A Guide to Accommodation, Activities, Restaurants & Businesses in the Kruger National Park, South Africa

 

The Kruger National Park is in the Kruger Lowveld region of Mpumalanga.  The Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa with nearly 2 million hectares of unrivalled diversity.  It covers an area of 19,485 square kilometres (7,523 sq mi) in the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga in north-eastern South Africa, and extends 360 kilometres from north to south and 65 kilometres from east to west. Areas of the park were first protected by the government of the South African Republic in 1898, and it became South Africa's first national park in 1926.

In the north is Zimbabwe, and to the east is Mozambique. It is now part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, a peace park that links the Kruger National Park with the Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe, and with the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique.

The Kruger National Park has a range of accommodation options available from Bed and Breakfasts and Guest Houses to Self-Catering houses and Game Lodges.  Camping is a real treat here with various camp sites throughout the park.  Read the interesting article on "Finding Kruger Park Accommodation".

The park provides visitors with fantastic Big Five sightings, as well as viewing of endangered game such as the African wild dog and bird watching of over 507 bird species. Within the Kruger lies Ngala Private Game Reserve, the first private game reserve to be incorporated into this famous park. 

The park has an extensive network of well-maintained roads and comfortable camps, but there are also 4x4 tracks, and mountain bike and hiking trails for the more adventurous.  Bushman rock paintings to majestic archaeological sites like Masorini and Thulamela - are very evident in the Kruger National Park.

The Kruger Park is a self-drive park, although there are guided tour operators, with wonderful break areas that includes picnic sites, rest camps, and water holes.

If you're looking for ideas of what to do during your time in Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga then be sure to visit our activities section for more information. Here you'll find plenty of activities to keep you entertained during your stay!

Business advertisers are found in the business directory section.  There are some great events held within the park each year - see our event page for more information.

 

Top 10 Affordable Family Activities in Kruger National Park

• Self-Drive Safari Adventures: Embark on a self-drive safari through the park's extensive road network. With affordable entrance fees, families can explore at their own pace, stopping to admire elephants, lions, and rhinos along the way.

 

• Guided Bush Walks: Join a guided bush walk led by experienced rangers. These walks offer an up-close encounter with nature, allowing families to learn about the park's flora and fauna while stretching their legs.

 

• Sunset Game Drives: Experience the magic of Kruger as the sun dips below the horizon on a sunset game drive. Affordable options are available through various tour operators, providing families with unforgettable wildlife sightings against the backdrop of a golden sky.

 

• Bird Watching: Kruger is a bird lover's paradise, with over 500 species to spot. Families can grab their binoculars and venture into the park's bird hides or simply keep an eye out while exploring the bush.

 

• Picnic at Scenic Spots: Pack a picnic basket and head to one of the park's designated picnic sites. Enjoy lunch surrounded by breathtaking scenery, with the chance to spot passing wildlife.

 

• Visit Cultural Heritage Sites: Discover the rich cultural history of the area by visiting sites such as Masorini and Albasini Ruins. These sites offer insight into the region's past through guided tours and informative displays.

 

• Junior Ranger Program: Enroll the kids in the Junior Ranger program, where they can learn about conservation and wildlife through fun activities and games. It's an educational and affordable way to keep young ones engaged during their time in the park.

 

• Swimming and Relaxation: Cool off from the African sun at one of Kruger's swimming pools. Many rest camps offer affordable access to pools, providing families with a refreshing break between wildlife sightings.

 

• Photography Safaris: Capture the beauty of Kruger through the lens on a photography safari. Affordable photography tours cater to enthusiasts of all levels, offering expert guidance on capturing the perfect shot.

 

• Stargazing: End the day by gazing up at the star-filled African sky. Kruger's remote location means minimal light pollution, creating the perfect conditions for stargazing with the family.