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Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park sretches for an area of 350 kilometres, the park is characterised by dry woodland, thornbush and grassland vegetation.

Within this diversity there are a number of distinctive ecozones, each providing a unique habitat for the rich diversity of wildlife resident in Kruger.

The northern section of Kruger and north of the Olifants river is predominantly mopane veld, while south of the Olifants the ecozones are thornveld.

Kruger Park offers accommodation types to suit all budgets from the camper and caravanner to main rest camps, bush camps as well as luxury lodges.

The Early Days

Spanning across the Mpumalanga region into the Limpopo Province lies the Kruger N.P.

It was originally known as the Sabie Game Reserve.  President at the time, Paul Kruger, was something of a visionary, realising that a place was needed to protect the wildlife of the Lowveld.

By May 1926 the National Parks Act was proclaimed incorporating the Sabie and Shingwedzi Game Reserves into what we know as the Kruger National Park.

Kruger and Panorama bus tout
waterbuck cooling off at waterhole

The park stretches 350 km from south to north along the Mozambican border to where South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe meet at the infamous Crooks’ Corner on the confluence of the Luvuvhu and Limpopo rivers.

The far north of the park is the wildest and most difficult area to access.

This remoteness adds to its alluring qualities for the real adventurer.

The Northern area offers many archaeological and historical sites, such as Masorini and Thulamela.

With greater ecological co-operation across African borders, several countries bordering South Africa have agreed to take down fences and those between Kruger and Mozambique’s Limpopo National Park and Zimbabwe’s Gonarezhou, have been
removed to create the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park.

Almost 2-million hectares in size, measuring 350 kms from north to south and approx. 60kms at its widest point.

Explore – experience and enjoy the home of

* 147 mammal species
* 300 tree species
* 33 amphibian species
* 114 reptile species
* 507 bird species
* 49 fish species 

Seasons

Rainy Season: The subtropical climate has hot rainy summers starting in October and ending around March.

The summer rains transform the arid park into a lush flowering paradise, however the increased foliage does make animals harder to see.

Dry Season: The winter months from April to September are extremely pleasant with warm dry days and cold nights.

Traditionally, the best game viewing is in the winter as the vegetation becomes sparse and water is restricted to rivers and water holes.

Mpumalanga  

Situated in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa, this area is richly endowed with indigenous forests, dramatic geological formations, rivers, gorges, canyons, waterfalls, bushlands, plains.

History abounds here in early settler places of interest – of a time when gold fever gripped the land.
Today the “new gold” is tourism and we invite you to share with us this incredible journey into a diverse and dramatic region.

Health Issues

Insurance – all visitors are strongly recommended to take out medical insurance before arrival. Although pharmacies will be able to meet most of your needs, hospitals and doctors can be expensive.

Malaria  – in Kruger you should take precautions against malaria, particularly in summer. Consult your pharmacist or doctor regarding anti malaria tablets.

Malaria contact time is from early evening to early morning.
– keep door and window insect blinds closed.
– use insect repellents especially around your ankles
–  wear clothing to cover any bare skin
–  if you notice any flu symptoms within 3 weeks of your visit, immediately see a doctor.

Creepy Crawlies

Spiders, Snakes, Scorpions – these sometimes dreaded creatures are part of our environment and will most probably not harm you if not threatened.  If walking around at night, please CARRY A TORCH with you.
If you do see a snake DO NOT try to catch it!

Monkeys & Baboons
these are very cute creatures and can be entertaining – however, please DO NOT feed them

By feeding them they become aggressive and this only aggravates the situation by making them – becoming dependant on this food supply

Before setting off for the day, make sure that you have put all foodstuffs securely away.

Monkeys and baboons have learnt to open fridge doors and cupboards

Bats & Insects

light attracts many flying insects and with these insects come their predators in the form of bats & frogs

Keep your screen doors closed to prevent bats and frogs getting into your room

If you find a bat in your room do not panic – calmly place a towel over the bat and release it outside or call for assistance

Nearby towns

White River
Motor and Local History Museum houses a collectIon of some 60 vintage and classic vehicles as well as displays of local history.

With the help of Lord Milner, White River was established as a farming area for Anglo-Boer war veterans.
Farming continues today with intensive farming of tropical and citrus fruits, vegetables as well as cut flowers.

Hazyview offers a temperate climate with hot summer days and warm winter days.
Hazyview acquired its name from the mists of blue shimmering heat rising from the bush and farms which surround the town.

Gateway to Kruger National Park, Hazyview offers accommodation outlets from small country hotels to bed and breakfasts.
There is also a wide variety of restaurants to choose from offering varied and exciting menus.
Hazyview is situated in the Sabi River valley and is bounded by indigenous bush.

Fruit and tree farming is extensive.

Hazyview offers 2 golf courses, ballooning, white water rafting, potholing, kloofing, microlight and helicopter rides as well as daily game drives into Kruger National Park.

Mbombela formerly Nelspruit

situated in the Crocodile River Valley and is the central point for the many tourism attractions in the lowveld region (Kruger National Park * Barberton * the Sudwala Caves to name just a few.

The Lowveld National Botanical Gardens situated 2 kms from the city on the R40 route to White River offer the visitor the opportunity to view a wide collection of lowveld flora in a unique riverine environment.

The area is primarily agricultural with many citrus estates supplying the local and international markets.

Languages Spoken
there are 11 official languages in South Africa.
In the lowveld however the 3 most commonly spoken are English, Afrikaans and Siswati.

French, German, Dutch and Portuguese are also spoken at certain business and accommodations.