Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in the whole of Africa, covering over 19,000 square kilometres. The Greater Kruger region is renowned for leopard sightings and the population of rhino, among 135 other species of mammal, making Kruger the ideal place to tick off your Big Five.
Flanked by the kopjes of the south, the tropical forests of the north, as well as the Lebombo Mountains and savannahs of the east, Kruger is absolutely huge and therefore you should plan where you’d like to go in advance, to make the best use of your time:
In the north of Kruger, above Olifants River, is where you’ll find the highest concentration of elephants, partly due to the density of mopane trees – their favourite snack. Denser flora, fewer mammal populations and a more remote location mean that this area is less frequented by visitors, resulting in quieter trails, camps and game drives.
In central Kruger, you’ll find expanses of open savannah, home to impala, zebra, wildebeest, kudus, giraffes and elephants. This is also the best place to see big cats, as leopards and lions are common, and cheetahs are more likely to be seen here than anywhere else in the park.
In the south, you’ll see verdant grasslands of acacia, bushwillow, fig trees and sycamore, which attract the herbivores, which in turn attract the predators. Therefore, this region of Kruger has the highest proportion of wildlife and is noted for high numbers of zebra, buffalo and white rhino. However, this means the area is also popular with two-legged mammals, so you may not have the place to yourself.
Aside from the daily morning and evening game drives, there are also options for day walks and multi-day hikes with overnight stays for those feeling brave and adventurous. You certainly appreciate the wildlife activity in the park once you’ve left the safety of a vehicle behind!
A trip to mighty Kruger is an essential safari experience for any visitor to South Africa, as one of the best wildlife watching destinations in the world. We promise you won’t leave disappointed.
The dry season runs May to September, while the wet season runs October to April. During the dry season, the environment is less green and water sources shrink, making wildlife watching easier. With sunny skies and low humidity, the weather is also at its best. June to August can be a little chilly and the school holidays are usually the peak season.
On the other hand, the wet season is not without its perks, though the camps are busy between December and January. The greenery is at its most picturesque when fed by the rains and sightings of birds and baby animals are common.
A visit to Kruger National Park features on our Best of South Africa & Mozambique tour; Cape Town, Kruger & Victoria Falls itinerary; and Luxury Kruger & Mauritius Holiday. However, with its immense size and wide variety of species to see, let us know if you would like more time here, or if you would like to add Kruger to your tailor made South Africa trip.
Our trips to the Kruger region include stays at Dulini Leadwood Lodge, located in the Sabi Sands Reserve. Due to the nearby Sand and Mabrak Rivers, wildlife is attracted to this area and its common to see wildlife, such as elephants and giraffes, casually passing by from the windows of the lodge’s three exclusive guest suites.
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Find out more and tailor your perfect trip with the help of
our specialist team on +44 117 313 3300
