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Greater Kruger Safari - Compare 401 Tours

With Kruger National Park at its heart, Greater Kruger is one of the richest wildlife terrains on Earth. Surrounding the national park are a number of private reserves, many of which promise the same wildlife but as part of a more exclusive experience. Kruger National Park is also a part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, which enables free-flowing wildlife to cross into Mozambique and Zimbabwe and back again. Wherever you are in Greater Kruger, this is wildlife viewing at its most spectacular. There’s the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino), big cats and an incredible broader portfolio of animals and birds here, all set against a beautiful backdrop of iconic southern African landscapes.

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6 Questions About Greater Kruger Safaris

1. What is the difference between Greater Kruger and Kruger National Park?
2. What reserves are connected to Kruger National Park without fences?
3. Which are the best private reserves in Greater Kruger?
4. Which animals can I see in the Greater Kruger area?
5. How do lodge safaris in the Greater Kruger differ from staying at Kruger National Park rest camps?
6. How much does a Greater Kruger safari cost?
 
 

6 Questions About Greater Kruger Safaris

Answered by Anthony Ham

What is the difference between Greater Kruger and Kruger National Park?

“Kruger National Park is the centerpiece of Greater Kruger, but the latter takes in so much more. Greater Kruger refers to the area (some might say ecosystem) that includes a patchwork of protected areas and wildlife territories. Kruger National Park has the advantage of being government-run, with all of the legal protections and funding that this entails. That said, most of the private reserves are just as effective in protecting wildlife as the park itself. If you book a Greater Kruger safari, you’ll increase your options as to how you’ll experience this world-class wildlife area. But remember that your trip could be anywhere within the broader region, so always ask where exactly you’ll be going. And if your safari is restricted to Kruger National Park, you’re still in for a treat.”

1

What reserves are connected to Kruger National Park without fences?

“There are a handful of private reserves that lie adjacent to Kruger National Park, with no fences between them. These include Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, Manyeleti Game Reserve and Timbavati Nature Reserve. Because there are no fences, Kruger’s world-famous wildlife passes easily between the park and the reserves. The reserves are also much more exclusive than the park. As a general rule, only those staying in one of the lodges or camps within a reserve may visit, and game-drive vehicles are not supposed to enter the reserves from the national park. In addition to the private reserves, remember that Zimbabwe’s Gonarezhou National Park and Mozambique’s Limpopo National Park share boundaries with Kruger National Park. Opportunities for visiting these parks from the South African side are limited: ask your safari tour operator what’s possible.”

2

Which are the best private reserves in Greater Kruger?

“All of the private reserves in Greater Kruger have an excellent reputation, and all share the same wildlife with Kruger National Park and with each other. Sabi Sands is known as one of the best places in Africa to see leopards and lions. The reserve also has upscale lodges and tented camps, allowing you to enjoy pampering and luxury along with the incredible wildlife. Timbavati Nature Reserve is also excellent, with a range of accommodations and an outstanding wildlife offering. One thing you won’t find in most of the private reserves is many budget accommodations, although Timbavati does have a handful of more affordable options. Manyeleti Game Reserve is even more affordable, but still has much the same wildlife.”

3

Which animals can I see in the Greater Kruger area?

“Wherever your trip takes you within the Greater Kruger area, expect to see lots of animals. Inside the national park, there’s a reasonable chance that you will see the Big Five, and your chances of doing so increase the longer you stay. You can also see zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, greater kudu, impala, cheetah, spotted hyena, hippo and so much more. More than 500 bird species have also been recorded inside the park. The private reserves of Greater Kruger share most of the same animals, and they’re also known for the professionalism and expertise of their guides. This can give you a big advantage when it comes to seeing wildlife. In Timbavati I saw the Big Five on a single afternoon’s game drive!”

4

How do lodge safaris in the Greater Kruger differ from staying at Kruger National Park rest camps?

“Most lodge safaris in the Greater Kruger region take place in the private game reserves that lie adjacent to Kruger National Park and share its incredible wildlife. Those staying in the private reserves can, like the wildlife, cross between the two, but those staying in the park may not cross into the reserves. This means that safaris in the private reserves are much quieter than those inside Kruger National Park and you’ll share the safari trails with far fewer vehicles. As a general rule, most lodges and tented camps in the private reserves tend to be luxurious and exclusive. In contrast, the rest camps inside Kruger National Park are simpler in nature and much busier than the smaller lodges in the reserves. Whatever you choose, you can expect that the wildlife you’ll see will likely be incredible.”

5

How much does a Greater Kruger safari cost?

“For the cheapest kind of Greater Kruger safari, prices should start at around US$100 per person per day for a budget camping safari; for this price, you may have to help out around camp with setting up and taking down tents, cooking, and washing up. There are also lots of tours and packages at the other end of the price category where you can expect to pay US$500 per person per day, but it can go much higher. Apart from the level of luxury and comfort in your accommodation, prices for your safari holiday in Greater Kruger can vary according to the season in which you travel, and the type of safari you choose; private safari tours and packages generally cost much more than group or self-drive safaris. Quoted prices for organized safaris should include accommodation (including camping equipment where needed), transfers, guide, driver, vehicle, game drives, park entry fees, meals and most drinks.”

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