Kruger National Park Safari Guide 2025 - Wildlife, Lodges, Best Time

Kruger National Park is South Africa's flagship wildlife reserve and one of the most accessible Big Five destinations in Africa. Spanning nearly 2 million hectares along the Mozambique border, it's home to an astounding variety of wildlife including over 150 mammals and 500 bird species. What sets Kruger apart is the freedom to self-drive at affordable prices, excellent infrastructure with rest camps and paved roads, and the option to pair it with nearby private reserves for a complete safari experience. Whether camping under the stars or staying in a luxury lodge, Kruger delivers authentic African safari adventures.

Wildlife in Kruger National Park

Big Five Status

lion

High

leopard

Moderate

elephant

Very High

buffalo

Very High

rhino

High

Wildlife Highlights

Wild Dog

One of Africa's best places to see wild dogs

Cheetah

Present but not common

Hippo

Abundant in rivers

Giraffe

Very common throughout

517+ bird species including Saddle-billed stork, Martial eagle, Ground hornbill, Bateleur.

Best Time to Visit Kruger National Park

Kruger can be visited year-round. Dry season (May-October) offers best wildlife viewing as animals gather at water sources.

dry_season Season

May, June, July, August, September

Weather:

Dry, cool to warm days, cold nights

Crowds:

Moderate to High

Prices:

Peak

Wildlife:

Excellent - animals concentrate at waterholes

wet_season Season

November, December, January, February, March

Weather:

Hot, afternoon thunderstorms

Crowds:

Moderate

Prices:

Moderate

Wildlife:

Good - newborn animals, migrant birds, lush scenery

shoulder Season

April, October

Weather:

Pleasant transitions

Crowds:

Low

Prices:

Moderate

Wildlife:

Good

Getting to Kruger National Park

By Air

Recommended

By Road

Entry Gates

Phalaborwa Gate

Northern entrance

Orpen Gate

Central entrance

Paul Kruger Gate

Kruger National Park Entry Fees (2025)

Category	Fee (ZAR)
Adult (Non-resident)	$460/day
Child (Non-resident)	$230/day

• Fees are per day
• Children 2-11 get reduced rate
• Wild Card annual pass offers excellent value for multiple visits
• Vehicle entry included in conservation fee

Activities in Kruger National Park

Included Activities

Self-Drive Safari

Explore at your own pace on 2,500km of roads

Picnic Sites

Stop at designated spots with facilities

Optional Extras

Guided Game Drive

$25-$50

Morning or sunset drives with experienced guides

Night Drive

$25-$50

Spotlight safari to see nocturnal animals

Bush Walk

$50-$80

Guided walking safari (2-3 hours)

Wilderness Trail

$400-$600

Multi-day walking safari

Where to Stay

Kruger has excellent accommodation ranging from camping to rest camps to private lodges. SANParks rest camps offer affordable self-catering or restaurant options.

luxury private

$500-$2000/night

Includes: All meals, drinks, twice-daily game drives

Examples: Singita Lebombo, Royal Malewane, Londolozi

rest camps

$80-$250/night

Includes: Self-catering with shops and restaurants available

Examples: Skukuza, Lower Sabie, Satara, Olifants

camping

$25-$50/night

Includes: Communal facilities, braai stands

Examples: Camp sites at rest camps, Bushveld camps

View all lodges in Kruger National Park

Practical Tips

1Book rest camps well in advance (6-12 months for peak season)
2Self-drive is safe and rewarding - follow park rules
3Start early - gates open at sunrise, first hour is best
4Carry binoculars and a good camera
5Stick to speed limits - animals cross roads
6Malaria precautions needed
7Consider combining with a private reserve for walking safaris