Kruger National Park

In February 2023, during my exchange semester in Groningen, Netherlands, we had a 10-day break. While many used the time to explore Europe, I felt a stronger pull: I missed the bush, the wildlife, the early morning drives… So I booked a flight and returned to one of my favorite places on earth — Kruger National Park.

This time, I stayed for seven nights, splitting the trip between two friends. I spent the first three nights with one friend, who sadly had to return to work, and then four nights with another friend who joined me to continue the adventure. Sharing this journey with two different people made it even more special — each brought their own energy, and together we had unforgettable moments in the wild.

A unique way to experience Kruger

One of the biggest upgrades this time was staying inside the park at SANParks-operated camps. This allowed us to start our game drives right at sunrise and stay out until late without worrying about gate times. The connection to nature felt immediate — no buffer between us and the wild.

We stayed in the southern part of the park, known for its high concentration of wildlife, and chose Berg-en-Dal, Skukuza, and Lower Sabie:

• 🦏 Berg-en-Dal: A peaceful camp nestled in the hills, perfect for spotting rhinos and enjoying quiet evenings.

• 🐘 Skukuza: The largest camp with good facilities, shops, and access to some of the park’s busiest (and often most rewarding) routes.

• 🦁 Lower Sabie: A personal favorite — booked via Booking.com — with stunning views over the Sabie River and incredible wildlife nearby.

  
  

I also spent a night at the Kruger Shalati – The Train on the Bridge, one of the park’s most iconic and luxurious lodges. But that deserves its own story — so check out this experience here.

Why Kruger?

Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s largest and most celebrated reserves, established in 1898 and covering nearly 20,000 km². It stretches across two provinces and borders Mozambique and Zimbabwe. But it’s not just the size — it’s the diversity that makes it so special:

• Over 150 mammal species, including the Big Five

• 500+ bird species, countless reptiles and insects

• Ecosystems ranging from riverine forests to dry savannah

  
  

What sets Kruger apart is that it’s self-drive friendly. You can explore on your own terms, with excellent roads, signage, and plenty of picnic spots. It’s a rare mix of freedom and safety, and that’s part of the magic.

Insider tip: Get the wild card

I bought a SANParks Wild Card during this trip — roughly USD 130 for international visitors. It’s valid for a whole year and gives you unlimited access to Kruger and many other South African parks. If you're staying more than a few days, it’s absolutely worth it.

A word of honesty

Kruger is growing in popularity — and that has its downsides. Especially on the tar roads, sightings can get crowded, with 10 or more cars circling around lions or leopards. It can feel a bit like a traffic jam, and sometimes the wildness gets lost in the chaos.

That’s why I recommend sticking to the dirt roads whenever possible. On those quiet routes, you’ll often be the only car, and that solitude brings you closer to what the bush is really about — silence, stillness, and the thrill of a sudden, unexpected encounter.

Returning to Kruger felt like coming home.If you’ve ever longed to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature, there’s no better place. Just bring a sense of curiosity, take the roads less traveled — and let the bush do the rest.