What sets Kruger apart is the scale of biodiversity you can realistically encounter in a single trip. SANParks lists an extraordinary species spread, including 336 tree species, 507 bird species, and 147 mammals, alongside reptiles, amphibians, and fish—so your sightings don’t stop at “big animals,” but extend to raptors, river specialists, and a constantly changing cast of plains game. Kruger is also famous for the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo), and SANParks specifically calls out Kruger as the iconic place to see them in their natural habitat, supported by options like morning walks, wilderness trails, and sunset/night drives (availability varies by camp/area).

The park is well structured for planning: SANParks notes 12 main rest camps, plus bushveld camps, bush lodges, and satellite camps—so you can build an itinerary that moves through different regions rather than commuting long distances from one base. Beyond wildlife, Kruger protects significant cultural heritage; SANParks highlights bushman rock paintings and archaeological sites such as Masorini and Thulamela, adding depth for visitors who want more than game drives.

On a conservation scale, Kruger also forms part of a wider cross-border ecosystem: it links into the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, a multi-country conservation initiative designed to manage ecological systems across political borders and restore natural processes like movement and migration routes. For trip timing, many safari operators recommend the dry season (roughly May–October) for easier game viewing, because vegetation is thinner and animals tend to concentrate around water sources.