Kruger National Park

The Kruger is a year-round destination, with daytime temperatures ranging between 18C and 33C in summer (November to March), and between 6C to 26C in winter (May to August). Rain usually falls in summer, mostly in the evenings after hot days, when downpours with lightning are frequent. The most pleasant (and peak) time to safari is winter, when it’s cooler, the bush is less dense and game can be more easily spotted and gathers near water. The changing colours of the Mopane trees in autumn is particularly pretty, while summer is best for birdlife and to see new-born animals.

It’s about a five-hour drive from Johannesburg to the park gates, then anything from 30 minutes to three hours’ drive to camps. Just outside the park is Kruger Mpumalanga International, from which flights connect to domestic airports, neighbouring African countries and bush airstrips (from Johannesburg about one hour, Cape Town two hours). Light aircraft can also land at Hoedspruit (for central Kruger camps) and Phalaborwa (for northern Kruger camps), both just outside the park.

Kruger is one of the best parks for self-drive safaris, which brings a lot of day-trippers in – and can mean unfortunate congestion, particularly near the gates. The further you stay from the gates the better. Cars are not necessary as lodges and camps will provide for game drives, plus you get the benefit of an informed guide who will explain the flora and fauna, and know the best game viewing areas. Many of the upmarket camps also offer a private vehicle for an additional fee. Worth it, if you are interested in specific creatures – or want some time alone.

Most of the park offers opportunities to see the Big Five, wild dog, cheetah, hundreds of antelope and more than 500 species of bird, although game sightings are especially good in certain areas. The southern Sabi Sand private reserve is known for leopard – and being outside the park, rangers can track off-road. Central and southern Kruger has big elephant populations – seen best in winter around waterholes – as well as white rhino (black are rarely seen). The north, with its beautiful scenery, hills and rivers, has a great variety of birdlife, particularly in summer (October to March).