South Africa's premier safari ecosystem encompassing Kruger National Park and its adjoining private reserves — nearly 2 million hectares of unfenced Big Five wilderness.
May to September (dry winter) for best game viewing. October to April (wet summer) for lush landscapes, migratory birds, and baby animals. Malaria risk is lower in winter months.
Kruger rest camps from $50-150/night for self-catering chalets. Private lodge game packages $200-3,000/night all-inclusive. Self-drive entrance fees $28/adult/day. Private reserve conservation levies $15-40/day.
Fly to Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS) or Kruger Mpumalanga Airport (MQP) from Johannesburg (1 hour). Drive from Johannesburg takes 4-5 hours via the N4 or N12. Multiple entry gates along the western and southern boundaries.