botswana vs kruger safari

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Botswana vs Kruger: Which Destination Offers the Best Safari?

Botswana , Kruger National Park , Safari

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Ladies...gentlemen...avid safari-enthusiasts. Welcome to the ultimate safari showdown! Botswanaaaa vs Kruuugeeer National Park! In this corner, weighing in with various wild landscapes, undefeated when it comes to the world's largest inland delta, and currently holding the world heavyweight title of the biggest concentration of African elephants –  Botswana ! And, in the other corner, weighing in at 2,000,000 hectares of pristine wilderness, KING of Big 5 game-viewing territory and currently one of the biggest wildlife sanctuaries in the world – I give you the  Kruger National Park !

Botswana vs Kruger – where should you go on safari?

Botswana vs Kruger – which destination offers the best safari? It's a tough call. What they offer in terms of wildlife, location, experiences and lodges (albeit different), they each have strengths in equal measure. So, when it comes to the ultimate safari experience in Africa, who will win? Welcome to the clash between two of Africa's greatest contenders.

Stately leopard in the Botswana wilderness

Botswana vs Kruger, Round 1 – Location & Landscape

Botswana is a magical land of diverse ecosystems, home to lush floodplains, dense woodlands, vast deserts, and rolling grasslands. And it's very big to boot! As the 48th-largest country in the world (about the size of France), Botswana boasts an unfathomable amount of space where humans seem few and wildlife plus wilderness aplenty.

You'll find this beautiful landlocked country along the borders of  Zambia ,  Zimbabwe ,  South Africa  and  Namibia . Its most notable safari destinations include the wondrous wetlands of the  Okavango Delta ,  Chobe National Parks'  northeast region along the Chobe River (filled with lush floodplains and woodland), its Savuti region (famed for its savannahs, grasslands and graveyard of dead trees),  Linyanti  (characterised for its broad rivers and swamp-like terrain), as well as the Makgadikgadi Pans (known for the largest collection of salt flats on the globe).

Botswana vs. Kruger – the Okavango Delta is hard to beat, Photo Credit: Rhino Africa

Lying in the northeastern part of South Africa – bordering Zimbabwe and  Mozambique  – the legendary Kruger National Park is one of the continent's largest national parks. Expanding on its size, the Kruger shares unfenced borders with private game reserves, including the famous  Thornybush ,  Sabi Sand ,  MalaMala  and  Timbavati .

Kruger is synonymous with thorny acacia trees along its rivers, shrub mopane veld in the north, central grazing plains peppered with many marula trees to the east, as well as giant baobabs and rocky hills (known as "koppies") found sporadically throughout the region. Botswana seems to be dominating in diversity this round, but don't count Kruger out just yet! What South Africa's largest national park lacks in marshland and salt pans, it makes up for in a potent punch of animal sightings.

The Kruger National Park landscape at sunset

Botswana vs Kruger, Round 2 – Wildlife Sightings

Both Botswana and the Kruger offer world-renowned heavyweight game viewing. Botswana's Okavango Delta is very flat and flaunts profuse greenery, meandering waterways and lagoons bursting with life. The verdant habitat hosts an array of animals ranging from various antelope and big cats to over 400 bird and 70 fish species.

The Chobe area is best known for its huge elephant herds as well as large families of giraffes, sable and Cape buffalo. In addition to the delta and desert areas, there are grasslands, savannas and salt pans, where innumerable mammals, birds and reptiles reside.

Hippo on the banks of Chobe River

The  Big 5  – the lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino – can be found in Botswana's Moremi Game Reserve. However, you may spend several days searching for them. And this is where Kruger lands a sneaky little uppercut to the gut! 

When exploring the Greater Kruger National Park, you're very likely to spot the lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo all in the same day! Well, amongst a myriad of other animals, of course! It looks like Moremi may be winded after that blow…will Botswana come back swinging in the next round?

A lion sighting in the Greater Kruger National Park

Botswana vs Kruger, Round 3 – Safari Activities

Game drives and walking safaris are par for the course in Botswana and the Greater Kruger National Park. Via foot or 4x4, professional guides accompany you through the wilderness to track and identify all forms of fauna and flora. And all the while imparting their deep passion and knowledge of the bush.

Hot air ballooning is also a popular pastime in particular areas. In addition, many family-orientated lodges in both destinations offer educational experiences for children, including scavenger hunts, baking lessons, board games, crafts, and even junior ranger programmes.

Walking safari in the Greater Kruger National Park

It looks like Botswana and Kruger are neck and neck in this one – OOF! No, wait! What's this!? Botswana retaliates with a flurry of punches in the form of unique activities!

Thanks to the watery tendrils of the Okavango Delta and the calm flow of the Chobe River, Botswana has developed some signature experiences! Botswana jabs Kruger in the jaw with a morning mokoro ride (a traditional dug-out canoe) – then left-hooks with a spontaneous motor-boat trip – and finishes with a spinning-backhand sunset boat cruise! Wow! What a comeback!! Kruger is still standing, but for how long?

Water safari via mokoro in the Okavango Delta

Botswana vs Kruger, Round 4 – Accommodation

Ding! It's round 4, and Botswana throws several authentic tented camps to keep Kruger at arm's reach. However, Kruger looks surprisingly confident in this competition of accommodation and simply sidesteps Botswana – ready to retaliate.

You will find some of Africa's most beautiful  safari lodges in Botswana . And – although delivering high standards of service – most accommodation comes in the canvas variety. Botswana's tented camps are a nature lover's dream with only fabric between you and the wild! The camps tend to have very basic facilities (no TVs, air conditioning, internet etc.), and in the place of a grand bathtub, you may find bucket showers instead. However, a handful of luxury lodges have all the modern conveniences ready for you.

Canvas tents at Duba Plains Camp in the Okavango Delta, Image Credit: Duba Plains Camp

The Greater Kruger is renowned for its  luxury safari lodges  – some having won international awards. The best way to experience the magic of Kruger is to stay in one of its private reserves. Fewer folk, state-of-the-art facilities, sterling service and exquisite cuisine, go hand in hand with exclusive camps and lodges. 

Albeit sparsely spaced, there are several lodges to choose from – which lends itself to some healthy competition! As a result, every aspect of a Kruger lodge is in an invariable state of enhancing the guest's safari experience. Advancing with luxury safari tents, sumptuous suites and private plunge pools, there's no doubt that Kruger has made up some points. After this round, the fight could go either way…

Sumptuous suite at Silvan Safari

Botswana vs Kruger, Round 5 – Cost of a Safari

We're coming down to the wire here, ladies and gents. Neither Botswana nor Kruger are backing down. So, the question is, who will you put your money on?

Many variables can influence the cost of a safari. For example, the time of year you'd like to travel, the level of luxury you ultimately want, the location you desire, and the logistics thereof. Furthermore, it's safe to assume that the more budget you have, the more exclusive your safari will be.

Exclusivity means more space and luxury all to yourself

Exclusivity is key and can make all the difference in a safari experience. That's why private reserves and lodges are most favourable as you'll have the benefit of an exclusive-use piece of wilderness to explore whilst avoiding a torrent of tourists. Both Botswana and Kruger offer many all-inclusive options in this regard.

Botswana can be an expensive destination as there are not as many camps. Therefore, fewer guests are allowed in the wilderness areas. Per person per night, prices range from $550 - $700 (comfy 4-star), $750 - $1,500 (luxury 4-star), and $1,550 - $3,000 (luxury 5-star).

On the other hand, Kruger is extremely competitive when it comes to costs. The exceptional standard of accommodation alongside the price thereof is virtually unbeatable. Per person per night, prices range from $350 - $550 (comfy 4-star), $600 - $950 (luxury 4-star), and $1,000 - $2,000 (luxury 5-star).

Avoid the crowds by staying in a private concession

Botswana vs Kruger, Final Round!

It's the final round, folks! Both corners are feeling confident about their chances, but this round could well make the difference on the official cards.

Botswana attacks with its signature Okavango Delta uppercut. Kruger counters with a high density of wildlife. Botswana bobs, using numerous water-based activities. Kruger lands a luxury-lodge-left-hook to the body of Bots. Then, Botswana smothers Kruger with a barrage of exclusivity, but Kruger retaliates with astonishing affordability. DING DING DING!!!

Two lionesses in the private Sabi Sand Game Reserve

When it comes to choosing a champion between Botswana and the Kruger National Park, it's a tough decision. The diverse and dramatic landscapes, rich variety of wildlife, world-class lodges, and myriad of activities on offer in both destinations mean that, between Botswana and Kruger, there simply is no loser. 

They each have equally compelling reasons to visit. So, with the help of  our African Travel Experts , you be the judge. We look forward to welcoming you to Africa!

Also, check out the links below to find out the best times to travel to Botswana and Kruger, as well as some tantalising itinerary ideas.

Botswana vs Kruger: Best Time to Travel

• When Is The Best Time to Visit Botswana?
• When is The Best Time to Visit Kruger National Park?

Itinerary Ideas

• Adventurous Safari in Moremi and Okavango
• The Luxurious Top African Destination Tour
• Adventure Tour with Iconic Landscapes & Big 5 Safari
• Cape Town, Kruger, Victoria Falls and Botswana Tour
• Adventurous Cape Town and Kruger Park Tour
• Luxurious Safari and Beach Honeymoon Tour
• 3-Day Kruger Park Safari
• African Legacy, Community and Wildlife Tour

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About the author 

Michelle Welvering

Growing up, Michelle always wanted to become a world-renowned artist, a kickboxing-champion and an eccentric explorer – aka a Kickboxing Exploring Artist! After pursuing an education in Fine Arts and opening her own Kickboxing gym in Pretoria, an unexpected twist led her to a six-year stint as a travel consultant in South African tourism. She believes that all things happen for a reason and, driven by adventure, she was eager to find a more “wild” and cultural space to call home. This led her to wander the Western Cape coastline, fall in love with the city of Cape Town and, of course, her workplace, Rhino Africa.

This was a great article and was done in such a wonderful manner.

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• Kruger or Botswana: How to Choose which Safari Destination is for You

If you’re looking for the ideal African safari destination packed with excellent wildlife sightings, fantastic lodges and excellent guides, then both Kruger National Park in South Africa and Botswana are hard to beat. But, if you could only choose one, which one should you go to?

Kruger is one of the biggest game reserves on the continent and hosts the iconic Big Five along with a dazzling diversity of other African safari animals. Botswana, on the other hand, is home to the magnificent elephant empire of Chobe and one of nature’s true masterpieces, the Okavango Delta.

Both of these two major African destinations offer unique and incredible safari experiences, but the choice between them depends on your preferences and priorities. Here are some factors to consider.

Your travel dates

The best time to visit Botswana is during the dry winter months of May to October when game viewing is at its peak. During these months, animals are concentrated in ever-increasing numbers at water sources as the dry season wears on. Botswana wildlife tends to disperse during the rainy from January to April though.

The best time to visit the Kruger National Park is also from May to October for the best game viewing and walking safari conditions. Vegetation is low and sparse at this time of year, making animals easier to spot and track, while the permanent water sources offer a rewarding safari experience in the Kruger.

Unlike Botswana, Kruger is generally considered a year-round destination and welcomes visitors throughout the year.

First-time visitors

Both Botswana and Kruger offer a similar amount of awe and wonder to safari newbies. Botswana has the added attraction of water-based activities while Kruger has an incredible diversity of wildlife.

Let’s talk about those water-based activities. One of our planet’s genuine Gardens of Eden, the Okavango Delta is an emerald-green paradise with permanent wetlands and waterways. The Delta’s maze of channels, floodplains and woodlands are teeming with wildlife. Most of the eastern side of the Delta is protected by the beautiful Moremi Game Reserve, which is famous for its wildlife activity. Visitors can explore the water via boat or the iconic mokoro canoe.

The Chobe River also offers memorable moments on its waters. Sunset and sunrise cruises take in incredible birdlife as well as sightings of enormous herds of elephants – they believe the population to be around 70,000.

Greater Kruger National Park is a huge area consisting of a designated national park and surrounding private game reserves in the north-east of South Africa. Covering 20 million hectares, the area includes the Kruger National Park and over twenty private reserves. The whole area is unfenced and wild, with free movement of wildlife across this spectacular land.

Due to the enormity of the area, habitats differ and of course, animals gravitate toward whichever habitat is best for them. Some areas are better known for their leopard sightings, others for their incredible birdlife and others for their large elephant herds. Due to this, you’re more likely to see all of the Big 5 in the Kruger.

Travelling with kids

Taking your kids on a safari is an experience like no other. You can watch your children gaze in wide-eyed wonder as they explore the sights and sounds as yet unseen to them. You’ll also bond in an environment that is devoid of modern distractions and create memories that will last a lifetime. 

While both Botswana and Kruger boast world-class lodges, Kruger has a wider variety of lodges that offer special kids’ programs. These programs welcome kids of all ages and give them the chance to play ‘junior tracker’ among a host of other fun bush-themed activities, such as arts and crafts, treasure hunts, and many other forms of entertainment while the grownups are on game drives or at the pool or having a nap.

Botswana is slightly different in that the lodges are not as diverse and don’t have such a broad offering for kids. It’s also quite difficult to move around in, with many lodges needing to be reached via small planes – so all in all, Kruger is easier for families to visit.

For those seeking solitude

Kruger is one of the great African destinations and attracts large crowds, especially in certain areas. Botswana, however, is less crowded, providing a more exclusive and intimate safari experience.

What’s fantastic about Botswana is that they value their tourism experience so highly that they have excellent policies in terms of the amount of lodges available in the Okavango Delta and their footprint on the land. This means that it can be slightly more expensive to visit Botswana but once there you are rewarded with a wonderful sense of solitude and exclusivity that is hard to beat.

Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong answer because both Kruger and Botswana are incredible African safari destinations. It depends on what you’re looking for in an African safari, which is where our expert travel planners can help. It comes down to when you’re travelling, who you’re travelling with and the type of experience you’re looking for. Either way, you’ll be left with memories and experiences that will stay with you forever.

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• Kruger or Botswana: Where…

Kruger or Botswana: Where to go on the best wildlife safari?

Posted by Briony Chisholm on November 02 2017 in OLD Big 5 African Animals Enquire Now!

Kruger is one of the most famous and massive national parks in Africa. It hosts the iconic Big Five along with a dazzling diversity of other African safari animals. Meanwhile, Botswana is home to the wilderness gem of the Okavango Delta and one of Africa's largest elephant populations in Chobe.

Let's answer the tough question:

Kruger vs Botswana Safari: which is best for wildlife safaris?

• There is no right or wrong answer because they’re both incredible African safari destinations.
•  Ultimately it depends on what you’re looking for in an African safari.
• Compare Kruger & Botswana below to see the differences and bonuses of each.

In this blog, we make it easier for you to choose where to go on the best wildlife safari - for you. We’ll start with a short explanation of each, and then get into the nitty-gritty.

Kruger National Park (South Africa)

Greater Kruger National Park (GKNP) is a huge area consisting of a designated national park and surrounding private game reserves in the north-east of South Africa . Covering 20 000 000 hectares, the area includes the Kruger National Park and over twenty private reserves. The whole area is unfenced and wild, with free movement of wildlife across this spectacular land.

Due to the enormity of the area, habitats differ and of course, animals gravitate toward whichever habitat is best for them. Some areas are better known for their leopard sightings, others for their incredible birdlife and others for their large elephant herds, etc.

Botswana Safari Destinations

Botswana is a sparsely-populated country covering 58 173 000 hectares, much of which is desert. This is part of Botswana’s beauty – mile upon mile of deserted landscapes, shimmering in the heat. Most destinations that safari-goers visit, certainly those on short trips, are in the north of Botswana . The top safari destinations are Chobe, Moremi and the beautiful waterways of the Okavango Delta. This does not, however, mean that the rest of the country has nothing to offer. Far from it.

The desert plains of Kgalakgadi in the south and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve in its middle and the desolate salt pans of Makgadikgadi are just three of the other attractions this friendly country offers. Another bonus is its proximity to Vic Falls, just over the border in Zimbabwe, and Namibia, just next door.

Getting There: Kruger vs Botswana

In most cases, international visitors fly into Johannesburg both Botswana or Kruger National Park safaris . A large number of daily flights fly into and out of OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg with a range of international carriers, making it the most cost-effective route in most cases. 

Kruger Park

From Johannesburg, it’s a scenic 5- to 6-hour drive or an hour’s flight to the Kruger National Park.

You can browse budget-friendly Kruger Safaris starting in Johannesburg in our calendar listing of upcoming Johannesburg tour departures . Alternatively, you can peruse all of our Budget Kruger Safaris , which include longer tours starting in Cape Town, Durban, Victoria Falls and more. 

If heading onwards to Botswana, many opt to fly directly to Victoria Falls (just over the border between Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe) – a flight that takes just under two hours – and enter Botswana from the north. Alternatively, you can choose to see the landscape and drive from Johannesburg, a good 5-hour trip to the border and then an hour or two into Botswana to the first stop, depending on which safari you do. To compare some Botswana Safari options starting in Johannesburg, start by browsing tours departing from Johannesburg .

To reduce your overland travel time (driving distances) the following are good options.  Tours departing from Victoria Falls  which include affordable Botswana Safaris to Chobe and other top destinations. Upcoming tours departing from Maun  in Botswana which include safaris to the Okavango Delta, Moremi and other highlights in Botswana. Or for safaris to Chobe, the Delta and more, see  tours departing from Kasane in Botswana.

For a wider selection of Botswana tour options view our Budget Botswana Safaris , ranging from budget and mobile camping trips to tented camping and lodge safaris. 

To Fly or Drive

Choosing between flying or driving depends on a number of factors, most importantly, time. Driving in Africa includes long distances. As mentioned above, it can take half a day or more to reach a destination. This, for those who have the time, is often a wonderful part of the journey, driving through spectacular scenery and getting a feel for the African lifestyle.

If, however, you only have five days to spare – and we’d recommend you extend it for as long as possible, you’re not going to want to leave! – flying is probably the best option. The views from above are pretty amazing too!

What are the Differences between Kruger & Botswana Safaris?

Safaris to both places provide incredible game-viewing, spectacular scenery and friendly people. So, what’s different in the safari experiences?

Number of Visitors

The Greater Kruger Park hosted almost 2 million visitors in 2016. Around the same number visited Botswana that year – the whole country, not just one of its parks. This means that, in Botswana, safaris and camps are far less crowded than at Kruger. It’s more likely that you’ll get to experience the true solitude of the African wild in Botswana’s game parks.

Location, Location, Location

Here, both destinations have bonuses, very different ones. The main difference is that Botswana is slightly more remote than Kruger.

Botswana's Location

Botswana’s main safari destinations – Moremi, Chobe and Okavango – are located in northern Botswana, close to the other ‘Bucket List’ destination of  Victoria Falls . Within a – relatively-speaking, by African standards – small area, you can visit many of the world’s most famous reserves. Plus there’s the breath-taking splendour of Vic Falls and all the adrenaline-pumping activities available around them, just there, and the deserts and perfect desolation of Namibia next door.

Kruger's Location

Kruger, on the other hand, is easier to get to, usually eliminating one flight (the Johannesburg-Vic Falls leg) and, well, it’s the world-renowned Kruger Park! This means incredible game-viewing, good roads and access and a range of accommodation to suit any budget. From Kruger, it’s easy to get to Mozambique for a bit of tropical beach action or the Drakensberg Mountains  and KwaZulu Natal coast. How good does a beach-safari-combo-holiday sound?

The Wildlife Safari Experience

Botswana safaris.

Botswana is truly wild. On a Botswana safari, game viewing is varied with both water- and land-based trips. The Okavango Delta offers gorgeous waterways, prolific bird life and the laid-back feeling that one only experiences when close to water. In Chobe, river cruises offer up spectacular elephant, crocodile and hippo sightings, while in both Chobe and Moremi, the plains are filled with game.

• Okavango Delta Safaris
• Chobe Safaris
• Moremi Safaris

Heading south, the barren starkness of the salt pans of Makgadikgadi and Nxai provide the perfect backdrop for magnificent baobabs and desert animals. If you choose a safari trip through Botswana from Vic Falls to Johannesburg (or vice versa), you may get to stop at the Khama Rhino Sanctuary and witness these incredible and highly-endangered creatures.

• Makgadikgadi Pans Safaris
• Khama Rhino Sanctuary Safaris

Choose your safari carefully and you can also include a visit with the San people, whose home has been the Kalahari Desert for time immemorial. Learn about their cultures and traditions and get some tips on how to survive in the desert.

• Central Kalahari Safaris
• Kruger Park Safaris

Kruger is a little more – how can we say it – refined. It’s been going since 1926 and the infrastructure is constantly worked on and upgraded. Many roads are tarred and easily navigable, cell phone reception is available at almost all camps and it’s more highly populated with visitors.

This said, it also offers safari-goers – depending on where you choose to stay – a variety of game viewing, from day trips to night drives to walking safaris. Due to its size, too, there is a huge range of different habitats within the park and, resultantly, a huge range of animals and birds: almost 150 mammals, over 110 species of reptile, and over 500 species of birds.

Availability & Safari Costs: Kruger vs Botswana

The South African Rand (ZAR) is, to put it politely, rather weak, in comparison to the GBP or USD, or any other currency, really. ABS safaris to Kruger are priced in ZAR. The result: a safari to Kruger can very easily fit into your budget. In fact, you may even be able to extend your stay and include some other parts of spectacular South Africa.

Botswana, on the other hand, has safaris quoted in USD. Most places in Botswana also go by the philosophy of smaller numbers of tourists, resulting in slightly higher costs. Cost is also driven by the remoteness of camps and the costs of transporting everything in. Limited numbers of camps mean that some places get booked out months – and even years – in advance.

Again, it depends on what’s important to you (and what your budget is, both dollar-wise and time-wise).

Now that we’ve covered some of the main differences between Kruger and Botswana Safaris, what we really want to say is:

...whether you choose Kruger of Botswana for your safari you’ll be getting huge African skies, incredible game sightings, spectacular scenery and friendly hosts.

And, for the best wildlife safari, you can actually go to Kruger and Botswana, even on a budget. Ideally, we recommend setting aside more time to go on a safari that includes both destinations!

Contact one of our ABS consultants to book your African safari of a lifetime, be it to Kruger and/or Botswana, or beyond. 

If you liked this post, these trips cover similar ground…

• Budget Botswana Safari - Camping Adventure
• Botswana Private Safari: Kalahari & Salt Pans (Mobile Camping Trip)
• Okavango Delta Walking & Savuti Safari in Botswana (Lodge)
• Greater Kruger National Park Tented Camp Safari
• 4 Day Kruger National Park Safari
• 15 Day Namibia to Botswana & South Africa Lodge Overland Tour
• 7 Day Victoria Falls to Chobe & Okavango Delta Safari
• 12 Day Victoria Falls, Okavango Delta & Chobe Safari

About the Author

Briony chisholm wordsmith & pharmacist.

Places Mentioned in this Post

1. Johannesburg, South Africa

2. Kruger National Park, South Africa

3. Khama Rhino Sanctuary, Botswana

4. Chobe National Park, Botswana

5. Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana

6. Okavango Delta, Botswana

7. Makadikadi Basin, Botswana

8. Mosi-o-tunya Road, Livingstone, Zambia

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Congrats on your trip to Africa! I would HIGHLY recommend spending your time in Botswana over Kruger. As Botswana is NOT a game reserve it is a national park which means the animals are truly wild and not "fenced in" as they are in a game reserve. Botswana also has the Okovango Delta...which means WATER!! I had an amazing time on Botswana safari last year. i satyed in wilderness camps which are very small and personal. Botswana is arguably the most stable country in Africa as well, the people are very friendly, poverty is almost non-existant due to the diamond and gold industry... and you will see ALL the animals you desire. I'd recommend spending the bulk of your time in and around the Okovango Delta. As for a trip to Cape Town, i'd stay no more than 3 nights. I stayed for 5 and was wishing i would have spent more time on safari in Botswana. Further, I know you have probably thought, "since we are going this far we should see as much as possible", but DONT....you'll spend a TON of time on transfers and wish you'd have stayed put at a lodge... pick 2 or 3 things to see and stay put. You said you have about 12 nights...I'd say stay in Cape Town for 3 and the rest split between 2 or 3 lodges in Botswana. Like i said You'll minimize wasting time for travel and what not. I'd certainly go to Vic falls, it is a loaded with hawkers and toursits but worth seeing. Stay just for an afternoon or MABYE one night...Hope that helps!

Kruger is also a national park and there are no fences between it and Mozambique. Kruger contains the greatest concentration of mammals in the world as well as the highest number of mammal species. If you want to see big cats, elephants and rhinos, Kruger is the best place you can go.

In terms of Cape Town, you will not run out of things to do - especially if you are an active, outdoors person - aside from all the usual touristy things to do that are fantastic, one can spend forever hiking different routes on the mountain chain, surfing, swimming, diving with sharks, watching cricket, rugby and soccer matches in great stadia to sample the sporting culture, hiking in the wine lands, tasting wine, visiting Langebaan lagoon, watching opera, going to concerts, watching a play, etc etc etc - I have not even mentioned the main tourist sites yet (apart from table mountain).

According to an app on my phone, I have visited 18% of the countries in the world and lived in 4 of them - without a shadow of a doubt Cape Town is the most special of all the cities I have visited - you will not be disappointed. I love the fact that South Africa offers such variety of nature, scenery and climate as well as a 1st world infrastructure, great food, friendly people etc etc.

Go to South Africa and have three or four great holidays in one over a two-three week period. Go elsewhere and you will have one, possibly two great holidays in one!

The diversity in South Africa is staggering...

Botswana vs Kruger - a classic apples vs oranges comparison. Both posters above are right, actually - because the 2nd poster is speaking of the massive Kruger National Park. The 1st poster is speaking of the private reserves that border Kruger, which do have some fences.. most often on the west side of the reserve because the eastern side will abut Kruger with no fence separating them. Here's my perspective on the differences between the two countries for safaris.

South Africa safaris - in the Kruger Park - require you to be proactive in your planning and in the experience itself. You will be figuring out which parts of Kruger to visit, making your reservations, renting your car , organizing your food and/or eating in the camp restaurants. It is the most amazing place in the world for such a self-directed experience. And make no mistake - the wildlife in Kruger and even in the private reserves are indeed "truly wild".

Staying the private reserves is similar to a Botswana trip in one important facet - you will be fed, guided, waited on by trained staff. Everything is included. And the level of comfort will depend on your budget. The most expensive are far more elaborate and posh than you will find in Botswana. But you can have a pretty posh safari even in places more moderately priced. The environment will be more varied, too. And precisely because these private reserves are not vast areas, and the Rangers who conduct your game drives live and work on site, you can expect more reliable and predictable wildlife experiences. In short, it's easier. Not as wild as Botswana. More certain, and a wonderful way to spend your time and money.

A forum such as this will get all sorts of responses and may - or may not - result in your having the information to make a decision. Let's see what others have to say.

Dave Patterson - Owner - The Africa Safari

Lol! Beachtango,

I would agree with most of the perspectives above ...

Having spent about 150+ days in Botswana's wildlife areas last year, and the rest around in SA, it would be difficult for me to offer an informed and balanced opinion ... Lol! It's also very difficult to give a "big picture".

Both regions will offer exceptional wildlife experiences. I love both countries, and either will be an excellent choice. There's really no need to "compare". You can even manage both.

The time of the year IS important. April is at the end of the wet season. In both regions, the bush will be pretty much at it's thickest, but drying out rapidly. Free standing water will be starting to dry up in some places, and animal movements could play a major role (particularly in Botswana). A lot will depend on the rains (and very few people will be able to predict that).

I agree that it's best to choose three or four places to stay during your trip, rather than moving often. Changing establishments every one or two days means you spend more time in transit than experiencing what you came for.

if it's diversity you're after, with some sophistication, I'd probably recommend Kruger. If it's wilderness and sheer masses of creatures you're looking for, Botswana might be a better (but less predictable) bet. As mentioned, cats are not Botswana's most reliable attraction.

In Autumn (around April), huge numbers of animals start moving in Botswana from their summer feeding grounds to winter water resources. Because it's really wild and dense, these migrations are more insiduous than the famous "Great Migration", but they are there nevertheless. You could strike it lucky, and see 1000 elephants or 10,000 zebra on the move. Or you might miss it completely. Much of Botswana is true wilderness, and with a host of accommodation and transportation options to make it accessible, to suit most budgets.

If you're heading for Botswana, I would suggest that you look at spending a few nights in the Central Kalahari or Nxai Pan areas, a few nights up in the Chobe or Linyanti area (in the north), and maybe some nights in the Savuti or Okavango regions (in the "middle").

The Savuti river may or may not be flowing at the time. That might seriously affect animal movements and birdlife in the Savuti area. Very difficult to predict. And yet that is exactly the region you might experience these huge herds of migrants.

The Okavango is another wild card. Most of the delta should be almost empty by then, and water-reliant wildlife will be concentrated around the remaining channels. Many of the floodplains should be dry, and provide good access to game drive vehicles, and maybe water-based activities might be limited. However, over the past few years, some areas that have hardly seen water in the past have been flooded throughout the year, and water levels have been unprecedented. By April, the flood would probably have reached the upper (northwest) delta, and I would be wary to book any lodges up in that region.

You'll notice I've been extremely vague, because I simply don't know (and I go there often). Botswana manages to surprise me everytime. There are folk who have far better knowledge of Bots than I have, and it's worth checking the Bots forum as well.

On the other hand, every time I go to Kruger, I believe that the game viewing could not possibly improve on my previous visit, and it manages to surprise me every time. And yet, someone using the same route on the same day at the same time might see absolutely nothing. Kruger (and Greater Kruger) simply astounds me with its diversity and sheer magnificence. April is a fantastic time to hit Kruger.

If you're looking for a bit of luxury (from a little to a lot), you can look at the private lodges in the western reserves (Sabi Sands, Timbavati, Klaserie, Balule, Kapama, and the rest), or the various private lodges in Kruger itself. If you're looking for "seek and find", Kruger's restcamps and bush camps offer incredible opportunities.

Each part of Kruger offers different game watching environments, and you can ask more focused questions if you have them.

I'll be in Botswana in a month's time, and it will be interesting to see what the wildlife is up to. If you want an update, you're welcome to bump this thread in April, and I'll share my most current perspectives.

So, I hope I've contributed a bit to the "bigger picture"; now you need to decide which of the smaller bits to look at in bigger detail. Lol!

Russell - Green Bushpig Safaris

I have only glanced over the postings above (lazy of me), but I have been to Kruger 3x and Botswana once. IMO if money is no object, Botswana is the right place to go. We could afford it only because I bid on an auction right after 9-11-2001 and few people were traveling. At one camp we were the only guests. We spent 2 days each in 3 camps, all run by Orient Express. They were outstanding. I suppose there could be more luxurious camps, but these were pretty luxurious. Each of the 3 camps was in a different ecosystem. In Kruger we stayed at one mid-level camp (no AC, stayed in tents above the shower/toilet in a cinderblock room below the tent). The other camp in Kruger we know is The Outpost - in the far north. The architecture and setting of The Outpost alone make it worth the trip. Besides the cost, my main impressions were that much of Kruger is scrub brush and little ravines - like south Texas, where I have spent time. SA has so much really beautiful countryside that Kruger was a bit of a disappontment on that score. The Outpost was an exception to that (possibly incorrect) rule. In contrast, we found the surroundings of our camps in Botsawan to be quite beautiful. My other observation is that the size of the camps in Botswana is controlled. The rangers/guides in both countries coordinate and share information, but my impression was that we had a more personal experience in Botswana. IF, however, money plays a role, then the calculus becomes more difficult and I would probably go to Kruger. Absent this kind of comparison, you can't go wrong. Both are great. I generally prefer going where I will avoid other Americans. The other tourists we met at the camps in Botswana were mostly Americans. Not so in the camps in Kruger where we met none.

As some of the above posters have observed on a forum like this you are going to get a lot of different points of view!

A few general observations.

I have always found places in Botswana like the Okavango Delta and the Central Kalahari to be very special as there are very few other places where you can get such a sense of wilderness and really being in the middle of nowhere whilst being on safari. Add to that some truly stunning and beautiful scenery and it really is hard to beat.

The private reserves around Kruger though are superb and can offer more predictable animal sightings.

As Bushkid said though it is possible to do both. Johannesburg is almost certainly going to be your main gateway airport and from there it is very easy to get to a private reserve near Kruger for a few nights. From there you can go back to Johannesburg and fly up to Maun and spend 8-9 nights in Botswana.

A few tips re the Botswana part. Bushkid is totally right- in April time the animals will still be spread over a wide area as many of them will have migrated out of the Okavango Delta south towards to the Central Kalahari and Nxai Pan area so it pays to select your places with care

- I would avoid the Linyanti and Savuti areas in April as animal densities in these areas are going to be low unless you are especially keen on seeing African Wild Dogs- the Linyanti area is famous for these.

- Definitely try and include 2 camps in the Delta as you will find great variety between different areas in terms of the scenery and animals. I love national park like the Moremi Game Reserve in the Delta but in April I would personally concentrate on the private concession camps as I feel the guides there will be more able to track and find the animals.

- If you are keen to do water activities in the Okavango Delta such as the classic mokoro rides then take care which camps you choose. Many of the camps at this time of the year do not have enough water to offer these.

- On the other hand pure water camps in the Delta where they can only offer water activities tend to have very limited opportunities for viewing big game. If you are only going to a couple of camps I would probably avoid these. One camp I can really recommend is Kwara Camp as this offers both superb land and water activities all year round as well as having a real focus on the safari experience with fantastic guides and great game viewing.

- Definitely include a camp either in the Nxai Pans area or the Central Kalahari Game Reserve area. These places are at their absolute best at this time of year and should not be missed out.

Mark, Gondwana Tours & Safaris, Maun

This is all very helpful, as I have been considering this very question. I will be traveling in late Jan.-early Feb. 2013, so my main question is whether it's wise (or not) to travel to the Okavango Delta at that time. From my research so far, I understand something about the vagaries of the weather and the potential challenges finding wildlife. The tour operator I've talked to (but haven't signed on with yet) is emphasizing the positive, but I want to make sure I'm making an informed decision. Besides the Delta (Sandibe Lodge), she's recommending a couple of days in Chobe (Muchenje Safari Lodge).

I'll be traveling with my son, currently a Peace Corps volunteer in Lesotho. We'll be coming from Qacha's Nek (eastern Lesotho). We went on a safari in Kenya and Tanzania last year and had a fabulous experience. I was leaning toward Botswana to give us variety from what we experienced last year.

Thanks to anyone for your thoughts on this!

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Kruger & Botswana Safari

8 days - starting from £4.785 per person sharing

This 8-day Kruger & Botswana Safari itinerary takes you to two of the most sought-after safari locations in Southern Africa! This combination itinerary is ideal for nature photographers, or those who are simply looking to enjoy some spectacular wildlife scenery.

Straightaway the itinerary starts off with four nights in a safari camp situated in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve of Botswana.  Iconic baobab trees dotting the landscape and large elephant herds offering some of the best nature photography opportunities. The camp’s unique location also allows you to experience a diverse range of environments. Whereas all offering their own unique game viewing opportunities. Spend your days immersing in the wildlife rich environment. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives or guided bush walks. Besides that, game viewing from horseback, as well as some cycling through the game reserve – making this a great destination for wildlife adventure seekers! Cool off in the pool and enjoy a drink at the end of an exciting day on safari. Spend your evenings sharing stories of the day’s events while sitting around the camp fire before enjoying a scrumptious meal!

From Botswana the road takes you further South to Mala Mala Private Game Reserve in the Kruger National Park for the final three nights of your Kruger & Botswana Safari holiday. The Kruger National Park is home to the ‘big 5’ – lion, leopard, white rhino, elephant and the Cape buffalo. The park also boasts the largest number of large mammal species in any African game reserve and is home to a variety of birds, reptiles and plants. Spend your days going on guided game drives and bush walks while learning about the area and its rich history from your guides. Enjoy a sundowner or two to end off a long day before experiencing true South African hospitality, whilst indulging in some of Africa’s finest cuisine!

Your Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Botswana

Arrival at the Limpopo Valley Airfield where a local representative will welcome you and assist you with your road transfer via open safari vehicle to the campsite at Mashatu. After settling in and enjoying some light refreshments, you will set off for your first game drive through the area, known for its large elephant herds and stunning photographic opportunities. Your game drive will be ended off with sundowners in the bush. Spend the evening dining in the open air boma, whilst sharing stories of the day’s exciting animal sightings.

4 nights at Mashatu Lodge on a Fully Inclusive Basis

Day 2-4 - Mashatu

The next three days will be spent maximising your game-viewing time in unique and adventurous ways. Instead of the traditional morning and afternoon game drives in an open safari vehicle, you can opt for a cycle or horseback ride through the reserve, allowing you to get closer to the animals and see them from an entirely new perspective. You can also experience the reserve from the underground photographic hides – a way to get up close and personal with the animals without them feeling threatened.

Day 5-7 - Mala Mala

From Mashatu, the road takes you further South into the Mala Mala Game Reserve. Upon arrival you will be introduced to your guide and wildlife educator. Following a buffet-style lunch, you will head off on your first afternoon game drive, ended off with sundowners and some exciting night-time game viewing! End off the day with a delicious dinner and get a good night’s rest before awaking early the next day to set off for a morning game drive packed with some wonderful game-viewing opportunities!

3 nights at MalaMala Camp on a Fully Inclusive Basis

Day 8 - Return to Johannesburg

Today marks the end of your Botswana and Kruger safari holiday.

Wake up early and enjoy a light breakfast including tea and coffee, before setting off for a final morning game drive. Upon your return you will have a last breakfast before being transferred to O.R Tambo International Airport and catching the connecting flight back home.

What's included?

• Accommodation and meals as specified
• Airport meet & greet
• Private road transfers or shared transfers from lodge runways as specified
• All park fees and daily conservation levies
• All trips are ATOL protected or ABTA bonded to ensure you are fully covered
• Non-specified meals, drinks, excursions
• Expenses of a personal nature, i.e. laundry, telephone expenses, gratuities, porterage fees, etc

Please note that the price is based on low-season rates and all prices are correct at the time of writing.

Flight prices change a lot and for this reason, the flights are not part of the quote.

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Mashatu game reserve, central kalahari, okavango delta, your adventure starts here.

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Botswana vs Kruger vs Serengeti/Masai Mara - Botswana Forum

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Botswana vs Kruger vs Serengeti/Masai Mara

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We're trying to decide between a safari in Kruger vs. Botswana vs. Masai Mara/Serengeti. We'd be doing this in October or early Nov of this year (short notice because of adding on to a business trip) Can anyone give me a sense of the differences in wildlife viewing and experience? We'd also like any recommendations of safari operators and low-mid range places to stay that we might be able to get into at this late date.

October is good in all those destinations. November is the start of the short rains in Kenya/Tanzania and is quite hot in Botswana/Kruger, but still good for a safari in either destination.

The game in East Africa and Southern Africa are mostly similar, with the big 5 in each. Rhino is more prolific in the Southern African parks. It is mostly the antelope, etc, that vary across the region.

Depending on your destination, here are just some of the better operators, but there are loads of good ones:

East Africa: www.gamewatchers.co.ke, www.eyesonafrica.com, http://www.africatravelresource.com

Southern Africa: www.tagasafaris.com, www.sunsafaris.com, http://www.go2africa.com

Safarimapper

Having been to all 3 areas, I prefer Botswana. Camps are smaller, less people, open vehicles and less of them. You get much more of a bush/out of africa experience I feel. However Botswana will be quite a bit more expensive than the other Kenya/ Tanzania.

Here's a link to another thread on this topic which might prove useful:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g293766-i9284-k1337124-Botswana_vs_Tanzania-Botswana.html

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• Botswana vs South Africa

Africa's best authentic tailor-made safaris

By Antoinette Booyse

Safari Travel Planner

South Africa and Botswana are neighboring countries offering superb wildlife sightings, top-class camps, and lodges. Still, there are several differences to remember when choosing one safari destination over the other.

A safari in South Africa lacks the rugged remoteness of a Botswana safari. Still, private concessions like those in South Africa’s Sabi Sands are a reliable option for those eager to see a maximum amount of wildlife in a short time.

Unlike Botswana, South Africa’s game reserves are all fenced. This fencing limits the natural migration of animals within the ecosystem but results in a higher concentration of game, especially big cats.

Botswana’s game viewing, while excellent, can be unpredictable at times, as animals migrate according to the seasons. South Africa has several private concessions that offer a very exclusive, intimate safari experience on par with Botswana’s. Still, these areas are much smaller, so guests do not get exposed to the same variety of habitats as on a Botswana safari.

South African campsites like those in the Kruger National Park tend to be crowded, especially during school holidays. South African game reserves are mostly accessible by car, and few require a 4×4 vehicle. In contrast, a 4×4 is absolutely necessary to negotiate the thick Kalahari sand tracks in many of Botswana’s wild areas.

Botswana, with its simpler infrastructure and small remote towns, has a charming ‘real African’ feel, while the plentiful shops in South Africa, even within the Kruger National Park, make stocking up on supplies very convenient.

A South African safari is generally the cheaper route, with more choices regarding mid-range accommodation options. On the other hand, Botswana only offers two options – camp or stay in a luxury lodge, and most luxury Botswana lodges are only reachable by light aircraft, so it’s essential to pack light.

Booking for a camping safari in Botswana must be done at least a year in advance as campsites are limited. In contrast, you’re far more likely to get away with last-minute bookings in South Africa, although booking ahead is always the wiser option.

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Kruger vs. Greater Kruger – The Experience!

By kavi naidoo, what is the difference certainly a question asked by many safari goers. , kruger national park.

The Kruger National Park is the public section run and managed by Sanparks which allows Safari vehicles as well as local and international private vehicles to traverse the well planned tarred roads. These roads allow for large areas to be covered during a single day and therefore increases the chances of sightings as well as a greater coverage of varied habitats. However, the downside to this can be congestion of traffic at sightings. Entry times are early morning with gates closing late afternoon. Entry can take some time during peak periods due to the large volume of vehicles entering. No public traversing is allowed during evenings. 

Greater Kruger

The Greater Kruger area is mainly made up of the Sabi-Sands, Manyeleti, Timbavati, Klaserie and Balule private game reserves. All of which share unfenced boundaries with the public section of the Kruger National Park. 

The experience staying at Lodges in the Greater Kruger area can be much more fulfilling and exclusive in a sense and may vary between the different private game reserves. 

Below are the main differences, particularly with regards to the experience between a safari in the Public and Greater Kruger area:

The differences: Kruger National Park (Public Section)

• In the KNP you are able to cover a larger distance in a day which can allow for a larger variety of animal sightings as well as a greater variety of habitat seen in a day. 
• Even though there a few gravel roads, most of your Safari will be on tarred roads. 
• There is no off road driving or tracking of animals allowed. 
• No evening game drives are allowed by private vehicles. The night drives offered by Sanparks are of not good quality. 
• Both guests and guides are not allowed to jump out of the vehicle. This is only allowed at designated rest camps and view points. 
• Congestion at sightings and waiting times at entry gates can sometimes be inconvenient.
• The Game Vehicle used, even though open, has slightly raised sides and a roof. 
• Private vehicles are allowed to enter after paying a standard entry fee. 

The differences: Greater Kruger (Private)

• Game Drives are done early morning and late afternoon leading into the evening, often with a game walk included in your package. Each game drive will last about 3 hours. Each game drive will have a short break where guests will be allowed to jump out of the vehicle. This usually happens at sunset and sunrise at a beautiful location….while you enjoy the drinks and snacks carried along. 
• No private vehicles are allowed therefore there is no congestion at sightings. 
• Game Vehicles in the area are on a radio communication network that assists with communication about animals sightings and movement as well as controlling sightings. There will only be a maximum of 2 vehicles allowed at a sighting at a time. 
• Each sighting can be enjoyed often for as long as you would please and often alone as well.
• The Game Vehicles used are completely open with no raised sides or roof. Allowing for more open and satisfying game viewing.
• Vehicles are allowed to go off road and therefore are able to get as close as possible to an animal sighting. Allowing for the enjoyment of the sighting with all your senses!
• Rangers will often jump out of the vehicle to view animal tracks or signs. Guests are allowed to jump out of the vehicle at your rangers discretion.
•  Rangers in Private Game Reserves as opposed to guides in the Kruger National Park are often more skilled and knowledgeable in tracking and finding animals. 
• Experienced rangers in private game reserves will greatly enhance ones safari experience by covering several interesting topics such as animal behaviour, traditional beliefs, plant uses, astronomy and display amazing skills in tracking and finding animals. 
• Lodges in the Greater Kruger area are often luxury with personalized staff to take care of you. The Safari experience will continue when you are back at camp with tell tail stories from your ranger and mostly around an open fire listening to the nights sounds.

Have a look at our different safaris in Greater Kruger  here  and also  here

For safaris in the Kruger National Park area, click here

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Wild Rivalries: Kruger Vs Chobe (& How to Pick One)

Can’t decide between kruger national park vs chobe national park let’s break down the differences between them and how to pick one for your next african safari.

You’ve heard whispers of untamed landscapes where wildlife roams free, and now you’re ready to live that dream. African safaris offer just that, a window into the wild where you can witness nature’s drama unfold before your very eyes. 

Imagine the thrill of encountering lions basking in the African sun, the grace of a herd of elephants moving across the savannah, and the precision of a cheetah in pursuit.

 Kruger National Park in South Africa and Chobe National Park in Botswana stand out as two premier destinations for these experiences. Both parks promise unforgettable wildlife viewing along with the excitement and adventure that only an African safari can offer. 

However, each park carries its unique allure and treasures, setting the stage for a comparative exploration of two diverse wildernesses.

After visiting Kruger National Park in 2019 with Mafigeni Safaris and Chobe National Park in 2023, I can tell you these both of these destinations are drastically different and equally captivating. If you’re stuck on choosing between Kruger Chobe and which African safari to go on, I hope these comparisons will help solidify a decision for you!

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Key Takeaways:

• You can experience the raw beauty of nature on an African safari.
• Kruger and Chobe are top destinations, each offering unique safari experiences.
• Prepare for encounters with the Big Five and a host of other wildlife.

Kruger National Park Overview

Kruger National Park, nestled in the northeastern corner of South Africa, is a sanctuary for an astounding array of wildlife.  Established in 1898, Kruger is one of Africa’s oldest and most renowned wildlife reserves

Spanning nearly 20,000 square kilometres, it’s one of the largest game reserves on the continent. You’ll discover not only the famed Big Five – lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalos – but also a magnificent variety of birds and reptiles.

The park’s sheer size ensures that visitors have ample opportunities to witness a diverse range of animal behaviors.

Kruger’s extensive biodiversity is preserved within diverse ecosystems, from bushveld to forests. The park’s network of roads allows for excellent game viewing opportunities, making it a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Tourists are drawn to its accessible location, with options ranging from camping sites to luxury lodges that cater to every taste and budget.

What Makes Kruger Special

Kruger National Park captivates you with its wildlife spectacles, including the iconic Big Five : lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, and buffalo. But wildlife sightings aren’t limited to that. Expect to see antelope, giraffe, zebras, baboons, and so much more. Each sighting promises a unique thrill, a moment captured in time amidst the vast savannah. 

The park’s diverse ecosystems range from dense forests to open grasslands, ensuring a variety of habitats teeming with life. This biodiversity is safeguarded through celebrated conservation programs aimed at protecting vulnerable species and maintaining natural processes.

You will find a well-developed infrastructure within the park, designed to enhance your safari experience without sacrificing the wild feel. Multiple rest camps offer comfortable accommodation, catering to a range of preferences. 

A myriad of activities are available, with game drives and guided tours giving you up-close encounters with African wildlife. Kruger serves as an outstanding canvas for wildlife photographers and a treasure trove for birdwatchers. Here, every turn on a bushveld track or river loop road might unfold into a story you’ll recount for years to come.

Chobe National Park Overview

Chobe National Park sits in the northern corner of Botswana, famed for its distinct safari experiences and breathtaking riverfront scenery. Covering 11,700 square kilometres, Chobe National Park boasts one of the densest populations of elephants on the African continent . 

Throughout Chobe’s expansive boundaries, you witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat. The park’s rich ecosystems range from arid plains to swamplands, each offering unique wildlife viewing opportunities. 

The Chobe River forms the northern boundary and is a hub for game viewing, especially during the dry season when animals congregate along the riverbanks.

Here, the park’s lifeblood allows for exceptional river-based game drives, a feature that sets Chobe apart. From lions to leopards, giraffe, zebra, hippos and crocodiles, you’re immersed in a realm where biodiversity thrives. 

Each turn presents a new wonder, squarely positioning this park as a premier safari destination.

Chobe’s Unique Charm

Chobe National Park, with its magnificent Chobe River, carves out a distinctive niche in the African safari circuit. You witness nature’s drama unfold from a different vantage point as you glide along the river , observing elephants bathe in the late afternoon sun and hippos emerge to grace the waterscape. 

Unlike the land-locked expeditions often found elsewhere, Chobe’s water safaris offer an intimate spectacle of wildlife drawn to the life-giving force of the river. This unique charm continues with seasonal migrations , where herds move in rhythmic unison, painting a dynamic canvas of life in motion.

Birdwatchers find heaven here , with the park’s diverse aviary population thriving around the aquatic environment. Each visit to Chobe feels bespoke, as water levels and wildlife interactions shift with the seasons, ensuring no two safaris are ever the same . 

This haven in Botswana not only distinguishes itself by its enviable elephant populace but through the interplay of river and land that defines the Chobe experience.

Comparing the Safari Experiences: Kruger vs. Chobe

Kruger National Park offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget campsites to luxury lodges. You can find yourself listening to lion roars at night, surrounded by the bush. 

In contrast, Chobe’s accommodations, while also varied, often boast riverside views where the splash of an elephant taking a bath could be your morning alarm. We stayed at Ichingo Chobe River Lodge on the Namibian side of the Chobe River and loved every moment of it.

Kruger’s lodges sprinkle across vast landscapes, providing seclusion and an array of safari drives, bush walks, and cultural experiences.

In Chobe, the wildlife encounters are heavily influenced by the proximity to water, especially the majestic Chobe River. A river cruise here gives you the chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds from a fresh vantage point. Kruger, on the other hand, features the Big Five with frequent leopard sightings and offers larger territory for game drives.

The experience in both parks changes with the seasons. 

Chobe’s dry season brings scores of elephants by the river, creating unparalleled photographic opportunities. 

Kruger’s dry winters make for excellent game viewing as animals congregate around scarce water sources. 

Regardless, you should prepare for the wet season’s lush landscapes, which can make wildlife more elusive but offer vibrant birdlife and new-born animals.

1. Wildlife Sightings

 Kruger: The vast expanse of Kruger allows for a high density and diversity of wildlife. However, the sheer size of the park means that spotting animals may require more time and patience.

Chobe : The Chobe Riverfront’s concentrated wildlife populations make animal sightings, particularly elephants, almost guaranteed, providing an excellent experience for those with limited time.

2. Landscape

Kruger : Diverse landscapes, from open savannahs to dense woodlands, offer a varied backdrop for wildlife photography and exploration.

Chobe: The Chobe Riverfront’s scenic beauty adds an extra dimension to the safari experience, with river cruises offering a unique perspective on the park’s flora and fauna.

3. Activities

 Kruger: Traditional game drives, guided walks, and hot air balloon safaris provide a comprehensive safari experience.

Chobe: Boat safaris along the Chobe River offer a distinctive and tranquil way to observe wildlife, complementing the traditional game drives.

Practical Considerations 

Deciding between Kruger and Chobe hinges on a few factors. 

Budget considerations: Chobe might edge out with typically higher park fees and safari costs than Kruger. Contemplate your available funds when making a choice. 

Length of stay: Allocate enough days to fully immerse yourself in the park’s experiences — Kruger may require a longer stay due to its size, whereas Chobe may require a longer stay due to its remoteness.

Personal interests: Your preference for either land or water-based activities should guide your selection, with Chobe offering unique river safaris.

Regarding the best time to visit, dry seasons are optimal for wildlife viewing – May to September for Kruger and June to October for Chobe. 

Preparations should include booking accommodations in advance, getting relevant vaccinations, and packing suitable clothing for temperature variations. Familiarize yourself with each park’s rules to ensure a smooth experience.

Check out the things I wish I knew before heading on an African Safari!

Ecotourism and Conservation

Ecotourism plays a critical role in the conservation efforts at Kruger and Chobe National Parks. Your visit supports crucial initiatives aimed at protecting the diverse ecosystems that these parks are famous for. 

The fees you pay as a guest help fund anti-poaching units, research projects on wildlife health, and community outreach programs that encourage local support for conservation.

By choosing eco-friendly lodges and guided tours that prioritize sustainability, you contribute to minimizing the human impact on these fragile environments. 

Both parks strive to balance visitor experiences with the welfare of their natural resources. This delicate balance ensures that generations to come can still marvel at Africa’s majestic wildlife. Your involvement, whether through respectful wildlife viewing or supporting conservation-minded businesses, makes a direct impact on preserving the parks’ biodiversity.

Embracing the Call of the Wild

You’ve heard the call of the wild, and now, imagine stepping into a world where every turn brings a new discovery. Your safari adventure is more than a simple holiday; it is a chance to witness the untamed beauty of Africa. 

As you ponder between the vast savannas of Kruger and the dense forests of Chobe, remember that each park offers an opportunity to create lifelong memories. 

Embrace the thrill of the bush, the quiet wait for the perfect wildlife shot, and the peaceful sunsets that paint the horizon. Your choices support conservation efforts and the local communities, making your trip a meaningful journey.

Choosing between Kruger National Park and Chobe National Par k ultimately depends on your preferences and priorities. 

Kruger’s vastness and diverse landscapes provide a classic safari experience, while Chobe’s riverfront setting offers a unique and intimate encounter with wildlife. Whether you seek the thrill of tracking the Big Five or the tranquility of drifting along a river filled with elephants, both Kruger and Chobe promise unforgettable moments in the heart of Africa’s untamed wilderness.

Just know that you are part of a story much grander than your own. Now, venture out and let the adventure envelop you, forging a connection with the wild that will last forever.

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Chobe vs Kruger: Which is Better?

Chobe and Kruger are two of the best safari destinations in Africa. So, if you want to visit an African safari, you you may narrow down your choices to these two locations Chobe Vs Kruger . 

To make your choice easier, we’ve compared the two Chobe vs Kruger national parks against each other. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to tell how Chobe National Park differs from Kruger, and which is better for you.

Differences Between Chobe and Kruger: At a Glance

Overview of chobe national park.

Chobe National Park boasts the largest elephant population in Africa , estimated to be at least 50,000. 

The park is also famous for the 300m- wide Chobe River located within its premises. This river attracts a host of wildlife, such as hippos, zebras, giraffes, and antelopes. On entry to the park, you may find herds of elephants and a few other animals bathing, playing, or drinking the water from the river.

The spectacular birdlife that frequently crowds Chobe National Park is also worthy of note. The park is touted to contain at least 495 bird species . You can expect to find birds like the African Fish Eagle, Meyer’s parrot, African skimmer, squacco heron, and long-toed lapwing.

Most of the lodges around Chobe conduct animal sightings through open game drives or boat safaris on the Chobe River.

Overview of Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is the largest safari park in South Africa . It is renowned for offering excellent opportunities for viewing the Big 5: Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Cape Buffalo and Rhino. Other animals like Impala, giraffe, zebra, kudu, wildebeest, and warthog frequently appear around the park.

Kruger also houses 350 bird species like the saddle-billed stork, ground hornbill, martial eagle, lappet-faced vulture, and brown-headed parrot.

 The safaris at Kruger National Park are conducted through open game drives on paved roads or guided walking safaris. One-day tours are available at the park, but you can also hire a tour operator to take you on a full-length five-day safari.

Comparing Chobe and Kruger National Parks

Chobe and Kruger national parks are both located in the Southern part of Africa. But while Chobe is in Botswana, Kruger is situated in South Africa.

Accessibility

Kruger National Park is more accessible than Chobe. We’ll explain why using the following parameters:

• Traveling to Chobe vs Kruger

Chobe National Park is in a remote location, far away from Major cities and international airports. So, there are only a few ways to visit the park.

Most tourists get to Chobe by flying into Maun Airport, Livingstone Airport or Victoria Falls Airport and transferring by road to Chobe. We recommend using the Livingstone / Victoria Falls Airport route because you can make a quick stop at Victoria Falls before heading to Chobe National Park. This route is available on our Botswana Focus Safari tour package .

The least traveled route to Chobe involves taking a direct flight to Kasane, the town where Chobe is located. This route is only available to tourists from African countries.

Kruger National Park is within reach of many international airports. A road trip from major airports like Hoedspruit Eastgate, Phalaborwa, or Kruger Mpumalanga international airports to Kruger National Park takes less than one hour.

• Road Network

The road network to Chobe is limited, and the roads are usually congested, especially after floods. For this reason, it takes a relatively longer time to tour the area. Luckily, the landscape is flat enough for tourists to see wildlife from afar.

Kruger National Park boasts an extensive road network , comprising 850 kilometers of tarred roads and 1444 km of gravel roads. If you visit the area with an experienced tour guide, you’ll be able to visit the hot spots in the park within a day or less. 

The majority of the landscape at Chobe National Park is covered by the large Chobe River, flat grasslands, and sandy floodplains. 

The gushing river encourages the resident wildlife to come out in the open, especially in the dry season. Animals spend long stretches of time grazing and drinking at the river.

The flat terrain at Chobe also makes it easier for tourists to see the animals. 

Kruger National Park is bounded by several major rivers like Limpopo, Sabie, Letaba, and Crocodile Rivers. The landscape bears a mixture of sparse and bushy vegetation. Certain regions around the park also contain tall mountains.

The bushes and hills at Kruger National Park can shield you from seeing the safari animals in their full glory. That’s why we collaborate with specialized safari lodges that drive deep into the bush to give you an up-close look at the resident wildlife.

Animal Diversity

Most animal species in Chobe are buffaloes, hippos, giraffes, antelopes, and elephants. Chobe has at least 80,000 elephants. Some wild dogs, leopards, and lions also inhabit the park, but they are quite challenging to see.

In contrast, Kruger has a more diverse wildlife population. The big cats, such as lions, leopards, tigers, and even cheetahs, are more likely to be seen at Kruger. Antelopes, zebras, giraffes, and warthogs also frequent this location.

In addition, Kruger guarantees sightings of endangered wildlife like the Black rhino, grey-headed parrot, lappet-faced vulture, and Kori Bustard.

Big Five Viewing

Sighting the Big Five predators is easier at Kruger than at Chobe National Park.

Although all the Big Five predators are present at Chobe, you might be unable to view the entire set. 

You’ll surely see elephants and Cape buffaloes, but lions and leopards might erode your sight. Book the night game drive for a better chance at spotting the cat members of the Big Five prowling the park in search of their nocturnal prey. 

Rhinos at Chobe National Park have decimated so much over the years that only a few of them are left at the park. So, even if you are lucky, you probably won’t see them. 

Kruger offers higher chances of Big Five sightings. It is one of the few parks in Africa where you can easily catch the endangered rhino lurking around. Lions and leopards are also more common here than at Chobe National Park. Elephants and buffaloes are available at Kruger National Park, but they aren’t as many as the ones in Chobe.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Chobe National Park is in the dry season, between May and October. The absence of rain at this time forces the animals to move to the Chobe riverfront to quench their thirst. 

If you wait till August before visiting Chobe, you’ll get to see the wild animals in their large numbers. But you’ll also have to contend with the heat, as it is the hottest time of the year. 

The dry season in Kruger offers the best opportunities for wildlife viewing. September and October are the optimum months for this activity, as the drought has lasted long enough to push even the most obstinate animals into the open. The only difference here is that Kruger weather is cooler than Chobe weather in the dry season. 

Accommodation

Kruger offers more opportunities for low-priced accommodation than Chobe. 

Most of the accommodation facilities at Chobe National Park are brick buildings with tastefully furnished rooms and luxurious ensuite bathrooms. 

These private lodges overlook the Chobe River and other prime game-viewing locations. However, they are usually too expensive for budget travelers. 

There are also a few campsites outside Chobe that are more suited to tight budgets. But these facilities offer few opportunities for game sightings. The long distance between the campsites and the park drastically reduces the duration available to guests for safari experiences. 

The lodges in Kruger National Park are suitable for a variety of budgets. These facilities exist as rest camps bordering the surrounding rivers in the park. Differences in pricing are reflected in the quality/ availability of amenities like electricity or air conditioning, instead of relative proximity to the park like in Chobe.

Additional Tourist Activities

Apart from game drives, walking, and boating safaris, birdwatching is the only other activity for tourists in Chobe vs Kruger.

However, Kruger National Park boasts a range of side attractions like:

•  hiking trails
• scenic drives
• hot air balloon rides
• birdwatching
• Bushman walks

Visiting Chobe National Park is more expensive than a trip to Kruger National Park. 

The average day tour at Kruger will cost between $100 – $500 per person. But if you visit Chobe National Park instead, you might need to spend at least $150 for each day you spend at the park.

Chobe vs Kruger are best for tourists who enjoy watching undisturbed, pristine animal sightings. You’d also enjoy visiting Chobe National Park if you love to see how animals interact with other members of their own species. 

Kruger National Park is more suitable for first-time safari tourists. This is because it offers you the opportunity to see a diverse range of wildlife up close.

  Will You Visit Chobe or Kruger?

If you’ve decided to visit both Chobe vs Kruger: Chobe National Park, you might want to check out our Botswana safaris that include a trip to Chobe National Park. 

If your choice is Kruger National Park, you’d love our Explore South Africa package. Aside from Kruger, our package also includes neighboring tourist attractions in South Africa, like the Apartheid Museum and the Regina Mundi Church.

Social Media Ideas

• Schedule a series of polls: with each one asking people to choose the best place for sighting a specific animal. For example: Where is the best place for elephant sightings?

Option A: Chobe National Park

Option B: Kruger National Park

• Create a carousel, where each slide focuses on a specific difference between the 2 parks. Express the differences in pictures.

Travel. Fashion. Food. Photography. Culture. Art. History.

Your Safari Adventure: Is Chobe or Kruger Better?

Some raised concerns about the overall game viewing experience, quality of facilities and tours, accessibility, etc. While I have already introduced Kruger , I also visited Chobe when I was in Victoria Falls .

This time, I am going to share my experience in Chobe and there are some differences between the two national parks. Furthermore, Product of Travel offers inspiration about how to make the most of your trips.

What do you need to know about Chobe?

Chobe National Park is Botswana’s first national park and the third-largest. Somehow it is the most visited national park in the country because of its close proximity to Victoria Falls . If you have time to explore the parts of the country, visit Makgadikgadi Pans Game Reserve , a salt pan; or the Okavango Delta . Before the establishment of the national park in the 1960s, the land was once inhabited by the San Bushmen, or the Basarwa, who are nomadic hunter-gatherers.

Today, their ancient rock paintings can still be found in some places in the park. The game reserve covers an area of cover 11,700 square kilometers, and the Chobe Riverfront in the north is an iconic area known as the Chobe Flood Plains. This region is probably easier to get to from Victoria Falls in the neighboring countries Zambia, or Zimbabwe. C hobe National Park is one of the top wilderness reserves in the world – the park is also noted for having a population of lions that prey on African elephants .

How to get to Chobe?

To some, Chobe offers a more secluded and pristine safari experience, many rustic and luxurious camps are scattered in the park and they can be accessed from the major towns in the region like Maun or Kasane. For Safari tours operated in Maun, visitors could explore the Okavango Delta, which has a diverse game viewing including lions and other big cats.

Kasane is a small town close to Africa’s “Four Corners”, where four African countries meet: Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Kasane is merely an hour away from Victoria Falls , making it the most visited section of Chobe. Tour operators usually include connecting transportation from Livingstone , Zambia, or Victoria Falls , Zimbabwe.

Safari tours that kick off from Kasane usually cover the area of Chobe Flood Plains. There are some lodges in the area, but Chobe Game Lodge is the only permanent accommodation located within the park itself. Another unique way to game viewing in Chobe is staying aboard one of the houseboats that sail down the Zambezi and Chobe rivers, and witnessing the wildlife action along the riverbanks at different times of the day. Although we didn’t go deep into the center of the national park, we had quite an amazing experience and saw a diverse range of wildlife on the edge of the Chobe River, bothering four African countries: Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana.

Many visitors may need a UniVisa (or Kaza Visa) to enter Zambia and Zimbabwe, the visa should cover a day trip to Botswana for exiting and re-entering the country the same day. For more info about the visa, check out: The 101 Travel Guide of What You Need to Know about Victoria Falls .

When to go to Chobe?

May to October (the dry season) is the best time to visit Chobe National Park. This period has sunny, dry, and warm days which is more pleasant for game viewing. Besides, the roads are easily navigable for safari vehicles and mosquitoes are at a minimum.

Most importantly, the lack of water during the dry season encourages animals to stay around the river, making it much easier to view a huge group and a variety of wildlife.

My Chobe Safari

I have yet to visit the Okavango Delta, but I heard some amazing comments about the area. I visited the Chobe Flood Plains in the north of the park and it was not any less exciting.

The day tour is divided into two sections: a boat cruise  through the Zambezi and Chobe rivers in the morning, followed by an open jeep safari drive in the afternoon after lunch. Sometimes the order may switch depending on the different arrangements.

The entire Chobe National Park has one of the greatest concentrations of game in all of Africa. As mentioned, it has the most spectacular elephant herds – an estimated population of around 120,000 elephants living within the park boundaries. Not only did we see them in the park… but we saw them bathing, eating, feeding, frolicking, and socializing in different locations throughout our tour. The most impressive sighting was on our boat cruise, while the elephants were gradually approaching our boat as they gathered the grass from the water and turned it into sheaves with their trunks. Fascinating!

Although I saw (or precisely, heard, because we saw them floating by the river outside the lodge at night) Hippopotamus from our Kruger lodge, the best Hippopotamus sighting was in Chobe. Again, on our boat, we saw the Hippo swimming in the river. Given their reputation of having a very bad temper, we didn’t get very close, still, we had a clear shot of a big group.

The park also has an impressive population of Buffalo. We saw many of them in the plain by the river. More, I was told the area has a healthy population of lions, but big cats (cheetah, or lions) are less likely to be seen here, as compared to Kruger. It’s possible to spot a lion and leopard occasionally, but rhinoceros are quite difficult to find.

What do you need to know about Kruger?

What else you may see there? Black rhinoceros, plains zebra, blue wildebeest, giraffe, impala, kudu, waterbuck, and warthog. If you are lucky, you will spot some rare animals like African wild dogs, sable antelope, nyala, mountain reedbuck, or eland.

My Kruger Safari

Amongst the seven most common and popular types of animals, sighting the more “friendly” Elephants and buffaloes would be easy.

If you are after the big cats, i.e lions, cheetahs, and leopards may need a little bit of luck or a very good safari guide. It doesn’t mean that seeing the other animals was any less fun. It was true that I was not as excited as the first time I saw a herd of zebra or a waterbuck on the 19th time, but pay attention, I learned a lot about their behavior, habits, and way of life in the process. For my experience of these animals in Kruger, I have written about them in A Day on Safari .

So… Chobe or Kruger ?

For Chobe, I had the best elephant-viewing experience from the boat, and it was absolutely fun to see hippos in the river.

On the other hand, I saw rhinoceros, African wild dogs, and some big cats in Kruger . We must be incredibly lucky to see them all in a few days. Having said that, African wild dogs and leopards are not limited to Kruger, they may be spotted in Chobe as well. There is no guarantee that you get to see the animals you want, just bring a lot of positive energy and enjoy the experience.

However, for a first-time safari experience, or family travelers, Kruger is probably a better choice because it is more accessible, it has better tourist facilities, and there are more options in terms of accommodations within and outside the park (at different price levels, too). Visitors have a better chance to see more animals.

Lastly, your travel itinerary or route factors in your decision-making process. If you only have time for one place, and you want to explore Victoria Falls , choose Chobe. But if you want to discover Blyde River Canyon , the second largest canyon in Africa instead, then Kruger would probably be a better choice.

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42 comments.

What was the price per day for Krueger and price per day in Chobe?

Great questions, please refer to their site for the prices in 2023. 🙂 for Kruger: https://kruger-national-park-guide.com/kruger-national-park-prices and https://chobenationalpark.co.za/chobe-national-park-information/

These two safaris seem different but they both look fun. If I had to choose, I would choose both because I have never been on a safari.

Completely agree, there are many other things to see and do in the area, too ! there are so many hard choices.

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Serengeti vs Kruger: Which Is Better for an African Safari?

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of more than 20 guidebooks to African destinations.

Serengeti vs Kruger: Which is better for an African safari? Well, both these iconic parks rank among the world’s finest safari destinations, so there’s no definitive answer to that question. The vast Serengeti National Park is famed for hosting the annual migration of an incredible 2 million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle. Kruger National Park is 30% larger than Serengeti and the only remaining African park to support viable breeding populations of all the Big Five. Here we examine some of the other similarities and differences between Kruger and Serengeti, and discuss how they might influence your choice of safari destination.

Serengeti is arguably Africa’s best park when it comes to sheer numbers of animals. Lions and other big cats are easily seen, and it hosts one of the world’s most incredible wildlife phenomena in the form of the great migration. Balloon safaris over the endless plains are another big plus. For the budget-conscious, however, Serengeti is a relatively expensive safari destination. Rough roads and non-existent signposting can make self-drive safaris quite challenging. 

Kruger is the last major African park to host substantial breeding populations of all the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino), including both black and white rhino. It is also great for birding, especially in the Wet season. Kruger stands out as one of the continent’s most affordable safari destinations, and a clearly signposted network of surfaced roads makes it ideal for self-drive safaris. That said, you generally need to work harder for your sightings in the dense bush of Kruger than would be the case in the Serengeti, and the surfaced roads dilute the wilderness atmosphere.

Which Is Better for the Big Five: Serengeti or Kruger?

Serengeti and Kruger both rank among the last few safari destinations to host all the Big Five. Over the course of a few days in either park, you’d have to be very unlucky to miss out on buffalo, elephant or lion. However, where Serengeti offers more frequent lion sightings, Kruger supports far larger numbers of elephant, including some truly impressive big tuskers.

Leopard are numerous in both parks, but they tend to be secretive except where they are used to vehicles. That said, leopard sightings are possible on a near-daily basis at Serengeti’s Seronera River and Kruger’s Sabie River. For almost-guaranteed close-up encounters, however, the private reserves of Greater Kruger (notably MalaMala and Sabi Sand Game Reserves and Timbavati Nature Reserve) are unrivaled.

Kruger supports the largest-surviving breeding populations of both African rhino species, with white rhinos being particularly common. By contrast, although Serengeti still harbors a few black rhinos, sightings are unusual unless you buy a special permit to visit a few individuals kept under 24-hour surveillance. Having said that, black rhinos are quite often seen in the Ngorongoro Crater, which is easily visited en route to Serengeti.

2,867 Serengeti Safaris

How Do Serengeti and Kruger Compare When It Comes to Other Large Mammals?

You can expect to see giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, hippo, baboon, warthog, vervet monkey, spotted hyena, jackal and crocodile on a safari to either Kruger or Serengeti. Both parks also support a variety of antelope, but while the Serengeti hosts larger herds, Kruger wins out in terms of diversity. Serengeti is one of the world's most important strongholds for cheetahs, which are seen by most visitors, but these endangered cats are also quite common in parts of Kruger. The endangered African wild dog is more easily seen in Kruger.

Is Kruger or Serengeti Better for Birding?

There is little difference between Kruger and Serengeti as birding destinations. Both parks have more than 500 species, and their rich birdlife is difficult to ignore even if you wouldn’t normally pay attention to that kind of thing. Overall, though, Kruger is probably the more spectacular birding destination. This is particularly true in the rainy summer months (November to April), when it hosts a dazzling variety of kingfishers, bee-eaters, rollers, weavers and other colorful birds.

374 Kruger Safaris

Which Is the More Scenic Between Serengeti and Kruger?

Serengeti is one of Africa’s most scenic parks. Its wide-open plains are imbued with a compelling sense of space and given a distinct character by the rugged granite kopjes (small hills) that dot the landscape. What’s more, the drive to Serengeti via the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcano caldera, is absolutely stunning.

By contrast, the acacia scrub of Kruger National Park lacks for scenic impact, except where it is broken up by rivers such as the Sabie, Olifants, Luvuvhu and Limpopo. However, most visitors to Kruger also explore the nearby Panorama Route, which runs through green mountains studded with pretty waterfalls and sweeping viewpoints.

When Is the Best Time To Visit Serengeti or Kruger?

Both parks can be visited enjoyably at any time of year, though seasonal factors will influence your experience. Kruger, being much farther south than Serengeti, has more distinct seasons. Winter runs from May to September and corresponds with the Dry season, which is the best time for general wildlife viewing.

Serengeti National Park has little seasonal variation in temperature, but rainfall is concentrated over November to May. For most visitors, however, the important seasonal factor is the movement of the wildebeest migration. This is too complex to cover in detail here, but it’s worth researching in advance: January and February, for instance, are when you can see mass calving in the Southern Serengeti, while August and September are great for river crossings in the north.

Serengeti vs Kruger: Which Is More Accessible?

Both parks are equally accessible by air, but Kruger is easier to reach by road. Surfaced roads connect Kruger to Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport, a drive that typically takes five to seven hours, depending on which rest camp you’re booked into. What’s more, once you’re in Kruger, you can stick entirely to surfaced roads if you like.

In comparison, the driving time from Arusha (the gateway town to Tanzania’s Northern safari circuit) to Serengeti is only a bit longer, and it can be broken up with overnight stays at Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park and/or the Ngorongoro Crater. However, the road is backbreakingly rutted in parts, and a 4x4 vehicle is essential.

What Sort of Accommodations Can I Expect in Serengeti and Kruger?

In Serengeti, a handful of privately owned luxury lodges and exclusive bush camps cater to the top end of the market. The only affordable alternative is camping, which is still not cheap due to the high park fees, especially as most of the sites have limited facilities.

By contrast, Kruger is serviced by an affordable network of unpretentious state-run rest camps offering self-catering accommodations, campsites, supermarkets, restaurants and other such amenities. That said, some of Africa’s most prestigious safari lodges lie in exclusive concessions within Kruger or in private reserves bordering it.

Are Kruger and Serengeti Better Suited to Guided or Independent Safaris?

This isn’t the place to get into the pros and cons of guided or self-drive safaris. Briefly, however, guided safaris allow you to explore the terrain with a set of experienced eyes, but self-drive offers greater autonomy and freedom.

Both parks are well suited to guided safaris, but Kruger stands out as the best major park anywhere in Africa for those taking a do-it-yourself approach. This is thanks to the affordable accommodations, well-signposted roads and wealth of maps and other interpretative material. By contrast, independent exploration of Serengeti is recommended only to those with solid off-road driving experience and navigation skills.

Kruger Self-drive Tours

Do Kruger and Serengeti Offer a Similar Range of Activities?

As is the case with most African parks, the main activity in both Kruger and Serengeti is game drives. These are generally restricted to daylight hours, though some rest camps in Kruger offer guided night drives to look for nocturnal predators, as do all the bordering private reserves. Game drives aside, a standout activity in the Serengeti is hot-air balloon safaris, which leave at sunrise and offer stupendous views over the plains. Neither park is particularly suited to walking safaris.

Serengeti Balloon Safaris

What Are the Relative Costs of Visiting Kruger and Serengeti?

Kruger is very affordable for budget-conscious and mid-range travelers. Almost every cost associated with a Kruger safari (accommodations, entrance fees, vehicle costs, you name it) is much cheaper than it is in Serengeti. This price variation is most noticeable with budget and mid-range safaris. At the top end of the price scale, there’s less difference between Serengeti and Kruger (or rather, the private reserves bordering Kruger): both destinations offer plenty of opportunity for big spenders to splash out on a luxury safari.

Serengeti vs Kruger: Which Is Better for Escaping the Crowds?

Serengeti and Kruger are both very popular and can feel uncomfortably crowded if you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time. With both parks, however, it is possible to get away from the crowds.

In Kruger, try focusing on areas north of the Sabie River, following dirt roads where possible, and avoid local school holidays and weekends. In Serengeti, tourist traffic is usually clustered within 10km/6mi of the Seronera headquarters or whichever part of the park is currently hosting the migration. The best way to get away from the crowds is to spend time in other parts of the park.

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Masai mara or kruger national park - which safari is better.

Everything you need to know to choose the right location for you from getting there to wildlife to budget.

12 Dec 2022

27 feb 2024.

Kenya’s Masai Mara and South Africa’s Kruger National Park are two heavyweight destinations for safari aficionados the world over and rightly so. They both boast huge amounts of diversity, wildlife, a vast array of activities, and stunning places to stay.

But, which is better?

Getting there

First up, practical, but important! How easy it is to get to your safari destination to begin your holiday can effect if you turn up fresh-faced and ready to go, or need a holiday before you even begin! Luckily, both the Masai Mara and Kruger score well here.

International flights

Good news if you are flying from the UK, there are international flights directly from London to both Nairobi in Kenya and to Johannesburg in South Africa . What's more, South Africa is only one hour ahead and Kenya two hours ahead, so jetlag to contend with either.

Getting to the parks

Both parks are easily accessible by scheduled flights, and flying in a small plane to your chosen destination can be a thrilling experience as you watch the landscapes change below, and even spot wildlife as you come in to land.

Flying to and from the Masai Mara is very straightforward with most flights departing from Wilson Airport in Nairobi which is about a half an hour's drive from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi’s main international hub. There are multiple airstrips within the Masai Mara so where you fly to will depend on where you are staying, but several departing each day, it is easy to reach.

Driving to the Masai Mara is also possible and although a less popular option due to the ease of flying. The journey typically takes 5-7 hours depending on where in the Mara you are headed and new tar road that is being built from Nairobi to the Mara will make this even easier.

Flying to Kruger is possible from quite a few of the major cities in South Africa, although in general travelers will fly from Johannesburg but it is also possible from Cape Town allowing you to combine a safari with the Winelands and garden route.

Most flights from Johannesburg fly to Hoedspruit, a quaint town on the outskirts of Kruger, but there are also several airstrips located within the private concessions of Kruger, namely within Sabi Sand’s conservancies.

If you want to go by car, the road journey from Johannesburg to Kruger is between five to seven hours, depending on which gate you enter. Be prepared for road conditions in both South Africa and Kenya to be somewhat more demanding in places than you might be used to back home.

Overall, it is much of a muchness and a tie.

Let's start with the thing that draws visitors in, to begin with, the wildlife! Both the Masai Mara and Kruger National Park are big hitters here, so whichever you visit, you will no be disappointed!

The Masai Mara National Park, including all its various conservancies, is roughly 1,500 km2 whilst in comparison, the Great Kruger National Park spans over 19,600 km2 - so quite the difference!

Masai Mara - wildebeest migration & big cats galore

Both of these remarkable national parks are outstanding for wildlife in their own right. The Masai Mara is synonymous for the part it plays in the Great Wildebeest Migration during the river crossing season. The migration generally passes through this corner of Kenya between July and October each year as millions of wildebeest, zebra and other plains game follow the rains in search of fresh pastures.

The Masai Mara-Serengeti ecosystem is home to some of the densest populations of big cats on the African continent so the chances of seeing lions, cheetahs and leopard is pretty good.

If you are hunting for the Big Five, these can be found in the Masai Mara, but the number of rhino here isn't huge so these may be harder to come by. Take a look at our guide to seeing the Big Five in Kenya.

Kruger - the Big Five

If it’s the Big Five that you’re after, Kruger National Park will not disappoint. There are elephants aplenty, with no shortage of buffalo, lion and leopard sightings, as well as both, critically endangered black and white rhino. And because the Kruger National Park is so vast there is a huge variety in terms of biomes; from deep riverine, rocky mountains and expansive savannahs all of which translates into a wonderful abundance of diversity of birds and mammals.

Which is better depends ultimately on what wildlife you are hoping to see!

Culture and history

A safari isn't just about seeing incredible wildlife, it is also a cultural experience, and on this one, the Masai Mara wins hands down!

The Masai Mara is named after the Maasai people who have lived throughout Kenya’s Masai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti regions for decades.

Semi-nomadic pastoralists, the Maasai still live by herding cattle and goats, although many have joined modern-day living and the Maasai will often be your hosts or safari guide. Dressed in bright red robes, they are instantly recognizable and the warriors with a speed in hand are a particularly impressive sight.

Spending time with the Maasai and learning about their ancient traditions, how they are integrating their culture into today’s ‘society’ without losing many of their traditions and how they are coexisting with their wildlife neighbors is a must. Of course, you may also be treated to some remarkable dancing, singing, and local arts, as well as being invited into a ‘manyatta’ - a traditional Masai home.

Kruger National Park

Whilst the Kruger may not be able to boast tribal culture in the same way as the Masai Mara, it still holds incredible historical significance. Did you know that archeological artifacts have been from around 100,000 years ago with over 300 stone age sites and plenty of examples of San Rock Art scattered throughout the park which are definitely worthy of exploration?

A clear winner here, Kenya gets our vote!

Private Conservancies vs. National Park

This is less amount Kruger vs Masai Mara, but it is important to understand that both the Greater Kruger and Masai Mara National Parks consist of sections that are open to anyone visiting and paying an entrance fee, as well as a number of private concessions or conservancies.

These private concessions may be more expensive to stay within but they come with many benefits, and for a variety of reasons, we often recommend staying in a private conservancy over a national park. This is especially true with the Kruger National Park which has tarmac roads - read on to see more!

Why choose a private conservancy?

Exclusiveness. Within these private concessions, only guests paying to stay within specific camps or lodges who are members of the conservancy can explore the wildlife areas within its borders. Generally, there are no fences surrounding the conservancies meaning the wildlife can come and go as it pleases, but there are fewer other visitors present.

Limited vehicles on wildlife sightings. Unlike in the National Park areas, vehicles on wildlife sightings are restricted to between three and five depending on the conservancy regulations. Not only does this make for more rewarding, intimate wildlife encounters, but it also means less encroachment on the natural behaviour of the wildlife.

Off-road driving. If you are looking for an authentic safari experience, this makes a huge difference! Kruger National Park has tarmac roads which you could in theory you could happily potter around in a mini or sports car.... it can feel a little bit akin to a 'safari parc' you would find in the UK! Whilst the Masai Mara National Reserve has more authentic, dirt roads, these are still well-carved-out roads with plenty of traffic. Conservancies by contrast have much smaller tracks with fewer vehicles and also the opportunity to venture off the path. In the National Parks, going off-road is a big no-no, but in conservancies some off-roading is permitted to get you closer to the animals. This is done responsibly and the guides have gone through training on how to conduct this properly.

Night drives. Although these are available through booking at various rest camps within Kruger National Park - if you are staying at a camp within the borders, night drives are usually an activity reserved for those staying in a conservancy. Night drives are exactly that, they begin as the sun is beginning to set and you head out with your guide to explore the African wilderness at night using spotlights to search for nocturnal species as they begin their nightly forays. Coming across a pride of lions as they rouse from their slumbers and move into the night, patrolling their territory and looking for prey is a pretty memorable experience.

Bush walks. These are not allowed within the Masai Mara National Park and within the Kruger National Park they will need to be pre-booked from specific camps, but staying in a conservancy a bush walk is a much more accessible activity as your guide takes you to explore the bush on foot, pointing out various things of interest that might not be apparent when on a game drive. Take a look at our top walking safaris.

Sundowners and bush meals. For the most part, these are reserved for those staying in a private concession and are an absolute treat for guests. For sundowners, your guide will pick a scenic spot to watch the sun setting over the plains of Africa whilst setting up a table with all manner of drinks and nibbles for you to enjoy. Bush meals are splendid, informal affairs where you will be driven to a secluded place in the bush and awaiting you will be a full-on culinary experience with no corners cut. With all manner of delicacies served to you cooked on an open fire and served to as you relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the wilderness around you.

Self-driving safari

Doing a self-drive safari, for some is a daunting prospect whilst others relish the adventure and this is their preferred way to experience the wildlife of Africa. Whilst the Masai Mara offers a deeper cultural experience if you are hoping to do a self-drive safari, the Kruger National Park gets our vote, and here's why....

The road network in Kruger National Park is much more developed with some tarmac roads, marker posts, as well as concise maps available that are easy to follow. It is possible to self-drive in the Kruger National Park in any car, there is no need for a 4x4. There are a good selection of rest camps which have a variety of places to eat and buy supplies, top up on fuel or simply sit and relax as a break.

Some would say that driving on tarmac with lots of other cars is far from an authentic safari experience, but this is how many tourists have been visiting the park since the public had access to it all the way back in 1927 when the entrance fee was just £1.

The main Masai Mara National Park doesn’t have such a well-developed self-drive option and the requirement for a sturdy 4x4 combined with some experience of driving these rugged vehicles in sometimes difficult terrains is a prerequisite.

Follow the rules!

In both National Parks, self-driving is only allowed in the main areas of the national park and not in the private conservancies, and there are various rules and regulations which need to be adhered to. For example, there is no off-roading permitted and in Kruger, there are clearly marked speed limits with all too eager wildlife rangers and local police armed with speed cameras and the ability to hand out spot fines for rule breakers.

Is it better to have a guide?

It is worth just taking a moment to note the benefit of a guided safari, especially if it is your first or second safari. Part of the joy of a safari is not just spotting wildlife for photographs, but the opportunity to learn about the wildlife - how they survive, the history of a pride of lions, the landscape, conversation projects in the area, changes in weather, challenges they face etc - and having an experienced guide who knows the area and can share their wealth of information we think is a key part of what makes a safari so specialist!

Combine it with.....

Which destination offers more flexibility to go beyond a Masai or Kruger safari....this one really depends on what it is you are hoping to combine it with - a dead heat!

Beach and bush

With the pristine white sands of the Kenyan coast and Zanzibar a short hop away, the Masai Mara is a clear winner here. You can even fly direct from the Masai Mara to Diani beach on the Kenyan coast, a real win for those looking to maximise their time and minimize hassle.

Trip: Masai Mara Safari and Diani Beach Escape

Trip: Masai Mara and Zanzibar Honeymoon

BUT.... from the Kruger, you can head north to Mozambique where you can stay at the exclusive Bazaruto Archipelago - Azura Benguerra here is one of our favouite islands properties, although a pricey option.

Trip: Luxury Kruger and Mozambique Honeymoon

Other safari areas

Another win for the Masai Mara which could easily be combined with Amboseli in Kenya which is famed for its vast numbers of elephants which are often photographed in front of Mount Kilimanjaro. You've also got Lewa and Laikipia which are brilliant for riding safaris and spotting rhinos, plus Samburu which has an arid landscape and the brightly coloured Samburu tribe. You could even combine the Masai Mara with the gorillas in Uganda as you can fly from Kigali to Nairobi.

Trip: Discovering Conservation Safari: Masai Mara & Samburu

Trip: Explore Kenya Safari (Amboseli, Masai Mara & Lewa)

The Kruger, by contrast, could be combined with the Madikwe Game reserve, or as the Kruger is so much larger in size than the Masai Mara with a greater range of topology, you could simply go to two, very different areas with Great Kruger.

Something a little different

If you are looking to combine your safari experience with some a little different, then the Kruger wins hands down. It is a short hop to the Cosmopolitan city of Cape Town which is home to table mountain and Robben Island… and of course the penguins of Boulder’s Beach. Why not take some time to lose yourself in the rolling hills and vast vineyards of South Africa’s Winelands, go whale watching in Hermanus or explore the garden route?

Trip: Cape Town, Winelands and Safari Honeymoon

Alternatively, you could fly from Johannesburg to Livingstone to explore Victoria Falls and end your holiday marveling at these incredible mighty waterfalls.

Trip: Classic Cape, Kruger and Vic Falls Experience

A little further afield but history buffs can explore the battlefields near Drakensberg Mountains, or could in theory even fly from Johannesburg to St Helena where Napolean spent his final days.

The spectrum of price is huge anywhere on safari, akin to the range you would find in a large city all offering their own twist on why you should stay. Both the Kruger and the Masai Mara offer a full range of more budget options to full-scale luxury.

The main difference in daily costs between the Greater Kruger and its surrounding conservancies compared to the Masai Mara and its conservancies is the conservation fees you need to pay. These fees which are charged daily per person are a charge that are rightly in place and which goes to either the land owners, like the Masai themselves or towards supporting conservation in general or anti-poaching schemes and suchlike.

The Masai Mara and its conservancies charge a range of between £65-120 per person per day and have been doing so since their inception. The Kruger main park fees are much less to make this affordable to locals and the local conservancies and concessions – the most famous of which is hte Sabi Sands – have only really started charging these daily fees more recently and are closer to the £20 per person per day rate. The Manyeleti and The Makalali Private Reserves are similar whilst the Timbavati is a little more at closer to £30.

Whilst it doesn’t seem like a huge cost, it all adds up and is not often something that is taken into account when thinking about the budget at the outset of planning your safari.

Where to stay

Hopefully, the above information has helped you lean towards one of the Masai Mara or Kruger, so let's take a look at the accommodation options for both.

To help explain where to stay in the Masai Mara a bit better, we need to it down into three different areas.

The Main National Park - As mentioned this is the main public area of the National Park where any and all who come can explore the vastness of the main park and there is a wide variety of accommodation options choice to suit every traveller's requirements.

Ranging from the luxuriant and world-famous Agama Mara located high on the Oloololo Escarpment. Each of its glass-fronted suits gives visitors stunning views of the Mara as it stretches out seemingly endlessly before them. If luxury accommodation, a stunning location, brilliant safaris and fantastic culinary experiences are all on your hit list, then Angama Mara is a heavyweight to contend with.

The Masai Mara Triangle. This is a very special corner of the Masai Mara with the majority of its Northern and Eastern border running along the Tanzanian Serengeti border. This is where the majority of the mass wildebeest herds cross from Tanzania to Kenya as they follow the rains and fresh pastures of the Great Migration cycle ( read more about the Great Migration in Kenya ). There is very limited accommodation options within the Mara Triangle with only a few camps having the privilege of being located within this section. These being:

Mara Serena - One of the oldest and largest safari camps in the Masai Mara. Mara Serena is perched on top of a rocky kopje in the heart of the triangle. It commands fantastic views of the Mara sprawling out as far as the eye can see and a large selection of rooms and is very close to one of the main crossing points during as the Great Migration passes through the region.

Governors Camp & Little Governors - Sister camps located close to each other and stone's throw away from the Musiara Airstrip. Governors Camps have become synonymous with safari travel to East Africa. These two camps are nestled in a riverine forest along the meandering banks of the Mara River and are a wonderful example of a luxury safari experience.

Masai Mara Conservancies. There is a whole host of private and community conservancies which help make the Greater Masai Mara National Park complete and it would be difficult to list all of them. There are definite benefits of staying in a conservancy over staying in the National Park with one of the main draws being the privacy whilst on game drives as the number of vehicles on wildlife sightings is restricted. And, of course, the selection of brilliant, upmarket safari camps as well as a wider range of activities readily available.

A couple of great options when looking to stay at in a conservancy would be:

Ol Seki Hemingways in the Naboisho Conservancy. This beautiful and innovative camp has a small number of large, luxury tents spread across a hillside all with panoramic views of the Mara Plains. The intimacy of Ol Seki makes it a splendid choice for honeymooners wishing to add a touch of luxury to their safari experience.

Alex Walker’s Serian Original. Located in the Mara North Conservancy. Serian is the benchmark when it comes to an authentic, vintage East African safari combined with luxury under canvas. Located right on the banks of the Mara River and with resident pride of lions close by and pods of hippos wallowing in the river below - you will really feel as though you are in the heart of the African wilderness.

Again, we need to break this down into ataying within the main Kruger National Park, staying within a private concession and staying outside the park.

Staying within the main public areas of Kruger has no shortage of options and is the more preferred method for those on a self-drive safari with the multitude of rest camps such as Lower Sabie, Skukuza, Oliphants - all offering various levels of accommodation facilities. From self-contained chalets, mid-range hotels as well as campsites for those looking for an exceptionally budget-friendly option.

Staying within a private concession. Bordering the main Kruger there are several private game reserves and private concessions which help make up the Greater Kruger National Park and it is these lodges that the majority of our clients choose to stay in. Within the private areas; guests can include a variety of benefits that are not available to the general public in the main Kruger; such as limited vehicles for wildlife sightings, off-roading to get you closer to the big cats and special sightings, guided bush walks, night drives and so on.

Londolozi Game Reserve . One of South Africa’s original private game reserves and has a small portfolio of five camps located along the Sand River in the Great Kruger National Park’s Sabi Sand. Game viewing at Londolozi is simply wonderful with over 16,000 hectares of private land for you to explore with your team of expert guides and trackers. If you’re searching for the perfect combination of luxury and wildlife - you’ll be sorely tempted by Londolozi.

Jock’s Safari Lodge . Tucked away in a quiet conservancy is the legendary Jock’s Safari Camp with over 6,000 hectares of private traversing for game drives which are famous for big five sightings. Each of the lodge’s individual thatched rooms offer solitude and a sense of being immersed into the beautiful African wilderness which surrounds you.

Staying outside Kruger National Park. This is an option that simply cannot be ignored. Bordering Kruger, there is a plethora of safari camps, BnB’s, lodges and hotels - all of which offer either half-day or full-day safari excursions into the main Kruger National Park. These are perfect for those who want to experience some wildlife whilst in South Africa but it is not their main focus - perhaps as part of a self-drive holiday to South Africa and exploring the stunning Panorama Route.

So, in conclusion.... which is a better safari experience the Kruger National Park or the Masai Mara? Both are magnificent and have something to offer for everyone, it all boils down to personal preference and this is where talking to an African travel specialist will help you choose the right one for you.

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Hwange vs Kruger

• Safari Insights

When it comes to experiencing a safari, there’s no better place on the planet to do so than the wide open planes of Africa. And with an array of National Parks on offer, it’s certainly easy to figure out where to go according to what you want to see. While the Kruger National Park is a firm favourite amongst travellers to Africa, for its rich history and spectacular African wildlife, Hwange National Park is a lesser-known alternative that could actually prove a better option when it comes to enjoying an exciting safari experience.

We take a look at some of the reasons why you ought to consider Hwange National Park over the Kruger National Park when you next make the trek to Africa in an effort to explore its vast landscapes and witness the beauty of its fauna and flora.

Wildlife, wildlife, wildlife

While the Kruger National Park is renowned as a destination for viewing Africa’s famous Big 5, Hwange always play home to these creatures, as well as others, in impressive numbers. Elephants makes up the largest proportion of Hwange’s biomass and the wild dog population is one of the largest groups surviving in Africa today. The Park is home to many predators and even some endangered species, while the birdlife is varied and offers twitchers the chance to spot the up to 400 species that frequent the area.

An authentic experience

Due to its popularity, the Kruger National Park can often be quite crowded with tourists and, as a result, can also end up providing you with a more commercial version of a safari experience. Hwange, despite being Zimbabwe’s largest national park, is still more genuinely wild and delivers a more remote and authentic African safari experience. With an array of camps and lodges to choose from, you’ll also find the perfect accommodation solution to suit your needs, whether it’s staying in the lap of luxury at an eco-lodge like Elephant’s Eye, Hwange or camping beneath the stars at one of the sites in the park.

Adventure nearby

Due to its vast size, Kruger National Park can be rather limited when it comes to the variety of activities you can enjoy there. Hwange, while being remote and secluded, is still close enough to some of Zimbabwe’s most incredible attractions, that you’ll easily run out of hours in the day with which you can experience it all. Situated on the main road between Bulowayo and the World Wonder of the Victoria Fall, you’ll be able to find something incredible to do before and after your game drives in the Park. Adventure junkies can get their pulses racing by bungee-jumping from the Victoria Falls bridge, white water rafting on the Zambezi River or enjoying a helicopter trip in the sky, while lovers of culture and history can explore the towns and cities of Zimbabwe while exploring its history and learning more about the friendly locals.

Our experienced Africa travel consultants will design bespoke, private itineraries according to your needs and your budget. Get in touch with one of our safari and travel specialists with your questions about availability, rates and transport options.

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