One of the largest game reserves in the world, Kruger National Park is located in the northeastern part of South Africa. With its diverse habitats, it is home to numerous bird species as well as hundreds of mammals.
Wildlife in the park
Wildlife in Kruger National Park includes mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, fish, and even fossils. Aside from the famous African Elephant, leopard, cheetah, and black rhino, there are also lesser-known creatures to be seen in this park.
Leopards can be found in open areas, especially early in the morning and late at night. It is less difficult to spot them than cheetahs. They are also much more likely to come into close contact with you.
There are different kinds of animals in the park, including giraffe, antelope, waterbuck, and impala. You can expect to see many of these animals during game drives. These animals are attracted to permanent sources of water.
For a closer look at the animals in Kruger National Park, you can opt for a guided tour. There are over 500 species of birds in the park, of which 253 are endemic and are found in only Kruger. The largest number of migrant birds are found in the park from October to March.
Accommodation options in the park
Whether you’re on a budget or looking to splash the cash, Kruger National Park offers a wide range of accommodation options. Some lodges offer game drives and swimming pools, while others offer barebones accommodations. In some cases, the best value is found in private concessions.
The Greater Kruger area is a vast region of pristine natural habitats. This means you’re likely to see some of Africa’s “Big Five” wildlife. Guests can enjoy open vehicle safaris or take in the scenery on a walking safari. There are also a few luxury hotels that are located in the area.
For a more affordable way to experience the park, stay at one of the network of rest camps operated by SANParks. These rest camps are semi-serviced, but are also the most cost-effective option for self-drive safaris.
Road network in the park
Kruger Park is home to a large number of roads. These are divided into tarmac, gravel and dirt roads. All of these are good for self-drive safaris.
The tarmac road network is kept in excellent condition. It is used by tourists, commuters and goods. The traffic volume on a tar road is five times that of a gravel road. A balance must be struck between encouraging tar road use and conserving the dirt roads.
There is a 50 km/hour speed limit on tarred roads. Those traveling on gravel roads are allowed to drive at a slower speed of 30-40 km/hour.
Traffic density on the road network in Kruger National Park can be a concern. Many animals are accustomed to vehicle noises and may not appear in front of a car when there is a lot of traffic.
Conservation fees in the park
Kruger National Park is Africa’s largest wildlife sanctuary. It is located in northeastern South Africa. Usually accessed via chartered flight from Johannesburg or Cape Town, it is home to a wide variety of animals, including the Big Five.
The park offers several activities. Guests can book a game drive, safari, or bushveld camp. There are many different species to watch including leopards, rhinos, lions, buffalo, elephants, zebras, and more.
Unlike most private game reserves, the Kruger Park is open to the public. Visitors must pay an entrance fee at the gate. These fees help cover the maintenance of the park’s water supply. They can also be used for maintaining viewing hides.
Depending on your status, the daily conservation fee can be anywhere from R52 for children to R1760 for a four day trip. However, the fee is subject to change without notice.
Overnight hides in the park
Kruger National Park offers a unique opportunity to stay overnight in one of the many hides in the park. These hides offer you the chance to watch wildlife from a safe distance and can be an unforgettable experience.
Most sleepovers are located deeper within the park and offer a more pristine environment. Some hides are even located near watering holes. Many animals gather close by during the night, which makes them a great place to observe them.
The only downside of these hides is that they are rustic and lack electricity. This means that you will have to bring your own food and water. You should also keep in mind that the temperature can drop at night.
Guests must arrive at the hide before dark. Once the camp gate is open, they must report for check-in. Before arriving, you will need to have your bedding and cooking utensils ready.
