Destinations / South Africa / The Greater Kruger
The Greater Kruger
South Africa's Classic Big Five Safari
The Greater Kruger is where the classic African safari was refined. Alongside one of Africa's oldest national parks, private reserves such as the Sabi Sand and Timbavati share unfenced borders with the park, offering exceptional leopard sightings, expert tracker-and-guide teams and some of the continent's most celebrated lodges.
Africa's Premier Big Five Destination
The Big Five
Depending on the time of year, you'll experience river crossings, vast calving herds or endless columns of wildebeest stretching to the horizon.
Private Reserves
In the private reserves, off-road driving, night drives and walking safaris let you follow the action closely, with only a handful of vehicles at each sighting.
A Vast Wilderness
Kruger National Park alone covers nearly 7,600 square miles (19,500 km²) of bushveld, riverine forest and rocky outcrops, home to around 150 mammal species and around 500 bird species.
Unforgettable Experiences
The classic safari, perfected.
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Big Five Game Drives
Explore private reserves such as the Sabi Sand and Timbavati, whose open borders with Kruger offer some of Africa's most reliable Big 5 sightings.
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Leopard Tracking
Follow fresh tracks with a skilled tracker to find one of Africa's most elusive cats.
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Walking Safaris
Discover the bush on foot, from animal tracks to medicinal plants.
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Night Drives
Spotlight for honey badgers, civets, genets and hunting hyenas, permitted only in the private reserves.
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Spa & Wellness
Unwind with treatments at your lodge between game drives.
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Dinner Under the Stars
Dine by firelight in a traditional boma, with the calls of hyenas in the distance.
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Photographic Safaris
Shoot from vehicles fitted with camera mounts, with specialist guides who position you for the light..
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Star-Bed Sleep-Outs
Spend a night on an open-air platform beneath the southern skies.
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Conservation Experiences
Gain insight into the people and projects helping to protect Africa's wildlife and wild places.
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The Panorama Route
Explore the Blyde River Canyon and its dramatic viewpoints on a scenic day trip.
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Family Fun & Adventure for Kids
Junior ranger and tracking programs teach young explorers to read animal tracks, identify birds and discover the secrets of the bush.
When to visit
The Greater Kruger offers excellent game viewing all year.
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The dry winter season thins the vegetation and draws wildlife to water, making for outstanding sightings. Days are mild and mornings are crisp.
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Temperatures rise and the first rains arrive. Impala and other antelope begin giving birth.
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The green summer season brings lush landscapes, newborn animals, migrant birds and dramatic afternoon storms.
Premier Stays
Private reserves and iconic lodges with exclusive access to the Big Five.
Luxury Safari Lodges
Timeless safari elegance or contemporary design, often with private plunge pools and river views.
Intimate Camps
Smaller camps with just a handful of suites, ideal for couples and those seeking privacy.
Exclusive Use Villas
Your own private villa or camp, with dedicated guides, tracker, safari vehicle, chef, butler and staff.
Pairs Perfectly with…
Because the best safaris rarely stop at one destination.
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Cape Town
Pair the bush with mountain, ocean and world-class cuisine.
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The Cape Winelands
Unwind among historic estates and vineyards after your safari.
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Bazaruto Archipelago
End barefoot on the white-sand islands of Mozambique, a short flight away.
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Victoria Falls
Add the thundering spectacle of one of the world's greatest waterfalls.
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Namibia
Contrast the bushveld with Namibia's towering red dunes, desert-adapted wildlife and vast, silent landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The private reserves of the Greater Kruger share open borders with the park. They offer privately guided experiences with off-road driving, night drives and walking with limited vehicles, which makes for more intimate and authentic wildlife encounters.
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May to September offers the easiest game viewing. December to April brings lush landscapes, newborn animals and superb birding.
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Daily flights connect Johannesburg and Cape Town with Skukuza, Hoedspruit and Nelspruit, and light aircraft serve many private lodges directly.
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Kruger is a low-risk malaria area. We recommend speaking to your doctor about antimalarial medication. If you prefer a malaria-free safari, Madikwe is an excellent alternative.
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Yes. Many lodges welcome children, with family suites, private vehicles and junior ranger programs. Age limits apply for some activities, such as walking safaris.
