WHY TRAVEL TO KRUGER NATIONAL PARK?
Situated in the northeastern part of the country with almost 20 000 km2 of pristine wilderness and spanning over 2 provinces called Mpumalanga and Limpopo, the Kruger National Park offers a spectacular showcase of nine different biomes and also shares a Peace Park with Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
Kruger National Park is the perfect place to explore most of the country’s natural diversity, cultural richness and history, offering everything you can hope to expect from Africa.
Kruger National Park offers a huge variety of accommodation options ranging from very exclusive luxury to the more price competitive options, tented or private chalets for the romantics, electrified or non-electrified campsites with shared ablutions for the true bush experience or shared suites for the more family oriented – something for everyone!
Wildlife
Kruger National Park boasts of the Big 5 and seeing them in their natural habitat, undisturbed by suburban life is undoubtedly an experience of a lifetime.
Home to a cornucopia of animals including:
- 147 mammal species
- 114 species of reptiles
- 51 different types of snakes
- 49 species of fish
- 508 bird species
Kruger National Park also features one of Africa’s largest lion populations, estimating over 1 700 and almost 20 000 elephants with Cape hunting dogs, honey badgers, sable antelope, Cape pangolins, ancient baobab trees, white-headed vultures, saddle-billed storks and small creatures like the dung beetles and orb spiders.
Viewing this abundance of animals can happen on both self-drive and guided safaris (open 4×4 vehicles) within the Kruger itself and also on concessions (privately owned areas). In the capable hands of an armed and trained field guide, one can explore the bushveld on foot and for those with more of a relaxed approach to life, can simply look out from their accommodation and be spoiled by plethora of bird sightings. In addition, you can get out of your vehicle and enjoy picnics at designated, pre-appointed prime spots overlooking water holes and open savannahs. Remember that wildlife in the Kruger are untamed and ‘wild by nature’ and should never be petted (lions are not domestic house cats) or approached to closely, especially when they have young – always be with your trained guard or safely inside your vehicle at all times when embarking on self-drives.
Most of the larger camps have restaurants, viewing decks, and swimming pools for your enjoyment.
Sundowners bring a chance to enjoy the famous South African braai (BBQ) with a relaxing evening drink while listening to the sounds of the nightlife. Stargazers will find the African skies simply mesmerizing.
A Family Experience
Apart from a safe and comfortable environment, the Kruger National Park offers outstanding opportunities for bonding with children, mostly above the age of 12. Intermittent cell phone reception ensures more family time and less screen time. Thanks to an abundance of fresh air, good food, and early mornings, you’ll find everyone’s tucked in bed much earlier than usual, anyway.
Please note that not all of the lodges are child friendly and we recommend to do proper research before planning a family safari in the Kruger. Children below 3 years of age are usually not allowed on safari drives.
Lodges
Apart from the main camps, you’ll find a host of smaller ones with fewer amenities and accommodation units and there are 2 camps dedicated to camping and caravanning enthusiasts only. Kruger National Park is run by the South African National Parks board except the 24 privately-owned concession lodges within the boundaries of the Park.
To avoid disappointment, we suggest that you secure your booking at least a year in advance. Due to their remote location, some of the lodges have limited wifi and cell reception.
Cultural and historical significance
The Shangaan people are an indigenous group that has lived in the park since the 19th century. They are known for their storytelling, music, and dance, and have even developed their own musical instruments. Some other cultural heritage sites include the Albasini ruins, Skukuza hut museum, and Stevenson-Hamilton memorial library.
A development like Kruger National Park is dependent on establishing a harmonious relationship between the locals, the environment and tourism. Many Lodges are in partnership with the local 45 000-member community, spanning over 4 villages within the Park. For example, the Mdluli Community has a freehold title of 850 hectares of land inside the Park and more than 90% of Mdluli Lodge’s staff & team are from the local Community. They plow back into the community through various long-term projects forming a multiplier effect by uplifting the lives and enhancing the infrastructure. Kruger National Park is a leader in environmental management, techniques and policies and share knowledge and resources with smaller camps.
Concessions / Private reserves
Private concessions can be better than national parks for safaris because they offer a more exclusive experience with fewer crowds, more flexibility and better wildlife viewing. Hoyo Hoyo safari lodge are one of the first private concessions in the Kruger National Park and they have worked really hard to ensure the sustainability of the pristine wilderness that for over 100 running can be classified as a sanctuary for over 114 reptiles, 34 amphibians, 336 tree species and 147 mammal species, including Africa’s big 5.
Kruger is easily combined with other destinations and has convenient travel logistics, well marked road signs and consistent gate closures times.
Additional activities
Most of the lodges offer a world class spa experience, curio shops & boutique stores, guided bush walks, golf, swimming pools, local community interaction.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT KRUGER NATIONAL PARK?
May to September (dry season) is the best time to visit the Kruger National Park.
Vegetation is low and sparse at this time of year, making animals easier to spot and track, while the permanent water sources offer a rewarding safari experience. The cooler weather is pleasant but can get really cold during the months of June & July.
October to April (wet season) usually falls within the rainy season and wildlife sighting are not common, roads are wet and muddy and the hot, humid weather causes much discomfort.
Here is the per month weather layout:
December, January: High of 88°F/ 31°C, low of 65°F/19°C
February: High of 86°F/29°C, low of 65°F/19°C
March: High of 85°F/28°C, low of 62°F/16°C
April: High of 82°F/25°C, low of 58°F/12°C
June: High of 77°F/20°C, low of 47°F/1-2°C
August: High of 81°F/24°C, low of 49°F/2-4°C
September: High of 83°F/26°C, low of 53°F/7°C
October, November: High of 87°F/30°C, low of 64°F/18°C
Kruger National Park Gate Times:
Opening Times: October – March 5:30 / April – September 06:00
Closing Times: October – March 18:30 / April – September 17:30
(Very important to note that if guests are not in time at the respective gates, they will not be permitted to enter the park and they will have to find alternative accommodation for that night).
Please click on the link below and contact us at Gems of Africa Safaris & Tours, we love everything about travel & our beloved South Africa and will gladly assist you with your planning process.
Kruger / Mpumalanga side
Kruger / Limpopo side
