Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s largest and most iconic wildlife reserves, located in the northeastern part of South Africa. Spanning nearly 20,000 square kilometers, it stretches across the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

HISTORY & BACKGROUND
• Established: 1898 by Paul Kruger, then President of the South African Republic, to protect wildlife from overhunting and poaching.
• Named After: Paul Kruger.
• UNESCO Status: Part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, which links Kruger with parks in Mozambique and Zimbabwe, fostering cross-border wildlife conservation.
• Size: Approximately 19,485 square kilometers (7,523 square miles), making it one of the largest national parks in the world.

ECOLOGICAL ZONES

Kruger is divided into several ecological zones, each with unique landscapes and wildlife:
1. Northern Region: Baobab trees and open plains; great for elephants and rare antelope species.
2. Central Region: Known for lion populations; features savanna grasslands.
3. Southern Region: The most accessible and popular, with lush vegetation and diverse game viewing.

WILDLIFE
• Mammals: Over 147 species, including cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, hyenas, and wild dogs.
• Birdlife: More than 500 species, including the saddle-billed stork, martial eagle, and southern ground hornbill.
• Reptiles: Crocodiles, monitor lizards, and numerous snake species.
• Flora: Features baobabs, marula trees, fever trees, and mopane shrubs.

TOP ATTRACTIONS
1. Big Five Game Viewing
• Lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos can often be spotted on game drives.
2. Cultural Sites
• Masorini Ruins: A restored Iron Age village.
• Thulamela: An ancient stone-walled site tied to African royalty.
3. Panoramic Routes
• Drives like the S100 and H4-2 are famous for predator sightings.
4. Scenic Waterholes
• Nsemani Dam and Sunset Dam are prime spots for viewing animals congregating.

ACCESS & GATES

Kruger has nine entry gates, each offering access to different regions of the park.
• Southern Gates: Phabeni, Paul Kruger, Crocodile Bridge—easily accessible from Johannesburg.
• Northern Gates: Pafuri, Punda Maria—quieter, great for birdwatching and rare species.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
1. Rest Camps
• Managed by SANParks, with options ranging from budget-friendly campsites to self-catering chalets. Popular ones:
• Skukuza: Largest camp with excellent amenities.
• Satara: Known for lion sightings.
• Lower Sabie: Located along the Sabie River.
2. Luxury Private Lodges
• Found in private concessions within Kruger or adjacent reserves.
3. Bush Lodges & Tented Camps
• Offer a more intimate experience

WHEN TO VISIT

Dry Season (May–September)
• Best for wildlife spotting as animals gather near scarce water sources.
• Cooler temperatures and minimal vegetation enhance visibility.

Wet Season (November–April)
• Lush landscapes with newborn animals.
• Excellent for birdwatching as migratory species arrive.
• Afternoon thunderstorms are common but short-lived.

ACTIVITIES
1. Game Drives:
• Self-guided or guided by rangers, available in morning, afternoon, and evening.
2. Bush Walks:
• Led by experienced guides for an up-close exploration of the bush.
3. Photography:
• Especially rewarding during the golden hours (sunrise/sunset).
4. Wilderness Trails:
• Multi-day hiking adventures, like the Mphongolo Trail or Olifants River Trail.