Kruger National Park, the oldest and most popular game park in South Africa, is undoubtedly the best place to observe African wildlife. Every year, about one million travelers visit this wildlife sanctuary, attesting to Kruger's claim to the top spot. Kruger's history dates back to 1898 when the Sabi Game Reserve was established to stem the destruction of the wildlife by hunters. Paul Kruger was at that time the President of the Transvaal Republic, which later became part of the Union of South Africa. The park was later named after him.
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.
The southern part of the 20,000 sq kilometer park, which is located in the Mpumalanga region, is more lush and wooded. This area is very popular with visitors and is accessed though the five gates at Malelane, Crocodile Bridge, Numbi, Phabeni and Paul Kruger. On the other hand, the northern and central sections are more arid and fall in the Limpopo region. Fewer visitors come here; giving rise to an air of mystery that beckons the adventurous. You get there via the Orpen and Phalaborwa gates.
A great variety of animal and bird species abound in Kruger national park, making it the most celebrated in South Africa. The species diversity consists 147 mammals, 114 reptiles, 507 birds, 49 fish, and 336 tree species. There is no better destination in South Africa to observe the famous big five game " Elephant, Rhino, Lion, Buffalo, and Leopard - than in Kruger National Park.
Other animals to see include cheetah, zebra, giraffe, baboon, hippo, impala, and warthog. The prolific mix of animals, including the presence of complete food chains, attracts scientists researching animal interaction.
Kruger has an extensive road network connecting the nine access gates in the national park. Pafuri gate in the north for example is a 414 km drive away from Malelane gate in the south. Within the national park, one activity you must engage in is a game drive. You can take a ranger guide to enhance your game watching experience, or you can also navigate yourself. Night game drives in Kruger give you the opportunity to observe nocturnal wildlife like Leopards, owls, bushbabies, nightjars, and hyenas.
Most visitors take game drives aboard a vehicle on regular trails. But ranger guided walking safaris are available to more adventurous spirits. On any of the seven guided wilderness trails for walkers, you take in nature's aromas as you view game up close. The trails include three nights stay in a wilderness camp. This option is quite popular and early booking is advised.
You can get to Kruger by the several daily flights from Johannesburg, Durban or Cape town. Phalaborwa Airport, Kruger/Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA), and Hoedspruit Airport are the main airports where scheduled flights to Kruger national park land. Another alternative would be to take a rental car or charter plane from Kruger Mpumalanga Airport, East Gate Airport, or Kruger park gateway airport. Within the national park, accommodation facilities range from luxury lodges to self catering and camping sites, meeting the needs of travelers' different budgets and tastes.
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.
The southern part of the 20,000 sq kilometer park, which is located in the Mpumalanga region, is more lush and wooded. This area is very popular with visitors and is accessed though the five gates at Malelane, Crocodile Bridge, Numbi, Phabeni and Paul Kruger. On the other hand, the northern and central sections are more arid and fall in the Limpopo region. Fewer visitors come here; giving rise to an air of mystery that beckons the adventurous. You get there via the Orpen and Phalaborwa gates.
A great variety of animal and bird species abound in Kruger national park, making it the most celebrated in South Africa. The species diversity consists 147 mammals, 114 reptiles, 507 birds, 49 fish, and 336 tree species. There is no better destination in South Africa to observe the famous big five game " Elephant, Rhino, Lion, Buffalo, and Leopard - than in Kruger National Park.
Other animals to see include cheetah, zebra, giraffe, baboon, hippo, impala, and warthog. The prolific mix of animals, including the presence of complete food chains, attracts scientists researching animal interaction.
Kruger has an extensive road network connecting the nine access gates in the national park. Pafuri gate in the north for example is a 414 km drive away from Malelane gate in the south. Within the national park, one activity you must engage in is a game drive. You can take a ranger guide to enhance your game watching experience, or you can also navigate yourself. Night game drives in Kruger give you the opportunity to observe nocturnal wildlife like Leopards, owls, bushbabies, nightjars, and hyenas.
Most visitors take game drives aboard a vehicle on regular trails. But ranger guided walking safaris are available to more adventurous spirits. On any of the seven guided wilderness trails for walkers, you take in nature's aromas as you view game up close. The trails include three nights stay in a wilderness camp. This option is quite popular and early booking is advised.
You can get to Kruger by the several daily flights from Johannesburg, Durban or Cape town. Phalaborwa Airport, Kruger/Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA), and Hoedspruit Airport are the main airports where scheduled flights to Kruger national park land. Another alternative would be to take a rental car or charter plane from Kruger Mpumalanga Airport, East Gate Airport, or Kruger park gateway airport. Within the national park, accommodation facilities range from luxury lodges to self catering and camping sites, meeting the needs of travelers' different budgets and tastes.
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 lodges and hotels booking.
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