Published in: Travel by Indigenous

Cost of a safari in Kruger National Park

Author Experiya Tour Co.

Published on: January 30, 2025

Cost of a safari in Kruger National Park.

Travelers can choose from three (3) main safari options in South Africa’s Kruger National Park to experience its diverse species and striking landscapes. A self-drive safari, an organized safari through a tour operator, or lodging at one of the lodges in a private game reserve are the three ways to accomplish this.

Factors influencing safari prices in Kruger National Park

Accommodations for the Kruger Safari
Numerous lodging options are available to accommodate all kinds of visitors to Kruger National Park. The cost of lodging varies according to the level of comfort each facility provides; options include basic camping or tenting, guest houses or basic motels with rooms, safari cottages, and the opulent amenities provided by private game lodges.

The average prices of various lodging options in Kruger National Park are displayed in the table below.

Kruger National Park Entrance Cost

Holidaymakers visiting Kruger National Park are required to pay a mandatory conservation fee that is valid for 24 hours and this fee depends on whether you are a citizen or resident or a foreign visitor as highlighted in table below.

Kruger National Park offers a number of different gates through which visitors can enter. You are highly advised to access the park using gate that is closest to your accommodation or where you will be staying. the opening as well as closing times for the gates defers depending on the time of the year as highlighted in the below

Camp Gate Opening time

Opening Times for entrance gates:

October to March: 05:30am

April to September: 06:00am

Closing time for all gates

Cost Of Safari Activities in Kruger National Park South Africa

Game viewing is the most popular safari activity in Kruger National Park, and it is mostly accomplished through the breathtakingly exciting game drives that are held throughout the park’s stunning landscape. The kind of vehicle you are utilizing and the company offering the service will determine how much a game drive costs.

Game drives typically last four hours and can be held throughout the day. Early morning/rising sun game drives, mid-morning game drives, sunset/evening game drives, and night game drives are all available. These are most enjoyable when accompanied by a knowledgeable safari guide who is well acquainted with the National Park and knows where to look for the different species, although this service is extra.

However, vacationers who would rather go on self-drive game drives also visit Kruger National Park, making this a suitable choice for those on a tight budget. It is strongly advised that you get a map and guidebook for Kruger National Park while embarking on a self-drive safari; they can be purchased for roughly $10 or R160.

A table that displays the expenses of the activities carried out in Kruger National Park

Participating in bird viewing and golf are extra activities. To find out the most recent costs for these activities, contact your travel agent.

When to go

Peak tourism season is June through September, when Kruger National Park experiences the dry season and the greatest number of visitors. There is a lot of demand for lodging during this time of year, and safaris are expensive generally. On the other side, budget tourists are urged to stay away from both the Christmas holidays and this season. A comparison of accommodations for the various seasons of the year may be found in the table above.

The price of meals

The price of meals in Kruger National Park will vary depending on whether you are staying at a lodge or hotel that offers meals as part of their lodging packages or whether you are on a self-catering safari (for example, camping or staying in rest camps with communal kitchens).

Budget-conscious tourists can always cook for themselves or dine at the rest camp’s eateries, which might not be the best. Meals there often cost around $10, so bringing snacks and plenty of water will also help you stay within your means. On the other hand, the more pricey lodgings have all-inclusive packages that include breakfast, lunch, and dinner; these meals are typically more expensive and fixed in price.

Is a safari to Kruger National Park self-guided or guided?

Depending on your safari budget, you can choose between a guided and a self-guided safari to explore Kruger National Park. But the best way to appreciate the park is with a professional guide who will tell you everything you need to know and show you where to see the various species.

A safari guide is typically included in the total cost of safaris that are booked through tour agencies. Professional guides can cost anything between $20 and $100 per day, particularly if they will also be translating. Because self-guided safaris are more affordable, they are recommended for vacationers with tight travel budgets.

When to visit Kruger National Park is best.

Although Kruger National Park is open year-round, the best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from June to September. During this time, most of the vegetation is thinned out and the water sources have dried up, which causes many wild animals to congregate around the few water sources that remain.