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 provinces of Mpumalanga and Limpopo. Kruger covers an area the size of Israel and offers a wildlife experience that is considered one of the best in Africa.
The Kruger National Park was established in 1898 to help protect the wildlife that lives 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 almost 150 animals.
The closest airport to Kruger will depend on which part of the National Park you want 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 visitors to Kruger. Day trips are available from nearby towns like Hazyview. Visitors without drivers 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 gates into Kruger and enough travel time should be allowed as the gate and rest gates are locked at night. Entry to the park will not be permitted after dark and there are several other park rules that visitors must abide by. Late arrivals at rest camps within Kruger may be subject to a fine.
There are various camps and facilities within Kruger, including rest camps, bushveld camps, overnight hideouts, jungle lodges and luxury lodges. There is much 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 at the top of the list.