Greater Kruger National Park Travel Guide

During your safari in the Greater Kruger National Park, all meals will be enjoyed at your luxury lodge, and safari camps in the region pride themselves on offering a wonderful variety of dining experiences. In the course of your stay a game drive may extend into a breakfast picnic on a riverbank, watching elephants graze nearby, or perhaps a fireside ‘bush dinner’ laid out beneath the stars.

The ‘boma dinners’ are another unforgettable highlight of any safari stay: these barbecue feasts are enjoyed in a dedicated outdoor dining area under the glittering African sky, while lodge staff or local cultural groups entertain guests with traditional song and dance.

Dietary requirements and preferences can be catered for, please advise on reservation.

Relax, you’re on holiday! Safaris are an informal affair and there is no dress code, or need for formal attire, at the lodges. 

Cotton clothing in neutral colours is best for both game drives and bush walks, and comfortable walking/hiking shoes are recommended. Winter (June-October) in the bush can be cold, particularly on morning safari drives, so pack a thermal fleece, jacket, hat and gloves. Likewise, swimsuits are essential in the hot African summer. 

Most lodges offer a safari boutique stocking sun lotion, memory cards, branded clothing and souvenirs.  

Don’t forget your camera, spare memory cards and charging cables. As most lodges are located in remote areas, ensure you have sufficient prescription medication before arrival at the lodge.

Please note that the use of private aerial drones is strictly forbidden in both national park concessions and private conservancies. Bring your binoculars instead!

The Greater Kruger National Park has two distinct seasons. Fall/autumn and winter days are mild, but the early-mornings and evenings can be extremely cold. Spring and summer (October to April) are marked by warm to hot days, often punctuated by dramatic afternoon thunderstorms. 

The Greater Kruger National Park is a low-risk malaria area. While the risk is lower during the dry winter months (June-October), anti-malaria prophylactics are recommended year-round. Consult your travel doctor at least three weeks before departure.

Click here to discover the Greater Kruger National Park, and the handpicked lodges Africa by Design partners with in the region.

Private air charters offer the fastest and most convenient access to the region, with a network of tar and gravel runways situated close to the lodges in both private conservancies and the Kruger National Park. Alternatively, three airports (Skukuza, Hoedspruit and Nelspruit) offer scheduled services to the international airport hubs at Johannesburg (0h50m flying time) and Cape Town (2h25m).