KNP is considered as one of the most diverse nature parks based in Southern Africa. It covers close on nineteen thousand sq KM & extends three hundred and fifty Kilometers from northern tip to south & sixty Kilometers from east to west, estimated to be about the equivalent size as Wales.
Situated in the western and south locations of the Kruger National Park are the two Southern African provinces of Mpumalanga & Limpopo. Situated in the northern region of the park is the neighbor country of Zimbabwe and to the eastern fence is Mozambique.
KNP can be seen as a member of the Great Limpopo Trans-frontier Parks. Transfrontier is a peace park which connects Kruger National Park to Gonarezhou National Park located in Zimbabwe and with the Limpopo National Park found in Mozambique.
The Kruger is part of the wellknown Kruger to Canyons Bio-sphere, regions recently earmarked by the United Nations Education and Scientific Organization (UNESCO) as a International Men and Bio-sphere Nature Reserve.
Getting There
If you choose to fly you can take a domestic flight either to Phalaborwa Airport, Hoedspruit Airport or the new Kruger/Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA). Cape Town and Durban are very well linked to these airports.
From KMIA there are private shuttles available. The journey takes an hour and 20 minutes and costs Rand 500 (ZAR) per person. Itā??s very important to book the seats in advance.
Travelers can also rent a car at the airport for about $42/Rand 300 per day.
The Wildlife
Kruger, the most important national park in South Africa, is home to 147 mammals, 507 birds, 49 fish, 114 reptiles, 34 amphibians and 336 trees, making the park the most biodiverse Game Reserve on Earth.
Kruger National Park is divided into six ecosystems:
Far North Region: it's a lot different than the other regions of the park and home to the beautiful birds and fish. This is the only region where you can see the Natal red hare and yellow-spotted rock dassie. Along the banks of the Luvuvhu River there are numerous forests and picnic sites.
Northern Region: it's a semi-arid area which sees little rain. However, a lot of rivers make their away across this land. Here you will find about 60% of the parks hippoelephants, buffalos, impalas, waterbuck, bushbuck, all concentrated near the water supplies.
population and the accompanying birds. Also along the Luvuvhu River you will find the
Kruger National Park Elephant Professional and armed guides will take you on tours. You can bike, hike, walk or drive.
If you prefer to drive, choose among the four adventure trails available: Madlabantu, Mananga, Nonokani and Northern Plains.
If you prefer to walk and camp in the wild, there are 7 wilderness trails in Kruger Park. The Back Pack trail is aimed at the more adventurous travelers. Participants must bring their own tents and necessary supplies. The adventure extends over 4 days and 3 nights.
Also there are guided walks available. A group of maximum 8 people are guided in the bushes by an armed ranger. These tours leave from all the camp sites and booking in advance is needed. Children under 13 are not allowed on such walks.
More details about the trails can be found on Krugerā??s official site.
Facilities and Accommodation
Kruger is a self-drive destination, although guided tours are available. The infrastructure is incredible, including rest camps, picnic sites and waterholes.
When you want to book a room, first check what types of accommodations are available at the cam site you want to stay.
There are 9 types of accommodation available around the park:
Campsites: both for caravans and tents, most have power and water taps
Huts: are single room units with access to shared kitchen and bathroom
Safari Tents: are permanent tents located on platforms; some are rudimentary while some are quite luxurious
Bungalows: are single bedroom units with bathrooms. Some have shared kitchen while others have their own small kitchen.
Cottages: are single bedroom units with living room, bathroom and kitchen.
Family Cottages: are multiple bedroom units with living room, bathroom and kitchen.
Guest Cottages: are multiple bedroom units, with at least 2 bathrooms and kitchen.
Guest Houses: are multiple bedroom units, with lounge area and bar facility, offering a great view
Bush Lodges: are private lodges with multiple rooms and bathrooms.
The site www.krugernational.co.za