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.
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.
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Early morning drive with a ranger to look for lions, elephants and leopards at the waterholes.
Open vehicle drive as light fades, with a chance of seeing hyenas, genets and big cats hunting.
Walk with an armed ranger to learn tracking, birds and plants at ground level.
One of the world's largest green canyons, with sweeping viewpoints and potholes carved in rock.
Cliff-edge overlook above the lowveld with short walks to waterfalls nearby.
Spectacular limestone caverns with guided adventure tours through narrow passages.
Learn about the local ostrich industry, hold eggs and sample ostrich steaks.
Museum of Kruger's great tuskers with tusks, skulls and video on elephant conservation.
Meet rescued elephants at a rehabilitation centre with guided education talks.
Pretty lagoon town with oyster farms, a ferry and views from the cliffs of the Heads.
Suspension bridge walks, forest trails and a cliff-edge coastline with kloofing.
Boat trips from June to November for southern right whales and dolphins.
Cook boerewors and steaks over an open fire while listening to the bush at night.