Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | R330–440 | R1,000–2,200 |
| Food | R150–250 | R300–500 |
| Transport | R200–350 | R350–500 |
| Activities | R0–305 | R305–575 |
| Park Entry | R440 | R440 |
| Daily Total | R1,120–1,785 | R2,395–4,215 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Getting There
- Fly to Kruger Mpumalanga International (KMIA) or Hoedspruit Airport
- Drive from Johannesburg: 4–5 hours via N4/N12
- Main gates: Numbi, Phabeni, Crocodile Bridge, Malelane, Orpen, Phalaborwa
Entry & Permits
- Daily conservation fee: R440/adult (foreign), R110/adult (SA resident)
- Gate hours: sunrise to sunset (varies monthly)
- No permit needed beyond entry fee — just book accommodation
Health & Safety
- Kruger is a malaria zone — take prophylaxis (consult doctor 2 weeks before)
- Stay in your vehicle at all times except at designated rest stops
- Carry a first aid kit — nearest hospitals are outside the park
What to Pack
- Binoculars, camera with zoom lens, bean bag for car-window stabilisation
- Neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, brown, green)
- Warm layers for early morning drives — winter mornings drop to 5°C
Connectivity
- Cell signal available at most rest camps (Vodacom/MTN best)
- No Wi-Fi in most camps — some have paid hotspots
- Download offline maps (Maps.me) before entering the park
Fuel & Supplies
- Fuel stations at main gates and large rest camps (Skukuza, Satara, Letaba)
- Camp shops stock basics: ice, braai meat, bread, snacks, cold drinks
- ATMs at Skukuza and Letaba only — bring cash for smaller camps
Cultural tips
Respect wildlife distance
Never leave your vehicle outside designated areas. Maintain at least 20 metres from elephants and never get between a mother and calf. Animals are wild and unpredictable — a car is your best hide.
Road etiquette matters
Do not block the road at sightings — pull over to the side. Keep your engine off when stationary near animals. If others are already at a sighting, wait your turn and do not crowd in aggressively.
Gate times are strict
If you are caught outside a rest camp after gate closing time, you receive a heavy fine (R2,500+). Plan your afternoon drives to return at least 30 minutes before closing. Gate times change monthly.
Leave no trace
Do not throw any food or litter from your vehicle — baboons and monkeys learn to associate cars with food, which leads to aggressive behaviour and eventual culling. Keep windows closed at monkey-heavy stops.
Support local communities
Buy crafts from community markets outside the park gates rather than mass-produced souvenirs inside. Many lodges and camps employ staff from surrounding communities — tipping R20–50 per day for camp cleaners is appreciated.
Ethical photography
Never use flash photography near animals — it can startle them and cause dangerous reactions. Do not use drones in the park (strictly illegal). Share sightings locations responsibly to avoid overcrowding sensitive areas.
