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Kruger National Park safety tips for self-drive safaris
Practical advice from our South African team · Last reviewed October 2026
A Kruger safari is a highlight of any South African trip. The park is well run and easy to explore by car, but it has its own rules and risks. These are the tips our team gives clients heading into the bush.
Before you go
- Kruger is a malaria area.See a travel clinic about prevention before your trip, and use insect repellent from dusk.
- Share your route with us.Signal is patchy in much of the park, so tell your Travel Safely contact where you plan to drive and when you expect to reach camp.
- Fill up before enteringand refuel at the main rest camps. Distances between camps can be long.
Every safari is different. Tell us your dates, camps and travel plans and we'll help you prepare. Message us on WhatsApp
Driving in the park
- Stay in your vehicleexcept at marked picnic spots, rest camps and lookout points.
- Keep to gate times.Gates and camps open and close at set times that change with the season. Plan to be back early, as late arrivals can be fined.
- Respect the speed limitsand never block or crowd animals, especially elephants. Give them space and a clear way out.
Gate times change through the year and some roads close after heavy rain. Message us before you set off and we'll help you check your route. Message us on WhatsApp
Wildlife and camps
- Never feed animals,including monkeys and baboons in camp. Keep food packed away and doors closed.
- Stay inside camp fences after darkand use a torch when walking between your unit and facilities.
- Book guided walks and driveswith park rangers rather than exploring on foot alone.
Not sure which camps or activities suit your group? Get in touch and we'll help you choose. Message us on WhatsApp
Getting there
- Avoid driving to Kruger after dark.Leave early so you reach your gate with time to spare.
- Keep valuables out of sightwhen you stop for fuel or food on the way.
Some routes to Kruger pass through areas where protests and unrest can flare up with little warning. Send us your route before you leave and we'll guide you to the best option on the day. Message us on WhatsApp
Emergency numbers in South Africa
In a life-threatening emergency, call these numbers first, then message your Travel Safely contact so we can help coordinate.
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Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to drive to Kruger?
Yes, it is. From Johannesburg it takes about four to five hours to the southern gates, mostly on the N4, with plenty of stops for fuel, snacks and toilets along the way. Many of the roads are safe and beautiful, but protests and unrest can flare up in certain areas, so get in touch and we'll guide you through the most suitable route for you. Message us on WhatsApp
Is Kruger National Park safe for tourists?
Yes. Kruger is well managed and very popular with visitors, and most safaris go perfectly. Following the park rules, staying in your vehicle and keeping to gate times keeps you safe. Get in touch and we'll help you plan your days, camps and drives. Message us on WhatsApp
Do I need malaria tablets for Kruger?
Kruger is a malaria area, with higher risk in the wet summer months. Speak to a travel clinic or doctor about prevention before your trip. Get in touch and we'll help you plan the rest, from camps to timing. Message us on WhatsApp
Is there phone signal in Kruger?
Signal is good around the main camps but patchy elsewhere. Share your route and expected arrival times with us before you set off, so someone always knows where you are. Message us on WhatsApp
Can I get out of my car in Kruger?
Only at rest camps, marked picnic spots and designated lookout points. Ask us for the best picnic spots and hides along your route. Message us on WhatsApp