There is no better place to view African wildlife than Kruger National Park, South Africa's oldest and most popular national park. This fact is attested to by the one million or so visitors who tour the national park annually. Kruger National Park has its origin in the Sabi Reserve, which was set up in 1898 to stem the effects of over-hunting, and is named after Paul Kruger- once president of the Transvaal Republic that later became part of the Union of South Africa.
The national park straddles a vast area from Limpopo River in the north, 350km southwards along the South Africa-Mozambique border, to the Crocodile River in the south. Kruger has a great diversity of ecosystems, with six rivers feeding the about 16 vegetation zones. The park is generally low lying, and has an average altitude of 269 meters above sea level.
Though Kruger occupies 20,000 sq. km, it is the wooded and more lush Mpulanga region in Kruger's south that is most popular with visitors. You can get to this region using any of the five gates at Numbi, Phabeni, Malelane, Paul Kruger and Crocodile Bridge. The arid central and northern regions are shrouded in some mystery tales and appeal more to the adventurous travelers. With fewer visitors visiting this region, it can be accessed through the Phalaborwa and Orpen gates.
The great wildlife diversity is what makes Kruger the most celebrated national park in South Africa. The hundreds of species found here include 114 reptiles, 147 mammals, 49 fish, 507 birds, and 336 tree species. Kruger is without doubt the best place to view the African big five " Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant, and Buffalo.
In addition to the big five, the other abundant animals include hippos, giraffes, baboons, impala, warthogs, and zebra. Together with the plant life, these animals form complete food chains, attracting many researchers conducting scientific studies of animal behavior.
The nine gates that give you access to Kruger National park are well connected by a good road network. The distance from Malelane gate in the North and Pafuri gate in the south is 414 km. While within the park, a game drive is a definite must-do activity, whether with the escort of a ranger guide, or a self-navigated drive. Night game drives in Kruger are allowed, giving you a chance to observe the nocturnal animals like leopards, hyenas, owls, bushbabies and nightjars.
There are a number of regular trails that visitors on a self-navigated game drive can follow. But if you are the more adventurous type, you should take a ranger to guide you on a walking safari. Seven wilderness trails are available for guided walking safaris, providing you the chance to view wildlife up close, while enjoying the aromas of nature. Accommodation is available in a wilderness camp, but it is advisable you book in advance.
There are daily flights from Johannesburg to Phalaborwa Airport, Hoedspruit Airport and the Kruger/Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) as well as daily flights to KMIA from Durban and Cape Town. Charter planes and rental cars are available from Kruger Mpumalanga Airport, Kruger Park Gateway airport, East Gate Airport. Accommodation is also available within the park to suit the tastes and pockets of most- ranging from camping and self-catering to luxury lodges.
The national park straddles a vast area from Limpopo River in the north, 350km southwards along the South Africa-Mozambique border, to the Crocodile River in the south. Kruger has a great diversity of ecosystems, with six rivers feeding the about 16 vegetation zones. The park is generally low lying, and has an average altitude of 269 meters above sea level.
Though Kruger occupies 20,000 sq. km, it is the wooded and more lush Mpulanga region in Kruger's south that is most popular with visitors. You can get to this region using any of the five gates at Numbi, Phabeni, Malelane, Paul Kruger and Crocodile Bridge. The arid central and northern regions are shrouded in some mystery tales and appeal more to the adventurous travelers. With fewer visitors visiting this region, it can be accessed through the Phalaborwa and Orpen gates.
The great wildlife diversity is what makes Kruger the most celebrated national park in South Africa. The hundreds of species found here include 114 reptiles, 147 mammals, 49 fish, 507 birds, and 336 tree species. Kruger is without doubt the best place to view the African big five " Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant, and Buffalo.
In addition to the big five, the other abundant animals include hippos, giraffes, baboons, impala, warthogs, and zebra. Together with the plant life, these animals form complete food chains, attracting many researchers conducting scientific studies of animal behavior.
The nine gates that give you access to Kruger National park are well connected by a good road network. The distance from Malelane gate in the North and Pafuri gate in the south is 414 km. While within the park, a game drive is a definite must-do activity, whether with the escort of a ranger guide, or a self-navigated drive. Night game drives in Kruger are allowed, giving you a chance to observe the nocturnal animals like leopards, hyenas, owls, bushbabies and nightjars.
There are a number of regular trails that visitors on a self-navigated game drive can follow. But if you are the more adventurous type, you should take a ranger to guide you on a walking safari. Seven wilderness trails are available for guided walking safaris, providing you the chance to view wildlife up close, while enjoying the aromas of nature. Accommodation is available in a wilderness camp, but it is advisable you book in advance.
There are daily flights from Johannesburg to Phalaborwa Airport, Hoedspruit Airport and the Kruger/Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) as well as daily flights to KMIA from Durban and Cape Town. Charter planes and rental cars are available from Kruger Mpumalanga Airport, Kruger Park Gateway airport, East Gate Airport. Accommodation is also available within the park to suit the tastes and pockets of most- ranging from camping and self-catering to luxury lodges.
About the Author:
The author works with Africapoint - Online travel agents for Africa. Visit the Africapoint website for South Africa flights reservations and South Africa hotels booking.
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