The Kruger National Park,
which measures a whopping two million hectares, is approximately the size
of the whole of Wales. Although there are still fences between parts of
the Kruger National Park and Mozambique and Zimbabwe, so the planned Greater
Limpopo Transfrontier Park is not quite yet a reality. When it is, it will
be spectacular. Actually, Kruger already is. Most of the park is situated
in the Lowveld. Restricted to broad valleys below 1 000m above sea level,
the Lowveld is what many people consider to be the 'real' Africa. In this
low-lying subtropical climate, broad-leaved trees and thorn trees co-exist
happily in relatively open woodland, interspersed with long grass - and,
of course, game. Wildlife abounds.
In the far north, it gets
hotter and the vegetation changes to mopane woodland and, right in the
northern part of the country, huge baobab trees dominate the landscape.
The rivers here tend to be
broad and slow-moving and may consist of no more than a few unconnected
pools at the end of the dry season but that's when the game congregates
around the few known water sources - so it all evens out.
You may have heard the cynical
remark that Kruger is 'too developed' with loads of town-like camps and
other infrastructure. Well, yes. The park does have a number of good accommodation
options - more than 20 SANParks camps and a few private luxury lodges as
well. That may sound like a lot - but remember that Kruger is the size
of Wales - and in all that space there is one town - the main camp, Skukuza,
is virtually a small town - about a dozen tiny hamlets with less than a
hundred families and a few out of they way camps that would probably relate
to a small farmstead. That leaves an awful lot of real wilderness.
You can do Kruger as a self-drive
or as a guided tour. Other exciting options include walking safaris, mountain
bike trails and a self-drive 4x4 trail. The nearest airport to the park
is the Kruger-Mpumalanga International Airport, just outside Nelspruit.
The southern, more popular, part of Kruger is about four hour's drive from
Johannesburg, and a little less from Pretoria. The drive to the more remote,
far less utilised, northern part, takes a few hours longer, but it's not
on the same route. You could do a great circular tour if you had ten days
or so to spare. Fly in to KMIA and enter the park in the south, drive very
slowly to the north, spending a day or two at different camps en route,
and then drive back to Johannesburg. (Or the other way round, of course.)
Strangely - and contrary
to expectations - the northern part, which is truly wild, has less animals
than the south so don't feel you're missing out if you've only got a few
days in the more busy part of the park. As well as the Kruger National
Park, the lowveld is well endowed with private nature reserves, most of
which have luxury lodges, where guests are subjected to an outrageous level
of pampering and taken on fantastic game drives and optional walks by very
knowledgeable and attentive guides. Many lodges even have attached wellness
centres where you can fill in the time between morning and evening game
drives with a massage, facial or some other indulgent treatment.
Tree's
Too Guesthouse/Bed and Breakfast, Komatipoort, SOUTH KRUGER PARK A lovely guest lodge ( no
self catering facilities available) just 8 Kms from the game abundant Crocodile
Bridge Gate into the Kruger Park, 6 Km from the Mozambique border and 65
Kms from the Swaziland border. We have 8 en-suite rooms (for 1-6 people)
set beneath cool thatch with air-con, mini bar and tea/coffee making facilities.
We have TVs in most rooms, but some are TV free for the many guests who
prefer this. We also have a lovely communal lounge with a big TV for those
special sporting moments, games and books in many languages too.
We have a small licensed bar and restaurant serving high quality fresh
food, so there is no need to bring your own food or drink...you're on holiday!
Buhala
Country House, Hotel, Mpumalanga, SOUTH KRUGER PARK Buhala is an enchanting
Game Lodge right on the banks of the Crocodile River, the border of the
Kruger National Park. Elephant, buffalo, hippos and many antelope are just
a few of the frequent visitors there. Guests sitting on the verandah sipping
sundowners or lazing around the pool have wonderful sightings of these
fascinating animals. Fine food and wines are served on the deck under candlelight
and the whole atmosphere is one of casual elegance and great comfort and
tranquility. Golf at Leopard Creek is one of the privileges of guests at
Buhala Game Lodge and the day safaris into the Kruger nearly always see
at least 4 of the Big Five.
White
River Lodge, Hotel , SOUTH KRUGER PARK Situated only 30 minutes
drive from Kruger National Park main gates in the lowveld, our Select Country
Hotel offers en-suite accommodation, satelite TV, telephone service + aircon
in each room. A packed breakfast is prepared for you if you wish to take
on the Park before sunrise and do not wish to enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Best 4 x 4 guided safari tours into the Park arranged on a daily basis
to your requirements. On arrival as the guests step off the bus, you are
welcomed by the sounds of drums and African chanting by the White River
Lodge dancers.
Buckler's
Africa, Self-Catering, Komatipoort, SOUTH KRUGER PARK Buckler’s Africa is an informal
private lodge in a stunning setting on the banks of the Crocodile River,
overlooking the Kruger Park.The thatched property with high ceilings and
cool terracotta covers over 5 hectares of gardens and bush. Relax at the
pool and “ game watch” over the river or drive into the Kruger Park 7km
away. The Mozambique coast or the mountains of Swaziland are both a little
more than an hour’s drive. Airport Transfers. Secure Parking. Children.
Credit Cards.TGCSA 4-Star.
Khandizwe
River Lodge. Game Lodge/Self-Catering, Malelane Gate, SOUTH KRUGER
PARK Captivatingly set on the
banks of the Crocodile River with breathtaking views of the adjoining Kruger
National Park, Khandizwe's uncompromised standards of excellence and fine
devotion to detail have earned this exceptional destination a prestigious
5-Star grading. With the emphasis on exclusivity, accommodation is limited
to only 4 en-suite bedrooms, each one exuding refinement and supreme comforts
such as fully stocked mini-bars, beverage trays, air-conditioning, overhead
fans, hairdryers, bathrobes, fine linen and beds that sleep oh so well.
Komati
River Chalets, Self-Catering, Komatipoort, SOUTH KRUGER PARK Situated on the southern
border of the Kruger National Park, in a peaceful and tranquil setting
of riverine bushveld is Komati River Chalets. Only 2 kms from Mozambique,
60 kms from Swaziland and 11 kms from The Kruger National Parks Crocodile
Bridge Gate. Our chalets are ideally placed for the discerning traveler.
Our AA Highly Recommended, 4 star, Accommodation comprises of stylish and
comfortable, fully equipped air conditioned chalets with bathroom and kitchenette
en-suite.
Nyati
Bushcamp, Self-Catering, SOUTH KRUGER PARK Nyati Bushcamp is an exclusive
four chalet safari lodge accommodation, 80 meters from the Crocodile river
bordering the Kruger National Park. Marloth park situated in the eastern
lowveld area of the Mpumalanga province RSA. This 4 chalets accommodate
8 people exclusively. This holiday town shares 17km common border with
the famous Kruger National Park next to the Crocodile river. It is situated
between Malelane and Crocodile Bridge entrance gates to the Kruger National
Park. Imagine having a sundowner in the panoramic atmosphere of the most
beautiful sunset in the world.
Orchards
Farm Cottages, Self-Catering, Komatipoort, SOUTH KRUGER PARK Beautiful thatched cottages
on the banks of the Komati River — abundant bird life, hippos and crocs!
Tiger-fishing and many other activities in and around Komatipoort. 12km
from Kruger Park, 60km from Swaziland border, 4 km from Mozambique border
and 3 km from town. Cottages, all with air conditioning, en suite bathrooms,
DSTV, hotplate, microwave, bar fridge, barbecue. Breakfast nook, lounge
area, covered patio. Generator backup available for all those load shedding
blues!! Swimming pool on property. Licensed guest pub available. Board
games, guest library at the guest lounge. Self-catering or Bed & Breakfast
available.
