Kruger National Park & Surrounds - African Travel Services

With nearly 2 million hectares of pristine habitat, unrivalled biodiversity and renowned historical and archaeological sites, the Kruger National Park is arguably the best wildlife reserve in Africa. Whether you’re visiting Africa for the first time and a safari is on your bucket list, or you’ve already been seduced by the African bush and can’t wait to return to enjoy its addiction, Kruger National Park and the surrounding Lowveld area (The Greater Kruger) is the place for you. The Kruger and Greater Kruger are made up of 2 provinces, the Limpopo and Mpumalanga, which also border Gauteng, home to the country’s capital city Pretoria, and economic hub Johannesburg, where an abundance of international flights and highway road network make travel to the Park pretty simple.

The extensive network of tar and gravel roads covering most of the Kruger allows visitors to explore the area by either self-driving or booking a seat on one of the many private guided safari companies. If you opt to stay in an inclusive luxury lodge as opposed to a self-catering unit, the game activities will be conducted by their experienced guides, and generally take place on the 4X4 open safari vehicles, with opportunities of going ‘off road’ and the chance to experience some exciting wildlife encounters. For those looking for even more adventure, the Park also offers Wilderness trails for biking, hiking and walking, with exclusive access to some more remote areas.

The Greater Kruger lies on the boundaries of the Kruger NP, consisting mainly of private game reserves, and offering visitors some of the most luxurious accommodations and lodges that can be found in South Africa. Since the reserves are private, there is no self-driving allowed here, therefore the traffic is less and there is a real awareness of exclusivity and intimacy.

Sabi Sands, Timbavati, Klaserie, Kapama and Thornybush are just some of the popular reserves to mention, with accommodations ranging from luxurious to pure sophistication and opulence. It’s fair to say The Greater Kruger region has become a tourist mecca for its wildlife encounters and predator spotting, with Sabi Sands occupying a prime location.

Although Summer is the most popular time to visit the region, where temperatures can soar well into the 30’s, the dry winter season which is much less crowded and cooler is an excellent time for great game sightings. The vegetation is not so dense and less rainfall results in fewer watering holes being available, meaning the animals tend to congregate in concentrated areas.

Kruger really does have it all, and continues to be a popular choice with honeymooners, families, couples looking for a romantic getaway, keen golfers and basically all nature lovers.

Do keep in mind that Kruger falls within a malaria area with the risk being higher during the wet season (September to May).

Attractions

Accommodation

Kruger National Park & Surrounds Attractions

Here are some reasons to visit Kruger National Park & Surrounds

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Accommodation for every pocket

The Kruger National Park Rest Camps offer camping and caravan berths with communal facilities, as well as permanent safari tents and bungalows, most of which are well equipped, with some even having the luxury of air conditioning units. The camps also have swimming pools for their overnight visitors to use. Self-drivers (especially local South Africans) love the flexibility and affordability that comes with this type of accommodation.

Climate

Due to the Parks subtropical climate, visitors can enjoy sunshine almost all year round, with each season offering a different perk. Winter months are great for game viewing, with dry, warm sunny days, but do expect chilly mornings and evenings. Summer months bring the rain, along with hot sunny weather, vibrant bushveld and beautiful migrant birds. We did already mention the size of the Kruger Park, and the multitude of camps and safari lodges dotted across the Park and the Great Kruger area, but let us share a few of our favourite reserves and lodges, unfortunately there are far too many to write about!

Diverse game viewing options

Wilderness Walks - Walking in the Africa bush under the protection and direction of armed and knowledgeable guides is one of the most spiritual experiences imaginable. Although walking safaris are not offered at every lodge, there are several concessions within Kruger as well as private reserves on the Park’s border who offer guided bush walks. In addition, there are overnight wilderness trails for those seeking even more adventure, and all of the Park’s 12 main rest camps offer guests guided morning walks. Game Drives by day and by night – If you are self-driving and your knowledge of the Park’s wildlife and ecology is limited, you would do well to book a spot on one of the open top game drive vehicles. These operate in the morning and again late afternoon and are led by experienced guides who have outstanding spotting skills and great knowledge of a wide range of Park related subjects. Since much of the wildlife are predominantly nocturnal, night drives offer an opportunity to experience another magical world. Definitely a ‘must do’ experience when visiting the Park, but unfortunately not something self-drivers are allowed to do themselves for safety reasons.

Golfing

For golf enthusiasts, there is little more thrilling than a round of golf in the African bushveld. Top rated championship course Leopard Creek, designed by golf legend Gary Player is located on the banks of the Crocodile River, where there is ample opportunity to view animals whilst enjoying a round of golf. Skukuza Golf Course is the only course situated within the Park itself, and is awash with bird life, trees and beautiful views - this is as close to nature as one could get when playing a golf game.

Spa and Relaxation

The Kruger region is renowned for its rejuvenation appeal… partly spiritual and partly due to the atmosphere of the area. There is a huge selection of camps and lodges offering onsite wellness facilities with a wide range of treatments and spa packages to suit those looking to relax, regenerate or recharge. Unwind and succumb to pure indulgence in the tranquility and stillness of the African bushveld – it really is quite something to behold.

Unparalleled natural diversity & game viewing

The Kruger boasts the much celebrated Big 5, and is one of the best places for spotting predators, especially leopards. Other large mammals such as giraffe, cheetah, wild dog, hippo and zebra, can be found throughout the park. The possibility of discovering over 140 different mammal species, more than 550 bird species, a huge variety of reptiles, including enormous crocodiles, as well as miles of breath-taking vistas makes this a phenomenal safari destination.

Kruger National Park & Surrounds Accommodation

We did already mention the size of the Kruger Park, and the multitude of camps and safari lodges dotted across the Park and the Great Kruger area, but let us share a few of our favourite reserves and lodges, unfortunately there are far too many to write about!

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Lion Sands Game Reserve

Lion Sands shares its private concession with Sabi Sand Game Reserve and the Kruger National Park, offering 5* accommodation in 4 spectacular lodges, each with their own charm, and all with a front-row seat along the Sabie River. Be prepared to safari in style, enjoy good food, fine wines and experience game sightings like no other, this is big safari country at its best!

Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Offering some of the best safari experiences in the country, Sabi Sand Game Reserve boats an array of exceptional properties, from classic safari lodges to sophisticated chic. Elephant Plains offers comfortable and affordable luxury, overlooking a watering hole, and offering guests a personal service in a warm friendly atmosphere. Children are welcome here so it’s a great option if traveling as a family. The Dulini Collection is made up of three 5-star lodges, all with individual serene river settings and offering the sophisticated traveller a classic and personal safari experience. Their sister lodge, Savanna, also offers 5* accommodation in a colonial meets modern kind of style, where you are guaranteed exclusivity and attention to detail.

Kapama Game Reserve

Situated in Greater Kruger, and encompassing 15 000 hectares of unspoiled African bushveld, Kapama Private Game Reserve is the perfect haven for your safari getaway. There are four different lodges to choose from, each with its own personality and charm, and each with a different price tag too. Families are catered for at Kapama, and for those looking for something extra special, be sure to visit their award-winning wellness centre, an African oasis to remember.

Hamiltons Tented Camp

Set within a private concession of approximately 10 000 hectares, Hamiltons reflects a safari adventure of the early twentieth century, where grace and style were the epitome of luxury living. This lodge, with its colonial ‘out of Africa’ feel, offers guests accommodation in magnificent canvas tents, set on a raised boardwalk amongst ancient Jackalberry trees enjoying superb views of the seasonal river below. Hamiltons oozes elegance and is one of Kruger Park's Gems.

Kruger Park & Surrounds

Unrivalled biodiversity and renowned historical and archaeological sites

Kruger Park & Surrounds

Unrivalled biodiversity and renowned historical and archaeological sites

Kruger National Park & Surrounds Attractions

Here are some reasons to visit Kruger National Park & Surrounds

Accommodation for every pocket

Climate

Diverse game viewing options

Golfing

Spa and Relaxation

Unparalleled natural diversity & game viewing

Kruger National Park & Surrounds Accommodation

Lion Sands Game Reserve

Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Kapama Game Reserve

Hamiltons Tented Camp

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