Kruger National Park Safari

Highlights of Kenya

• Balule
• Klaserie
• Kruger concessions
• Manyeleti
• Makalali
• Sabi Sands
• Thornybush
• Kapama
• Timbavati

• • Balule

    Balule Nature Reserve on the western border of the Kruger National park encompasses 400km2 of unspoiled bushveld. This private nature reserve shares unfenced borders with the Kruger and neighboring private reserves allowing animals to roam freely …

    One of the largest rivers in the Kruger, the Olifants River, flows through the reserve and its waters and riverine forests attract high densities of mammals, reptiles and birdlife. This means that all the wildlife you see in the Kruger, including the famous Big Five, can be experienced in the Balule Nature Reserve too. Minus the droves of tourists of course. Balule boasts a wide range of small intimate lodges and camps that cater for those looking for an affordable private getaway, a family-friendly option or the ultimate in privacy, comfort and luxury. All-inclusive stays, as well as self-catering options, are available throughout the reserve.
  • Highlights

    Daily game drives and bush walks with experienced rangers are the best way to spot the Big 5 and learn first hand about the local ecosystem. In Balule the rangers can track animals off-road, something not allowed in the Kruger, to provide the best sightings …

    Over August and October, balloon trips can also provide an astonishing vulture’s-eye view over the migrating wildebeest herds.

    • There is hardly a more tranquil aerial experience than floating over the African savannah in a hot air balloon – just one of the activities on offer in the area. If you have the nerves, a more adrenaline-filled light in a microlight aircraft or white-water rafting can also be undertaken. For a more relaxed afternoon, you can book a boat cruise down the Olifants River.
    • Several of the lodges offer day trips to the nearby Blyde River Canyon, the third largest canyon on the planet. It is a break from bush life in the Kruger and certainly a bucket list destination.
  • Practical advice

    By car, the Balule Nature Reserve is approximately six hours Johannesburg. Daily international and domestic flights call in at OR Tambo International Airport from where you can catch a connecting flight to a local airport (Phalaborwa, Hoedspruit, Nelspruit or Skukuza) near Kruger. Transfers to and from your lodge (about 45 minutes) can be arranged …

    • Temperatures are high during the day, even in winter, so bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Light, long-sleeved clothing offers protection against the sun as well as from mosquito bites. Pack warm clothing too as evenings can get chilly.
    • Wear neutral coloured clothing like brown, khaki and beige as bright colours make it easier for animals to spot you. In turn, dark colours like navy and black can attract insects.
    • Balule is in an area at risk of malaria. Get advice from your doctor before you travel.
• • Klaserie

    The Klaserie Private Nature Reserve covers a whopping 600km2 of wilderness on either side of the Klaserie Rivier just west of the Kruger National Park. At Klaserie you’ll come face to face with the Big Five - lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and rhino - as well as some of Africa’s less spotted species like wild dogs and cheetahs …

    Klaserie’s range of safari camps and lodges cater for familes, groups of friends, honeymooners and discerning travellers looking for exclusive luxury alike. Families should consider Makumu lodge where they can book an entire lodge without age restrictions for the youngsters, while the Klaserie Drift, Senala and Klaserie Camps offer fully catered or self-catering perfect for couples. For top tier luxury, look no further than the intimate riverside suites at Klaserie Sands River Camp or the classy exclusive suites at Baobab Ridge.
  • Highlights

    A number of the lodges host bespoke bush dinners and traditional barbecues at particularly stunning outdoor spots in the reserve. You can even arrange to camp at certain water holes for a truly immersive night in the African bush …

    • A walking safari with an experienced ranger is one of the most exhilarating experiences in the African bush. You’ll not only see animals from a unique perspective but also be fully immersed in the sights and sounds of the flora.
    • Twice-daily game drives in open 4x4 vehicles within the private reserves give you the highest probability to see animals. With experienced guides who are allowed to drive off road (unlike in public areas of the Kruger) you’ll tick off Big Five sightings in no time. Some lodges also offer night drives.
  • Practical advice

    The Klaserie Private Nature Reserve is roughly a six hour drive east of Johannesburg. Daily international and domestic flights call in at OR Tambo International Airport from where you can catch a connecting flight to a local airport near Kruger. The closest local airport is in Hoedspruit; from here it is a 45 minute transfer to the reserve …

    • You do not need special safari clothes, but neutral colours like beige, brown, green and khaki is recommended. It makes it harder for animals to spot you and be scared off and brighter colours often attract insects.
    • Prepare for very hot days and bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Depending on the season nights and early mornings can be very cold, so be sure to pack some warm clothing too.
    • Ask a medical practitioner about malaria medication before you leave, as this part of South Africa carries a risk. A course of prophylaxis is recommended.
• • Kruger concessions

    The Kruger National Park is world renowned for its spectacular wildlife. It is the largest nature reserve in South Africa and indeed one of the largest on the continent. At 360km long and 65km wide the surface area surpasses that of the nearby country of Swaziland! Despite its size, the density of wild animals found here is one of the highest on the planet, making for superb viewing opportunities no matter where you are in the park …

    The southern and central regions of the Kruger are most frequented by visitors and for good reason: the game viewing is most reliable here. It is your best bet for lion and leopard sightings, especially common along the Sabie River beween Lower Sabie and Skukuza. In central Kruger, the open grasslands are stocked with plenty of elephants while grass-feeders like wildebeest and buffalo attract predators like lion, cheetah and leopard. Finally, in the far north, your reward is not only solitude from the crowds of the south but also an area of great natural beauty as the landscape here transforms from sub-tropical to tropical. Large concentrations of baobab trees are particularly beautiful. Unfortunately, big game sightings are less frequent in this part of the Kruger, although birding, especially in the summertime is quite spectacular. Whether you are a solo traveller, a couple on a romantic getaway or a family looking for the quintessential safari adventure, Kruger caters for all. A host of accommodation options are a scattered across the park, ranging from campsites to family cottages, safari tents and exclusive guesthouses. The main camps are well stocked with modern amenities and most have shops, restaurants, pools and fuel stations. If you are after total exclusivity or the ideal honeymoon getaway, head for one of the private concession areas within Kruger. Each concession is home to a number of world-class luxury lodges that provide five-star accommodation and cuisine, personal game rangers and tailor-made experiences.
  • Highlights

    The Kruger is one of the few places where you can see the world’s largest land mammals mere meters from your own vehicle. A vast network of good roads in the park provides excellent self-drive safari routes …

    • The park has a superb avian population (over 500 species!) and keen birders can cross off dozens of sightings during a visit. Keep an eye our for the Big 6: the martial eagle, the ground hornbill, the saddle-billed stork, the kori bustard, the lappet-faced vulture and the unique Pel’s fishing owl.
    • A number of guided walking trails, bookable at all main camps, offer a truly immersive bush experience. Hikers are accompanied by experienced armed game rangers who track elephant, rhino and lions on foot. Hikes vary in duration from a few hours to overnight excursions with catered dinners and luxury bush tents.
  • Practical advice

    The Kruger National Park is approximately a five-hour drive from the nearest international airport, OR Tambo, in Johannesburg. Various car rental companies have counters at the airport. Alternatively you can fly to a local airport such as Phalaborwa, Hoedspruit, Nelspruit or Skukuza and rent a vehicle there. Private lodges offer shuttle services to and from all airports …

    • Book well in advance for popular public camps like Skukuza and Letaba during peak holiday seasons in December and July. Avoid the holiday seasons altogether if you prefer less fellow visitors.
    • Take precaution for very hot days and cold nights. Bring a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses for the daytime temperatures over 30°C and warm clothing for the chilly evenings.
    • The Kruger is a malaria zone and it is advised that visitors take prophylactics. Consult your healthcare professional on a course of medication before you travel.
• • Manyeleti

    When you look up at the night sky from a warm campfire you’ll understand where the Manyeleti, which means “Place of Stars”, got its name from. This 230km2 private game reserve, owned and run by the local Mnisi tribe, is wedged between the larger Sabi Sands and Timbavati game reserves on the western border of the Kruger …

    The borders are unfenced letting wildlife roam freely between the reserves. At Manyeleti the Big Five is just as abundant than in the rest of the Kruger, but other human visitors are much harder to spot since it sees much fewer visitors than the neighboring reserves. Keen birders will have plenty to tick off their lists though, as more than 300 species have been recorded in Manyeleti. Manyeleti offers guests three accommodation options: luxury safari tented camps, an exclusive manor house and a five-star luxury lodge. The two tented camps, Khoka Moya and Mantobeni, cater for couples and families respectively while the Tintswalo Manor House is the ideal private setting for groups. If you want the full monty in luxurious living (spa, private pools, library and wine cellar!) the Tintswalo Safari Lodge is where you want to be.
  • Highlights

    Twice daily game drives in open 4x4 vehicles (at dawn and dusk), provide ample opportunity to see the Big Five in their natural habitat …

    • Guided game walks led by experienced guides give you a different and unique experience of the environment and it is an exhilarating experience tracking animals on foot.
    • Leopard is notoriously hard to spot, but at Manyeleti they can be seen on a regular basis. An experienced guide who knows their territories and behaviors will give you the best chance of seeing these beautiful cats.
  • Practical advice

    Manyeleti is nearly 500km by road from Johannesburg. The city’s OR Tambo International Airport is served by daily international and domestic flights to major cities in the rest of the country. From OR Tambo you can schedule a charter flight an airport near Kruger National Park. Hoedspruit is the nearest; from here a road transfer to Manyeleti takes 45 minutes …

    • All the lodges in Manyeleti have their own airstrips, so you can choose to travel directly to your accommodation in a small aircraft from the Hoedspruit, Kruger Mpumalanga or Phalaborwa airports. The low flying transfer is the most scenic way to kick off your African adventure!
    • Come prepared for hot daytime temperatures and pack sunglasses, sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat. In the winter the nights and early mornings are chilly, so bring something warm too.
    • Manyeleti is in a malaria zone, so be sure to consult your doctor about recommended medication before you travel.
• • Makalali

    Makalali Private Game Reserve is located on 260km2 of bushveld near the town of Hoedspruit on the western edge of the Kruger National Park. While the styling of the main lodges at Makalali feature more contemporary design elements than your typical safari lodge, the wildlife experiences are as quintessentially African as elsewhere in the greater Kruger area. It is home to the Big Five as well as populations of zebra, kudu, cheetah and wild dog …

    Makalali’s main lodge caters for the mid-range traveller looking for a safari experience with a touch of luxury while the river lodge is a private 5-star affair. The river lodge also caters for families, as do the more luxurious accommodation at Garonga. The Little Garonga Camp is an intimate and exclusive affair with only three suites, each with their own platform decks overlooking the bushveld. At the Safari Camp the setup caters for couples with six private luxury safari tents overlooking a dry riverbed frequented by animals.
  • Highlights

    Nature walks and game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, led by expert guides, are the quintessential way to experience the wildlife of the African bush …

    • Take to the skies in a hot air balloon and experience the stunning African savannah from a unique perspective. The more adventurous can also enjoy flights over the reserve in a microlight aircraft.
    • Golfing excursions can be arranged to the superb Hans Merensky golf course next to the Kruger National Park. Wildlife like giraffe and hippos can often be seen on the course. Who says a round of 18 can’t include some game viewing?
    • The reserve is involved in a cheetah research project and a visit to the facility gives you the opportunity to see the world’s fastest land animal up close. African wild dogs, lions and wild cats can also be seen here.
  • Practical advice

    The nearest international airport is OR Tambo International in Johannesburg. A number of daily domestic flights service smaller airports and it is possible to fly to Hoedspruit. From here it is a short journey to the reserve. Alternatively, some lodges offer direct air transfers …

    Regular domestic charter flights connect Nairobi and the Masai Mara to Nanyuki Airport, from where it is a short drive to most sites of interest in the vicinity of Mount Kenya and the Aberdares.

    • Bring warm clothing as it gets cold at night and a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect agains the heat in the day. Dull colours like khaki, brown or green makes you harder to spot by animals and doesn’t attract insects as much as bright colours.
    • Consult a healthcare practitioner about preventative medication against malaria since Makalali is located in an area of risk.
• • Sabi Sands

    Sabi Sands is often lauded as the most prestigious private reserve in South Africa and perhaps it is due to the reserve’s longstanding conservation efforts. The original reserve was proclaimed back in 1898 and by 1949 the landowners had merged their properties (mostly ex-agricultural land) into what is now the Sabi Sands Game Reserve …

    The huge 650km2 private reserve shares unfenced borders on the western boundaries of the Kruger National Park allowing animals to roam freely between the reserves. Thanks to the re-purposing of boreholes previously used for the farms into waterholes for wildlife, Sabi Sands can offer a year-round water source not affected by seasonal changes. This means you’re never far away from spotting the Big Five and the hundreds of other species that make up the greater Kruger population at any time of the year. Sabi Sands is all about luxury and exclusivity, so you won’t find day visitors, camping or public picnic sites here. The reserve’s wide range of lodges and camps (more than 20!) are styled for every taste - some are very affordable while others offer the crème de la crème in luxury living. Whether you’re looking for an immersive bush camp, secluded honeymoon suite or your own grandiose private villa, Sabi Sands has it all.
  • Highlights

    Sabi Sands is famous for its leopard sightings and although spotting these elusive cats are never a guarantee, with expert guides at your disposal your chances of a great sighting are arguably higher here than anywhere else …

    • The reserve has excellent photographic opportunities and guides that understand light, angles and composition to help you get that postcard shot of a lion yawning. Photographic safaris are on offer at several lodges.
    • Daily game drives in open 4x4’s and walking safaris by expert guides are included in your stay.
  • Practical advice

    By road, Sabi Sands is approximately 450km from Johannesburg where OR Tambo International Airport is served by daily international and domestic flights to major cities in the rest of the country. From OR Tambo you can schedule a charter flight directly to Sabi Sands or a nearby local airport (Hoedspruit, Kruger/Mpumalanga or Skukuza) …

    • Wear natural colours like khaki, brown or green to avoid being easily spotted by animals and scaring them off. Remember to bring warm clothing as it gets cold at night and a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect against the heat in the day.
    • Sabi Sands, like the rest of the Kruger, lies within a malaria region. Consult your doctor before you travel as it is advised to take a course of prophylaxis.
• • Thornybush

    The 140km2 Thornybush Game Reserve is located near the town of Hoedspruit on the western border of the Kruger. The famous Big 5 - lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo - roam freely in the reserve while great numbers of plains game like giraffes, kudu, zebra and waterbuck can also be seen …

    Thornybush’s collection of twelve luxury lodges cater to solo travelers, groups of friends, couples and families alike. Your options here include intimate lodges like the picturesque NKaya lodge that only host eight guests at a time, deluxe private suites at The River Lodge overlooking the Monwana river and five-star villas at Simbambili Lodge that come with all the luxury trimmings you could possibly wish for. For the budget conscious traveler Thornybush provides a neat feature in its self-catering tented camp, called Nkelenga. This is a great option for groups or families looking for a balance between doing-it-yourself holiday living while still enjoying creature comforts like a full kitchen, housekeeping and swimming pool.
  • Highlights

    Daily game drives in open 4x4 vehicles with experienced trackers greatly enhance you game viewing experience. ike in the public areas of the Kruger, guides are allowed to track animals off-road or at night …

    • Photographic opportunities are excellent at Thornybush. Your whole safari experience, including game drives and walks, can be specifically tailored to meet your photographic needs.
    • Guided nature walks give you the chance to experience the African bush first hand and the rangers are keen to share local knowledge.
    • With over 300 species in the reserve, birding is excellent. Tailored game drives with an experienced guide will have you tick rare and unique species off your list of bird sightings in no time.
    • Extensive conservation studies have been done at Thornybush on the ultra-rare Pangolin. This elusive anteater is the most trafficed animal in the world and is critically endangered. While never a guarantee, your chances are good to spot one on a night drive at Thornybush.
  • Practical advice

    Thornybush is about 5 hours drive from Johannesburg. Several daily domestic and international flights depart from OR Tambo International airport. From OR Tambo you can choose to fly to a local airport (Hoedspruit, Nelspruit, Skukuza or Phalaborwa) close to the reserve. From here where a short transfer will get you to Thornybush …

    • Bring warm clothing as it gets cold at night and a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect against the heat in the day. Light long sleeved clothing serves as good protection from the sun too.
    • Thornybush is situated within a malaria region. Speak to your doctor before you travel for advice on anti-malaria medication.
• • Kapama

    The 130km2 Kapama Private Game Reserve lies just west of the Kruger National Park and a mere 10 minutes from the town of Hoedspruit. It is not only home to the Big Five, but the sprawling savannah grasslands and riverine forests straddling the Klaserie River in the east of the reserve sees more than 40 species of mammals and over 300 bird species …

    Kapama has four luxury lodges, each with their own individual flair. The bespoke villas overlooking the Klaserie River at Karula, is suited to the discerning traveler looking for the ultimate in privacy and comfort. The River Lodge, with its contemporary design, is a more social space perfectly suited to young couples and groups of friends. At the intimate Buffalo Camp luxury safari tents set amongst the treetops are linked together by elevated walkways. The Southern Camp caters for couples and families alike in luxury suites and villas. Karula and the River Lodge also offer accommodation suitable for families.
  • Highlights

    Ditch the big vehicles and strap on some walking shoes for a guided bush walk. Skilled rangers will not only show you wildlife but also share traditional knowledge about tracking, medicinal plants and birdlife …

    • Kapama offers a 2-day photography workshop led by a leading African wildlife photographer so you can hone your skills before heading out on game drives specifically aimed at photography.
    • The Romantic Sleepout lets couples experience a night under the stars on a private platform in the African bush. You even get a private chef that will prepare a five-course dinner!
  • Pratical advice

    The nearest international airport is OR Tambo International in Johannesburg, about 6 hours travel time from the reserve by car. OR Tambo is serviced by domestic flights from all over South Africa so you can also fly to Hoedspruit, the nearest local airport to Kapama. From here it is a short transfer by car to the reserve …

    • Kapama offers the discerning traveler the option of flying directly to the reserve from both OR Tambo and Cape Town International airports in a privately owned aircraft.
    • Bring warm clothing as it gets cold at night and a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect against the heat in the day. Wear muted colours like khaki, brown or green to avoid being easily spotted by animals. Bright colours can attract insects.
    • Kapama, like all of the Kruger, lies within a malaria region. Ask your doctor about malaria medication before you travel and bring insect repellent. Light, long-sleeved clothing can help protect against mosquitoes.
• • Timbavati

    Timbavati Game Reserve is home to one of nature’s most magnificent creatures, the white lion. Ancient folklore tells of a time when the local Shangaan tribe saw a bright light streaking across the sky and crash on the African savannah. Shortly thereafter the lions of Timbavati began giving birth to snow white cubs. These unique lions have been regarded as sacred ever since …

    Timbavati Game Reserve encompasses a vast 580km2 of savannah on the western border of the Kruger National Park. The borders are unfenced and allow wildlife, including the Big Five, to migrate freely between the reserves. An abundance of plains game like kudu, giraffe, wildebeest, buffalo and waterbuck can be seen while the endangered African wild dog is also often spotted in Timbavati. The collection of luxury lodges at Timbavati caters for the traveller looking for a touch of class. Your African safari need not be without spa treatments, private pools and five-star cuisine! Walkers River Camp, Jaydee and Eagle Owl are three exclusive self-catering camps offering families or groups of friends a truly secluded safari experience while still providing all the amenities that you’re used to at home.
  • Highlights

    Timbavati is home to the endangered white lion and a sighting of one of these unique creatures is a once in a lifetime experience …

    • Photographic safaris can be tailored to your needs. Professional photographers with specialised game drive vehicles will give advice, tips and can arrange additional gear if needed.
    • Daily personalised game drives and bush walks greatly increase your chance of animal sightings. The traditional knowledge shared by the skilled rangers is invaluable too.
    • Timbavati is aiding rhino conservation by micro-chipping their rhino population. Guests at the Kings Camp have the opportunity to participate in the tracking and darting process.
  • Practical advice

    The Timbavati reserve is roughly a six-hour drive from Johannesburg. Daily international and domestic flights call in at OR Tambo International Airport from where you can catch a connecting flight to a local airport (Hoedspruit, Nelspruit, Phalaborwa or Skukuza) near the reserve …

    • Some of the lodges in Timbavati have private runways and you may opt to travel (approx. 1 hr 30 min) by scheduled flight directly from Johannesburg to your accommodation.
    • It gets very hot in the day so bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. You’ll need to pack warm clothing too as evenings and early mornings can be chilly.
    • Malaria is a risk in this part of Africa, so it is advised to speak to your doctor about a course of prophylaxis before you travel.

What type of traveller are you?

• Couple
• Family
• Solo

• Romantic safari in the Kruger National Park

  There is something intrinsically romantic about the African savannah, one of the last vestiges on Earth where the majesty of nature so effortlessly inspires a sense of connection. It’s no wonder the Kruger National Park is the quintessential South African safari destination for couples

  The park’s proximity to the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg (only a 5-hour drive away) means that you could arrive in South Africa in the morning watch the sun set over the African savannah by the end of the day. All major car rental companies have counters at the airport and self-driving affords the opportunity to add other scenic destinations, like the Blyde River Canyon, on the way to the Kruger. Alternatively, scheduled flights to local airports near the Kruger cut travel time significantly.

  The budget-conscious traveler might choose to stay at one of the various self-catering chalets, guest houses or lodges and do self-drive game viewing in a rental vehicle. However, for the ultimate in privacy and luxury it is best to head to one of the dozen-or-so private concession lodges within the Kruger or the collection of luxury private reserves on the western edges of the park.

  Here you’ll enjoy opulence to the finest detail: secluded suites with sensational views, private pools, outdoor rose (or champagne!) baths and exquisite cuisine set the scene for the very best romantic getaway. The rest is up to you!

  Several of the private game reserves offer treehouse experiences: a night under the stars on a secluded raised platform in the bush. There is no better way to spend an evening with a loved one, not to mention the fine dining provided by your own personal chef. Speaking of meals, why not try traditional gourmet cuisine under the open African sky? Various lodges offer a bush banquet set in the open bush framed by lantern light and the Milky Way overhead.

  Many of the couples-orientated packages at the luxury reserves include personal game drives and bush walks with an experienced game ranger who will tailor the experience to your specific preference, such as photography, birding or spotting rare species at night.

  Spa treatments are a quintessential luxury on any honeymoon and when you stay at one of the luxury lodges you can expect the very best. Want to keep active during your stay? Gyms, yoga classes and wellness centers are on offer at most lodges too.

  • Travel tips
    • Most of the luxury lodges offer all-inclusive packages specifically aimed at couples. Book one of these and you won’t have to worry about a thing from start to finish. Honeymoon packages that include activities and experiences specifically aimed at couples are often offered at a discount.
    • Combine a trip to the Kruger with a visit to one or more of Southern Africa’s other top attractions like Cape Town, Victoria Falls and Mauritius. Several lodges and tour operators offer such combo packages.
    • Scheduled flights from OR Tambo arrive and depart daily from local airports (Hoedspruit, Nelspruit, Phalaborwa or Skukuza) near the Kruger which cut travel time to under 2 hours. From here a short transfer gets you to your lodge. Several lodges have private airstrips so direct fligts are possible too.

• Family safari in the Kruger National Park

  The Kruger National Park sits right at the top of family-friendly safari destinations in South Africa. The park prides itself on being accessible to young and old alike and many South Africans will confess to cultivating a life-long love for the African bush from an early age in the Kruger.

  A family holiday in the Kruger is best done in one of two ways; either self-driving or choosing an all-inclusive package at a private lodge. Both options have their own unique appeal depending on the type of holiday experience you’re after.

  Long hours in the car are always a concern when travelling with children, but the Kruger is only an easy five-hour drive away from the nearest international airport in Johannesburg. All major car rental companies have counters here and offer vehicles suited to families. Alternatively, you might opt for a shuttle service when staying at an all-inclusive luxury lodge.

  En-route to the Kruger National Park, whether self-driving or by lodge transfer, there are plenty of rest stops and one can even turn it into a scenic road trip of sorts by including some of the sights on the stunning Panorama Route. Once inside the park, the vast network of good tar and gravel roads make getting from one place to another equally comfortable.

  Exploring the park in your own vehicle means your family stays together and you can plan outings according to personal preference. If you are traveling with toddlers, this is the only way you can take them on game drives in the reserve as children under the age of 6 are not allowed (for safety reasons) on the game drives in open 4x4 vehicles provided by the park. Similarly, only children over the age of 12 may join guided bush walks.

  The southern and central regions of the park are more family-friendly than the far north, since distances between rest areas are not so spread out, the landscape is more varied and animals are more abundant. Skukuza, Satara, Lower Sabie, Letaba and Berg en Dal camps are superb options for family orientated accommodation since they offer restaurants, shops, swimming pools, child-friendly activities, museums and movie screenings.

  Although staying at a luxury lodge is naturally more costly, the experience is wholly more personal with offerings such as private family villas, your own guide in an open 4x4 game viewing vehicle and special activities for children.

  • Travel tips
    • Rent an SUV or a 4x4 with good ground clearance for your visit to the park. Not only does the additional height of the vehicle make for better game viewing but the extra space will come in handy for luggage and make the time spent on the back seat more comfortable for the youngsters.
    • Some rental companies offer fully kitted camping vehicles with enough equipment and tents for the whole family. This is a great all-inclusive option if you plan on camping in the Kruger.
    • The kids might not like getting up early on holiday, but in the Kruger, it is worth it. The early mornings are best for game viewing, not to mention cooler than during the day. Same goes for late afternoon game drives.
    • Grab a map of the park at an entrance gate or a camp shop. You’ll need it to navigate the park when self-driving.
    • When travelling with small children, bring some games, puzzles and books along to entertain them during leisure time in camp or long drives in the car.
    • All the main camps have restaurants with reasonable prices and small shops for self-catering, so there is no need to over pack your car with food supplies.

• Solo travel in the Kruger National Park

  There is a very particular kind of adventure that comes with solo traveling. Not only does it take you to unimaginable new places, experiences and people but it also affords the opportunity for calm, uninterrupted self-reflection. The vast expanse of the Kruger National Park offers you plenty of both.<

  Kruger National Park might be one of the wildest places in Africa and home to the biggest land mammals on Earth, but that doesn’t mean that it is out of bounds for the solo traveller. The extensive network of tar and good gravel roads makes getting around a breeze and a wide selection of accommodation suits every budget.

  The myriad of campsites are a great DIY option, while safari tents, chalets and guest houses offer all the creature comforts (plus the marvel of air conditioning) that you are used to at home. If you are looking for a touch of exclusivity and personalised service, take your pick from one of the private concession areas within the park or the multiple five-star luxury lodges that border the Kruger.

  In the private concession areas and private game reserves, you’ll arguably get a more personal experience than going it solo in the public areas of the park. Daily game drives with an experienced ranger come as standard at most luxury lodges, birding and photography excursions can be tailored to your preference and shuttle services to and from airports eliminate the need to rent a vehicle. Last but not least, all meals are taken care of.

  The southern and central regions of the Kruger National Park are your best bet for spotting large populations of animals, comfortable accommodation facilities like restaurants, fuel stations and shops, and not to mention other friendly faces to chat to. If you are a veteran of solo travel and have the time, then the northern part of the park is much less populated with stunning, unspoiled landscapes. There, in the seemingly endless vistas, you might just discover that elusive self-reflection that inevitably finds the solo traveller.

  • Travel tips
    • If you plan on spending multiple days in the reserve and/or plan to move between different camps, you’ll need a vehicle. The roads are superb, so any vehicle will do, but if you are planning to camp you may want to consider renting a camper van or kitted-out 4x4.
    • A larger rental vehicle like an SUV or 4x4 can aid game viewing since it has a height advantage, especially in the summer when the grass is tall.
    • There is no public transport within the park. If renting a vehicle is not an option, or you prefer not to drive, rather stay at one of private lodges in the greater Kruger where shuttles services and daily game drives are included in your stay.
    • Be sure to buy a map of the reserve at the entrance gate or a camp shop. You’ll need it to navigate through the Kruger on your own.
    • All the main camps have restaurants with reasonable prices and small shops for self-catering. You can also book guided drives and walks with rangers from here.
    • Several overland and hop-on/hop-off tour operators offer multi-day guided trips to the Kruger. Join one of these and you’ll not only meet fellow travelers but your accommodation, meals and game drives in the park are included.

• Budget
• Affordable
• Luxury

• Budget safari in the Kruger National Park

  The Kruger National Park is certainly the most well-suited safari destination for budget-conscious travelers. More than a century of conservation efforts have made sure that the magic of the African bush and its incredible wildlife is accessible to all who visit the Kruger.

  Getting to the park is easy – from the nearest international airport, OR Tambo International in Johannesburg, a comfortable drive along the N4 highway will get you there in under five hours. All major car rental companies have counters at the airport offering a comprehensive range of rental options.

  One of the Kruger’s best features for those on a budget is that you are able to conduct game drives in your own vehicle. The well-maintained road network (mostly tarred or good gravel) within the park means you do not need to hire an expensive 4x4 - a regular hatchback or sedan will do the job equally as well.

  The cost of accommodation usually takes a large chunk out of any travel budget, but luckily the Kruger has a wide range of affordable options throughout the length and width of the 19 485km2 park. The southern regions around Lower Sabie, Skukuza, Berg-en-Dal and the central regions near Letaba and Satara offer more bang for your buck in terms of facilities and game viewing opportunities alike. These regions are also more easily accessible than the far north, meaning that you spend less time traveling to and from your destination and more time experiencing wildlife or leisure time at camp.

  Camping is the most affordable accommodation option and the main camps of the Kruger all have plentiful facilities such as restaurants, swimming pools and grocery shops that make for a most comfortable stay without breaking the bank.

  Traveling in the Kruger on a budget doesn’t necessarily mean you have to camp though, as many of the camps also offer reasonably priced safari tents, chalets and guesthouses. These are especially good options for groups of friends and families.

  While there is no denying that a luxury safari lodge is an experience bar none, there is plenty of benefit in a more hands-on approach. You curate your own experience by setting own schedule, planning daily excursions and in many ways seeing the Kruger the way the locals do.

  • Travel tips
    • Book accommodation well in advance if you plan on traveling during Easter, the school holidays in late June/early July or the month of December. The park is at its busiest during these periods.
    • Many car rental companies offer camping ready vehicles that are fully kitted with all equipment needed for setting up a campsite. This is a much more convenient option than sourcing camping gear separately.
    • The park offers guided bush walks from all the main camps which are an exceptional way of experiencing the wildlife of the Kruger. Game drives in open 4x4 vehicles are also on offer and are a good way to supplement your own game viewing.
    • Several overland and hop-on-hop-off bus tour operators offer all-inclusive travel packages to the Kruger National Park. These tours typically include transport to and from major cities, accommodation (camping) in the park and game drives.
  
  
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• Affordable safaris in the Kruger National Park

  For the traveller who doesn’t want to rough it, but is also not partial to having the utmost in luxury, the Kruger National Park offers a surprising array of mid-range safari options. Part of making your visit to the park more affordable lies in how you put your trip together: shave off a spa treatment here and a five-course dinner there and soon you’re left with most of the luxury, but much less of the cost.

  Instead of taking a charter flight or shuttle service directly to your lodge, hire a car at the airport and make a road trip out of the journey to the Kruger National Park. The world’s third largest canyon, the Blyde River Canyon, is en-route to the Kruger and certainly worth a visit, not to mention other nearby sites like Sabie’s Waterfall Route and the quaint village of Pilgrim’s Rest.

  A great way to enjoy the Kruger National Park is to split your stay between one of the public camps of the park and a lodge within one of the private concession areas. This means you’ll have time to self-drive in the park which is a great hands-on game viewing experience. Once within the exclusive concession area, a seasoned guide will use his or her expertise to show you the very best of the African bushveld. As a bonus, these guides are allowed to conduct game drives outside of their concessions into the public areas of the park to give you an optimal chance of spotting elusive species such as the beautiful leopard.

  Several of the private luxury reserves along the unfenced western border of park, known as the Greater Kruger, contain affordable lodges, guest houses and tented camps aimed at a mid-range budget. Self-catering is an option in some of the camps and guest houses, many of which you’ll have exclusive use of if you book the whole camp or house. Stay at these and you’ll save on some of the over-the-top frills while still being able to enjoy treats like guided game drives and walks. Here guides are allowed to track animals off-road and at night – something you are not allowed to do on your own in the public areas of the Kruger.

  • Travel tips
    • Travel in the off-season when both flight and accommodation prices are lower. The winter season, from May to September, is less busy in the Kruger yet still excellent for game viewing. Keep an eye out for package deals as many of the lodges offer free nights and discounted offers.
    • Rent an SUV or a 4x4 vehicle as the added height is helpful for game viewing, especially in the summertime when the grass in the Kruger stands tall. The extra interior space is also welcome on long drives and for luggage storage.
    • Several rental companies offer fully kitted vehicles that are camp-ready with rooftop tents, awnings, kitchen setups and chairs and tables. Larger vehicles also cater for groups or families.
    • Staying just outside one of the main gates of the park – in Hazyview, Phalaborwa or Nelspruit for instance – and doing day trips into the Kruger is often comparatively more affordable.
  
  
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• Luxury safari holiday in Kenya

  The Kruger National Park consistently ranks among the very best luxury safari destination in Africa. It comes as no surprise then that the private concessions and private game reserves here spare no expense when it comes to absolute opulent living in the heart of the African bush.

  While the vast expanse of the public areas of the Kruger National Park is meant to cater for all, you’ll want to head to one of the private concession areas if all-out indulgence is what you’re after. Here all your needs are taken care of from the moment you set foot in these exclusive sections of the park to the moment you leave. The concessions are set in prime Big Five country and are unfenced, meaning you get to experience exceptional game viewing minus the crowds.

  The private game reserves on the western perimeter of the Kruger, many of whom share unfenced borders with the park, are arguably a step up from the concession areas. Here the lodges, luxury tents and villas are set in the most spectacular environments possible and the views from your suite or villa are often worth the trip alone. Most lodges offer personal guides, housekeeping staff and chefs and customize your stay according to specific needs. And did we mention private swimming pools, wine cellars, libraries, rooftop viewing areas, five-star spa treatments, therapeutic massages, wellness centers… the list goes on!

  Both the concession lodges and private reserve lodges offer activities not found elsewhere in the park, such as night time game drives, off-road tracking of animals and activities specifically developed for children. Several lodges offer tailor-made experiences that might focus on photography, romantic getaways, birding and even fine dining.

  Speaking of dining, the cuisine at the luxury lodges are world class offerings with a distinctive African flair. What’s more, meals are often set in spectacular bush settings. Ever had breakfast while overlooking a waterhole teeming with wildlife? How about high tea under an ancient African acacia tree? You simply must try a lavish five-course dinner prepared by your personal chef with the Milky Way shimmering over an atmospheric lantern-lit banquet.

  • Travel tips
    • Most lodges offer direct air transfers to and from the nearest international airport, OR Tambo, in Johannesburg. However, some lodges offer direct or connecting flights from other popular destinations such as Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Vilanculos and Mauritius.
    • Speak to a dedicated safari expert who’ll curate your Kruger National Park safari, as well as connecting destinations, to your specific needs. There is no better way to distill the myriad of options in the Greater Kruger to your personal itinerary, budget, family size and expectations.
    • Several lodges offer private and secluded villas for exclusive use. This option caters for the discreet individual, couple or family by providing personal housekeepers, chefs and game rangers for the duration of your stay.
    • A host of personalised activities and excursions in the Greater Kruger and nearby regions may be arranged from your lodge. These include, but are not limited to helicopter, hot-air balloon and microlight flights over the stunning Blyde River Canyon; golfing at the world-class Hans Merensky or Leopard Creek Golf Estates; and customised photographic, horseback and birding safaris.
  
  
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