Lying in the heart of the South African Lowveld, the Kruger National Park is a place that encapsulates the essence of African beauty and diverse wildlife. It’s a sanctuary for many creatures, big and small, and an endless wilderness offering a safari experience like no other. Here are eight facts about this remarkable safari destination which is among the most iconic in the world.

1. The Kruger National Park is one of the largest nature conservation parks in the world, covering an area of just under 20 000 square kilometres, making it roughly the same size as the country of Israel.

2. Due to its size, the park boasts more than one ecosystem, including baobab sandveld, riverine forest, Lebombo knobthorn-marula bushveld, woodland on granite and acacia thicket, to name but a few.

3. Apart from being home to the Big Five, over 500 bird species (including the Big Six), various flora and a range of other creatures, it is also one of the only places in Africa where you can still find the endangered wild dog.

4. The park was actually first established in 1898 by Paul Kruger, the then President of the Transvaal Republic and the man after whom the park is named. The goal was to conserve the Lowveld wildlife by declaring the area a “no hunting zone”. It was only in 1926 when it was officially proclaimed a National Park and the following year when people were granted entry – for just £1!

5. Not only does it stretch across two provinces, Limpopo and Mpumalanga, but it also forms part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, a peace park that links the Kruger with the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique and the Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe.

6. Game drives with experiences guides are not the only way to enjoy the incredible scenery and wildlife of the Kruger National Park. You can also go on bush walks, wilderness trails and self-drives – whatever kind of bush adventure you’re looking to have, you’ll find it here.

7. The park is home to two key archaeological sites: Masorini and Thulamela, as well as numerous sites of San rock art that are scattered throughout the reserve. The many cultural heritage sites found in the park indicate the presence of prehistoric man (Homo erectus) having roamed the area hundreds of thousands of years ago.

8. Several rivers run through the park: acting as its natural boundaries, the Crocodile and Limpopo Rivers to the north and south, while many others run from west to east, including the Letaba, Sabie, Olifants and Luvuvhu Rivers. The highest point in the park is a hill called Khandzalive.

 

Portfolio Journeys would love to help bring your Kruger dream to life. Get in touch with our friendly and knowledgeable travel consultants so we can start planning an amazing South African safari adventure for you.

Click here to get an idea of the kinds of Kruger itineraries on offer. Remember though: we can tailor-make an itinerary according to your specifications – these are merely a guideline.