Go on safari in Kruger Park

A trip to Kruger National Park seems to epitomise most people's idea of a South African holiday, and if you are interested in wildlife, it would be an absolute tragedy to miss out on this exciting experience.

Larger than Wales, this massive park stretches over 350 kilometres from north to south and borders Zimbabwe and Mozambique in the north-east of South Africa.

Most famous for its big five (lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards and white rhinos), the park also has thousands of zebras, giraffes and monkeys and enough springbok to keep you satisfied for the rest of your life.

The majority of visitors to the park opt to go on a guided safari, which if you have the money, is probably the best idea, as all the guides and rangers are in contact with each other, so will know immediately where the best game is to be spotted and then can tell you about the animals when you see them.

However for a spectacularly cheaper option, if you have your own car, you can drive yourself round the park for the equivalent of £8 per person.

A self-drive safari affords you a lot more freedom, and coming across animals by yourself is always an exciting, nerve-racking experience, especially if you are miles from civilisation and your car suddenly becomes surrounded by lions.

A word of warning, do not get out of the car in remote spots because you could become something's lunch, and do not drive off the roads as you will damage the landscape, possibly break down, and then yes, become something's lunch.

The best time to spot wildlife is during the dry winter months between May and October, when the grass is shorter and there is no foliage on the trees to obscure your view.

The wetter summer months between November and April mean the grass is much longer and the vegetation more lush, and while this may make sightings more difficult, the scenery is very beautiful, and no matter how dense the grass is, I assure you it is impossible to miss a herd of 25 elephants stampeding past your window.

There are daily flights to Kruger from Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town, and the drive from Jo'burg is under 300 miles so the park can be reached in a day.

There are camps, bungalows and luxury lodges available to stay in at the park, but these get booked up quickly in peak season, so for a cheaper option and a good alternative the nearby town of Nelspruit has many hostels and guesthouses, as well as lots of shops and restaurants.

Wherever you stay and whatever your budget, you are guaranteed a memorable experience from Kruger.

Francesca Elliott