One of the best known and largest game parks in South Africa, Kruger National Park draws safari lovers from all over the world and offers superb wildlife viewing opportunities.
Kruger National Park was established in 1898 and today covers almost 2 million hectares. There are 145 mammal species including the Big Five, and over 500 bird species here. The northern half of the park is mainly mopane veld, and the southern section is mostly thornveld, but within these areas there are actually 16 macro eco-zones, making the park hugely diverse. There are also private reserves adjacent to Kruger (mostly to the west) which extend the range of the wildlife. Within the national park the northern section is the wildest, least-visited area but usually with fewest animals. The central section has good game viewing and some good camps, and the southern section has the densest population of animals, but is also the busiest section.
In the National Park there are 12 main restcamps, 5 bushveld camps and a number of private lodges. Between them they offer a full range of accommodation, from basic self-catering units to 5* luxury. Nearly all the restcamps have electricity, phones, shops and petrol.
You can drive your own vehicle in the park on a self-drive safari, or Tribes can supply a naturalist guide who will be familiar with the area and can drive you throughout the park to find the best spots for game viewing. Alternatively, you can choose to combine the two and self-drive with a guide to accompany you.
Private Reserves in Great Kruger Park
The three main private reserves are Sabi Sand in the south, and Timbavati and Manyeleti adjoining the central section of the main national park. The other private areas are Klaserie, Kapama, Balule and Thornybush. All have very good, upmarket lodges and camps. There is no self-drive safari option in the private reserves; instead a game ranger guides you on daily game drives.