Kruger's Best Game Drives

People visit Kruger National Park to see wildlife, but finding game is often a hit-and-miss affair. So unless you're on a safari that includes game drives with a guide and radio on hand, here are some of the best self-drive routes to follow. They will give you the best chance of seeing the most wildlife and therefore deliver a great safari experience.

The South

• The 'leopard circuit' between park HQ Skukuza and Lower Sabie, along the Sabie River. This is probably the most popular drive in the park, so crowds can be encountered. Drive this one extra slowly because, although the riverine bush can be thick, the game here is also thick on the ground.

• From Lower Sabie, follow the Crocodile River to the Hippo Pools, and either take the same route back or do a circular drive (there are options). This is my favourite route in the park, not least of all because it's a lesser taken one.
• From Skukuza north-east to Tshokwane picnic site: a trunk route that passes arguably the best waterholes in the park (Leeupan, Jones Dam, Elephant pan, Siloweni Dam, Orpen Dam). Stop there for breakfast or brunch (you can take your own or buy there).

Central Kruger

• From Orpen gate to Satara rest camp, all along the Timbavati River. Riverine bush and big trees make this a great game route, not to mention the water. For variation try the detour to Rabelais dam where there is always some game. Further on there is also a detour to Girivana waterhole.
• The area between Satara and Letaba is ground zero for lion sightings in the park, so check all the references(don't forget other game watchers), to see where the action is, or at least has last been.
• Do a figure-8 between Olifants and Letaba rest camps, or even a double figure-8 to pass Balule rustic camp (H1-4, S89, S90, S91, H1-5, H8, S92, S93, S44). The variety is amazing, and the two big permanent rivers add an extra dimension. Elephant are epidemic in the area.

• There are a number of loop options between Letaba rest camp and Phalaborwa gate, with plenty of river and waterhole options on each route.

The North

• Between Shingwedzi rest camp and Bateleur bush camp, roads meander through the riverine forest on either side of the Shingwedzi River (S52 mainly). You'll find some of the biggest trees in the park here, with no shortage of sightings of every kind. After the Crocodile River route in the south, this is my next favorite one.
• Another figure-8 route, this time around Punda Maria camp in the far north (H1-8, S59 OR S61, S 60, H1-3, S99) takes you through the wilder sections of the park. Nyala antelope, buffalo and elephant are most common, and there are some special places of interest close by; Thulamela archeological site and Crook's Corner among them.

More About:
Kruger National Park Overview
How to get to Kruger and Where to Stay
Kruger National Park Costs, Activities and Game Viewing Tips