Travel Tips for Kruger National Park

Essential information and practical advice for your Kruger safari adventure

💰 Money & Currency

South African Rand (ZAR)

The official currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). As of July 2025, typical exchange rates are approximately:

  • 1 USD = R18.50
  • 1 EUR = R20.00
  • 1 GBP = R23.00
  • 1 JPY = R0.12
  • 1 CNY = R2.60
  • 1 AUD = R12.50

Payment Methods in Kruger

  • Cash: Essential for small purchases, tips, and some camp shops
  • Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted at main rest camp shops and restaurants
  • Limited card acceptance: Smaller camps may be cash only
  • No mobile payments: Limited/no signal means cash or card only
  • Bring sufficient cash: ATMs limited to major camps (Skukuza, Berg-en-Dal)
  • USD/EUR: Not commonly accepted - exchange to Rand before entering park

ATMs & Money Exchange

  • ATMs available at rest camps and nearby towns (Hazyview, Nelspruit)
  • Daily withdrawal limits: R3,000-R10,000 depending on bank
  • Banks and authorized dealers in surrounding towns offer currency exchange
  • KMIA Airport and Skukuza Airport have exchange facilities
  • Bring sufficient cash as ATMs may be limited in the park

South African Banknotes & Coins

Current Banknotes:

  • Notes: R200, R100, R50, R20, R10 (featuring the "Big Five" animals)
  • Colors: Each denomination has distinct colors and animal designs
  • Languages: All 11 official languages appear on notes

Coins: R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c (commonly used in daily transactions)

Security Features: Watermarks, security threads, and color-changing ink on banknotes

Tipping in Kruger

  • Tipping is customary and appreciated for good service
  • Safari guides: R50-R100 per person per day (guided game drives)
  • Rangers/Trackers: R50-R100 per person per day
  • Camp restaurants: 10-15% if no service charge included
  • Camp staff: R20-R50 for housekeeping (discretionary)
  • Petrol attendants: R5-R10 (at fuel stations outside park)
  • Tip in cash: Rand notes preferred

Practical Money Tips for Safari

  • Small Bills: Keep R10, R20, R50 notes for tips and small purchases
  • Large Bills: R200 notes may be difficult to change at smaller camps
  • Stock up before entry: Withdraw cash in Hazyview/Nelspruit before entering park
  • Limited ATMs: Only major camps have ATMs (often out of order or empty)
  • Camp fees: Gate entry and accommodation usually paid in advance online
  • Daily expenses: Budget R200-500/day for food, drinks, souvenirs
  • Transaction Fees: International ATM fees typically R50-R100

🔌 Electricity & Plugs

Power Specifications

  • Voltage: 230V
  • Frequency: 50Hz
  • Plug Types: Type M (three large round pins) - unique to South Africa

What You Need

  • Type M adapter specifically for South Africa (unique plug type)
  • Voltage converter if your devices don't support 230V
  • Most modern electronics (phones, laptops) work with 230V

Where to Buy Adapters

  • Shops in Nelspruit, Hazyview, or White River before entering park
  • Pick n Pay, Woolworths, or Checkers supermarkets in nearby towns
  • Rest camp shops may have limited adapter stock
  • KMIA Airport shops (more expensive but convenient)
  • Buy adapters before arriving at Kruger to avoid disappointment

Power in Kruger Rest Camps

  • Most rest camps have reliable electricity during daylight hours
  • Some camps may have limited power at night (certain units)
  • Subject to load shedding - check EskomSePush app before visit
  • Main camps often have backup generators
  • Power banks essential for charging devices during game drives
  • Bushveld camps may have solar power only

📱 SIM Card & Internet

Major Mobile Operators

  • Vodacom: Best coverage nationwide, fastest speeds
  • MTN: Good network coverage, competitive data plans
  • Cell C: Budget-friendly options, decent coverage in cities

Tourist SIM Cards

  • Available at airport, CNA stores, and mobile shops
  • Prepaid options: 7-day, 30-day packages available
  • Data plans: 1GB-20GB options available
  • Price range: R50-R500 depending on data allocation

eSIM Options

  • Airalo, Holafly, and other international eSIM providers
  • Vodacom and MTN offer eSIM services
  • Can be activated before arrival
  • Usually more expensive than local SIMs

WiFi Availability in Kruger

  • Limited or NO WiFi in most rest camps (digital detox!)
  • Some main camps (Skukuza, Berg-en-Dal) offer paid WiFi in reception areas
  • Private lodges outside park usually have WiFi
  • Best to inform family/friends about limited connectivity

Mobile Coverage in Park

  • Coverage VERY LIMITED inside Kruger National Park
  • Signal available mainly at larger rest camps and reception areas
  • Vodacom has best coverage in the park
  • Most of the park has NO mobile signal (embrace nature!)
  • Download offline maps and guides before entering

🤝 Local Etiquette

Interacting with Rangers & Staff

  • Greet rangers and staff politely - they're knowledgeable and helpful
  • "Hello" or "Good morning/afternoon" are appropriate greetings
  • Listen carefully to ranger instructions - it's for your safety
  • Ask questions during guided drives - rangers enjoy sharing knowledge
  • Respect camp rules and gate closing times
  • Thank guides and staff for their service

Safari Etiquette

  • STAY IN YOUR VEHICLE at all times except in designated areas
  • Remain quiet during wildlife sightings to not disturb animals
  • Never feed wildlife - it's dangerous and illegal
  • Keep windows closed when approaching dangerous animals
  • Respect other visitors' viewing opportunities
  • Follow your guide's instructions at all times

Wildlife Photography Ethics

  • Never use flash photography - disturbs animals
  • Don't chase or harass animals for photos
  • Respect minimum distance regulations
  • Be patient - let animals behave naturally
  • Share sightings with other visitors
  • Don't make loud noises to attract animal attention

Respecting Nature & Conservation

  • Kruger is a protected conservation area - respect wildlife and habitat
  • No littering - carry all trash back to camp
  • Don't pick plants or remove anything from the park
  • Respect other visitors' wildlife viewing experience
  • Don't photograph people without permission
  • Report any poaching or suspicious activity to rangers immediately
  • Support conservation by following all park rules

💬 Language & Communication

Essential Phrases for Safari

  • Hello: Hello / Good morning (to rangers & staff)
  • Thank you: Thank you / Dankie (Afrikaans)
  • What animal is that?: Common question on game drives
  • Can we stop here?: To ask guide to pause for photos
  • Where is the waterhole?: Useful for finding animals
  • What time do gates close?: Critical question!
  • Do you have firewood/ice?: Common camp shop question

Language in Kruger Region

  • English is the primary language - all staff and guides speak it
  • Afrikaans commonly spoken by local staff and in surrounding towns
  • Local languages: Tsonga and Shangaan (indigenous to region)
  • All park signage, maps, and information in English
  • Guides are typically multilingual (English, Afrikaans, local languages)
  • No language barrier for English speakers in the park

Essential Safari Terms

  • "Big Five": Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino
  • "Bush": The wilderness/wild areas of the park
  • "Game drive": Safari drive to view wildlife
  • "Sighting": When you spot an animal
  • "Spoor": Animal tracks/footprints
  • "Braai": Barbecue (popular at rest camps)
  • "Boma": Traditional outdoor eating area
  • "Rest camp": Accommodation area within the park
  • "Hide": Covered structure for wildlife viewing
  • "Waterhole": Natural or man-made water source where animals gather

🏥 Health & Safety

Food & Water Safety

  • Tap water in rest camps is safe to drink
  • Bring bottled water for game drives (essential!)
  • Food safety standards are high at rest camp restaurants
  • Wash hands frequently, especially before eating
  • Traditional braai (BBQ) and South African dishes served at camps
  • Store food securely - never leave food unattended (attracts animals)

Common Health Issues

  • Sunburn (strong UV rays - use high SPF sunscreen)
  • Dehydration (stay hydrated, especially in summer heat)
  • Malaria prevention (ESSENTIAL - take antimalarial medication)
  • Insect bites (use repellent especially at dawn/dusk)
  • Heat exhaustion during game drives

Medical Facilities Near Kruger

  • In park: Basic first aid at rest camps, no hospitals
  • Nelspruit/Mbombela: Mediclinic Nelspruit, Netcare hospitals (1.5 hours)
  • Hazyview: Private clinics and pharmacies (45 mins from southern gates)
  • Phalaborwa: Hospital near northern gates
  • Pharmacies: Dis-Chem, Clicks in nearby towns (stock up before entering)
  • Travel insurance: ESSENTIAL - medical evacuation expensive
  • Emergency: 10177 or SANParks Emergency 013 735 4325

Wildlife Safety in Kruger

  • NEVER exit your vehicle except at designated rest areas
  • Keep windows closed when near dangerous animals
  • Maintain safe distance from wildlife (minimum 20 meters)
  • Never feed animals - it's dangerous and illegal
  • Keep valuables locked in accommodation
  • Follow speed limits (50km/h on tar, 40km/h on gravel)
  • Stay in your vehicle after sunset if on game drive

🌤️ Weather & Clothing

Kruger Climate Overview

  • Subtropical/bushveld climate with distinct wet and dry seasons
  • Summer (wet season): October-March (hot and humid, 25-35°C, afternoon thunderstorms)
  • Winter (dry season): May-August (mild days, cool nights, 10-25°C, little rain)
  • Best wildlife viewing: Winter (dry season) - animals gather at waterholes
  • Low malaria risk in winter, higher in summer

What to Pack for Safari

  • Neutral colors: Khaki, beige, olive (avoid bright colors and white)
  • Layers: Mornings cold, midday hot - lightweight long sleeves
  • Warm fleece/jacket: Early morning game drives very cold
  • Hat and sunglasses: Strong African sun (essential!)
  • Closed shoes: For walking in rest camps, comfortable for driving
  • Binoculars: Essential for wildlife viewing
  • Insect repellent: DEET 30%+ for malaria prevention

Seasonal Safari Tips

  • Wet season (summer): Lush greenery, baby animals, hot & humid, afternoon storms, mosquitoes active
  • Dry season (winter): Best game viewing, cool mornings (5-10°C), warm days (20-25°C), less vegetation
  • Shoulder season: April & September - good wildlife, pleasant weather
  • Pack light: Laundry services available at rest camps
  • Sun protection: SPF50+ sunscreen, lip balm, after-sun lotion

🛍️ Shopping in Kruger & Nearby Towns

Rest Camp Shops

  • Main camps: Skukuza, Berg-en-Dal, Satara have well-stocked shops
  • Basic supplies: Groceries, firewood, charcoal, ice
  • Souvenirs: Books, maps, clothing, curios
  • Limited stock: Shop early in the day for fresh produce
  • Fixed prices: No bargaining in rest camp shops

Nearby Towns (Before Entering Park)

  • Hazyview: Supermarkets, liquor stores, camping supplies
  • Nelspruit: Large shopping centers for full provisions
  • White River: Craft markets and local artisan goods
  • Tip: Stock up on groceries before entering park - cheaper than camp shops

What to Buy as Souvenirs

  • Kruger National Park branded items (mugs, shirts, hats)
  • African wildlife art and crafts
  • Wildlife photography books and field guides
  • Biltong (traditional dried meat snack)
  • Rooibos tea
  • Handmade beadwork from local communities

NEVER Buy (Strictly Prohibited)

  • Ivory products - illegal worldwide, huge fines
  • Rhino horn products - strictly prohibited
  • Animal parts or trophies without CITES permits
  • Endangered species products - protected by law
  • Report illegal wildlife trade to park authorities

🚗 Transportation Tips

Getting Around in Kruger

  • Self-drive: Most popular option, use your own/rental car
  • Guided game drives: Available at rest camps (sunrise/sunset/night)
  • Open safari vehicles: Booked through SANParks or lodges
  • No public transport: Inside the park - must have vehicle
  • Speed limits: 50km/h (tar roads), 40km/h (gravel roads)

Driving Safety in Kruger

  • Drive on the left side of the road
  • Watch for animals crossing roads at all times
  • Always wear seatbelts (mandatory)
  • Stop frequently to scan for wildlife
  • Never drive off-road or on closed roads
  • Be back at camp before gate closing times (varies by season)
  • Road conditions: Mix of tarred and gravel roads

Getting to Kruger

  • KMIA Airport to Phabeni Gate: 1 hour drive
  • Skukuza Airport: Directly inside park (limited flights from JNB)
  • Hoedspruit Airport: Near northern Kruger gates
  • Car rental: Essential for self-drive safaris (book in advance)
  • Private transfers: Available from airports to lodges/gates
  • Hotel shuttles: Many lodges offer airport pickup (pre-book required)

⏰ Time & Business Hours

Time Zone

  • UTC+2 (South Africa Standard Time)
  • No daylight saving time
  • Same time as Cairo, Helsinki (winter)

Kruger Gate & Camp Hours

  • Gate opening: Varies by season (Apr-Sep: 6:00, Oct-Mar: 5:30)
  • Gate closing: Varies by season (Apr-Sep: 17:30, Oct-Mar: 18:30)
  • Rest camp shops: 7:00-19:00 (approximate, varies by camp)
  • Restaurants: Breakfast 6:30-9:00, Lunch 12:00-14:00, Dinner 18:00-21:00
  • Reception: 7:00-20:00 at main camps
  • IMPORTANT: Must be inside camp before gate closing or face heavy fine!

Public Holidays

  • New Year's Day: January 1
  • Human Rights Day: March 21
  • Freedom Day: April 27
  • Workers' Day: May 1
  • Heritage Day: September 24
  • Day of Reconciliation: December 16