If you’re looking to experience the majesty of Africa’s wildlife and its rich history in a stunning woodland savannah location, then Kruger National Park – the flagship of South African Safaris – is the travel destination for you!

Kruger National Park is an astonishing and world-renowned area in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga regions of South Africa. The park covers an immense area of almost 2 million hectares and is one of the greatest places on earth to witness Africa’s unrivalled array of large and majestic animals, along with its natural beauty and history. Safaris are the best way to enjoy Kruger National Park, giving you the opportunity to explore this wonderful region with the assistance of an expert guide.

The amazing region was first proclaimed a game reserve in 1898, when restricted hunting rules were introduced by Paul Kruger. Following this – in 1926 – the Kruger National Park was officially instated. The park is considered the flagship of South African National Parks and is where you will be most likely to see the famed ‘big 5’ African animals, the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. This term was initially used to represent the 5 most difficult animals to hunt in Africa, but thankfully now stands for the 5 most exciting animals for tourists to view.

Elephants South Africa

As well as the big 5 mammals, animals such as giraffes, cheetahs and hippos are just a few of the 147 mammals roaming the incredible woodland savannah region where Kruger National Park is set. The area is also home to an incredible 507 different bird species’, along with 336 trees, 114 reptiles, 49 fish and 34 amphibians! With this massive variety of animals on display in large numbers, it is no wonder that the park is considered South Africa’s primary Safari location.

A safari at Kruger National Park will be a truly memorable experience, giving you the chance to see the world’s most amazing animals in the natural savannah setting which they have inhabited for thousands of years. Safaris typically include a guided tour in an open-sided vehicle, where an elevated position will allow you the best possible view of the wildlife. An expert guide on these tours will allow you to take note of the most important sites, as well as knowing where you are likely to see the animals.Kruger park safari

As well as being an amazing place to witness wildlife, Kruger National Park is at the forefront of the conservation world, with scientists and conservationists often assembling in the region to discuss conservation and ecological issues, as well as research and crime-prevention in the area and worldwide. Vulnerable animals in the park – such as rhinos – are protected by park rangers, as see the best wildlife! There are designated picnic spots around the park, as well as other visitor get out points and places to cook your own food, with pots and pans provided. Because of the age of the park, the infrastructure of roads and transport is well-established around Kruger, meaning that travelling to many of the best locations is a realistic aim.

Lions in Kruger

As well as helicopter patrols. Unmanned aerial vehicles are amongst new technologies that are being tested to protect rhinos from poaching in the area. South Africa is currently home to 21,000 white and black rhinoceros’, 93 per cent of the world’s population. The vast majority of these wonderful animals live in the Kruger National Park. A sight of these majestic but vulnerable African animals can be a highlight of a safari in Africa, and their protection is a massive priority to conservationists.

Human history in Kruger National Park is also celebrated and preserved, with a series of cultural heritage sites protected in the area for tourists to view. There is strong evidence that prehistoric people walked the region hundreds of thousands of years ago, as well as more than 300 relics of Stone Age man having been discovered in the park. There is also proof of Iron Age people settling in the area, and rock art made by the San (or Bushmen) people has also been preserved. Finally, large archaeological ruins can be explored in the areas of Thulamela and Masorini, which are available through any one of the 8 gates into the park.

Hippos on safari

The best time to visit Kruger is in the dry winter season between May and September, it is not as humid as it is in summer time and there is virtually no rainfall in this period. The dry season is also a great time to see wildlife, due to the fact that animals have to gather together at permanent water sources, which can be ideal spots for tourists to see Africa’s most majestic congregations. In addition, the vegetation in Kruger is far less thick and opaque in winter, so you’re far more likely to see the big 5 mammals. If you’re visiting between June and August, bring warm clothes, as it can be chilly in the mornings when in an open-sided vehicle.

Kruger safari holidays

It’s not just the wildlife, history and natural beauty that makes a safari in Kruger National Park an incredible experience, it’s the mystery of jumping into an open sided vehicle and adventuring into one of the most untamed and naturally astonishing regions in the world; not knowing whether you will be confronted by a lion, an elephant or any number of incredible giants around every corner! So if you’re looking to challenge yourself and get back to nature with something really exciting and different this year, there are few better holiday ideas than a trip to Kruger National Park.
 

GETTING THERE

See the big 5 in South Africa

Choose from one of our popular Escorted Tours of South Africa and Kruger National Park which include all flights, accommodation, transfers, entry fees, English speaking guide and full ABTA and ATOL protection

Best of South Africa 13 days from £1545pp VIEW TOUR