Since being established in 1898 the Kruger National Park has mostly expanded towards the north incorporating donated and settled homeland. As popularity of the Kruger Park grew, so neighbouring land owners turned from farming cattle to encouraging conservation and tourism. Several private reserves were established and those over 15000 hectares were considered to be included as part of what would become known as the Greater Kruger National Park. Reserves such as the Sabi Sands, Timbavati, and Klaseri are now open to the Kruger National Park, meaning that there is no fence separating the Kruger National Park from the mentioned Private Game Reserve and animals roam freely between the two.
The Greater Kruger National Park is therefore the area including the Private Game Reserves that are open to the Kruger National Park. This area meets the demands set by the Kruger National Park, but still has its own private rules and regulations and is mainly known for its luxury accommodation and open safari vehicle game drives.