The world-famous Kruger National Park with its 19,485 square kilometres of wild African escarpment will forever remain a top favourite with safari-lovers. Home to the Big Five, it is here that you are treated to sightings of rare birdlife, reptiles and numerous species of mammals.
Its continued popularity has seen the Kruger National Park evolve into a tourist mecca without compromise to the natural surroundings of the African bushveld. From basic campsites where the more adventurous sleep under the stars, to ultra-luxury five-star safari lodges that pamper to every need of its guests, all visitors are catered for at this awe-inspiring game reserve.
Where is the Kruger National Park Situated?
Situated in South Africa’s Lowveld region, visitors to the Kruger National Park can also enjoy the many other splendid attractions in the area. Apart from enjoying the breath-taking sunsets, the region also offers lush vegetation with forested areas and spectacular waterfalls. Visitors also flock to vantage points such as the Blyde River Canyon which provides unimpeded views across the African escarpment.
What Time is the Best to Visit the Kruger National Park?
The dry season spells the high season for game viewing at the Kruger National Park. This falls between the winter months of May and September which is opposite to the seasons in America and Europe.
The winter months are dry, with comfortably warm daytime temperatures but chilly to very cold nights. Visitors to the park are therefore well advised to pack warm clothing, particularly for their open-air morning and evening game drives. These are very pleasant months of the year in the Lowveld region, with low humidity and very little rainfall. This dry season attracts large groups of animals to the watering holes as moisture in the bush becomes scarce.
Mid-winter brings the coldest weather so from June to August visitors expect temperatures to hover at around 10°C in the morning, while daytime temperatures will soar to a pleasant 26° with cloudless skies.
How Does One Travel to the Kruger National Park?
There are only two options to reach the Kruger National Park – by air or by road.
Air travellers land at the O. R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg from where major arterial highways link the city to other centres in the country. Visitors will then travel by road for 411 kilometres in private 4×4 vehicles arranged by tour operators, such as Kruger Park Travel.
On arrival at the park, visitors have nine entrance gates serving entry from major South African cities. These are Numbi, Parfuri, Malelane, Phabeni, Crocodile Bridge, Paul Kruger, Orpen, Phalaborwa and Punda – Maria. These entrances serve visitors travelling from Johannesburg, Durban, Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town.
What Activities are Offered in the Kruger National Park?
Visitors need to have no fear that their safari holiday will leave them with too much time on their hands. The Kruger National Park’s exciting range of activities caters for all tastes. Whether you choose to go back-packing, follow an experienced guide on a walk into the wild, experience an eco-trail, be enthralled by the huge variety of bird life, go on a game drive, visit water holes… the list is endless.
Is There any Tour Operator for the Kruger National Park?
As a major South African tourist attraction, there are many Kruger National Park tour operators. However, one company that has decades of experience and which has partnered with other professional game reserve service providers is Kruger Park Travel. With them, safari-lovers can tailor-make their holiday and select accommodation that suits their individual needs and budget.
