Question 1

Why should I visit Kruger National Park?

Accepted Answer

Kruger National Park is one of the most iconic and diverse wildlife parks in the world. Kruger’s great strength lies in its accessibility and diversity of landscapes; the main roads are excellently surfaced and therefore  easy to drive with a standard car (2WD)  to navigate. The park also offers maximum flexibility: you can choose to go on an adventure completely independently ( self-drive ) or head out with an experienced guide. There is also something for everyone when it comes to accommodation, thanks to the wide variety of options, from basic campsites and small bushveld camps to large rest camps with shops and restaurants. The park also borders the  Greater Kruger . This is a collection of exclusive private safari reserves (such as Sabi Sands, Timbavati and the beautiful  Balule Nature Reserve , home to the intimate Nyala lodges and the small-scale  Nambu Camp  ) that are unfenced and connected to the official Kruger Park. These corridors allow the wildlife to move freely back and forth. In Greater Kruger, you often enjoy considerably more peace and quiet, luxury and an intimate atmosphere, as day visitors are not permitted and experienced rangers can take you off the roads in open 4x4 vehicles ( off-roading ) to experience the wildlife at even closer quarters.

Question 2

What is the difference between the south, centre, north and Greater Kruger?

Accepted Answer

The wider area has very clear differences in landscape, atmosphere and safari experience: Greater Kruger (such as Balule Nature Reserve):  Characterised by dense, intimate bush, exclusive lodges and small-scale private concessions. This is the domain of guided game drives in open vehicles, where you leave the tracks for a truly exclusive safari experience without other tourists.   The south of the official park (around Skukuza, Lower Sabie & Berg-en-Dal):  Easy to reach and with a very high density of wildlife. This area is fantastic for a first introduction or shorter stay as a self-driver, but the roads are also considerably busier. Around Skukuza there are several commercial businesses (a brewery, coffee shops, restaurants etc.), which can be enjoyable but also make the area busier.  The centre of the official park (around Satara):  Characterised by open grasslands. This is Kruger’s absolute lion and cheetah territory. The north & The far north of the official park (Shingwedzi & Pafuri):  Long distances, wilder and more tropical landscapes and far fewer tourists. A favourite among experienced safari-goers and birdwatchers, where you can still enjoy game drives in complete peace and solitude.

Question 3

What is the best time to travel for a safari in Kruger National Park, and when should I book?

Accepted Answer

The absolute best period is the dry winter, from  May through to September . Daytime temperatures are wonderfully mild (around 25 degrees) and the nights are cool. As the vegetation becomes sparse during these months and water sources dry up, wildlife gathers in large numbers around the remaining waterholes and rivers. Do bear in mind that these dry winter months are the most popular time to travel. Availability in the park’s rest camps and the small-scale lodges in Greater Kruger is  scarce during this peak season. To ensure that you stay in the most beautiful locations, we recommend booking your accommodation  well in advance.

Question 4

What are your personal favourite routes and areas in Kruger?

Accepted Answer

We are huge fans of the central and northern parts ourselves because of their tranquillity. Around  Satara  we love driving the famous S100 route towards Sweni Hide at sunrise, when the sunlight turns the plains golden. Further north, just above Shingwedzi, the S56 along the Mphongolo River is an absolute favourite. The enormous trees lining the dry riverbed and the filtered morning light give this route an almost mystical atmosphere. In Greater Kruger, we found Nyala and Nambu camp both particularly lovely places to stay. And because Ronald is a birder, we prefer the northern and central parts. The south of Kruger is busier, so we never stay there for very long, but the chances of wildlife sightings are very high. So it also depends on what you are looking for.

Question 5

What is it like around sightings in Kruger when it comes to crowds?

Accepted Answer

Because the southern part around Skukuza and Lower Sabie is so easily accessible, popular sightings (such as unique predators) unfortunately quickly attract a great many safari vehicles. If you prefer the real, peaceful bush experience, where you can go for long periods without seeing almost anyone, we generally design your route through the central and northern parts of the park or opt for a stay in the  Balule Nature Reserve  within Greater Kruger. Here, you sometimes have to search a little harder for wildlife, but the reward of an exclusive sighting is many times greater.

Question 6

What is Crooks’ Corner and why is the far north so special?

Accepted Answer

Crooks’ Corner  lies in the far north of the park and is a historic tripoint where South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique literally meet. This Pafuri area feels wild, tropical and undiscovered. In addition, this particular stretch of wilderness is known as one of the most important and spectacular birding areas in all of South Africa, making it an absolute dream destination for birders.