Kruger National Park safaris
Introduction
Kruger National Park is the standard-bearer for conservation in Africa. Its nearly 20,000 square kilometres of pristine bushveld and open savannah is home to myriad species of bird, reptiles and mammals, including all of the Big Five.
Wildlife is free to roam between the national park itself and the private reserves that flank its unfenced western borders. With evocative names such as Ngala, Timbavati, Thornybush and Sabi Sands, these reserves offer the very best in luxury accommodation, where privileged guests pair classic safari activities with everything from gourmet wilderness dining to spa treatments and private plunge pool soaks. It’s also possible to combine a Kruger safari with a journey along the Panorama Route. Carving through the heart of Mpumalanga Province, it’s a region of thundering waterfalls, majestic mountains, deep gorges and endless escarpments. There’s also the Waterberg district of Limpopo to explore, where ancient mountains and rolling savannah hide a wealth of primitive rock art and significant archaeological sites.
Kruger National Park
The Kruger National Park is split into two sections. Those that make the effort to reach the remote north are richly rewarded with vast open terrain that affords some spectacular game viewing. The busier south, meanwhile, can be easily navigated by car, has the best-equipped rest camps and a rich variety of habitats that still offer some of the continent’s most memorable wildlife encounters.
Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Arguably South Africa’s most famous reserve, Sabi Sands offers unparalleled game viewing, with the chance to see the iconic Big Five along with an abundance of game and over 300 species of bird. It’s also home to some of the region’s most luxurious lodges, including Lion Sands and the outstanding Dulini Collection.
Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
The white lions of Timbavati have been the subject of several books since they were first discovered here in the mid-1970s. Now, they’re the reserve’s number one attraction, sharing Timbavati’s savannahs and riverine glades with everything from the Big Five to some 24 species of amphibians.
Thornybush Game Reserve
Leading the way in conservation and hospitality, the 11,000- hectare Thornybush Game Reserve is a pristine wilderness home to no less than ten luxury lodges. A region of stunning natural beauty, it’s a place characterised by classic bushveld landscapes and open savannah home to huge wandering herds and the country’s most iconic species.
Top itineraries in Kruger National Park
Follow in the tracks of kings and presidents with a trip aboard the stunning Blue Train, its 19th-century luxuries linking the beach-clad joys of Cape Town with an all-inclusive Big Five safari. Return from expert-led game drives in a private reserve to four poster beds and gourmet meals.
Take in all of South Africa’s premier destinations. You’ll start with one of the world’s greatest road trips, linking Cape Town with stays in luxury hotels and a visit to the Winelands, before ending with an all-inclusive Big Five safari on a private reserve in Kruger.
Top places to stay in Kruger National Park
The luxurious safari lodge, Dulini River lodge is located in the western sector of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve under a leafy evergreen thicket, ebony trees and upon the banks of the seasonal Sand River.
Boasting a true and authentic feeling of African history, Kirkman's Kamp is located high on a ridge, offering incredible views that span across the Kamp.
Where to go in Kruger National Park
The Panorama Route runs through Mpumalanga Province past a range of cascading waterfalls, majestic mountains, deep gorges and host of other natural wonders.
The Kruger game reserves offer some of South Africa's most prestigious game viewing, with a host of luxury lodges and plenty of free roaming wildlife - especially Big Five. Ngala Private Game Reserve was the first private reserve to be integrated in the Kruger National Park and Sabi Sand Game Reser…
When to go to Kruger National Park
- 40
- 30
- 20
- 10
- 0
- 120
- 90
- 60
- 30
- 0
Kruger National Park is a year-round destination, with each season bringing its own rewards. Game viewing is generally at its best during the dry winter months when the bushveld is open, and wildlife migrates towards the remaining waterholes. The early summer (November to December) brings newborn wildlife to the Kruger, along with heavy rains that fill the rivers and waterholes. While this can make it more difficult to spot land-based wildlife, it’s an excellent time for birding as the summer migrant birds arrive.
Meet our Kruger National Park experts
Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0797
Meet the team
