South Africa
The Big Five
Get ready to spot the Big Five at South Africa's most exciting safari destination.
Heading towards the Kruger Park
The Kruger National Park is South Africa’s largest game reserve and one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries on the planet. This park has nearly two million hectares of unfenced African wilderness, in which more mammal species roam free than in any other game reserve. It is one of the best places to spot the Big Five. Driving from Rukiya Campsite to the entrance of the Kruger Park, it will take you between 3 - 4 hours. When booking accommodation you need to decide whether to stay inside Kruger National Park or at one of the many lodges just outside the park. Undoubtedly the best way to experience the Kruger Park is with your own vehicle. A Kruger Park self-drive safari gives you the freedom to plan for your own interests and move at your own pace. The gates of the Kruger camps open between 4:30 and 6:00 depending on the time of year. We booked a place in Hazyview, the nearest city close to the Phabeni Gate of the Park.
After spending the night in Hazyview, drive to the Phabeni Gate of the Kruger Park.
Safari time in the great Kruger Park
Phabeni Gate is one of 11 toll gates into Kruger National Park. You will need to pay your entry fee when you get there. It's always a good idea to fill up your car and pick up some groceries in Hazyview. The prices in the park are way more expensive. Although the southern region of the park is relatively small, it is by far the busiest section of the park. Besides being the most accessible, this is by far the best place where the best game driving takes place. This area is also greener that the north. Because driving over 40kmph is not permitted in the park, a journey from north to south takes in the region of 10 hours of driving time. This makes it crucial to plan your trip carefully. We spent the whole day in the Kruger Park and drove from North to South, in the direction of our next stop : Eswatini.
