Experience the essence of South Africa
Discover a country where diverse landscapes and cultures merge to create a magical and unforgettable location. Experience the wonders of the Kruger National Park, the biggest game reserve in South Africa, where you will see the majestic Big Five - lions, buffaloes, leopards, elephants and rhinos.
Some must-see places in South Africa to add to your list
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![Stay at a Pestana hotel and have the chance to encounter the "Big Five" in their natural habitat while on safari.]( "Discover the \"Big Five\" on a safari in Kruger National Park.")
A safari in South Africa is an unbeatable experienceExperience the thrill of coming fact-to-face with the Big Five in their natural habitat.
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![Stay at a Pestana hotel where you can go on a morning safari and observe giraffes in their natural habitat.]( "Safari in Kruger National Park")
Top 10 experiences in South AfricaDiscover the charm of South Africa on a safari in the Kruger National Park.
Marvel at the beauty of South Africa
Come and enjoy endless sunsets, breathtaking wildlife encounters, stunning beaches and an immersive cultural experience with local people. Explore the Garden Route, one of the most scenic routes in the world, set between lush green mountains and the sea.
In Cape Town, the majestic Table Mountain boasts breathtaking panoramic views, while white sand beaches contrast with the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
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1 HotelKruger ParkDiscover the wonders of the Kruger Park, one of the jewels of the African savannah.From 128€/ night
Where to stay in South Africa
South Africa is located at the southern tip of the continent, between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. It is known for its diverse landscapes and cultures (11 official languages) and for being one of the best safari destinations on the planet – in Kruger National Park you can see the "Big Five". Cape Town (Table Mountain), the Garden Route and the vineyards of Stellenbosch complete the country. The Pestana Kruger Lodge is located next to Kruger, at the Malelane gate.
In South Africa, the Pestana Group is represented by the Pestana Kruger Lodge, a 4-star safari resort located near the Malelane Gate, one of the main gateways to Kruger National Park. It is the ideal base for safaris in search of the "Big Five," about 45 minutes from Nelspruit (Mbombela) and approximately 60-65 km from Kruger Mpumalanga Airport (MQP).
For safaris in Kruger, the dry season (May to September) is ideal: the vegetation is sparse and the animals concentrate at water sources, making it easier to spot the "Big Five" – a period when the Pestana Kruger Lodge is an excellent base. For Cape Town, the Garden Route and the beaches, the austral summer (November to March) offers hot, dry days. The seasons are reversed compared to Europe.
The main entry points are O.R. Tambo Airport in Johannesburg (JNB) and Cape Town Airport (CPT). For the Pestana Kruger Lodge and Kruger National Park, the most practical option is a domestic flight from Johannesburg to Kruger Mpumalanga Airport (MQP), near Nelspruit (approximately a 1-hour flight), followed by a 55-60 minute drive to Malelane Gate. Alternatively, Kruger National Park is about a 5-hour drive from Johannesburg.
Highlights include Kruger National Park, home to the "Big Five," with the Malelane Gate serving the Pestana Kruger Lodge; Cape Town, with Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope; the Garden Route, a coastal route of approximately 300 km (Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Tsitsikamma); and the vineyards of Stellenbosch, approximately 50 km from Cape Town.
Given the large distances (Johannesburg-Cape Town is approximately 1,300 km / 2h15 flight), domestic flights are the most efficient way to connect the major centers. For the Garden Route and Stellenbosch, renting a car (self-drive) is the most flexible option. Within Kruger, tours are conducted in safari vehicles with a guide, departing from the Pestana Kruger Lodge.