Kruger National Park offers some of Africa's most accessible self-drive and guided safaris, with lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos and buffalo. Pair it with the Garden Route's coast, forests and whale watching. Dry winter months (May to September) are best for game.
Month by month
Best: April, May, June, July, August, September, October
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May
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Avoid Poor OK Good Excellent Peak
How long to stay
5–9 days is the sweet spot.
Flight time
About 16h from the US East Coast, 11h from Europe, 9h from South Asia.
Good to know
- Book Kruger rest camps through SANParks months ahead for school holidays.
- Dawn and dusk are the best game-viewing hours; gates open at sunrise.
- Malaria tablets are advised for the Kruger region; ask a travel clinic.
Plan a trip to Kruger & the Garden Route
Pick your dates and Offdays builds a day-by-day itinerary from Kruger & the Garden Route's best places.
Destination