Greater Kruger Safari Guide
South Africa's premier safari ecosystem encompassing Kruger National Park and its adjoining private reserves — nearly 2 million hectares of unfenced Big Five wilderness.
Top Highlights
Best Time to Visit Greater Kruger
May to September (dry winter) for best game viewing. October to April (wet summer) for lush landscapes, migratory birds, and baby animals. Malaria risk is lower in winter months.
Greater Kruger Safari Budget Guide
Kruger rest camps from $50-150/night for self-catering chalets. Private lodge game packages $200-3,000/night all-inclusive. Self-drive entrance fees $28/adult/day. Private reserve conservation levies $15-40/day.
Getting to Greater Kruger
Fly to Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS) or Kruger Mpumalanga Airport (MQP) from Johannesburg (1 hour). Drive from Johannesburg takes 4-5 hours via the N4 or N12. Multiple entry gates along the western and southern boundaries.
The Greater Kruger ecosystem represents the pinnacle of South African safari. Kruger National Park itself stretches 360 kilometres from north to south — larger than Israel — while the private reserves along its western boundary remove fences to create a seamless wilderness where wildlife roams freely between public and private land.
This dual system offers something for every traveler. Self-drive safari in Kruger is one of Africa's great affordable adventures, following tarred and gravel roads between rest camps with excellent Big Five sighting potential. The private reserves deliver a more curated experience with expert trackers, open safari vehicles, off-road driving, and bush walks.
The ecosystem supports an staggering diversity: over 147 mammal species, 507 bird species, and 114 reptile species. The southern Kruger around Lower Sabie and Satara is renowned for predator sightings, while the remote north around Pafuri offers birding nirvana and fewer visitors.
More Guides in Greater Kruger
Ready to Plan Your Greater Kruger Safari?
Connect with verified local safari specialists who know Greater Kruger intimately. Get personalized quotes and expert advice — completely free.