson-Hamilton worked tirelessly for 44 years on establishing Kruger Park as a world-class tourism and conservation entity. His journals are housed in the Stevenson-Hamilton memorial museum at Skukuza Rest Camp.
• Each year, almost 1 million people visit Kruger Park and at least 80% are South African holidaymakers. Visitors are spoilt for choice for places to stay in Kruger Park. There are 21 SANParks-run establishments and 15 luxury safari lodges that form part of a collection of private concessions in Kruger Park.
• Kruger Park is home to the famous Big 5 which includes elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion and leopard. But that’s not all! The national park is world-renowned for its outstanding biodiversity, prolific birdlife and vast array of wildlife. Combined, Kruger National Park and Greater Kruger represent one of the finest and most diverse biospheres in Africa. The vast protected wilderness region is the core of the Kruger2Canyons (K2C) and Vhembe UNESCO Man and Biospheres, and the heart of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTP Treaty, 2002).
• Kruger Park is the only national park in Africa that has its own international airport and golf course. Skukuza Airport serves scheduled and charter flights from African safari destinations like Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Skukuza Golf Club has a 9-hole golf course that lies on the banks of the Sabie River. It’s unfenced so it’s not uncommon for golfers to tee off with buck, giraffe and zebra on the fairways.
• The Scientific Services Department at SANParks holds its most important yearly event, the Savanna Science Network Meeting, in the Kruger National Park in autumn. Together with external experts, Scientific Services’ formidable staff of scientists covers a wide range of subjects in their research. Among these are methods for conducting demographic surveys, keeping tabs on vegetation, studying fire behaviour, and conducting airborne game censuses, among others.
• The wettest season in Kruger occurs during the summer. The downpours that come from this kind of precipitation are often convectional. Typically, mild and hot weather characterises the season (October–April). Warm and mild winters are the norm.
• The first official research unit in SANParks was established in the 1950s, which led to the founding of the Skukuza Biological Reference Collection. Presently, the collection maintains more than 31,000 specimens of preserved flora and fauna. The reference collection’s primary objective is to provide as an identification service for private nature reserves, staff, and visiting researchers. Taxonomic and anatomical studies, reference book compilation, and tracking of species distribution changes across time and space are some of the other uses for the available material.
• The Majestic Seven elephants of Kruger National Park, known for their enormous tusks, have captivated and motivated people all around the globe since they were named in the 1970s. Even though ivory hunting and poaching have decimated elephant herds in many African countries, Kruger’s legacy endures.
• It is said that the largest female tusker in Kruger is MaMerle, a stunning elephant cow. The high-water bridge over the Sabie River was the first place she was spotted (August 14, 2004). During the 2004 elephant census, she was also photographed from a helicopter. She seemed to be carrying twins, who would be around three or four years old. She was named after Merle Whyte, whose husband, Dr. Ian Whyte, worked on large mammal research.
• While the majority of Kruger’s rock art is located in the park’s southwestern foothills, new evidence reveals that shelter paintings are commonplace across the whole park. In 2007, Conraad de Rosner conducted a rock art study that added 57 sites to the 120 previously known sites, the majority of which were identified by Mike English, the forefather of rock art studies in Kruger. It seems that the San hunter-gatherers of the Late Stone Age created nearly all of Kruger’s rock art.
• Kruger has been inhabited by humans for a very long time, beginning in the Stone Age. Near Pafuri in the extreme north lies the stone-walled Thulamela Iron Age Site, which dates back about 450 to 500 years. Several artifacts found at the site show that the town was an important node in a vibrant commercial network dominated by Arab merchants off the east coast of Africa at the time.
• An incredible variety of plant life can be found in Kruger National Park. Roughly 1,982 plant species are known.
• A common sight in the northern KNP environment is the Adansonia digitata, also known as the Baobab tree. The tree was given its name in recognition of Michel Adanson, a naturalist who observed it for the first time in Senegal, Africa, about 1750. You can see why the baobab tree is called the upside-down tree. The tree’s above-ground root system resembles its branches. Between Satara Rest Camp and Tshokwane Picnic Spot is where you will find the park’s southernmost baobab tree.
• The Kruger National Parkcovers six different ecosystems, including the famous Baobab sandveld and the dense Mopani scrub. Beautiful knobthorn-marula bushveld greets sightseers as they make their way down the Lebombo hills, and a diverse array of animals call the mixed acacia thicket home. The Combretum-silver clusterleaf woods adorns granite outcrops, providing shade and shelter. Riverine woods, which grow abundantly along the park’s rivers, are home to many species and provide essential resources.
• Among the 114 reptile species found in KNP are over 3,000 Nile crocodiles and a variety of snakes, the most menacing of which are the black mamba and puff adder.
• The Kruger National Park is home to around 60 species of lizards. A big and well-known chameleon, the Kruger’s Flapped-Necked Chameleon has a continuous crest of tiny, white triangular tubercles on its belly and throat. Coloration ranges from a light shade of yellow to a variety of greens and browns. There is typically a pale bar on the side and a white belly crest.
• Sabie, Olifants, Crocodile, Letaba, Luvuvhu, and Limpopo Rivers are among many that flow through the park.
• There are 517 bird species in Kruger National Park, with 253 permanent inhabitants, 117 seasonal migrants, and 147 nomadic birds.
• The Park’s protection zones are home to the six big bird species, affectionately referred to as the Big 6. The following are some of these species: the ground hornbill, martial eagle, saddle-billed stork, kori bustard, and the rare and elusive Pel’s fishing owl.
• The Park is home to 25 to 30 pairs of saddle-billed storks. There were 78 known nests of ground hornbills in 2012, with 50% of those nests being actively used. There were 178 ground hornbill family groups in total at the time.
• There are nine wilderness routes to choose from in Kruger National Park, some of which go deep into the bush and are almost completely uninhabited. Wilderness areas cover over half of the park’s 2 million hectares, and several route operators provide hikes through these zones. With the goal of providing guests with a true wilderness experience, groups stay in rustic, very rudimentary accommodations; game watching is a secondary attraction.
• A hut at Malelane Restcamp is named after Harold Trollope, who was an early developer of the Kruger and Addo Elephant Parks, as well as an avid big game hunter and one of the original owners of the Camelthorn Reserve.
• A very ancient leadwood tree with a traditional Portuguese Cross cut into it stands a few kilometers away from Letaba on the S95. Neither its identity nor its significance have been revealed. The artist Diocleciano Fernandes das Neves, who arrived in Lourenço Marques on October 5, 1855, when he was 25 years old, and went back to Portugal some thirteen years later, is one possible candidate for the carving. He hunted elephants and traded in the interior for those thirteen years. Kruger National Park is located where his trade route once was.

Did you know?

Kruger National Park is the core of the Kruger2Canyons and Vhembe UNESCO Man and Biospheres, and the core of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTP Treaty, 2002).

The Kruger2Canyons (K2C) Biosphere Reserve was registered in September 2001 in Paris by UNESCO. It became the 411th Biosphere Reserve site to be registered in 94 countries worldwide and acknowledged for its global significance.

Vhembe Biosphere Reserve is located in the north-east of South Africa near the border with Botswana, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

The reserve includes the northern part of Kruger National Park, Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage site, several Provincial Nature Reserves, two recognised centres of biodiversity and endemism (Soutpansberg and Blouberg), and the Makgabeng Plateau, which contains more than 1 000 rock art sites.

Where to go in Kruger Park

Kruger park is massive and where you stay depends on what interests you and what you want to see. basically, you can use this guideline:.

• If birds are more important than big herds of animals and you’ve got time to travel, stay in the far north in one of the most spectacular corners in Kruger around Punda Maria and Pafuri.
• If you want elephants, no crowds and can tolerate very hot, humid and arid conditions; stay in the northern section around Olifants and Letaba.
• If you want to see great sightings of lion and the other Big Cats and enjoy great game viewing without the safari crowds, stay in the central section around Orpen and Satara.
• If you want to see the Big 5 and as many animals as possible in the shortest space of time and without travelling long distances, stay in the southern section between Pretoriuskop, Lower Sabie and Skukuza.

Southern Kruger Park

Southern Kruger is bound by the Crocodile River in the south and Sabie River in the north. The bushveld is  lush and there are many permanent water sources, which means the southern area has one of the highest concentrations of animals in the Park.

You’ll see excellent sightings of the Big 5 in the southern zone with guaranteed sightings of lion, rhino and large herds of elephant and buffalo in the triangle of Pretoriuskop, Lower Sabie and Pretoriuskop. There are fewer lions in the southern region as they tend to follow the large herds of antelope that favour the central region.

Southern Kruger is also rich in history as it served as the gateway to the port of Lourenço Marques (now Mozambique) for ancient traders. It’s also the birthplace of Kruger’s famous dog, Jock of the Bushveld, who travelled with the intrepid Percy Fitzpatrick.

Pros of staying in southern Kruger

• most accessible section; easy to get to from Johannesburg and Nelspruit
• highest concentration of game
• incredible scenery and lush vegetation
• rich in history
• wide choice of  accommodation
• home to the largest rest camp and administration centre in Kruger

Cons of staying in southern Kruger

• busiest part of the park
• ‘queue to view’ at animal sightings

Central Kruger Park

Central Kruger Park is the largest area of the national park and makes up 30 percent of the surface area. It lies between Sabie River and Olifants River. This stretch of bushveld gets higher rainfall which means sweeter grass for grazing and a plenty of browsing trees. This in turn attracts an abundance of antelope as well as giraffe, zebra and wildebeest.

With a plenty to eat, central Kruger is also known as the ‘Big Cat Capital of Kruger’. This eco-zone  supports nearly half of the Park’s lion population as well as strong numbers of leopard, hyena and cheetah. It’s estimated that there are at least 60 individual prides of lion in central Kruger.

The vegetation is not as lush as southern Kruger but it’s still a beautiful stretch of wilderness area. Central Kruger is characterised by mixed thornveld and woodlands with sweet-grazing savanna grasslands. Perfect for easy and plentiful game viewing.

Pros of staying in central Kruger

• good general game with strong populations of antelope
• highest concentration of lions and strong numbers of leopard, hyena and cheetah
• thinned out safari crowds

Cons of staying in central Kruger

• further to drive from Johannesburg and Nelspruit
• longer drives between rest camps
• hotter and more humid than southern Kruger

Northern Kruger Park

Northern Kruger is vastly different from southern and central Kruger Park and attracts a different set of wildlife and nature lovers. It’s receives very little annual rainfall and is semi-arid and stark. It has its own appeal though, with vast barren landscapes dotted with shrub mopane.

A redeeming feature of northern Kruger is five major rivers forge a path across the valley, the two notable rivers being Olifants and Letaba. These permanent water sources create a tapestry of lush riverine forests and attract animals to their fertile river banks. Game viewing along the river banks is fantastic and you’ll likely to see leopard in the massive sycamore fig, tamboti and apple leaf trees that line the banks.

Northern Kruger is also home to the ‘big fellows’. It’s home to almost 60 percent of the total hippo population of Kruger and at last count, there are over 9 000 elephants in the northern belt. You’re also edging into birder’s paradise in the Far North so if you’re an avid birder, you won’t be disappointed as bird life is prolific in northern Kruger.

The area around Olifants Rest Camp is famously known for its Big Tuskers, the incredible elephants who are part of the Magnificent 7 for their record-breaking, astoundingly-long tusks.

Northern Kruger stretches more or less from Olifants Rest Camp to Shingwedzi Rest Camp.  Accommodation  options are somewhat limited but because this eco-zone is far off the beaten track, tourist numbers are low anyway.

Pros of staying in northern Kruger

• low tourist numbers and ‘almost private’ animal sightings
• great game viewing on the banks of the five major rivers
• excellent birding
• strong populations of elephant and hippo
• unobstructed game viewing in stunted mopane veld

Cons of staying in northern Kruger

• fewer rest camps
• hot, humid temperatures in summer
• stark, semi-arid terrain

Far North Kruger Park

Far North Kruger is remote and far to reach so it’s one of the quietest sections of the Park and popular among avid nature lovers for its pristine, untouched wilderness. It’s also the “Birding Capital of South Africa”, if not the whole of southern Africa.

This outstanding eco-zone centres around Punda Maria Rest Camp and Pafuri Camp, and extends to the far reaches of Kruger Park to its neighbours Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The concentration of animals is lower than anywhere else in Kruger Park but it’s reputation for outstanding birding makes up for it in spades.

Far North Kruger is home to many rare and endangered bird species, many of which are endemic to the area. You’ll also find extraordinary species such as the rare knocking sand frog, a collection of endemic bats, samango monkeys, the nocturnal bushpig and the rare Sharpe’s grysbok.

Walking safaris are very popular in Far North Kruger because it’s the best way to discover this hidden gem. Flanked by the lush Luvuvhu and Limpopo rivers, Far North Kruger boasts an incredible variety of tropical, riverine forests. This includes the huge wild fig, spectral fever tree, ebony, mahogany, ironwood, wild syringa and baobab.

Pros of staying in Far North Kruger

• one of the most incredibly diverse and scenic parts of Kruger
• remote, isolated and almost devoid of safari tourists
• outstanding birding
• beautiful walking trails

Cons of staying at Far North Kruger

• far off the beaten track
• limited choice of  accommodation

Kruger Park is made up of 6 different eco-systems. In total, these eco-systems have over 2 000 plant species.

Places to stay in Kruger National Park

The choice of places to stay in kruger park is endless and if you’ve got dollars and pounds in your pocket, on the south african exchange rate, they’re incredibly affordable. the bulk of accommodation in kruger park is budget-friendly, self-catering camps that are managed by sanparks..

For an exclusive safari experience comparable with what you’d get in Greater Kruger and world-renowned safari destinations in the rest of Africa, you have the option of booking a luxury suite at a 5-star safari lodge on one of the private concessions in Kruger Park.  

SANParks accommodation  

There are 21 camps in Kruger Park which are managed by South African National Parks (SANParks), the governing body that maintains and runs Kruger Park’s primary accommodation. SANParks offers basic, affordable accommodation which includes the main rest camps, satellite camps, bushveld camps and bush lodges as well as a rustic tented camp and overnight hides.

Kruger Rest Camps:

• Pretoriuskop Rest Camp
• Skukuza Rest Camp
• Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp
• Letaba Rest Camp  
• Mopani Rest Camp
• Lower Sabie Rest Camp
• Satara Rest Camp
• Punda Maria Rest Camp
• Shingwedzi Rest Camp
• Olifants Rest Camp
• Orpen Rest Camp

Kruger Park Satellite and Bushveld Camps:

• Bateleur Bushveld Camp
• Balule Satellite Camp
• Biyamiti Bushveld Camp
• Boulders Bush Lodge
• Crocodile Bridge Bush Camp
• Maroela Private Camp
• Malelane Satellite Camp
• Roodewal Bush Lodge
• Talamati Bushveld Camp
• Tamboti Satellite Camp
• Shimuwini Bushveld Camp
• Sirheni Bushveld Camp

Tented camp

• Tsendze Camp

Overnight Hides

• Shipandani Hide

Satara Rest Camp  • Central Kruger

Satara Rest Camp is located in the central section in the heart of the “Big Cat Capital of Kruger”. The bushveld has sweet grazing and plenty of browsing trees which attracts large numbers of antelope and plains game. In their wake, follow lions and cheetah as well as hyenas and wild dogs.

Satara is the second biggest camp in Kruger and the most popular in central Kruger. It’s often booked for up to a year in advance. It has a rustic charm and retains much of its Kruger heritage. The bulk of the accommodation is set out in a series of circles and comprises self-catering bungalows and traditional Kruger rondavels.

The camping section has 100 sites and is electrified. Satara also has a popular section for day visitors where they can stretch their legs and have a picnic or mid-day barbeque. Facilities at Satara include a large swimming pool, decent restaurant, well-stocked shop and fuel station.

Skukuza Rest Camp  • Southern Kruger

Skukuza Rest Camp is the largest and busiest rest camp in Kruger which does put some people off but it’s the central hub of the Park and located in an area teeming with animals and birds. Daily sightings of the Big 5 and an abundance of antelope and plains game are common.

Skukuza is easily accessible for day tours and short 3-day Kruger safaris. It’s also the best Kruger rest camp for families with children because there’s so much to do in the camp in between game drives. Skukuza accommodates up to 1 000 visitors in self-catering bungalows, family cottages and guest houses and has two excellent eateries for those who don’t want to cook and clean up.

Facilities at Skukuza Rest Camp include a huge fully-stocked shop, a library, photographic studio, outdoor cinema, kid’s playground, swimming pools and a lovely river walkway. Close by is a wonderful 9-hole golf course situated in the Skukuza staff village, which also has a massive Olympic-size pool for paying guests. Skukuza Airport is a short 10-minute drive from the rest camp.

Olifants Rest Camp  • Northern Kruger

Olifants Rest Camp is located in the ‘Big Tuskers Capital of Kruger’ and is as popular for its incredible location and panoramic views as it is for its great game viewing. It sits perched on an escarpment overlooking the Olifants River and Lebombo Mountain in the distance. On a clear day, you can look out across the savanna plains to the hills of Mozambique.

When the river is full, the sound of the crashing water carries up to the rest camp and you can spend hours on the terrace gazing out and looking for animals with your binoculars. The game drives from Olifants are spectacular as you have the choice of a number of rivers to explore. It’s paradise for photographers and birders.

Olifants is a big camp and even so, it’s still booked out well in advance. The accommodation is geared for family-friendly, self-catering holidays in Kruger with a choice of bungalows, family cottages and semi-luxury guesthouses. There is no camping site in Olifants but there is a popular day visitor spot for picnics and barbeques.

The large camp offers everything you need for a safari holiday in a more remote section of Kruger, including a lovely restaurant, large shop, fuel station and medical clinic. To learn more about the Big Tuskers (elephants) in the Olifants area, visit the Elephant Hall at Letaba Rest Camp which is a scenic 15-minute drive away.

Shingwedzi Rest Camp  • Northern Kruger

Located in northern Kruger, Shingwedzi Rest Camp is a quieter camp but still hugely popular. The rustic rest camp retains much of its original charm and is relatively unspoilt by modern technology. Staying at Shingwedzi is all about immersing yourself in the peace and tranquility of beautiful bushveld surrounds.

Lying nestled on the banks of the lush Shingwedzi River, the accommodation is laid out in two adjacent rings. Visitors have a choice of bungalows, traditional Kruger rondavels, family cottages and a semi-luxury guesthouse.

The rest camp caters for families and friends on budget-friendly, self-catering holidays but it does have a good restaurant for those who don’t want to cook and clean up. Northern Kruger gets very hot and humid so most visitors congregate at the camp’s massive pool to cool down in between daily game drives.

The game in the dry, semi-arid plains is a bit sparse but you should see large herds of elephant and buffalo congregating closer to the river. Walking safaris are very popular in northern Kruger as well as guided night drives with SANParks rangers. Shingwedzi is positioned on the border of Far North Kruger so birdlife is prolific.

Luxury accommodation in the Park

For an exclusive safari experience similar to what you’d get in greater kruger, there are 15 luxury safari lodges on a collection of 5 private concessions in kruger park. the private concessions are operated by private entities on land on loan from the government. they are unashameably marketed to the high-end wildlife traveller and offer luxurious accommodation and world-class facilities..

The private concessions offer guests a more authentic with low tourist numbers. The safari lodges have exclusive access to their private land as well as access to Kruger’s public roads. Daily game drives are in an open safari vehicle with a dedicated guide and tracker. The private concessions were authorised by government to generate much-needed income for the Park from international tourism.

The 5 Private concessions in the Kruger are:

• Singita Private Concession

15 000 hectares located in the remote and mountainous eastern region close to the Mozambique boundary and at the confluence of two mighty rivers; home to the ultra-luxury Singita Lebombo and Singita Sweni safari lodges.

• Imbali Private Concession

10 000 hectares located in the heart of central Kruger Park and home to 3 outstanding luxury lodges which includes Hamilton’s Tented Camp.

• Jock of the Bushveld Private Concession

6 000 hectare concession located in the southern Kruger’s Big 5 country where the Mitomeni and Biyamiti rivers meet and home to 2 luxurious safari lodges.

• Lukimbi Private Concession

15 000 hectares located in southern Kruger and bordered by three rivers; it’s the largest private concession in the Kruger Park although there is only one luxury safari lodge in the area, Lukimbi Safari Lodge.

• Tinga Private Concession

5 000 hectare located in southern Kruger with the Sand and Sabie rivers passing through the concession; renowned for its high population density of Big Cats which include leopard, lion and cheetah as well as large numbers of spotted hyena and wild dog.

The 15 Luxury Safari Lodge in the Kruger Park

With authentic buffalo dung walls and rustic finishes, Camp Shawu promises guests a real ‘Out of Africa’ experience. Private decks overlook the Mpanamana Dam and beautiful bushveld surrounds. Camp Shawu is the sister camp of Camp Shonga on a 15 000-hectare private concession.

• Camp Shonga

Camp Shonga is a small intimate bush retreat built in the foothills of the Lebombo Mountains, offering views over the African bushveld as far as the eye can see. Camp Shonga shares the same ethos as Camp Shawu but with the added emphasis of guests’ participation in select environmental awareness programmes.

• Hamiltons Tented Camp

Hamiltons Tented Camp  offers an authentic safari experience coupled with pure luxury and indulgence. There are 6 superb canvas tents at  Hamiltons Tented Camp  which lie nested in a grove of ancient Jackalberry trees on the banks of a seasonal river.

• Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge

Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge is an exclusive safari lodge that lies nestled in a lush riverine forest on the banks of the Mluwati River. It offers guests the choice of 6 beautifully decorated air-conditioned suites with luxurious features. The tented units at Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge look onto a waterhole and beautiful bushveld surrounds.

• Imbali Safari Lodge

Imbali Safari Lodge has 12 spacious private suites. Each suite has a private wooden deck and plunge pool and overlooks the N’waswitsontso riverbed. Activities include daily morning and evening game drives, guided bush walks and spa treatments in the comfort of your private suite.

• Jock Safari Lodge

Jock Safari Lodge offers luxury safari accommodation on what was the first private concession in the Kruger Park. The luxurious safari lodge exudes old-world charm combined with the distinctive character of the Zulu and Shangaan cultures.  

• Lukimbi Safari Lodge

Lukimbi Safari Lodge is a 5-star luxury safari lodge located in southern Kruger on the largest concession in the national park. With only one deluxe safari lodge operating in a private area that spans 15 000 hectares, guests staying at Lukimbi Safari Lodge are guaranteed the ultimate exclusive safari experience.

• The Outpost

The Outpost is located in the extreme north of the Kruger Park in the Makuleke region which is bordered to the north by the Limpopo River and Zimbabwe and Mozambique to the east. It offers luxurious accommodation in a spectacular setting which is renowned for its incredible biodiversity and prolific birdlife.

• Shishangeni Private Lodge

Shishangeni Private Lodge is built on what was the last private concession allocated to private operators in the Kruger National Park. It’s located in the south-eastern region with the Crocodile River on its southern boundary and Mozambique boundary to the east.

Birdwatching

There are over 517 recorded bird species in the Kruger Park, of which 250 are year-round residents. Many bird species are endemic which means they are not found anywhere else.

Kruger Park is home to many globally-threatened species. In the Pafuri area, quite a few birds listed on the red data species are found in healthy numbers. This includes the bateleur eagle and southern ground-hornbill as well as the lappet-faced vulture, martial eagle, kori bustard and grey-headed parrot.

Birdlife is prolific throughout the Park but the best place to go for birding is Far North Kruger. Stay at Pafuri Camp and enjoy incredible bird sightings.

Skukuza Golf Club

Who says you have to miss out on golf while on holiday in Kruger Park? The Skukuza Golf Course in southern Kruger is legendary. It was established in 1972 as a recreational facility for Skukuza staff members and later opened to the public. It’s situated close to Skukuza Rest Camp.

The 9-hole golf course isn’t fenced so don’t be surprised if you find yourself sharing the fairway with antelope, giraffe and zebra. Watch out for hippo and crocodiles in the water holes. It’s not the most pristine golf course in South Africa but everyone loves playing it. The 19th holes is the best hole.

The Big 6 in the bird world are the ground hornbill, martial eagle, saddle-billed stork, lappet-faced vulture, Pel’s fishing owl and the kori bustard.

Stevenson-Hamilton Knowledge Resource Centre & Museum

This fascinating facility is located at the entrance into Skukuza Rest Camp. It’s an opportunity to learn about the history of Kruger Park and the game wardens who pioneered its development and conservation.

The Stevenson-Hamilton Museum holds many fascinating artefacts, books and valuable documents depicting much of the life of the first game warden in Kruger Park. One of the most renowned items on display is the knife which belonged to another famous ranger, Harry Wolhuter. He used the small knife to kill the lion that had him in the grip of his jaws.

Kruger Park as over 300 archaeological sites and is rich in cultural history. There’s evidence that the region was inhabited over two-and-a-half million years ago and artefacts found in the Park date back to the Stone Age and Iron Age.

The three most significant archaeological sites in Kruger Park that are open to the public are:

  Albasini Ruins

Albasini Ruins are the remains of the 19 th  century trading post that was established by a legendary Portuguese trader, Joao Albasini. Located close to Phabeni Gate, Albasini’s settlement at Magashula’s Kraal is believed to be the first European settlement in the disease-ridden Lowveld.

This late Iron Age site is located on a prominent hillside about 12 kilometres from the Phalaborwa Gate on the tar road to Letaba Rest Camp. The site was inhabited by a Sotho-speaking Ba-Phalaborwa tribe during the 1800’s who developed an advanced and sophisticated industry of mining, smelting iron ore and trading in these iron products.

Thulamela is a stone-walled site located in the far north region of the Kruger Park. It dates back some 450 to 500 years to the late Iron Age. When the Great Zimbabwe region was abandoned due to political turmoil, several groups of Shona-speaking inhabitants moved south across the Limpopo River into the north-eastern region of South Africa and northern Kruger Park. They established new smaller chiefdoms such as Thulamela.

The important archaeological site has uncovered the skeleton of a female that dates back to AD 1600. A second skeleton of a man found at Thulamela dates back to AD 1450.

FAQs about Kruger National Park

Is it safe to visit kruger park.

Kruger Park receives over a million visitors every year and you can rest assured, safety is a priority for SANParks, the tour operators and guides.

The national park is home to many fierce creatures with big teeth and claws but as long as you follow the Kruger Park rules and regulations and your guide’s instructions on game drives and guided walks, you should be safe.

Here are the Top 10 tips to stay safe in Kruger Park when wild animals are close by:

• Stay in the vehicle at all times while driving around Kruger Park
• Keep arms and legs inside the car; don’t allow kids to stick their bodies out the sun roof
• Keep to the designated public roads; don’t drive off the road into the bush
• Stay alert when close to a herd of elephants or buffalo; keep a safe distance and move out of harm’s way if any display aggressive behaviour
• Give animals right of way; never come between a mother and her baby
• Do not speed on the roads; even if late for gate closing time
• On an open safari vehicle, keep quiet and listen to your guide’s instructions when dangerous animals are close by
• On a guided game drive or bush walk, stay with the group; don’t wander off into the bush for a toilet break or to look at something
• Watch your children in the rest camps; don’t allow them to feed or pet animals no matter how cute
• Keep your mobile phone with you on a self-drive game drive and fully charged; if you break down, you can call for help

Is there malaria in Kruger Park?

Yes, Kruger Park is located in a malaria region of South Africa.

You may read that Kruger Park is a low-to-medium risk malaria area but don’t let that dissuade you from taking the necessary precautions to prevent being bitten and falling ill with the disease. If not diagnosed and treated early, malaria can be fatal.

It’s highly recommended you take anti-malaria tablets for a safari holiday to Kruger Park. Speak to your doctor or a travel clinic before arriving in the Park because if you are going to take anti-malaria tablets, you need to take them a few days or a week before arriving (depending on the prescription).

If you experience flu-like symptoms within 10 to 12 days of arriving in Kruger Park, seek immediate medical attention. The symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, sweating, headaches, body aches and extreme fatigue.

Mosquitoes are most active between sunset and sunrise and in the summer rainfall months when the weather is hot and there is more stagnant water lying on the ground.

Precautions you can take to prevent being bitten by a possible malaria-carrying mosquito include:

• use an insect repellent throughout the day but especially after the sun goes down
• change into a long-sleeved shirt and long pants and wear closed shoes to cover up bare skin
• sleep under a mosquito net

What is the best time of year to visit Kruger National Park?

Kruger Park enjoys a sub-tropical climate with warm, sunny weather for most of the year. It’s a year-round destination but the best time to visit Kruger Park really depends on what interests you.

• Is it safe to take children on a Kruger safari tour?

A safari holiday in Kruger Park is one of the best holidays you can take with your children. Devoted Kruger Park fans start taking their children to the Park from a fairly young age and the love of the bushveld and wildlife is passed on from generation to generation.

On the whole, Kruger Park is safe for children if they’re watched carefully and the whole family follows Kruger Park’s rules and regulations to keep safe and out of harm’s way.

That being said, Kruger Park is a malaria area and it’s highly recommended visitors take anti-malaria tablets. The minimum recommended age for malaria tablets is 5 years. Children younger than this do go to Kruger Park with their parents but it’s risky. What makes it more risky is a young child will battle with the toxicity of the treatment for malaria.

Likewise, we don’t recommend you visit Kruger Park if you’re pregnant. It’s a risk to you and your baby if you contract the disease because you won’t be able to tolerate the malaria treatment.

If you have a child under 5 years of age or are pregnant, you should rather book a safari tour of Pilanesberg Game Reserve or one of the Cape safari destinations which are located in malaria-free areas in South Africa.

• Best time for game viewing in Kruger Park

The best time to see animals in Kruger is in the dry winter months from May to September. The grass is sparse and thinned out which makes it easier to spot game and the animals tend to congregate closer to permanent water sources.

Kruger Park experiences summer rainfall, from end October to end March. The bushveld is lush and thick in summer which makes game viewing harder and, because there is so many water pools scattered around the grass plains, the animals tend to drift deeper into the bush.

Towards the end of November and early December, Kruger Park is filled with newborn animals. It’s the hottest time to visit the Kruger Park but also a wonderful time because the bushveld is brimming with new life.

• Best time for birdwatching in Kruger Park

The summer months are also the best time for birdwatching in Kruger Park because this is when the Eurasian and intra-African migrant birds have arrived in southern Africa. Between November and April is when you’ll see the greatest variety of birds in Kruger.

What is the weather like in Kruger Park?

Kruger Park gets hot… very hot!

The region has a sub-tropical climate and for most of the year, the weather in Kruger is warm and pleasant. Temperatures peak to a high in the upper 30s and early 40s in mid-summer between November and January. It can also get very humid.

If you find very hot and humid summer temperatures uncomfortable, the best time to visit Kruger is between end-March to early-September when the temperatures are more bearable.

The northern region of South Africa experiences summer rainfall, with the rainy season starting towards the end of September and drying up towards the end of March. The good thing about the rainy season in Kruger Park is its usually a refreshing downpour and then the sun comes out. Only on rare occasions does a cold front come through and the whole Park is cool and overcast for a couple of days.

Winter in Kruger Park is mild and pleasant. Apart from being the best time for game viewing in Kruger, most international tourists find it the most pleasant time with temperate weather conditions.

Winter in Kruger starts towards end of April, peaks in June/July and starts warming up by mid-August. The days are usually mild and pleasant but the evenings get chilly once the sun goes down. Remember to pack warm winter jackets, gloves and beanies for the early morning and late-afternoon game drives.

Why book with us?

Budget to luxury.

We offer over 95 different safari packages to suit all budgets, from budget camping safaris to luxurious 5-star executive fly-in packages.

Local Expert Guides

All of our knowledgeable, qualified, and expert guides are local to the area around your chosen lodge, providing you with in-depth information about the fauna and flora of Kruger National Park.

Sustainable eco-Tourism

We promote conservation efforts and support local communities. Visitors can experience the National Parks diverse ecosystems, while contributing to the preservation of its natural heritage and cultural richness.

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2 day blitz overland safari, welcome to krugerparktour.com.

The website www.krugerparktour.com is a division of Viva Safaris . Viva Safaris’ air conditioned mini buses depart daily and collect you from wherever you are in and around Johannesburg or O R Tambo airport and drive you directly to the Kruger National Park bushveld – to our exclusive Viva Safaris‘ owned safari lodges where you will be looked after by our own experienced Game Rangers whilst out in the bush in our purpose designed 4×4 Landcruisers and open sided vehicles allowing you excellent visibility. Back at our lodges, you’ll find people dedicated to taking care of you and everyone from Chefs to Housekeepers ready to make sure you have the Kruger Park  experience of a lifetime !

Best Value Safaris to Kruger Park

Viva Safaris has been established since 1991 and has over 25 years’ experience in providing our guests with the best Kruger Park safari value anywhere in South Africa – never forgetting affordability and the fact that for many tourists going on safari in Africa, it is a once in a lifetime experience and it is our responsibility to ensure that we deliver, time after time.

Up close with a lion in the Kruger Park with one of our open gameviewers

With Viva Safaris’  Kruger Park Safaris , you will experience all the magic of an African safari – game viewing in an open vehicle, night drives with a spotlight, bush walks with an armed ranger through Big Five country, intimate candlelit dinners under a canopy of stars deep in the African bush and, of course, spectacular accommodation in lodges that are part of the experience !!!

It is clear that VIVA SAFARIS is a serious player in the South African tourism industry. Our sustained growth indicates the support for our commitment to providing unforgettable wildlife experiences in the Kruger Park. You can confidently book any of our safaris for an excellent value-for-money experience.

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Our new direct Virgin Atlantic service commences 22nd October 2023.

Please remember when searching for your holiday to add an additional night, as we operate an overnight service on our outbound flight.

i.e. For a 7 night holiday please search for 8 nights.

Our new direct Virgin Atlantic service commences 30th October 2023.

We will operate from London Heathrow four times a week on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Our seasonal Virgin Atlantic service with up to 4 direct flights, will operate until the 19th May 2024.

Our seasonal direct service will recommence on the 28th October 2024.

Our Virgin Atlantic service operates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays.

Flights include a short touchdown in Barbados.

Our Virgin Atlantic service operates on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays until 29th March 2024. From the 2nd April, this service will reduce to Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Our seasonal service will recommence on the 29th October 2024, with flights operating on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays

Our seasonal Virgin Atlantic service with up to 3 direct flights, will operate until the 11th May 2024. Flights will commence from 23 May 2024 - 24th October 2024 on Thursdays and include a short touchdown.

Our seasonal direct service will recommence on the 29th October 2024.

Daily direct flights from London Gatwick to New York with our partner airline, Delta, operates between 10th April and 26th October 2024.

Our Virgin Atlantic service with direct flights, will operate on Wednesdays and Sundays until the 30th March 2024.

Our direct service will operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays from the 2nd April 2024.

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To book online please select a maximum of 9 passengers, to book 10 adults or more please call 0344 557 3978

Please note: Drivers must be over the age of 21 to hire a car unless otherwise specified. Drivers between 21 and 24 years of age may be subject to additional costs.

Kruger and surrounds holidays

A must-do in south africa, kruger and surrounds from £1210pp.

The world-renowned Kruger National Park is one of the world's most spectacular nature reserves. Set off on a Kruger National Park holiday and take in the awe-inspiring landscape and scenery of the South African wilderness. Perfect for nature lovers or those looking for an adventure, make the most of a luxury Kruger safari.

Hotels in Kruger and surrounds

Essential information for kruger and surrounds.

Do I need a VISA?

Your UK passport should be valid for a minimum period of 30 days from the date of exit from South Africa and it should have at least 2 blank pages when you present it at immigration to enter or leave South Africa.

Find out  more about Travel Visas here   »

Getting around

The Kruger National Park is approx a 5-6 hour drive from Johannesburg. The area is quite vast but depending on which lodge you stay in we recommend flying into either Skukuza or Hoedspruit airports where you can drive or be transferred to your lodge.

Highlights of Kruger National Park and surrounds

Everybody  should go on a safari at least once in their life, and where better than  South Africa's  world-famous Kruger National Park and the Eastern Cape, rich in wildlife and home to the Big Five.

One of  Africa’s  biggest game reserves, Kruger is home not only to the Big Five (FYI, that’s lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos), but hundreds of other mammals and birds, too. For wildlife, Kruger National Park is pretty much unparallelled. Not only that, rolling savannah and distant mountains make for the safari setting of dreams.

Want to experience safari without skimping on luxury? You’re in luck. Kruger National Park and the Eastern Cape is famous not only for its vast and diverse variety of flora and fauna, but also for its luxury safari lodges, so you get the best of both worlds.

Here’s how to make the most out of your Kruger safari trip:

Kruger safaris are always sensational, but there’s nothing quite like taking a game drive around the National Park by sunset or sunrise. Spot the Big Five before the rest of the world wakes up, as well as cheetahs, wild dogs, antelopes, honey-badgers, bush babies and up to 350 bird species.

For a different safari experience altogether, how about walking Kruger safari tours with expert field guides and trackers? There’s nothing quite like it for feeling close to the action and at one with the wildlife.

If you’re feeling fancy, take a helicopter flight across the bushveld and over the Blyde River Canyon. The views will take your breath away, and the ride itself is a thrill. You might even be lucky enough to spot a herd of elephants from way up in the sky, where you’ll be able to watch the magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Enjoy phenomenal stargazing – some of the best in  South Africa  – from  Jock Safari Lodge , where you can even choose to sleep out on your riverside sala for the best outdoorsy experience.

Planning on taking the kids? They’re in for a treat! Drop them off at  Ulusaba Rock Lodges's  ‘Cub’s Club’ for mini rangers’ courses, safari goodies and activities which will inspire even the most apprehensive of little ones. Kruger National Park holidays are truly the best for individuals and groups of all kinds, including families of all sizes and ages.

Many of the lodges celebrate the local Shangaan culture with traditional singing and dancing after dinner or around the BOMA by night, a beautiful and harmonious treat for everyone.

Often when you think of safari holidays, you think of basic lodges and tents. But that’s not how we do safaris at Virgin Holidays, oh no! We’re all about treating you to a bit of luxury, no matter your destination.

Safaris in the Kruger Park safaris are always sensational, but there’s nothing quite like taking a game drive around one of the lodge’s private concessions. Choose a lodge in the Sabi Sands reserve and you will be able to skip the crowds and search for wildlife in your very own piece of paradise, with less vehicles and the ability to do night-drives, you really will feel spoilt. Book the exclusive Cliff Lodge at  Ulusaba  for jaw-dropping views and a private pool, as well as world-class service, or sleep under the stars in the oh-so-exclusive Chalkley’s Treehouse at  Lion Sands . Kick back with a cocktail at the  Motswari Private Game Reserve , which looks onto a watering hole, and watch animals come and go as you sip.

Special occasion? Celebrate your honeymoon with romantic private dining under the African skies and enjoy a hot stone massage using Africology products at the Aroma Boma Spa, Ulusaba.

Sounds just a  little  bit better than you were expecting, hey?

Foodies, rejoice: you’ll get to taste some delicious local food as part of your Kruger safari packages:

• After an early start spotting the Big Five, a post-safari breakfast will be extremely welcome. How does poaches eggs on a Boerewors patty, a specialist sausage, sound? Thought so.
• Lunch is served followed by high tea before afternoon game-drive then it is time for the best bit, sundowners. Enjoy stretching your legs in the park where your ranger will select a gorgeous spot for you to enjoy some traditional South African snacks with a cool cocktail or some fine local wine.
• Feast on Kudu burgers from a  Braai , a traditional African BBQ – super succulent and so tasty you’ll want seconds, and maybe thirds. Even better, enjoy your dinner around the BOMA, with breathtaking views across the plains – the perfect sunset dining experience.
• As for drink, South Africa is, of course, famous for its vineyards, which means one thing and one thing only: wine. And good wine, at that. Try Pinotage, Chenin Blanc and other new world wines from local vineyards. What a way to wind down at the lodge after a day of wildlife-spotting!

It’s high time you booked yourself and your family or loved ones onto that safari trip you’ve been talking about for years, huh?

Let’s get this show on the road: browse our  Kruger National Park hotels  and lodges right now, this minute, and you’ll soon be hanging out with (okay, near) lions in the African bush. 

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• 2 Day Kruger Safari

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2 Day Budget Kruger Park Safari

A real African safari designed for those who are looking for an affordable 2 day trip to the majestic Kruger National Park, this tour gives you enough time to enjoy game drives, delicious meals, and comfortable accommodation.

About the Kruger National Park

Founded over 100 years ago, the Kruger is South Africa’s most famous wildlife destination. It has everything you could expect from a nature reserve and is home to some of the most sought-after safari experiences and sightings. Home to the Big 5 (Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo, Rhino and Elephant) as well as hundreds of other animal and bird species, the park is a cornucopia of real African wildlife. The park is also a superb destination for those wanting to gain new insight into the plant life in this untouched corner of the world. This safari is a delightful mixture of exceptional accommodation, game drives and so much more, all at a really affordable price.

What to expect from a 2 Day Kruger Park Safari

The 2 day Kruger Park safari is really popular amongst visitors as it provides enough time in the park to see plenty of animals, without breaking the budget. This Kruger Park safari from Johannesburg leaves early on the first day of the trip and takes guests through one of the most scenic areas of South Africa. This first day is part of the safari experience and you will see all sorts of interesting things along the way. Be sure to have your camera at the ready. Safari trips to the Kruger generally start early in the morning and guests embark on the journey well before the sun is up. Just as dawn breaks, guests will be comfortably seated in the back of a safari vehicle, exploring the park. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times of the day to spot animals. The last day of this 2 day budget safari is spent enjoying one last safari before being transferred back to Johannesburg.

Accommodation

A 2 day budget safari is one of the most affordable ways to see all that the great Kruger has to offer, without having to worry about having to fork out vast sums of money to enjoy the experience. Accommodation in and around the Kruger is designed to be rustic but also comfortable. The evenings are wonderfully quiet, with no sounds from city living intruding on the serene nature around you. Budget guests will have access to all of the basic amenities to make their stay a memorable one.

The guided safaris, in an open safari vehicle, gives you the perfect height from which to see animals without the vegetation getting in the way. We have a few safari vehicles available, and we keep them well maintained so that you are always travelling safely. Our guided safaris are well planned and we drive through some of the best regions of the Kruger, in search of the Big 5 as well as all kinds of other animals. Each of our guides is experienced and will be able to share all sorts of interesting information with you. Please ask us about our safari specials and please read our TripAdvisor reviews before making your booking.

Included and Excluded

• Transfers to and from the Kruger National Park
• Breakfast and dinner
• Sunset and Night Safari
• Compact Panorama Route Tour
• Budget accommodation in the Kruger National Park
• Early Morning Game Drives
• Personal Items Gratuities
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• 3 Day Kruger Safari
• 4 Day Kruger Safari
• 5 Day Kruger Safari
• 6 Day Kruger Safari
• Soweto Tours
• Johannesburg Tours
• Pilanesberg Safaris
• Cape Town Tours

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Kruger National Park Guide For First Timers – Everything You Need To Know

Last Updated April 18, 2023 William Tang

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If it’s your first time at Kruger National Park, you will undoubtedly be a little overwhelmed with all the choices and decisions you have to make.  Luckily, it’s a lot simpler than you think once you know what to expect.  This guide goes through everything that you need to know when it comes to planning your first safari adventure in South Africa known to be one of the best places in the world to see the “Big Five” – Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhino.

Read more about South Africa

• How to Plan a Safari in South Africa
• 13 of the must-see things in Africa
• Shark cage diving in Gaansbai near Cape Town
• What to pack for a beach and bush vacation to South Africa and Seychelles
• What it’s really like to safari in South Africa

Where to book hotels?

• For our trip, we primarily used Booking.com  because with their Genius tier, we could often save 10-15% off stays.
• South Africa also has the Protea brand under Marriott so for those that are Bonvoy members, it’s a great way to spend your points because they are mostly low category.

In This Article

My recommendations for where to stay in Kruger

South african national parks booking system, how to have better chances to spot wildlife, game drives, lr2w riverside bungalow, bd2 bungalow, power outlets, about kruger national park .

Kruger National Park is easily one of the world’s greatest game parks.  It’s known for its professional management of wildlife, nature conservation, and safeguarding of African cultural heritage.  It’s developed significantly since it was officially opened as a park in 1927 but the history goes far before that.

There’s evidence that prehistoric man roamed the region and that leading into the Stone Age and Iron Age where there are actually a number of archeological sites and cultural artifacts discovered on that same land.

In 1898, The Sabie Game Reserve was established with the thanks of Paul Kruger who wanted a way to preserve the wildlife in the region which was dwindling in population because of excessive hunting.  In 1902, the first warden was appointed and his name was James Stevenson-Hamilton with nickname “Skukuza” which means “he who sweeps clean” because of the work he did to eliminate poaching in the area.  Finally, in 1926, the Parliament passed the National Parks Act and various game reserves were merged to create Kruger National Park before opening in 1927 to the public.

Table of Contents

Deciding where to stay in Kruger 

This can be an incredibly complicated answer but if we’re taking this from the perspective of 1) This is your first time in Kruger and 2) You have limited amounts of time, your choices are going to start narrowing down to where it becomes much more manageable.

Kruger is massive.  Take a look at this map and you quickly realize that there’s no way you can even see 10% of the park in one trip. It’s so huge that it borders Zimbabwe in the north and and is right along the western border of Mozambique.

In a nutshell, Kruger is comprised of several main gates.  You’ll see those marked in green and these are the entrances where you can .  Then you have the rest camps which have a varying mix of facilities such as restaurants, cafes, gas stations, and accommodations.  These camps are gated and will naturally be your base of operations.

The question I asked was “where do first timer’s go?”  You’ll notice the large cluster of gates and camps in the south and that’s not an accident.  It’s the easiest to get to and more popular because this area is known to have a higher concentration of wildlife because the southern park has higher rainfall.  I’m not going to guarantee it but you will most likely be exploring Kruger from Orpen Gate and below.

A big part of it was logistics because I knew that I wanted to do a private reserve and self-drive in Kruger.  For me it was about how could I combine my loop without going really out of the way and also what were the availabilities of the camps in Kruger and Elephant Plains.

The truth is, you really can’t go wrong no matter where you go.  If you’re going to be focusing on the south, as you most likely will, the wildlife that you’re able to see will be very similar.  Ultimately, it’s really luck that you need on your side and good eyes.

It’s hard to understand which rest camp to pick without actually being there but if I can simplify things for you, here are questions you want to ask yourself and points to consider:

• Where you stay in Kruger will determine the roads that you explore and you won’t go as far as you think you will so in a way you want to pick carefully.
• Each rest camp differs quite drastically with the number of services they offer (i.e. restaurants, cafes, gas station), types of accommodations, size, and in general how modern they’re developed
• Focusing on accommodation, the bungalows were very different in style so if you have specific needs such as an indoor kitchen vs outdoor kitchen, availability of BBQ, and overall size, you’ll need to do your research
• Camps offer different activities so this could sway your decision
• Which gate you plan on entering in from will likely determine where you start or perhaps it’s the other way around.  For instance, Berg-en-Dal and Crocodile Bridge rest camps are the main ones to south but if you’re planning to enter through the west you’re likely looking at Pretoriuskop or Skukuza.

It might be easiest if I go through my decision making process and hopefully yours is relatable.

Trip parameters

• Only have 3 nights to work with so off the top I knew that at a maximum I really only wanted to try two rest camps.
• We would be finishing with the Panorama Route before heading into Kruger so this put is closer to Paul Kruger gate.  It did not make sense for us to start in the most southern part of the park.
• We weren’t exactly looking for an extremely rugged bushveld experience but if one was available, I would consider it
• Bungalows that had their own private bathrooms were key given that this was our honeymoon and there was no way we could do camping.

Picking our rest camp

• From everything I read, Skukuza is the biggest rest camp with the most amenities.  Now we didn’t care for the golf course that’s there but we knew there was the biggest park shop for supplies and several options for meals whether it be quick lunches or proper sit-down meals.  It also didn’t hurt they have a great view of Sabie River that runs in front of it.
• Skukuza just made sense as a place to start because it seemed like a really comfortable place to get acclimated to how Kruger works and the game sightings in the area looked quite appealing as well
• Not wanting to move right away, we decided to start with 2 nights here
• With 1 night left, I started looking at bushveld camps with their cottages and safari tents but availability was looking slim
• Satara was in the mix but it was quite the long drive north when moving camps and it would also take a long time to exit the park on our last day
• Ultimately Lower Sabie just seemed to keep things simpler and I liked the set up of the camp with really good views of Sabie River

What if we started with Kruger straight from Johannesburg?

This is a valid point because our driving routes would’ve been different.  If this was the case, I probably would’ve picked Berg-en Dal or Crocodile Bridge camps to start since it would’ve made more sense to enter the park from the south.

Using the SAN Parks booking system

The South African National Parks (SAN Parks for short) surprised me by having a pretty in depth booking system online.  The good news for everyone is that you can book your entire Kruger National Park experience online.

Thankfully the system is relatively easy to navigate and makes sure you don’t do anything stupid.  It’s smart enough to know that you can’t book an activity unless you already have an accommodation booking in the camp and the data is real time.  It tells you exactly how many spots are left.

There’s a but of course.  As nice as it was to have this online system, it’s not the most user friendly especially if you’ve never been to Kruger.  Here’s what you can expect.

Too many options

While I now understand what’s going here, if you’re looking at this for the first time, you’re probably wondering what the difference is between Sunrise Drive V1, V2, and V3 and likewise for the Night Drive and Sunset Drive.  The codes just add to the confusion.

For the activities, these are just all the same thing but they’ve got 3 safari trucks available because they know there are a lot of people wanting to do these trips.

What are these accommodations actually like?

This is the most frustrating part.  The booking system does a terrible job at showing you what the accommodations look like.  You need to do your research outside of the website to figure out what each of the bungalows are like.  When you hover over each one, all you get is a tiny thumbnail and basic description that it really doesn’t help at all.

Like the activities, you’re also overloaded with too many choices as they list out every single combination and permutation and their individual codes.

I got so fed up that I just randomly picked one.

Other things you need to know

• A 1% community fund is added to all transactions
• Daily conservation fee is quite substantial so expect that to be added to your total.  At the time of writing, this was R328 for adults and R164 per day.  You have the option to pay this online with your booking or in-person.  It’s probably easier to just take care of it all in one go online.
• Double check before you book because the cancellation fees are quite harsh
• Full payment is required via credit card
• Check-out time is 10AM and check-in time is 2PM
• Email confirmations will be sent out after every change
• An email package containing a set of PDFs will be sent as well which includes an indemnity form.  You can have it filled out ahead of time or just fill one out when you sign-in
• No liquor is allowed to be brought into the park

Travel Tips – Unless you’re really not sure what your schedule is going to be like, I’d try to book as much as you can ahead of time because things sell out quickly.  You also don’t want to have to be worrying about this stuff and going to the reservation office while you’re there.

How self-drive safari works 

Remember those choose-your-own-adventure books where you were making decisions about where your character should go or what they should do next?  The self-drive safari in Kruger National Park is kind of like that.  There are a bunch of different roads to choose from and every day you pick where you want to go.  Some roads will have nothing to see and others will yield some incredible sightings.  You just never know!

I recommend picking up a Kruger National Park guide book that they sell in all of the gift shops.  They come with detailed maps that mark all the tarred (paved) and dirt roads.

For more details about how we ended up planning our safari through Kruger, make sure to head over to the guide for the Best Way to Safari in South Africa in Kruger National Park and Private Game Reserve

The key to success here is to wake up early and be ready to drive out of the gate right when it opens.  This is when a lot of animals are still quite active as the temperatures are also much cooler.  November – January, the gate opens as early as 4:30AM so plan to be out until 10 to 11AM.

While the sun is on full blast in the afternoon, the temperatures rise so high that all the animals duck for shade and so your chances of seeing anything are pretty small.  We did it on one occasion and we mostly just saw elephants hiding under trees.  The afternoon is a great time to grab lunch and rest at camp.

Plan to head back out by 3-4PM again as the sun starts to lower.  Animals start coming back out again and so maximize what time you have left until your gate closes.  This could be as late as 6:30PM.  Once the gates close, you’re not able to head back out.

Travel Tips – Waterholes can sometimes be a goldmine for sightings because animals small and large head there to hydrate or hunt their prey.  It’s always worth swinging around there.  Some may be empty but some may surprise you.

Travel Tips – Download the Latest Sightings app ( iOS / Android ) which is crowdsourced by people that are in the park.  The app can be a bit clunky but it’s neat to see it all come in live.  Of course, every time I opened the app and saw big sightings, we were never close to the area so it’s hit or miss.

Activities available at each rest camp 

Each rest camp offers their own set of activities for guests and you’ll want to take advantage of them while you’re there.  Keep in mind though that you can only book these activities if you’re actually staying in the rest camp that’s offering them.

The one activity I do recommend that you do is the morning or afternoon walk .  It’s one of the few ways you can actually walk in the park.  It’s fully guided with two armed rangers and kept in small groups of 8 or less.  Sure, you probably won’t see any big animals (you really don’t want to encounter any) but it was an incredibly way to see the landscape up close, immerse yourself with the African bush, and learn quite a bit from the commentary from the rangers.

I was a little disappointed with the sunset drive and night drive that we did however I think a lot of that has to do with us having come from a private reserve.  If you’re only doing Kruger National Park, I still think the drives are a great way to see animals because they can communicate with other park drivers and lock in on sightings.  The night drive is hit or miss but in our case we got to see two lions hanging out on the road so that was pretty amazing.

Why were we disappointed?  It starts with the boarding of the buses.  They’re of coursed fully booked and you quickly learn that it’s a free for all and “fend for yourself” kind of system.  When the ranger comes out, everyone rushes in and tries to get checked-in as soon as you can.  Everyone knows that having a good seat matters on these drives.  It was way too stressful .

The commentary wasn’t particularly riveting and if you sat near the back, you could barely hear anything.  It also didn’t feel like the spotter was working particularly hard to spot wildlife but perhaps we just weren’t as lucky.

You also have to remember that this is a big truck and so what that means is that somebody’s going to have either a head obstructing your view or a tree.  The driver tries their best to change the angles of the truck and move backwards of forwards to give everyone an equal chance but I felt like it was always biased towards the front.

Lastly, the night drives depend on passengers to shine the flood light.  This puts too much reliance on the passenger to know what to do.  On the one drive we were on, the person manning the light was either passing out or didn’t care to shine it at the right angle the driver wanted.  It was frustrating to say the least.

It should also be noted that there are some interesting multi-day activities as well that include Olifants River Back-pack Trail, Wolhuter Wilderness Trail, Bushman Wilderness Trail, and more.

Travel Tips –  The best seats are the ones near the entrance steps into the truck.  I like this spot mainly because you don’t have a row of heads in front of you to potentially obstruct your view and if you need to move out to the entrance steps, you can get there quickly.  The worst seats is the back row where you’re sandwiched in and very hard to get a good view.

Review of Skukuza

You can say that the Skukuza rest camp is the capital of Kruger National Park.  It’s the largest camp and has the most complete collection of facilities.  As a result I found that this was the most beginner-friendly of all the camps.  While the grounds are large, the layout is easy to navigate and everything you need, they have.

Another reason why it’s so popular is because of all the wildlife that can be spotted in the area.  It’s in the heart of Big 5 territory so your chances of seeing something exciting are quite high once you exit the gates.

Key Features

• Wide variety of accommodation types
• 9 hope golf course
• Amazing riverside walks and wilderness hikes
• High chances of spotting the Big 5 here

Once you enter the camp, you’ll find all the administrative offices to the left that reminded me of a city hall.  It’s in these collection of buildings where you check-in, make bookings and also where you’ll find the post office and bank.  Conveniently located at the entrance is also the gas station.

Drive further and you’ll find a large parking lot to gain access to the main cluster of facilities that include the shop, restaurants, and cafeteria.

From there Skukuza extends to the left and right with additional facilities such as the auditorium/conference centre and all of the accommodations and campsites.

This is the one of the few camps that have free wifi .  It’s located at the back of Cattle Baron towards the river where you’ll find a mini internet cafe and lounge chairs.

A nice feature to the the rest camp is that you have an unfenced view of the river.  You’re freely able to walk along the pathway that runs left to right of camp.  It’s a great place to grab a seat on one of the many benches to read a book and catch wildlife passing through on the other side.

The gift shop is the largest and most thorough of the two rest camps we visited.  Not only does the shop have all the customary souvenirs, you’ll also find a mini supermarket here for those looking for on-the-go-food or supplies for cooking.   There’s a small pharmacy of basic meds if you’re looking for that.  Lastly, all the camping supplies you might need can also be found here so you’re covered if you’ve forgotten anything.

Travel Tips –  You can purchase Vodacom top up vouchers at the gift shop.  Just ask the cashier and they’ll be able to print them for you.

Restaurants

A big bonus for Skukuza is the fact that they have so many food options.

The main restaurant is Cattle Baron.  Think of this as a proper sit-down restaurant serving dishes like steak, fish, and pasta.  This is also the restaurant that has the buffet breakfast every morning.

Also run by the restaurant is more of a cafeteria-style restaurant where you get in line to order fast-food items such as sandwiches and salads.  You wait by the restaurant and when it’s ready they’ll call your number.

By the river is a platform above the river that’s an extension of Cattle Baron but mainly for casual drinks and meals as well.

Skukuza is unique in that it has its own 9-hole golf course.  You can also book a number of activities that are run every day including:

• Morning/afternoon bush walks
• Sunrise or sunset safari drives
• Night drive

Accommodation types

In Skukuza you’ll find camp sites, 21 furnished safari tents, bungalows, cottages and 4 guesthouses.

Here are the notable facilities at Skukuza rest camp:

• Post Office
• Public Telephone
• Car Rentals
• Gas Station
• Restaurants + Cafeteria
• Auditorium and Conference Facilities
• Internet Café
• Communal bathrooms/showers
• 2 swimming pools in camp (for overnight residents only)
• Shop (gifts, groceries, camping supplies)
• Communal Kitchens
• Basic First Aid Assistance
• Cellphone reception

There are quite a number of variations of bungalows, each with their own designation code in the booking system.  The particular one that we had was the LR2W Riverside Bungalow and it really is just the standard bungalow except it faces the Sabie River so there’s a small increase in nightly rate.

The Skukuza bungalows are in the rondavel style which means they are circular huts outfitted with an outdoor kitchen, two single beds and private bathroom.  Without going for the larger cottages and guest houses that are meant to house more people, the bungalows are your best balance for price, comfort, and size.

Each bungalow has a parking spot next to it so you’re guaranteed a place for your car.

The bungalows themselves do show some age so don’t expect them to blow your expectations in any way.  There isn’t an incredible amount of space but for two people it’s just enough and seeing as you’ll only be in the bungalow to nap or sleep, you really don’t need too much.

Inside the bungalow you’ll also also find air condition and an old school TV hanging on the wall but it’s unlikely that you’ll be using it.

The outdoor kitchen is unique in that there’s a full-sized fridge, stove, and pots and pans but all the cabinets are locked up and the fridge has its own metal cage around it.  For those staying in Kruger a long time, it makes sense to use the kitchen but for anyone focusing on safari in Kruger for a few days, you’ll likely won’t get too much use out of the kitchen.

I would equate the bungalows at Skukuza to a small motel so go in with that expectation in mind.  The rondavel style architecture is unique to the locale and has everything you need for a comfortable night’s sleep.

Review of Lower Sabie

Lower Sabie is really a miniature version of Skukuza with a great vantage point over the Sabie River and high chance of animal sightings.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Drives in a lot of animals throughout the year
• Family oriented camp
• Attracts many varieties of bird species

From the parking lot, there’s essentially a long walkway that takes you down to the restaurant and viewing platform above the banks of the Sabie River.  Along the way is the main reception building for check-in, post box, and gift shop.

Near the entrance is also a gas station.

One thing you’ll notice that stands out with Lower Sabie are the large green spaces that is set up amongst the accommodations and the main facilities.  These green lawns also feature giant sycamore fig trees which is why it attracts so many birds.  You also get a nice view of the river including the other side but there is a fence in place which obstructs your view so in that way, the boardwalk of the rest camp is not as nice as Skukuza.

The gift shop at Lower Sabie is a fraction of the size what is at Skukuza so as you’d expect there’s slightly less selection.

The restaurant/cafeteria/cafe is operated by Mugg & Bean which is a popular chained cafe in South Africa.  This is more full-service than most but it gives visitors an option of grabbing a coffee or quick sandwich to go or sit down and have a proper meal.

The food they serve is equivalent to something like a Denny’s or Applebees but the pricing is quite reasonable.

The best part about the restaurant is the viewing deck.  It can get windy there at night but during the day, there’s an opportunity to see a ton of action on the river and on the banks of the other side.

On our last day, we saw numerous hippos wading in the water and a male lion passing through as if to say goodbye to us.

Lower Sabie offers a number of activities but note that typically there is only one truck for each activity type which is different from Skukuza which typically runs 3 trucks per activity.

At Lower Sabie, you’ll find luxurious guesthouses, family cottages, huts, bungalows, safari tents (including semi-luxury 2-bedded tents) and campsites.

Here are the notable facilities at Lower Sabie rest camp:

• Public Telephones
• Clinic and Basic First Aid Assistance
• Restaurant/Cafeteria/Cafe
• Swimming Pool
• Emergency Road Service
• Petrol/ Gas Station
• Cellphone Reception
• Communal Kitchens & Ablutions
• Limited DSTV only available in Guest Houses
• Separate Day Visitors Picnic Area and swimming pool on perimeter of camp

I was looking for an accommodation in a similar class to the LR2W Bungalow at Skukuza and it looked like the Bungalow was the way to go once again.

While the accommodation essentially got us the same type of amenities such as our own private parking spot, kitchen, private bathroom, two single beds, and TV, the architecture and layout of this bungalow was completely different.  As if built in a totally different time, this was not in the rondavel style and instead in a more modern cottage floorplan.

You enter in through the front screen door and you’re immediately in the kitchen (yes this one’s actually indoors). You then go through another door and this is the bedroom.  Go through another door at the back and you’re in the bathroom with separate subdivided sections for shower, toilet, and sink.

Overall, I’d say the bungalows in Lower Sabie is more spacious and modern.  It was definitely a nice bonus that the kitchen was inside as it did feel a little awkward to have to keep going in and out to access things.  That’s why we were more comfortable with buying a few Savanah Dry’s at the gift shop to drink in our bungalow.

The bungalows also have their own circular BBQ charcoal grill if you so choose to use.

Everything Else

There are few things that I wanted to cover that didn’t make sense in any of the other sections so let’s dive right in.

Check Out Process

This is super easy.  Check out times at all camps is 10AM.  When you’re all packed up and good to go, you don’t need to go to the registration office.  Simply drop the keys in the box as you exit the gate and that’s it!

In each of the bungalows that we had, there were just enough outlets to work with to charge our gear either throughout the day or in the evening.  Skukuza’s bungalows were a bit smaller and so they actually had a power bar for the TV.  I unplugged all the things that were connected to it and used it to plug in all of my devices instead.

You’ll also be surprised to hear that there are some outlets on the large safari trucks at Kruger.

Do you have any questions that I haven’t touched on here?  Make sure to drop a comment down below and I’ll make sure to get back to you right away.

What you should read next

• How to Plan a Safari in South Africa – Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands
• South Africa Travel Tips Guide – Read This Before You Go
• What It’s Really Like To Safari In South Africa
• Planning A Honeymoon to South Africa and Seychelles
• Le Meridien Bora Bora Overwater Bungalow and Resort Review

About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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4 Day Ultra Budget Kruger National Park Safari from Johannesburg

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Our Ultimate Budget Kruger Safari is designed for those guests who would like to experience a safari to the world-renowned Kruger National Park, whist traveling on a budget. We will visit the Kruger National Park and the surrounding panorama route.

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4 Day Ultra Budget Kruger National Park Safari from Johannesburg : $12695

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• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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I went on a 2-week safari in South Africa's famous Kruger National Park for just $50 a day

• I went on an epic two-week safari in South Africa's famous Kruger National Park for about $50 a day.
• I camped beneath the stars and saw elephants right from my tent.
• Driving our own car, camping, and preparing our own food saved us money. 

The idea of a South African safari often conjures up images of five-star lodges and luxury game drives — but a holiday in the bush doesn't have to be out of reach for travelers on a tighter budget.

According to a data analysis from Go2Africa , the average traveler heads on South African safaris with a medium-high budget, meaning they spend $5,500 to $6,000 on a trip, an increase from last year.

But, on a recent trip, I found that I was able to have an incredible two-week safari trip in Kruger National Park for about $50 a day.

Here's how I did it and how travelers can save money when planning their safari.

I saved by buying an annual pass

The biggest savings at Kruger National Park can come from buying a Wild Card, an annual pass that gives you a year of access to 80+ parks in southern Africa, including Kruger.

The Wild Card is discounted for South Africans but it cost me 3,780 rands, or about $200, as a foreigner.

Without a Wild Card, I would've had to pay over 486 rands a day to visit Kruger, meaning this pass pays for itself in just over a week.

Overall, my pass came to about 270 rands a day for the two-week trip.

We also stayed in one of Kruger's many rest camps

One of the most immersive ways to experience Kruger is by camping in the South African bush. We saw elephants near our camp and woke up to the sounds of warthogs and hyenas in the distance.

We live in South Africa , so it was easy enough to bring our own camping gear, though travelers can rent a tent, sleeping bags, chairs, and cooking basics from nearby rental companies for a few thousand rands for two weeks.

Kruger National Park has a range of rest camps for different budgets and preferences, whether you prefer to use your own tent or stay in a bungalow with your own kitchen and bathroom.

Prices also vary depending on the season, so it's wise to avoid really busy months, like September and December. I found that around mid-January to mid-March, two people can camp at Punda Maria, one of Kruger's cheapest camping options, for just 285 rands a night. During high season, prices go up by about 100 rands per night.

My husband and I visited during a less busy season. We camped at Maroela Satellite Camp and Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp for 331 to 349 rands a night.

Cooking our own food saved us money …

We chose to prepare our own meals and braai (a type of South African barbecue) beneath the stars.

Fortunately, most campsites have plug points, braai stands, shared bathrooms, shared kitchens, and shops selling everything you need to braai.

The park also has restaurants and coffee shops scattered throughout it, which is helpful for anyone who wants to purchase food and drinks without leaving the property.

But there's nothing quite like braaiing beneath the stars, watching for the occasional hyena along the fence line.

… and so did doing a self-driving safari

If you don't have your own car, you can rent a sedan for just over 4,000 rands for two weeks. Fortunately, though, there are enough tarred roads in Kruger that you don't need a special 4x4 to enjoy the park.

We ended up self-driving our own car in Kruger National Park, which allowed us to choose our own adventure and be our own guide.

Rest camps have sighting boards on which visitors pin their major animal sightings from that day and the previous day. This makes it easy to follow trends and choose where to search first. There's also an app where visitors post their sightings.

On our last self-drive safari in Kruger, we saw cheetahs and all the Big Five (leopard, elephant, rhino, lion, and African buffalo).

Overall, our trip was affordable and dreamy

We saved money throughout our trip and managed to go on a two-week safari in Kruger National Park for just under $50 a day per person.

This price includes two Wild Cards, petrol for our vehicle, and our camping fees and expenses — and our trip was well worth it.

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June 2025 Honeymoon - Safari Intel - Kruger National Park Forum

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June 2025 Honeymoon - Safari Intel

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Hi! Overwhelmed by the amount of information available, so figured I’d see if anyone has specific input on our options. My fiance and I are planning a South Africa trip next May for our honeymoon (first time!) and are looking to do a 3-4 night safari (also first time safari-goers!). We would like to take advantage of the honeymoon discount (timing won’t be a problem, we plan to leave right after our wedding), but are looking at ~$1000-$2000/person/night pre-discount.

Looking for a balance of luxury accommodations, good game viewing, and good food. Our “short list” below, but would love to hear your feedback on these or any others you’d recommend instead. THANK YOU!!

- &Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge

- &Beyond Ngala Tented Camp

- &Beyond Kirkman’s Kamp (Tengile looks amazing, but probably a bit out of our price range unless it’s really THAT much better… could reconsider)

- Dulini (mostly looking at River, but open to any of their lodges)

- Lion Sands (similarly, open to any lodges though Ivory is a bit above our ideal price point)

- Mala Mala (any lodge)

So appreciate any intel you are willing to share! We are about exactly a year out, so unsure if availability will be an issue at this point but would like to book sooner than later to avoid places already being booked.

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Kafue National Park

Sub regions inside, broader region.

Discover the untamed and pristine beauty of Zambia's Kafue National Park. With its remote and unspoiled landscapes, this park provides an exclusive and authentic wilderness experience, far from crowded tourist spots. As a protected area, Kafue is teeming with wildlife, including the iconic Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), cheetahs, hippos, wild dogs, and over 500 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

Engage with nature through a variety of game viewing options, such as day and night drives, walking safaris, and boat cruises on the breathtaking Kafue River, where you can enjoy excellent boating and fishing opportunities. Photography enthusiasts will delight in capturing the park's stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, from majestic predators to vibrant birds.

Kafue National Park offers a unique blend of wildlife, birdwatching, diverse ecosystems, and genuine safari experiences. A visit to Kafue promises an unforgettable journey, leaving lasting impressions of Africa's heartland.

The ideal time to visit Kafue National Park depends on the type of experience you wish to have. The dry season (May to October) is perfect for those who prefer cooler temperatures and prime game viewing conditions.

The wet season (November to April) brings lush landscapes and fewer tourists, making it an excellent time for birdwatching. This period also coincides with the calving season, offering chances to see young animals during game drives.

The shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) provide a balanced experience with a mix of wet and dry season advantages. During these months, mild weather and some remaining lush greenery enhance game viewing experiences.

The park offers a range of accommodation options, from luxurious lodges to comfortable tented camps. These accommodations combine comfort with sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly practices to preserve the park's natural beauty.

Busanga Safari Bush Camp

The lodge offers a genuine and intimate luxury safari experience in the heart of South-Central Africa. Nestled under sycamore fig trees on an island at the core of the plains, this exclusive camp with just four tents serves as the perfect outpost for observing an extraordinary wildlife spectacle.

Shumba Safari Camp

Shumba Camp stands as one of the most exclusive seasonal safari destinations in Africa. The limited accessibility ensures that guests experience front-row seats to some of the most dramatic and thrilling wildlife encounters on the continent, making each visit truly unique and memorable.

Jun 6, 2024

Pascal is an outstanding Safari…

Pascal is an outstanding Safari consultant!!!  He's very personable, warm, professional, and very detailed. He made a perfect itinerary. for my trip to Victoira Falls. I would highly recommend him at Safari Travel Agency, will not be disappointed. They are a top-notch company, and Pascal is a great asset for sure. I have traveled the world and was surprised by the level of professionalism and knowledge that I gained working with him. Being a sales professional and world traveler, I'm very picky, but they checked all the boxes. Thank you so much, and all the best.

Jun 5, 2024

Mel was amazing. She shred with us the her large experience and knowledge about SA. Unfortunately we had to change our plans. But otherwise, we would close deal with her.

Professional and organised

Thank you Mel Du Toit you have helped create my dream adventure in Africa.Your customer service and attention to detail with no judgment of budget has made booking with you a breeze.Very Informative, Professional and organised.

Jun 4, 2024

Tanya Lomas from Safari.com really went…

Tanya Lomas from Safari.com really went above and beyond to assist us in finding a camping site in southern Kruger.

Jun 3, 2024

Leche was very responsive, professional and helpful

Leche was very responsive and was always there to answer my questions and gave me alternatives based on my needs, even during holidays times and evenings. I actually changes my plan several times, Leche was very patient. She is professional and persistent. I look forward to the trip that Leche helped to book.

May 31, 2024

Catherine Jacobs was the best advisor

Catherine Jacobs was the best advisor. She was always willing to understand and help us with the many changes we had to do to our trip due to Covid and else.

An Adventure Of A Lifetime

In planning our South Africa vacation last year, I went online looking for a safari adventure. There were many companies but eventually returned to Safari.Com’s website which offered many itineraries. Luckily, their agent, Dolan quickly contacted me and planned the perfect trip to Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge. I liked his quick responses to my many, many questions. Dolan handled all reservations not only the lodge but hotels, airlines and private transportation. It was an amazing vacation. Our daughter and her family decided on a vacation to South Africa so we are all headed back again this year and Safari.Com and Dolan have again done the planning even our trip insurance. I highly recommend Dolan and Safari.Com for an amazing adventure!

Jayson was so helpful!

Jayson was so helpful! I gave Jayson my safari wishlist, and he made me the perfect itinerary; he was quick, communicative, and very knowledgeable. I am looking forward to my trip!

A wonderful experience

We visit South Africa with an international team at least once a year and organizing a memorable time for our team is time-consuming and challenging at times. Leigh-Ann is efficient, prompt and focussed on details. She booked our team trip in no time and made sure everything was satifactory. We will not hesitate to contact her for our future safari needs.