Located in northeastern South Africa, Kruger National Park is one of the biggest and oldest wildlife parks in Africa. Covering a vast area of around 20,000 km², the Kruger is a must-visit attraction, especially if you want to see the famous “Big Five” (Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Buffalo and Rhinoceros) up close, as well as hundreds of other species in their natural habitats. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, the park offers unique and unforgettable safari experiences.
You can visit this destination at any time of the year, but the best time to see wildlife is the dry season, from May to September, when the vegetation is less abundant and the animals gather around the available sources of water. The rainy season, from October to April, is when the park turns into a sea of lush greenery, and is the perfect time to watch migratory birds and witness the arrival of newborn animals.
Flying is the fastest and easiest way to get to this destination. Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport is served by direct flights to several South-African cities. Alternatively, you can drive from Johannesburg, which will take around 4 to 5 hours.
There are several restaurants serving traditional South-African dishes in the park. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to try potjiekos, a mouthwatering stew cooked in layers, and the authentic braai, an African barbecue featuring marinated meat and skewers. Try the popular chakalaka and the exotic bunny chow, a curry sandwich that is sure to arouse your palate. You should also indulge in bobotie, a traditional dish made with minced meat and spices.
Kruger Park is one of the biggest wildlife sanctuaries in the world and boasts an extraordinary biodiversity. You will find more than 140 species of mammals here, including the famous "Big Five", as well as hundreds of species of birds, reptiles and insects. Explore the vast savannah and forests in search of lions, elephants, hippos, crocodiles and many other creatures. You can go on a vehicle safari or simply hike along the trails with a guide to catch a glimpse of nature right up close.
The Thulamela ruins, located in Kruger National Park, are a fascinating testament to the civilisation that inhabited this region between the 13th and 17th century. This archaeological treasure features well-preserved stone structures and artefacts depicting the daily life of a bygone civilisation. Thulamela is believed to have been a major trading centre, connecting different cultures in Africa. Visiting this site will give you the unique opportunity to explore the history and traditions of an ancestral past.
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Kruger National Park is located in northeastern South Africa, in the provinces of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, along the borders with Mozambique and Eswatini. Covering approximately 2 million hectares (approximately 19,485 km²), it is one of Africa's largest and most iconic wildlife reserves. It is known for being home to the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros), over 140 species of mammals, and hundreds of birds. The Pestana Kruger Lodge is located near the Malelane Gate, the southernmost entrance, on the banks of the Crocodile River.
In Kruger National Park, the Pestana Group operates the Pestana Kruger Lodge, a 4-star resort on the banks of the Crocodile River, right in front of the Malelane Gate, less than a kilometer from the gate. Its location near the southern border of Kruger makes it an ideal starting point for safaris, combining proximity to wildlife with views over the river.
The most recommended time is the dry season, from May to September: with less dense vegetation and scarce water, animals concentrate at water sources and rivers, making sightings easier, particularly of the Big Five. The rainy season (October to April) offers a greener landscape, ideal for migratory birds and young birds, although the fauna is more dispersed. Game drives are available from the Pestana Kruger Lodge at dawn and dusk in any season.
Air access is mainly via Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (Nelspruit/Mbombela, MQP), with flights from Johannesburg and other cities, and also via Skukuza Airport (SZK), the only commercial airport within the park. By road, the Pestana Kruger Lodge is about a 4-5 hour drive from Johannesburg (approximately 400 km), about 56 km from Nelspruit and just 6 km from the town of Malelane, near the Malelane Gate.
The main attraction is safaris in search of the Big Five, with game drives at dawn and dusk (the times of greatest activity), but the park offers much more: observation of more than 140 species of mammals and hundreds of birds, guided walks (bush walks) with armed rangers, and sites of interest such as the Thulamela ruins. From the Pestana Kruger Lodge, safaris are conducted at sunrise and sunset in open vehicles with park guides (the morning departure can be exchanged for a walking safari with a ranger, subject to reservation).
The most common and safest way is through organized game drives in open safari vehicles, driven by guides and rangers accredited by SANParks. The Pestana Kruger Lodge offers these safaris at dawn and dusk (approximately 3 to 3.5 hours each) with an official park guide. Access to the park can also be by car, entering through the Malelane gate, or by domestic flight to Nelspruit/Mbombela (MQP) or Skukuza (SZK) airports.