Enquire
Why book with us?

What are you looking for?

Hello traveller!

It's in Cape Town now.

We're sorry. Our safari planners aren't available now. Our office hours are 08:00 - 19:00 (GMT+2).

Call us to speak to an experienced safari planner.


Alternatively, we recommend...

travel-form-icon

Complete our travel enquiry form to connect with a safari planner

ENQUIRE TODAY

Last Updated: 6 November 2024

Five reasons why the Kruger should be on the top of your safari list

Vihann Van Wyk Headshot

Written by  Tiffany Bowers

 • Travel Writer

Verified by  Vihann Van Wyk

 •  Africa Safari Expert

Part of the Kruger National Park Safari Collection

The Kruger National Park has intrigued so many people, it’s no wonder that it is arguably the most famous park in the world. Conservation and protection of animals is at the heart of what makes this park one of the most beautiful and valued parks in South Africa.

1. Six different ecosystems in one park

Five reasons why the Kruger should be on the top of your safari list

The Kruger National Park spans a total of almost 20 000 square kilometres, making it bigger than Wales and Israel. Such a large space means that no corner of Kruger is the same. Bordering Mozambique and Zimbabwe, a diverse ecology is a given. Aside from a great variety of mammals and birds, the changing landscape of Kruger means that there are more than 2 000 species of plant to be found in the park, as well as six major rivers flowing through it, supporting a rich habitat that is beloved by locals and foreigners alike.

2. It’s easy to get to the Kruger

Whether you’re going on a self-drive adventure or a fly-in safari, Kruger National Park is highly accessible. There are three airports close to the Kruger; Skukuza, Phalaborwa, Hoedspruit airports and the Mpumalanga International Airport. Skukuza Airport offers daily direct flights from Cape Town however, most flights to Kruger are from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport.

By car, the Kruger National Park has nine entrance gates, accessible centrally and from the north and south.

3. Your choice of experience

Five reasons why the Kruger should be on the top of your safari list

In a previous article, we explained the differences between the park, it’s reserves and concessions. These all have an added advantage of giving guests a lot of choice about where to go for the experience they would like. Each section of the park is unique, each with their own selection of lodges and camps that offer superb accommodation and service, as well as wonderful safari activities that range from walking safaris to 4×4 game drives.

4. Magnificent wildlife

Five reasons why the Kruger should be on the top of your safari list

The reason why people keep coming back to the Kruger is because of its outstanding wildlife. Here you will find the Big Five (elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo and leopard) which often take centre stage. However, there are more than 147 species of mammals here; making this the most of any African country. The Kruger National Park has a thriving population of leopards, one of the most elusive big cats. Lions also roam here in large numbers. In addition to the Big Five, cheetah, giraffe, hyena and even wild or ‘painted’ dogs roam the park.

Birds are also plentiful here; 507 distinct species. The list would be too long if we were to name all of the magical avian species to be found in Kruger, but suffice to say that hawks, vultures, falcons, kingfishers, turns, eagles, storks, owls and many, many more can be observed here.

5.  Luxury lodges and world-renowned hospitality

Five reasons why the Kruger should be on the top of your safari list

The Royal Malewane Lodge 

The reserves in and around the Kruger National Park offer an exceptional level of luxury, albeit in the middle of the bush. It is the passion and dedication of guides, managers and staff that truly brings the magic of the Kruger alive. From gourmet foods to panoramic views and glamourous lodges, the dedication that people have to the Kruger can really be felt here. Exceptional luxury can be found in Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Thornybush and Madikwe. There are however, plenty more to suit your budget and expectations.

 

Written by  Tiffany Bowers

 • Travel Writer

Team Member Headshot

Verified by  Vihann Van Wyk

 •  Africa Safari Expert

With over a decade of experience in the safari industry, Vihann has journeyed from being a professional field guide to managing lodges before finding his passion in helping travellers plan the perfect safari.

Discover the African Journey that’s Right for You

Discover Africa Through Travellers' Stories

These stories capture the real magic of Africa – where every journey becomes a chapter worth sharing.

The true magic, though, is with the people. They’re not just staff; they’re my friends, my family.

JJ Towler

United States

Matthys Van Aswegen

JJ Towler's journey was crafted with the expertise of Matthys Van Aswegen

I went to Africa to help my parents check a box, but I returned with a new perspective on my own life. Africa is no longer a "someday" destination for me; it’s a "must-return".

Steven

United States

Vihann Van Wyk

Steven's journey was crafted with the expertise of Vihann Van Wyk

We trusted our guide implicitly as we sat mere metres from elephants, lions, and hippos.

Cathy & Debb

Canada

Vihann Van Wyk

Cathy & Debb's journey was crafted with the expertise of Vihann Van Wyk

The Serengeti offered us sights we had never witnessed before, such as the surreal image of lions lounging high in the trees

Cathy & Nat

Canada

What Our Guests Have to Say?

Read recent reviews from travellers who have planned and booked their trips with us

star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Trustpilot review

"We worked with Discover Africa to arrange our first ever Safari. Chrizaan from Discover Africa did a tremendous job in first understanding our requirements and wishes and then translating them into the perfect trip for us! Everything was organized to the..."

Elke Bregler, United States21 Apr 2026

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"We had an amazing time, and loved every minute. The tour was very well planned, and dealt with the many changes we made with ease."

Eric van Lent, United States22 Feb 2026

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"We had an amazing experience at Walkers Plains Camp. The wildlife viewing was superb from start to finish. Our guide Millie and tracker were super friendly, extremely knowledgeable and made the game drives an absolute pleasure. The camp was very luxuriou..."

Sue Panayiotes, United Kingdom28 Dec 2025

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"We were initially overwhelmed with all of the options for African Safaris when we first started planning our trip. Luckily, Discover Africa responded promptly to our initial request for information and we were quickly scheduled for an initial consult with A..."

John Stanton, United States26 Nov 2025

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"Our safari trip to South Africa was nothing short of spectacular and I would like to thank Chrizaan for putting together a wonderful itinerary for us. Our first contact with Discover Africa was with a consultant who was amazing and very personable. Our plan..."

Rick, Canada15 Oct 2025

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"This trip was all about making memories, and it did just that. Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Mala Mala Safari Lodge, Victoria Falls, and finally Zanzibar. Our boutique hotels along the way were nothing less than stunning, as was Lanzarac Manor in Stellenbosch. T..."

Angela Dandy, United Kingdom24 Sep 2025

Read More
View All Testimonials

Our safari traveller reviews are independently verified and sourced from trusted third-party review platforms.