Kruger National Park

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Kruger National Park Overview

Reasons to Visit Kruger National Park

*Teeming with a breathtaking diversity of wildlife *Birdlife is phenomenal *Excellent choice of lodges and rest camps for all budgets *Very accessible and easily integrated with the panorama route *Excellent self drive facilities for 2wd and higher *Wide open landscapes

Kruger National Park Wildlife

Kruger Park has an amazing variety of wildlife with all big safari animals present. All the big cats are found and lions, in particular, are frequently seen in the south of the park. White rhinos are under threat from a dramatic increase in poaching in recent years, but you still have a reasonable chance of spotting one. Buffalo and elephant are easily seen throughout.

Black Rhino
Rare
Buffalo
Common
Cheetah
Rare
Elephant
Common
Giraffe
Common
Hippo
Common
Hyena
Common
Leopard
Rare
Lion
Occasional
Rhino
Occasional
Wild Dog
Rare
Wildebeest
Common
Zebra
Abundant

Wildlife Highlights

Graceful antelope are a highlight of Kruger. Impala, greater kudu, and waterbuck are common. Two secretive species to look out for are steenbok and common duiker. Kruger supports the world’s largest population of white rhinos, estimated at 8,000, despite a recent increase in poaching. Black rhinos are rarer and seldom seen. The endangered wild dog lives in large groups that range far and wide, although it is rarely spotted.

Best Time to Visit Kruger National Park

Best Time to Visit

Best Weather

Worst Weather

The best time to visit Kruger National Park is during the dry winter months from May to September. At this time, the bush thins out, and animals congregate around waterholes and rivers. Conditions tend to get better as winter progresses, and September is particularly lovely since the mornings are less chilly than in mid-winter. The best wildlife viewing time also coincides with the low season, making it even more attractive.

Low Season

April-June, September-November;Except for the October school holiday

High Season

December-January, July-August;Especially during school holidays

Kruger National Park Weather and Climate

Kruger experiences winter and summer at opposite times to Europe and North America. The wet summer months (October to April) are hot and often humid. Dry winters (May to September) are warm and mild although it cools off considerably at night. It is advisable to take warm clothing for early morning and evening game drives.

How to get to Kruger National Park

Most visitors to Kruger fly into O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) near Johannesburg. From here a connecting flight goes to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP), which lies 40km/25mi from southern Kruger’s Numbi Gate. Alternatively, fly to Hoedspruit (for the central and northern sections) or Phalaborwa (for the northern section).