Top Travel Tips for Kruger National Park
1. Keep it Safe:
The Kruger experience often brings you close to large and potentially dangerous animals, whether on a 4×4 safari or a walking tour. Accommodation in Kruger and its private reserves is typically unfenced, making it common for wildlife to wander through camps. Always pay close attention to safety briefings provided by your ranger and lodge manager, and don’t hesitate to request an escort to and from your tent at night.
2. Mind the Mosquitoes:
Located in a malaria-prone region, Kruger National Park has a low risk of malaria even during the rainy summer months (December to April) when mosquito activity peaks. However, consulting a medical practitioner before your trip is strongly recommended, especially if traveling with children. Take necessary precautions, such as insect repellent and protective clothing, to avoid bites.
3. Wrap Up in Winter:
Early mornings in June and July can be unexpectedly cold, with temperatures barely above freezing during Kruger’s mid-winter season. Pack a warm jacket and hat for morning and evening game drives. Many lodges also provide blankets to keep you comfortable during these excursions.
4. Avoid School Holidays:
The main public-access areas of Kruger can get crowded during South Africa’s long December and January school holidays. For a quieter, more private safari experience, consider staying in one of Kruger’s private reserves or concessions.
5. Do a Self-drive Safari:
Kruger’s excellent infrastructure, accessibility, and self-drive-friendly setup make it a fantastic choice for an independent safari adventure. Plan your itinerary using suggested routes or customize it to suit your pace and preferences, ensuring a safari tailored to your needs.
Flights & Getting Around
- Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport: Located in Nelspruit, this is Kruger’s primary airport, with flights available from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Vilanculos (Mozambique), making it ideal for combining safari and beach holidays.
- Hoedspruit Airport: This airport offers access to private reserves such as Sabi Sands, Timbavati, and Thornybush, with flights available from Johannesburg and Cape Town.
- Phalaborwa Airport: Serving the more remote northern regions of Kruger, this smaller airport is connected exclusively to Johannesburg.
- Private Airstrips: Charter flights from Johannesburg to bush airstrips in Sabi Sands and other private reserves are also an option.
Transfers to and from Kruger’s airports and airstrips are typically conducted in open-sided 4×4 vehicles. Guided walking safaris are permitted in private reserves and select areas of Kruger National Park, ranging from a few hours to multi-day camping hikes.
