The Kruger National Park
Fact File:
Home of the Big 5
1500 lions
12000 elephants
2500 buffalos
1000 leopards
5000 rhinos
size – 2 million ha
147 different mammal species
Year of establishment – 1898
The Kruger Park is the flagship of the South African National Parks and probably of the African Parks as well. It is not just one of the most known National Parks it is definitely also one of the most popular and best maintained parks in the world.
Kruger Park is home to 147 mammals (including the Big 5), 507 different bird species, 114 reptiles, 34 amphibians, 49 fish and 336 trees. This diversity makes the Kruger of the “must sees” in Southern Africa.
The Kruger National Park is the world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies. But this is not the reason for it’s popularity. The Kruger Park is probably so well-known, because it is the best National Park in Southern Africa. The size of the Park and the diversity of animals, vegetation and landscape are making the park outstandingly good.
The Kruger Park is not malaria free, but it is rated as a “low risk area” most of the year.
Check the “South African National Parks official website” http://www.sanparks.org for their “statement on malaria in the Kruger Park”
It is a ca. 400km drive from Johannesburg/Pretoria to the Kruger Park. You can either book your tour in to the park from there or you can go to Nelspruit, which is right next to the park, and organize your trip.
How to get there?
Many people prefer to visit the park on their own in a rented car. I personally would not do it because you will miss quite a lot of game - just because you don't know where they hide...The other major advantage is that you don’t have to drive and you can pay all your attention on spotting animals and having a good time.
This is why I recommend booking an organized tour. For a list of budget tour operators in the Kruger National Park click here!
For some more ideas see the tra:mag routes tour suggestions!
If you want to book your safari in the Kruger National Park in Nelspruit or your safari is starting there and transport from Joburg/Pretoria is not included, you will need a bus to get there.
There are acutally two options:
- if you arrive at Joburg International Airport and you want to go to Nelspruit the same day click here for www.citybug.co.za or here for www.lowveldlink.com for buses from the Airport to Nelspruit.
- take one of the mainliner, e.g. Intercape (cheaper than Citybug and Lowfeldlink, but you will need an extra taxi to get to the bus station first).
- A third option might be flying, but its definitely not cheap - Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA)
What else to do in the area?
Jane Goodall Institute
Set on a 1000 hectare game reserve, JGI Chimpanzee Eden is a home to chimpanzees that have been misplaced from their natural habitat. The world renowned Jane Goodall Institute has made this tranquil venue their South African sanctuary and has committed itself to the rescue and care take of chimpanzees in need of refuge. Being the 1st and only chimpanzee sanctuary in South Africa, this venue will be able to bring the world of chimpanzees closer to humanity through education, tourism and modern technology. Entering the reserve, a mere 15 km from the bustling city of Nelspruit, visitors can expect to be captivated by the beautiful bush surroundings with most of the natural game species roaming the reserve.
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 Wildlife/Safari In South Africa | Kruger National Park Safaris Nhongo Safaris conduct tours to all eco tourism areas such as the Kruger National Park, Kalahari Gemsbok National Park and Hluhluwe & Umfolozi Reserves in KwaZulu Natal. Starting At: US $240/Night >> Click For More Details & Pictures |
Croc River Enviro Park
CrocRiver Enviro Park, by far the largest facility of its type in Africa, is less than 15 minutes from Nelspruit Airport and under a half hour drive from the Kruger National Park.
The atmosphere and scenic beauty of the Lowveld are very evident along the particular stretch of the right bank of the Crocodile River where the CrocRiver Enviro Park is located, a five minute drive from Nelspruit's business centre.
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Amarula Lapa, Phalaborwa
Amrula is probably one of South Africa's unique and most famous alcoholic beverages. It comes in various combinations and mixes, but it is best known served with
creme de menthe
as a "Springbok".
Amarula Cream is made of the fruit of the indigenous Marula Tree, which is also known as the "Elephant Tree". You are probably wondering why the tree is also called "Elephant Tree" - click here to see why.
The Amarula Lapa is a promotional tasting and tourist visitor centre not to be missed when you are in the area.
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Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park?
see the website of the Park and visit PeacePark.org
For reviews and comments check the tra:guide trips & tours forum! 
Links:
Quite a lot of pages about the Kruger National Park can be found on the internet, but this is the only official site
Moutain bike trails from Olifants Camp:
http://www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger/camps/olifants/tourism/activities/biking/
Watering hole near Pretoriuskop Camp, Kruger National Park.
thx to: www.negativespace.com | Jason275 on youtube.com
