How Much Does a Kruger National Park Safari Cost? (Your Budget Guide)
by Andrew Hofmeyr
The Kruger National Park is South Africa’s premier safari destination. Famous around the world for its almost guaranteed Big 5 animal sightings, the park is steeped in history and features high-up on any South African safari itinerary. But what does a Kruger National Park safari cost?
Kruger is not only home to an astonishing quantity and quality of wildlife species, but also to an exceptional variety of safari options. From do-it-yourself self-drive safaris to all-inclusive luxury packages, there's a Kruger National Park safari for everyone. When planning your Kruger safari, it is good to keep in mind the duration of your trip, the season you choose to travel in, the activities you would like to do, and - considering the size of the Kruger - where you want to go.
There is no one-size-fits-all Kruger Park safari experience. The average Kruger safari is very competitively priced, especially for one of the best national parks in Africa. This blog will look at your Kruger National Park safari options, and how much it will cost to visit the park.
Baby elephant, Kruger National Park Safari
South Africa Currency
The official currency of South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR). Unlike our northern neighbour Zimbabwe, US$ is not commonly used. Luckily the exchange rate is good, and dollars, pounds, and Euros all go a long way!
South African bank notes come in Big 5 denominations:
Green R10 = rhino
Brown R20 = elephant
Red R50 = lion
Blue R100 = buffalo
Orange R200 = leopard
Foreign exchange is easy to do in all the major centres.
US$1 = ZAR R 18.55
GBP1 = ZAR R 22.67
EUR1 = ZAR R 20.00
*South Africa’s exchange rate tends to be affected by the direction that the wind is blowing. These exchange rates were accurate at the time of publishing.
The first thing to consider when planning your Kruger National Park safari is the season. The winter months from May to August are cooler, and considered to be the best safari months as the vegetation is sparse, and the animals are easier to spot. From late September to April, the temperature gets hotter, and the rains begin to fall, meaning more humidity, lush vegetation, and lots of places for wildlife to hide.
Kruger National Park High Season: December to January & July to August
Kruger National Park Low Season: April to mid-June & September to November
In safari high and low terms, the Kruger Park syncs with local holidays and not seasonal fluctuations. The busiest time in Kruger Park will be during South Africa’s December / January break, which is not considered the best time to visit Kruger. How does this affect your Kruger National Park Safari budget?
Budget Fact Box: Kruger vs East Africa
South Africa is by far the best budget safari option on the continent. While the Kruger has low seasonal price fluctuations, just by booking a Kruger safari, you are already saving about a third of the cost. For example, entry fees for Tanzania and Kenya safari parks range between US$60 and US$200. For Kruger, the R486 park fee converts to a paltry US$ 25, for an incredible Big 5 safari, and African bush experience.
Antelope, Kruger safari cost
In general terms, high demand equals higher prices. International flights are more expensive over the December period. There is a higher demand for rental cars, accommodation, and of course safaris. Thus, the peak season December to January will be your most expensive time of year to visit Kruger National Park. Interestingly, unlike in East Africa, the difference between high season rates and low season rates is negligible. You will be able to find some deals, but often the base rates are steady throughout the year.
If you choose to stay with SANParks, the government department that runs the Kruger, they do publish high-season and low-season rates. For example, a mid-range bungalow that sleeps two people at Letaba rest camp will cost R1,220 / US$ 66 during the low season (mid-January to mid-March), and R1,480 / US$ 80 during the high season from December to January and March to November.
If however, you are flexible with your dates, then the Kruger is a fantastic all-year-round destination. In fact, the best time to visit will be from May to June or the shoulder season from September to November. This is not only the safari sweet spot, but also a good time to look for budget deals for flights, rental cars, and safari packages, if you are budget-conscious, be sure to shop around for budget-friendly safari deals.
Kruger National Park Fees (per 24-hour period)
Conservation fees for the Kruger National Park must be paid for each day you remain within the park’s borders.
Foreign Nationals: Adult US$25 or R486 pp / Child (2-11yrs) US$13 or R243 pp
When booking your Kruger safari, group numbers can make a big difference. This is purely a numbers game, for example, on a self-drive Kruger safari, divide the cost of the vehicle over 5 days between the number of passengers. The more passengers, the lower the individual cost, and the bigger the saving. From airport transfers and drivers to overlanding vehicles and safari guides, any expense that can be shared can be reduced by adding more people to your safari.
Extrapolate these costs over the full length of the trip and the savings add up.
The trick is to find a balance between having an intimate experience and sharing expenses between your group. If you are after a romantic honeymoon getaway, then adding people will not be an option. However, inviting close family or good friends to share your safari adventure might be just the ticket.
African Budget Safaris specializes in bespoke safaris that can tailor your adventure specifically to your safari needs, so it is worth discussing these options with an experienced safari travel consultant. Most African Budget Safaris’ safari packages leverage the numbers game to get great deals. Most short trips average around 10 guests, rising to 12 to 16 for mid-range trips, and the longer overland Cape to Kenya-type trips cater to around 29 people.
To put this into perspective, 3-day Kruger National Park safari packages range from US$ 160 per day to US$ 405 per day catering for a maximum of 10 guests. The longer trips say 25 days Cape Town, Namibia, Botswana, to Kruger, catering for 16 guests, comes in at US$ 133 per day, and a 47-day Johannesburg to Nairobi overland camping safari, catering for a maximum group size of 29, works out to US$ 142 per day.
Kruger National Park, leopard
WILD Card Prices for Foreign Nationals
A WILD card gives you access to all South African National Parks throughout the country for 1 calendar year from the date of purchase. WILD cards are fantastic for South Africans who live close to our national parks, but they are also available for foreign visitors. If you plan to spend a lot of time exploring South Africa’s parks, this is worth considering. Prices are for the All Parks Cluster.
Individual WILD card: R3,780 (US$ 198)
Couple: R5,905 (US$ 310)
Family (2 adults, up to 5 children under 18): R7,065 (US$ 371)
*Prices correct as of Jan 2024. For updated Wild Card pricing please visit the SANParks site.
Safari accommodation can have a big impact on how far you can stretch your Kruger safari budget. The Kruger National Park has an amazing range of accommodations, from government-run campsites to privately owned safari resorts at the pinnacle of exclusivity and excellence. Kruger offers accommodation that will suit almost every taste and every budget requirement.
It is helpful to think of accommodation options on a sliding scale. On the extreme budget end of the spectrum, SANParks (government-run) facilities are more basic and more affordable. A campsite per night will start at around R320 / US$ 17 per person. A guest house that sleeps 8 people will set you back R8,170 / US$ 440 or US$ 55 per person per night.
On the other side of the spectrum sits the privately owned and run conservancies of Greater Kruger Park. On the low end, you will pay around R820 / US$ 44 per night per person for a bed and breakfast in Balule private game reserve, or a villa in Timbavati could set you back as much as R84,400 / US$ 4,500 per night.
These examples are the extremes. African Budget Safaris specializes in tailor-made safari packages that will get you the most for your hard-earned holiday money. Remember, your safari experience does not have to be all one way. This means that you can choose to have a budget camping experience to stretch your time, and then switch to something a little more luxurious for that special occasion.
OR Tambo International Airport, services airlines from around the world and is a busy logistics hub. Johannesburg has a fearsome reputation and most people do not stick around very long. Once you have arrived in Johannesburg, there are several options for getting to the Kruger National Park, and which one you choose will be determined largely by where you are staying. The good news is that most safari packages will take care of all the logistics for you, including airport pick-up and transport to Kruger or the Great Kruger Park.
Budget car rentals in South Africa kick off at about R277 / US$ 15 per day for a 2-seater or up to R930 / US$ 50 per day for a passenger van that seats 5 people. The drive to Kruger takes about 6 hours along well-maintained roads.
The Kruger National Park is serviced by 3 domestic airports, as well as a host of private bush airstrips that service private safari lodges. The Kruger Mpumalanga Airport, Skukuza Airport, or Eastgate Airport can all be reached from South Africa’s major cities, including Cape Town. From Cape Town flights take just over 2 hours, from Durban 1.5 hours and from OR Tambo an hour. A flight from OR Tambo to Skukuza during June will cost between R2,000 / US$ 110 and R3,000 / US$ 170 per person.
Flying adds to your safari cost but is an excellent way to save time if your safari window is short. Daily charter flights that operate between OR Tambo and many of the private safari lodges, take around 90 minutes and will deliver you almost to your safari lodges doorstep, and have a total baggage limit of 20kg.
Deciding which option is best for you comes down to the time available on your safari getaway, the size of your budget, and your chosen safari lodge. To help work through these costs and logistics, speak to an African Budget Safaris travel consultant.
Game drive, Kruger Park safari costs
Transport Within Kruger National Park, South Africa
One of Kruger National Park’s biggest plus factors is its excellent transport infrastructure. Getting around the park is easy which makes a self-drive safari manageable without needing any specialized navigation or driving skills. This is a bonus for anyone with a self-drive safari on their bucket list. There is however a downside to the freedom of having your own transport.
Within the Kruger National Park, tourist traffic is restricted to the tar roads. So, while you have an easy ride, often there is congestion around sightings, and you do not have the option of going off-road. Furthermore, some people feel that the smooth road surfaces detract from the feeling of being in the African bush. However, the private reserves and conservancies that make up the Greater Kruger National Park are not hindered by these issues.
The reserves that make up the Greater Kruger National Park, all have their own private safari vehicles and are not bound by the regulations of the Kruger National Park. It is also possible to stay in the Greater Kruger and then do day trips to the main reserve. Unfortunately, day visitors are not permitted into the private Greater Kruger reserves.
It is always recommended that visitors take at least one guided game drive. This is because the drivers, or guides, are local experts and have experience in the bush which is invaluable. Their insights and knowledge of the environment will deepen your experience with a sense of wonder as they peel back the layers of this incredible nature reserve.
Big 5 Kruger Park safari, elephants
Most pre-booked safari packages to the Kruger National Park will include at least one game drive. This is of course negotiable. There is also the option to visit Kruger as a day visitor, and to book a spot on a safari vehicle with an experienced guide, either from the main gate or from your chosen rest camp. Game drive prices start at around US$ 35 per person for a half day, and go up to around US$ 260 for a full-day game drive for 4 people.
South Africa Visa Costs at the Time of Writing*
There is a long list of countries that DO NOT require a visa for stays up to 90 days. These countries include but are not limited to:
Australia
Belgium
Canada
Denmark
Germany
Netherlands
New Zealand
United Kingdom
United States of America
If you are not on the free entry list, a single entry 6-month visa will cost you R 2,068 / US$ 112.
*This is a changing landscape, and it is important to check these details with your local travel agent who will have up-to-date information.
A Kruger safari, whether bespoke private safari or group tour, will cover just about everything from airport pick-ups and transfers, safari vehicles and game drives to park fees, food on safari, and accommodation. When booking, your safari tour consultant will discuss with you what activities you want to include or exclude. These are optional extras, and they are often bucket list items.
Popular optional extras when visiting the Kruger National Park include hot air balloon rides, walking safaris, night-time game drives, 4x4 and quad bike trips as well as white river rafting, caving, horse riding, mountain biking, spa treatments, and golf.
Aside from the walking safaris in Kruger, most of these activities happen near the national park or in one of the private conservancies. Hoedspruit has become a bit of an adventure hub, and many of the activities use it as a base for their operations.
Kruger National Park, African painted wolves
Kruger Safari Extras Price List
Here is a rough guide to Kruger extras:
Hot Air Balloon Ride: from US$ 250 per person
Guided Walking Safari: US$ 86 per person
Cultural Village Visit: US$ 100 to US$ 300 per person
Mountain Biking: US$ 62 per person
Horse Riding: US$ 27 for a 1.5-hour horse ride per person
Guided Panorama Route Tour: US$ 120 per person
Different companies will have various services and pricing structures. These prices will often include pick-ups, transport, and more. This list is meant as a rough guide and is by no means exhaustive. When you are ready to book, and need more information, talk to one of African Budget Safaris' experienced travel consultants.
When you are planning your Kruger safari, remember to budget for extra costs that we sometimes don’t think about. It is good practice to budget for these extra costs that will inevitably turn up. International flights, visas, and safari expenses aside, here is a short list of some safari extras that you can budget for while visiting the Kruger National Park.
Souvenirs and curios are great reminders of time spent in Africa, and they make great gifts for special people back home. There are plenty of opportunities to buy small gifts that easily fit into your luggage along the way
You will have to buy your own alcoholic beverages. Safari camps sometimes provide complimentary water or soda, but if you want something stronger, you will need to set aside a budget. For a local beer, you will pay between 2 and 3 US$.
Laundry. If you are on a longer safari holiday, packing space is limited due to weight restrictions on flights. Laundry services are available, but these will often come out of your own pocket.
Tips. Tipping is an important part of the safari economy, and it is expected. Guides, staff at lodges, cleaners, waiters, and waitresses will all go out of their way to make sure your stay is amazing. A baseline tip is 10% but exceptional service should be rewarded.
Kruger Safari Big 5, buffalo
3 Budget Myths about Kruger Safaris
Myth: Safari Travel Agents are Expensive
The truth of the matter is that safari travel agents have a wealth of experience to draw on. This will save you both time and money. Their connections within safari travel circles mean that they will have access to special deals, room availability, transfers, and the latest news and reviews from safari destinations. They are there to help you find the best deal for your budget. Being able to assemble your safari itinerary from start to finish gives them the bargaining power to find the best safari deals.
Myth: A “DIY safari” will be cheaper
Travel agents are perceived as expensive, and many independent travellers baulk at the idea of subscribing to a safari package. There is a notion that the DIY safari experience will not only be cheaper but will give them more freedom from a rigid itinerary, the ability to change direction at a whim, and therefore a richer safari experience. However, going on a South African safari involves travelling large distances. The specialized knowledge of a safari expert gives them the edge in putting together the most budget-friendly options. A “do-it-yourself" safari will not necessarily be cheaper once you start adding in all the extras that a package often includes.
Myth: Package Deals are Cheaper
Not always. While package deals do offer you one “all-in” safari price, and can make your trip convenient and affordable, it also locks you into certain activities and destinations that have a ridged price structure. A tailor-made safari is designed not only around you and your safari ideals but also around your safari budget. A bespoke Kruger safari means that you can decide where to pull your budget safari strings and where to splurge for those exceptional experiences at the top of your safari bucket list.
Panorama Route, Kruger National Park Area
Kruger National Park Safari Costs
The cost of a safari in Kruger National Park varies depending on several factors such as the time of year, type of accommodation, length of stay, and type of activities included. While it is difficult to estimate the exact cost, the good news is that there is no one-size-fits-all Kruger safari experience.
The Kruger Park is famous for its Big 5 action and is one of the best national parks in Africa. South Africa, however, has so much to offer from Cape Town and Durban to the Garden Route and the Karoo, with hidden gems all along the way. With such an abundance of world-class activities and destinations, it is difficult to pinpoint exactly how much a safari in Kruger will cost.
With African Budget Safaris, a budget 3-day Kruger Park safari will cost between US$ 160 and US$ 400 per person per day, while a 7-day safari will range from US$ 274 to US$ 360 per person, per day.