Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s most iconic and largest game reserves, renowned as one of the best to see the Big Five: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos. Spanning swathes of pristine wilderness, Kruger offers a safari experience with incredible biodiversity and landscapes and is a must for wildlife enthusiasts.
One of the park’s greatest appeals is its accessibility – visitors can explore its vast network of roads on a self-drive safari, making it one of the few major game reserves where independent exploration is possible. In addition, the park’s government-run accommodation camps provide a range of budget-friendly lodging and guided tours, allowing you to experience a safari at a lower cost.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to plan a trip to Kruger National Park from how to get there and where to visit in the park, to practical advice on getting around, choosing the right time to go, accommodation options and essential travel tips.
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How to get to Kruger National Park
Kruger is located in northeastern South Africa and borders Mozambique. If you are flying into South Africa, the nearest major international airport is Johannesburg (O.R Tambo International Airport). These are the options to reach Kruger from Johannesburg airport:
By plane:
Take a connecting flight from Johannesburg airport to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport located about 40km south of the Park. From there you can either rent a car from the airport or take a private shuttle. The drive takes just over 1 hour to the nearest recommended entrance gate to the Park – Phabeni Gate. More on the gates below.
Several shuttle services from Kruger Mpumalanga Airport are available including:
- Private shuttles organised through your hotel.
- Swift Kruger Shuttles – offers scheduled shared shuttles and private transfers.
- Kruger Transfers – offers private transfers.
By car:
Rent a car from Johannesburg airport and drive to Kruger National Park. The drive takes approximately 4.5 to 6 hours depending on which gate you’re heading to. The roads from Johannesburg to Kruger are well-maintained, and many travellers take the N4 highway via Nelspruit (Mbombela). If you’re not in a rush, you could stop at scenic spots along the way or do an overnight stop such as at Graskop to see the stunning Three Rondavels.
If you do decide to drive yourself, make sure you are familiar with road and driving safety advice in South Africa. One important piece of advice is to avoid driving at night.
By shuttle:
Take a shuttle from Johannesburg airport to Kruger National Park.
- Shuttle King offers different schedules and routes to fit your itinerary. Book your shuttle in advance.
Entrance gates and fees
There are several gates to enter and exit Kruger and where you can buy daily park passes.
Gates:
- Southern Kruger: Paul Kruger Gate, Phabeni Gate, Numbi Gate, Malelane Gate, Crocodile Bridge Gate
- Central Kruger: Orpen Gate, Satara Gate
- Northern Kruger: Phalaborwa Gate, Pafuri Gate, Punda Maria Gate
Gates entry/exit times:
The park gates are open between 5:30am-6:00am and close between 5:30-6:30pm depending on the month. You can check the opening and closing times here.
Cost and fees:
To enter the park, visitors are required to pay a daily conservation fee.
- International visitors: Adults R535 per day, Children (2-11) R128 per day
- South African Development Community national: Adults R257 per day, Children R128 per day
- South African Citizens and Residents: Adults R128 per day, Children R64 per day
Safety regarding the gates:
Some safety concerns at certain park entrance gates have been identified, particularly for those who are driving themselves. It is recommended to avoid Numbi Gate. Recommend gates for a secure entry/exit point include: Paul Kruger, Phabeni Open, Phalaborwa, and Crocodile Bridge.
Kruger National Park regions
Kruger is big. Really big. It spans a massive area of 19,485 km2, which is about the same size as Wales, Israel and New Jersey. As the park is so big, unless you have a couple of weeks to explore it all, it’s recommended to choose one or two areas. It is divided into three main regions which offer their own distinct landscapes and wildlife.
Southern Kruger (south of the Sable River):
- Landscape: Bushveld, rivers, and dense vegetation — perfect for diverse wildlife
- Wildlife: This area has the highest animal density in the park — Big Five, cheetahs, wild dogs, and hippos. The Sabie and Crocodile Rivers attract tons of animals, making game viewing exceptional.
- Best for: First-time visitors, Big Five sightings, and easy access from Johannesburg.
- Notable drives:
- H4-1 (Lower Sabie to Skukuza): One of the best game drive routes in the park
- S114 & S25: Great for spotting rhinos and lions
- S65: Fantastic for leopard sightings
- Main gates: Paul Kruger Gate, Phabeni Gate, Numbi Gate, Malelane Gate, Crocodile Bridge Gate
- Main government-run camps: Skukuza, Lower Sabie, Berg-en-Dal, Pretoriuskop, Crocodile Bridge
Central Kruger (Sabie River to Olifants River)
- Landscape: Open savanna and grasslands — perfect for predators and big game
- Wildlife: Known as “Big Cat Country” — lions, cheetahs, and leopards thrive here. You’ll also see large herds of zebras, buffalo, and giraffes.
- Best for: Big cats, scenic views, and large predator sightings
- Notable drives:
- S100 (Satara area): Arguably the best route for lions in the park
- H7 (Orpen to Satara): Great for cheetahs and wild dogs
- Olifants River Drive: Breathtaking views of the river and elephants gathering near water
- Main gates: Orpen Gate, Satara Gate
- Main government-run camps: Satara, Olifants, Talamati (Bushveld Camp), Marcela (Tented Camp)
Northern Kruger (North of the Olifants River)
- Landscape: Baobab trees, mopane woodlands, and rugged terrain — much drier and remote
- Wildlife: Less dense animal population, but you’ll find rare species like roan antelope, sable, and tsessebe. Birdwatching here is phenomenal, with Pel’s fishing owl, carmine bee-eaters, and hornbills.
- Best for: Birding, rare animals, and secluded wilderness
- Notable drives:
- H1-9 (Shingwedzi to Pafuri): Stunning, remote route with elephants, buffalo, and crocodiles
- Pafuri Picnic Site: One of the best birding spots in Kruger
- S50 (Mopani area): Great for rare antelope species and elephants
- Main gates: Phalaborwa Gate, Pafuri Gate, Punda Maria Gate
- Main government-run camps: Shingwedzi, Punda Maria, Mopani, Bateleur (Bushveld Camp), Sirheni (Bushveld Camp)
How to travel around Kruger National Park
Roads and routes:
Kruger has an extensive network of roads and routes which are divided into two main types:
- Main roads (H routes) – these are well maintained, tarred roads, making for smooth driving. Great for getting between camps and popular areas efficiently. There is a maximum speed limit of 50 km/h, so do keep this in mind if you are travelling long distances in a day as it will likely take you longer than you would expect (especially if you are stopping to see animals along the way).
- Secondary roads (S routes) – these are gravel roads that take you deeper into the bush and offer more of a wild experience and a better chance to see wildlife. While a 4×4 vehicle is not needed, it is recommended that you have a higher up car to see over the bushes.
Other routes in Kruger include 4×4 eco trails which are off-road trails for more adventurous visitors, and wilderness trails which are used for guided walks only and not accessible by car.
If there is one thing you do in preparation for your trip, it is to get this book! The book provides an incredible amount of detailed information on all of the routes and roads in Kruger National Park. There are lots of insider tips on the roads which usually offer the best chance to see wildlife and also provides insights on which animals are usually found along each road. Additionally, the book provides an excellent visual representation of the park with maps of the different regions, and it has a fun checklist so you can tick off which animals you see. Honestly, this book was one of the best purchases we have ever made for a trip!
Options for travelling around Kruger and for seeing wildlife:
Option one: Guided tours and game drives organised by your accommodation.
- Many hotels and lodges near Kruger will offer packages that include guided game drives within the park. This is an excellent choice if you prefer someone else to handle the planning and driving, while benefitting from guides who are experts in spotting wildlife. The guided safari vehicles are often equipped for off-road travel, giving you an up-close encounter with animals that wouldn’t be possible in a regular vehicle. Keep in mind that most accommodation-organised tours focus on specific areas of Kruger, so choose lodging based on the region you want to explore, or stay at multiple accommodations to see other areas.
Option two: Self-drive safari.
- For those seeking flexibility, savings and a unique experience, a self-drive safari is a perfect option. You can explore the park at your own pace, choosing your own routes and schedules. Depending on your available time, you could drive from one end of Kruger to the other, staying at various camps or lodges along the way. We had so much fun driving the H and S routes ourselves and spotting wildlife. There are many people self-driving in the park and you’ll often find a line-up of cars if wildlife has been seen near the road so you don’t necessarily need to be an expert wildlife spotter. Find out everything you nee to know for a self-drive safari here.
Option three: Guided tours and game drives organised by the government-run camps managed by SAN Parks (South African National Parks).
- These tours are led by knowledgable, experienced guides to offer informative wildlife experiences including sunrise game drives, sunset game drives, night drives, guided bush walks, full day game drives and private drives and tours. The tours are incredibly well-priced between R400-1500 per person. Some tours use larger vehicles to accommodate up to 50 people, which may limit access to off-road areas. The large camps including Skukuza, Satara, Lower Sabie, Berg-en-Dal, and Letaba offer all the guided activities. Most of the activities can be booked online via the SANParks website or the camp reception desks. Most of the tours we booked we were able to do so at the reception desk the night before or the day of, however, some tour, like the sunrise and bush walks sell out faster. Private tours may need to be arranged in advance.
Of course, you can also combine all these options which is what we did for our week in Kruger. You can find out more about that and see our itinerary in our other guide.
When to visit Kruger National Park
The time of year you visit depends on what kind of experience you’re after.
Dry season (winter): May to September
- Generally the dry season is the best time to see wildlife as vegetation is sparse leading to better visibility and animals gather around water sources making them easier to spot.
- The weather is warm during the days (20-25c) and there is less chance of rain which means fewer mosquitoes. However, the nights can get cold (5-10c) so make sure you bring warm layers for the sunrise, sunset, and night tours.
- It is the busier season and areas around popular camps like Skukuza and Lower Sable can get busy. However, when we travelled to Kruger in August, our experience really wan’t impacted by the amount of people. You may just need to book your accommodation in advance.
Wet season (summer): October to April
- The wet season is an excellent time for birdwatching and seeing newborn animals.
- The landscapes are lush and green with beautiful wildflowers. However, the thicker vegetation can make it harder for spotting wildlife and animals tend to spread out more.
- The weather is hot and humid (25-35c) throughout the day and night, with occasional thunderstorms.
- This is a quieter season with fewer tourists so the park can feel more private.
Where to stay in Kruger National Park
Government-run rest camps (inside Kruger National Park)
As mentioned, Kruger National Park has a fantastic network of government-run rest camps managed by SANParks (South African National Parks). These camps offer a range of accommodations from budget-friendly tent camping to modest chalets and bungalows. They are located in various locations across the park so you can choose to stay in several if you plan to travel around the park. They also offer guided tours as mentioned above. They’re some of the best places to stay if you want to be close to nature.
Here’s a breakdown of the main rest camps:
- Skukuza: The largest camp, with restaurants, shops, a pool, a golf course, and lots of accommodation choices. It’s a great hub with excellent wildlife sightings nearby.
- Satara: Known as “Big Cat Country” — if you’re after lions, cheetahs, and leopards, this is your spot. It’s a popular, busy camp with solid facilities.
- Lower Sabie: Beautiful location along the Sabie River, offering some of the best game viewing in the park. The river attracts tons of animals.
- Olifants: located in central Kruger and perched on a hill overlooking the Olifants River, this camp offers panoramic views — you can often spot elephants, hippos, and crocodiles right from the lookout points. It offers a variety of accommodation choices from thatched bungalows, guest cottages for larger groups and camping sites for a more budget-friendly option.
- Pretoriuskop: One of the oldest camps, set in a scenic, rocky landscape with unique plant life and a quieter vibe.
- Berg-en-Dal: Modern and well-maintained, with stunning views and good chances of seeing rhinos. Close to Malelane Gate.
- Letaba: Famous for elephants and stunning river views. It’s a peaceful camp with a great elephant museum.
- Shingwedzi: In the quieter northern part of the park — perfect for birding and more remote game viewing.
- Mopani: A newer camp with thatched cottages and a serene atmosphere, overlooking Pioneer Dam.
Smaller, more rustic camps include:
- Tsendze: A camping-only spot, no electricity — just pure bush vibes.
- Balule: Near Olifants, this camp is small and simple, perfect for those wanting a no-frills, close-to-nature stay.
- Maroela and Tamboti: Near Orpen Gate, offering permanent safari-style tents with basic facilities.
- Crooks Corner and Pafuri Picnic Site: Remote, northern spots — great for day visitors and bird enthusiasts.
Overnight hides (viewing hides by day, transformed into rustic overnight spots by night):
- Sable Hide
- Shipandani Hide
To make a reservation at a rest camp, visit South African National Parks website.
Besides the government-run rest camps, Kruger National Park offers a range of other accommodation options, from luxury private lodges to smaller, more exclusive bush camps and eco-friendly stays.
Private Concession Lodges (Inside Kruger National Park)
These are luxury lodges located on private concessions within the park’s boundaries. They offer exclusive experiences, like off-road game drives and night safaris, which aren’t allowed for the general public. They’re perfect for intimate, high-end stays.
- Jock Safari Lodge (Southern Kruger
- Lion Sands Narina Lodge (Near Skukuza)
- Singita Lebombo & Sweni Lodges (Far Eastern Kruger)
Private Game Reserves (Adjacent to Kruger)
These reserves share unfenced borders with Kruger, allowing wildlife to move freely between them — so you get the same animal sightings with a more exclusive feel. Usually, there are several lodges located in these reserves which you can choose from.
- Sabi Sands Game Reserve (Southern Border)
- Timbavati Private Nature Reserve (Western Border)
- Manyeleti Game Reserve (Southern Border)
Bush Lodges & Tented Camps (Inside Kruger)
These offer smaller, quieter stays than the main rest camps, with a closer-to-nature vibe.
- Talamati Bushveld Camp: self-catering, quiet camp in a game-rich area
- Biyamiti Bushveld Camp: great river views
- Tamboti Tented Camp: tents with wooden decks overlooking a dry riverbed
Lodges & Guesthouses Outside Kruger (In Nearby Towns)
If you prefer staying just outside the park, towns like Hazyview, Hoedspruit, and Malelane offer great-value lodges and easy park access.
Essential tips
- Entry/exit times: The park gates and government-run camps close their gates between 5:30-6:30pm depending on the time of year. If you are staying at a government-run camp, it is essential that you arrive before the gates close. The gates open again between 4:30-6:00am. You can check the opening and closing times here.
- Speed limits: In the park, speed limits are 50km/h on tar roads and 40km/h on gravel roads. Make sure you plan enough time to get from one place to another, especially if you plan to travel long distances in a day and keep in mind the park gate and camp closing times.
- Petrol stations: Available at most of the major camps inside the park, as well as near the park gates. Fill up when you can.
- Safety:
- Some safety concerns at certain park entrance gates have been identified. It is recommended to avoid Numbi Gate. Recommend gates for a secure entry/exit point include: Paul Kruger, Phabeni Open, Phalaborwa, and Crocodile Bridge.
- Stick to the speed limits while driving and keep a look out for animals on the road.
- While inside the park, do not get out of your car outside designated areas – there are dangerous animals everywhere. Designated areas include campsites as well as picnic areas, hides and some bridges – it will be clearly signposted if you allowed out of your vehicle.
- Cost and fees:
- To enter the park, visitors are required to pay a daily conservation fee.
- International visitors: Adults R535 per day, Children (2-11) R128 per day
- South African Development Community national: Adults R257 per day, Children R128 per day
- South African Citizens and Residents: Adults R128 per day, Children R64 per day
- The cost of visiting Kruger really can vary. You could splash thousands on luxurious safari lodges or you could stay in a more moderately priced government run camp and drive yourself around the park. Each has its pros and cons. Generally, South Africa is one of the more budget friendly countries when it comes to a safari holiday.
- To enter the park, visitors are required to pay a daily conservation fee.
