Things to see & do in Kruger National Park

The spectacular jewel in South Africa’s already resplendent wildlife crown has to be Kruger National Park. This huge park, protecting almost 20,000km^² of diverse habitats, is a playground for wildlife, from huge herds of elephants, to mighty lion prides. It’s a popular and accessible park; often the place where future conservationists and self confessed safari addicts got their first taste of African wildlife. But it’s also the gift that keeps on giving. Explore off the beaten track, or join a volunteer conservation program and you can discover new layers and new sightings in this much loved park.

Kruger is one of the oldest, largest and most biodiverse parks in South Africa and some 147 mammal species call Kruger home, including big prides of lions, cheetah and thousands of elephants. Endangered African wild dogs are found here, too, and this is the best place in South Africa to see black and white rhino. Game drives are the standard way to explore, but bush walks and nighttime safaris are also possible in the neighbouring private reserves. There’s accommodation to suit all budgets, and Kruger is malaria free, making it ideal for seasoned safari goers, first-timers and families alike.

Kruger is so big, with so much wildlife and so many diverse landscapes that you can happily spend five days on safari here, and organised five and three day camping safaris exist that you can attach to a longer exploration of South Africa. Organised small group and tailor made tours that include other places or activities typically allow two full days in the national park. Anyone with a generous budget and a passion for wildlife should consider a two week vacation that moves between three or four of the private reserves that border Kruger, to experience a mix of lodge styles and landscapes.

Kruger is open all year round and worth visiting at any time, but the dry winter months of July to September see vegetation die back and water sources dwindle, making game viewing easier as animals congregate around waterholes. This is a popular time to visit Kruger – arguably the best time – so book your safari well in advance and bring lots of layers, as it can drop to a chilly 5°C at night in winter, then rise to the mid 20°Cs by mid afternoon. Migratory birds are present from October to March, and November, December, January and February are the hottest and wettest months of the year. If you can stand the odd thunderous downpour and toasty temperatures in the low 30°Cs you’ll enjoy the landscape becoming greener by the day and, in November and December, see baby animals being born.