Overview:

The Kruger National Park (The Kruger) is one of the largest game reserves in Africa, covering an area of just under 20,000 square kilometres (7,500 sq/miles). It is about the size of Israel, slightly smaller than Belgium and about the third of the size of Ireland.  It is roughly 360 kilometres long and 60 kilometers wide.  There is a network of some 1,800 kilometers of well-maintained roads and the Park has 21 rest camps, 2 private lodge concessions, and 15 private safari lodges.

The Park was proclaimed a National Park in 1926. It recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, making it the oldest Park in Africa.

The Kruger has 75% of all terrestrial bird species and 72% of all mammal species found in South Africa.  It is home to the Big 5 (lion, rhino, buffalo, elephant and leopard) and 500 bird species as well as numerous endangered species.

If you compare the area of roads vs the total area of the park it’s like comparing a letter-sized piece of paper on a tennis court.  Most of the Park is untouched by roads and you are very lucky to see anything let alone the Big 5!

The landscape throughout the Park varies from typical bushveld in the southern regions which gives way to grasslands towards the central and northern areas. There are 6 major rivers flowing throughout the year in addition to dams and water holes. The climate is subtropical and the wet season extends from October until May with much of the rainfall occurring as thunder storms of short duration. Wildlife viewing is possible any time of the year and each season has its unique attraction although perhaps springtime with the arrival of the baby impalas, the blossoms on the trees and arrival of the wild flowers may be the most memorable.