A trip to Kruger National Park must surely be on your travel bucket list. Unfortunately, a lot of tourists to South Africa do not explore this spectacular wilderness or go for safaris in Kruger National Park. But, why is it such a remarkable place and what draws folks back towards the National Park time and again? Here’s a curated list of 10 reasons why it’ll be the best travel decision you make for your trip.
Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa
It covers an area of over 19,000 square kilometers in the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga in north-eastern South Africa. It is around 360 kilometres long and 65 kilometres broad at its widest part. It boasts of the most diverse biodiversity of any African park, with 34 amphibian species, 114 reptiles, 147 mammals, and 507 birds. With over 2 million hectares of unspoilt African bushveld and a smattering of Kruger safari lodges, camps and resorts, you won’t be disappointed.
It is also one of the earliest natural reserves.
The park was established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the area. It was initially called the Sabie Game Reserve and was later renamed in honour of Paul Kruger, the former president of the South African Republic.
The National Park is home to an abundance of the majestic Big Five.
Kruger National Park is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, including the Big Five – the lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, and rhinoceros – as well as many other species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. The Big Five in Kruger National Park are unquestionably the finest jewels of the South African bushveld.
These famous beasts are the most common sights on Kruger safari trips, and both domestic and international visitors travel long distances to observe them in their natural environment.
Kruger National Park also offers range of activities, including game drives, bush walks, and bird watching.
The park is a popular tourist destination and receives over 1.5 million visitors each year. There is a plethora of activities that complement the safaris in Kruger National Park.
Walking with professional and qualified guides in Kruger National Park will immerse you in the heart of an African adventure. Bird watching is also a worthwhile activity since the park’s bird species are both attractive and diverse.
Other unique activities that you can indulge in while at the park or while staying at Kruger safari lodges include following mountain journeys, guided hiking trails, and golf amidst the wilderness. Additionally, dining beneath the African sky with traditional cuisine is one of the most phenomenal safari experiences you can imagine.
You can witness and contribute to some of the world’s most successful conservation efforts.
Kruger National Park is known for its successful conservation efforts. The Kruger Park has expanded in size over time, which few other African conservation areas have done. The Kruger’s primary achievement is wildlife-based ecotourism.
The cost of a safari involves conservation charges for the areas you visit, which serves to fund conservation efforts and rescue endangered species. Furthermore, many safaris in Kruger National Park feature the option of staying in ecologically responsible hotels and camps, allowing tourists to make an even greater contribution to the welfare and preservation of local communities and animals.
The park has one of the largest populations of white rhinoceros in the world, and it has also seen a resurgence of the once-endangered black rhinoceros. It is recognised as a critical region for the protection of lions, elephants, African wild dogs, and other mammal, bird, reptile, fish, and amphibian species.
The park is in good hands, managed by SANParks, which ensures you have a seamless and responsible tourist experience.
The park is managed by South African National Parks (SANParks), a public entity that oversees a system of national parks in South Africa. SANParks oversees a park system that represents the country’s indigenous animals, plants, landscapes, and related cultural heritage. Most national parks include overnight tourist amenities, offering an unrivalled range of Kruger safari lodges in desert, coastal, mountain, and Bushveld environments.
The National Park is a base-camp for many research organizations as well.
You have the golden opportunity to witness predators at work in the many private game reserves bordering the park.
Kruger National Park is a melting pot of natural, historical, and cultural treasures.
The park is also home to several cultural and historical sites, including the archaeological remains of the Iron Age kingdom of the Mapungubwe and the grave of the 19th-century explorer and hunter, Frederick Selous.
For even a walking safari, Kruger National Park has 254 identified cultural heritage sites that you can visit, which include 130 rock art sites.
Homo erectus inhabited the area around 500,000 years ago, and cultural artefacts dating from 100,000 to 30,000 years in the past have been discovered and validated. More than 300 Stone Age human archaeological sites have been unearthed, rendering the Kruger National Park a location rich in history.
Significant ancient sites may be discovered at Thulamela and Masorini, and these are well worth viewing, as are several examples of San Rock Art spread around the park.
Kruger National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
It is recognised for its unique and diverse ecosystems and its importance for conservation. The park is also part of the Kruger-Canyons Biosphere, a UNESCO-designated International Man and Biosphere Reserve.
Before you travel, FAQs
When is the best time for a Kruger safari?
How many wilderness paths are there in Kruger National Park?
Is it possible to hike an overnight trek in the Kruger National Park?
Are there luxury safaris in Kruger National Park?
If you’re seeking some of the top luxury Kruger safaris, then exploring the Kruger’s private game reserves will meet all of your safari needs.