Best things to do in Kruger National Park
Find out more about those top places in Kruger National Park
The Kruger National Park is quintessential South Africa. Located deep in the bush and far away from the metropolitan buzz of the country’s big cities, the national park is a timeless wilderness home to all of Africa’s iconic safari species – lions, elephants, leopards, cheetah, rhino, buffalo, zebra, hippo and giraffe. Despite its remoteness, Kruger National Park is also one of Africa’s most accessible with paved roads running throughout its entirety allowing visitors to rent their cars and explore the wilderness independently. However, if coming face to face with a lion on your own sounds a little too adventurous, national park rangers run organized tours through the wilderness that take you to some parks hidden gems and include stays at rustic bush hotels.
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Kruger National Park Safari
As South Africa’s largest and most historic game reserve, as well as being one of the world’s most famous national parks, Kruger is unsurprisingly home to the country’s most spectacular array of wildlife. Alongside all of Africa’s iconic safari species – elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, cheetah, giraffe, hippo and zebra – the park boasts nearly another 200 species of mammals alongside a plethora of colorful birdlife. As the sheer scale of Kruger can be overwhelming, the best way to explore its vast wildernesses is with a local guide who can reveal the park’s storied history, which dates back to prehistoric times, and lead you to the most reliable areas to spot wildlife.
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Timbavati Game Reserve
Situated on the western edge of the vast Kruger National Park, the Timbavati Game Reserve is one of South Africa’s most iconic destinations. Boasting a population of world-famous white lions, the reserve is also home to a dazzling cast of other mammals and has some of the country’s most luxurious accommodation.
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Djuma Game Reserve
Part of the larger Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Djuma is the ideal location to spot Africa’s premier safari species. Guided tours of the private reserve take you deep into the bush to spot lions, leopards, rhino and elephants during the cool morning hours before taking in the area’s bio-diverse watering holes when the heat of the day is at its peak.
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Kruger Tree House Safari
Combining the rustic yet luxurious tree top accommodation with excellent South African barbecue cuisine and breathtaking sunrise bush walks, tree house safari tours are one of the country’s most rewarding experiences. Over the course of 5 days, visitors will get to experience the very best Kruger has to offer and take in the park’s jaw-dropping diversity of big game.
