In 2026, South Africa’s iconic Kruger National Park celebrates its centenary – 100 years since its formal proclamation on 31 May 1926, a milestone that transformed earlier protected areas, including the Sabie and Shingwedzi Game Reserves, into the nation’s first national park. This visionary act, shaped by pioneering conservationists such as James Stevenson‑Hamilton, laid the foundations for what has become one of the world’s most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries.
A group of giraffes in Kruger National Park, South Africa
Cradled in South Africa’s north‑eastern frontier, Kruger National Park unfolds across the wild expanses of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, positioning travellers within one of the continent’s most remarkable protected landscapes. Stretching close to 360 kilometres from north to south, the park forms a natural gateway to the wider transboundary ecosystems shared with Mozambique and Zimbabwe, where diverse terrains—ranging from sun‑washed plains to rugged ridges—create a setting perfectly suited to an elevated, luxury safari experience.
Leopard in Kruger National Park
Herd of elephants in Kruger National Park
Comprising the unfenced Greater Kruger and a number of smaller, private reserves, today's national park stretches across nearly two million hectares, offering an extraordinary wealth of wildlife. Home to the fabled Big Five of lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and African buffalo, along with 115 species of reptiles, 147 species of mammals and over 500 bird species, it remains a beacon of biodiversity where visitors can witness nature at its most raw and captivating.
For those seeking a luxury safari holiday, today's Kruger offers an unmatched blend of wilderness and indulgence. The Luxury Holiday Company curates exceptional journeys across South Africa, including exclusive lodges and private concessions bordering the park. Travellers can choose from elegant safari retreats featured in its South Africa collection, each offering refined suites, expert guiding, gourmet dining and immersive bush experiences.
River Lodge, Kruger National Park
Narina Lodge, Kruger National Park
Sundowners at Dulini Lodge, Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Beyond game drives, guests can enjoy bush walks led by specialist rangers, stargazing under unpolluted skies, and spa treatments overlooking riverine landscapes. Such experiences capture both the serenity and exhilaration of Kruger, elevating every moment into something unforgettable.
A century on, Kruger National Park stands not only as a triumph of conservation but as one of the world’s most desirable luxury safari destinations. Its blend of history, wildlife and superlative accommodation ensures it continues to inspire—and will do so for the next hundred years and beyond.