All National Parks
Kruger National Park
Africa's Premier Self-Drive Safari
Kruger National Park is South Africa's flagship game reserve and one of Africa's most accessible and diverse safari destinations. Covering nearly 20,000 km² of bushveld, Kruger offers the complete Big Five experience with an unmatched infrastructure — paved roads, rest camps, and the option to self-drive in your own vehicle, making it the world's most visited national park and the best entry point for first-time safari-goers.
Size
19,485 km²
Est.
1926
Peak Season
May – Sep (dry season)
From
$100–$600/day
Why Visit Kruger National Park?
Africa's most accessible Big Five park — self-drive on 3,000 km of roads in your own rental car
Over 500 bird species and 147 mammal species in a single park
Malaria-free zones in the southern Kruger and adjacent private reserves (Sabi Sand, Timbavati)
Wildlife
LionLeopardElephantRhinoBuffaloWild DogHippoGiraffe
Activities
Self-Drive Game DriveGuided Game DriveBush WalkNight DriveBirdingGuided 4x4 Trail
Best Time to Visit & Costs
Peak Season
May – Sep (dry season)
Best Months
May, June, July
Daily Cost (all-in)
$100–$600
Park Entrance Fee
$25/day (non-resident)
Safari Tours to South
Verified packages from expert operators — prices from the source.
No tours listed yet — check back soon.
Browse all safari tours →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I self-drive in Kruger National Park?
Yes — Kruger is Africa's best self-drive safari park. You can enter in a standard rental car and drive on 3,000+ km of paved and dirt roads. Rest camps (Skukuza, Satara, Berg-en-Dal) offer accommodation, restaurants, and fuel. Always stay in your vehicle on public roads.
What is the best time to visit Kruger?
May–September (dry season) is best — vegetation is sparse, animals congregate at waterholes, and roads are dry. July–August offers the highest wildlife density. October–April (wet season) is greener with newborn animals and excellent birding, but vegetation reduces visibility.
Is Kruger malaria-free?
Kruger itself is in a malaria zone. However, several adjacent private game reserves in Limpopo (e.g., Waterberg, Madikwe) offer Big Five safaris in malaria-free areas. These are popular for families with young children. If visiting Kruger, take malaria prophylaxis during wet season (Nov–Apr).
How much does it cost to visit Kruger?
Kruger is Africa's most affordable Big Five destination. Park entrance is $25/day per person. Budget rest camps cost from $50–$100/night (self-catering huts). Mid-range guest houses run $150–$300/night all-inclusive. Adjacent luxury private lodges (Sabi Sand, Timbavati) cost $600–$2,500/night.
How do I get to Kruger National Park?
Fly into Johannesburg (OR Tambo) and then: drive 5 hours northeast via the N4 or N12, or take a shuttle from Johannesburg to Hazyview/Phalaborwa (4–5 hours). For northern Kruger, fly into Hoedspruit Airport (1 hour from Johannesburg). Skukuza Airport (inside the park) accepts charter flights and some regional scheduled flights.
Combine with Nearby Parks
Ready to Visit Kruger National Park?
Browse verified tours from expert operators, or use our cost calculator to estimate your total trip budget.