Kruger National Park - Essential Information
Kruger National Park - where nearly 2 million hectares of unrivalled diversity of life forms fuses with historical and archaeological sights - this is real Africa. The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa.
Established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the South African Lowveld, this national park is unrivalled in the diversity of its life forms and a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies. Truly the flagship of the South African National Parks, Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals.
Man's interaction with the lowveld environment over many centuries - from bushman rock paintings to majestic archaeological sites like Masorini and Thulamela - is very evident in the Kruger National Park. These treasures represent the cultures, persons and events that played a role in the history of the Kruger National Park and are conserved along with the park's natural assets. So why rush? Stay Longer, See More!
Sabi Sands Reviews:
It's hard to put into words what a wonderful place this is , even before you arrive the staff are
It's hard to put into words what a wonderful place this is , even before you arrive the staff are extremely helpful with information and when you arrive they make you feel part of the lodge community not just a guest (truly welcoming).
The staff are genuinely interested in your adventure and happiness joining in stories and experiences of each game drive .Be prepared for the early starts 5.30 am game drive however believe me this is the best time of the day to see the animals and is a magical time to see the bush. The lodge and rooms are to a very high standard with all rooms having great views and the best bit being no fences !!!! YOU REALLY ARE IN THE BUSH 🙂 .
This is without doubt a luxury Safari
We just came back from our first ever safari trip. We went not knowing what to expect. After our first
...moreWe just came back from our first ever safari trip. We went not knowing what to expect. After our first game drive, we got to know why Sabi Sands Lodges are the best when it comes to big five game viewing. We managed to view all of the big five on one day.
The accommodation was perfect and the staff were exceptionally friendly. We are hooked, we will certainly visit Sabi Sabi again, very soon.
A wonderful visit that was nothing short of perfect. Amazing game sightings, the best I've had (and it is always
...moreA wonderful visit that was nothing short of perfect. Amazing game sightings, the best I've had (and it is always good), our Ranger and Tracker were great fun and very knowledgable, the staff were on the ball and the atmosphere and mood relaxed and attentive. My 6th visit, and great that Ulusaba is back to its best, thank you!
Highly recommended. Amazing in many ways. Great safari experience. Unsurpassed food. Kind staff. Two safaris a day for three days.
Highly recommended. Amazing in many ways. Great safari experience. Unsurpassed food. Kind staff. Two safaris a day for three days. One extra walking safari midday. Excellent game viewing. Night time star gazing by the fire. Trip to the village. Great amenities. Boma, Observation points. Nice little library. The staff will walk you to your cabin at night. Our first time here was 2006 but this is the place to come for the best safari lodge experience.
This is the place to come back to.
My daughter and I spent 3 nights at Notten's in April 2017 and we loved everything about it! We loved
...moreMy daughter and I spent 3 nights at Notten's in April 2017 and we loved everything about it! We loved the fact that we were teamed up with the same driver/tracker/four other guests in the same car over the course of all the days - we had such fun together and really got involved in trying to spot the animals. And we were rewarded with multiple leopard sightings and the other big 5, as well as all the other beautiful animals - zebra, giraffes, kudu, impala etc - and many birds. The rooms - including outdoor shower, dining area, food, pool, gift shop, massage, the lovely candle light (and lack of electric lighting) and special sundowner by the river were all fabulous. We felt so relaxed and welcomed. The staff were professional and friendly. Nothing was too much trouble. They went the extra mile to engage with my 9 year old daughter. This place suited us perfectly. It was top class without being pretentious. Worth every penny - and actually better value than some other lodges. Recommended without hesitation. We hope to return one day. Thank you to all - Dale, Suzie, Gift, Desmond, Tulani, Riddent, Joe and everyone else (sorry if names are miss-spelt).
Stayed April 2017, travelled with family
After spending 2 nights at the Dulini River Lodge we spent 2 nights at the Dulini Lodge. Even though both
...moreAfter spending 2 nights at the Dulini River Lodge we spent 2 nights at the Dulini Lodge. Even though both Lodges are in the same Reserve and very close they offer a different athmosphere. The Dulini Lodge gives you a stronger "Africa feeling" in terms of decoration and setup in my view.
The bungalows are very spacious and well equipped.The welcome is kind and warm and the staff is amazing. They provided me with a special birthday dinner which made the stay even more memorable.
The game drives with the Ranger Fred and our tracker May where an experience. We saw a lot and as haveing been on Safari before we received so much more indepth information since we did not have to worry about seeing all the big 5 (which we saw anyway).
Will try to be back whenever possible
Everything wonderful, just come back from part of Titan Tour. We saw the big five and so much more. Couldn't
...moreEverything wonderful, just come back from part of Titan Tour. We saw the big five and so much more. Couldn't fault it and would love to go back. You have to be there to believe how good it is, and how close you get to what is after all wild animals. I could have almost touched one of the lions we saw!!
This was a perfect place for a safari. We stayed in one of the two suites, and this was perfect.
This was a perfect place for a safari. We stayed in one of the two suites, and this was perfect. The game drives were so exiting. Of 8 game drives we saw leopards at 7 of them.
The staff were so friendly and helpful. The food was nice. The skills of the tracker and ranger was fantastic. It was so nice to follow how they read the tracks in the sand and bushes. We saw the big 5 and a lot more. If would go back? YES
If you are planning a trip to S.A. And want to spend time in the bush, then Sabi Sands is
If you are planning a trip to S.A. And want to spend time in the bush, then Sabi Sands is a must. We have been travelling to to South Africa every year for the past 12 years and stayed at many game reserves including the Krugar many times. This year we saved up hard and achieved our dream, to stay in Sabi Sands. All that I can say it's Well Worth every penny, the reserve is just something else! It's the best and it's a must, forget the rest push the the boat out and and stay at in Sabi Sands.. We chose Elephant Plains due to our budget. It was wonderful food fantastic, staff brilliant, service first class.
We saw the big five for the the first time in 12 years....
So if you are looking for a safari holiday then look no further this place is the best.
Memories we will never forget.
This was a great experience overall. The resort was nice and homely. Our ranger Kelsey and tracker Bennett were very
...moreThis was a great experience overall. The resort was nice and homely. Our ranger Kelsey and tracker Bennett were very knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions that we had. The game drives were exciting and the search for the leopard was one of the highlights of the trip. The rooms were spacious, and the food was almost unending. The only downside, and understandably so, was the inability to move from one room to another, after dark. While our sons were older and able to stay on their own, families with slightly younger children may have to stay in one chalet. Strongly recommend it!!
Loved our time at Nkorho. Our guide, Matt, and tracker, David, were extremely professional and knowledgeable. The safari rides were
...moreLoved our time at Nkorho. Our guide, Matt, and tracker, David, were extremely professional and knowledgeable. The safari rides were incredible and we certainly saw everything we came to see. The entire staff works hard to ensure a great experience for their guests. Our suite was great, very clean and comfortable . The swing was cozy on the front deck! Enjoyed our meals and evenings in the bar. Thanks to all for a great time!
I can´t stop thinking about my visit at Arathusa. Just want to go back. It was so amazing in every
...moreI can´t stop thinking about my visit at Arathusa. Just want to go back. It was so amazing in every way. The lodgin itself was so nice and luxury, the food excellent and you really had everything you could possible need.
We had a great overall experience at Mala Mala. We saw abundant animals and several exciting interactions between them. Our
...moreWe had a great overall experience at Mala Mala. We saw abundant animals and several exciting interactions between them. Our guide was knowledgeable and nice (the others in our group had a guide who had had incredible intuition for finding animals and we benefited from it). The rooms are nice, beautiful and comfortable. The food was good/okay... We were there for three nights and it seemed like there were a lot of repeats between the meals. The staff were all friendly and the customer service was great!
I don't usually write reviews however, I travelled to Lion Sands with my girlfriend in March 2017, it was her
...moreI don't usually write reviews however, I travelled to Lion Sands with my girlfriend in March 2017, it was her birthday and I was planning to propose. From the moment the booking was made until the last minute we left the location the service was impecable.
Our family just spend 3 days in the Cottage.
The safaris were outstanding led by our intelligent and passionate guide
Our family just spend 3 days in the Cottage.
The safaris were outstanding led by our intelligent and passionate guide Michael. We saw so much and learnt so much in the "Land That Time Forgot". Leopard with Waterbuck kill, wild dogs, Lion and Elephant swimming and wrestling in a dam and so much more!!
The camp manager Gary was so welcoming and friendly. His enthusiasm for the bush is infectious. Thanks for a wonderful time in a special place.
Also thanks for arranging a truly unique bat sighting!!!!
Stayed May 2017, travelled with family
I cannot express how great my experience was at Idube, I have a lifetime of memories from the 4 nights
...moreI cannot express how great my experience was at Idube, I have a lifetime of memories from the 4 nights we stayed there. Highly recommended.
Fabulous three days at Idube Game Reserve. Lovely people. amazing food. So many highlights. But one stood out. When we
...moreFabulous three days at Idube Game Reserve. Lovely people. amazing food. So many highlights. But one stood out. When we surprised a rhino and it charged our Land Cruiser, leave it to our guide, Brogan, to take care of business. With a sharp, "OY!", the rhino stopped it charge, turn around and trotted back to its mate. Note that the wifi was only available in the office when we went, but it's due for an upgrade any date. Pro-tip: No cell coverage, but the office has a cell tower booster. Turn off your wifi, and your phone will pick up the cell booster if you have a local phone or international plan
We absolutely loved this resort. The staff is so warm and welcoming, the rooms and public areas are beautifully and
...moreWe absolutely loved this resort. The staff is so warm and welcoming, the rooms and public areas are beautifully and comfortably decorated, the food was delicious (I'm a San Francisco foodie pescetarian and absolutely loved the food/presentation), and the game drives were unforgettable. Don't miss the bush walk--we walked through a field of butterflies, saw all kinds of animal tracks, and enjoyed a different view of the landscape we'd been driving through all week. I would also highly recommend visiting the Thornybush Community Project gardens with Gavin, where some of the beautiful food served in Sabi Sand resorts is grown by local women as part of a community collective. We also visited a school, which had an incredible impact on us. I loved Simbambili--a little piece of my heart is still there
Map of Greater Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park Image Gallery
Kruger Park Lodges
Kruger National Park gates
Name |
Road |
From Town |
Coordinates |
Crocodile Bridge Gate |
on the extension of Rissikstreet |
from Komatipoort |
25°21′30″S 31°53′37″E |
Malelane Gate |
on the R570 off the N4 |
near Malelane |
25°27′43″S 31°31′59″E |
Numbi Gate |
on the R569 road |
from Hazyview |
25°9′19″S 31°11′51″E |
Phabeni Gate |
on the road off the R536 |
from Hazyview |
25°01′30″S 31°14′29″E |
Paul Kruger Gate |
on the R536 road |
from Hazyview |
24°58′53″S 31°29′7″E |
Orpen Gate |
on the R531 road |
from Klaserie |
24°28′33″S 31°23′27″E |
Phalaborwa Gate |
on the R71 road |
from Phalaborwa |
23°56′44″S 31°9′54″E |
Punda Maria Gate |
on the R524 road |
from Thohoyandou |
22°44′18″S 31°0′33″E |
Pafuri Gate |
on the R525 road |
from Musina |
22°24′1″S 31°2′29″E |
Kruger National Park - Conservation Fees
International Visitors, daily conservation fee
1 November 2021 - 31 October 2022:
Adult: ZAR 440.00
Child under 12 years: ZAR 220.00
South African Citizens, daily conservation fee
1 November 2021 - 31 October 2022:
Adult: ZAR 110.00
Child under 12 years: ZAR 55.00
The daily cards for South African residents may only be purchased at the parks and you need your ID, driver's license or passport.
SADC Nationals, daily conservation fee
1 November 2021 - 31 October 2022:
Adult: ZAR 220.00
Child under 12 years: ZAR 110.00
The following countries qualify as SADC countries: Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe. Passport is required.
Entrance Gates Telephone Numbers
KRUGER NATIONAL P
Entrance Gate | Telephone Number |
Crocodile Bridge Gate | +27 (0)13 735 6012 |
Kruger Gate | +27 (0)13 735 5107 |
Malelane Gate | +27 (0)13 735 6152 |
Numbi Gate | +27 (0)13 735 5133 |
Orpen Gate | +27 (0)13 735 0237/0238 |
Pafuri Gate | +27 (0)13 735 5574 |
Phabeni Gate | +27 (0)13 735 5890 |
Phalaborwa Gate | +27 (0)13 735 3547 |
Punda Maria Gate | +27 (0)13 735 6870 |
Late Arrivals : Late arrivals are only allowed in cases of emergency (proof and valid reason required) until 21:00 for guests with pre-booked accommodation at certain camps within 10km distance from the relevant gate. An extra late arrival fee will be charged which is payable at the gate. No late arrivals are allowed at Pafuri, Phalaborwa or Phabeni Gates or any other gates for camps more than 10km away.
- The Big Five – Buffalo, Elephant, Leopard, Lion and Rhino.
- The Little Five – Buffalo Weaver, Elephant Shrew, Leopard Tortoise, Ant Lion and Rhino Beetle.
- Birding Big Six– Ground Hornbill, Kori Bustard, Lappet- faced Vulture, Martial Eagle, Pel’s Fishing Owl and Saddle-bill Stork.
- Five Trees – Baobab, Fever Tree, Knob Thorn, Marula, Mopane.
- Natural/Cultural Features – Letaba Elephant Museum, Jock of the Bushveld Route,Albasini Ruins, Masorini Ruins, Stevenson Hamilton Memorial Library, Thulamela.
The park lies in the north-east of South Africa, in the eastern parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. Phalaborwa, Limpopo is the only town in South Africa that borders the Kruger National Park. It is one of the largest national parks in the world, with an area of 19,485 square kilometres (7,523 sq mi). The park is approximately 360 kilometres (220 mi) long,[8]and has an average width of 65 kilometres (40 mi).[10] At its widest point, the park is 90 kilometres (56 mi) wide from east to west.
To the north and south of the park two rivers, the Limpopo and the Crocodile respectively, act as its natural boundaries. To the east the Lebombo Mountains separate it from Mozambique. Its western boundary runs parallel with this range, roughly 65 kilometers (40 mi) distant. The park varies in altitude between 200 meters (660 ft) in the east and 840 meters (2,760 ft) in the south-west near Berg-en-Dal. The highest point in the park is here, a hill called Khandzalive. Several rivers run through the park from west to east, including the Sabie, Olifants, Crocodile, Letaba, Luvuvhu and Limpopo Rivers.
The climate of the Kruger National Park and Lowveld is subtropical. Summer days are humid and hot with temperatures often soaring to above 38 °C (100 °F). The rainy season is from September until May. The Kruger National Park website lists September and October as the driest periods, culminating in rains late in October. The dry winter season is the ideal time to visit this region for various reasons. There is less chance of contracting malaria and the days are milder. Viewing wildlife is more rewarding as the vegetation is more sparse and animals are drawn to the waterholes to drink every morning and evening.