Kruger National Park, South Africa: where it is, when to go and what to see

The Kruger National Park is one of the most important and well-known nature reserves in South Africa. There are several species of animals that can be spotted, including above all the so-called Big Five: buffaloes, elephants, lions, leopards and rhinoceroses. The most popular activity, of course, is that of the photographic safari, in the company of specialised guides, and these take place mainly at dawn or dusk, the best time to catch a glimpse of the animals in the wild, which, at those particular times of day, are in activity in search of food. Staying in the park, in a typical lodge, is an unmissable and unforgettable adventure.
Here is a guide to the Kruger National Park: where it is, when to go and what to see.

Where it is located

The Kruger National Park is a park in South Africa and is about 400 km and a four-hour drive from Johannesburg, the most convenient international airport to reach.

How to get there

Alitalia operates frequent direct flights to Johannesburg, South Africa's main airport and the closest to the Kruger Park, in about 9 hours - from €328.00

How to get to Kruger National Park

The park is about 400 km from Johannesburg airport. The most convenient way to reach the park is undoubtedly by car, which takes about 4 hours to cover the 400 km, with a rental cost of less than €20.00 per day. Alternatively, it is possible to continue, again from Johannesburg airport, to Nelspruit by an internal flight that takes about an hour: once you have arrived, even in this case it is advisable to hire a car. Buses, which can take up to 10 hours, are not recommended.

When to go? Info on climate and best time

• Climate: reversed seasons compared to ours. Summer (Dec-Feb) very wet and rainy and winter (May-Sept) dry and temperate, with mild and pleasant temperatures, but with a considerable temperature range between day and night

• Best period: May to September, when the climate is dry and rainy days are minimal

• Period to avoid: the months of December, January and February, as they are excessively humid and characterised by heavy rain, even with high temperatures

What to bring: recommended clothing and equipment

• Clothing: Light clothing, with long shirts and trousers and light colours, so as not to disturb the animals. Hiking boots, windproof jacket for dawn safaris, hat and sunglasses.

• Equipment: safari gear, camera, binoculars, sunscreen, backpack for water and supplies

10 things to see: animals and places of interest

1. Big Five: Africa's best-known animal category, consisting of buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard and rhinoceros. Being able to spot all five is always a big achievement.

2. Large predators: predatory and carnivorous animals such as the cheetah, leopard, lion, hyena and wild dog, among others, have their home.

3. Birds: Not only mammals, the park is also the habitat of numerous bird species. From small birds to owls and the imposing eagles, including the Bateleur eagle, which hunts snakes.

4. Reptiles: the drier or marshy areas also lend themselves well to hosting numerous varieties of reptiles, such as snakes, lizards, turtles and crocodiles.

5. Flowers: a place so boundless and characterised by barren tracts also has many varieties of flowers, not only succulent, but also delicate and colourful.

6. Trees: in the African bush, there are different types of trees that provide shade and shelter for the animals, but the most famous and typical is the baobab, also known as Adansonia.

7. Skukuza Camp: this is the main camp and, due to its activities and the density of animals sighted, is a must for those approaching the park for the first time.

8. Timbavati Road: the road that runs along the river and through small thorny forests and river bush also offers the opportunity of a picnic area.

9. Sabie River: the main river territory for lions and leopards, it also has a bird watching area, the Sunset Dam, for spotting bird species.

10. Gudzani Road: a road that joins the Old Main Road and leads to the Olifants River, where it is very easy to enjoy elephant spotting.

Excursions and guided tours in the Kruger Park

How much does it cost to visit the Kruger National Park? Prices, offers and advice

Although life in South Africa is fairly cheap, the Kruger Park area can be more expensive than other places in the country. In fact, lodges within the reserve can cost as much as €100.00 per night, as can game drives. Often, however, the cost of dinner is included in the room price.

• Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €100.00 per room - see offers

• Cheap flights: from €328.00 - look at the offers

• Flight + hotel: A/R flight + 7 days/6 nights from €1,616.00 per person - see deals

Pictures and videos of Kruger National Park

Leopards in Kruger National Park

A Kingfisher in the Kruger National Park

A vulture with her cubs in Kruger National Park

Sunrise in Kruger National Park

Elephants cross the Olifant River at Kruger National Park

Fauna near a waterhole in Kruger National Park

Massive rhinos in Kruger National Park

A hippo opens its jaws wide in Kruger National Park

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Travelling Information: useful facts about South Africa

• Inhabitants: 55 million

• Capital: Pretoria/Cape Town/Bloemfontain

• Languages: English

• Local currency: Rand (€1.00=20 ZAR)

• Climate: mild climate, with average temperatures of 22° Celsius

• Vaccinations: No vaccinations required. Vaccination against yellow fever only if you come (or transit) from countries where the disease is endemic.

• Entry requirements: Passport with residual validity of 6 months; free visa to be requested at the airport, valid for 90 days

• Distance from Italy: approximately 12,000 km (9-11 hours flight time)