Kruger National Park
Very few places on earth can beat the unspoiled, natural beauty, expansive vistas and diversity offered by the Kruger National Park. Covering an area of close to 20 000 square kilometres and extending 360km from north to south, the park is the flagship of South Africa's national parks and is considered one of the largest and most diverse wildlife reserves on the African continent.
Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. Man's interaction with the Lowveld environment over many centuries – from San rock paintings to majestic iron age archaeological sites like Masorini and Thulamela – is evident in the park. These treasures represent the cultures, people and events that played a role in the history of the park.
With an extensive and excellent road network, supported by an almost endless supply of publications, most visitors can explore the park on their own easily and safely. For the not so adventurous and Africa novices, guided tours on open-sided safari vehicles are available. They are also available for visitors staying outside the park. For the more outdoorsy types, wilderness trails, back-pack trails and a guided 4x4 trail along the entire eastern boundary of the park are available.
There are numerous accommodation options scattered through the park to suit the needs of every class of visitor. There are 11 large national park-run rest camps, offering self-catering bungalows, permanent tents and campsites. Most of these have a shop, restaurant and swimming pool, and offer the guest guided drives, including night drives, and guided walks.
The park also has seven smaller bushveld camps, which forgo the larger camp amenities for greater peace and tranquillity. Most of these camps are situated at the end of roads reserved for use by camp residents only.
For those seeking the ultimate luxury, there are several privately-run, award-winning game lodges situated in exclusive-use, traversing areas within the Kruger National Park. Here your every desire is catered for, from privately-guided safaris and sumptuous food prepared by leading chefs, to an extensive wine selection and spa treatments.
Top Attractions
- Bird hides - There are eleven bird / viewing hides in the Kruger National Park (excluding those found in rest camps), where visitors can view wildlife activity around a water source from a secure structure.
