Overview
Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s largest and most famous game reserves, covering nearly 20,000 square kilometers in northeastern South Africa. Home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) and an incredible variety of wildlife, Kruger offers visitors an unforgettable safari experience. Whether you choose a self-drive adventure or a guided game drive, this national park provides stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and world-class wildlife sightings.
Quick Facts
- Location: Limpopo & Mpumalanga provinces, South Africa
- Size: 19,485 square kilometers
- Best Time to Visit: May to October (Dry season, best for wildlife spotting)
- Activities: Safari drives, walking safaris, birdwatching, camping, luxury lodge stays
- Famous For: The Big Five, diverse ecosystems, one of the best self-drive safari destinations
Budget & Costs
| Expense Category | Cost (ZAR) | Cost ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance Fee (Per Day) | 460 ZAR | ~$24 |
| Guided Game Drive (Per Person) | 800 – 1,500 ZAR | ~$42 – $79 |
| Self-Drive Safari (Car Rental Per Day) | 900 – 1,800 ZAR | ~$47 – $95 |
| Budget Accommodation (Per Night) | 800 – 1,500 ZAR | ~$42 – $79 |
| Luxury Lodge (Per Night, All-Inclusive) | 6,000 – 20,000 ZAR | ~$315 – $1,050 |
| Food & Drinks (Per Day) | 300 – 700 ZAR | ~$16 – $37 |
Flights to Kruger National Park
There are two main ways to reach Kruger National Park: flying into Johannesburg and driving or taking a direct flight to one of the park’s nearby airports.
- From Johannesburg (JNB) to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP): Flights range from 1,500 – 3,500 ZAR (~$80 – $185), flight time ~1 hour.
- From Europe (London, Paris, Frankfurt) to Johannesburg: 10,000 – 18,000 ZAR (~$530 – $950), flight time ~11 hours, followed by a 4-5 hour drive.
- From the US (New York, Los Angeles) to Johannesburg: 14,000 – 25,000 ZAR (~$750 – $1,300), flight time ~15-20 hours with layovers.
Safety Tips
- Stay Inside the Vehicle – Do not exit your car in non-designated areas during self-drive safaris.
- Follow Park Rules – Speed limits and wildlife interaction guidelines must be respected.
- Beware of Wild Animals – Even in lodges, animals roam freely, so stay alert.
- Secure Valuables – While inside the park, theft is rare, but keep belongings safe when traveling to and from the area.
Climate & Best Time to Visit
Kruger National Park has a subtropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.
- Dry Season (May – October): Best time for safaris; animals gather around waterholes, and vegetation is sparse, making wildlife easier to spot. Day temperatures range from 18-26°C.
- Wet Season (November – April): Lush landscapes, great birdwatching, but harder to spot animals due to thick vegetation. Day temperatures range from 25-32°C, with occasional rain.