GREATER KRUGER
'The Kruger' is possibly the best-known safari destination in the world. Established in 1898, The Greater Kruger extends over some 22,000 square km (8,500 sq. miles). That’s the size of Wales or Massachusetts. It supports a total of 145 mammal species, 500 bird species, and 110 reptile species, including an estimated 13,000 elephants, 40,000 buffalo, 2000 lions and lots of rhinos. We aren’t allowed to say how many, but it is lots and lots. The only decent wildlife reserve with a higher density of rhino is Hluhluwe-Imfolozi in KwaZulu-Natal.
What's the difference between the Greater Kruger and Kruger National Park?
The Greater Kruger is comprised of the Kruger National Park (KNP) and a number of private reserves next to the KNP. The fences between the private reserves and the KNP came down 23 years ago allowing the animals to move freely.
The KNP is managed by Sanparks, a government-run organisation, and covers about 80% of the total area. Tarmac roads run through the middle of it, there are numerous large rest camps, of which at least half a dozen have over 100 one to four-bedroom units, camping sites, and fast food restaurants catering to self-drive clients - not the kind of safari experience we promote to our clients and hence, we do not sell any of the government-run rest camps, but only very few, selected camps on private concessions within the Kruger National Park. Apart from that, we focus on the private game reserves adjacent to the KNP, which deliver a much better experience.
The private reserves are managed by groups made up of small lodges and camps. Many lodges and camps only have between six and twelve one-bedroom chalets or luxury tents. No self-driving is permitted, there are no tarmac roads, and vehicle movements are carefully managed, for a much more authentic safari experience.
For a more detailed explanation of the advantages of the private Kruger reserves, read here.
The different private reserves
The best areas are the private game reserves directly bordering the Kruger National Park, Sabi Sand and Timbavati at the top of most people in the know's lists. Game viewing in these reserves is prolific, and leopard sightings in Sabi Sand are almost guaranteed on a two-night stay. However, the less-illustrious Klaserie and Balule reserves, also provide excellent game viewing in different landscapes at a lower cost for the same standard of lodge. They are well worth considering and we have many a happy client who visit these reserves, either in combination with Sabi Sand or Timbavati, or on their own. Thornybush, Makalali, Kapama and Manyeleti are good options for reserves not directly bordering Kruger National Park, and Motlala is perfect for those on a tight budget.
Flora & Fauna
The Greater Kruger area is home to the Big Five as well as to giraffe, wild dog, endless amounts plains game, reptiles and birds. Because the animals and birds who call the Greater Kruger area home can roam freely, they are all found in all reserves. In saying that, however, the area is large, so habitats differ and of course animals gravitate toward whichever habitat is best for them. Some areas are better known for their leopard sightings, others for elephant, and so on.
How to safari in the Greater Kruger
We can arrange fully-inclusive safaris in the Greater Kruger, typically from 2 to 6 nights in length, with pick-ups and drop-offs from Johannesburg airport, which can also include the scenic Panorama Route, or one of the regional airports such as Hoedspruit or Nelspruit. For the more discerning client we also offer charter flights directly into the private game reserves. We work with a range of accommodation, from tented camps to luxury lodges, with game drives conducted by experienced guides in specialised open-sided safari vehicles, perfect for game-viewing, and half-day walking safaris with armed rangers. All the lodges have a watering hole, river, or lake, meaning that there is good chance of seeing wildlife when you are not out on safari too. Many lodges are also unfenced, so having interesting visitors around the grounds is not uncommon.
Of course it is possible to combine reserves. The landscapes of the individual reserves do slightly differ and combination itineraries with two or three nights in one reserve, then two or three in another are the best way of getting a variety of experiences and habitats. It also makes it easier to spend some time in the higher-priced Sabi Sands lodges without blowing all your budget in three-nights.
Seasons
Dry season – May to September – Winter
There is virtually no rainfall during the whole of winter, humidity is very low and there is almost no risk of malaria. As water becomes scarce wildlife is attracted to permanent water sources. Temperatures from the evening to mid-morning can be chilly.
Wet seasons – October to April – Summer
It is hot and humid in summer. Temperatures can reach over 40°C/104°F, although average daytime temperature is 32°C/90°F. Mostly rain falls in the afternoon or at night. The rains bring green grasses, seeds, flowers, and as a result, more birds. The rains also mean there is no dust, and, other than Christmas and Easter, fewer tourists.
What's the difference between the Greater Kruger and Kruger National Park?
The Greater Kruger is comprised of the Kruger National Park (KNP) and a number of private reserves next to the KNP. The fences between the private reserves and the KNP came down 23 years ago allowing the animals to move freely.
The KNP is managed by Sanparks, a government-run organisation, and covers about 80% of the total area. Tarmac roads run through the middle of it, there are numerous large rest camps, of which at least half a dozen have over 100 one to four-bedroom units, camping sites, and fast food restaurants catering to self-drive clients - not the kind of safari experience we promote to our clients and hence, we do not sell any of the government-run rest camps, but only very few, selected camps on private concessions within the Kruger National Park. Apart from that, we focus on the private game reserves adjacent to the KNP, which deliver a much better experience.
The private reserves are managed by groups made up of small lodges and camps. Many lodges and camps only have between six and twelve one-bedroom chalets or luxury tents. No self-driving is permitted, there are no tarmac roads, and vehicle movements are carefully managed, for a much more authentic safari experience.
For a more detailed explanation of the advantages of the private Kruger reserves, read here.
The different private reserves
The best areas are the private game reserves directly bordering the Kruger National Park, Sabi Sand and Timbavati at the top of most people in the know's lists. Game viewing in these reserves is prolific, and leopard sightings in Sabi Sand are almost guaranteed on a two-night stay. However, the less-illustrious Klaserie and Balule reserves, also provide excellent game viewing in different landscapes at a lower cost for the same standard of lodge. They are well worth considering and we have many a happy client who visit these reserves, either in combination with Sabi Sand or Timbavati, or on their own. Thornybush, Makalali, Kapama and Manyeleti are good options for reserves not directly bordering Kruger National Park, and Motlala is perfect for those on a tight budget.
Flora & Fauna
The Greater Kruger area is home to the Big Five as well as to giraffe, wild dog, endless amounts plains game, reptiles and birds. Because the animals and birds who call the Greater Kruger area home can roam freely, they are all found in all reserves. In saying that, however, the area is large, so habitats differ and of course animals gravitate toward whichever habitat is best for them. Some areas are better known for their leopard sightings, others for elephant, and so on.
How to safari in the Greater Kruger
We can arrange fully-inclusive safaris in the Greater Kruger, typically from 2 to 6 nights in length, with pick-ups and drop-offs from Johannesburg airport, which can also include the scenic Panorama Route, or one of the regional airports such as Hoedspruit or Nelspruit. For the more discerning client we also offer charter flights directly into the private game reserves. We work with a range of accommodation, from tented camps to luxury lodges, with game drives conducted by experienced guides in specialised open-sided safari vehicles, perfect for game-viewing, and half-day walking safaris with armed rangers. All the lodges have a watering hole, river, or lake, meaning that there is good chance of seeing wildlife when you are not out on safari too. Many lodges are also unfenced, so having interesting visitors around the grounds is not uncommon.
Of course it is possible to combine reserves. The landscapes of the individual reserves do slightly differ and combination itineraries with two or three nights in one reserve, then two or three in another are the best way of getting a variety of experiences and habitats. It also makes it easier to spend some time in the higher-priced Sabi Sands lodges without blowing all your budget in three-nights.
Seasons
Dry season – May to September – Winter
There is virtually no rainfall during the whole of winter, humidity is very low and there is almost no risk of malaria. As water becomes scarce wildlife is attracted to permanent water sources. Temperatures from the evening to mid-morning can be chilly.
Wet seasons – October to April – Summer
It is hot and humid in summer. Temperatures can reach over 40°C/104°F, although average daytime temperature is 32°C/90°F. Mostly rain falls in the afternoon or at night. The rains bring green grasses, seeds, flowers, and as a result, more birds. The rains also mean there is no dust, and, other than Christmas and Easter, fewer tourists.
greater kruger reserves
Look at the individual reserve pages for more information and itinerary suggestions below, or contact us directly for a bespoke itinerary. At the bottom of the page you will also find a button leading you to some Greater Kruger combination itineraries.