Experience the best African safari in the Kruger National Park!
The Kruger is one of South Africa’s most iconic parks. In my opinion, probably the easiest access, most budget-friendly safari option with the widest variety of wildlife you will find in one region.
If you want to experience a genuinely undisputed South Africa vacation then a Kruger Safari should be on your list of destinations and here is why:
Diverse Wildlife and Fauna
There are all sorts of incredible things to see, and those lucky enough will see everything they hoped for in the first day or two. But that would be lucky, so we suggest spending a minimum of 3 nights on a private safari.
Kruger is also home to the “Big Five” – comparing of the lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and African buffalo. These five large African animals are known for their size and possible jeopardy. It is also the reason thousands of travellers come to visit annually, leaving them in awe of what Mother Nature has to offer.
From arid semi-desert to thickly wooded areas with flowering trees, it’s a mixed bag of remarkable nature at its best. The region comprises of peaceful savannas, grassland and riverine with a variety of wildlife, birdlife and plants.
Over 140 species of mammals the likes of 1600 plus lions roaming the bush, 13000 elephants, thousands of buffalo grazing and crocodiles bathing in the sun on the riverbanks are found here. The private game drives are never the same, and each drive takes you on a unique journey.
It is the biggest
Kruger is South Africa’s largest game reserve and roughly the same size as Wales in England. Covering an area of over 20 000 square kilometres, here you will find a massive diversity of mammals and reptiles.
The utter size is almost beyond recognition. With nearly two million hectares of the unspoiled African bushveld, and a multitude of safari camps, guest lodges and resorts scattering the area, you won’t be left wanting. It’s humbling yet refreshing to stand on a lookout point and know that no matter in which direction you look, it’s wild, untamed, unpredictable African bush.
Ease of access
Easy to get to and around the Kruger. Whether hitting the road by car rental, prebooked transfers or by flying to the nearest airports the likes of Hoedspruit, Skukuza and Nelspruit making air travel with kids a glide.
Road access from Johannesburg via well signposted good quality highways and well-located entry gates, where on arrival, identification, overnight bookings are to be shown and vehicles checked—conveniently located within driving distance of major cities, such as Nelspruit and Johannesburg.
Affordable
A Kruger safari for me is one of the few getaways which is affordable in the sense of African safari. A luxury holiday will fit into most budgets as there are many different safari options available within the park. Be sure that you plan correctly and select the safari experience that is best suited to your budget and what you would like to experience.
For those who want to travel in 2021, it will be the best time to travel, as many tour operators, hotels, and providers are offering competitive pricing and incentives for people ready to travel soon — current exchange rates are in favour for international travellers as well.
Accommodation
You have not done a proper holiday in Africa if you have not yet experienced an authentic South African safari in a private capacity. Here, I could honestly say any lodge in the private reserves will be more luxurious than the accommodation offered in the park itself.
Quite a few other tented camps do offer more rustic surroundings, but still offering a luxury stay with personal and friendly levels, of service. It is an experience staying at one of these beautifully decorated classic safari styled accommodations.
A worthy mention would be Extraordinary’s Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge, located in a 10 000 hectare private concession in the west of the Kruger National Park, bordering the northern Sabi Sands and Manyeleti Game Reserves.
Here you will stay in traditional Tsonga rondavels with slashes of African designs offering a celebration of warmth. Get up close and personal with a boma open fire experience whilst watching the rhythms of Shangaan entertaining you.
As the countries most loved, there is a reason why the Kruger consistently ranks amongst Africa’s most valuable reserves.
Flights between Hoedspruit and Johannesburg, Cape Town