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One of the most unforgettable safari experiences in South Africa is Kruger National Park, the country’s largest, wildest, and most iconic game reserve. It is home to the Big Five, as well as giraffe, zebra, hippo, wildebeest, cheetah and hundreds of bird species. While sightings are never guaranteed, Kruger offers some of the best opportunities to spot wildlife in its natural habitat.
If you’re visiting Kruger National Park for the first time, this guide will help you plan an authentic safari adventure. From self-drive routes and rest camps to accommodation options, wildlife spotting tips and entry requirements, we’ll show you everything you need for a smooth and memorable safari experience.
It’s a dream for self-drive adventurers, with open roads that give you the freedom to explore and feel like you’re in a real-life David Attenborough documentary.
Staying in the rest camps in Kruger National Park is one of the most surreal and immersive experiences. You can choose from campsites, chalets or luxury safari lodges, where at night, you can hear lions roaring, hippos grunting, and hyenas cackling, a constant reminder that you’re deep in the wild bushveld. and cackles of hyenas, reminding you that you’re right in the heart of the bush.
This guide focuses on giving first-time visitors a clear, practical overview of Kruger National Park. We’ll cover the best maps, gates, rest camps, accommodation, best time to visit, safety tips, and best things to do other than game drives to plan your unforgettable safari adventure.
Kruger National Park is in northeastern South Africa, spanning Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces and bordering Mozambique. The nearest major city is Johannesburg. It lies in the subtropical Lowveld, with open savannah, scattered trees, and rivers that create the classic African safari landscape.
Covering nearly 2 million hectares, Kruger stretches roughly 350 km from north to south and up to 65 km east to west.
Flying to Kruger National Park
Flying can save 4 to 6 hours of driving from Johannesburg or over 18 hours from Cape Town. Renting a car from the airport is ideal for those planning a self-drive safari, while luxury lodges often provide transfers and guided game drives.
Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport | ~1 hour drive to central Kruger (Orpen Gate). Daily flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town (1 hour 15 minutes).
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (Nelspruit) | Daily flights from Johannesburg, about 1 hour and 1.5 hour drive to Malelane Gate.
Skukuza Airport | Located inside the park near the southern section. Daily flights from Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.
Phalaborwa Airport | ~15-minute drive to Phalaborwa Gate in northern Kruger. Daily flights from Johannesburg.
Driving to Kruger
Driving from Johannesburg to Kruger is the most common route to the park, especially for first-time visitors. The southern gates are slightly quicker to access, making them a popular entry point, though they tend to be busier than the central or northern sections.
Punda Maria Gate (North) | ~8–9 hours
Orpen Gate (Central) | ~6 hours
Phabeni Gate (South) | ~4.5 hours
Driving from Cape Town to Kruger is a very long drive, taking around 18 to 20 hours, so most will choose to fly to one of the airports. Daily flights are available from Cape Town to Hoedspruit and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.
Kruger is divided into three main regions, northern, central, and southern, each offering a unique safari experience, from the quiet and remote north to the busier hubs of the south.
Northern kruger
Northern Kruger is quieter and less visited, giving a more remote and peaceful experience. This region is ideal for those looking to get away from big tours and groups, perfect for solitude, birdwatching, and varied scenery.
Camps like Letaba and Shingwedzi sit along beautiful riverbanks, surrounded by incredible scenery and prime wildlife watching viewpoints, while Punda Maria is rich in history and access to archaeological sites and large herds of elephant and buffalo.
Central Kruger
Central Kruger is known for its vast open plains and high chances of spotting predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards. The flat landscape is excellent for visibility, where you can see herds of zebra, giraffe and wildebeest.
Satara and Orpen Camps are popular for their good facilities and known for one of the best places to spot big cats such as lion, leopard and cheetah. Balule offers a quieter, more rustic camping experience right in the heart of the bush as a smaller satellite camp.
Southern Kruger
The southern section is the most accessible and busiest part of the park, with a higher density of wildlife and well-developed infrastructure, including an airport in Skukuza, which is the park’s main headquarters and largest camp. If you’re short on time and want to see a variety of animals in a short time, then this is a great choice.
Lower Sabie, Crocodile Bridge, and Berg-en-dal camps offer all the amenities you need for the best sightings and other activities, including bush walks and viewpoints over the river for better chances to spot wildlife coming for a drink. There’s also the chance to see ancient Bushman rock art paintings.
Kruger National Park is huge, and it’s best to focus on one area for your trip, whether that’s the far north, north, central or south.
Driving distances
Driving from the northernmost gate (Pafuri) to the southernmost gate (Crocodile Bridge) can take up to 18 hours, showing just how vast Kruger National Park is and why first-time visitors should plan their route carefully.
Distances on a map can seem short, but driving takes longer than Google Maps suggests. Dirt roads, wildlife sightings, and park speed limits all add time, so always check gate entry and exit times and estimated travel times between parks and gates on the SANParks website before setting off.
Self-drive Safari
One of the best ways to explore Kruger National Park is by self-driving, offering a budget-friendly and independent way to see the vast park. We spent our entire time in a 4x4 rental, taking gravel tracks, stopping at our own pace, and spending as much time as we wanted at each sighting.
Planning your route for the day is sensible, including rest stops and making sure you return to your camp or exit the park before the gates close.
Most main entrances have tarmac roads to the main camps, while dirt tracks and 4x4 trails lead to more remote areas.
Guided game drives
If you’d rather not drive, then it’s best to book a guided game drive. You can do this if you’re staying in one of the public SANParks rest camps or staying outside the park. Choose between a group tour, private safari, half-day or full-day drive.
Make sure to book well in advance, especially during peak season, and go to reception and ask which ones they have available. You may be lucky and able to book on the day, depending on availability.
When staying in a private luxury lodge in Greater Kruger, game drives are usually included in your package. We stayed in the Tintswalo Safari Lodge, where we had two daily game drives.
A minimum of 3–5 days is recommended, giving you enough time to explore one region of the park. This lets you stay in a main camp like Skukuza or Satara and focus on spotting the Big Five and other wildlife.
For a more remote experience, you could include a night or two in a satellite camp. Longer stays increase your chances of seeing a wider variety of animals and discovering quieter, remote parts of the park.
Adding a night or two in a private luxury lodge provides guided game drives, extra comfort, and a more indulgent safari experience.
Kruger National Park is open year-round, from January to December, but you will need to check gate entry times as they aren’t open all day and night. Seasonal changes can significantly affect wildlife sightings and your overall safari experience.
Dry Season (May–October)
Wildlife gathers at waterholes, making sightings easier
Cooler mornings and evenings, temperature range 7–28°C
Clear, dry roads, fewer mosquitoes, better visibility
Shoulder months (May–September) offer fewer crowds and pleasant game drive conditions
Wet Season (November–April)
Lush landscapes, baby animals, excellent birdwatching
Warmer temperatures, temperature range 15–35°C
Dense grass can make spotting big cats much harder
Afternoon thunderstorms are common; early morning drives are best
Here’s a summary of average monthly temperatures and rainfall in Kruger National Park, giving you an idea of what to expect and helping plan your safari for the best wildlife viewing.
Source: SANParks
Kruger National Park is home to the iconic Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. The park has an incredible diversity of wildlife, including 147 mammals, 507 birds, 114 reptiles, and 336 tree species.
While the Big Five, which are the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino, can often be seen and make spectacular sightings, sometimes more rewarding. You can also spot giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, hippo, antelope, cheetah, hyena, and wild dog.
Estimated populations for the Big Five include:
1,500 lions,
17,000 elephants,
48,000 buffalo
1,000 leopards.
For birdwatchers, over 500 species can be seen. We spotted a secretary bird, kingfishers, vultures, weaver birds, owls and a real Zazu (hornbills). The northern section of Kruger is particularly good for bird sightings, though we saw a great number in the central region.
There are several viewpoints throughout Kruger, including at rest camps, along roads, and at picnic sites, where you can safely stop.
In some places, like Crocodile Bridge and Olifants Bridge, you can get out of your car to watch wildlife. We enjoyed watching hippos and elephants in the river on Olifants Bridge.
We also loved sitting at the Tindlovu Boskombuis Restaurant at Olifants Rest Camp, overlooking the Olifants River. From there, we could see for miles, spotting animals making their way to the river, with ancient baobab trees in the distance.
To enter Kruger National Park, you’ll use one of the nine main entrance gates. At the gate, all visitors must pay a daily conservation fee. If you buy a Wild Card, this fee is included, so you won’t need to pay again.
International visitors can expect to pay around 600 ZAR (roughly £25–30) per day. South African and SADC nationals pay lower rates. Prices can change, so check the SANParks official fees for the latest information.
The main gates from South Africa are Crocodile Bridge, Malelane, Numbi, Phabeni, Paul Kruger, Orpen, Phalaborwa, Punda Maria, and Pafuri. Giriyondo is on the Mozambique border, connecting to Limpopo National Park.
You can pre-book online as a day visitor, but this does not allow you to skip the queue at the gate. You will still have to check in at reception, showing your permit.
If you haven’t booked online, you must complete a registration and indemnity form at reception, with passports checked, before heading to the gate, where your vehicle and permit will be inspected before entry.
Being a responsible visitor in Kruger National Park is crucial, both when staying in the camps and driving around the park. You are entering the home of wild animals, so it’s important to familiarise yourself with the park’s rules to ensure a safe and memorable experience for everyone.
Malaria
Kruger National Park is a malaria-risk area, particularly in the eastern and northern sections. Visitors are advised to take precautions such as consulting a travel clinic for anti-malarial medication, using insect repellent, and wearing long sleeves in the evenings.
For UK travellers see more detailed guidance on Malaria:
Park Rules
Stay in your car unless in a designated area (camp, picnic spot or hide).
Do not poke your head or arms out of a window or sunroof; doors should remain closed at all times.
Observe speed limits: 50km/h on tar roads and 40 km/h on gravel roads.
Keep to the Gate and camp opening and closing times.
Drive only on designated roads. Driving off‑road or on roads marked “no entry” is not allowed. This includes driving off the road for sightings; you must stay on the road.
Do not feed, provoke or disturb wildlife.
No pets are allowed in the park.
The use of drones inside (or over) the park is strictly prohibited.
Day visitors are not allowed to bring alcohol into the park.
What to Do if Your Car Breaks Down in Kruger National Park?
Don’t panic! If you have phone signal, call the SANParks emergency number for help: +27 (0)13 735 4325
If you don’t have signal, stay in your vehicle and wait for another visitor or ranger to pass by. Rangers regularly patrol the roads, so help will usually arrive.
Always pack plenty of water and snacks, and be prepared to stay in your car overnight if necessary. Do not leave your vehicle.
It’s worth planning your route before driving Kruger National Park on your own. Always stay on designated roads and never drive off-road, and keep a safe distance from wildlife.
When stopping for sightings, switch off your engine and pull over to let other cars pass. Focus on one area per day to increase your chances of spotting wildlife. We bought a guidebook for identifying animals, which was especially helpful for our first visit to Kruger.
Refuel regularly at main camps and do not wait until you are low. In remote areas, carry water, snacks, blankets, and a torch, and be prepared for limited phone signal. Always follow gate and camp times, as arriving late can be dangerous.
For more self-drive safari tips, including route suggestions, vehicle tips, and wildlife-spotting strategies, check out our Self-Drive Safari Guide.
Planning your route helps you make the most of your self-drive around Kruger National Park. The park is vast, so it’s best to focus on a specific area each day rather than trying to cover too much ground. Check the drive times between camps and gates to ensure you return before closing time.
Game drives can be long and tiring, often starting early and continuing until sunset for the best wildlife sightings. Pace yourself and take plenty of breaks.
Depending on how many days you have, we’ve shared the exact itinerary we followed to help with your planning. See our 2-Day Kruger Itinerary Guide for all the detailed routes, suggested camps and best wildlife-spotting areas.
While self-drive safaris are a classic Kruger experience, the park offers many other exciting ways to explore and unwind. For adventure seekers with a 4x4 car, drive one of the many 4x4 off-road trails, with the chance to tackle rugged terrain and discover hidden corners of the park.
Rest and relax at the AM Spa in Skukuza Rest Camp, with a range of treatments, including massages, skin care, body treatments and ‘Beauties and Buddies’ sessions for children. Most main rest camps have swimming pools, perfect for cooling down between game drives.
For a deeper connection to the Kruger wilderness, explore the trails through guided walks and backpacking trails, which offer the chance to experience the bush on foot. Choose from the Lonely Bull, Olifants and Mphongolo trails to spend a night under the stars. This immersion in nature gives you a chance to not only appreciate the Big 5, but also the whole landscape and smaller details you won’t see from your car.
Book a guided game drive, giving you the chance to sit back, relax and focus on getting those great photos, set off either for the morning, sunset, night or all day.
Other exclusive experiences to get into the wilder parts of Kruger include several bird and game-viewing hides for quiet observation. Enjoy an authentic bush braai experience, enjoying local game meat, salads and vegetables all cooked on open fire, surrounded by burning lanterns and the echoing sounds of the bush, a special way to end the day.
Perhaps a mountain biking experience from Olifants Camp sounds like you’re kind of adventure, join a small guided group through the changing landscape of the park.
In the north of Kruger, stop at the Letaba Elephant Hall, a museum devoted to you guessed it, elephants, how they evolved and showcases Kruger’s greatest tuskers, including six of the legendary ‘Magnificent Seven.’
Waking up to the sound of hippos in the morning or seeing hyenas patrol the perimeter is an experience we will never forget.
Staying in Kruger National Park is a must; it has 12 main rest camps and other more remote camps, offering a wide range of accommodation from campsites to chalets, rondavels, and lodges. The main camps, including Skukuza, Satara, Lower Sabie, and Olifants, provide the most facilities and are ideal for first-time visitors.
Staying inside the park gives you early access to explore before day visitors, and the camps allow you to meet other campers, and we really enjoyed exchanging sightings and tips.
Main camps typically have toilets, showers, shops, fuel stations, and restaurants. Satellite and bushveld camps are more basic, so it’s important to stock up on essentials before arrival. Most campsites also have a boma for cooking, and lodges provide bedding.
Most of the rest camps have picnic areas open to overnight guests and day visitors. They include toilets and barbecue facilities, with gas skottels available to hire. Many sites also have small shops for snacks, drinks, and firewood, making them perfect for a relaxing stop during your day in the park.
For full details on all camps, lodges, facilities, and availability, visit the SANParks website.