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One of the oldest, largest, and most diverse parks in Africa, the Kruger National Park is the epitome of the safari experience in Africa.
The varying definitions of the Kruger can be confusing: the Kruger National Park is the bulk of the area, managed by South African National Parks (SANParks), while the Greater Kruger Park includes a significant swathe of land on the western flanks of the National Park comprised of private reserves but still given over to conservation and generally sharing unfenced borders with the National Park.
Wildlife of Kruger National Park
As far as the animals are concerned it is home to all the usual big game. In fact it is one of the few places in Africa where you can see the Big Five (lion, leopard, black rhino, elephant and Cape buffalo). It also boasts a range of habitats with differing ecosystems, allowing you to explore unique combinations of flora.
Facts and figures
The facts and figures for the Kruger are worth repeating to reinforce why it is the flagship for conservation on the African continent: nearly 20,000 square kilometers of land home to 147 species of mammal, 507 species of birds and 336 species of tree across 16 distinct habitats.
Accommodation varies from simple rest camps run by SANParks to extremely luxurious private lodges where your every need is tended to. Prices also vary accordingly.
Northern Sector — Kruger National Park
The northern sector of the Kruger Park is regarded as the most rewarding by those who venture up there. In part, this is because of the real wilderness feel of the place, helped by the fact there are so few visitors.
Access does put many off, as it is a long drive up from Phalaborwa airport, or from the central sector of the park, especially given the speed limits when driving within the park.
As well as lots of plains, there are sandstone hills cut through with rivers and dotted with mopane and mahogany trees. The relatively open terrain makes this great countryside for large herds of game, including elephant.
It is in the north that you may be lucky enough to see rare antelope such as the Roan and Sable. The birding here is also reckoned to be the best in the park.
Although remote, the northern sector of the park really does merit the effort required to get here.
Southern Sector — Kruger National Park
The southern sector of the Kruger National Park is the most popular and has the greatest number of visitors. This is due to the fact that it is the most accessible sector of the park, and because the variety and quality of habitat makes for some of the best game viewing in the park.
The Sabie River is one of the defining features of this area of the park, and if you are lucky enough to spot a leopard whilst in the park, it is quite likely to be in this area.
Access to the southern sector can be by car, using one of the five gates (all of which are within easy striking range of Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport), or by light aircraft into Skukuza airstrip.
Some of the biggest and best-equipped restcamps are to be found in the southern sector, along with several private, luxury concessions.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to Kruger National Park by contacting one of our South Africa specialists
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617-223-4521617-223-4340
- Make an inquiry
Suggested itineraries featuring Kruger National Park
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Kruger National Park, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places in and around Kruger National Park
- Greater Makalali Game Reserve Kruger National Park
- Kapama Private Game Reserve Kruger National Park
- Sabi Sands Game Reserve Kruger National Park
- Southern & Central Sectors Kruger National Park Kruger National Park
- Thornybush Reserve Kruger National Park
- Timbavati Game Reserve Kruger National Park
- Hazyview 55 miles away
- Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve 58 miles away
- The Escarpment 68 miles away
- Eswatini 149 miles away
- The Elephant Coast 192 miles away
- Phinda Private Game Reserve 233 miles away
- Thanda Safari Private Game Reserve 238 miles away
- Lake St Lucia 246 miles away
- iSimangaliso Wetland Park 250 miles away
- Johannesburg 259 miles away
- Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park 262 miles away
- The Waterberg 267 miles away
- The Battlefields 279 miles away
- The Pilanesberg National Park 295 miles away
Photos of Kruger National Park
Accommodation choices for Kruger National Park
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Kruger National Park. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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Garonga Safari Camp
Greater Makalali Game Reserve -
Skukuza Restcamp
Southern & Central Sectors Kruger National Park -
Olifants Restcamp
Southern & Central Sectors Kruger National Park -
Berg-en-Dal Restcamp
Southern & Central Sectors Kruger National Park -
Shumbalala
Thornybush Reserve -
Serondella Game Lodge
Thornybush Reserve -
Responsible ChoiceWe've hand-selected a range of tours and stays across the world that go above and beyond to be a force for good by supporting local businesses, educating staff, challenging local norms, or promoting conservation and biodiversity efforts. Your Responsible Choice helps increase the positive impact of your trip.
Thornybush Game Lodge
Thornybush Reserve -
&Beyond Ngala Tented Camp
Timbavati Game Reserve -
RockFig Safari Lodge
Timbavati Game Reserve -
Responsible ChoiceWe've hand-selected a range of tours and stays across the world that go above and beyond to be a force for good by supporting local businesses, educating staff, challenging local norms, or promoting conservation and biodiversity efforts. Your Responsible Choice helps increase the positive impact of your trip.
Bateleur Safari Camp
Timbavati Game Reserve -
Sabi Sabi Selati Lodge
Sabi Sands Game Reserve -
Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge
Sabi Sands Game Reserve -
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
Sabi Sands Game Reserve -
Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve
Sabi Sands Game Reserve -
&Beyond Kirkman's Kamp
Sabi Sands Game Reserve -
Dulini Leadwood Lodge
Sabi Sands Game Reserve -
Chitwa Chitwa Game Lodge
Sabi Sands Game Reserve -
Little Bush Camp
Sabi Sands Game Reserve -
Dulini River Lodge
Sabi Sands Game Reserve -
Lion Sands Private Game Reserve
Sabi Sands Game Reserve -
Elephant Plains Game Lodge
Sabi Sands Game Reserve -
Simbambili Game Lodge
Sabi Sands Game Reserve -
Savanna Private Game Reserve
Sabi Sands Game Reserve -
Notten's Bush Camp
Sabi Sands Game Reserve -
Arathusa Safari Lodge
Sabi Sands Game Reserve -
Dulini Safari Lodge
Sabi Sands Game Reserve -
Lower Sabie Rest Camp
Kruger National Park -
Imbali Safari Lodge
Kruger National Park -
Satara Rest Camp
Kruger National Park -
Xanatseni Private Camp
Kruger National Park -
nThambo Tree Camp
Kruger National Park