Kruger National Park: A beginner’s guide to exploring

Ready to embark on one of the most epic African safari experiences ever? Kruger National Park is a gem in South Africa filled with mesmerising wildlife and to die for natural scenes. Whether this is your first safari trip, or you’re a seasoned explorer, this is a bucket list destination that you cannot miss. Ahead of planning your trip, we’ve compiled this handy guide for you! Or, you know, you could just travel with Contiki and we’ll sort everything for you…

Where is Kruger National Park?

Kruger national park is a sprawling area that spans the north eastern tip of South Africa, right up to the border with Mozambique. 

How big is Kruger National Park?

Kruger National Park spans an area of over 20,000 square km, making it the biggest national park in South Africa, and one of the biggest African national parks!  

When is the best time to visit Kruger National Park?

The best time to visit Kruger National Park is usually during South Africa’s dry winter season between the months of May and September. The temperatures around this time of year sit within a range of 26°C making it hot but not sweltering so you can sit comfortably during your game drives!

Wildlife viewing is better this time of year as well as some of the vegetation will have started to die down, making animals like lions and cheetahs easier to spot. Animals tend to congregate around the water sources, giving you ample opportunity to catch the animal kingdom’s equivalent of water-cooler chat.

That being said, if you want to visit Kruger National Park in all its verdant glory, and maybe spot some brand new baby animals, you can visit between November and May – but keep in mind that this is the rainy season, so bring a raincoat as part of your safari packing. For birdwatchers interested in colourful feathers and migratory patterns, December is the best time to visit Kruger National Park.

Where can I stay in Kruger National Park?

There are loads of different types of accommodations to choose from around Kruger National Park and it all depends on the kind of stay you want to have.

Rest camps and Satellite camps

These are public accommodations which are run by SANParks (South African National Parks) which offer budget-friendly options. If you aren’t afraid of being totally stuck in the wild and like that rustic camp feeling, one of these two options is for you. 

• Satellite camps: smaller and more remote camping facilities which really make you feel really immersed in the bush. They include self-catering facilities and usually don’t have any electricity, which creates a fully natural experience.
• Rest camps: these camps are bigger and offer the same facilities as a regular budget-friendly hotel like electricity and a few restaurants and shops as well, while keeping that immersive natural feel.

These accommodation options may incur a small daily conservation fee which goes towards the preservation of Kruger National Parks. 

Luxury safari lodge or Private game lodges

If you want to get your safari on, but prefer to sleep and rest in privacy (and a little bit of luxury), you can consider these accommodation options as well. 

• Luxury safari lodges: these offer high-end and usually all-inclusive experiences akin to a resort style stay. You’ll often be able to book private game drives, fine dining restaurants, and private suites with unrivalled views of the park.
• Private game lodges: these are usually located just outside of the park on private concessions. Think of your typical hotel with a few restaurants and private rooms, but without the luxury options and price tag.

Tents

If you want to go full camping, then you can definitely do that as well with a range of total nature vibes to glamping rustic charm. There are tented camp grounds around Kruger National Park which you can book, such as Hamiltons Tented Camp, and Nkuhlu Tented Camp.

Opting for the wild side? Just keep in mind that a few more items will need to be included in your packing!

Contiki camps

If you travel to Kruger National Park with Contiki, we’ll have you stay in a super special wildlife camp similar to a rest camp so you can really connect with nature and your fellow travellers during your trip. 

How to get to Kruger National Park?

There are a few local airports near Kruger National Park like Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, Skukuza, and Hoedspruit, but generally it’s easier to fly into Johannesburg, as this is a larger international airport, and take a connecting flight. 

Plus, that way you can spend some time in southern South Africa in Johannesburg before beginning your trip. 

What should I wear at Kruger National Park?

There’s no strict dress code for a safari in Kruger National Park, but just make sure to keep it simple and comfortable, and remember those very important earth tones!

As the weather in South Africa can get quite hot, we recommend keeping your outfits lightweight with lots of linens or loose materials. Longer pants are better just to add some additional sun protection and give bugs less ground to bite you, and you’ll definitely need sunglasses and/or a hat.

Don’t bother bringing any fancy shoes or heels, the zebras won’t care, and you want to stay comfy. If you’re travelling during the rainy season, bring a waterproof jacket and keep in mind that temperatures are a little more sticky and humid, so pack accordingly.

What should I pack for Kruger National Park?

Check out our in-depth safari packing list guide for the full tips and tricks on what to wear and prepare, but here are the non-negotiables.

• Neutral colors: while on game drives or guided bush walks, you’re going to want to blend into the bush so you don’t attract or scare off the animals. Earth tones are a must!
• Refillable water bottle: it gets very hot out there and hydration is key – unless you want to try your luck at the watering hole?
• Sun protection: SPF, hats, sunglasses, all of the above. The South African sun is no joke!
• First aid kit: If you’re planning on staying in one of the more remote accommodation choices, having a first aid kit with you is always a good idea just in case.
• Portable charger: so you can charge your devices as you go and never miss a perfect photo opportunity.
• Good walking shoes: while you’re not on game drives, you may decide to do some long walks or hikes in the area, so definitely be prepared.
• Insect spray: you’re going to be outside a lot, which is where the bugs – especially mosquitoes – live. To keep yourself pest free, bring a bug repellent (an environmentally friendly one if you can!).

Is Kruger National Park dangerous?

Kruger National Park is generally a very safe location for travellers who follow the rules and use common sense. It’s important to remember that you are essentially in the wild, with big animals about, but as long as you stay in the defined tourist zones and listen to your guides and park rangers, you will be absolutely fine!

What can I do in Kruger National Park?

Well, the obvious answer here is game drives! Lots and lots of sunrise drives, sunset drives, and night drives – any time of day. Kruger National Park is one of the best places in Africa to see the Big 5, which includes lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalos; but there are so many more animals as well, so keep your eyes peeled. Your Contiki trip to South Africa, like Sea, Safari, South Africa, will take you on your fill of game drives. 

With Contiki, you can also take a trip to learn how to be a safari guide and learn lots of fun facts about African safaris to come home and boast to your friends about. You can also learn about wildlife conservation and the importance of anti-poaching programmes. Think of this holiday as an educational one, too, and don’t be afraid to ask your guides or Trip Managers any questions. 

Spending nights in Kruger National Park is also an ideal opportunity to get in touch with nature and yourself through some early morning forest bathing (in non-restricted areas, of course) and some stargazing in the evening.