Choose from 7 Fun Things to Do in Kruger National Park
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Panorama Route
South Africa's Panorama Route includes historic mining towns, beautiful waterfalls, lofty views, a gorgeous canyon, and lots of wildlife. The mining town of Graskop serves as an ideal starting point for a trip around the Mpumalanga's Panorama Route, and nearby attractions include the viewpoint called God's Window (featured in the film “The Gods Must Be Crazy”). From there, you can enjoy the views over Blyde River Canyon and see the collection of dramatic waterfalls near Sabie.
As the name suggests, the Panorama Route is known primarily for its scenery. There is abundant wildlife in the region, too, so be on the lookout. Fall and winter are the best times to see wildlife, when there are fewer leaves on the trees.
Practical Info
Begin your tour of the Panorama Route in Graskop. It's easiest to explore the area if you have a car, although you can reach certain points along the route via bus.
Address: R534, Graskop, South Africa
From $ 67
Hoedspruit Endangered Species Center
Hoedspruitt Endangered Species Centre (HESC) houses some of Africa's most rare and vulnerable species, including elephants, rhinos, cheetahs, and sable antelope. The center nurses injured animals back to health, breeds endangered species for release back into the wild, and provides educational programs for students and travelers.
The Basics
At HESC you can tour the grounds in a safari vehicle, observe animals in semi-wild bush environments, and learn from resident experts exactly what it takes to prevent extinction of the Big Five (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephant, and Cape buffalo). HESC tours are often combined with visits to nearby attractions such as Kruger National Park, Kapama Private Game Reserve, and Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The center's on-site curio shop is stocked with locally made souvenirs, including clothing, toys, and other artifacts.
- The deli at HESC serves traditional South African dishes and sandwiches, plus hot and cold drinks.
- Children under 6 years old are free, while kids ages 6 through 11 can enter for a reduced rate.
How to Get There
HESC is located in South Africa's Limpopo province, about 4.5 hours by road from Johannesburg. Most tours depart from Hazyview and include round-trip transportation from area hotels. Parking is also available on-site.
When to Get There
The center is open year-round with the exception of Christmas day, with additional hours during the holidays and peak season (December through January). If you plan to spot wildlife at Kruger National Park, the dry winter season (May through September) is the best time to visit, as animals tend to congregate around water sources.
Accommodations at HESC
There are several accommodation options for visitors who would like to stay overnight at the center. Both the Sebeka self-catering cottage and Khula's Cottage are available for overnight stays, putting you in the center of the action with just a fence to separate you from animals wandering by.
Address: Kapama Private Game Reserve, Hoedspruit 1380, South Africa
From $ 84
Blyde River Canyon
Blyde River Canyon is the third largest in the world and second deepest in Africa. Known as the “River of Joy”, its towering cliffs rise nearly 800 meters above the winding valley, providing backpackers and day hikers with epic views of the Drakensberg Mountain Range and the lush natural forests that make a trek through Blyde breathtakingly scenic.
Lucky visitors to the canyon may spot a pair of Taita Flacons—one of the most rare bird species in the world—near the Abel Erasmus Pass. Travelers can also get up close to some of South Africa’s other natural rarities too, like Three Rondavels viewpoint, where massive rocks spiral out of canyon walls. Hundreds of years of flowing waters have created Bourke’s Luck Potholes, natural rock sculptures that are recognized as one of the country’s most memorable geological formations.
A helpful information center is located near the mouth of the canyon, where man-made dams have crated placid pools perfect for swimming. Visitors can venture towards Blydesrivierpoort (near Swandini) and travel by boat across the dam to the scenic Tufa Waterfalls. Miles of well-marked trails make Blyde River Canyon a true hiker’s destination, but a wealth of canoeing, rock climbing and abseiling excursions mean there’s also plenty to occupy adventurers.
Lucky visitors to the canyon may spot a pair of Taita Flacons—one of the most rare bird species in the world—near the Abel Erasmus Pass. Travelers can also get up close to some of South Africa’s other natural rarities too, like Three Rondavels viewpoint, where massive rocks spiral out of canyon walls. Hundreds of years of flowing waters have created Bourke’s Luck Potholes, natural rock sculptures that are recognized as one of the country’s most memorable geological formations.
A helpful information center is located near the mouth of the canyon, where man-made dams have crated placid pools perfect for swimming. Visitors can venture towards Blydesrivierpoort (near Swandini) and travel by boat across the dam to the scenic Tufa Waterfalls. Miles of well-marked trails make Blyde River Canyon a true hiker’s destination, but a wealth of canoeing, rock climbing and abseiling excursions mean there’s also plenty to occupy adventurers.
Practical Info
Blyde River Canyon is part of the Panorama route, and is accessible from the western end of Kruger National Park. Travel is at its pique between June and August, but a visit to Blyde River Canyon is beautiful any time of year.
Address: Blyde River Canyon, Hoedspruit, South Africa
From $ 67
Chimp Eden: The Jane Goodall Institute
Since 2006 this rustic sanctuary stationed in the picturesque Umhloti Nature Reserve just outside Neispruit, has been a hub for conservation, education and eco-tourism. Chimpanzees that have been orphaned, displaced from natural habitats or survived the bush meat trade find a new home in Chimp Eden's semi-wild enclosures. Three groups of primates currently reside at the sanctuary, and easy to access viewpoints make it easy for visitors to observe their interactions. Travelers can book an institute tour and enjoy lunch at the Chimp Eden restaurant before exploring the locally sourced crafts in the sanctuary shop.
Practical Info
The institute is open Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Guided tours take place three times a day, at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. They cost R120 for adults and R60 for children.
Address: Jane Goodall Institute Chimpanzee Eden, Mpumalanga, South Africa
Hours: Daily 8am-4pm; Guided tours at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm
Admission: Adult: R120; Child: R60
From $ 82
Bourke's Luck Potholes
Located within Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Bourke’s Luck Potholes were formed by centuries of swirling whirlpools at the confluence of the Treur and Blyde Rivers, eroding away the sandstone bedrock. Named after Tom Bourke, an unsuccessful gold prospector working in the area, this natural attraction comprises a series of interconnected cylindrical pools divided by sandstone outcrops.
Viewing platforms and bridges cross above some of the best formations, and depending on the time of day, river levels and mineral content in the water, the view of the holes and multi-colored sandstone changes.
Practical Info
Bourke’s Luck Potholes are located along the Panorama Route through the park, about 22 miles (35 kilometers) north of Graskop.
Address: Kruger National Park, Blyde River Canyon Reserve, South Africa
From $ 76
Mac Mac Falls
Mac Mac Falls is one of the many waterfalls in the Mpumalanga Province, a pair of falls that drop more than 200 feet. The area around the town of Sabie is known for its waterfalls, with Mac Mac Falls being one of the most dramatic. The 213-foot waterfall's name refers to the Scottish miners who flocked to the area in the 1870s in search of gold. In 1873, the South African president visited the area and named it Mac Mac, a name which was also applied to the river and the waterfall.
Practical Info
Mac Mac Falls is not far from R532, a little more than 8 miles north of Sabie. There is a viewing platform at the falls, but no swimming is allowed in the pool at the waterfall's base. For that, you need to visit Mac Mac Pools about 1.25 miles from the falls.
Address: R532, Sabie, South Africa
From $ 322
Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is home to some of South Africa's fiercest animals—lions, leopards, wild dogs, and even honey badgers. Sitting at the base of the Drakensberg escarpment in Hoedspruit, the center helps travelers understand the plight of endangered species in the bush through education programs and guided tours.
The Basics
Wildlife experts and conservationists at Moholoholo nurse injured animals back to health, rescue baby animals, and facilitate successful breeding programs to help increase numbers in the wild. The center also provides a permanent residence for animals too hurt or injured to return to the wild.
Tours to Moholoholo typically depart from Hazyview and include round-trip transportation from area hotels. Excursions are often combined with visits to Kruger National Park, the Blyde River area, and the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre. Guided tours allow you to learn about the center’s rehabilitation efforts, explore animal biology and behavior, and gain an understanding of wildlife conservation in South Africa. You can also head to the nearby Forest Camp, an impressive reserve at the northeastern side of the Lowveld Drakensberg mountains, where some 300 bird species and rare Samango monkeys live.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is a must-see for wildlife lovers.
- Visitor facilities include a museum, a gift shop for take-home souvenirs, and a snack shop.
- Children under age six are admitted free of charge.
- Groups of eight people or more are encouraged to book in advance.
How to Get There
Moholoholo is located in the Limpopo province about 11 miles (18 kilometers) east of Blyde River Canyon on R531. Most tours offer round-trip transportation from Hazyview, although there is parking on-site for those who wish to drive independently.
When to Get There
The center is open for tours Monday through Saturday, with limited hours on some Sundays during school holidays and long weekends.
The History of Moholoholo
Established in 1991 by Pretoria businessman Mr. Strijdom, the center is helmed by naturalist Brian Jones. Over the past few decades, Jones has been the go-to guy for injured and sick wildlife in the area, and has expanded the facility into its current incarnation: an educational center and refuge for animals in need.
Address: Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Molpani, South Africa
From $ 79