Kruger National Park runs along the Mozambique border in Limpopo and Mpumalanga and is managed by South African National Parks. It combines easy access with a wide range of wildlife and suits both self-drive and guided safaris.
- Country
- South Africa
- Type
- National park
- Approx. area
- 19,485 km²
- Best time
- July to September
- Suggested stay
- 3–5 days
- Main gateway airport
- Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMI)
- Big Five
- Present
- Malaria
- Low risk: check with a doctor
Why go to Kruger
- One of Africa's largest protected areas, home to the Big Five
- Self-drive possible on tarred and gravel roads
- Government rest camps across price ranges plus private lodges
- Guided walking trails and night drives
- Very diverse birdlife, more than 500 species recorded
Best time to visit Kruger
Based on average weather and wildlife seasons, the best period to visit Kruger is July to September.
Dry winter season: vegetation thins and animals gather at water sources, making them easier to spot.
Summer rainy season: hot with afternoon storms, newborn antelope and migrant birds, but dense vegetation.
Camps and roads are busiest during South African school holidays; book early.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21–33 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | busy |
| February | 21–33 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| March | 19–32 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| April | 16–31 | some rain | ★★★★★ | busy |
| May | 11–29 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| June | 6–27 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| July | 6–27 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| August | 9–29 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| September | 14–31 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| October | 17–32 | some rain | ★★★★★ | busy |
| November | 19–33 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| December | 20–33 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | peak season |
What you can see
Wildlife you may see in Kruger includes lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, white rhino, black rhino, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, crocodiles, African wild dogs, hyenas, kudu, eland and birdlife.
Things to do
Getting there
Most visitors fly into Kruger Mpumalanga International near Mbombela and drive to the southern gates, or take a domestic flight to Skukuza Airport inside the park. Driving from Johannesburg takes roughly five to six hours.
Trips to Kruger
Plan by travel style
- Kruger for families
- Kruger for a honeymoon
- Kruger for photographers
- Kruger for a first safari
- Kruger on a budget
- Kruger for luxury travel
Compare with
- Kruger vs Pilanesberg
- Kruger vs Addo
- Kruger vs Madikwe
- Kruger vs Sabi Sand
- Kruger vs Hwange
- Kruger vs South Luangwa
Travelling to Kruger from
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Kruger?
Generally July to September. Dry winter season: vegetation thins and animals gather at water sources, making them easier to spot.
How many days do I need in Kruger?
Most visitors spend 3 to 5 days there, not counting travel days.
How do I get to Kruger?
Most visitors fly into Kruger Mpumalanga International near Mbombela and drive to the southern gates, or take a domestic flight to Skukuza Airport inside the park. Driving from Johannesburg takes roughly five to six hours.
Is there malaria in Kruger?
Yes, it is in a malaria-risk area. See a doctor or travel clinic well before your trip.
Sources: SANParks - Kruger National Park · Britannica - Kruger National Park · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Skukuza
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.