What It's Like to Safari at Kruger National Park in South Africa | A Travel Guide
Вставка
- Опубліковано 30 вер 2024
- While we were in Kruger National Park doing our self-drive safari, I took some time to film what it is like stay there and be your own navigator around the park to go wildlife watching. Open this up to learn more ↓
This is meant to be a valuable resource especially for those that are first-timers. This will help answer some pretty key questions that aren't limited to, what it's like to stay there, what are the camps like, do I need to cook, what kind of accommodations can I book, how the heck do you self-drive? Let me do a walkthrough the world-famous safari nature park to help with your trip planning.
🔷Read the ultimate guide for planning a trip to Kruger:
KRUGER GUIDE - goingawesomepl...
SAFARI GUIDE IN SA - goingawesomepl...
When I was planning my trip to South Africa and the safari component to our honeymoon, one thing that I've said before is that it was actually pretty challenging because there just isn't a lot of information out there about what it's actually like to be on a safari in Kruger National Park. Sure there were blog posts about it but when it came to UA-cam videos providing a walkthrough of the park, camp life, and self-drive, there just wasn't much out there. Sure this video may not cover every single aspect of Kruger but for someone that stayed there for 3 nights and 4 days, it gives you a look into what our experience was like and the two of the larger camps we experienced - Skukuza and Lower Sabie.
🔴JUMP
- What is camp life like? 0:38
- What can you find in the park shop? 2:20
- What food options are available at camp? 2:50
- Our accommodations in Skukuza 3:33
- Our accommodations in Lower Sabie 6:28
- What are the activities to do in Kruger? 7:03
- Here are a few of our self-drive moments 9:11
Love this video and want more? Subscribe to get more from Going Awesome Places at goaw.pl/Awesome...
👕SAFARI CLOTHES FEATURED
▶ Columbia - Men's Pilsner II Long Sleeve - goingawesomepla...
▶ Columbia - Men's Pilsner Peak Pant - goingawesomepla...
▶ Columbia - Women's OutDry Ex Eco Insulated Jacket - goingawesomepla...
▶ Mountain Hardwear - Men's Denton Short Sleeve Shirt- goingawesomepla...
📸 GEAR USED
▶ Camera - Olympus OMD EM1 MK2 - goingawesomepla...
▶ Lens - Olympus M.ZUIKO 7-14mm f2.8 PRO - goingawesomepla...
▶ Lens - Olympus M.ZUIKO 12-40mm f2.8 PRO - goingawesomepla...
▶ Lens - Olympus M.ZUIKO 40-150mm f2.8 PRO - goingawesomepla...
▶ Microphone - Rode VideoMic -
goingawesomepla...
▶ Tripod - Joby Gorillapod Hybrid -
goingawesomepla...
▶ Secondary Camera - DJI Osmo+ - goingawesomepla...
▶ Backpack - PeakDesign Everyday Backpack 30L - goingawesomepla...
🔆 LOOKING FOR MORE?
▶ BLOG - goingawesomepl...
▶ SUBSCRIBE - goaw.pl/Awesome...
Produced, filmed & edited by Will Tang
Music via goingawesomepl...
🛫 TRAVEL MORE
▶ Insurance: goingawesomepla...
▶ Hotels: goingawesomepla...
▶ Flights: goingawesomepla...
▶ Airbnb (get a new account to get free $36 USD credit): goingawesomepla...
🤘 LET'S CONNECT!
Instagram: / goingawesomeplaces
Twitter: / goawesomeplaces
Pinterest: / goawesomeplaces
Facebook: / goingawesomeplaces
Planning a trip to South Africa and heading to Kruger National Park? Got any questions that I didn't answer? Throw em down here!
If you found this valuable, subscribe to the channel at goaw.pl/AwesomeTube!
Where did you rent your car?
We rented our car immediately after we landed in JNB. The best rate I found was with Avis and I tried a combination of codes that I have here: goingawesomeplaces.com/best-car-rental-coupon-codes-save-insane-amount-money/
Thanks! I will definitely check them out :)
Great video. We’re going in September.
Thanks Brittany! OOh very exciting :) Our safari experience as part of our honeymoon was really the BEST part. Hopefully the guide helped and don't hesitate to ask any questions if you have any!
I live in South Africa. I remember going to the park when we went on our grade 7 school tour.
On tour for school I am also g7
I’m jealous
Haha
Me too
Awesome video. 😃
Did you get a Leopard in the end?
Not at Kruger unfortunately but luckily we got our fair share of leopards at Elephant Plains just prior to heading to Kruger :)
Going Awesome Places ah, should have used our app 😜 But glad you had a good time at Elephant plains.
I did actually! We used it a few times while we were out there but our routes never worked out with the sightings. Next time though :)
My wife and I are planning trip to the serengeti national park for my 60th in July. Do you have any videos or recommendations on how to book with no worries? I don't know how you booked in the U.S. to many different websites on planning
Who's here after the poacher got eaten by the lions
LOL at least someone is doing something about those poachers!
Yesss
@@GoingAwesomePlaces true
You explain evrything about Kruger, activities and camps very well. Defenitely a good help to plan my trip! Do u have any advices for first time visitors?
As you can imagine, I was so confused before I planned the trip but hopefully this helped give a basic primer. I actually have a pretty detailed blog post about the whole experience including first-time visitors so check it out here: goingawesomeplaces.com/best-way-to-safari-in-south-africa-in-kruger-national-park-and-private-game-reserve/
dude next time when filming Safari vlog show us some animals not only acomodation and a vehicle...
This was meant to show you the behind the scenes of what it's like to stay at Kruger but if you want to see how our self-drive safari was, feel free to check out the vlog.
I’m actually Chinese born Canadian (CBC)
Note: Lions like traffic jams. They always like to hang around a big cluster of 50 cars
Haha they certainly do. I wonder if it's a chicken-and-egg kind of thing though. They love the pavement with cars around them or is it the cars that surround them when they're there??? Regardless, an amazing thing to witness for sure.
Wow I'm speechless never knew that nature or let me say Kruger national park had so much in-store really amazing
Really enjoyed this video, very informative. I‘m looking forward to do a South Africa Roadtrip next summer and also want to visit Kruger national park and this helped a lot :)
You’re welcome! Make sure you check out the blog posts as well!
I’m definitely doing a guided tour because the self-drive seems like a waste of time
I would say waste of time. Honestly I’d say it was fun for us to make our own discoveries. Definitely not going to be as sharp as having a spotter but it’s a different experience. That’s why I recommend doing a private reserve and then your own drive afterwards to have the contrast of the two and also to have the knowledge of what to look for. That said, to each‘s own. You definitely can’t go wrong with a guided game drive!
The self-drives are the best! We go to the Kruger every year and always go on self-drives with the exception of sunset drives. You just have to go during the right time (April to September) when it doesn't rain a lot and the trees and bushes aren't as dense, thus making visibility better. We know the best roads and the habits of the different animals which makes finfing them much easier and enjoyable. Just do your research on the Park. (I recommend Kruger Self-Drive: Routes, Roads and Ratings...it's a brilliant book which really helps newbies out)
@@dietrichagenbag1783 Sounds like you're quite the pro!! That's amazing - it's the kind of place we'd love to go back to. While our spot rate might not've been as good as when we were at Elephant Plains, I really did enjoy the aspect of luck and just seeing what the park throws at ya. And yes we picked up a book while we were there to help with choosing roads but will definitely check out that book you recommended!
Totally disagree, when we went to Kruger in August, we saw more animals on the self drive than on the guided tour!
Self-drive is definitely more fun. You simply should go there through the dry season, when animals are more predictable. Except if you want to be 110% sure to meet all the animal species - in which case I'd rather recommend a zoo day than a trip to KNP: nature is NOT entirely predictable - take it or leave it.
Thank you soo much for this beautiful video but it safe because i scare lion attack.
SA is amazing ☺️
It sure is. I would love to go back!
Well done, you went to the most commercial camp in the whole park.
Please never come back
Will definitely want to try out different camps in the park for future trips!
I'm mostly interested in seeing the wild Animals, what is the variety of animals there?
There is a lot of wildlife throughout Kruger. You’re pretty much guaranteed to see The Big Five (elephants, buffalo, lions, rhinos, and leopards). You’ll also see cheetah, hyena, zebra, wild dogs, hippos, a variety of antelope, and crocodiles.
That place is awesome I definitely recommend it
I loved it! If you'd like to reminisce, definitely check out my vlog from Kruger here: ua-cam.com/video/qN4TqPPB3Cg/v-deo.html
Awesome video, man! Always enjoy your stuff!
Words with Winos Travel Vlog thanks! Happy you liked this one and hopefully useful for future trips :)
Thank you!
You’re welcome!!
I live in south Africa and go once a year, been at both lower sabie and skukuza several times, very well explained! Well done😁👍👍💜
great video thanks for the information
You’re welcome!!
MY AUNT LIVES IN KRUGER NATIONAL PARK I'VE BEEN THERE 3 TIMES.SHE LIVES IN BUFFALO STREET
Stephen Josephs oh no way! Hope you’ve been able to enjoy the park as well.
Very informative video thank you
You’re welcome!
Uncle Paul,
You Started it all...
He sure did!
One of my favorite places. I am going to miss it.
Okay It's easy to get hooked to your channel. As a wildlife lover who has been to SA but skipped Kruger (due to lack of time) ..this is super duper informative. Self driving in parks of Africa is amaaaazing.
Safari to South Africa...this would be my biggest dream
An incredible experience. I hope you get to go!
Hi, which gate did you guys use?
We entered through the Paul Kruger Gate. Full details here: goingawesomeplaces.com/best-way-to-safari-in-south-africa-in-kruger-national-park-and-private-game-reserve/
Amazing video 😍 We just come back from Kruger National Park. In my last shorts video I explain how to meet a lion in nation parks 🦁
Great video - Haven't been to South Africa but have been to Kenya. We went to Nariobi and were out in the bush - a luxury camp named Governor's Camp. We were in Masa Mari Game Reserve.
I heard Kenya and Nairobi are pretty amazing! I would definitely love to do that next :)
@@GoingAwesomePlaces welcome to Kenya
Glad I found your video! Thanks for a well put together video! Keep up the amazing work!
Thanks Lukasz! I'm glad I was able to help with your upcoming trip. You're going to have so much fun out there :)
love my country;)
Thank you for welcoming us. We loved our trip to South Africa!
we went recently we stayed at (in this order) berg en dal, skukuza, lower sabie, talamati bush camp, satara - i would recommend berg en dal for rhinos, and big cats (especially lions) for satara, most things are generally luck but those were the best spots for each (we saw lots of rhinos around berg en dal and none elsewhere)
we stayed at monis guest house at skukuza
Which country is it?
This is South Africa!
I have been leading safaris to Africa since 2004 and I avoid Kruger. It is like Disneyland compared to going to Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania. I do not recommend it. It is too developed. But it is great that you are showing what it is really like. Thanks.
Thanks for dropping by! I have to agree that it is a bit of a Disney-fied version of safari although with this being my first time, I was completely amazed and a great first-timer experience. Between this an Sabi Sands, I thought each had its own merits and I loved that we were able to find our own animals at Kruger - quite the adventure!
Very cool and good to know for when we actually visit! Thanks for sharing all the information!
Glad you enjoyed this one! Hopefully you guys get to go to South Africa soon :) It's an amazing place!
You guys look bored
It was definitely amazing out there! Would highly recommend :)
Hi Thank you for an awesome video. Very informative looking forward to my family holiday
You're going to love it there! I'm happy you found it helpful :) Which camp will you be going to?
This is one of life's greatest experiences. I know because I have done it about 30 times already and never tire of it
I live in United states i would love to go but flights are about $1200 to south africa
@@moe9587 Yes, unfortunately. Covid has destroyed life as we knew it forever I fear. I live in South Africa and I would dearly live to visit USA and do some road trips there. Sighs...
duuuuude. this was helpful as shit. thank you for making the travel videos i wish i was making 😂
Aww thanks! I’m glad you found this helpful. That was my intention despite all the naysayers in the comments. When are you planning on going?
@@GoingAwesomePlaces I'll be there next month. Am trying to connect with the tourism boards out there but.. meh. it's a weird time. i think i'll go there and just do my thang and create however i want like i did in tulum last month!
@@ChristineLozada that’s the way to go for sure! Especially with how things are the slim budgets are even smaller now. South Africa in general is also not as developed when it comes to leveraging content creators so just go in with the right expectations. Have fun out there!!
Hey
What is the name of the backround music
Very informative and helpful.
Thank you! 🙏
Such a special place - thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome! It was truly amazing out there!
we also want to see the animals.....
Lots to see in Kruger that's for sure!
Great video. I am wondering which option is better for two days and one night: Classic safari inside Kruger based on Pretoriuskop Rest camp or Balule private game reserve? Look forward to your reply.
Hey
Awesome, man..when will you visit India 🇮🇳
Thank you so much!
we didnt do the self driving but visited Kruger public area with a guide one evening. I think its so amazing that its possible to do your own drive and encounter animals :)
I’m happy you got to go and experience it! Yes the self-drive part is a pretty unique experience for sure but definitely glad we had the private game drive experience beforehand so we were a little better prepared. I can’t wait to go back.
@@GoingAwesomePlaces that makes sense! The experience made me want to go and visit the other african countries so much!
Hope to have you back in Kruger soon!
This place is big and beautiful
I was wondering if there are any snakes roaming freely in kruger national park? Thanks
I can't say definitively but from my trip we didn't see any at camp. I am sure they're out there though.
Loved the video .. It was put together very well .. The information was on point .. Your video encourages people to give Africa a try when vacationing ..
Thank you for your kind words! South Africa was an incredible trip and Kruger was so memorable - hope you get to go if you haven't been yet!
When are the best months to go on a safari in Kruger National Park?
In May or September, then it's cold so the animals are most likely to walk around instead of hiding under trees
This has helped me a lot. We were so confused at how it all work. Thanks Bro
I’m so glad! Make sure you check out our blog post about this as well if you haven’t seen it: goingawesomeplaces.com/best-way-to-safari-in-south-africa-in-kruger-national-park-and-private-game-reserve/
How many days prior we have to book these tour or hotels will do it for us
I recommend booking the Kruger activities in advance online if you’re itinerary is more or less fixed. You can certainly do it when you get there but some of them may be sold out (morning drives, night drives, afternoon drives, and definitely the special walks). I booked these almost 3-4 months out.
Hi! As a fellow Canadian, did you require any specific documents before arriving in South Africa? For example, I read that we may want to get an International Driver's Permit if we plan on renting a car. Did you need to get a visa beforehand?
Thanks!
Hey! No visas for Canadians going to South Africa. Definitely pick up your IDP at CAA beforehand. If for some reason you have a night layover in a country with high risk of yellow fever, make sure you have that vaccination card. This happened for us with Ethiopia and then making our way to Seychelles afterwards. Otherwise, you can decide on whether you feel the need for Malaria pills (pretty low risk) and Dukoral. Make sure to read our safari guide here: goingawesomeplaces.com/best-way-to-safari-in-south-africa-in-kruger-national-park-and-private-game-reserve/
@@GoingAwesomePlaces Thanks for the tips! Heading there in a week. Did you go during Malaria high season (Oct - Apr)? My partner and I are sort of concerned about the mosquito/Malaria situation even though are are going to be taking Malaria pills. How was mosquito protection in the rest camp bungalows and the private lodges during your trip?
@@cwng11 We went in October so technically a higher season. I honestly don't remember really having any issues with mosquitoes while we were there but we did take it safe and still had the malaria pills. In terms of protection at camp, they didn't have anything extra in place so it's really up to you and using repellent. You also have to remember that a lot of the game drives at Kruger are in your car so you're not that exposed unless you're doing a bush walk or in the camp area like Skukuza itself
@@GoingAwesomePlaces Thanks! Yep we'll be doing some self-driving, SANParks night safaris, and a couple nights at a private lodge. Super excited but now just really nervous about getting bit! Guess we'll just wear long sleeves as much as possible. Is it too hot to wear long sleeves at dawn/dusk and while you're sleeping?
Nice, very informative
Your video needs to be improved.In the video, instead of showing animals and nature, you have mainly shown yourself.
Your description should have run behind without showing you much.
Thanks for watching regardless. This was the spur of the moment video and really to augment the vlogs so feel free to hop over to those videos.
It's a recommendations video and is pretty good
I went there during the christmas break
Ah totally jealous. Hopefully you had some good sightings!
So your safari camp was inside the national park?
Yes it was! Kruger NP has many camps inside its gates and each camp itself is gated so you're safe and it's also where you'll find the accommodations, restaurants, and other services.
@@GoingAwesomePlaces OK thanks for the information 👍
It lacks actual videos of the wild animals seen in Kruger
That wasn’t the intention of the video. If you want, check out the vlog of our time here: AMAZING & SCARY African Safari Self-Drive Experience at Kruger National Park | Honeymoon VLOG 4 ua-cam.com/video/qN4TqPPB3Cg/v-deo.html
I was expecting to see wild animals in the safari. The title is a bit misleading but your new link is ok.
Hi love your video
Travelling there next month, hopefully it's not too hot. Thanks for the really useful insight. We will do a self-drive and see what happens and hope to spot the Big 5 at the very least 😁.
Glamping 101
I love Kruger 😍😍😍😍😍 FC
It’s a great place!!
Nice video.....................
Thanks Ravi!
Great footage of the Kruger
Thanks!!
Thank you for a well made informative video.
You're very welcome! I hope you have a great trip when you go :)
We watched this Video in english class 👌🏻
Love it! Where are you located??
Thanks for all the info! I am organizing a safari for the first time and the questions are many. I was thinking of reserving a room inside the park for next summer. I don't have many needs: a simple room with bathroom and a nearby restaurant is enough for me. However, must the daily activities be reserved in advance or can one arrive and choose at the moment? I have 4-5 days available. Is it better to stay in the same place for the whole time or book in different areas? Thanx in advance
Hi Simone! I'm glad you found this helpful. Have you had a chance to read our articles as well? In terms of the various camps, it depends on how many days you have. If you have enough days where you can split it between two camps like we did, I thought that was a nice way to see different areas of the park without having to drive as far each day. That said, if you're based centrally such as at Skukuza, you can get to a lot of areas in the park.
@@GoingAwesomePlaces Hi! Thanks a lot for the answer. Where can I find your articles? I'd like to read them. As for the days, I will have a lot of freedom. I planned to spend a week or so between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth and then take a flight to Kruger. Afterwards spend 3-4 days in the park before heading to Johannesburg via the Blyde River Canyon. I'll be alone, so I can decide what to do. I thought of dividing the time in the park into two zones, book the rooms in advance and choose the activities on the spot. Do you think it is doable? It will be my first Safari and so I have no idea how to proceed. Thanks again for your reply and kindness. Simone
@@simonepeverelli883 I think with 3-4 days it might make more sense to stick to one camp instead of moving because it'll be a bit annoying to unpack, pack, check into a new camp etc. It'll be nice to stay put for a few days and explore from there. For the guide on Kruger, we put together this article here: goingawesomeplaces.com/kruger-national-park-guide-first-timers/
@@GoingAwesomePlaces Thanx for the reply! I'll check the link!
Hi there, did you take malaria pills?
How expensive is Kruger National Park?
It's not that expensive when you compare it to private reserves like the experience I had at Elephant Plains but at the same time it's just a very different safari experience. For what we did, it cost roughly $830 CAD for the reservations and safari activities compared to $2800 so it's a big difference.
@@GoingAwesomePlaces Thanks for telling me but I don't use Canadian Dollars, I use American Dollars, but that's okay, thanks and God bless you!
Background music is too loud.
Sorry about that! I’ve definitely heard that feedback and have made sure to bring that back since it definitely comes out a bit differently in my editor. Thanks for dropping by though! ☺️
If you want to see Loins just go to our lion park. There is lions, Giraffes, Jaguars ans zebras
THANK YOU sooo much! You are right! There’s not much out there if you want to do self drives. The SA website is not exactly user friendly and I almost gave up because you kinda have to know exactly which location to book, etc. pretty hard for a first timer no matter how experienced traveler you are. Your video gives me hope and I am gonna give this one more try! No need to pay hefty tour fees if I can have a better experience on my own. Thanks again!
what kind of music is that
I can't quite remember the exact titles but these are all from my membership with Epidemic Sound!
Thanks For The Fun Informative Video. Its Great To See An International Tourists Perspective, Compared To A Local.
Great video, thanks for sharing. I love all the parks in South Africa.
I am planning to go with my family. Are kids allowed?
I spent a week in Kruger in 1988, to be honest probably 80% of the time there's nothing to see beside parched land when self driving.
Yeah the scorched earth landscape surprised me as my first time doing safari in Africa but that said if you were lucky you really could spot some incredible moments like we did with the elephants. Having a sharp eye was important but to be honest we definitely didn't see as much as we did at the Private Reserve.
That’s a shame, I go there regularly and have always an abundance of game every time I’m there.
There’s definitely lots to see. The key we learned was to go out super early in the morning and be out late in the afternoon before the gates close.
🙃 remember it was still oppression time for south Africa so the animals were not free to go around freely. in Trevor's voice
@@Bella-sj7us
🤣🤣🤣
hi dude what about natural life n original locals or tribes? what are you trying to sell?
You’re great
Aw thank you!
Thanks for a great video. Heading there in August really helped with our planning
What is the name of the songs that you used in this video?
Hey Megan! It's part of Epidemic Sound and the specific track is Savannah Of Africa 2 - Magnus Ringblom
Thank you
You’re welcome!
Weii presented
Appreciate it. Thanks James!
Great video . Greetings from 🇬🇧
so cool
Thanks Julia. Have you been on a safari before?
巧了，15年我们一家三口也是去的克鲁格国家公园，住在司库库扎（音译），从视频中的茅草屋/餐厅/身边的河流和不远处的桥来看，我们住在相同的营地。真的很棒的旅途，探险，记录，感受。
Oh wow! From what you see in my video, has it changed much in the past 15 years? What an experience it was right? We loved our time at Kruger but I must say that we enjoyed the private reserve experience even more. Did you try that in addition to Kruger?
哈哈，不好意思，我是2015年的2月份（春节期间），一家三口过去的，我没有写清楚。我比较笨，用FCPX还是不熟悉，就把在南非克鲁克自驾游览的所见所拍，做了一份小幻灯片：ua-cam.com/video/WET4e8KHzYo/v-deo.html
Just watched the video! Many familiar places :) I know FCPX isn't easy to use so you just have to keep practicing and creating more videos! I'm still learning every day!
Great!
Thanks! Have you been or want to go?
Are there Lion/Cheetah/Leopard recipe at Kruger Restaurant Menu?
Haha not quite!
Wonderful information, thank you!
Thank you for sharing... we are planning a trip in Feburary 2021.. wish you had mentioned the prices of accomodatations...
Great tips though!
Thank you again!
Thanks for chiming in here Joe!
Well done! Had the same questions
Hi
ach hi
I was there on Safari during May 2016 for 3 nights/4 days....great accommodations and an amazing time. The day that we left to drive to Swaziland for an afternoon/night/ and next day was cut short due to van problems. Still a nice trip before heading to Predeterminer for 2 weeks.
is it too expensive??
47
You should visit Letaba and Olifants rest camp next time.
which one is better
Ibo
What’s lbo??
Too much talking not enough viewing. Boring video.
I wish I could go here
Is it expensive?
Very nicely done bud!
Thanks so much for watching!! Are you planning a trip out there?
We're taking our 5 year old for her first Kruger experience next month :). I lived and worked in the Park so I know it intimately. Love that place!
@@derekboshard4641 That's amazing! Your daughter is going to love Kruger but you already know that :)
@@GoingAwesomePlaces I used your video to show her what to expect. She is so excited!
@@derekboshard4641 I'm so glad. If you have any other specific questions just let me know.
I had been to South Africa and for a day I went to Krugers National Park. Wish to go again and again
I loved our experience there and wish I could go back too!!
Knowing you're in Kruger, I get nervous seeing you address the camera while walking backwards - lol! I keep thinking a Lion or something is going to leap out at you! very nice work on this... I hope to make this trip one day :)
LOL! Luckily that was shot in camp and not in the open. I definitely don't want to be one of THOSE UA-cam videos. Hope you get to go to Kruger soon!