QUICK FACTS
ADDITIONAL READING
Lodge and package options are shown below, but if it seems daunting, feel free to contact [email protected]
Kruger is one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros) in their natural habitat. The park's vast expanse provides ample opportunities to observe these animals up close.
Beyond the Big Five, Kruger is home to over 500 bird species, 100 reptile species, and numerous other mammals like cheetahs, hippos, giraffes, zebras, and more. The park's biodiversity is truly staggering, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.
Kruger can be visited year-round, with each season offering unique experiences. The dry winter months (May to September) are ideal for wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources, while the wet summer months (October to April) bring lush landscapes, newborn animals, and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Kruger National Park is a photographer’s dream, offering endless opportunities to capture stunning images of wildlife, landscapes, and the ever-changing African sky. Whether you're a professional or an amateur, the park provides a rich canvas for photography.
Kruger is located near other popular attractions, such as the Panorama Route, which features breathtaking views of Blyde River Canyon, waterfalls, and scenic landscapes. Combining a visit to Kruger with these nearby destinations can enhance your South African adventure.
The dry winter months are the best time for spotting wildlife in Kruger. The vegetation is sparse, making it easier to see animals, and water sources are limited, so animals congregate around rivers and waterholes.
Days are warm and sunny, while nights and early mornings can be cool, but not too cold. This makes it comfortable for game drives.
The dry season has fewer mosquitoes, reducing the risk of malaria. June to August is the peak season, especially during school holidays. This means more tourists and higher prices, but also the best wildlife viewing conditions.
The wet summer season brings rain, transforming the park into a green paradise with lush vegetation. This is the time to see the park at its most beautiful. The wet season is the best time for birdwatching, as migratory birds arrive, and many species are in breeding plumage.
Many animals give birth during the wet season, so you may see plenty of baby animals, which can be a fascinating and heartwarming sight.
The park is less crowded during the wet season, which can make for a more peaceful and personal experience. Afternoon thunderstorms are common but usually brief, and the rain tends to freshen up the air and landscape.
These transitional periods between the wet and dry seasons offer a mix of advantages.
In April to May, the park is still green from the rains, but animals are starting to become easier to spot as the vegetation begins to thin.
In September to October, the park is dry, but not yet crowded, with good wildlife viewing and warm weather. Shoulder seasons generally see fewer visitors than the peak dry season, allowing for a more relaxed experience.
The Kruger National Park is regarded as the ultimate safari destination and the largest in South Africa. With almost two million hectares of pristine wilderness, the park is split into northern and southern reserves. The northern reserves are often referred to as the Greater Kruger National Park.
Kruger National Park is renowned for being home to the iconic Big Five—lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo—and boasts the greatest variety of large mammal species among African reserves. Visitors can enjoy an exceptional safari experience, with a range of accommodation options from luxurious lodges to self-catering facilities.
Most reserves within the park offer activities like morning and evening game drives in open vehicles, as well as guided bush walks. Additionally, some reserves provide unique experiences such as local village tours, hot air balloon rides, elephant encounters, visits to animal rehabilitation centers, treehouse sleep-outs, and photographic safaris.
Oct 23, 2024
Shann @ Safari.com is fantastic!
We worked with Shann Shaw and she was amazing! As someone who usually books my own travel I was a little bit skeptical at first... But safaris are not like a typical vacation and there are just SO many different options. Shann was incredibly patient in answering all of my questions, and eventually found the perfect safari lodge for me and my family. I really don't think I could have done it without her help. Highly recommend working with her!
Oct 23, 2024
Service was excellent
Service was excellent, and I was sent a reminder when the balance was due.
Oct 23, 2024
Booking with Leigh-Ann Croeser
Thank you for this fantastic booking experience. Leigh-Ann Croeser did everything to let my wishes become reality. I wasn’t an easy customer, but he never let me feel that. She answered very fast to all my questions and helped me with everything so that we have the most of our trip. Thank you very much for organizing our dream Safari. I can only recommend it.
Oct 23, 2024
Sara
Sara, bent over backwards to give us what we wanted as we changed our minds more than once
Oct 23, 2024
Very Responsive and Patient w/ Our Needs!
Anja has been great in making our travel reservations! She is very quick and responsive (at all hours, I'm not sure when she sleeps)! We went back and forth on 39 emails. Yes, 39 emails for a couple of weeks. She made several different itineraries in ranging prices, types of accommodations, and locations. She was patient through the whole process and provided so much information. We finally decided on our perfect trip!
Oct 21, 2024
Friendliness
Friendliness, quick response to my request and understanding of my needs It was only a pleasure dealing with Tanya Lomas.
Oct 21, 2024
Excellent, fast, helpful service
The service from Leigh-Ann has been exceptional. No matter the difference in time zone, her responses and suggestions are always fast and helpful. When we’ve asked for changes to the itinerary, there has never been a problem. Highly recommended.
Oct 18, 2024
Cannot recommend enough
Cannot recommend enough! Contacted at 6pm night before and Dorothy was helpful friendly and managed to book a safari trip with transport for 6 people! She was contactable on the day too and very very helpful!
Oct 17, 2024
Aquilia Safari trip
Re: Safari from Cape Town to Aquilia. Fadiel was very helpful and organised our trip for us. We were picked up by Joe, who was our driver for the day. Joe is born and raised in Cape Town. He was prompt and was very friendly and informative. There was a good choice of food at Aquilia and had choices for my husband too who is Coeliac.