Overview–southafrica

Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is justifiably one of the most famous parks in Africa. The park is the size of a small country and supports a huge variety of wildlife. All of the Big Five are present in large numbers. A comprehensive road network that is fine for 2WD cars means Kruger is one of the best parks for self-drive safaris.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Kruger National Park is during the dry winter months from May to September. At this time, the bush thins out, and animals congregate around waterholes and rivers. Conditions tend to get better as winter progresses, and September is particularly lovely since the mornings are less chilly than in mid-winter. The best wildlife viewing time also coincides with the low season, making it even more attractive.

May to September –Dry Season – Winter

Wildlife gathers around water and vegetation thins out making viewing much easier
It is low season, except for the school holidays, and the camps and roads are less busy
Sunny skies and no rain
Mild daytime temperatures and low humidity
Virtually no risk of malaria
It is very dry and dirt roads become dusty
Early morning game drives in open vehicles are cold; warm clothing is required

October to April –Wet Season – Summer

The scenery is green and fresh
There are many baby animals, and wildlife is in good condition
Birding is excellent, and the migratory birds are present
Wildlife viewing is not as good as during the Dry season
It is high season, and the main camps get busy
Hot and humid in the middle of the day
It is advisable to take antimalarial medication

Scenery

Kruger’s main habitat is woodland savannah, and the vegetation is relatively thick throughout, especially during the Wet season. The gently undulating landscape has its highest peak at Khandzalive (839m), in the southwest. Olifants Camp sitting high on a bluff overlooking the Olifants River is a scenic highlight with jaw-dropping views. Trees to look out for include the baobab in the tropical north and the striking yellow fever tree near water.

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Rates

From: $153 to $709 pp/day

Best Time to Go

From: May to September (Dry season)

High Season

From: December to January and July to August

Size

From: 19,485km² / 7,523mi²

Wildlife & Animals

Kruger Park has an amazing variety of wildlife with all big safari animals present. All the big cats are found and lions, in particular, are frequently seen in the south of the park. White rhinos are under threat from a dramatic increase in poaching in recent years, but you still have a reasonable chance of spotting one. Buffalo and elephants are easily seen throughout.

Wildlife Highlights

Graceful antelope is a highlight of Kruger. Impala, greater kudu, and waterbuck are common. Two secretive species to look out for are steenbok and common duiker. The endangered wild dog lives in large groups that range far and wide, although it is rarely spotted. Cheetah is most likely seen in the open grassland areas of central Kruger.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The best time for wildlife viewing in Kruger Park is during the dry months of June to September when the vegetation is less thick. August to September is a recommended time as temperatures are higher than in mid-winter and the animals are concentrated around water sources making for excellent wildlife watching.

General Wheather

Kruger National Park experiences winter and summer at the opposite times to Europe and North America. The wet summer months (October to April) are hot and often humid. Dry winters (May to September) are warm and mild although it cools off considerably at night. It is advisable to take warm clothing for early morning and evening game drives.

Dry Season –May to September – Winter

There is virtually no rainfall during the whole of winter, and the humidity is very low. Animals are attracted to permanent water sources as water becomes scarce in the bush.

May – This is a transitional month and marks the end of summer. Temperatures are cooling down to an average of 12°C/54°F in the morning and 28°C/82°F in the afternoon.
June, July & August – Morning game drives in open vehicles will be cold, so pack warm clothing. The average morning temperature is 11°C/52°F. Afternoons will be pleasant with temperatures around 25°C/77°F and cloudless skies.
September – The heat gradually builds to about 28°C/82°F in the afternoon, and the first rains bring relief from very dry conditions. Mornings are less cold with temperatures around 15°C/59°F.

Wet Season –October to April – Summer

It can be uncomfortably hot and humid in summer. Peak temperatures frequently reach well over 40°C/104°F, although average daytime temperatures are 32°C/90°F with high humidity. It seldom rains all day, but the pattern is afternoon storms.

October & November – It gets warmer and starts to rain more often, mostly in the afternoon. Temperatures are between 18°C/64°F in the morning and 31°C/88°F in the afternoon.
December, January & February – These are the wettest and hottest months, characterized by torrential downpours in the afternoon and high humidity. Afternoon temperatures are usually around 32°C/90°F but can soar up to an unbearable 40°C/104°F.
March & April – Rainfall decreases, and it slowly gets colder. April has lovely, clear weather and few clouds. The nights get a bit chillier but are still pleasant at about 16°C/61°F. Daytime temperatures are around 32°C/90°F and the humidity drops.

Prons

Teeming with a breathtaking diversity of wildlife
Birdlife is phenomenal
The excellent self-drive destination with good facilities and roads
Good choice of lodges and rest camps for all budgets

Cons

The far south gets very busy in high season
Trunk roads are tarred and lack wilderness appeal

How To Get There

Most visitors to Kruger National Park fly into O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), near Johannesburg. It is also possible to fly directly from Germany to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP), 40km/25 mi from southern Kruger’s Numbi Gate.

Kruger is a popular self-drive destination. You can hire a car at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) and drive straight to the park. Kruger has nine entrance gates, the closest of which is Numbi Gate, 375km/235 mi from the airport. The drive to Numbi Gate takes 4 to 5 hours*.

*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.

Airlines & Ticket Prices

Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), and what tickets would cost.

www.skyscanner.com

Domestic Flights

On arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), near Johannesburg, you can take a connecting flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP). Alternatively, you can fly to Hoedspruit (for central and northern Kruger) or Phalaborwa (for northern Kruger).

It is also possible to take a scheduled flight to Skukuza Airport (SZK) inside the park, and Federal Airlines offers scheduled flights to some of the lodges’ airstrips. Charter flights to Skukuza or any of the lodges’ airstrips are also available.
Scheduled domestic flights can be booked with several carriers: