A Kruger Park safari is already a dream for many, but the truth is that the difference between a good safari and a life-changing one lies in the details you might not have planned for.
Most visitors are laser-focused on ticking off the Big Five, and fair enough! But there’s so much more to the Kruger than just game drives. As pioneers in crafting easy, exclusive safari day trips, we’re here to show you the little luxuries and smart additions that transform your Kruger visit into something truly memorable.
Let’s look at the list of extras you didn’t know you needed on safari… but definitely do.
Gourmet Bush Meals
One of the most authentic experiences in the Kruger is enjoying a bush breakfast or lunch at a scenic rest camp or lookout. We often stop at well-placed picnic spots where you can enjoy your meal with zebras grazing nearby or baboons casually passing by.
It’s a moment of calm, flavour, and connection with the land, not just a meal. And trust us, no food tastes better than in the wild after an early morning drive.
Night Drives
Many tourists miss this, but the Kruger by night is a different world altogether. You’ll see eyes glowing in the dark, hear jackals calling, and might even catch a leopard on the prowl. These guided drives are a selective, thrilling way to access a side of the park most never see.
A night drive is a whole new dimension of safari.
Spa Treatments
After a long day in the vehicle, unwind with a massage or foot rub in one of the Kruger’s rest camps that offer basic spa facilities. It’s an easy and rejuvenating luxury that brings a modern touch to your bush experience.
Lookouts, Museums & Cultural Stops
Take a few moments off the wheels to stretch at scenic viewpoints like Nkumbe or enjoy a reflective stop at the Stevenson-Hamilton Museum in Skukuza. These experiences offer context, beauty, and depth, a reminder that the Kruger isn’t just a park, it’s a living history.
Skukuza Drinks and the Rest Camp Poolside
A cold drink in hand, overlooking the Sabie River, while hippos grunt in the distance. That’s the vibe at Skukuza’s lunch deck. And in the summer heat, a dip in one of the park’s rest camp pools (like those at Lower Sabie or Pretoriuskop) is an essential refresher.
Souvenir Shopping for Real Keepsakes, Not Tourist Trap Tat
Kruger’s curio shops are surprisingly tasteful, offering authentic handmade crafts, park-branded gear, and meaningful souvenirs. These items support local artisans and let you take home a real piece of the bush.
Go Beyond the Game Drive
At Elephant Herd, we’ve spent over a decade guiding guests through the sights, sounds, and secrets of the Kruger. Yes, the animals are unforgettable, but it’s the thoughtful moments in between that truly define your safari.
Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, let us help you experience the Kruger in full colour, with all the easy, trusted extras that make your trip complete.
