Kruger National Park: The Land Of Big Six, Big Five & Little Five

Tucked away in the heart of Lowveld in South Africa, with atmosphere so perfect and unique that the untamed are free to grow and live –  here’s Kruger National Park, the pride of the country with endless expanse of raw wilderness.

Kruger National Park is one of the world’s greatest wildlife-watching destinations

The largest game reserve in South Africa with two million hectares of land, Kruger National Park is known for its impeccable wildlife safari experience. It lies across the regions of Limpopo and Mpumalanga and is the land of the Big Five (Lion, Leopard, Rhinoceros, Elephant, African Buffalo), The Little Five (Leopard Tortoise, Buffalo Weaver, Elephant Shrew, Ant Lion and Rhino Beetle), Big Six (Lappet-faced Vulture, Pel’s Fishing Owl, Ground Hornbill, Kori Bustard, Martial Eagle and Saddle-Bill Stork) and various other species!

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Regions Of Kruger National Park

Map Of Kruger National Park, Picture Source – sanparks.org

Far North Region Of Kruger National Park

This National Park is the oldest, largest and most well established park in South Africa

If you want to experience pure solitude admist the chirps of rare species of birds and endangered animals lurking around unique sandstone formations, then the Far North Region of the Kruger National Park is just ideal for you. Spot nocturnal bats and bushpigs, sand frogs, pack of endangered wild dogs, samango monkeys, sharpe’s grysborg among various species. With Luvuvhu River flowing in this region, you can also find rainbow killifish here, found no where else in Africa.

North Region of Kruger National Park

Spot Africa’s grey giants as you go on a safari in the Kruger National Park

If you want to witness the sizeable herd of elephants, hippos, buffaloes, impala and bushbuck, the northern region is perfect. Covering over 7000 sq km with little rain and great expanse of dryness, this region is rich in river banks as five rivers forge their way through this part. It is a semi-arid region and perfect to spot beautiful beasts along the banks of the river.

Central Region Of Kruger National Park

The giraffe is the national animal of Tanzania and these are Africa’s most widespread species

Looking to capture pictures of lions, leopards, hyenas and cheetahs? Explore the Central part of the Kruger National Park, a popular region amongst tourists and wildlife enthusiast. Encompassing 30% of the whole Kruger area, this part of the land is rich in sweet grasses, tall trees and bushes that form food for giraffe, buffalo, zebra, antelope and wildebeest.

South region Of Kruger National Park

Herd of zebras occur in vastly differing habitats, usually where plains and mountains overlap

If you are a big fan of rare species, head south as the Southern region of the Kruger National Park is home to the Crocodile River in the south and Sabir River in the north. Find rare trees like Cape chestnut, coral tree and lavender fever-berry that attracts wild beasts like cheetah, kudu, impala, giraffe, buffalo, zebra, white rhino and elephants here.

Also Read: An Ultimate & All-Inclusive South Africa Tour Guide

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What To Do In Kruger National Park – Things To Do And See

1. Game Drives

These bold ones have been seen to graze right next to the lions and can be found around thorny thickets and dense bush in southern Kruger

Kruger National Park is all about Game Drives that involve venturing out and catching the glimpse of the natural habitat in off-road rolling vehicles. The rest-camps here offer early morning, mid-morning and sunset game drives that last around 3 hours including the meals and tea breaks.

Find Untamed Beauties

Spot Wildebeest and Impalas at a watering hole in your early morning safaris and walks

An opportunistic carnivore with a distinctive sloping back, hyenas can be seen in abundance in the National Park

The Caracal (Rooikat) is a very shy animal and is generally hard to find in the Kruger National Park. But once spotted, it is an incredibly thrilling experience

The roar of the lion is an impressive sound and is perhaps the sound most associated with the South African wild

Low in population, the Wild Dog is one of Africa’s most endangered mammal species

Kudu prefers dense bush, wooded foot hills of mountain areas in the Kruger National Park and are often seen feeding on succulent bushes

2. Bird Watching

On of the most popular things to do in Kruger National Park is bird watching. With diverse species of birds, some rare and some endangered, this National Park is a delight for ardent bird lovers, photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. With over 200 different species of birds, Kruger National Park is home to birds that can hardly be seen anywhere in Africa.

3. Guided Bush Walks

Mischievous and with almost human-like habits, monkeys are certainly great entertainers

Feel the adrenaline rush as you spot elephants, rhinos, lions on foot walk through the guided bush walk. Know the fragility of the ecosystem in this wilderness as you witness the small and silent crawlers of the park like termites, spiders and snakes. The walk lasts around 4 hours and gives you the breathing time to soak in the natural beauty of the area.
Travel Tip: Carry snacks and sunscreen in the morning and afternoon walks.

4. Tread The Undiscovered Trails In Wilderness

A wounded buffalo bull is considered as the most dangerous by hunters, and is one of the reasons why buffalo is included into the so-called ‘big five’.

With few amazing and untouched wilderness trails, Kruger National Park offers 2 days and 3 nights package that lets you get in touch with the nature in the wholesome way. Live in rustic huts with some basic amenities in the areas virtually untouched by the humans. The groups are smaller and require reasonably fit hikers to explore the unfiltered area.

5. Golfing

Golf at the Hans Merensky Golf Course, Picture source – Falconsafaris.com

There are around four courses in Kruger National Park namely Skukuza, the Hans Merensky golf course, Sabie River golf course and the Leopard Creek golf course. Get up close and personal with wildlife through this exciting sport. Due to sub-tropical climate, golf is usually played in the cooler months of the year.

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Where To Stay In The Kruger National Park

Soak in the beauty of nature in the luxurious stay at Imbali Safari Lodge, Picture source – krugerpark.co.za

The Kruger National Park provides range of accommodation and spoils its tourist for choices. It has a huge number of rest camps, lodges, overnight hides and bush-veld camps with great service. But what stand out are the luxurious privately-run game lodges. These lodges provide with the ultimate experience where life slows down to a leisurely pace as you enjoy in the luxury of some of the best services and extravagance.

Kruger National Park – Travel Tips:

1. Consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited in public areas of the park including picnic sites, parking lots, wildlife viewing roads and regions, etc.
2. Carry a torch or head lamp if you plan to explore the park during the night
3. Early mornings and evening time are usually the best time for safaris

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