KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

The Kruger National Park is the best choice for a do-it-yourself and low-cost safari. The first wildlife reserve established in southern Africa (and in fact, one of the oldest wildlife reserves in the world), Kruger was designated a protected area in 1926. Today, the Park spreads over 20,000 sq km and draws the largest number of safari enthusiasts in South Africa. The infrastructure within the Park is reputed to be the best in the African Continent, and it is considered to be one of the world’s finest examples of efficient wildlife management.

Stretching for 350 km from north to south, Kruger occupies most of what is known as the `Low veldt’- a fertile, low-lying coastal belt which is drained by five rivers. Teeming with wildlife, it is home to the Big Five - the elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo. Kruger offers enthusiasts a choice of more than 147 mammals, 500 species of birds and 114 reptiles within its premises. Little chance here of coming back disappointed; you can’t help but see wildlife- even if it’s `not that exciting’ species such as warthog, zebra, wildebeest, cheetah and impala. The rivers of the Park are home to hippos and crocodiles, while birds such as ostrich, Goliath heron, steppe buzzard, secretary bird, paradise flycatcher and plenty of other interesting species nest within the Park.

Entry Permits
Visitors to Kruger pay R30 per adult and R15 per child at the entrance to the park. Additional charges are levied on vehicles, ranging from R9 for a trailer to R320 for a large bus. Safaris, guided walks and camping in wilderness parks cost extra.

Access
Metalled roads connect the Kruger National Park and it makes wonderful sense to drive to the Park. There are eight entrance gates to the Park. The Kruger Gate is approximately 500km (5 hours) from Jo’burg and 520km from Pretoria. There is approximately 2000 km of roads within the park that are well maintained by the authorities. Before you hit the accelerator, be warned that they are very strict with those who exceed speed limits. Cars can be rented from Skukuza, Nelspruit and Phalaborwa airports. Most of the private parks have airstrips for chartered flights.

Within the Park, the options for wildlife watching are numerous. You can hire a vehicle and go on a safari, or you can spend the day looking out for passing animals from the comfort of a camp verandah. Alternatively- and this is possible only if you’re accompanied by a very experienced guide- you can go along one of the special wilderness trails which meander through the Park. There are seven of these trails, and all offer the opportunity to see wildlife at real close quarters.

Best time to visit
Summer (December to March) has the mercury rising to 40ºC in the day and the nights can be cool at 20º C. The rains also come down in summer with an opportunity for the visitor to see the dramatic thundershowers peculiar to this region of the world. The rains mean a spurt in the growth of grass and plant life and it is often difficult to spot wildlife. Winter (June onwards) is the best time to visit the Park with dry, pleasantly warm days. Many of the watering holes dry up, and animals head for the few that are full, making it easy to spot them.

Accommodation
Rest camps, Bushveld camps, bungalows, cottages, huts, safari tents, private camps for groups, caravan and camping sites are some of the many accommodation facilities available in the Park. There are two private camps within Kruger called Mala Mala and Sabi Sabi, and a large number of private reserves such as Chitwa Chitwa Lodges, Honeyguide Tented Safaris, Makalali Private Game Reserve, Kaparna Private Game Reserve and Tangala Private Safari Camp- all on the outskirts of the park. Tariffs vary considerably, depending upon what level of luxury (or the lack of it!) you’re looking at.

Treetop game viewing venues, covered verandahs, specially protected swimming pools, eco-safaris and open safari vehicles are some of the specialties of these private reserves apart from air-conditioned accommodation and international cuisine.

Apart from camping, all accommodation must be booked through the National Parks Board. Gas stations, restaurants, a bank and shops are amenities within reach of camping sites.

 For detailed country and visitor information, see South Africa.