Kruger Park

The Kruger National Park is one of South Africa's 'must see' destinations with the finest game-viewing in the country.

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Overview

Kruger park safari, on safari at The Royal MalewaneA safari isΒ oftenΒ a crucial element of any South Africa trip.Β AndΒ for many travellers,Β there is no better safari destination than the Kruger National ParkΒ and its adjacent private game reserves. Words cannot describe the thrill of tracking a leopard on the huntΒ orΒ along a sandy riverbed.Β OrΒ observingΒ a breeding herd of elephants at a waterhole.Β TheseΒ candidΒ moments are everyday encounters in this enormous, unfenced ecosystem where wildlife moves freely.Β 

The Greater Kruger is the safari destination for many of our guests. The Kruger National Park itself is vast and encompasses many diverse biospheres. This ensures a diversity of wildlife on offer. But the Kruger also offers an unsurpassed concentration of wildlife.Β Alongside the national park lie a collection ofΒ renowned private game reserves, includingΒ Sabi Sands,Β Timbavati,Β ThornybushΒ andΒ Kapama.

Cheetah drinking in Thornybush, Greater Kruger ParkThese concessions along with the National Park are in collection, the Greater Kruger Area. Many share open borders with Kruger, meaning animals traverse naturally between protected areas. These private reserves are home to some of southern Africa’s most respected safari lodges, offering expert guiding, fewerΒ vehiclesΒ and a more immersive safari rhythm.Β 

We recommend spending at least three to fourΒ nights on your Kruger Park safari,Β andΒ ideally longer.Β Many guests choose to combineΒ two different safari areas,Β for example Sabi Sands withΒ Timbavati, or a private reserve with one of Kruger’s internal concessions, to experience contrasting landscapes and wildlife patterns.Β 

ForΒ thoseΒ wanting even greater contrast,Β you can enjoy a Kruger safari and then head to a completely different safari destination such asΒ MadikweΒ Game Reserve, northern KwaZulu Natal or the Waterberg. The Kruger also contrasts very well with the Okavango Delta of Botswana or the Mana Pools of Zimbabwe.Β 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose between Kruger Park and a private reserve?Β 
Private reserves offer guided safaris and fewer vehicles, while Kruger Park allows for self-drive exploration. Many travellers combine both for variety.Β 

Is Kruger suitable for honeymooners or special occasions?Β 
Yes β€” private reserves and concessions offer secluded lodges, exceptionalΒ guidingΒ and romantic touches well-suited to celebrations.Β 

Can I combine Kruger with other regions easily?Β 
Very easily. Kruger works well with Cape Town, the Garden Route, Blyde River Canyon, or other safari regions in southern Africa.Β 

Why We Love It

Where to go in Kruger Park

On The Map

When to visit Kruger Park

Summer in Kruger

The Kruger has a summer rainfall climate with the rains starting somewhere in November. This usually takes the form of late afternoon or evening thunderstorms which are actually welcome as it cools the air and keeps everything lush and green. Temperatures are hot and humid during the day and stay warm in the evening and night. The rains are heaviest in January and February. This is not the best season for safari as the bush is thick so it’s harder to spot the game. Plus animals don’t need to come to rivers and waterholes so much to drink. However birding is excellent with the summer migrants. The Kruger is also not as affected as other Southern African reserves as the animals tend to stay within the greater Kruger reserve and don’t migrate away as happens elsewhere.
AVG RAINFALL 84mm
AVG HOURS SUNSHINE 7.5 Hours
MAX TEMP 32 ℃ / 90 ℉
MIN TEMP 20 ℃ / 68 ℉
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Rains cease

This is the start of the dry season and the safari season. By the end of March the rains have stopped, making game-viewing much easier. The landscape is still green and lush but grasses start dying down. The sunsets are superb as the skies are clearer. Nights are pleasantly warm but drier weather means the malaria risk is much lower.
AVG RAINFALL 25mm
AVG HOURS SUNSHINE 8 Hours
MAX TEMP 28 ℃ / 82 ℉
MIN TEMP 13.5℃ / 56 ℉
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Dry winter season

This is our dry winter climate with virtually no rain for months. This is the best time for game-viewing as the bush is less dense and the animals flock to the rivers for water. Daytime temperatures are very pleasant (23-25c). But you’ll need to have warm clothing once the sun sets. And for any early morning game drives. However it starts warming up in August.
AVG RAINFALL 15mm
AVG HOURS SUNSHINE 8 Hours
MAX TEMP 26 ℃ / 79 ℉
MIN TEMP 7 ℃ / 45 ℉
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Heating up

Spring in the Kruger is tail-end of the dry season. So it remains a very good time for safari, though the bush tends to be less attractive. The temperatures heat up quickly in September and October prior to the start of the summer rains which usually start in November. With October being particularly hot.
AVG RAINFALL 30mm
AVG HOURS SUNSHINE 8 Hours
MAX TEMP 30 ℃ / 86 ℉
MIN TEMP 16℃ / 61 ℉
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Ginny Russell

AFRICAN TRAVEL SPECIALIST

Hi I'm Ginny, I'm here to help you plan your ideal holiday experience GET IN TOUCH