"Some of the most exhilarating holiday experiences can be had in the bush, where life in all its wild, raw beauty plays out as it has for millennia. Hearing a lion roar late at night is something you’ll remember forever – and there can hardly be a better place to hear (and see) lions than the magnificent 2-million-hectare Greater Kruger National Park, where the density of Big 5 game is higher than anywhere else in the country.”
- Narina Exelby
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PLAN MY JOURNEYThe Greater Kruger National Park
The Greater Kruger National Park is an unfenced wilderness area the size of Wales; it covers Kruger National Park as well as some 20 private reserves (including MalaMala, Sabi Sands and Timbavati), which are mostly situated around the park’s western boundary. The woodland savannah and undulating plains make for exceptional game viewing (particularly during the dry winter months) and the area is home to lions, leopards, giraffe, elephant, cheetah, zebra, hippo, baboon, hyena… the list of mammal species extends to just under 150. The diversity doesn’t end there, however. More than 2000 plant species are found here; the seven rivers that cross the park carry 49 species of fish; the bird list is longer than 530 and 404 species of trees have been identified in the park.
The park’s statistics are impressive, but they pale in comparison to that feeling of elation that comes with sitting quietly in the bushveld and allowing your senses to tune into the world around you. Listen to the insects and birds; breathe in the smell of dry grass; and feel the breeze against your skin. You’ll soon realise that what makes time in a park special isn’t necessarily ticking the Big 5 off your list.
It is tempting to spend maximum time in the park, but know that along the Panorama Route, between Hoedspruit and White River to the west of Kruger, nature has carved the landscape into some of the most dramatic vistas on the continent.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
SUMMER – WET SEASON
A beautiful time of year with plenty of sunshine and warm weather. The summer months are the wettest in the year, rainfall is however usually very short-lived arriving in the form of sharp afternoon thunderstorms. With ample water sources wildlife does tend to be more dispersed during these months, vegetation is also a little thicker – so unfortunately not an ideal for period game viewing.
The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
SUMMER – WET SEASON
A beautiful time of year with plenty of sunshine and warm weather. The summer months are the wettest in the year, rainfall is however usually very short-lived arriving in the form of sharp afternoon thunderstorms. With ample water sources, wildlife does tend to be more dispersed during these months, vegetation is also a little thicker – so unfortunately not an ideal for period game viewing.
The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
AUTUMN
Temperatures begin to drop with pleasant midday highs and cool mornings. The likelihood of rainfall also declines during this period, ultimately improving the chances of good game viewing opportunities.
The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
AUTUMN
Temperatures begin to drop with pleasant midday highs and cool mornings. The likelihood of rainfall also declines during this period, ultimately improving the chances of good game viewing opportunities.
The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
WINTER – DRY SEASON
These are the driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Mornings are however very cold, so worth packing warm clothes. The winter months mark the best time to visit this region, as the wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water sources.
The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
WINTER – DRY SEASON
These are the driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Mornings are however very cold, so worth packing warm clothes. The winter months mark the best time to visit this region, as the wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water sources.
The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
WINTER – DRY SEASON
These are the driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Mornings are however very cold, so worth packing warm clothes. The winter months mark the best time to visit this region, as the wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water sources.
The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
WINTER – DRY SEASON
These are the driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Mornings are however very cold, so worth packing warm clothes. The winter months mark the best time to visit this region, as the wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water sources.
The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
SPRING
Temperatures begin to rise once again, as do the chances of rain. As soon as the first rains arrive the landscape transforms, which can be a beautiful sight to witness. These rains do however disperse wildlife, decreasing the likelihood of good sightings. The first true rainfall can arrive at any period over these months but is obviously more likely by October.
The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
SPRING
Temperatures begin to rise once again, as do the chances of rain. As soon as the first rains arrive the landscape transforms, which can be a beautiful sight to witness. These rains do however disperse wildlife, decreasing the likelihood of good sightings. The first true rainfall can arrive at any period over these months but is obviously more likely by October.
The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
SUMMER – WET SEASON
A beautiful time of year with plenty of sunshine and warm weather. The summer months are the wettest in the year, rainfall is however usually very short-lived arriving in the form of sharp afternoon thunderstorms. With ample water sources, wildlife does tend to be more dispersed during these months, vegetation is also a little thicker – so unfortunately not an ideal for period game viewing.
The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
SUMMER – WET SEASON
A beautiful time of year with plenty of sunshine and warm weather. The summer months are the wettest in the year, rainfall is however usually very short-lived arriving in the form of sharp afternoon thunderstorms. With ample water sources, wildlife does tend to be more dispersed during these months, vegetation is also a little thicker – so unfortunately not an ideal for period game viewing.
The Greater Kruger NP has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
Explore The Greater Kruger National Park Properties
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Amani Safari Camp
Amani Safari Camp
Amani Safari Camp, Klaserie is an intimate, owner-managed 4 bedroomed Safari lodge located in the heart of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. Klaserie Nature reserve forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park with no fences ..
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andBeyond Tengile River Lodge
andBeyond Tengile River Lodge
Tengile River Lodge is owned and operated by &Beyond, a name that’s synonymous with luxurious accommodation in some of the most spectacular wildlife regions worldwide. One of the most recent additions to the company’s ..
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Cheetah Plains
Cheetah Plains
Enjoy a stunning five-star stay in the middle of the African bush at Cheetah Plains. With just three exclusive-use houses on a private game reserve, which shares its border with Kruger National Park, the modern property offers ..
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Chitwa Chitwa
Chitwa Chitwa
Chitwa Chitwa is a stylish, privately owned lodge on the shores of Sabi Sands largest lake. Originally a family retreat for the Brink family, the lodge is an oasis of calm, concealed by verdant indigenous trees and boasting an ..
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Dulini River Lodge
Dulini River Lodge
Sitting beneath a canopy of huge ebony trees, Dulini River Lodge is a stylish accommodation sitting pretty in a clearing by the Sabi River. Take game drives in the vibrant private concession with excellent guides before retiring ..
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Kirkmans Kamp
Kirkmans Kamp
Once the homestead of esteemed South African ranger and conservationist Harry Kirkman, Kirkman’s Camp is a wonderfully restored accommodation with a historic 1920’s ambience and beautiful views and rolling lawns. This ..
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Leopard Hills
Leopard Hills
Sitting on a hill overlooking a busy waterhole, Leopard Hills is a beautiful lodge with an intimate atmosphere and exceptional cuisine. With glass-fronted suites, private plunge pools and sweeping views of the bush, Leopard Hills ..
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Lion Sands Narina Lodge
Lion Sands Narina Lodge
Nestled in the canopy of trees is Lion Sands Narina Lodge, a treehouse-style luxury accommodation on the banks of the Sabie River. Enjoy private plunge pools on spacious decks, evening meals in the boma and a night under the stars ..
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Londolozi Founders Camp
Londolozi Founders Camp
Founders Camp is a family run and owned camp on the private Londolozi Reserve within Sabi Sands. With a yoga deck surrounding the boughs of an old ebony tree, views of the surrounding reserve from the dining deck and river-facing ..
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Londolozi Pioneer Camp
Londolozi Pioneer Camp
For an abundance of style set beneath the boughs of a 500-year-old ebony tree, head to the five-star Pioneers Camp set within Sabi Sand Private Reserve. An intimate lodge with only three guest suites, the camp enjoys secluded ..
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Londolozi Varty Camp
Londolozi Varty Camp
Named after the Varty family who founded the private reserve it sits on, Londolozi Varty Camp is the oldest and largest camp on the Londolozi Reserve in Sabi Sands. Each chalet boasts private plunge pools, a pretty lantern-filled ..
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MalaMala Main Camp
MalaMala Main Camp
MalaMala Main Camp is a privately owned and run accommodation on the banks of the Sand River. With a warm and earthy design which blends into the surroundings of a private reserve, MalaMala is the perfect spot for prime wildlife ..
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MalaMala Sable Camp
MalaMala Sable Camp
MalaMala Sable Camp is a more secluded and intimate version of sister camp, MalaMala Main yet shares the outstanding safari and hospitality experience. In an elevated position above the Sand River, the camp offers warm interiors, ..
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Ngala Safari Lodge
Ngala Safari Lodge
The first private safari lodge in world-famous Kruger National Park, Ngala is an elegant, colonial-style property renowned for its safari experiences and superb accommodation. An &Beyond owned property, Ngala creates a romantic ..
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Ngala Tented Camp
Ngala Tented Camp
Ngala Tented Camp, part of &Beyond’s portfolio, is a luxurious retreat located in the Timbavati Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park. Known for its sophisticated yet natural ambiance, the camp offers an exclusive safari ..
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Notten’s Bush Camp
Notten’s Bush Camp
An intimate, family-run camp, Notten’s Bush Camp is one of the original private game lodges in South Africa. A charming accommodation with a laidback atmosphere and eco-friendly design ethos, Notten’s is a rustic and magical ..
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Saseka Tented Camp
Saseka Tented Camp
Saseka Tented Camp is a cleverly designed camp in the private Thornybush Game Reserve with sweeping outdoor space and riverbed views. Incorporating contemporary design, sustainable architecture and luxurious furnishings which ..
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Savanna Private Game Reserve
Savanna Private Game Reserve
Savanna Private Game Lodge is a five-star lodge in Sabi Sands with a warm and homely feel and spacious, stylish suites with plenty of privacy. Dine in the candlelit boma, sink into private plunge pools and explore 10,000-hectares ..
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Simbavati Machaton Private Camp
Simbavati Machaton Private Camp
Simbavati Machaton Camp offers a slice of seclusion and tranquillity overlooking the Nhlaralumi River. Sharing a border with Kruger National Park, the camp and the private reserve it occupies, enjoys a wealth of wilderness to ..
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Singita Lebombo Lodge
Singita Lebombo Lodge
Singita Lebombo Lodge is a contemporary lodge with a sleek and stylish atmosphere. Boasting interiors designed by Cecile & Boyd, panoramic game-viewing decks and rooms tucked into the greenery like eagles’ nests, the lodge is ..
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Singita Sweni Lodge
Singita Sweni Lodge
Singita Sweni Lodge is an ultra-contemporary property on the banks of the Sweni River. Taking its design inspiration from the warrens and dens of its surroundings, the lodge is tucked away among the trees with just seven riverside ..
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Tanda Tula Safari Camp
Tanda Tula Safari Camp
Tanda Tula sits along the Nharalumi Riverbed and enjoys a romantic and secluded setting underneath a shade of trees. With a charming hospitality team, beautiful East-African design and a homely atmosphere, the camp is a great base ..
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Walkers Bush Villa
Walkers Bush Villa
Walkers Bush Villa is a five-star country villa on a family farm surrounded by Kruger National Park. With a warm atmosphere, plenty of lounges and lawn space to relax upon and owners with over 25 years experience in the tourism ..
What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
