Kruger National Park FAQ's

When is the best time to travel to Kruger?

The Kruger National Park in South Africa is a great year round destination. There is however a best time for game viewing, which is the dry season that runs between June and October. At this time animals mostly gather around waterholes allowing for easy and laid back game viewing.

The peak season for Kruger safaris is actually between November and February; this is due to the popularity of combining a Kruger safari with a Cape Town beach holiday, which is at its best weather behaviour around this time.

Does Kruger have all of the big five?

Yes. Lions, leopards, buffalo, elephant and rhino can be found all over South Africa's Kruger Park.

Can I go hot air ballooning over the Kruger?

Hot air ballooning is impossible to do from most Kruger Park lodges. The problem is that Kruger Park gates do not open early enough in the morning to allow people staying in the Kruger to get out to the ballooning departure point on time.

If you have your heart set on a balloon safari in South Africa, you would be best off spending a night just outside of the Kruger Park (Hazyview is a good option).

There are one or two private Kruger lodges that can arrange hot air ballooning, thanks to their access to private entry and exit gates. We recommend staying at Chapungu Luxury Tented Camp in the Thornybush Reserve.

How do we get to the Kruger National Park?

There are a range of transport options into Kruger, depending on the time and budget available to you. There are charter flights straight from Johannesburg to the airstrips at various private lodges, which take approximately 1.5 hours (depending on which part of the park you are going to).

You can also get a scheduled flight from Johannesburg or Cape Town into one of the two smaller airports very close to Kruger, followed by either a charter flight or a road transfer to the lodge where you are staying.

Alternatively one can also drive from Johannesburg to the Kruger National Park, stopping over at various small towns along the way. The drive from Johannesburg to the closest point of Kruger Park takes approximately 6 hours.

What can I expect to pay for accommodation in the Kruger and what does this cost include?

Lodge accommodation varies anything from about R1500 per person per night for standard lodge accommodation, up to R8000 per person per night for luxury accommodation. This cost usually includes all of your meals, snacks, teas, coffees and park fees, as well as all of your guided game drives on open top Land Rovers. At certain lodges, guided walks and all local beverages are also included.

Can I bring my children to the Kruger Park in South Africa?

Yes! There are several extremely child-friendly lodges. However, for safety reasons, even the child-friendly lodges do not allow children under the age of 6 to go on any game drives. If you're going to be staying in the national park and conducting your own game drives, then you can safely bring kids of any age along for the ride.

How long should I go on safari for in South Africa's Kruger Park?

Ideally, no less than 3 nights, and no more than 7 nights. If you are going to stay for more than 4 nights, it is recommended to split your stay between 2 different lodges to add a little variety to your trip.

Is malaria a risk in the Kruger Park?

Yes. You will need to consult your doctor about anti-malaria medication.

What is the difference between the private and public reserves in Kruger?

In a nutshell, the private reserves are large concessions of land with fewer lodges inside and less people visiting them at a time. They are home to private lodges which are more luxurious and more expensive than the accommodation in the public reserves.

The lodges on the private Kruger reserves generally include all meals and guided game drives in the cost, and on these reserves, the rangers are often (though not always) allowed to go off the road to follow large animals.

In the public sections of the park, accommodation is cheaper, more basic and usually of a self-catering nature. Kruger rest camps are a great option for self drivers who are on a budget.

Unlike the private Kruger reserves, all areas within the Kruger Park boundary are subject to strict park laws. Driving in the park's public areas is only allowed on the network of tarred and dirt roads. Under no circumstances may you drive off-road (no matter how intriguing the animal sighting).

Game drives in public areas can be much busier than in private areas. An animal sighting in a public area could lead to anywhere from one to ten vehicles excitedly converging on the same spot. private reserves, guests enjoy game drives that are carefully organised to make sure you enjoy the wilderness with minimal vehicle interference.

Read more about the Kruger Park proper, private reserves and private concessions.

Is there electricity at the safari lodges in South Africa's Kruger Park?

This depends on where you are staying, but most Kruger lodges do have electricity. Those which do not have electricity usually have a generator or an alternative power source. Charging your camera will never be a hassle.

What is the standard tipping procedure on a South Africa safari?

Tipping is entirely at your discretion but we recommend the following guide:

• Transfers - US$2 per person
• Restaurants - 10% for good service, up to 15% for exceptional service
• Game Lodge Staff - US$25 per stay
• Rangers/ trackers - US$10 per person per day

Will my guide carry a gun or rifle with us on Kruger bush walks and game drives?

At most lodges in the Kruger Park, rangers carry rifles with them. However, these are virtually never needed nor used because the guides are exceptionally knowledgeable of the bush and do not require weapons to ensure your safety in the wild.

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