The Kruger National Park is made up of a vast area of land and is one of the most famous Game Reserves in Africa.  The fauna and flora changes in different areas and the wildlife reside in parts which best suits their needs.  In the Greater Kruger area, one can experience wildlife in isolated areas on open vehicle safaris. There are various tours arranged which almost guarantee that you will see the “Big 5”in these areas and afterwards you can stay in some of the world’s top luxurious hotels and lodges.

The Greater Kruger National Park consists of over twenty private game reserves including the Kruger National Park (KNP) situated in the eastern part of South Africa.  The private reserves and the KNP are next to each other and there are no fences between them, so the animals and birds roam freely.

The accommodation provided in the private reserves which are part of the Greater Kruger offer some of the best African experiences for international tourists.

Otherwise, you can make reservations to stay in one of the chalets in the KNP and then make bookings to fly from Cape Town or drive from Johannesburg to visit a game reserve run by Sanparks. This tourism brings much needed conservation fees for the parks to help safeguard and protect the wildlife.

All tour operators can organize an all inclusive family vacation with children at cheap rates depending on what specials are running at the KNP camps. They also cater for singles and there are even camps that are wheelchair friendly for disabled visitors.  The Kruger National Park has constant discounted prices that will best suit you for your trip.

If you decide not to take tour packages with flights included, one can always take a journey which is just as enjoyable as the destination. This will allow you to tour outside the parks and see some of the other wonders the Lowveld has to offer. You can also stop at a cozy bed and breakfast along the way.

In a number of of the lodges, the rates include full board which consists of breakfast, lunch and dinner plus game drives.  Others offer half board which consists of breakfast and dinner so they try and accommodate all by making it affordable for everyone.  These lodges have their own game drives or walking safaris. Most lodges also come with swimming pools as an added luxury to soak in on hot summer days.

Your probability of seeing a lion or leopard kill is far higher in the central Kruger National Park than almost anywhere else. The eastern half of the central grassland is made up of mostly of wide-open basalt areas that support nourishing grazing and less tree growth.

This means plenty of grazers; antelope and zebra, and therefore plenty of predators such as lions and leopards. And when there is a kill, you will find vultures.

The western grasslands has more dense bush and has lots of trees which consists of bushwillow, knob-thorn and marula woodland.  There are no main rivers running through the central grasslands, but there are lots of smaller rivers some are the N’wanetsi, Sweni and Timbavati.

The reason you pay conservation fees

All who come for a holiday in the Kruger National Park need to pay conservations fees which is planned according to each day you will be spending in the park. Conservation fees raise funds that help in conserving the Kruger National Park’s cultural and historical plus natural heritage. This also helps preserve the viewing hides. This money is also direly needed for the preservation of the animals in the park.

The Big Five

The term Big Five was first used by the bygone big game hunters and it refers to the five most difficult animals they tried to hunt on foot. The term is now also widely used by everyone today and to see the Big Five on safari is just as amazing as it was then. The Big Five game animals are the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and the Cape buffalo.

The Lion

The lion is the main type of big cat on the African continent and the most social of the cat species. Prides can range in size anywhere from three to 30 big cats. Inside such a pride, the lioness normally does the majority of the hunting.  She is a prolific hunter. The male lion is much larger with a magnificent mane which is normally black, red and brown.  They usually form alliances outside of prides.

The Leopard

The leopard is the most mysterious member of the Big Five. These spotted cats are normally solitary, unless they are mating or when a mother is caring for her cub. Their impressive ability to conceal makes them difficult to ‘spot’. These cats are also famous for pulling their kills up trees to eat in peace without nagging scavengers around.

The Cape Buffalo

Although it is not the biggest or most vicious of the big five, the Cape buffalo is the most dangerous member. Do not be fooled by its bovine appearance – buffaloes are extremely volatile infamously bad-tempered and frightening with their horned weapons. They are mostly seen travelling in herds looking for the best grazing areas.

The Elephant

The African elephant is the world’s largest land mammal and one of the most amazing animals to see on safari. A typically sociable animal, elephants will most often be seen in herds or as solitary bulls walking down a quiet road in the KNP.  Cows average between 2800kg – 3500kg, while males weigh in at a hefty 5000kg – 6300kg. The Kruger National Park has an abundance of elephant and you are bound to see them on your trip.

The Black Rhino

The black or hook-lipped rhino is the original member of the Big Five. Their hooked lips are ideally suited for grazing. Although it is smaller than its white cousin, it is more violent of the two breeds. The black rhino’s numbers are critically low and the animal is now endangered due to rampant poaching. Every day in the Kruger National Park, rangers are fighting poachers to protect this amazing species from becoming extinct.

When to visit the Kruger National Park

The KNP is an all year-round destination, and with every season there are unique things to see.  Whatever time you decide to safari in the Kruger National Park, you will never be disappointed. Game viewing is the best during the dry winter months.  When the Summer brings the rains, the lush bushveld also offers sightings of newborn wildlife and the summer migrant birds arrive.

Summer is the rainy season in Kruger National Park. The rains fill the rivers and waterholes, making sure the bushveld become lush.

The thick dense bushveld in the summer season does make it more difficult to view animals. But towards the end of November and early December, the park is overflowing with newborns and spotting wildlife with their young is a memorable experience. Birding is amazing during this time as the summer migrant birds arrive.

The best time for seeing African wildlife in the Kruger National Park is the dry winter season.

The bushveld is more empty allowing for better visibility of the animals. The grass is low, the bushes and trees are sparse as there is no rain, the animals migrate to the waterholes and rivers.  Water holes, dams and rivers become busy and you are more likely to spot wildlife in the morning and evening as they come for a drink of water.

The day temperatures in winter are more pleasant but it can get quite cold during the night-time so make sure you pack something warm when going on early morning and night time game drives.

Kruger National Park Camps

The Kruger National Park has 34 individual camps but there are main camps. Below are some of the main camps and what they offer visitors:

Skukuza Camp

Skukuza Camp is the main camp of the whole of the Kruger National Park.  It is the biggest camp and includes facilities such as a shop, ATM, internet cafe, restaurant, library, fuel station and more. There is also a golf course, plus luxury that ranges from luxurious to basic.

Skukuza is the best place to start on the pursuit of the Big Five.  Lion are commonly seen around the area.  At night, look for the Fruit Bat that hangs under the roof space of the shop, and the Thick-tailed Bush Baby climbing the trees in search of gum.

Skukuza offers safari tents , four guest houses, luxury riverside bungalows, family cottages and guest cottages. There are sites for camping and caravans.

There are two restaurants and even an airport although it’s a basic one. There are public telephones, post box, bank , Car Hire, Car Wash, Auditorium and conference facilities, an internet café, delicatessen, two  swimming pools in camp (for overnight residents only). There is a cafeteria, Laundromat, filling station, communal kitchens and ablutions for campers. There is also basic first aid assistance, emergency roadside assistance. A day visitors picnic area which is situated about four kilometers outside the camp with its own swimming pool. Cellphone reception, and an indigenous Nursery.

Pretoriuskop Camp

Pretoriuskop Camp is one of the oldest rest camps situated in the park. This is the ideal area to spot a white rhino.  Accommodation in the camp varies from fully equipped guesthouses to basic bungalows with just two beds and a basin.

The more exclusive accommodation in the camp is the Pierre Joubert and the Doherty Bryant guesthouses. The camp area also has a shop, cafeteria and a restaurant. There are public telephones, post box, basic first aid assistance, filling station, Laundromat,  for campers there are communal kitchens.

For day visitors there is picnic facilities. In regards to emergency road services, that has to be done from Skukuza.

Olifants Rest Camp

Olifants Rest Camp provides accommodation in bungalows, and two comfortable guesthouses. There is also a picnic site and a shop.  There are two, three and four single roomed thatched bungalows fitted with en-suite facilities and kitchenettes which have magnificent views of the river and surrounding bushveld.

One of the two-bedded huts is specially fitted with aids for those with disabilities. The camp offers amazing sightings of zebra, impala, kudu, and elephant.

The camp also has a restaurant, conference facility, public telephones, shop, Laundromat, filling station,  communal kitchens for campers, basic first aid assistance, there is a day visitor picnic area with gas braais for rent. There is cellphone reception and emergency roadside assistance is from Letaba.

Lower Sabie Rest Camp

Lower Sabie Rest Camp  is situated near the Sabie River, which attracts a wide assortment of animals annually. This camp is ideal for families as it offers a wide range of activities as well.

A choice of accommodation options is available from a deluxe guesthouse to family cottages, huts, bungalows, safari tents and campsites. Lower Sabie also has wheelchair-friendly accommodation.

The wildlife is drawn to the river and green foliage around Lower Sabie. This makes it an ideal area to see elephant, lions, cheetah, rhinos plus herds of buffalo and warthogs and hippos.

The camp has a restaurant, filling station, cafeteria, grocery and curio shop, picnic area, emergency road service, basic first aid assistance, a swimming pool.  Plus they offer film shows on conservation and wildlife on particular evenings. They also offer public telephones, Laundromat, communal kitchens and ablutions for campers plus a picnic area for day visitors.

Berg en Dal Rest Camp

The Berg en Dal Rest Camp is known as one of the ‘newer’ camps as it was built in 1984.  The animals around the camp that can be found are : Kudu, Impala, Giraffe, White Rhino,  Elephant, Reedbuck, Klipspringer, warthog, and  Grey Rhebok. Other animals which are regularly seen are leopards and sometimes even the elusive wild dog.

Letaba Camp

Letaba Camp is close to three major dams which makes it an ideal spot to view the wildlife. It is located near the Letaba River. The camp has a guest house, cottages, bungalows, huts or furnished safari tents.

Letaba Camp is an ideal spot for  bird watching enthusiasts as it allows you the opportunity to see the Pearlspotted, Barred and Scops owls plus the Giant Eagle Owl is normally seen along the river.

The camp also has banking facilities, a filling station and the Goldfields Environmental Education Centre is situated there plus a conference facility.  It also has a swimming pool, a post box, public telephones, restaurant, cafeteria and a curio shop.  They have a Laundromat, for the campers, communal kitchens and ablution facilities. They have emergency roadside assistance. There is cellphone reception and a picnic area for day visitors.

The camp comprises of modern six-bedroom family cottages, two- and three-bedroom  bungalows and two guest houses with a multitude of bedrooms. There is also a camping and caravan area. Game drives and bush walks are also available. There is also a picnic area which can be used for day visitors and those staying at the camp.

There is also a restaurant and cafeteria with a view over the Matjulu dam. They also have a fully stocked grocery store, a Laundromat and a filling station.  The camp also has cell-phone reception, a film auditorium, with swimming pool which is only for use by the overnight residents, conference area, basic first aid, emergency road assistance, post box , public phones, communal kitchen, and ablutions.

Crocodile Bridge Camp

Crocodile Bridge Camp is a small camp which consists of bungalows, safari tents and caravan and camping sites. It is located on the northern banks of the Crocodile River of which it is named after. Crocodile Bridge Camp also offers disabled-friendly accommodation.  The game that can be viewed around the camp area is famous for its large population of rhino and various prides of lion.

At the camp there is a shop, a Laundromat, a filling station, post box, public telephones, a coffee shop. For the campers there are communal kitchens and ablution facilities. For day visitors there is a picnic area.  The camp also picks up cellphone reception and there is first aid assistance in the event of an emergency.

FAQ’s

There are many questions visitors have about visiting the Kruger National Park. Below is a list of the most common queries asked.

Will I have cell-phone reception in Kruger National Park?

Yes, there is some mobile phone coverage in most of the camps. The signal strength depends on the area so you need to stop in an area where there is signal to make a call.  You are not allowed to use cell phones on game drives and in public areas. This is time to relax in the bush and get back to nature.

Will it be safe from wild animals at night?

Yes, there are safety precautions in place so you will be safe if you follow all the Park rules. Make sure that you are at your booked camp before the gates close. The camps are closed and fenced off to protect against wildlife.   You will find an occasional monkey or baboon roaming around in the camp but they present no threat to you. You are able to walk freely and safely within the boundaries of the camp at night.

Can you take a dog or pets into the Kruger National Park?

No animals can be brought into the Kruger National Park. This is to avoid transferring diseases and for general safety of your pet. There are exceptions to the rule such as guide dogs for those who are visually impaired. Although in this instance you would have to inform your travel agent in advance so that a license can be obtained.

There are hotels and self-catering lodgings near the Kruger Park that are pet-friendly. You can enter the park during the day as a day visitor. The hotels and some of the outside lodges do offer a dog sitting service in the form of a kennel during the day which allows you to enter the Kruger National Park as a day visitor to do some game viewing.

What to remember if I intend doing a road trip to the Kruger National Park?

• Avoid driving yourself unless you are familiar with local conditions of the roads in South Africa
• Avoid travelling by road at night because there is the risk of robbery when you stop at robots at night
• In the event of an accident wait for the police or if you do not feel safe, drive immediately to the nearest police station
• Screen your fuel levels to ensure that your fuel tank is never lower than half full
• Drivers often drive at excessive speeds, and they can be aggressive or reckless
• Avoid travelling alone
• Keep windows rolled up and doors locked
• Remain on tourist routes and avoid remote areas
• When travelling between cities, you should do so in a convoy, whenever possible
• Avoid camping or travelling alone and hire a reputable tour guide. Make sure you use a reputable tour company to do your bookings
• Follow the advice and warnings of local tour guides and camp employees
• Do not walk around at night
• Never leave children unattended
• Buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• Make sure that you are properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• Make sure a family member or friend knows your schedule
• An International Driver’s Permit carried in conjunction with your national driving license is recommended and must be printed or authenticated in English
• If your license does not have a photograph in it, then you must also carry your passport with you so that you can be identified as the legal holder of the driving license
• Please note that the car hire companies might have different rules regarding the length of time that you need to have held a driving license, so it is advisable to check with your hire car company about their requirements
• Always make sure documentation is always carried with you when driving
• Traffic officers will expect to see documentation if they stop you for any reason
• In South Africa people drive on the left-hand side of the road, and vehicles – rental cars included – are right-hand drive vehicles
• Keep to the left and pass right
• All distances, speed limits (and speedometers) are in kilometers
• There are strict drinking and driving laws – with a maximum allowable alcohol blood content of 0.05%. Translated that means about one glass of wine for the average woman and perhaps 1.5 or two for the average or large man
• Four-way-stops are commonly found at the quieter intersections – the first vehicle to arrive has priority. On roundabouts, give way to the right, although this is often ignored, and it is wise to proceed with caution
• Wearing of seat belts is compulsory. All the occupants of a vehicle are required to wear seatbelts whilst they are travelling, if you are caught without you will be subject to a hefty fine
• Using a cellphone while you are driving is against the law – use a vehicle phone attachment or hands-free kit, if you want to speak on your mobile phone
• The general speed limit on national highways, urban freeways and other major routes is 120 kilometers (75mph)
• On secondary (rural) roads it is 100 kilometers (60mph)
• In built-up areas it is usually 60 kilometers (35mph) unless otherwise indicated
• Always check the road signs and you must always obey the speed limit
• Speed limits are maximum speeds. If it is raining, misty or the road is congested, reduce speed
• Reduce speed near areas where there is pedestrian activity.

What to do when driving in the Kruger National Park?

If you are planning to do a self-drive in the Kruger National Park you must be aware there are speed limits.  There is a maximum speed limit of 50 kilometers on tarred roads, 40 kilometers on gravel roads and 20 kilometers in Rest Camps.

The standard speed of 20 -30 kilometers is recommended for you to really enjoy the full game viewing experience.

Remember never drive with your windows open in the Kruger National Park and NEVER get out of your vehicle unless you are in one of the rest camp areas.

How should you behave around the animals?

The animals you will see in the Kruger National Park are wild animals. They are not in cages like you will find at a zoo. These animals run freely in the Kruger National Park.  Some animals especially the lions can fool you to think they are docile but that not the case. Also you will see lots of hippos relaxing in dams and in rivers. They will also look cute and harmless but they are extremely dangerous and have killed many people that have ventured too near them.

Do not leave your car or an open safari vehicle. Your guide on a safari vehicle will stop you from getting out the vehicle. If you are driving on your own, then there is nobody to stop you. But remember this, getting out of your car, even if it is to lean an arm out of the window to take a photo of a beautiful lion, the one apparently relaxing under the bushes that looks harmless is extremely dangerous.  No part of your body should ever leave the vehicle, and if you see someone doing this, you should report them immediately for the sake of their own safety.

Do not get too close to any animal. The safari rangers will not allow you to get too close, but if you should be on your own you might be tempted to get your vehicle close to the animal. This could scare the animal or even harm it.

Bigger animals, especially elephants should be kept a suitable distance away from your vehicle. You don’t know what temperament they might have. Many a vehicle in the Kruger National Park has been damaged by elephants.

When on a walking safari, it is one of the most amazing ways to spend your time in Africa. You must be accompanied by an experienced armed guide.  This is also one of the most dangerous kinds of Kruger National Park safaris to go on board.  So you must follow orders at all times to ensure your safety. While a guide will have a weapon to keep you safe from potential harm, there is always the risk of danger. For a bush walk make sure to have proper hiking shoes, insect repellent and some sunscreen.

Do not carry food around even when you are in the rest camp. You will be safe from big animals in the rest camp, but there are sneaky and cheeky monkeys and baboons around. They are known to grab food out of visitor’s hands and do it like experts. So be aware of them sitting around in trees.

Can you feed the animals in Kruger National Park?

Definitely not! You are not allowed to feed any animals in Kruger National Park, particularly the monkeys and baboons that might run around in the camps. This is a serious offence and you can be fined heavily.

If animals are fed they will lose their natural fear of humans and can become aggressive and dangerous.

Is the water safe?

The tap water is safe to drink, but most camps provide bottled water and you can buy bottled water at all shops in the Kruger National Park.

What about malaria?

The Kruger National Park is a malaria risk zone. The wet season is from October to May and this is when the malaria risk is high. February to May is when the risk is peaking. Consult your doctor for the right medication to prevent malaria. You will be required to start a course of anti-malaria medication a week prior to your trip.

What is malaria?

Malaria is widespread in Africa. Malaria is a life-threatening disease. It is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Infected mosquitoes carry the Plasmodium parasite. When this mosquito bites you, the parasite is released into your bloodstream.

Symptoms can be flu-like or cause shaking chills that can range from moderate to severe. Also, a high fever, profuse sweating, headaches, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, muscle pain and bloody stools.

Make sure you start taking anti-malaria medication before your journey and during. Ensure you have adequate medication for the duration of your stay. Take insect repellent with you.

Does mosquito nets help?

Most of the private lodges in the Kruger National Park will provide guests with the mosquito nets for their rooms as well as all the other items that help prevent bites like sprays, creams, coils, and plug-in dispensers.

If you plan on camping or doing any mobile travel, nets can be purchased from outdoor stores and sports shops, while insect sprays and repellents can be purchased from any chemist or grocery store.

How to stop from being bitten?

You must cover up at night and wear clothes that does not expose too much skin, particularly around your ankles. Keep applying repellent every four to six hours as it does stop working after awhile. Make sure you burn repellent oils and if possible, plug in and use heated insecticide at night.

Can I go on a safari while pregnant?

It is not recommended to travel to the Kruger National Park during your pregnancy. There are other parks and reserves better suited for you during this time in and around South Africa. otherwise you can opt for a malaria-free safari.

Heatstroke

Heat exhaustion is a common problem, especially among tourists that have come from cooler climates. Symptoms include a bad headache, dizziness, vomiting and extreme tiredness. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of bottled water or beverages. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and apply sunscreen lotion to prevent yourself from getting sunburn.

Chronic dehydration makes you feel weak, tired, and lightheaded and increases your risk of developing kidney stones.

Move into a cool area or room and elevate your feet and legs. Drink lots of fluids until your body temperature drops. Seek medical treatment if the symptoms persist

How the Kruger National Park began and the historical landmarks

 The vast areas where the Kruger National Park is situated today were thought of as a hunter’s paradise. The ravages of malaria and other tropical diseases that affected them did not deter them.

The land was laid nearly bare by the slaughter of wildlife by hunters during the mid 1800’s.  The loss of animals was even more decimated by an epidemic of Rinderpest in 1896.  President of the Transvaal Boer Republic,  Paul Kruger in 1898 declared the area between the Sabie and Crocodile Rivers a reserve. The second reserve was situated between the Luvuvhu and Shingwedzi Rivers.  These two reserves formed to become what we know as the Kruger National Park on a map today.

In 1902, James Stevenson-Hamilton became the head ranger for the two reserves. With a small group of rangers he eagerly imposed his command that the area became only for animal habitation thereby moving the people that had resided in these areas for hundreds of years. This is how he got the nickname of “Skukuza” (“He who sweeps clean”).

Stevenson-Hamilton was joined by new assistant warden Harry Wolhuter, who notably survived an attack from two lions in 1904, armed with nothing more than a pocketknife. He killed the first lion with the knife and his dog kept the second lion at bay until he got help. The knife and the lion skin can be seen in the Stevenson-Hamilton Memorial Museum at Skukuza.

Stevenson-Hamilton’s idea  of creating a wildlife park for tourism came to completion in 1926. This was when the two reserves were merged with privately owned farms in between them were bought by the government to shape a combined area known today as the Kruger National Park.

History buffs are spoilt for options today as there are a number of monuments, memorials, gravesites, and objects of importance on display throughout the park that dates back to the 19th century.

You can discover the secrets of Kruger National Park by diving into its past and viewing one-of-a-kind, distinctive landmarks that made the renowned park what it is today.

Some of these landmarks are situated close to the rest camps, so anyone can visit them without disturbing your game viewing plans.

The Paul Kruger Memorial is situated at the Kruger Gate. There is a bust of Paul Kruger and the Kruger memorial tablet. The latter was to honor the foundation of the Kruger National Park, and reads: ‘This tablet was erected by the National Park Board of Trustees to commemorate the institution of National Parks into the Union. Sabie Game Reserve proclaimed by President Kruger in 1898. National Parks Act introduced by Mr PGW Grobler, Minister of Lands, in 1926.’ Another plaque situated in Skukuza, memorializes those who are seen as the Founding Fathers of the park: James Stevenson-Hamilton, Paul Kruger and Piet Grobler.

The historical Struben Family Cottage can also be found at Skukuza. The cottage is named after the Struben brothers, Fred and Harry. The brothers arrived in South Africa from Germany in about 1840, with the idea of becoming gold prospectors.  Harry Struben was the first president of the Chamber of Mines in the country. Their cottage has been renovated and now serves as accommodation for visitors to the Kruger National Park.

Sir Percy Fitzpatrick  arrived in  1884, in the area at the Eastern Transvaal goldfields where he worked as store man, prospector’s hand and journalist, and as transport-rider form Lourenço Marques by ox-wagon to Lydenburg and Barberton. In Barberton, he became editor of the Gold Fields News.

Fitzpatrick worked on a supply route through the Lowveld, along the Old Delagoa Road, which was used between May and September by transport riders from the Lydenburg Goldfields to Lourenço Marques. This route served as the setting for many of his famous dog Jock of the Bushveld’s adventures.

Fitzpatrick’s adventures during this time of his life, when he was traipsing in the Bushveld, are brilliantly described in his book Jock of the Bushveld, which is normally established as a South African classic.

He recounted the adventures of his dog Jock (a Staffordshire Bullterrier cross), in the form of bedtime stories to his four children to whom the book was dedicated. Rudyard Kipling, who was close friend, used to take part in these story-telling evenings and he it was he who persuaded Fitzpatrick to put the stories together in a book form.

Jock’s birthplace (he was born in 1885) is noticeable along the Voortrekker Road, which runs southeast of Pretoriuskop. Found at Jock Safari Lodge, there is a bronze statue that commemorates the bravery and loyalty of Jock who became a legend of the bushveld.