What animals can we expect to see in the Kruger National Park?

The game viewing differs quite a bit depending on which region of the Kruger National Park you visit. The southern part is known for its high animal density and excellent game viewing because of the abundance of food. The landscape and vegetation are characterised by thorny thickets and some rocky granite outcrops. Game viewing along the river banks and dry river beds is usually very good.

The central area has more open grasslands and larger herds of grazers. This, in turn, means a high concentration of lions (reputedly the highest lion concentration in the world) and other predators. On our Wild Wings Safaris, we focus on the southern and central areas, which usually offer the best game viewing.

The northern regions are characterised by mopane shrubs and game viewing is a bit more difficult here. However, the remoteness, beautiful landscape and lower visitor density are some of the reasons why many people prefer this upper section of Kruger. Birdwatching in the north is also excellent, and elephants are also in abundance here.

The animals you can expect to see on an average three-day safari include elephant, buffalo, rhino, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, kudu, impala, waterbuck, warthog, hippo, crocodile, hyena, lion, leopard (if you are lucky), wild dog (if you are lucky), cheetah (if you are lucky) and various smaller antelopes and predators, as well as birds and reptiles.

Sightings can never be guaranteed because the animals move around freely. This is part of the excitement of game viewing – you never know what you might find. Our records show that we have found the Big Five animals (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino) on 76% of all our safaris. So while there is a good chance you will see all of the Big Five, we can say with certainty that you will see at least some of them.