Kruger National Park is South Africa's flagship park and one of the largest and oldest in Africa, covering almost 20,000 square kilometres of bushveld, from the Limpopo River in the north to the Crocodile River in the south. It was founded in 1898 and holds more species of large mammals than any other African park.
The park is home to the Big Five, as well as cheetah, wild dog, hippo, giraffe and enormous herds of buffalo and impala. Roads are good, rest camps are comfortable, and self-drive safaris are popular, though guided drives and walking trails give a richer experience. The southern half is greener with more wildlife, and the north is wilder and quieter.
Kruger is easily reached from Johannesburg by air or road, and suits families, budget travellers and keen naturalists.
Kruger has the Big Five in large numbers, with around 20,000 buffalo and more than 100 mammal species. Lions, leopards, cheetah and spotted hyena are regularly seen, and wild dog are found in small numbers. White rhino and black rhino survive, though poaching has hurt their numbers. Hippo and crocodile fill the rivers, and the north has nyala, sable and roan antelope.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
Flat bushveld, granite koppies, mopane woodland and wide rivers make up the park. In the south, the land is greener with rolling hills. The northern plains, wide and quiet, open to the horizon.
Activities here
Kruger is hot and humid in summer, with daytime temperatures of 32°C to 38°C, and mild and dry in winter, with cold mornings. The rains fall from November to March.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32 | 21 | 110 |
| Feb | 32 | 21 | 90 |
| Mar | 31 | 19 | 80 |
| Apr | 29 | 16 | 45 |
| May | 27 | 11 | 15 |
| Jun | 25 | 8 | 10 |
| Jul | 25 | 7 | 8 |
| Aug | 27 | 10 | 8 |
| Sep | 29 | 13 | 20 |
| Oct | 30 | 16 | 50 |
| Nov | 31 | 18 | 90 |
| Dec | 32 | 20 | 100 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
May to September is dry, with cooler days, thinner bush and animals gathered at waterholes and rivers. It is the best time for game viewing.
November to March is hot and green, with thunderstorms and migrant birds. The bush is thick, so game is harder to see, but the park is quiet.
May to September is the best time, especially July to September. The summer months are lush and good for birds and baby animals.
Best time to visit May to Sep
Kruger has airports at Skukuza, Phalaborwa and Kruger Mpumalanga, with flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town. The drive from Johannesburg to the southern gates takes about five to six hours. The Panorama Route and Blyde River Canyon are on the way.
Park fees are included in our safaris. Many nationalities, including most of Europe, the UK, the US, Canada and Australia, can enter South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days. Please check the rules for your passport.
Kruger is a malaria area, with the highest risk from October to April, so please take advice before you travel. Bring sun protection and warm clothing for winter mornings.
City & TownCape TownMountain, ocean and a city full of flavour
RegionCape WinelandsVineyards beneath the mountains
City & TownJohannesburgGateway city
Wildlife Reserve & SanctuaryMadikwe Game ReserveMalaria-free Big Five for families
Private ConservancySabi Sand Game ReserveThe leopard capital of AfricaSafaris from
US$2,726 per person
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