Line 3 · Safari

Kruger self-drive safari with kids

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Best timeMay–Oct
Getting thereFly
Good forSafari, Wildlife & national parks
DocumentsPassport needed

Drive yourselves through the park, sleep in SANParks family cottages, and add ranger-led sunrise and night drives. The Big Five are here.

Best budget safari for families. No lodge age limits when you self-drive. May–Sept is dry season, with easier game viewing and lower malaria risk. Ask your doctor about anti-malarials.

Price it for your family from your ZIP →

What it costs

Example for 2 adults and 2 kids, 5 days, including lodging, food and activities. Gas or flights depend on where you live, so price it from your ZIP for the full total.

Where you stayEstimated total*
Budget (1★)$1,570
Mid-range (3★)$2,040
Luxury (5★)$3,440

*Planning estimate from typical recent prices, before travel, with an 8% buffer. Holiday weeks and school breaks cost more.

Best time to go

  1. JanOff
  2. FebOff
  3. MarOff
  4. AprGood
  5. MayBest
  6. JunBest
  7. JulBest
  8. AugBest
  9. SepBest
  10. OctBest
  11. NovGood
  12. DecOff

Top attractions in Kruger National Park

  1. Skukuza Rest CampMain camp
  2. Lower Sabie Rest CampRiver views
  3. Sunset DamHippos and crocs
  4. H4-1 Sabie River roadLeopard country
  5. Olifants Rest CampClifftop views
  6. SataraLion country
  7. Letaba Elephant HallGiant tusks
  8. Lake Panic Bird HideNear Skukuza
  9. PafuriBirding in the far north
  10. Panorama RouteGod's Window and Bourke's Luck

Where to eat in Kruger National Park

  1. Cattle Baron$$Skukuza
  2. Mugg & Bean$Lower Sabie
  3. Mugg & Bean$Olifants
  4. Nkuhlu picnic site$Rent a gas skillet and cook
  5. Tshokwane picnic site$Breakfast stop
  6. Braai at your cottage$Buy supplies at camp shops

Things to do

  1. Self-drive game viewingGates open at dawn
  2. Ranger-led sunrise driveBook at camp
  3. Night driveRanger-led, spotlights
  4. Guided bush walkAges 12+
  5. Sit in a hideQuiet wildlife watching
  6. Blyde River Canyon boat tripPanorama Route
  7. Big Five checklistLion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo
  8. Braai under the starsAt your camp

Places change. Tap any name to check it on Google Maps before you go.

More stops on The Safari Line