Is Kruger National Park Safe: All You Need to Know About the Reserve

You’re dreaming of the deep, echoing silence of the African bush – the moment a lion pads past your vehicle, the vastness of the sky above you. And while you’re ready for that adventure, a practical thought always follows: Is Kruger National Park safe?

We get it. When you’re preparing for a journey that will change your perspective, you need to feel completely grounded and assured. Based right here in Africa, we’re going to walk you through everything you need to know, from staying safe among the Big Five to navigating the beautiful, ancient landscape with confidence. Let’s make that dream a reality.

Kruger National Park is a sanctuary where the wild heart of Africa beats loudest. First protected as the Sabie Game Reserve in 1898 and formally declared a National Park in 1926, this colossal wilderness stretches well over 19,000 km². You’ll not only encounter the famed Big Five but you’ll also feel the scale of a landscape that truly belongs to the animals.

Stretching across the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces and bordering Mozambique and Zimbabwe, Kruger National Park is a safe place to explore Africa’s biodiversity. It’s home to the famed Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo), various other wildlife, and a rich assortment of flora.

It’s a world of astounding biodiversity. When you journey through this land, you are sharing space with 147 mammal species and listening to the symphonies of over 500 bird species – a scale of life that simply demands respect.

Look deeper and you’ll find ancient stories written in the landscape, from San rock paintings to the histories of archaeological sites like Masorini and Thulamela, reflecting centuries of human interaction with this powerful environment.

Over the years, fences have been pulled down between Kruger and surrounding private reserves to make the Greater Kruger Area, adding about 1,800 km².

Fences between Kruger and Mozambique’s Limpopo National Park and Zimbabwe’s Gonarezhou National Park have also been taken down to create the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park, creating a colossal wilderness area for wildlife to roam, and significantly enhancing the safari experience for visitors.

Technology and Connectivity in the Wilderness

Kruger National Park offers a pleasant surprise for those who can’t part with their gadgets. Although the park is a natural wilderness, it hasn’t remained untouched by technology.

Kruger is safe for tourists, and most areas in the park have mobile coverage, with rest camps and private lodges providing the strongest signals.

But to respect the tranquillity of the wildlife setting, mobile phones are restricted on game drives so they don’t disturb the animals. Put your phone on silent when you’re on a game drive; you don’t want an unexpected call to scare off a bird you’re watching.

It’s also important to note that it’s illegal to use drones inside and over South Africa’s national parks.

How Safe is Kruger National Park Water?

Concerning hydration, the Kruger takes the health of its visitors seriously. Tap water is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is readily available in lodges and can be bought at shops throughout the park.

Private lodges and concessions provide bottled and filtered water for their guests. To keep single-use plastic to a minimum, many private lodges give guests refillable bottles – or bring your own.

Malaria Precautions

Malaria is primarily transferred through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito.

Kruger National Park lies in a malaria-prone zone. Although incidents are relatively rare, awareness of the high-risk periods, especially during the wet season from October to May, is crucial. The peak risk occurs from January to May.

Various anti-malaria medications are available, and you should consult a healthcare provider for appropriate malaria prophylaxis before your trip to the Kruger.

Mosquito Protection Measures

Most private lodges in the park provide mosquito nets alongside other preventive measures like sprays, creams, coils, and plug-in dispensers.

Mosquitoes most often bite between dusk and dawn. During this period, cover exposed skin with light clothing or insect repellents. Remember to spray your ankles and rub insect repellent on your ears.

You should wear neutral colours in game reserves as a general rule, which is more pronounced when it comes to malaria prevention. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark clothing, especially colours like black, navy, and red, which are more visible to them.

Combined with other cues like carbon dioxide from your breath, you can be a beacon. Light-coloured clothing, such as whites, creams or pastels, is less appealing to mosquitoes and can make you harder to find.

Safety Among Wild Animals

Safety of tourists in the Kruger National Park is a top priority. Camps are gated and fenced, which prevents wildlife from entering human settlements. Baboons and monkeys are common in most camps, but they typically keep a safe distance.

Never feed or disturb wild animals; it’s a serious offence, isn’t safe for you, and can lead to the death of the animal.

The Kruger is safe for tourists, but you’re likely to have some sort of a close experience with a creepy crawly, be it a bat, mouse, spider, scorpion, or insect. These creatures are part of the environment and won’t harm you if they aren’t threatened. Stay calm and call for assistance.

Adherence to the park’s safety guidelines ensures your stay is enjoyable and secure. Nighttime in many camps and lodges is especially enchanting, as you can move freely in a safe environment, adding to the allure of the Kruger Park experience.

Pregnancy and Safari Considerations

Because of the malaria risk, pregnant visitors are advised to consider other wildlife destinations in South Africa. There are plenty of malaria-free parks and reserves, ensuring a safe and enjoyable bush experience.

Understanding Conservation Fees

Visitors to Kruger National Park contribute to its upkeep and conservation through mandatory conservation fees. These fees, paid per day of stay, go towards preserving the park’s natural, historical, and cultural heritage.

They also support the maintenance of facilities like viewing hides, water supplies, and watering holes. Conservation fees can be paid at the gate upon arrival, or they can be included in the cost of a safari package.

Pet Policies and Guide Dogs

The Kruger National Park adheres to strict regulations regarding pets to ensure the safety of both animals and visitors. Only guide dogs are permitted, and the necessary permissions and paperwork must be arranged in advance. No other animals are allowed in the park.

Feeding Wildlife and Poaching

Feeding animals in the park is strictly prohibited. This rule helps maintain the natural behaviour of wildlife and ensures visitor safety. Violators face significant fines. Remember, animals see litter as food.

The park also takes a firm stance against poaching, particularly of rhinos. Visitors are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to park officials or accommodation managers.

Get the Most Out of Your Stay

Early mornings and evenings are usually the best times to see game, and private lodges always offer dawn drives. Remember to bring a camera, binoculars, bird and wildlife reference books, a hat and sunscreen lotion.

For your safety at Kruger and other wilderness areas, remember to take along medicines such as antihistamines and lotion for insect stings and bites.

Getting There: Is It Safe To Drive To Kruger National Park?

It’s possible and safe to drive from anywhere in South Africa to Kruger National Park or any of the private concessions and reserves in the region.

Drive Time

The quickest route from Johannesburg is to Numbi Gate at 411 km, but recommended routes are to Malelane Gate (428 km) and through Hazyview (430 km).

From Durban and Cape Town, the drive is long – about 10 and 20 hours, respectively.

Before You Go

• Research your route and plan your journey.
• Have enough fuel, as fuel stops can be scarce on rural roads.
• Carry cash, as not all fuel stations or establishments accept credit cards.

Inside Kruger National Park

• Stay in your car with your doors closed unless you’re in a designated area.
• No part of your body may protrude from a window or sunroof or any other part of the vehicle.
• Obey the rules: adhere to the speed limits (50 km/h on tar, 40 km/h on gravel) and stay on marked roads.
• Secure valuables: store all valuables in the trunk or completely out of sight.

Fly In To Kruger

You can also fly in. There are daily flights to Kruger Park from Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban to Skukuza Airport, Phalaborwa Airport, Hoedspruit Airport, and the Kruger/Mpumalanga International Airport outside Nelspruit.

Private lodges and concessions offer transfers from the airports or have their own landing strips.

Tour Options in Kruger

Your Kruger journey doesn’t have to end at the park gates. The wild heart of Africa often stirs a desire to see more, and we’re here to help you connect the dots.

We believe your safari should feel like yours, not just a standard package. Perhaps you dream of combining the thrill of the Kruger with the ancient landscapes of Victoria Falls, or maybe you want to pair your bush experience with the vibrant culture of Cape Town.

While the main Kruger National Park offers incredible safari adventures, the neighbouring private reserves and concessions are where the luxury of intimate experiences shines. Here, you can enjoy walking safaris, thrilling night drives, and off-road tracking that truly brings you closer to the wilderness.

Discover Africa will help you tailor your South African safari to your interests. Let’s start planning your African chapter.