Saturday, February 5, 2011

South Africa's Most Popular National Park

By Rob Atherton


When you think of safari hotspots, the Kruger National Park National Park in South Africa is certainly one of the places that people automatically think of. It sits in the north east of South Africa crossing over Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces. Kruger National Park covers an region roughly the size of Israel and serves up a wildlife experience that is considered to be the best in Africa.

The Kruger National Park was established in 1898 to safeguard the wildlife who live in the Lowveld. The assortment and diversity of species identified right here is exceptional with surrounding 330 types of tree, 500 bird species and nearly 150 animals.

The nearest airport to Kruger will be based upon which area of the National Park you would like to take a look at. Hoedspruit Airport provides access to the north of the park while Kruger/Mpumalanga International Airport serves the south. The two international airports have decent internal connections from Joburg, Durban and Cape Town. On the other hand, it's feasible to travel up from Johannesburg. For the southern gates, follow the N4 to Nelspruit / Mbombela and from there, the National Park is sign posted. Driving time is nearly 4-5 hours. Extra time must be allowed if you are driving to the northern gates of Kruger national park.

There are different options for holidaymakers to Kruger. Day tours are to be found from regional towns such as Hazyview. Self drive holidaymakers and visitors are also welcome but there is a limit on visitor numbers which means it is prudent to book in advance.

There are nine entrance gates to Kruger national park and appropriate travelling time needs to be allowed as entrance gate and restcamp gates are shut at nighttime. Access to Kruger won't be granted after sunset and there are some other park rules to which travellers must follow.

There are several camps and facilities within the park including restcamps, bushveld camps, overnight hides, bush lodges and luxury lodges. There is plenty to view in the national park along with the Big Five (Buffalo, Elephant, Leopard, Lion and Rhino) and the legendary Baobab tree.




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