Booking a UK Kruger safari is one of the most exciting things you can do.
For British travellers heading to South Africa, the Kruger National Park will always be the most worthwhile destination to visit.
It’s wild nature, reassuring infrastructure and having the opportunity to travel with a seasoned safari company that has the expertise to organise every detail of your trip, all help make the experience of driving the dusty Kruger tracks one that you’ll thoroughly enjoy.
We’ve guided countless UK guests through the Kruger’s gates, and to help you prepare for your trip, this is what you can really expect.
What months are best for a safari in the Kruger?
The Kruger has become a year-round destination, but since the character of the bush changes with the seasons, some months are better than others for a safari.
From May to September, the dry winter season takes hold.
The bushy vegetation thins, most water sources shrink, and the wildlife becomes easier to spot.
Sightings are both more frequent and often rather dramatic. With the animals concentrating on river banks and around waterholes, there are often intense predator and prey interactions.
Mornings can be brisk at this time of the year, so you’ll want to pack a fleece for your early morning drives, while the afternoons are bright and mild.
From October to April, the landscape begins to turn green, with the return of the summer rains.
Summer is the calving season for many species, so if you’d like to see baby animals, this is the ideal time to travel.
Birdlife also peaks during these months, with migratory species arriving in impressive numbers, and the thunderstorms that roll across the evening sky after an intensely hot and humid day are something to behold.
For many planning a UK Kruger safari, June through August is the best time to make a booking.
You’ll be treated to excellent wildlife visibility and comfortable daytime temperatures. But if you prefer the greenery and if you want to see baby animals wobbling through the grass, late spring and summer can be a wonderful time to visit.
Is the Kruger National Park the same size as the UK?
Not quite, but it’s larger than most people expect.
The Kruger covers an area of roughly 19 485 square kilometres. To put that into perspective, the Kruger is almost the same size as Wales!
The entire United Kingdom, by comparison, covers just over 243 000 square kilometres.
So while the Kruger isn’t as large as the UK, it’s by no means a small reserve.
It’s an ecosystem stretching hundreds of kilometres from north to south, with multiple camps, eco-zones and wildlife territories.
On a UK Kruger safari, without having experienced guides who understand animal movements and seasonal patterns, you could, for example, drive for hours and miss what’s happening nearby, because you skipped an unassuming gravel road, not knowing it’s popular for lion sightings.
Is the Kruger safe for UK tourists?
The Kruger National Park is one of the safest places for UK tourists, so long as you respect the environment you’re in. Travelling with a reputable operator will also keep you safe.
The Kruger National Park is a controlled conservation area with strict regulations.
Every one of the entrance gates is monitored, all of the camps are fenced, cars are inspected when entering and leaving the park, and professional guides are usually well-trained and highly experienced.
Safety concerns in the Kruger rarely have anything to do with crime; instead, concerns are generally about wildlife.
Not a single animal in the park is like a zoo animal. The Kruger’s inhabitants are powerful, unpredictable creatures.
The rules exist for good reason, and so long as you follow the basics, like not trying to feed or touch the animals, you’ll be just fine.
A professionally run UK Kruger safari includes safety briefings, radio communication between vehicles and clear protocols. The structure may seem formal at first, but when you’re parked near a pride of lions at dusk, you’ll be grateful for it.
Which is better: the Serengeti or Masai Mara, or the Kruger?
While the Kruger does not have dramatic scenes of herds of wildebeest leaping through croc-infested rivers, like in the Serengeti or Masai Mara, travelling to the Kruger certainly has its advantages, especially for first-time travellers and those planning a UK Kruger safari.
The Kruger is far more easily accessible, and it has well-developed infrastructure, with well-maintained roads, established camps and experienced guiding operators who, although not directly involved with the park, are allowed to operate within it.
Wildlife population density is also incredible, and you can see the Big Five during your trip.
What is the best company to use for an African safari?
The best safari company should have qualified field guides with plenty of experience, transparent pricing, small group sizes, and consistently positive independent reviews, like Kurt Safari.
You should look for companies that handle everything from airport transfers to park fees and accommodation arrangements.
It is right to be wary of rock-bottom prices. In the case of a safari, you’re absolutely getting what you pay for.
Sometimes, to lower costs, safari vehicles are crammed with too many guests, and this ruins the experience. Cheap safaris also often include subpar accommodation, which can put a damper on the trip.
When booking a UK Kruger safari, you should go with the team that knows the terrain intimately and who values safety as much as wanting to show you the best of this iconic destination.
Trade in the Dreary Drizzle for Dazzling Sunshine
Book your UK Kruger safari with a professional team that understands the land, respects the wildlife and goes out of its way to ensure your safety.
Your seat in one of our game vehicles is waiting; book a Kurt Safari.
