Kruger National Park offers magnificent wildlife viewing. All the major safari animals are present including the Big Five. The big cats are present in healthy numbers and lions in particular are frequently seen in the south of the park. Elephant and buffalo are common throughout, while white rhinos are increasingly under threat from poaching. A well-developed road network allows for easy access, a 4WD is not required.

Kruger National Park is home to more than 500 bird species – more than half of the birds recorded in South Africa. Approximately 200 of these are migratory species from Eurasia and north Africa. Migrants are present from November to April. Kruger is the best place in the country to see birds of prey; almost 80 species have been recorded, including 15 out of 17 eagles. The less visited northern part of the park (Pafuri and Punda Maria regions) offers the best bird watching. All the rest camps tend to be hotspots because there is a high concentration of trees and shrubs.

Best Time to Visit

The best wildlife viewing in Kruger is during the dry winter months from May to September. At this time the bush thins out and animals congregate around waterholes and rivers. Conditions tend to get better as winter progresses and September is particularly lovely since the mornings are a bit less chilly than in mid-winter. The best wildlife viewing time also coincides with the low season, making it even more attractive