What to Expect on your first safari in Kruger National Park?
Going on a safari in Africa is one of greatest experience to enjoy once in a lifetime, however just like traveling to an unknown area, you can’t help but feel nervous.
In this blog we take you through what you should expect on safari in Kruger National Park
Warm weather and warm people
While temperatures can drop considerably in winter, the average minimum – even the dead of winter – seldom drops below 10C. Mid-winter daytime temperatures average in the mid-20C, so pack t-shorts, shorts, and sun cream regardless of the season you are traveling in.
The people living in Kruger and around Kruger match the weather, they are warm and hospitable and will go out of their way to ensure that your African safari is comfortable and pleasant.
Travel Tip – Don’t forget to tip them for good service offered
Top Kruger Safari Tips
- Pack a hat for sunny days and ear layers of clothing so that you can shed and add layers as needed.
- Don’t forget to pack a warm jacket, for early morning and evening safari drivers, especially in winter
Incredible Animal Sightings on safari in Kruger National Park
On a Kruger safari, expect to see all the incredible wild animals that Africa is known for, in abundance. South Africa is a Big 5 destination and if you are lucky, you will see all of them in Kruger National Park, though that one of the biggest “wow” factor of the Great Kruger National Park is that an enormous unfenced area (2,000,000 hectares), allowing the animals to move around freely in their natural habitat.
What this means for the safari goers is that nothing is guaranteed, but what you do see is incredibly exciting. An added bonus is that guides and trackers in the park are so skilled that they will ensure you will see as much as possible.
Top First Safari Tips:
- For your first safari, book a guided Kruger National Park Safari or hire a guide to get the most out of your game drives and your African safari experience
- Don’t get hung up on seeing the Big 5 animals, there are so many other incredible animals in Kruger National Park as well as Africa at large that are amazing to see such as the Africa’s Big 5.
New Experiences and early mornings in the bush
It is almost impossible to describe the feeling of being on an early morning game drive. Watching the sunset, the thorn trees making beautiful silhouettes, birds chirping, the fresh cool air warming. It is breathtaking and add that to listening to an elephant, chewing on a branch for its breakfast and you have pretty much got perfection.
Dawn game drives and wild camps are just two of the many experiences offered in Kruger National Park. On Kruger safaris, you can take night game drives or do walking safaris and more. Depending on where you go on safari other options include boat safaris, hot-air balloons, rides, canoeing safaris, off road game drives, and plenty of other adventures.
Top Safari Tips
- Get to try new experiences on your safari
- Early morning starts are synonymous with African safaris because this is an ideal time to watch the wildlife out in the bush. Expect pre-dawn wake-up calls and sunrise game drives on safari – they are magical part of the adventure.
- Check what safari activities are available at the places you visit and specify for your interests when booking your safari
Serene Sunsets and Sundowners on safari in Kruger
Look forward to spectacular sunsets on safari in Africa. At the end of your action-packed days, you will get to sit back and watch the sun go down over the untamed bush. You will usually raise a toast to your wildlife adventures, back at your safari lodge or out on your sunset game drive. Either way, the serene setting and beautiful views are incredibly unforgettable.
Fabulous Flying Creatures (and annoying ones)
While most visitors focus on seeing the big animals, the birds on gets to see on an African safari are fantastic. From the gangly ostrich to the bright-blue cape glossy starling to the unfortunate- looking southern ground hornbill.
Kruger National Park hosts around 500 species of birds.
Unfortunately the park has smaller, more annoying creatures, like mosquitos, so don’t forget to carry your insect repellent.
Top Kruger Safari Tips
- Pack a pair of binoculars for bird watching and optimal game viewing
- Take the necessary anti-malarial precautions
Plants and flowers of Kruger National Park
Kruger’s flora is an often forgotten, but wonderful aspect of an African safari in this iconic park. In Greater Kruger National Park, this includes the huge acacia trees, iconic to African safaris, Dr. Seuss-like baobabs, and green – barked fever trees that lead to vast savannahs of grazing wild grass. A walking safari gives you an opportunity to see, smell and feel the textures of the African bush is highly recommended.
Top Safari Tips
- Consider a walking safari offering you an opportunity to get a closer look at the flora and ecosystems.
- Slow down and appreciate the finer details and small miracles of the African bush
- Don’t be shy to ask your ranger or guide questions on safari, you will be amazed at the intricacies of the African bush
Kruger Safari Costs: A price tag to suit your budget
African safaris can be affordable, excellent-value for money holidays. Not all safaris are luxury holidays for the rich and famous. Expect to spend from about $150 per person per day for an all-inclusive African safari package. A safari in Kruger National Park, for example can be surprisingly cheap for high – quality safari packages.
Top Safari Tips
- Opt for a reputable budget safari and you can expect an affordable safari experience that doesn’t compromise on quality
- Be prepared for the extra costs (flights, visas, insurance etc) and don’t overpay for your African safari
Flexible “set” safaris in Kruger National Park
While African safaris are run on a set program, with specific times for meals and activities, remember that these are not set in stone. This is the wild, and the wild is beautiful and unpredictable. From trees pushed over by elephants (blocking the road) to sticking around to watch lion cubs frolic and play, time is ever-so-slightly mercurial in the African bush. It is recommended to leave your watch at home.
Top Safari Tip:
- Immerse yourself in African time. You will get most out of your African safari if you go with the flow and adopt a flexible attitude
- Even set safari programs will vary depending on local conditions and wildlife sightings, so expect some changes
- Some safari programs are more flexible than others. The schedules of small group tours and private safaris, for instance are more relaxed and flexible.
In conclusion to What to Expect on your first safari in Kruger, you should expect incredible experiences, sights and sounds that will amaze you, vast open skies and land that stretches out forever, fresh air, new experiences, incredible wildlife sightings and making new friends.
