Kruger National Park guide: safari in South Africa

Two ways to do Kruger

**Self-drive in the national park.** South African National Parks, SANParks, runs Kruger's rest camps, roads and gates. You drive yourself on a network of tar and gravel roads, stop at waterholes and sleep in camps with huts, cottages and campsites, shops, fuel and restaurants. It is excellent value, flexible and thrilling when you find a leopard yourself. Gate and camp times are strict, and you must be inside a camp by closing time.

**Private reserves.** Along Kruger's western edge sit private reserves such as **Sabi Sand**, **Timbavati**, **Klaserie** and **Manyeleti**, which share unfenced borders with the park. Lodges here include all meals and two guided game drives a day in open vehicles, often with off-road tracking, so leopard and lion sightings can be very close. It is more expensive but completely hands-off.

Many travellers combine the two: a few nights self-driving in the south of the park, then two or three nights at a private lodge.

Where to go in the park

The **south**, around **Skukuza**, **Lower Sabie** and **Crocodile Bridge**, has the highest density of animals and the most visitors. The **Sabie River** road between Skukuza and Lower Sabie is famous for leopards. The **central** region around **Satara** has open grasslands, big herds and plenty of lion and cheetah. The **north**, around **Letaba**, **Shingwedzi** and **Punda Maria**, is quieter, wilder and excellent for elephants and birds.

When to go

The dry winter months, **May to September**, are the best for game viewing: grass is short, animals gather at water and mornings are cool. Summer, **October to April**, is hot and green, with newborn animals, migratory birds, dramatic storms and higher malaria risk. School holidays fill camps quickly, so book well ahead through the SANParks site.

Getting there

Fly from Johannesburg or Cape Town to **Kruger Mpumalanga International** near Nelspruit, **Skukuza** inside the park or **Hoedspruit** for the private reserves. Driving from Johannesburg takes five to six hours via the N4 to the southern gates. The Panorama Route, with **Blyde River Canyon**, **God's Window** and **Bourke's Luck Potholes**, is a beautiful detour on the way.

Health and safety

Kruger is in a malaria area. Speak to a travel clinic about antimalarial tablets, use repellent and cover up at dusk. Stay in your vehicle except at marked spots, never feed animals, and respect the speed limits: animals are hit on the roads every year.

Tips for better sightings

Leave camp as the gates open, when predators are most active. Drive slowly, stop often and ask other drivers what they have seen. Many camps run sunrise and night drives with SANParks guides, which are a great way to see animals you would miss alone. Buy a park map at the gate showing roads and waterholes.

Booking

Book rest camps and guided activities on the official SANParks site, as early as possible for school holidays and long weekends. Daily conservation fees apply and differ for South African, regional and international visitors, so check the current rates on the SANParks site.