Howard Hillman's candid Kruger Safari Guide

Kruger

candid tips on the world's #3 safari destination

Why the
Kruger National Park
is special

tips & insights

How the four

regions differ

Southern

This is the most tourist-crowded area. And vegetation is generally dense, reducing wildlife viewing. However, there are good cheetah and white rhino sightings in the more open areas.

Central

Its large portion of grassy plains makes it superior to the Southern and Northern areas in seeing grazing animals and therefore lions and other predators.

Northern

This is the least tourist-crowded area. Its upper part is hot, arid and remote. The lower part is good for elephant watching.

Private reserves

They have a much higher concentration of the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) than exists in the other three regions. They also have most of the luxury lodges. Click the "Luxury lodges & camps" button for details.

When to go

Your decision will be mainly based on your priorities.

Wet season
In summer, it can be hot, humid and rainy. But rains are normally short. And the vegetation is greener, days are longer, and birding is at its best.

Dry season
In winter, nights are cold. However, days are warm. And with less foliage, more sunny days, and busier water holes, it's easier to see and photograph the wildlife. Moreover, reservations (except during holiday periods) are easier to obtain - and rates are typically lower).

More Kruger
tips & insights

Non-luxury accommodations

Many exist, from no-frill camping sites

to comfortable lodges, satisfying all budgets and preferences. They are fenced in to keep dangerous animals out.

Driving

You can drive your car inside Kruger, but be aware you must stay on the tar and gravel roads. Off-road driving is prohibited. So is getting out of your vehicle except in designated safe areas.

Speed limits

It's 50 kph (30 mph) on tar roads, 40 kph (25 mph) on gravel ones - and they are strictly enforced for the sake of the wild animals that dart across the roads.

Traffic

Kruger is visited by nearly a million people per year. Most are South Africans who drive up with their families for long-weekend getaways. During school-holiday weekends, traffic jams occur on some main park roads.

Organized tours

Complete packages are available. Or, once you are in the park, you can book several-hour game drives. Those drives typically use converted trucks with large-seating capacities (it won't be an intimate experience, but at least they are topless, which enhances your view).

More helpful
Kruger safari pages

Learn what it's like
on a luxury Kruger safari

Click this button for my 11-page luxury safari section.

View my South African

food & wine pages