About Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is situated in Mpumalanga in South Africa. Kruger National Park backpacking tours are a highly essential part of any South African travels.

Kruger National Park Budget Travel

Below is a list of Kruger National Park's top activities, click on the link to view all details and tours.

Kruger National Park Game Drive

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Airports

Nearest Kruger National Park airports include:
• KMIA Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport
• Private camp airstrips

Birdlife

Kruger National Park birdlife is fairly diverse and prolific, with some 500 or more species to be found. There are a number of different types of bird to be found, including forest and woodland birds, wetlands species, raptors, water birds, grassland species, riverine forest species and night birds. There are also some great look out and picnic spots ideal for bird watching.

Conservation

As one of Africa’s largest game reserves, Kruger National Park conservation plays a key role in preserving the park’s ecosystems and wildlife. Elephant population control is one of the key conservation projects within the park, as well as breeding projects. Poaching is very rare, and as the park is effectively managed and run, game populations are flourishing.

Culture

Kruger National Park cultures include the following:
• Food and drink has many different cultural influences from various tribes
• Art dates back to early Bushmen days and is a crucial role in ancient history
• San hunter-gatherers were the first tribes in the Kruger region
• Music and dance plays a key role in many cultures
• Crafts is both a cultural pastime and a source of income for many tribal groups

Customs

Kruger National Park customs allows for free import of the following:
• 2 litres wine
• 1 litre spirits and other alcoholic beverages
• 200 cigarettes, 20 cigars or 250g cigarette or pipe tobacco
• 50ml perfume and 250ml eau de toilette

Health

As a game reserve, Kruger National Park health facilities are few and far between, with no major hospitals or doctors within the park or surrounds. Some camps may have basic first aid facilities, however many do not offer adequate health care services, so be cautious and bring a basic first aid box with supplies such as cold medication, headache pills, nausea pills and diarrhea pills as well as bandages.

AIDS

Kruger National Park HIV/AIDS basic precautions include the following:
• Don’t ever share needles or syringes
• Practice safe sex at all times
• Equipment should be sterilized
• If you require self-administered injections, take an adequate supply of your own needles
• Avoid tattoos, acupuncture treatment or body piercing from suspect or unsterile operators

Vaccinations

Recommended inoculations for travel to Kruger National Park are:
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Typhoid
• Polio
• Rabies
• Tetanus

Languages

Kruger National Park languages include:
• English
• Afrikaans
• Swati
• Zulu
• Ndebele

Malaria

Kruger National Park malaria medication includes:
• Mefloquine (Lariam)
• Atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone)
• Doxycycline

Money

Kruger National Park money and banking information includes:
• There is an ATM and bank at First National Bank in Skukuza within the park
• Banking hours are Monday to Friday from 08h30-15h30 as per national banking hours
• Some camps may offer exchange facilities, and the airport also has good facilities
• Credit cards are accepted at the major camps but not all camps
• Tipping is not required for waiters or guides, but it is appreciated - the standard tip is 10% ' 15%

People

Kruger National Park people include the following tribal groups:
• Swazi
• Ndebele
• Shangaan
• Pedi
• Sotho

Phrase

Kruger National Park local phrases in Zulu:
• Hello - Sawubona
• Pleased to meet you - Ngiyajabula ukukwazi
• Goodbye - Sala kahle
• I don't understand - Angizwa
• Thank you - Ngiyabona

Vaccinations

Recommended inoculations for travel to Kruger National Park are:
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Typhoid
• Polio
• Rabies
• Tetanus

Plants

Kruger National Park plants are divided across six eco-systems. These include Baobab sandveld, Mopane scrub, Lebombo knobthorn-marula bushveld, mixed acacia thicket, Combretum-silver clusterleaf woodland on granite and riverine forest. The park is home to about 1,982 species of plants, including a large number of trees ranging from baobab to thorn tree.

Religion

Kruger National Park religion includes the following:
• Christian
• Traditional beliefs

Safety Tips

• Do not leave any camp or designated rest area alone on foot without a guide
• Do not wear bright clothing or even black or white clothing, as this will make you more visible to game
• Don’t ever attempt to touch or feed any wildlife you come across
• Follow your guide’s instructions at all times and do not leave safari vehicles during game drives
• Keep valuables in hotel safes or packed safely away ' you will not need expensive jewellery on safari

Transport

Kruger National Park transport options include:
• Plane
• Car

Travel Books

Kruger National Park recommended travel books:
• Kruger National Park Travel Pack by Dr. L.E.O Braack
• Field Guide to the Mammals of the Kruger National Park by Heike Schutze
• Kruger National Park Travel Map by Globetrotter
• Kruger National Park Travel Guide by Globetrotter
• Where to Watch Game in the Kruger National Park by Nigel Dennis

Visa Requirements

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What To Buy

• Kruger National Park guide book, map and bird species guide
• Plug adapter for UK and US visitors
• Sleeping bag and camping mattress if you are on an overlanding tour
• Lifelong torch or regular torch with plenty of spare batteries
• First aid kit with basic supplies and medicines

What To Pack

• Lightweight clothing in neutral colours such as kaki or beige
• Long sleeved warm top and long pants for evening or cooler days
• Comfortable walking or hiking shoes and sandals for indoor use
• Sunglasses, sunhat and sunscreen
• Camera, plus batteries, spare film or memory card and binoculars

When To Go

• Summer is generally mid-October to mid-February
• Autumn is February to April
• Winter is May to July
• Spring falls between August and October

Wildlife

Famous for its excellent game viewing opportunities, it goes without saying that Kruger National Park wildlife is abundant and diverse. A large range of game can be found within the park, including Africa’s Big 5 (elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo) as well as large herds of antelope, zebra and many other species.