Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa. It covers an area of 19,485 square kilometers in the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga in north-eastern South Africa, and extends 360 kilometers from north to south and 65 kilometers from east to west.
The administrative headquarters are in Skukuza. Areas of the park were first protected by the government of the South African Republic in 1898, and it became South Africa’s first national park in 1926.
Attractions
Wildlife
Let’s face it. The main reason people go to Kruger National Park is to see animals – and the park won’t let you down! You’re bound to come across many with so many species living in the park:
- 147 mammals
- 507 birds
- 114 reptiles
- 34 amphibians
- 49 fish
Woodland kingfisher of the wildlife attractions Kruger Park visitors seek, the most popular are the big 5. Even if you’re only in the park for one day, you’re almost guaranteed to see elephants and buffalo.
Rhinos and lions are rarer and you’d be downright lucky to catch a glimpse of a leopard. We were once in the park for 7 days and only saw a leopard 20 minutes before leaving!
Watching bird life is another major Kruger National Park tourist attraction. We’re fascinated by their bright colors reflecting in the sunlight.
Whether you’re a birdwatcher or not, it’s worth trying out at least one bird hide – they’re covered view points, usually on rivers or lakes, where you can get out of your car and see the bird life without it seeing you!
Flora
Of the attractions Kruger Park offers, it’s easy to forget about the flora when you’re on a wildlife safari. Nevertheless, Kruger National Park has 336 different types of trees!
One of these landmark trees is the southernmost naturally occurring baobab tree in Africa. By this we mean that the tree grew naturally and wasn’t planted by someone. If you want to see it, it’s about 25km (15.5 miles) south of Satara.
If you want to take a part of Kruger home with you, stop off at the indigenous plant nursery at Skukuza. It sells a range of native plants which grow in the park.
Lakes and Dams
There are a number of lakes and dams that offer fantastic game viewing, such as Sunset Dam near Lower Sabie. Another of our favourites is Lake Panic Bird Hide near Skukuza.
You can sit here and watch the animals without disturbing them. The hides make for good Kruger National Park sightings and great pictures!
Cultural Sights
On top of all the wildlife, there are a range of cultural sights to see in the park.
Activities
There are a range of activities to choose from in Kruger National Park. Game drives and walking trails, where you’re lead by a Kruger Park ranger, are popular. They last for 3-4 hours. If you like longer driving adventures, you can book on 4×4 trails which last a number of days.
There are also Kruger walking safaris where you can trek through the open bush for a number of days carrying all your camping equipment. And if you like cycling, take a mountain bike safari ride from Olifants Rest Camp.
On top of this, there are interesting eating experiences that can be arranged through rest camps:
- Bush braais (BBQs) – a game drive to a BBQ site in the bush
- Bush breakfasts – a game drive to a breakfast spot out of a rest camp
- Boma braais – communal BBQs under an open-sided thatched hut
Skukuza Rest Camp is home to a 9 hole Kruger golf course. There’s no fence around the course, so you’ll get some interesting animal spectators! If you hit a stray ball, don’t wander too far into the bush! If you like wildlife films, some of the main rest camps show them every evening except Sundays:
- Berg-En-Dal
- Letaba
- Mopani
- Satara
- Shingwedzi
- Skukuza
If you’ve never been to the tropics, you can officially cross into them by visiting the Tropic of Capricorn. It’s 12km north of Mopani Rest Camp.
Where to stay
Camp shawu
This adventure camp offers guests a range of activities and elegant Kruger National Park accommodation in comfortable suites on the edge of a dam.
- Spot the Big Five while on exciting game drives
- Suites have decks overlooking the Mpanamana Dam
- Situated in a private concession of Kruger National Park
- The suites are built out of authentic Buffalo dung walls
The essence of the camp is based on one of Africa’s most famous Elephants called ‘Shawu.’ This large bull had the longest tusks ever recorded in South Africa. He roamed the valley for sixty years and was always a special sighting for visitors.
The camp is situated in a 15 000 hectare private concession of the Kruger National Park overlooking the Mpanamana Dam where many animals come down to drink throughout the day, so guests can experience excellent game viewing from the decks of this safari camp. There is a local pride of Lions which comes down to drink most nights.
Stay in one of 5 elegant rooms which can accommodate just ten guests allowing for an intimate safari experience. Guests staying at this safari camp in Kruger Park can look forward to participating in exciting game drives in search of Rhino and the other Big Five, or just relax on their private deck, have a dip in the plunge pool and see what animals come down to drink.
Wildlife that are commonly seen in the area include Rhino, Lion, Leopard, Hippo, Crocodile, Buffalo and Giraffe. Head out and explore the region on self-drive game viewing excursions in the Kruger National Park or go bird watching and see the many species which occur.
Camp shonga
This intimate bush lodge is situated in the pristine bush, at the foothills of the Lebombo Mountains, in a private concession of the Kruger National Park.
- Ten guests are accommodated in 5 luxurious tented suites
- The lodge is situated within the Kruger National Park
- Big Five game drives and self-drive game viewing
- Children over 12 years old are accommodated at the lodge
This authentically simple lodge is a smaller lodge located near the Lebombo Mountains in a private concession of the Kruger National Park.
The lodge tries to run in a sustainable manner so that there is minimal impact on the surrounding environment. Stay in comfortable luxurious tented suites that have great views of the surrounding bush.
At this authentic lodge the emphasis is on guest’s total immersion in the environment. Although located in Big Five terrain of the Kruger National Park, the objective of the camp is for guides share their knowledge of the region and its diverse eco-systems with the guests, ensuring an all-round safari experience.
Explore the area while on guided game drives and the guides will talk about the wildlife that is encountered. Keep a lookout for the many species of birds in the area, including many raptors such as Martial and Bateleur Eagles. Set out on self-drive safaris into the Kruger in search of herds of Wildebeest and Giraffe.
Fitzpatricks Lodge
This child-friendly accommodation is an ideal family safari lodge. It is situated on a private concession in the south west of the Kruger National Park.
- Fantastic children’s activities
- Big five game viewing experience
- Comfortable accommodation in en-suite rooms
- Explore the area during bush walks and a frogging safari
This Kruger Park accommodation is a private, luxury safari lodge which is intimate and their ethos is all about relaxation in the bush for families.
The lodge is perfectly positioned on a private concession in the middle of the Kruger National Park. The area is renowned for its game viewing, including sightings of the Big Five – namely Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard and Rhino.
While staying at the lodge you can expect personalized service. This Lodge at Jock can sleep six adults and four children sharing in three rooms. The lodge has a spacious feel, and conveys the relaxed ambiance of the bush.
The adults in the group can enjoy exciting game drives in search of the regions abundant wildlife, as well as delight in birding while on bush walks. Mum can relax and spoil herself with a spa treatment.
Upon arrival the ranger will meet with your family to discuss your interests and will tailor the experience to suit your needs. Children will be given a welcome pack filled with interesting games and goodies.
They will be kept entertained with arts and crafts, or spend the morning making biscuits with the chef. Older children can go out on game drives with the family, while younger children will be treated to a short game drive and can learn the secrets of the bush.
Jock Safari Lodge
This Kruger Park safari lodge offers guests the experience of an old world safari in the southern area of Kruger National Park.
- Game drive in open Land Rovers
- Accommodation & lodging in 12 luxury suites
- Enjoy Big 5 sightings at this Kruger Park safari lodge
- Spa treatments, hydrotherapy bath, steam room and sauna
This historic lodge was the first private lodge to be built in the heart of Kruger National Park, Africa’s premier wildlife reserve.
The lodge is built in the Jock of the Bushveld Concession Area in the southern area of Kruger National Park at the confluence of the Mitomeni and Biyamiti rivers. The lodge’s two spacious decks offer stunning views over a pool and the river.
This cultural has the ambiance of a bygone era, and incorporates elements of the colonial past, as well as indigenous Zulu and Shangaan cultures.
The lodge has exclusive traversing rights in an area that is regarded as one of the best areas in the Kruger National Park for its Big Five sightings.
Guests can enjoy daily game drives in open safari vehicles to see the areas diverse wildlife. Set out on bush walks to see ancient Bushmen paintings nearby.
Learn about the stories of the stars during a star gazing session or in the rainy season head out on a Frog Safari and see the many different amphibians that occur in the area. Be pampered with a relaxing wellness treatment at the spa.
Hamiltons Tented Camp
This Tented Camp is a special well-kept secret in the Mluwati concession in Kruger National Park offering you a colonial style safari experience with luxurious tented lodgings – taking you back in time to an era long forgotten.
- Stay in elegantly appointed luxury en-suite safari tents
- Guided game drives on a private concession in Kruger National Park
- Romantic candle-lit dinners on your private deck
This romantic Kruger Park camp accommodates couples in 6 magnificently appointed safari tents overlooking the Nwatswitsonto River.
The main tent is an impressive structure with elegant lines and an open sided lounge and dining area opening onto a wide, spacious deck shaded by huge Jackal berry trees overlooking the dry river bed.
It is comfortably furnished and is accentuated with antiques and 19th century objects d’art creating a feeling of having traveled back in history.
Situated in central Kruger Park, the camp is home to a diverse population of wildlife including Wild Dogs, Lions, Leopards and Hyenas which are all frequently spotted.
Being completely remote and far away from the crowds, this is the one place where you can get away from it all with a total sense of tranquillity.
Hoyo hoyo safari lodge
This cultural lodge in Kruger Park offers guests the chance to experience the local Tsonga culture and enjoy excellent game viewing while staying in luxurious rooms.
- Bird watching in the hide overlooking the waterhole
- The lodge is situated in a Big Five area
- A 5.5 hour drive from Johannesburg
- Children are catered for separately
This cultural lodge in Kruger Park is situated on the Mluwati Concession, a private area of the Park, and is just 40km (24.8 miles) from the Orpen Gate.
The roads are suitable for all vehicle types. The historical safari lodge in Kruger Park is built in a traditional style, and is decorated in bright African themes.
The lodge is a 5.5 hour drive from Johannesburg. You are welcomed at the lodge by the staff playing drums and singing traditional songs.
After a refreshing welcome drink you will be shown to your comfortable room. Culture is a central theme of your stay and at night around the fire, the staff will bring their vibrant heritage to life through storytelling and music.
During the day you will head out on guided or self-drive game drives in search of the abundant wildlife of Kruger Park, which includes the Big Five (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and Buffalo).
You can make arrangements to go on a guided bush walk, which is a great way to see the regions birds, or alternatively, stay in camp and enjoy a massage in the privacy of your room.
Lodge guests should advise in advance if they have any special dietary requirements. The lodge is located in what is considered a high-risk malaria area; guests are advised to take maximum precaution. Water is safe to drink, while bottled water is placed in your room, courtesy of the lodge.
Here you can sit down to full silver service dinners, sumptuous breakfast spreads and delectable afternoon snacks – combined with exceptional service, all guests are sure to feel like royalty.
Imbali Safari Lodge
This safari lodge offers couples a romantic safari getaway in 12 elegant suites which are situated along a scenic stretch of river in a private concession of the Kruger National Park.
- Suites have a private deck with a Jacuzzi or plunge pool
- Game drives and bush walks
- Experience excellent bird watching
- Situated in a Big Five area
This romantic lodge in Kruger National Park is situated in the untouched wilderness of the private Mluwati Concession. The lodge continues the tradition of safaris in the romantic style of a bygone era.
Elegant design and peaceful ambiance makes this a wonderful destination for a honeymoon, couples getaway or place to propose to your loved one.
Accommodation is in luxurious, private rooms that are comfortably furnished. The lounge-dining room opens out onto a spacious deck which overlooks the river. The plunge pool is an ideal spot to cool off and watch to see what wildlife wanders by.
Head out on game drives to see the area’s wildlife, including the Big Five. Stop off in the bush and savor a picnic in the bush.
Experience the delights of colonial style 4 o’clock tea, succulent evening meals, and cigars and brandy while staying at this safari lodge. Take in the untouched beauty of the bush, and take home stories of your very own African safari