A legendary safari destination

If you have ever wanted to experience a truly African wildlife safari, then the Kruger National Park is the ultimate spot.

Why the Kruger National Park you might ask? Well, the untamed and unfenced landscape is home to the largest concentration of free roaming mammals, and when compared to any other game reserve in Africa, it offers the best and most thrilling game viewing experience. With more than 2000 lions, 120 cheetahs, 11000 elephants, 900 leopards, buffalo, 350 black rhino and 7000 white rhino, your chances of spotting any of Africa’s Big Five is outstanding.

Not only is the region a sanctuary to land mammals, but it is a tree-hugger and bird watcher’s paradise. The park is made up of Africa’s nine major ecosystems, from baobab sandveld, knobthorn and marula bushveld, to acacia thickets, wetlands, woodlands, and riverine forests; these regions attract more than 500 species of birds, including lilac-breasted roller, vultures and the horn bill. The many artificial waterholes scattered throughout the park offer an even better chance of spotting game whenever they congregate.

The legendary Kruger National Park is South Africa’s biggest, and as the biggest and most well-known; it gives visitors a sense of the ancient environment of untouched Africa.

Best season in Kruger Park

With a subtropical climate, expect hot and humid rainy summers that can get uncomfortably humid and warm winters. Rain falls mostly in the summer months starting in October to March, with up to 500 mm (30 in) rainfall year.

The dry season sets in from April to September with pleasantly warm days and cool to cold nights. March has an average maximum of 14°C (75°F) expected during the winter months.

Getting to Kruger Park

The Kruger National Park is easily accessed by road or air. The area has three airports, situated in Nelspruit, Hoedspruit and Phalaborwa. Nelspruit is the main gateway. Hoedspruit and Phalaborwa have daily flights from Johannesburg.

The region is a 5 to 6-hour drive from Johannesburg on national roads.

Advice from Safari Russ:

“Self-guided Safaris or private guided alternatives offer a range of services, experiences and hospitality according to your budget. It’s wonderful to independently drive the park but it’s really worthwhile experiencing a professional safari on an open 4×4 with a tracker and guide. Going off the beaten track will reveal so much more than you ever expected”