Kruger National Park

This 2 million hectare National Park stretches along the Transvaal boarder with Mozambique to the Crocodile River in the south, and is one of the largest in Africa. Established in 1898 by then president Paul Kruger to protect the lowveld South African wildlife from hunters, it is now home to the greatest variety of wildlife in Africa, with an estimated species count of 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals including the ‘Big 5’.

The Big 5 are easily spotted with an estimated 1,500 lion, 12,000 elephant, 2,500 buffalo, 1,000 leopard and 5,000 rhino (black and white). Other classical African game is also in abundance at Kruger, including hippopotamus, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, warthog and many antelope species.

Some of the 500 species of birds here include Hornbills, Starlings, Vultures, Rollers, Bee-eaters and Shrikes. Some species cannot be seen anywhere else in South Africa. The whole park is excellent for birding with numerous water points, rest camps and picnic sites, but the north of the park is known as a Mecca for keen bird watchers.

The park has a perfect balance between being accessible and retaining its unspoilt wilderness. It excels in both areas, with a 2,600 kilometre network of tarred roads between well facilitated and scenic rest camps. The terrain in general is flat grass and bush covered plains, with the Lebombo mountain range forming a natural barrier, and numerous rivers flowing from east to west.

It is accessible for individual travellers without a guide, or those without transport can find a variety of packages that will suit every budget and time allowance.

There are seven entrance gates to the Kruger National Park. The most accessible from Johannesburg are the Numbi Gate and Paul Kruger Gate. There are also Orpen, close to Blyde River, Phalaborwa, Punda Maria and Pafuri more north.

An airport at Skukuza Camp connects to many of the larger airports within South Africa.

Within the park boundaries, travel is only allowed between sunrise and sunset. After dark you have to stay in one of the fenced restcamps. Malaria is prevalent, so precautions are essential.

The dry winter season is the optimum time to visit Kruger, as the grass is low and leaves have fallen. This allows improving viewing of the animals, and the waterholes are populated during the morning and evening.

The Kruger National Park is the primary destination in South Africa for many international tourists. Each year more than half a million visitors are registered.