Safari South Africa: Kruger National Park From South To North

In recent years, I have been lucky enough to spend long stretches of time in Kruger. This has given me a chance to think and rethink my favourite areas and camps. I have also collected simply outstanding wildlife sightings and bush moments. There are things I love and loathe about Kruger, but the wild spaces of Kruger more than make up for many of these things and my Kruger recollections are dominated by fantastic safari moments I would happily live again.

To have travelled north to south and south to north on more than one occasion is a privilege – and one I recommend for safari-lovers. I would take this a step further and say, if you are a first-time safari-goer (especially if you are self-driving), start in the south and work your way up to the wilder north as you gain confidence and experience. I can think of no better gateway to the Southern African safari experience than Kruger National Park.

These articles predominantly cover the SANParks camps, but the areas in and around Kruger are home to some big-name destinations like Sabi Sabi, Ngala, Londolozi, MalaMala, Singita Boulders Lodge, and many others. Get destination inspiration for Southern Kruger, Central Kruger, and Northern Kruger – with quick travel tips and expert packing advice from seasoned Kruger safari-goers.

What To Pack For Kruger >

Central Kruger: The Heart of Parkness

Many of the areas in central Kruger have long held a strong safari mystique for me. Timbavati – the word alone ups the pulse rate. It's home to almost mystical white lions and glorious, snaking sand rivers. It's hard not to fall in love with this lion land – a hop, skip, and a windy game drive from the town of Hoedspruit.

The camps in the Timbavati area are a little more intimate. Orpen is relatively small and located at the gate that leads to the safari metropolis of Hoedspruit and surrounds. Tamboti is a great option for anyone looking to sleep under canvas in a tented camp set-up. These tents line the fence – a great place to watch the day go by if you don’t feel like game driving. Maroela is the satellite campsite, also offering superb views of the sand river and into this gorgeous stretch of bush.

Central Kruger is also home to Satara, one of the more popular camps in Kruger. With long, flat plains, the game-viewing around Satara has something of legendary status. When talking to our walking guides, both mentioned Satara as a walking destination for adrenaline junkies – with a 50/50 chance of seeing lions.

One cannot think about Olifants without thinking about elevation. Looking down over the DNA strands of the river, Olifants is home to momentous bushveld views. Its satellite camp, Balulue, is rustic and wild: thatched rondavels, campsites, and no power – but with a wonderful wild feeling.

I have read articles voting for Letaba as a favourite Kruger camp. One of the larger camps, it balances wild surroundings with modern amenities particularly well. The restaurant has an expansive view of the river – a great place to grab a meal and watch animals and birds. The elephant museum at Letaba is also a wonderful stop-off – and pays tribute to the park’s big tuskers.

Read About Central Kruger >