Kruger National Park – All You Need to Know
Kruger National Park is home to 145 species of mammals and 500 species of birds and is located within the heart of Lowveld. This massive wildlife reserve covers 7,580 miles of wildlands and wonderfully encapsulates the greatness of the natural beauty of Africa making it quite the popular destination for tourists all around the world.
If you plan to see this great wilderness for yourself, then we have a few pieces of advice to help you make sure you get the most out of the experience.
The Best Time to Visit
The dry winter months of May to September are generally the best months to visit Kruger National Park because the bushes thin out and the animals become easier to spot. September is also a popular month because it’s less chilly during both, night and day.
However, the rainy season, which lasts from October to April, has its advantages a well. The rains enhance the beauty of the land making it lush and green, and many migratory birds can also be found in abundance at this time of year. There are two downsides though, the days can be quite hot and humid and there’s a greater abundance of bugs as well.
How to Get There
For international tourists, flying into South Africa is by far the most convenient way to visit the park with most international visitors flying into Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport, from which daily flights are available to many of the regional airstrips surrounding Kruger. The flights are about 90 minutes long and can drop you off at the airstrip in the park closest to your lodge. Many lodges provide transportation to and from regional airports.
Due to the current affairs of the world, if you wish to visit Kruger National Park in the coming days, you’ll need to procure a negative PCR test report taken within 72 hours of arrival. Those without a negative test report can be subject to 10 days of quarantine.
Where to Stay
What kind of Kruger experience you’re looking for will determine where you stay. There are camp-run accommodations in Kruger National Park, and each camp has its own unique offerings, ranging from basic camping to classic safari tents to luxury lodges. You can book one of Kruger’s ten luxury safari lodges, and the surrounding private game reserves provide luxury accommodations, meals, and highly trained staff.
Londolozi Founders Camp, Mala Mala Main Camp, Londolozi Varty Camp, and Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge are all among the private lodges.
You might also want to look into the Skukuza Safari Lodge. The average length of stay on a Kruger safari ranges from two nights to a week and if you plan to stay for more than four days, consider splitting your time between two lodges so that you can sample a wide range of activities, animals, and cuisines.
A Guided Safari or Venturing on Your Own?
If you’re travelling with someone who knows their way around the park then, by all means, a self-guided tour of Kruger National Park may be the best choice for you. However, for those without the experience or without some who has said experience, then a true safari expense is worth your time and money.
If you want to go on a game drive, you’ll have a lot of options.
Morning, sunset, and even nighttime drives can be scheduled at the park, and an experienced and knowledgeable guide will point out wildlife and information that you would likely miss on your own. The majority of lodges and private lodges also provide their own driving and walking safaris.
Kruger National Park also offers a Park & Ride program for those who want the best of both worlds. Simply park at one of the park’s designated gates and take a safari ride through the park to see the Big Five, the park’s most in-demand animals, and other animals.
