Kruger National Park

Kruger is one of Africa's greatest and most accessible game reserves, a vast wilderness the size of a small country in the northeast of South Africa. Home to the famous Big Five, lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo, along with cheetahs, giraffes, hippos and hundreds of other species and birds, it offers the classic African safari either on guided game drives from lodges or, uniquely, by self-driving its excellent network of roads.

History

From 1867 farmers in the South African Republic began banning hunting on their land, and a game law followed in 1891. The Sabi Game Reserve, protected from 1898, got its first warden, James Stevenson-Hamilton, in 1902, the Singwitsi Reserve was proclaimed in 1903, and the park now covers 19,623 km2 and drew close to 2 million visitors in 2024 (Wikipedia, Kruger National Park).

What you'll find

• The Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo.
• The game drives - the guided safaris at dawn and dusk.
• Self-driving - the chance to explore the park in your own car.
• The wider wildlife - cheetahs, giraffes, hippos and abundant birds.

When to go

The dry winter, May to September, is best for wildlife, as sparse vegetation and animals gathering at waterholes make sightings easier, and there is less malaria risk; the green summer is lush and good for birds and newborns but hotter and wetter.

What to expect

Wildlife is wild, so sightings, especially of leopard and cheetah, are never guaranteed, and patience is needed. Much of the park is a malaria area, so take precautions and advice. Self-driving is rewarding but you must stay in your car and follow the rules. The private reserves bordering Kruger offer more exclusive, pricier off-road safaris.

Nearby

The Blyde River Canyon and the Panorama Route are nearby; Johannesburg is a few hours' drive.

Key facts