The Ultimate Guide To The Kruger National Park
"In the jungle, the mighty jungle.”
When we speak about South Africa, one of the things that immediately comes to mind is the wild-life; animals ingenious to the area waltzing around in the jungle, living and hunting is part of the picture. One of the most famous parks in South Africa is the Kruger National Park. The park was originally established in the year 1898 for the protection of the South African wildlife. Spreading over an area of nearly 20,000 SQ. Km, Kruger became South Africa’s first national park in 1926.
Image Source: krugerpark.co.za
A four-hour drive from Johannesburg, Kruger National Park also has camps in and around the area for visitors who wish to relish the authentic wildlife experience. The park has over 20 rest camps and ten designated private safari lodges. Spread over 90Kms wide from East to West; the park has camped at every critical spot that allows for the fullest jungle experience. Depending on your mood for wildlife proximity, you can choose to camp in and around the park or travel from other places.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
The park is home for most of South African wildlife including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, and not to forget the hundreds of trees spread across the area. Common called Africa’s Big Five, Elephants, Lion, Rhino, Leopard and Buffalo are the most commonly sought after sightings of the park. If you are in the mood for some wildlife, grab your binoculars and keep a keen eye and ear for them.
Safari time
Image Source: David Berkowitz/Flickr
As a part of the park experience, safaris have become a mandatory component for all tourist activi-ties. The park organizes more than five different types of safaris for the visitors, and each safari is carefully planned to suit one's needs. The park offers nine different trials that allow adventure. Some of these trails are overnight and may last several days as they are virtually unaltered by humans. However, there are not set trails in Kruger Park, and most paths are often made by animals.
Safaris at Kruger Park calls for a lot of early mornings while some may even be before sunrise. Moreover, if the day proves to be fruitful, these drives could turn into night safaris too. During these adventure times, energy and food is also of critical importance. If the tour is led by a guide, there is an option for a picnic. However, if you have a private sightseeing, most often food is consumed inside the car to avoid any unnecessary attention from the life around you. Check tours in Kruger National Park.
Image Source: thomsonworldwide.com
The park offers several different safari packages that caters to all your different needs. If you are a daredevil who sought after an adventurous honeymoon or better yet, you want to get married there; they have packages for the same! There are also the classic safaris that allow your wilderness to run wild with tented camps and close nature walks. However, if you are pressed for time, the typical journey to find Africa’s Big Five is a huge hit.
Climate control
One of the critical aspects to consider before heading to the jungle is the climate. Kruger National Park is subtropical, with hot and humid summer days with temperatures reaching up to 38C (100F). The rainy season is from September until May. The dry winter season is the ideal time to visit this region. One of the important reasons for considering dry winter as perfect tourism time would be the lack of chance for contracting malaria and the temperature allows the days to be mildly and bearably warm.
Image Source: Abspires40/Flickr
Prevention better than cure
Venturing into the jungle is not as smooth shown in Madagascar or Jurassic Park. It involves a lot of preparation and guile to leap into the wildness of nature. Have a checklist of the things mentioned below and you are sorted for the trip.
- Vaccines and medication - Typhoid, tetanus, and Malarone shots.
- Mosquito and insect repellent
- Appropriate apparel - loosely fit clothes, long pants, light colored clothes for night to prevent mosquito bites, waterproof jacket
- Sunscreen lotion, hat, soap
- Driving license - if self-driven and the driving is on the left side of the road
- Binoculars, Flashlight, zoom lens
- Book accommodations in advance - minimum six months
- Medical kit
- Running shoes
- Towels
Before venturing into the park, do ensure to be fully prepared with the essentials and pick up a brochure that gives you all the relevant information. The park and the staff are fully equipped to handle the crowd. One of the important and admirable aspects of the Kruger National Park is that freedom these animals enjoy. They are in an environment that is tampered with, yet their civilization contin-ues the amenities of a jungle. When you are there, do ensure to enjoy at the same time respect the territories of the animals as that is their home and ultimate life.
