Kruger National Park
National ParkFeatured DestinationBig Five

Kruger National Park

South Africa 19,485 km² (7,523 mi²) Est. 1898

About Kruger National Park

South Africa's flagship national park and one of Africa's greatest wildlife sanctuaries, Kruger spans nearly 20,000 square kilometres of diverse bushveld. Home to the Big Five and over 500 bird species, the park offers an unparalleled range of self-drive and guided safari experiences across multiple ecological zones from mopane woodland in the north to bushwillow and knob-thorn savannah in the south. Established in 1898, Kruger is one of the oldest game reserves in Africa. Its extensive network of tarred and gravel roads, rest camps, and picnic sites make it the most accessible Big Five destination on the continent, welcoming over 1.5 million visitors annually.

7

Safari Tours

4.5

Avg Rating

5/5

Big Five

128

Years Protected

Highlights

  • South Africa's premier Big Five safari destination
  • Excellent self-drive infrastructure with tarred roads
  • Huge variety of accommodation from camping to luxury lodges
  • Over 500 bird species and incredible biodiversity
  • Affordable SANParks rest camps available

Considerations

  • Very crowded during South African school holidays
  • Popular waterholes can feel like car parks
  • Malaria risk requires prophylaxis
  • Vast size means long driving distances between sightings

Wildlife

Big Five Status

🦁

Lion

common

🐆

Leopard

common

🐘

Elephant

common

🦬

Buffalo

common

🦏

Rhino

rare

Notable Species

Lion

Common

Leopard

Common

Elephant

Common

Cape Buffalo

Common

Black Rhino

Rare

White Rhino

Common

Cheetah

Occasional

Baboon

Common

Giraffe

Common

Zebra

Common

Wildebeest

Common

Hippo

Common

Kudu

Common

Waterbuck

Common

Impala

Common

Warthog

Common

Wild Dog

Occasional

Hyena

Common

Jackal

Common

Fish Eagle

Common

Kori Bustard

Occasional

Lilac-breasted Roller

Common

Saddle-billed Stork

Occasional

Ground Hornbill

Occasional

Crocodile

Common

Honey Badger

Rare

Aardvark

Rare

Common Occasional Rare

Best Time to Visit

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak Season Good Time Less Ideal

Climate Overview

Getting There

Multiple entry gates accessible from Johannesburg (4-5 hours to southern gates) or Nelspruit/KMIA airport (1-2 hours). Hoedspruit Airport serves the central section.

Nearest Airport

Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP)

Nearest City

Nelspruit

Drive Time

4.5 hours

Kruger National Park

7 tours available