Kruger National Park, located in northeastern South Africa, is one of Africa’s largest and oldest game reserves, founded in 1898. Spanning close to two million hectares, it boasts incredible wildlife including the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo.
In January, the park is lush and green from summer rains, with daytime temperatures around 30°C (86°F), so pack light clothing and sun protection. Families can enjoy guided safari drives, child-friendly camps, and educational bush walks, all at reasonable prices. This is an unforgettable destination for wildlife viewing, immersing families in South African nature and culture.
Personalised guide
Family friendly · 16–23 Jan · Average budget · Hotel, villa, apartment or house, resort
Kruger Park · January 2026
Viewing Day 1 · Sat 17 Jan. Numbered pins match today's itinerary stops; purple markers are recommended experiences. Click a pin for details.Pins match today's stops. Purple pins are experiences.
Recommended experience
Private 4x4 Safari Tour in Kruger National Park
5.0 (26 reviews)
Your dream can come true, going in a safari can be once in life time experience. You will get the chance to enjoy this unforgettable safari inside the Kruger National Park which is the biggest Big 5 (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo) South Africa conservation area. On a private vehicle on an exclusive use basis, we focus our safari on your interest and what you like to see most. A highly qualified Fgasa and experienced field guide takes you in a open safari vehicle to be more in tune and in “touch“ with your senses in this natural habitat. Braai Safaris is a small and intimate private safari company, providing a typical and true wildlife experience, not only giving our guests a unique experience but also sharing our passion for this awesome wild environment. We strongly believe and focus on quality and not quantity. This way we exceed our guest's expectations. Make your dream come true! We are waiting for you.
From R2,000 ZAR
per person
Location
Mpumalanga & Limpopo
Currency
South African Rand (ZAR)
Religion
Christianity, traditional
Population
200,000
Language
Xitsonga, English, Afrikaans
Electricity
230V, 50Hz, plug types C/M
Time zone
UTCSAST (UTC+2)
Country code
+27
Internet access
Available at main camps, moderate speed
Climate
Subtropical, wet summers, dry winters
Language:
Zulu
hello
goodbye
yes
no
how much
please
thank you
excuse me
Reaching Kruger Park is easiest by flying into Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport, then connecting to one of several regional airports near the park—such as Nelspruit, Skukuza, or Hoedspruit. Many families then rent a car for the scenic 4–5 hour drive, offering flexible stops and the convenience of moving at your own pace.
There are also affordable shuttle buses from Johannesburg to major park gates, which are a comfortable and safe option for those not wishing to drive. Train or boat options are not available. In January, the region can experience summer rains, so allow extra travel time for wet roads and possible delays. Booking accommodations and park entry in advance is highly recommended.
Kruger Park enjoys a subtropical climate, with hot, rainy summers (October to March) and mild, dry winters (May to September). Summer temperatures often reach 30–35°C (86–95°F), with afternoon thunderstorms bringing lush greenery and vibrant wildlife. Winters are cooler and drier, excellent for game viewing as animals gather around waterholes.
During January 16 to January 23, expect hot and humid weather with daytime highs near 32°C (90°F) and occasional showers or afternoon storms. While heavy rain may bring brief, localized flooding on gravel roads, extreme weather events are uncommon. Family activities, sightseeing tours, and outdoor adventures remain enjoyable, with lush scenery and active wildlife sightings.
Kruger Park offers a taste of South African cuisine, with local favorites like boerewors (farm sausage), braaivleis (barbecue meats), pap (maize porridge), and fresh local produce. Don’t miss biltong (cured meat) as a snack and try Rooibos tea or Amarula, a local liqueur, for a treat.
Best dining spots include Mugg & Bean at Skukuza and Lower Sabie Rest Camps, or Tindlovu Restaurant in Skukuza for views over the Sabie River. Most camp restaurants cater well to families and offer kids’ menus and vegetarian options. Self-catering is easy at rest camps, with grocery shops and communal braai facilities.
A 10% tip is customary at sit-down restaurants. Since Kruger is malaria-prone, bring insect repellent, especially when dining outdoors. Book tables in advance during busy season, and notify restaurants of special dietary needs ahead of time for the best service.
Bunny Chow
Bunny Chow is a South African fast food dish consisting of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with...
Boerewors
Boerewors is a traditional South African sausage made from a blend of beef, pork, and spices. It's coil-shaped...
Bobotie
Bobotie is a flavorful South African dish made with spiced minced meat, usually lamb or beef, topped with...
Sosaties
Sosaties are skewered and marinated meat kebabs that are a favorite at South African braais (barbecues). The meat,...
Melktert
Melktert, meaning 'milk tart,' is a classic South African dessert with a sweet pastry crust filled with a...
In Kruger Park, top family-friendly lodging options include well-equipped rest camps like Skukuza and Lower Sabie, offering comfortable bungalows and guest houses with self-catering kitchens. For added privacy, look for private villas or bush lodges such as Rhino Post Safari Lodge—these often feature pool access and organized game drives.
Regions near the southern gates, such as Hazyview and Marloth Park, offer apartment-style houses, family hotels, and all-inclusive resorts. Check Booking.com and Safari.com for real-time rates and availability; January is summer, so book early for the best selection, as this is a popular travel season. Most accommodations provide guided tours and kids’ activities.
Small-Group Full-Day Safari Tour in Kruger National Park
All our Safaris are conducted by the Owner, Keegan, a qualified Nature Conservationist with many years of experience guiding within the Greater Kruger National park. All our safaris come with a welcoming travel mug of Coffee, Tea or Hot Chocolate as well as Alcohol Free cider or soft drink on our afternoon safaris.
From R2,100 ZAR
Morning Kruger National Park Safari
For guests who have limited time, this tour provides an opportunity to visit the Kruger National Park for the morning. Duration: Approximately 7 hours Pick up time: 05h30 Drop off time: 12h30 Includes: Entry fees and bottled water Minimum: 1 Adults
From R1,610 ZAR
Transfer - Skukuza Airport to Southern Sabi Sand Reserve
We Pickup and drop off at Skukuza Airport, Kruger National Park - and transfer to Lodges/Hotels/Guest Houses in the Sabi Sand Reserve
From R1,515 ZAR
Safari Game Drive in Private Reserve out of Hoedspruit
Embark on a captivating morning safari game drive unlike any other! Join us for an exhilarating 4-hour adventure through the African wilderness, as we delve deep into the heart of nature. As the sun rises, we invite you to hop aboard our comfortable game vehicle, specially designed for optimal wildlife viewing. With our experienced and knowledgeable guides at the helm, we'll traverse the vast landscapes in search of the majestic animals that call this untamed sanctuary home. Feel the thrill of anticipation as we navigate through rugged terrain, following the tracks and signs left behind by Africa's iconic wildlife. From graceful giraffes and mighty elephants to elusive leopards and playful zebras, each sighting will leave you in awe of nature's wonders.
From R1,030 ZAR
Full Day Kruger Park Safari From Hazyview
We enter the Kruger National Park once the gates are opened then go on to explore the Park on the lookout for a pride of lions, majestic herds of elephants or lone roaming elephant bulls, a solitary leopard lying in a shady tree, the rare rhino, and herds of buffalo, as well as a multitude of other wild animals and birds, like hornbills, eagles, secretary birds, hippo, zebra, giraffe, not forgetting the abundance of buck, like impala & kudus. Our guides are all qualified and have years’ worth of experience in the park. They love nothing more than to share their well of knowledge with our guests and to make sure that you have the best safari experience possible.
From R1,730 ZAR
1 Day Photographic Wildlife Safari from Hazyview to Kruger Park
When booking a Private 1-day wildlife photography safari tour with us you can be certain our experienced wildlife photography guide will try his best to get the best images captured for the day. This is tailor-made private tours so we focus on the animals that you really want to see. Time is spent at sightings in order to let the animal go about his natural way of life to get the best images possible. Your guide will assist with settings on your camera if you need help and will give pointers during the day about the ideal setting for the situation at hand. It is recommended that you have at least a 300mm to 500mm lens to start with for good results. The tour is from gate opening to gate closing time and is around sunrise to sunset. The Gimpro Gimbals and bean bags will be provided for each photographer on the trip. The rate is for the vehicle and guide for the day we do not recommend more than 3 serious photographers per vehicle. The vehicle can take 6 guests max on these trips
From R7,850 ZAR
Kruger National Park Full Day Safari Tour
Regarded by our guests as the best Kruger National Park experience you can have, we will watch as the bush comes to life as a new day dawns whilst enjoy your morning bush coffee on this 9-hour private safari. As you enjoy the waking hours, be inspired by the history and legacy of safari as you gain a vivid understanding of the adventure that lies before you. Your guides are not only experts on the land and its wildlife, but also its heritage and folklore. You will have the opportunity to experience the Kruger National Park both visually, imaginatively and emotionally as you seek out its wildlife. Go in search of the legendary Big 5 and leave thrilled, connected and in touch with nature on this African safari adventure.
From R3,000 ZAR
4 Day Greater Kruger National Park Adventure Safari
Escape from the City life and the main tourist area's on our 4 Day Manyeleti Private Reserve safari. Join our guide on morning and afternoon open 4x4 vehilce safari drives in the Big 5 Game reserve. Enjoy dinners under the african stary sky and breakfasts over looking the nearby dam that is frequinted by Giraffee, Antelope and even memebers of the Big 5. Accommodation is based in en-suite rondawals that are all air-condionted.
From R13,454 ZAR
Private Guided Panorama Full Day Tour
Experience the panorama tour with an experienced guide that can easily share with you many interesting fact's and knowledge about the tour and the scenery. Enjoy a specifically catered for you tour of the panorama route as well as a specially provided pick nick breakfast that will add to your wonderful experience. We only cater for private groups so you or your group will have the guide and vehicle to yourself. The Tour is +-10 hours in duration We spend +- 5 hours at the sights and attractions 4 hours are spent driving as the route is a good distance and 1 hour is spent for your lunch at a restaurant near Graskop
From R4,367 ZAR
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