Kruger National Park

kruger national park

Kruger National Park

Imagine two million hectares of wild reserve, South Africa’s iconic national park. The park is so large that migratory routes exist within the park evidence of this is the Elephant migratory routes that they following yearly. Massive in size it can be quite a daunting experience should you not do some pre-research on the various gates, accommodation, and areas in which one may find particular wildlife species.

 Nelspruit is the main city and the closest one to Kruger National Park, with an international airport one, may consider this as a starting point or alternatively fly into Johannesburg and either drive down to Kruger National Park the drive is approx 7 hours depending on the route and where one may want to overnight before entering Kruger National Park. Kruger National Park is managed by Sanparks.

kruger national park map

From Nelspruit one may opt for a day drive safari and the closest gate would be Malelane Gate. Indicated on the map one can see the gate in the southern section. Should you do a self-drive safari please do note that due to popularity one should arrive as early as possible as this gate does become very busy.

Other alternatives include the Numbi Gate this gate may be easily entered from the town of Hazyview distance from Nelspruit to HazyView is aprox 50km and then from Hazyview to Numbi Gate is another 10km. Please note that this gate is also very busy as the majority of the safari tour operators (Day Safaris) do make use of this gate. Once again arrive early.

The further north one travels the quieter the roads will become as in the south due to huge amounts of tourists one may be inundated with sightings. The park is enormous and one must allocate good time management should you be only in the park for the day. Fines will have to be paid should you depart after the gates have closed.

Hazyview Town only 10km from the Kruger national park may be an alternative should you want to overnight numerous accommodation establishments exist in the area. The area also offers a huge amount of activities and excursions while in the area.

Kruger National Park Accommodation

The main rest camps are as follows:

berg-en-dal-accommodation kruger national park

Berg en dal rest camp river banks and a dam surround the camp, this offers one some incredible sightings while overnighting.

Some splendid wildlife to be on the lookout for while at Berg en Dal

1.Wild Dog
2.Klipspringer
3.Leopard
4.Scarlet-chested Sunbird
5.Heuglin’s Robin

From the Malelane Gate to Berg en Dal it is approx 12km. GPS coordinates: Berg-en-Dal Rest camp S 25 25′ 12″   E 31 27′ 4″

crocodile-bridge-rest-camp-accommodation

Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp situated on the northern bank of the crocodile river.Known for its Lion and largest population of Rhino while in the Kruger National Park.

Some splendid wildlife to be on the lookout for while at Crocodile bridge rest camp

1.Lion
2.Giraffe
3.Spotted Hyena
4.Kudu
5.Cheetah

How to get their, Take the N4 to Nelspruit. Head through Nelspruit to Malelane and on to Komatipoort (about 110 km). Then turn left onto the R571 just after Komatipoort and head on to the gate. Allow between 5 to 6 hours for the trip to the gate. Crocodile Bridge camp is right at the gate. GPS coordinates: Crocodile Bridge Rest camp S 25 21′ 30″ E 31 53′ 32″

letaba rest camp kruger national park

Letaba Rest Camp situated midway between the northern and southern boundaries of the Kruger national park. Letaba meaning river of sand, splendid for game viewing.

Some splendid wildlife to be on the lookout for while at Letaba rest camp

1.Bushbuck
2.Elephant
3.Lala Palm
4.Red Headed Weaver
5.Fish Eagle

How to get their, Take the N1 toll-road to Polokwane (Pietersburg). 40 km before Polokwane turn right onto the R71 and head for Tzaneen. After Tzaneen, head towards Phalaborwa and the gate. Allow between 6 to 7 hours for the trip to the gate. Letaba Rest Camp is 51 km away from the gate. Allow about 2 hours for the drive to the camp. GPS coordinates Letaba Rest camp S 23 51′ 4″ E 31 34′ 36″