When you think of the best safari destinations, the Kruger National Park in South Africa is one of the places that people automatically think of. It is located in the northeast corner of South Africa, straddling the Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces. Kruger covers an area the size of Israel and offers a wildlife experience that is considered one of the best in Africa.
Kruger National Park was established in 1898 to help protect the wildlife that live in the Lowveld. The variety and diversity of species found here is impressive with more than 330 types of trees, 500 species of birds, and nearly 150 animals.
The closest airport to Kruger will depend on the area of the National Park you wish to visit. Hoedspruit Airport serves the north of the park, while Kruger / Mpumalanga International Airport serves the south. Both airports have good internal connections from Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.
There are several options for Kruger visitors. Day trips are available from nearby cities like Hazyview. Visitors without a driver are also welcome, but there is a restriction on the number of visitors, which means that it is advisable to book in advance.
There are 9 entrance gates to Kruger and sufficient travel time should be allowed as the entrance gate and the gates to the rest camp are closed at night. Entry into the park will not be allowed after dark and there are several other park rules that visitors must adhere to. Late arrivals to rest fields within Kruger may be subject to a fine.
There are several campgrounds and facilities within Kruger including rest camps, savanna camps, overnight shelters, lodges, and luxury lodges. There is a lot to see in Kruger, including the big five (buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, and rhino) and the iconic Baobab tree.
For those looking for the perfect safari, the Kruger National Park in South Africa should be top of the list.