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Kruger National Park Introduction

A mass of beauty gently stirs in this remarkable diversity of Southern African wildlife, indigenous bush, sub-tropical vegetation, fertile valleys and indeed throbs with the cycle of life and death. An almost perfectly preserved slice of Africa as it was hundreds of years ago, The Kruger stretches 380 km from south to north, and covers 21 497 square kilometers of wild bushveld. In a natural unfenced environment, visitors from all over the world may experience close encounters with elephant, rhino, leopard, buffalo, lion, wild dog, zebra, cheetah and giraffe. A haven for the wildlife enthusiast with close on 150 mammals, over 500 different species of birds and over 380 species of indigenous trees. Experience the spirit of Southern Africa.
 

There are many rest camps in the Park, air-conditioned accommodation being provided in bungalows and cottages. Most of the camps have licensed restaurants offering sit down meals, take – away or unwind outside your bungalow and enjoy a typical South African BBQ for the self catering guests.
 

For the adventurous character, there are also several hiking trails, which prove the ultimate close–up encounters in the Wild African bush. These day walks are conducted from all the main camps and bushveld camps in the safety and care of highly trained field rangers. Sunset safaris are the highlight of the bush experience, as the spot light from the open safari vehicles pierces into the night, and unveils the natural wonders previously hidden by darkness. Full and half day game drive safaris are a must in this breathtaking South African kingdom of beauty.
 

Important Information to know about visiting Kruger National Park
 

When to go

Game-viewing is the best in winter, but some people prefer the lush vegetation and bird breeding activity of the summer. March and April experience the dramatic rutting of impala, wildebeest and other species. November and December see the birth of their young. In general, entrance gates and rest camps open at sunrise and close at sunset. Motorists do need to be warned that they have to enter and exit the gates at the times stipulated on all entry permits, or else they are fined for this offence. The Park is open all year round, but opening and closing times vary from month to month.
 

Kruger’s Climate 

The climate is subtropical with hot summers and warm, dry winters. Summer rain falls between October and March. For those hot summer days, one may dress lightly as jackets and jerseys are not required. Sensitive skin types, sun hats are advisable with the necessary sun block. For the cooler winter months it is advisable to, especially on early morning game drives and sunset safaris, dress up cozy and warm.
 

Know your speed limits

The minimum limit required to travel non-stop from the various entrance gates to the rest camps is at 50 km/h on tarred roads and 40 km/h on gravel roads. Always allow yourself extra time for any exciting and unpredictable sightings along the way.
 

Accommodation in the Kruger National Park

Accommodation is available over the length of the Park in 12 main camps, 6 satellite camps, 5 bushveld camps as well as several independently operated concession lodges. The accommodation varies in size, standard and price includes camping sites, units with communal facilities, units equipped with ablution facilities, units equipped with ablutions and kitchens, as well as luxury units with special amenities.
 

Facilities within the Kruger

Conference facilities are available in the southern and the northern part of the Kruger National Park.
Laundromat services are available at all the main camps.
 

Library
Open Mondays - Fridays
7am – 4pm.
 

The Stevenson-Hamilton Memorial is based at Skukuza Rest Camp and is open to all visitors.
 

Bank & ATM will be found at Skukuza Rest Camp and an ATM at Letaba
 

Petrol is available at the 12 main rest camps.
 

Cleaning Services ~ staff are responsible for the cleaning of accommodation, but not responsible for cooking and washing of guests dishes. Private camps, for that matter differ according to their star rating.
 

Swimming Pools ~ Berg-en-Dal, Pretoriuskop, Skukuza Rest Camp, Lower Sabie, Mopani, Phunda Maria and Shingwedzi.
 

Post Office
Skukuza Rest Camp.
Open f Monday - Friday.
8am – 1pm
2pm – 4.30pm
Saturdays
8am - 12pm
 

Picnic sites ~ there are numerous picnic sites, game hideouts and other get out points spread throughout the Park, that allow visitors to alight from their vehicles at their own risk.
 

Police Station ~ The station is situated at Skukuza and is sign posted from outside the camp gate.
 

Taking into account the vast area of the Kruger National Park equivalent to the size of a country such as Wales in The United Kingdom, The State of Isreal and the state of Massachusetts in the USA, it would take you approx. 15 days traveling at speed limits of 40 to 50 km’s per hour (40 km’s on gravel roads and 50 km’s on tar roads), to cover the entire Kruger with a network of more or less 2,500 km’s of tarred and gravel roads combined
 

Gates and Camp Operating Hours