Kruger National Park, South Africa

The Experience Of A Lifetime

Rated as one of the world’s greatest wildlife experiences and reported to be the number one African safari destination, Kruger National Park is not to be overlooked when considering your travel plans.

Larger than many countries and containing mostly undeveloped land, Kruger is one of the most popular destinations in Africa. Kruger National Park is home to an incredible diversity of plant and animal life. It is reported to contain over 1,470 species of plants, 336 species of birds, 147 species of mammals, and 114 species of reptiles.

Established in 1898 by President Paul Kruger of the South African Republic, its initial purpose was to protect the area’s wildlife from excessive hunting and poaching. Originally known as the Sabie Game Reserve, it was renamed the Kruger National Park in 1926. The park’s boundaries have been expanded over time, and it now covers an area of nearly 7,500 square miles.

The main goal for visitors with their guides is to search for the “Big Five” animals consisting of elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards and Cape buffalo. In addition you’ll be told about the “Ugly Five” which normally includes warthog, hyena, wildebeest, vulture, and marabou stork but often people offer variations to that list. In addition you should easily see plenty of zebra, antelope, giraffes, hippos, monkeys and baboons. If you’re looking to see wildlife there’s no better opportunity than Kruger National Park.

Getting There

The nearest large international airport is Johannesburg (JNB) with a number of domestic flights to Kruger at less than US$450 round trip – Johannesburg (JNB) -O.R. Tambo Intl.) to Nelspruit (MQP)-Kruger Mpumalanga Intl.

The least expensive way to get from Johannesburg to Kruger without a car is to bus and taxi which takes 5h 29m and costs $30 – $55. There is a daily bus (Eagle Liner) from Johannesburg, South Africa to Newcastle taings 4.5 hours and cost less that US$10. From Newcastle to Kruger a taxi averages US$40 (1 hour and 38.5 miles).

Another option is to arrange a booking with a Kruger tour company. Several tour operators offer excursions from Johannesburg, providing a convenient way to experience the park’s wonders. These tours typically include transportation, accommodation, game drives, and most meals.

A few reputable tour operators offering Kruger tours from Johannesburg include:

African Budget Safaris: Specializes in affordable group tours and private safaris.
Wild Wings Safaris: Offers a variety of tour options, including budget-friendly and luxury packages.
Thompsons Africa: Provides tailor-made safaris for individuals and groups.
Intrepid Travel: Caters to adventurous travelers with small-group tours.

It’s highly recommended to book your tour in advance, especially during peak season (June to October).

Accommodations

The two major things to consider when visiting Kruger, beyond price, are distance from the park and the level of the accommodation you expect Accommodations range from basic camp sites to high-end luxury and everything in between.

Expect in-season rates to average US$125 to US$200 per night like Grand Kruger Lodge and Spa about 25 miles from park entrance.Camping resorts average about US$100 per night like Nkambeni Safari Camp located inside the park with basic camping facilities averaging under US$50 like Sleepover Kruger Gate less than 2 miles from the park. Luxury resorts range as high as US$800 to US$1200 and higher a night like Kruger Shalati – Train on the Bridge located inside the park.