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South Africa’s largest national park and home to the Big Five

Founded in 1898 and covering over 7,500 square miles (19,500 square kilometres) of land, Kruger National Park is both the oldest and largest national park in South Africa. The diversity of its landscapes and vast number of animals that call it home also make it one of the best places in the country to go on safari.

The Kruger has sixteen distinct habitats within its borders, ranging from dry open grassland to lush riverine forests. These support a huge variety of wildlife, including over 100 species of mammals. You can see all of the Big Five (leopards, lions, elephants, rhinos and buffalo) here, as well as giraffes, zebras, hippos and impalas. There’s also the chance to track rare species like pangolins, aardvarks and African wild dogs.

And it’s not just mammals. There are over 500 species of resident and migratory birds you can spot in the park. You might catch sight of a martial eagle soaring overhead, a huge kori bustard striding across the grassland, or vibrant southern carmine bee-eaters nesting in the riverbanks.

We’ll recommend the best lodges and camps in the Kruger, including those situated in private concessions and reserves that are only accessible to guests. Staying within their borders enables you to take part in extra activities like walking safaris and night drives.

The park’s location makes it easy to combine a trip here with time in other parts of South Africa, such as Cape Town, the Winelands and Johannesburg. Get in touch with our expert travel designers to start planning your luxury Kruger National Park safari tour today.

Highlights

Head out on a Kruger National Park game drive with expert guides to track leopards, lions, elephants, rhinos and buffalo

See sweeping grasslands, fever tree forests, savannah woodlands and meandering rivers on drives in safari jeeps

Sleep in exclusive lodges and intimate camps located in private concessions within the national park

Keep an eye out for some of the park’s over 500 species of birds, including huge martial eagles, colourful lilac-breasted rollers and rare Pel’s fishing owls

Look for nocturnal wildlife on a night drive in one of the parks private concessions, or marvel at the cosmos in a stargazing session

Seeing the Big Five in person is mesmerising, and every turn you take in the Kruger unveils new views and incredible wildlife.

Jamey Lowis headshot

Jamey Lowis

Senior Travel Designer

Luxury safari lodges in Kruger National Park

There are many incredible places to stay in the Kruger. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

Why book with Jacada?

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Personalised design

We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

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Authentic experiences

Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

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Responsible travel

Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.

Ready to plan your adventure?

Whatever you want from your Kruger tour, our team of safari experts are ready to help.

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When to visit the Kruger

The best time to take luxury Kruger National Park safari tours is during the dry season from May to October. Sparser vegetation makes it easier to spot wildlife, who often gather around rivers and waterholes. The weather is pleasant, with warm sunny days, cool evenings and very little rain.

During the wet season (November to April), the weather becomes hotter and more humid. Heavy rains turn the landscape lush and green. Many species give birth in November and December, giving you the chance to see baby animals. It’s also a fantastic season for birdwatching, as many migratory species arrive in the region.

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Safari

May–September

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Birdwatching

October–March

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Green season

November–April

When Is the Best Time to Visit South Africa?

When Is the Best Time to Visit South Africa?

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Plan your trip to
the Kruger

Whatever you want from your luxury Kruger safari, our team of safari experts are ready to help.

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Your trip, your story

We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.

Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.

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