Kruger National Park is situated in Mpumalanga and Limpopo region in the Northeast part of South Africa. Popularly known for its history, wildlife safari, diverse ecosystems and scenic views, making it one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. Largest game reserves, the park contains an area of 7,523 square kilometres of total land.
Established in 1898, the park witnessed Africa's “Big Five”- Elephants, Lions, Leopards and Buffalo. Kruger National Park even today offers mesmerising natural views and Wildlife safaris to backpackers, those who truly want to enjoy natural beauties.
Where is Kruger National Park?
Kruger National Park is the largest national park in South Africa, located in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, west of the Lebombo mountains on the Mozambique border, South Africa.
Kruger National Park Safari
1. Self-drive Safaris
One of the best ways to experience the Kruger National Park is with your own vehicle. It allows us to take a vehicle and gives us freedom to plan for our own interest. Here visitors can drive the park's extensive road networks and indulge in scenic views and unique sorts of wildfires.
2. Walking Safaris
Usually walking safari is done with one of the experienced guides most sought after in Africa. Walking safari allows us to explore the beauty of nature and wildlife’s in a close up. This sort of safaris includes 4 days packages with 1 night at safari lodge and 2 nights at a classic tented camp. Its bush walk makes this a unique national park experience and with more immersive experiences.
3. Game Drivers
Another fantastic way to experience Kruger Park is Game drivers. It is led by the much experienced rangers which normally do it in open safari vehicles. It offers 360 degree angle views of the wildlife and scenic eco systems. More visitors willing to do safari through game drivers. Just because it is more popular and more convenient to them. Options include full day or half day tours either can be booked or shared privately.
4. Overnight Safari
Such an exciting safari with bright stars in the Kruger night sky and a great range of spectacular African wildlife’s. Many lodges and campuses within the park offer packages that include accommodations, meals and safari activities. You can discover animal laze around the day and start getting active after sunset. Overnight safari starts around 17:00 and ends around 20:00. Make sure that, pick up and schedule your overnight safari bookings.
Animals in Kruger National Park
Animals under Kruger National Park are bifurcated into 5 major animals, simply called the “Big Five”. These animals are the most sighting and most popular animals to explore from safari views. Daily game drivers and walking safaris are ample opportunities to spot the beautiful wildlife and natural views. These 5 big animals also appear in South Africa’s currency.
1. Lion
Best opportunities to view Lions in their natural habitat, approximately 1,500 population available to discover. Usually male Lion is 1.2 tall and 200 kg, while the female is 130 kg. Lions are their underparts are whitish with general tawny to sandy tinge.
2. African Rhinoceros
Rhinoceros have been seen to graze right next to the Lions. It was recognised by their prehistoric features, such as horns on their forehead. Approximately 5,000 rhinoceros are there in the national park, in both white and black color. It mostly occurs in woodlands between the Sabie and Crocodile rivers.
3. African Elephants
With 12,000 populations, African Elephants are considered as the largest land mammals on the earth. Approximately 7 tonnes and reaches the height of 3.3 at the shoulders. These Elephants may live up to 70 years, available in all across the African continent.
4. Leopard
Leopard is the second largest big cat in Africa. Usually they have black spots arranged in rosettes, contrasted on a yellow golden background. They have single black spots on their limbs and heads. Leopards are around in Kruger national park with a population of 1,000. Its body length is 1.6 to 2.1m and the tail is 0.68 to 1.1 m.
5. African Buffalos
African Buffalo contributes its 2,500 population to the National park. They are large and powerful bovine, Buffalo reaches heights of 1.5 m and a mass of 750 kg. Its intrinsic features are a heavy boss and upward curved horns. Their herds can impact ecological impact on the veld and convert long grassland into short grassy environments.
Apart from Big 5, you can also spot other animals like Antelope species like kudu, impala and nyala. Hippos, and crocodiles and smaller mammals like hyenas, wild dogs and meerkats. Despite that, the park witnessed more than 500 unique sorts of bird species.
Kruger National Park Weather
Most versatile weather condition you can see in Kruger National Park. The Kruger Park has a hot and sub-tropical climate region and most of the year hot during the day time. It could be depends several factors,
1. Summer
Summer starts from November to March. Usually summer here in Kruger is more hot and humid in nature, with the temperatures of 32℃ +. However due to too much humid conditions you can expect rain especially afternoon thunderstorms.
2. Winter
From May to August, winter starts in Kruger national park. Winter includes dry and cooler weather with daytime temperatures averaging around 21℃. It slightly drops at night time and sometimes to as low as 10℃.
Best Time to Visit
Kruger National Park is a year round destination, each season trying to bring something more from its own charm and vibe.
1. Summer
Summer is the rainy season, which fills rivers and waterholes everywhere resulting in the bushveld looking lush. So, during summer it is difficult to locate and observe wildlife’s. However, it is not ok to go on safari during summer.
End of the November and early December place witnessing new-borns and spotting wildfires. During this time there are more numbers of migrant birds arriving. We insist to use A/C vehicles and Accommodations to you.
2. Winter
Perfect time to spot African wildlife’s in a national park is the dry winter season. It allows better visibility, low grass or lush greeneries, and more animals migrate towards the water pools.
During your safari you will see more numbers of animals when they drink water in holes, dams and river sides, especially in the morning and evening. The day temperatures in winter are pleasant but nights are quite chill.
Ticket or Entrance Fees
1. South African Citizens and Residents - (Above 12 years of age) - R128.
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(Below 12 years of age) - R64.
2. SADC Nationals - (Above 12 years of age) - R257.
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(Below 12 years of age) - R128.
3. International (Non-African Citizens) - - (Above 12 years of age) -
R535.
- (Below 12 years of age) - R267.
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