Region in Mpumalanga, South Africa
Kruger National Park
Southern Africa's classic self-drive safari, with Big Five sightings from rest camps and nearby Hazyview. Distances are long, driving rules strict and a car is essential; costs rise fast for private lodges.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,800–3,000Comfortable, one person · R30,000–50,000Details
- Value for money32/100Better value than 31% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–SepWarmest: Dec, 32°CDetails
- Internet50 MbpsFixed broadband, South Africa medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTap water in rest camps is generally safe; Hazyview and small towns vary, so use bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$36–66Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundSelf-drive rental carYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work in camps, lodges and Hazyview shops.Details
Where to stay in Kruger National Park
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Skukuza and southern rest camps | In-park base: shop, restaurant, airport, easy day drives |
| Hazyview | Self-catering and guesthouses near Phabeni and Numbi gates |
| Marloth Park | Self-catering houses with wildlife next to the Crocodile Bridge gate |
Apps that work in Kruger National Park
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps (Waze is popular with drivers)
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- EskomSePush: Power cut alerts and schedules
- SARS traveller declaration (SATMS): Mandatory customs declaration before arrival
- Taxis: No ride apps inside the park or Hazyview. Uber operates in Mbombela but is not reliable for park trips; book transfers or rent a car.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in South Africa.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in camps, lodges and Hazyview shops. Carry small bills for tips, curio sellers, and petrol attendants outside the park.
- Currency: Rand (ZAR). US$1 ≈ R16.66 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use ATMs inside malls or banks in daylight and never accept 'help' from strangers.
- Tipping: 10–15% in restaurants; small change (R5–R20) for car guards and petrol attendants, who fill your tank; tip safari guides and trackers.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay work on most card machines; SnapScan and Zapper QR codes are common.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Since 1 July 2026 every traveller must complete the SARS online traveller (customs) declaration before arriving or leaving, on the web or SATMS app.
- Passport needs at least 2 blank pages and 30 days' validity beyond departure; airlines refuse boarding without the blank pages.
- No visas on arrival. Visa-required nationals apply through VFS Global or, for a growing list of countries, the online ETA.
Emergency numbers
Police 10111 · Ambulance 10177 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, D, M, N · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Vodacom and MTN counters at Johannesburg and Cape Town airports; passport and address needed for RICA registration. Data costs more than in much of Africa. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in South Africa
Going to Kruger National Park solo?
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Sources
- South African National Parks, Kruger
- Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport
- Airlink
- Skukuza Rest Camp, SANParks
- Mediclinic South Africa
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.