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South Africa · Mpumalanga

Kruger National Park travel guide

Big Five safaris in one of Africa's great parks

Elephants in Kruger. Photo: Nithin bolar k, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

11h 30mflight from London
MQPnearest main airport
27° in Decwarmest month
18° in Julcoolest month

Kruger is one of Africa's largest national parks, about the size of Wales, with the Big Five and hundreds of bird species. You can self-drive on good roads or stay in a private reserve such as Sabi Sand for guided game drives.

The dry winter months, May to September, are best for spotting animals at waterholes.

Good forWildlifeSafarisPhotographyNature

What Kruger National Park is known for

  • The Big Five

    Lions, leopards and more.

  • Self-drive

    Easy, good roads.

  • Private reserves

    Guided drives and luxury lodges.

  • Panorama Route

    Canyons and viewpoints.

Top things to do in Kruger National Park

  1. 1

    A self-drive safari

    With park rest camps.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    A private game reserve

    Off-road game drives.

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  3. 3

    A bush walk

    On foot with armed rangers.

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  4. 4

    The Panorama Route

    Blyde River Canyon and God's Window.

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See all tours and tickets in Kruger National Park

Where to stay in Kruger National Park

Find a hotel in Kruger National Park

Best time to visit Kruger National Park

Best value: Apr–Oct. May to September: dry, with thinner bush and animals at water.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
26.9 C27°J26.8 C27°F25.8 C26°M23.4 C23°A21 C21°M18.6 C19°J18.2 C18°J20.5 C20°A23.2 C23°S25.1 C25°O26.3 C26°N27 C27°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Kruger National Park, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 11h 30m from London to MQP, and flights from most UK airports. How long is the flight from your airport?

Fly to Kruger Mpumalanga or Skukuza, or drive from Johannesburg in about 5 hours.

Airport transfer to Kruger National Park

Find flights to Kruger National Park (MQP)

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Good to know

  • Kruger is a malaria area: ask your GP or travel clinic about tablets.
  • Gates close at set times: plan your drives.
  • Book rest camps months ahead.
South Africa guidesTravel safetyPlugs & adaptersWhen to goFlight times

Kruger National Park FAQ

How many days in Kruger?

Three or four days.

Is Kruger malaria-free?

No: try the Eastern Cape for malaria-free safaris.

More places in South Africa

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