The Kruger Park is known as one of Africa’s most exciting safari destinations and affectionately known as the “People’s Park” because of its variety of budgeting options available to its visitors. This park is a popular tourist destination because of the rich history and world-class wildlife sanctuary. You can see anything from Africa’s national bird, the blue crane, to the largest land animal on earth, the African elephant.
As one of the most popular safari destinations, Kruger has an overwhelming number of lodges and safari packages on offer. The research has been done and provided as a complete guide to safari tours and accommodation in all budget brackets.
Image by Charl Durand on Unsplash
Why Visits The Kruger National Park
Going on a Kruger safari is one for your bucket list. It’s the oldest and one of the largest wildlife parks in Africa. Covering an area of just under 7500 sq/miles. Which is the size of the country Israel and slightly smaller than Belgium.
Visiting the Kruger means immersing yourself in an experience of African culture, food, and natural beauty. Allowing you to taste the local cuisine, like Kudu biltong and other game meat. See over 2000 plant species, 500 plus birdlife species, and over 300 types of animals, including Africa’s famous big 5, the lion, rhino, buffalo, elephant, and leopard.
Kruger National Park tours from Johannesburg Airport are as easy as a 5-hour or 250-mile drive, which can be turned into an action-packed road trip with family or friends. If you’d prefer, you can take an adventurous 1200-mile distance from Cape Town to Kruger National Park, or just a 2-hour flight. Making it easily accessible from major cities in South Africa.
Image by Harshil Gudka on Unsplash
Best Time to Visit Kruger National Park
The ultimate time to visit the park and get to see all the exquisite wildlife, and excellent adventure bush walks, is the dry season. The dry season runs from May to October. It is also the busiest time to visit the park, and you might experience some price surges or increases due to high demand.
Best Places to Stay in Kruger National Park
The best game lodges in Kruger National Park are plentiful. With a choice of over 20 accommodation spots for various values. Finding the best place to stay can be overwhelming, but these top-picks should make your choice a bit easier.
Budget-Friendly
The Baobab Hill Bush House is a tranquil and cozy accommodation option. The camp is situated in the Kruger National Park amongst the all-famous baobab trees. This camp’s rates are all-inclusive, meaning they include all accommodation, meals, select drinks, and activities. Prices start at R18,000/night ($1230) for a unit. The units sleep a maximum of 8 guests in 4 bedrooms.
The Baobab Bush House spoils its guests with a personal cook, housekeeper, and a professional safari guide with an open vehicle that can be used at guest disposal for game drives. The accommodation also includes a swimming pool, fire pit, verandah, and boma.
Image by Wade Lambert on Unsplash
Moderate Budget
Hamiltons Tented Camp is a well-kept secret. This accommodation offers Glamping (glamorous camping) at it’s finest. The camp is situated on the edge of the Nwatswitsonto river. The air-conditioned, luxurious tent goes for R9,500 per person sharing ($650). The rates are all-inclusive of all meals, accommodations, selected drinks, and activities. The tents also include draped mosquito nets, en-suites, deep slipper baths, and an overlooking view of the river.
Hamiltons offer daily game drives in the morning to catch the king of the savanna roaming for prey or in the night, with traditional sun-downers, to seek all the nocturnal beauties. The camp also has a swimming pool and a bird-watching spot. This camp is all about quiet time and relaxing, surrounded by nature.
Lavish Budget
The Singita Sweni Lodge is an elegant experience. The lodge charges an all-inclusive rate between R35,000-R40,000 per person sharing ($2,400-$2,750). Singita Sweni got its name for being situated on the Sweni River.
The lodge offers floor-to-ceiling windows providing incredible views. You’ll also have access to a private game ranger, gym, infinity swimming pool, and health spa. There is also an art gallery, archery range, babysitting services, and electricity via solar-powered for an environmentally sensitive experience.
The Sweni Lodge prides itself in tailor-making your stay in every way possible, from your suit to activities packages built especially for your friends and family.
Image by Jean Wimmerlin on Unsplash
Kruger National Park Safari Packages
The park offers various activities and different ways to see and experience all the wonders Kruger has to offer. The biggest attraction is the Kruger safari. Safari packages consist of multiple-day packages and adventures that take you through the park.
3-Day Classic Kruger Safari Package
Perfect for families and serenity-seekers. This package is the ultimate hassle-free package. It offers inclusive flights, transfers, and activities. And it’s entirely customizable and can be extended to however long one desires.
- Day 1: Johannesburg to Kruger – Including a 3-4 hour night drive and sun-downers.
- Day 2: Kruger National Park – Early morning game drive, massage treatments, night-time game drive.
- Day 3: Kruger to Johannesburg – Final game drive.
4-Day Meandering Kruger Walking Safari
Ideal for those who want to be one with nature. This package takes visitors on an up-close and personal adventure through the reserve. With games, walks, accommodation and meals included.
- Day 1: Travel to Kruger – Flights from Johannesburg and a night drive.
- Day 2: Explore the Kingdom – Early-morning wildlife walk.
- Day 3: Walking Safari – Early-morning nature walk where you track animal prints.
- Day 4: Back to Johannesburg – Final bush walk before heading to the airport to embark on the flight back.
Image by Antione Pluss on Unsplash
5-Day Kruger Safari Tours with Cultural Spectacles and Trunk Greetings
For those who want a bit of everything. Wildlife, culture, entertainment, luxury accommodation, and spoils. This package celebrates Shangaan culture with a meal and show, meet-ups with the African elephants, and thrilling safari drives.
- Day 1-2: The Sabie River – Flights from Johannesburg, interact with elephants, and experience the traditional Shangaan meal and dance.
- Day 3-4: Traditions and game drives -Sleep in a thatched beehive rondavel, early-morning and evening game drives, and bird-watching.
- Day 5: Say goodbye: flights back to Johannesburg.
Image by hu Cheng on Unsplash
Final Thoughts on Kruger National Park Tours
Whether you want a fully-planned itinerary, or you want to take it day-by-day. The Kruger National Park will not disappoint. From memorable interaction with elephants to breathtaking views of Africa and it’s fauna and flora. You will be able to have your dream safari at a price that best suits you.
