Covering more than 19 000 square kilometres and spanning two provinces (Limpopo and Mpumalanga), the Kruger National Park is one of the biggest and most well known game reserves in Africa. It is an absolute must-see for tourists visiting South Africa. The popular reserve is particularly well-known for the iconic “Big Five” – elephant, lion, rhino, leopard and buffalo. Vast landscapes, abundant birdlife and other exotic wildlife add to the truly African experience.

Where to stay in the Kruger National Park

The Kruger Park is a firm favourite with us here at Modern & Tribal. It is a popular destination for family holidays, business conferences, romantic getaways, weddings and honeymoons. We decided to put together a list of places to stay that will suit varying budgets:

Satara Rest Camp

Centrally located with superb game viewing opportunities, Satara is the third largest rest camp in the Kruger National Park. Accommodation options include camping/caravan sites, bungalows, guest cottages and three guest houses. With its fertile grazing land for antelope, Satara has become of the best spots in the park for viewing the big cats – lion, leopard and cheetah. The camp has a restaurant, grocery store and picnic facilities for day visitors.

For more information, call +27 (0)13 735 6306/7 or visit the SANParks website.

Crocodile Bridge Safari Lodge

This self-catering safari lodge is located on the banks of the Crocodile River, offering guests the opportunity to view game from the comforts of the lodge. There is plenty of wildlife to see in the southern region of the Kruger Park where the lodge is situated, with good opportunities to spot the Big Five. Accommodation options include luxury tents and river suites, all with en-suite bathrooms. Communal braai and kitchen facilities are available and the viewing pool is a favourite with guests. The lodge is 9km from Komatipoort if you need to pop out to buy meat and provisions.

For more information, call +27 (0)13 793 7859 or visit www.crocbridge.co.za.

Pafuri Camp

Parfuri is a full-service camp located in the wild northern region of the Kruger Park. Being on the Luvuvhu River, guests are treated to regular sightings of leopard and the Pel’s Fishing Owl. Accommodation options include luxury designer tents and family tents. A communal swimming pool is the perfect place to cool off and the camp offers morning and evening game drives.

For more information, call +27 (0)11 646 1391 or visit the Parfuri website.

The Outpost

Located in the Makuleke Contractual Park, The Outpost offers 12 luxurious completely stand-alone and open plan en-suite units. These accommodation options provide guests with stunning panoramic views of the vast landscape below. The Makuleke Contractual Park is more than 26 000 hectares in size and is home to large herds of elephant, buffalo, Nyala and over 350 recorded bird species. À la carte dining, in-room massage therapies, a lounge with fireplace and library, plus a swimming pool and deck with spectacular views, all add to the ambience of this stunning location.

For more information, call +27 (0)11 568 0384 or visit www.theoutpost.co.za.

Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve

For the ultimate in luxury, the Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve has it all. Located in the renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve, this five-star lodge offers luxurious glass-fronted and air-conditioned suites, each with private plunge pool and superb views. Fine dining, a private glass-fronted sala offering treatments, a fully stocked wine cellar, plus an extensive library combine to offer guests the most superb experience under African skies.

For more information, call +27 (0)11 326 0739 or visit www.leopardhills.com.

Stylish African travel bags for your Kruger Park stay

If you are lucky enough to travel to this beautiful part of South Africa, why not do it in style? We offer a range of leather travel bags with zebra, springbok, nguni and ostrich options to suit the African experience. Leather is stylish, durable, low maintenance and water resistant, making it the perfect option for a travel bag. Visit our recent article here for more reasons on why you should choose leather.

Some of our favourite travel bags include:

Kabelo – Leather overnight bag

 

Kabelo is our versatile overnight/weekender bag. Make a bold statement and go for springbok or zebra.

Balule – Leather duffel travel bag

 

Balule is our larger duffel style bag option. Also available in beautiful nguni.

Marcus – Leather backpack

 

Marcus is our stylish leather backpack option with two adjustable shoulder straps with two side slip pockets. Available in large (23cm x 30cm x 5cm) or medium (23cm  x 24cm x 5cm). Also available with springbok and zebra front pockets for a unique look.

Top tips for travelling in the Kruger Park

• The best time for game viewing is usually in the early morning and evening.
• The Kruger Park is an all year round destination but game viewing is usually at its best during the dry winter months. Summer is wet and brings different viewing opportunities with waterholes, lush bushveld, newborn wildlife and migrating birds. For detailed information on the best months, weather and average temperatutes, visit www.krugerpark.co.za.
• If you are doing a self-drive holiday, do not try and cover too much distance in one day – the Kruger Park is a vast area.
• Apply sunscreen in all seasons – the African sun can be unforgiving. Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat are definitely recommended.
• Take the necessary precautions to prevent malaria – speak to your GP for the appropriate medication and schedule. Use an anti-mosquito spray to repel any mosquitos during your stay.
• While there are endless opportunities for photography and video enthusiasts, please do follow the rules of the park, respect fellow visitors and most of all, respect the animals.

Image credits: Pixabay / Mandy Freeman – freelance photographer in Cape Town