Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park (KNP) is home to an unparalleled variety of wildlife spread across 2 million hectares of land – this is the real Africa.
It was in the 19th century when against all odds South Africa became a pioneer in conserving its natural heritage. Much of the country’s wildlife had been wiped out, and the land converted to agriculture. In 1898 the government set aside a piece of wilderness between the Crocodile and Sabie rivers and called it the Sabi Game Reserve – James Stevenson-Hamilton, known as „Skukuza“, being its first game warden. He left Kruger Park (officially proclaimed a National Park in 1926) as his life’s legacy to the nation.
Follow in Hamilton’s footsteps, be curious and explore the diversity and wonders of Kruger! For a small fee, you have the freedom to go on a game drive with a standard rental car, for a day trip as well as to stay overnight, completely on your own. Or have a qualified guide showing you around on a guided Kruger tour.
1 – Self-driving Kruger
When planning your self-drive Kruger adventure, choose your route carefully. Slow travel and regular stops will allow you to see much more wildlife than covering a lot of ground. Below you’ll find one of our favorite day trip routes for some inspiration.
The LALA LODGE safari kit will prepare you with essential items such as maps, guidebooks, and a cooler box for food supplies. The park has numerous picnic sites to take a break from driving, stretch your legs and enjoy a cold drink and some snacks.
Moreover, there are 12 main rest camps with shops, restaurants, electricity, and fuel options available. These camps, along with several simpler, more remote camps, also offer overnight stays. Make sure to book well in advance through SANParks!
Suggested Day-Trip Route
Start / End: Orpen Gate
Distance: 164 km
The main tar road from Orpen gate to Satara runs alongside the Timbavati River. Check the multiple viewpoints for wildlife. Nsemani Dam on the H7 is a must-stop for elephant, hippo, and various antelope species.
This is the heart of lion country! The open grassland of the Gudzani Plains is rich in game such as wildebeest or buffalo, making it a prime hunting ground for predators. Don’t miss the Shibotwana waterhole for excellent birding.
Before following the Gudzani River north make sure to stop at Gudzani dam near the S100 junction.
The old main road between Satara and Olifants camps traverses stunning open grassland with big herds of zebra and wildebeest. From Oct to Dec the plains flourish with colourful flowers.
Coffee break at Satara camp.
An extended horizon makes elephant and giraffe frequent sightings.
Following the path of the river, the S126 passes several waterholes with Sweni being a popular drinking spot for the local lion pride.
Muzandnzeni Picnic Site can be worth a quick birding-stop.
The tar road takes you back to Orpen Gate. Alternatively, you can take the S106 past Rabelais’ Pan.
There is something about safari life that makes you forget all your sorrows and feel as if you had drunk half a bottle of champagne — bubbling over with heartfelt gratitude for being alive.
― Karen Blixen, Out of Africa
2 – Guided Kruger Tours
Recommended operators
Michael and Lynne Stone, freelance guides with over 50 Kruger Backpack Trails explored, are based in Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate. Whether it’s a half-day, full-day, or overnight guided experience, they’ve got you covered. Add a personal focus like wildlife tracking, birding, or plants, and they’ll turn your wildest dreams into reality!
Pick-up / drop-off included.
Details and bookings:
stonessafaris.co.za
As a small, family-run business, Safari Reinhardt welcomes you with heartfelt hospitality and personalized service, making you feel like part of the family. Reinhardt du Plessis is an expert guide exceling at tailoring safaris to suit families with children — whether it’s a single game drive in Greater Kruger or a multi-night Kruger safari.
Pick-up / drop-off included.Details and bookings:
safarireinhardt.com
Experienced guides will take you to the best game-viewing routes to maximize your sightings on a full day safari. Itineraries are customizable tailored to specific interests and preferences.
Pick-up / drop-off included.
Details and bookings:
sabletours.co.za
3 – Walking Kruger
Besides the lodges within the park, conducting walking safaris in Kruger is exclusively reserved for SANParks itself. Most Kruger camps offer guided walks daily in the early morning and afternoon. Check the different camp descriptions on sanparks.org for details and combine your self-drive Kruger trip with a guided bushwalk.
Kruger Wilderness Trails offer a more immersive walking experience, with a focus on wilderness, remoteness, and peace. A total of 7 bush camps are available for booking, each for 3 nights – including rustic accommodation at a base camp, as well as catering throughout the entire trail. And the big bonus: no other people!
Kruger Backpack Trails are – „wild“! No fence. No toilet. No solid roof over your head. None of the 3 different trails to choose from follows a set route, the availability of water from natural sources will be the main factor for determining the path. Participants need to bring their own personal equipment and food for 4 days.
