Kruger National Park Guide For First Timers – Everything You Need To Know

If it’s your first time at Kruger National Park, you will undoubtedly be a little overwhelmed with all the choices and decisions you have to make.

This guide goes through everything that you need to know when it comes to planning your first safari adventure in South Africa, known to be one of the best places in the world to see the "Big Five".

DECIDING WHERE TO STAY IN KRUGER

Rest Camps Each rest camp differs quite drastically with the number of services they offer, types of accommodations, size, and in general, how modern they've developed.

USING THE SAN PARKS BOOKING SYSTEM

It’s smart enough to know that you can’t book an activity unless you already have an accommodation booking in the camp, and the data is real-time. It tells you exactly how many spots are left.

Remember those choose-your-own-adventure books where you were making decisions about where your character should go or what they should do next? The self-drive safari in Kruger National Park is kind of like that.

HOW SELF-DRIVE SAFARI WORKS

How to have better chances to spot wildlife

Wake up early and be ready to drive out of the gate right when it opens. This is when a lot of animals are still quite active, as the temperatures are also much cooler.

ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE AT EACH REST CAMP

Bush Walks It's an incredible way to see the landscape up close, immerse yourself in the African bush, and learn quite a bit from the commentary from the rangers.

Game Drives

If you’re only doing Kruger National Park, I still think the drives are a great way to see animals because they can communicate with other park drivers and lock in on sightings.

Next steps

More amazing travel inspiration in the blog post!