The Kruger National Park, located in South Africa’s northeastern area, attracts people from all over the world due to its abundant wildlife, particularly the African big five. The Kruger National Park is home to elephants, lions, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos, as well as other popular African wildlife like as giraffes, zebras, hippos, and an extensive variety of bird species. This guide is a resource for both seasoned safari aficionados and first-time visitors, providing information to help you get the most out of your visit to Kruger. For travelers seeking an unforgettable safari experience, exploring the best travel routes, access gates and the best lodges at Kruger National Park is a top priority.
Traveling to Kruger from Johannesburg
When planning your Kruger National Park safari, you have three travel options, each with its own convenience – driving from Johannesburg, which is about a four-hour scenic route or flying from Johannesburg to the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, cutting down your travel time to about an hour. For the utmost convenience, there’s the option of an internal flight directly from Johannesburg to Skukuza, one of the primary entry points to Kruger National Park. This choice provides the quickest access to Kruger National Park park, minimizing travel time and maximizing your time spent in the heart of the African bushveld. Each of these transport options caters to different travel preferences, ensuring that you can select the one that best suits your Kruger safari.
Kruger Access Points
Kruger National Park in South Africa has several access gates or entrance gates that allow visitors to enter the park from different directions:
- Crocodile Bridge Gate – provides access to the southern part of Kruger
- Malelane Gate – near the town of Malelane in Mpumalanga
- Berg-en-Dal Gate – provides access to the western region of Kruger
- Pretoriuskop Gate – provides entry into the mixed woodlands and grasslands of Kruger
- Phabeni Gate – one of the main entrances for visitors coming from Hazyview and the Panorama Route
- Numbi Gate – for visitors coming from Hazyview and provides entry to the scenic Numbi area
- Paul Kruger Gate – near the town of Skukuza, this gate is one of the most popular entrances and provides access to the central and southern regions
- Orpen Gate – named after the famous conservationist and writer Harry Wolhuter and provides access to the central and western parts of Kruger.
- Phalaborwa Gate – provides access to the Mopane shrubveld and is known for its proximity to the Phalaborwa town
- Punda Maria Gate – provides access to the remote and pristine wilderness of northern Kruger
- Pafuri Gate – access to the Pafuri region, known for its exceptional birdwatching and diverse wildlife
Gate names and access points may change, and park management occasionally adjusts gate access for various reasons. It’s always a good idea to check with Kruger official sources for the most up-to-date information before planning your visit to Kruger National Park.
Southern Region
The southern region of Kruger National Park is known for its lush vegetation, including the famous Mopane shrubveld. It is one of the most popular areas for wildlife viewing due to its abundant water sources, which attract a wide variety of animals, including the Big Five. In the Southern Region of Kruger National Park, some of the most famous and renowned lodges are in the Lion Sands Game Reserve. Situated along the banks of the Sabie River, Lion Sands offers a luxurious and exclusive safari experience. Guests can stay in opulent lodges or treehouses with stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. The Lion Sands Ivory Lodge is considered one of the best Kruger National Park Lodges. The lodge is known for its exceptional game viewing opportunities, including the chance to see the Big Five in their natural habitat.
Kruger Park Central Grasslands
The largest population of lions may be found in Kruger’s central grasslands, where there is an abundance of their prey – Zebra, buffalo, impala, giraffe, and wildebeest may be found grazing here in the rich grasses. Roadside lion sightings are regular in the areas around Satara, and the Girivana Water Hole, located about 12 km from the Satara camp, is a popular spot for early morning lion sightings. In the central region of Kruger National Park, visitors can choose from a variety of accommodation types, including rest camps, bushveld camps, private lodges, guest houses, wilderness trails camps, camping sites, and backpacking trails, catering to diverse preferences and budgets.
Northern Region
The northern region of Kruger is a remote and less-visited area, offering a wilder and more pristine safari experience. It is known for its rugged landscapes, baobab trees, and a variety of wildlife, including elephants and leopards. The far north region is the most remote and least accessible part of Kruger. It is a wilderness area with limited infrastructure, making it ideal for adventurous and off-the-beaten-path safaris. The far north typically refers to the very northern extremities of Kruger National Park, including the region bordering Zimbabwe and Mozambique. In the far north of Kruger National Park, the Pafuri Camp stands out as a renowned and iconic lodge. Nestled in a remote and pristine wilderness area, Pafuri Camp offers an exclusive and authentic safari experience. It is celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, exceptional birdwatching opportunities, and the chance to encounter a wide array of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and diverse bird species.
Eastern Region
This region is home to the Lebombo Mountains, which form the eastern border of the park. It offers diverse habitats, from riverine forests along the Luvuvhu River to open grasslands. Pafuri, in the far north-east, is known for its exceptional birdwatching. In the Eastern Region of Kruger National Park, another famous and distinctive lodge is The Outpost Lodge. Perched on a hill overlooking the Luvuvhu River Valley, The Outpost is celebrated for its striking contemporary architecture and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. Singita Lebombo and Singita Sweni Lodges in the far eastern region of Kruger provide ultra-luxurious accommodations and are known for their contemporary design, gourmet cuisine, and exceptional wildlife sightings.
Western Region
The western region of Kruger is characterized by rocky outcrops, granite koppies, and dry riverbeds. It is a habitat for klipspringers, baboons, and various bird species. It’s also known for the scenic beauty of areas like the Matjulu Loop and Biyamiti Weir. If you’re planning to explore this captivating region, accommodations like Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp provide an excellent base for discovering the landscapes and wildlife. Located in the western boundary of Kruger, Ngala Tented Camp and Ngala Safari Lodge provide high-end safari experiences with a focus on conservation.
South-Western Region
This region includes areas like Lower Sabie and Crocodile Bridge. It offers excellent riverine and grassland habitats and is known for its abundance of wildlife and birdlife. The south-west is the most mountainous part of Kruger and receives the highest amount of rainfall compared to any other area within the park. In the far south-west of Kruger National Park, the Lower Sabie Rest Camp stands is a good choice for accommodation. A range of lodging options is available from a luxurious guesthouse to family cottages, huts, bungalows, safari tents and campsites
South-Central Region
This area encompasses regions around Pretoriuskop and Skukuza camps. It features mixed woodlands and grasslands and is often frequented by large herbivores and predators. Skukuza Camp, perched on the southern banks of the Sabie River, stands as both the largest rest camp and the administrative hub of Kruger National Park.
These regions collectively create a diverse and rich ecosystem within Kruger National Park, providing a wide range of wildlife encounters and safari experiences for visitors. Kruger National Park is a natural wonderland that offers a unique and unforgettable safari experience. With its beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife, and commitment to conservation, Kruger invites travelers to connect with the African wilderness. Kruger National Park offers something for everyone.
