South Africa is a land of breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultures, and unforgettable experiences. At its heart lies Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s largest and most iconic game reserves. Spanning nearly 20,000 square kilometers, Kruger offers the chance to see the Big Five and an incredible array of wildlife through thrilling game drives and bush walks.
A visit to South Africa and Kruger National Park promises an adventure filled with natural beauty and unforgettable memories.
Travelers to South Africa must obtain a visa unless they are from one of the visa-exempt countries. The visa type you’ll need depends on the purpose of your visit, such as tourism, business, or transit. South Africa offers various visa options, including short-stay visas for tourism and long-stay visas for business or study. For tourist visas, you will typically need to provide proof of accommodation, return flight tickets, travel insurance, and sufficient funds to cover your stay.
Visa applications can be submitted online or through South African embassies and consulates in your home country. Processing times can vary, so it’s important to apply well in advance, usually at least 4-6 weeks before your intended departure. Ensure that you have all required documents, such as your passport, which must be valid for at least 30 days after your intended departure date. Some travelers may also need to provide biometric information, like fingerprints, as part of the application.
Additionally, South Africa has strict health and safety regulations in place, so make sure to check for any vaccination requirements, especially for yellow fever if traveling from a high-risk area. Always double-check the latest visa regulations and entry requirements to avoid any issues at the border.
South Africa is well-connected by air, with major international airports in cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, offering direct flights from many global hubs. Domestic flights are frequent and convenient, making it easy to explore various regions of the country. Airlines such as South African Airways, FlySafair, and Airlink offer affordable and reliable services between major cities and popular tourist destinations.
For local travel, self-drive is also a popular option, with numerous car rental agencies available.
For longer distances, intercity buses and private shuttle services offer convenience and comfort.
Whether you’re flying between cities or exploring by car, South Africa offers a range of transportation options to suit every traveler’s needs.
South Africa is generally a safe destination for travelers, but it’s important to take necessary precautions to ensure a healthy and secure trip. Healthwise, it’s recommended that travelers get vaccinated for diseases such as hepatitis A, typhoid, and yellow fever, especially if traveling to rural areas. Malaria is present in some regions, particularly in the northeast near Kruger National Park, so anti-malarial medication may be advised. In urban areas, healthcare facilities are of high standard, but it’s a good idea to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
For safety, it’s wise to take common-sense precautions, such as avoiding walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, using reliable transportation, and safeguarding personal belongings in crowded places. While most of the country is safe for tourists, some areas may have higher crime rates, so staying informed and following local advice is key. Always carry a copy of your passport and important documents in case of emergencies. By staying aware and taking basic health and safety measures, you can enjoy your time in South Africa with confidence.
Travel insurance is highly recommended for visitors to South Africa, offering peace of mind and protection against unexpected events. It can cover a range of situations, including medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and travel delays. South Africa has high-quality healthcare facilities in urban areas, but treatment can be costly without insurance. For adventure travelers, insurance that covers activities like safaris, hiking, and water sports is essential. It’s also advisable to ensure your policy includes coverage for theft, as well as emergency evacuation in case of natural disasters or accidents in remote areas. Additionally, travel insurance can provide assistance if you lose your passport or face other travel disruptions. Always read the policy carefully to ensure it meets your specific needs and includes sufficient coverage for your activities and travel duration.
South Africa experiences a diverse climate due to its varied geography, with conditions ranging from Mediterranean to subtropical. The coastal areas, including Cape Town and Durban, enjoy mild, temperate climates with cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Inland regions, such as Johannesburg, have a more continental climate, characterized by warm summers with afternoon thunderstorms and cooler, dry winters. The northeastern parts of the country, including Kruger National Park, have a subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters. Rainfall is more frequent in summer, while winter months are generally dry. The country’s varying climate makes it an ideal year-round destination, but it’s important to consider the specific region and time of year when planning your visit to ensure you pack accordingly and make the most of the weather conditions.
Citybug Shuttle service runs from OR Tambo International Airport to Nelspruit daily and is a 5 hour drive. If you wish to fly, Airlink flys to both Skukuza Airport and Kruger Mpumalanga Airport.
No, Nhongo Safaris departs daily with a minimum of two guests on any safari.
The Kruger National Park is in the north-eastern corner of South Africa, along with the border of Mozambique.
The park is an easy five-hour drive or a one-hour flight from Johannesburg. You may fly directly from Johannesburg or Cape Town to either Nelspruit Airport or Skukuza Airport should you wish to not experience the drive from Johannesburg.
Accommodation standards differ and rates do as well. As you are accommodated in the Kruger National Park on all of our Safaris , we will make recommendations based on your budget and preferences. We can offer you options ranging from basic, budget accommodation with communal ablution facilities to exclusive, luxury five-star accommodation in private lodges within the Kruger National Park. We do not offer camping safaris (where you have to pitch your own tent), but we do sell a number of tented safari camps within the Kruger Park and surrounding Reserves. Please note that all accommodations in the Kruger National Park and its boundaries are subject to availability as it is a Public Entry Park.
All Kruger Park huts have screening on the doors and windows to keep mosquitos out. At times when the mosquito problem is high they do spray around each hut on the outside as well. But no mosquito nets are available in the huts.
Since destinations in the Kruger National Park are very popular and sometimes fully booked as far as 11 months in advance, you may not be able to be accommodated without a booking. Always book in advance to avoid disappointment.
The risk of malaria should not stop you from going on safari –malaria is preventable and treatable.
The only people who should perhaps avoid malaria areas are pregnant women, small children and those with a compromised immune system, e.g. no spleen. There are plenty of exciting malaria-free safari options available – please ask us for details.
If you’re going to visit the greater Kruger National Park, we recommend that you take anti-malarial prophylactic medication as prescribed by your doctor or travel clinic, before travelling to Africa.
South Africa is a safe tourist destination.
South Africa has a reputation as an unsafe destination, but visiting here as a tourist is much safer than most people realise.
Keep in mind that news headlines and social media often only report bad news, especially crime. Good news, unfortunately, does not sell newspapers. You are not likely to hear about the millions of tourists who visit South Africa each year without incident.
Safety is a top priority for us, and we will never recommend a destination or activity we consider unsafe for tourists.
Visiting South Africa as a tourist is quite safe. We consider South Africa to be as safe – if not safer – than many other major tourist destinations around the world. We are also owners of a safety app which we include in all of our packages for use while on Safari and in South Africa that can assist with any eventuality should you need assistance while in the country.
Many visitors are concerned about crime, but we have never had any problems or incidents of crime on our safaris. Crime occurs in every major city in the world, and the key is to use common sense and avoid risky situations or known problem areas.
Going on safari is also quite safe. As long as you abide by the rules and stay in your vehicle or with your safari guide, there is no need to be concerned about wild animals. In the Kruger National Park, each camp is safely fenced with an electric fence.
Your accommodation is usually designed to be as insect-proof as possible.