The Kruger National Park is located in both the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa. The nearest city to the southern part of the park is Mbombela, while the central part of the park is closer to Phalaborwa.
Mbombela, also known as Nelspruit, is the capital city of the Mpumalanga province and is situated in close proximity to the southern part of the Kruger National Park. This bustling city serves as a gateway to the park and offers a range of amenities and services for visitors. It is approximately 67 kilometers (42 miles) from the Numbi Gate, one of the entrances to the park.
Phalaborwa, on the other hand, is located in the Limpopo province and lies closer to the central part of the Kruger National Park. This city is renowned for its mining activities, particularly its copper and phosphate reserves. Phalaborwa is approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the Phalaborwa Gate, which provides access to the park.
Both Mbombela and Phalaborwa offer various accommodation options, including hotels, lodges, and guesthouses, making them convenient bases for exploring the Kruger National Park. Additionally, they have airports that provide domestic flight connections, allowing for easier access to the park for international visitors.
In my personal experience, I have had the opportunity to visit the Kruger National Park multiple times, and on each occasion, I have used either Mbombela or Phalaborwa as a starting point for my journey. Both cities have provided me with a comfortable and convenient base, allowing me to easily access the park and maximize my time exploring its incredible wildlife and natural beauty.
To summarize, Mbombela and Phalaborwa are the closest cities to the Kruger National Park, with Mbombela being closer to the southern part of the park and Phalaborwa being closer to the central part. These cities offer a range of amenities and accommodation options, making them ideal bases for visitors to the park.