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Kruger National Park Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 2-4 days

Best Time: May - September Read More

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"Big Five Safari and African Wilderness"

Kruger National Park Tourism

Kruger National Park, located approximately 260 miles northeast of Johannesburg, South Africa, is a renowned global game reserve. Spanning an immense 2.2 million hectares, it ranks as the third-largest national park globally. The park is rich in wildlife, housing the Big Five and other safari favourites like cheetahs and giraffes, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Boasting impressive numbers, including 12,000 elephants, 27,000 buffaloes, 2,000 leopards, and 2,800 lions, Kruger offers an unforgettable safari experience.

Kruger National Park, stretching across Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces, is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including 147 mammals, 114 reptiles, and 507 bird species. Known for its leopard sightings, the park features special trails like Lonely Bull, Olifants, Mphongolo, Lebombo Eco, and Malopeni Eco. In addition to its natural beauty, the park also has fascinating archaeological sites and historical spots, adding cultural richness to its allure.

Entrance Gates to Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park features a total of ten entrance gates:
1. Paul Kruger Gate: Situated in the south, it is closest to the Skukuza Rest Camp and the Sabie River. This gate is conveniently located near the town of Skukuza.
2. Phabeni Gate: Located near the town of Hazyview, it grants access to the southern region and the Sabie River area.
3. Numbi Gate: Closest to the Numbi Rest Camp and the southern region, it is situated in proximity to Hazyview.
4. Malelane Gate: Positioned in the south, it is closest to the Malelane Rest Camp and the town of Malelane.
5. Crocodile Bridge Gate: Found in the southeastern part, it provides access to the Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp and is near Komatipoort.
6. Punda Maria Gate: Situated in the far north, it is closest to the Punda Maria Rest Camp and the Pafuri region.
7. Phalaborwa Gate: Located in the northern region, it grants access to the Letaba Rest Camp and the Mopani region. This gate is close to the town of Phalaborwa.
8. Orpen Gate: Positioned in the central region, it allows entry to the Orpen Rest Camp and the Satara region.
9. Giriyondo Border Post: Offers access to Mozambique's Limpopo National Park and requires prior arrangements. It is open for specific times.
10. Pafuri Gate: Situated in the far north, Pafuri Gate provides access to the Pafuri region of Kruger National Park. It is closest to the Pafuri Border Camp and the Luvuvhu River. This gate is near the town of Punda Maria.

Things to do in Kruger National Park

1. Game Drives Safari

Game Drives in Kruger National Park offer guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with the park's fauna, accompanied by expert guides. There are three options available: Morning Drives, la (Read More)sting 3 to 3.5 hours, offering a tranquil sunrise experience; Sunset Drives, lasting around three hours and allowing guests to observe grazers and predators during the transition from day to night; and Night Drives, around two hours long, providing a unique chance to spot nocturnal creatures.

2. Wilderness Trails

 For a more immersive and exclusive experience, visitors can join wilderness trails. These multi-day guided walks take place in remote areas of the park, providing a deeper connection with nature (Read More) and wildlife. Wilderness trails often last for 3 to 5 days and require prior booking due to limited availability.

3. Walking Safaris

Guided walking safaris allow visitors to explore the park on foot with armed rangers, focusing on tracks, plants, and smaller wildlife. These safaris last 2 to 3 hours and are conducted in specific ar (Read More)eas for safety. They provide insights into the ecosystem and allow for a closer view of the diverse flora and fauna.

4. Mountain Bike Trails

Mountain Bike Trails are available from Olifants camp, allowing guests to explore Kruger's environment. The trails are led by two qualified and armed guides, with a maximum of six participants per tra (Read More)il. Morning and afternoon options last 3 to 4 hours, with Full Day Trails also available for a longer experience.

5. Backpacking Trail

Kruger National Park offers three backpacking trails: Lonely Bull Trail (4 days), Olifants Trail (4 days, 42 km), and Mphongolo Trail (4 days). Participants can camp freely, and the trails provide uni (Read More)que experiences for nature enthusiasts.

6. Eco Trails

Kruger National Park features two eco trails: Lebombo Eco Trail and Malopeni Eco Trail. These are guided 4x4 adventures that offer participants an immersive wilderness experience. The Lebombo Eco Trai (Read More)l follows a 4-day route through remote and rugged terrain, while the Malopeni Eco-Trail is a 5-day adventure exploring the park's central region.

7. Skukuza Golf Course

The Skukuza Golf Course, originally for Skukuza personnel, is now open to Kruger National Park visitors. Surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary, it offers a unique close-to-nature golfing experience with (Read More)the Big Five as uninvited spectators. The 9-hole course suits all skill levels.

8. Birdwatching

Kruger National Park is home to over 500 bird species, some of which are exclusive to the park in South Africa. The park's water points, rest camps, and picnic sites offer excellent birdwatching oppor (Read More)tunities. Top spots for birdwatching include Berg-en-Dal, Bushveld Camps, Crocodile Bridge, Letaba, Lower Sabie, Mopani, Olifants, Orpen, Pafuri Region, Pretoriuskop, Punda Maria, Satara, Shingwedzi, Skukuza, as well as various bird hides and the Wilderness Camps and Trails.

9. Five Trees

The five iconic trees, Baobab, Fever Tree, Knob Thorn, Marula, and Mopane, are found throughout the Kruger National Park, making them easily accessible to visitors exploring various regions such as Be (Read More)rg-en-Dal, Letaba, Lower Sabie, Mopani, Olifants, Punda Maria, Satara, Shingwedzi, and Skukuza.

10. Letaba Elephant Museum

The museum is situated near Letaba Rest Camp in Kruger National Park, offering educational exhibits on elephants and their conservation. Ideal visiting times are early morning or late afternoon, and t (Read More)he exploration typically takes 1-2 hours.

11. Jock of the Bushveld Route

The historical route follows the journey of Jock, the loyal dog, through the Lowveld region, including Kruger National Park. The journey can be completed in a few days, best during the cooler months f (Read More)rom April to September.

12. Albasini Ruins

Found near Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp in the park's southern area, the ruins provide insights into the history of early traders. Exploring the ruins usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour, and visiting (Read More) during the morning or late afternoon is recommended.

13. Masorini Ruins

Located near Phalaborwa Gate in the park's northern region, these ruins showcase the ancient civilization of the Phalaborwa people. The best time to visit is during the cooler hours, preferably in the (Read More) morning, and exploration typically takes 1-2 hours.

14. Stevenson Hamilton Memorial Library

Situated at Skukuza Rest Camp, the library houses exhibits on the park's history and wildlife. The library is accessible during regular camp hours, and visitors usually spend an hour or two exploring.

15. Thulamela

This archaeological site, close to Punda Maria Rest Camp in the park's far north, features ancient stone structures and artefacts. The best time to explore is during the cooler months from April to Se (Read More)ptember, and the visit typically takes 1-2 hours.

Must Know Before You Travel to Kruger National Park

  • Timings: Park gates open at 05:30 (October - March) and 06:00 (April - September).
  • Late Entry: Late arrivals are only allowed until 21:00 for guests with pre-booked accommodation at certain camps within 10km from the gate. A late arrival fee is applicable and payable at the gate. No late arrivals are permitted at Pafuri, Phalaborwa, or Phabeni Gates, or for camps more than 10km away from the gate.
  • Game drives: Opt for the all-day-drive option for exclusive access to hidden park sections. Hire a vehicle and driver for a unique and immersive experience. Check availability and fees with SANParks' central reservation system or your camp.
  • Pre-Booking: Book Kruger accommodation several months in advance, especially during public holidays, as it tends to sell out quickly.
  • Wild Card: Consider purchasing a Wild Card if you plan to stay in Kruger for a week or longer, as it can help save on the daily conservation fees.
  • Commuting within the Park: Self-driving and guided game drives/walks led by park rangers offer transportation options and wildlife experiences in Kruger National Park.
  • Malaria Zone: Malaria precautions are essential in the Kruger National Park as it is a malaria zone.
  • Road Restrictions: Vehicles over 4,000kg or with more than 25 seats are restricted to tar roads in the park.
  • ATM and Banks: No cash withdrawal facilities are available in the Park, except for a bank at Skukuza (open on weekdays and Saturday mornings) and ATMs at Skukuza and Letaba.
  • Prohibition of Alcohol: Alcohol consumption is prohibited in public areas for day visitors, including parking lots, picnic sites, wildlife viewing areas, roads, and gates.
  • Vehicle Fuel: Fuel is available in the main rest camps. Fuel stations accept legitimate cards (petrol/fuel/garage, VISA/MasterCard) or cash as payment.
  • Pet Policy: Pets are not allowed.
  • Plan your Trip: Avoid covering too much ground in Kruger National Park. Slow travel and regular stops yield more wildlife encounters than rushing.
  • Park & Ride: Visitors can leave their vehicles at the gate and utilize the "Park and Ride Scheme" in Kruger's Marula Region (Numbi, Phabeni, and Kruger gates) for a chance to spot the Big 5.
  • Mountain Bike Trails: Full-day trails are suitable only for experienced cyclists. Personal mountain bikes are allowed.

Top Hotels In Kruger National Park

More on Kruger National Park Travel

Wildlife in Kruger National Park

  • Kruger National Park boasts The Big Five (Buffalo, Elephant, Leopard, Lion, and Rhino) and has the largest populations of White and Black Rhino, Savanna Buffalo, and Savanna Elephant.
  • The park boasts over 147 species of mammals, 114 reptile species, 51 snake species, and a massive 508 species of birds.
  • In the northern regions of the park, visitors can spot Roan Antelope, Tsessebe, Common Eland, and Savanna Elephant, while the southern and central regions are home to Plains Zebra, Impala, Southern Giraffe, and Rhinoceros.
  • Large carnivores such as Leopard, Lion, Cheetahs, and Wild Dog roam the park, alongside Black-backed Jackals, Side-striped Jackals, and Bat-eared Foxes.
  • The park is a haven for all five primate species, including Savanna Baboons and Vervet Monkeys.
  • Visitors can observe Nile crocodiles and various Terrapin species, including Marsh and Black-bellied Hinged Terrapins, among the diverse reptiles.
  • The park also houses 51 snake species, with dangerous ones like Black Mambas, Mozambique Spitting Cobras, Snouted Cobras, Puff Adders, and Boomslang (Tree Snakes).
  • Birdwatchers can delight in spotting the Birding Big Six: Ground Hornbill, Kori Bustard, Lappet-faced Vulture, Martial Eagle, Pel’s Fishing Owl, and Saddle-bill Stork.
  • Other commonly seen birds in the park include Martial Eagles, Wahlberg's Eagles, Kori Bustards, South Ground Hornbills, and Bateleurs.
  • The park has six vulture species, with the Lappet-faced Vulture, Hooded Vulture, and White-backed Vulture being commonly observed.

Best Time to Visit Kruger National Park

How to Reach Kruger National Park

How to Reach Overview

Entry points for Kruger National Park are Johannesburg and Cape Town. Visitors can fly to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and then take domestic flights to Phalaborwa Airport, Hoedspruit Airport, Skukuza Airport, or Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. Alternatively, driving from Johannesburg to the park's southern gates takes around 4.5 to 5 hours, while buses are available but take longer and require a transfer at Nelspruit to reach the northern part of the park.

How to reach Kruger National Park by flight

Johannesburg or Cape Town are common starting points for visiting Kruger National Park, with OR Tambo International Airport as the major entry point to South Africa. Domestic flights to Phalaborwa Airport, Hoedspruit Airport, Skukuza Airport, or Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport provide convenient access to the park.
  • Flights to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport take around an hour and cost about $170 for a round trip per person. The airport is approximately 42 kilometres from the park and accessible within an hour by road.
  • Flights to Hoedspruit or Phalaborwa cost around $400 for a round-trip per person, taking one hour. Hoedspruit Airport is 57 kilometres away, while Phalaborwa Airport is 2.5 kilometres away, reachable in 5 minutes by road.
  • Flights to Skukuza Airport (SZK) inside the park are available with SA Airlink at around $240 for a round trip per person, taking about an hour.
You can book your flights to Johannesburg Airport through Skyscanner and domestic flights to the airports near the park through Travel Start and SA AirLink.

How to reach Kruger National Park by road

Visitors can drive from Johannesburg to the southern gates of Kruger National Park, a journey taking approximately 4.5 to 5 hours to cover around 400 kilometres. Another option is to travel from Nelspruit or Mbombela to the park's southern gates, which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. The drive from Cape Town to Kruger Park's southern gates is much longer, spanning about 16 to 18 hours.

How to reach Kruger National Park by bus

There are no direct bus routes between Johannesburg and the park. For those visiting the northern part of the park, they need to take a bus to Nelspruit and then another bus to Phalaborwa, which can take about nine to ten hours. Car rental isn't available at the Phalaborwa bus station, so travellers will need to arrange a private transfer or rent a car from a nearby store. Travellers should be cautious about their safety at the bus stop and aim to arrive in daylight.

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Kruger National Park Photos

Kruger National Park
Plaque in the park. Now and then people do get killed; however, this is extremely rare.
Pride of lions on a tourist road

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