Kruger National Park FAQ
Where is KNP?
Kruger is in the northeastern corner of South Africa, covering just under 20,000 square kilometres of territory. Logistically, Kruger is 5 hours east of Johannesburg.
When is the best time to visit KNP?
Kruger is a year-round destination. Different seasons bring with them different experiences.
Summer in Kruger National park is the rainy season so the park will be lush and green. The downside being it is harder to spot game in the dense vegetation. Another thing to keep in mind is that summers in Kruger are very hot, reaching well into the 30’s C( 90’s Fahrenheit).
Winter is dry season in Kruger.
It’s the ideal time to visit because the bush is sparse, making it easier to spot game.
Temperatures are mild during the day and cold at night (lows not usually dipping below 50’ F (9’ C).
School Holidays
The most important thing to take into account when planning your Kruger National Park safari is local school holidays.
South Africans travel locally and Kruger will be very busy during the school holidays.
Where to stay in KNP
Kruger is massive, so it’s natural that the park is unofficially divided up into southern, central and northern sections.
Kruger’s southern portion. It’s the most popular and easily accessible from Johannesburg and offers some of the best viewing of the Big 5
The far northern section is considered off the beaten path and has much less tourism.
You’ll see far less game here than in the south, but you may get lucky and see rarer animals like wild dogs.
Kruger’s Far North is also home to the best bird watching, with rare birds that you won’t see even in Southern Kruger.
What should I pack?
Binoculars
Camera
Sunglasses & Sunscreen
Sun hat
Good comfortable walking shoes
Insect repellant
Light fabric long sleeve shirt
Warm jacket for dawn and dusk game drives