How to visit Kruger National Park: guide to the perfect circuit
After covering the entire south-eastern part of Kruger National Park in day 1 of this tour, all you need to do is discover the South-West part and thus finish the southern loop of this giant South African reserve. Unlike yesterday, there is only a short drive to reach your hotel in the evening (around 3 hours by car). So you have time explore the back roads of the Kruger available to you along the way and observe around you without feeling rushed. If you haven't seen them all yet the Big 5, then you can afford to take detours to maximize your chances.
Finish the circuit of the southern part of Kruger National Park: from Malelane Gate to Skukuza
Like all game drives, the day should start early. For your second day on this tour to Kruger National Park, enter the reserve by Malelane Gate at dawn and head to Berg in Dal. You will then go through Pretoriuskop to finally go back to Skukuza and finish the southern loop of the national park.
Take the side roads of this tour between Berg en Dal and Pretoriuskop at Kruger Park
The circuit of the South-West part of the Kruger National Reserve being relatively short to cover, we took many additional paths to make the most of every corner of the national park and we were not disappointed!
Indeed, the network of secondary roads is immense and much less visited. So we were much quieter while enjoying sumptuous landscapes. In addition, we saw more animals along these roads certainly because they are more peaceful! So don't miss this part of the tour.
The B&B with the best value for money to sleep in the vicinity of Skukuza gate in Kruger Park
To stay near Skukuza, the best plan is the guest room Riverside's Kaia. Look no further, this is the closest B&B to Kruger Park at € 50 a night. Clean, peaceful and pleasant, this is the best budget option to spend the night.
Check availabilityCloser to the Kruger but also a little more expensive, we recommend the Sabie River Bush Lodge. For us, this is the best value for money in the region.
Situated on the banks of the Sabie River, this lodge offers a magnificent view of the Kruger National Park and the animals that bathe there: hippos, crocodiles and in the evening antelopes and elephants drink there. You can admire this landscape from the swimming pool, the bar or the restaurant. Also, you have the choice between luxury tent or normal room: nothing better than ending a safari with a night in a (luxury) tent!
Check availabilityIf you want to end your safari tour in style and indulge yourself then the best idea is located just 100 meters from the entrance to Kruger Park! The Protea Hotel by Marriott Kruger Gate is a beautiful luxury hotel just across the Sabie River so you can sip your gin & tonic while watching hippos, antelopes or even crocodiles.
If you are tempted by night safaris, then it is better to do it that evening than the day before because often the tours leave at sunset. With only a 3-hour drive in the Kruger today, you have time to finish the tour and arrive at the hotel without rushing. Otherwise, you can also enjoy the hotel spa and end the evening with a dinner under the stars over a wood fire… Magic!
Check availabilityNB : Find the program for day 1 in our article The best route to visit the Kruger National Park day 1/2.
If you want to explore Kruger National Park on a luxury safari you can read our article The best private reserves in Kruger Park in South Africa.
To find out more about South Africa:
The itinéterre team
Itinéterre is a travel blog written by a team of expatriates and locals. They share their experiences so that you can enjoy the best tours in their countries. Their advice will help you plan your vacation easily as if a local is accompanying you!
