Kruger Safaris FAQ - African Travel Experts

When should I visit Kruger?

You can visit Kruger all year around. Peak season runs from November to February, when you have the option of seeing Kruger at a good time along with the beaches of Cape Town at their best. However, for the best game viewing, the dry season, when game congregate at water points to drink, is best: it runs from June through October.

Can I see all of the Big Five here?

Yes. The Kruger is well stocked with lions, leopards, buffalo, elephant and rhino.

I would like to go hot-air ballooning over the Park. Is this possible?

Regrettably, the Park gates do not open enough to allow the adequate before-dawn setup ballooning requires. Therefore it is best to find a ballooning operator just outside the park gates, like those at Hazyview.

What are my travel options for getting to the Kruger?

The choice is yours: depending on budget, there are a number of ways to get to the Park. Charter flights run from Johannesburg to the various establishments’ own airstrips; this is a good option for groups and will take about 90 minutes, depending on the lodge.

The air alternative is a scheduled flight from Johannesburg or Cape Town to one of the smaller regional airports near Kruger, with a charter air or road transfer to your final destination.

Driving to Kruger from Johannesburg takes about six hours and includes many scenic and interesting stopovers.

How much does accommodation in the Park cost, and what can I expect for the rate advertised?

For those on a budget, lodge accommodation begins at around R1500 per person per night for the basics; high-end options run into around R8000 per person per night. These rates typically comprise all food, game drives in open-top cars and park fees; sometimes, non-imported drinks and bush walks are also included.

Will my children be welcome in the Kruger Park?

Absolutely. Children are made to feel very welcome at Kruger’s lodges. However, this is still the bush: children under 6 are not allowed on game drives, unless you’re conducting your own, in which case it is up to you.

What length of stay is best?

Anything less than 3 nights would be a rush; much more than a week, on the other hand, might require a change of scenery (and accommodation) halfway.

Is the Kruger Park a malaria area?

Yes. You will need to consult your doctor about prophylactics (anti-malaria medication).

The Kruger has both ‘public’ and ‘private’ reserves. What are these? What’s the difference?

Private reserves are basically more controlled, more exclusive, pricier alternatives. The ratio of visitors to animals is better here, and you will have more one-on-one encounters, for longer, with the wildlife. Generally the accommodation options are more luxurious; rangers, in addition, are often allowed to venture off-road in pursuit of game.

The public reserves have far stricter rules about game viewing, and off-road driving is prohibited. There are more visitors, more basic facilities, and crowds can soon gather where there has been a wildlife sighting. Self-drivers on a budget are perfectly suited to this option.