Experience Kruger National Park
Established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the South African Lowveld, Kruger National Park is a flagship of South African National Parks (SANParks). It stretches 350 kilometers from north to south along the Mozambique border, featuring a diverse landscape of mopane woodlands, thornveld, and open savannah. Kruger is unique for its accessibility, supporting everything from luxury private concessions to self-drive camping adventures. It forms the core of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, a peace park that links Kruger with parks in Zimbabwe and Mozambique, allowing animals to follow ancient migration routes across international borders.
Explore on Map
Popular Safaris in Kruger National Park
Where to Stay
5
Iconic Highlights
1
The Big Five: Exceptional sightings of Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino, and Buffalo across varied ecosystems.
2
Self-Drive Freedom: An extensive network of well-maintained paved and gravel roads allows for independent exploration.
3
Walking Safaris: Multi-day wilderness trails led by armed rangers for a deep-immersion bush experience.
4
Thulamela Heritage Site: An ancient stone-walled kingdom in the northern region dating back to the 15th century.
Wildlife & Nature
Lion
Elephant
Leopard
Rhino
Buffalo
Cheetah
Giraffe
Zebra
Wildebeest
Hippo
Wild Dogs
Photo Gallery
Climate & When to Visit
Best Time to Visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Monthly Averages
| Month | Temp High | Temp Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 28°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Aug | 25°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Dec | 32°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Feb | 31°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Jan | 32°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Jul | 23°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Jun | 24°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Mar | 30°C | --°C | -- mm |
| May | 26°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Nov | 31°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Oct | 30°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Sep | 28°C | --°C | -- mm |
Travel Requirements
Entry: Valid passport and South Africa entry visa (where applicable).
Health: Kruger is located in a malaria risk area; prophylaxis is strongly recommended, especially during the wet season.
Conservation Fees: A daily conservation fee is required for all visitors (higher for international tourists).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive my own car in Kruger?
Yes, Kruger is famous for being one of the best self-drive safari destinations in the world with clearly marked roads.
Which gate should I use?
This depends on your destination. Skukuza (Paul Kruger Gate) is the most popular, while Phalaborwa is best for the central region and Punda Maria for the remote north.
Is the park fenced?
The outer boundary of the park is fenced for community safety and disease control, but most internal fences between Kruger and adjacent private reserves (like Sabi Sands) have been removed.
Do I need a 4x4?
No, most of the main roads are tarred, and even the gravel roads are usually well-maintained and accessible by standard 2WD vehicles.