Kruger National Park: 4 places to see on a self-drive safari
This 263.4 km self-drive safari route through Kruger National Park, South Africa connects key rest camps and wildlife viewing areas. Starting from Kruger Safari Tips, the route passes through Skukuza Rest Camp and Satara Rest Camp, known for excellent lion sightings, before reaching Sunset Dam where hippos and other wildlife gather at the water hole.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Kruger Safari Tips
- End
- Sunset Dam
- Stops
- 4
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Kruger Safari Tips — Essential guidance for self-drive visitors planning wildlife viewing routes, accommodation selection, and optimal timing to encounter Africa's largest predators and diverse fauna.
- Skukuza Rest Camp — First rest camp on the safari route within Kruger
- Satara Rest Camp — Rest camp visited on Day 1 route through Kruger
- Sunset Dam — Wildlife viewing point; frequent hippo sightings
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Plan your trip realistically considering Kruger's huge size and strict speed limits—distances take longer than anticipated.
- Where to stay
- Stay in Hazyview the night before your safari—it's the gateway to Kruger, only 15 minutes from Phabeni gate.
- Transport
- The tarred road from Skukuza to Satara offers the best chance of seeing lions in Kruger Park.
- Tip
- Book sunrise or sunset safaris in advance through SANParks website at certain Rest Camps—only SANParks vehicles allowed before/after daylight hours to see nocturnal animals.
- Where to stay
- Book Rest Camp accommodation at least 1 month in advance via official SANParks website—spots are limited.
- Timing
- Game viewing is best in early morning and late afternoon when temperature is lower and animals are more active.
- Tip
- Check animal sighting boards at entrance gates and Rest Camps before starting your safari day—they mark locations of recent animal sightings.
- Timing
- Visit during dry season (September to November) for easier animal spotting—vegetation is sparse and animals visit watering holes more often.
- Transport
- Most main roads in Kruger are tarred in good condition; side roads are gravel but generally don't require four-wheel drive.
- Where to stay
- Rest Camps offer camping, basic rooms, and luxurious chalets plus restaurants, shops, and gas stations.
- Timing
- During the hottest part of the day, watch watering holes where animals come to drink and cool down.
- Tip
- Plan your camps close enough to drive without rushing—Kruger takes over a day to drive north to south.
Video on this route
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA | How To Plan A Self-Drive Safari In Kruger National Park