Kruger National Park

Wildlife is definitely better than Balule, but there are more tourists as well. All roads are paved.

Our first trip in January 2017 was so great we returned in June and are going back a third time.

When we moved to Swaziland we knew we'd be close to Kruger and we figured we'd make one or two trips before our time in this part of the world came to an end. What we didn't plan on was how much we enjoyed our first trip there (in January 2017). Because of this trip there was a second one in June, and another upcoming trip confirmed for December.

For the January trip, a three night stay, we opted to stay inside the park at Skukuza and we didn't regret this decision. The self-catering accommodation was comfortable, well built, located next to a river allowing for additional sightings of wild game, and secure. The weather was great for two of the days and a bit misty and rainy on the other, but that didn't slow us down. In fact, due to the recent history with the drought we enjoyed a bit of rain.

One distinct advantage of being inside the park is the ability to begin your touring earlier than those looking to come in from the outside. Despite having the option to join a guided tour we self-drove all weekend as it gave us flexibility and our own vehicle was better suited for my elderly father who accompanied us. One benefit of taking a guided tour is they know where the animals tend to hang out and they use radios to communicate.

Despite the fact we blindly drove around for two full days and half of a third we saw a large variety of animals and birds. People asked us, "Did you see the big five?", as if that was the goal. Our goal was to experience the park, see what we could see, and enjoy the memories that came along as a result. We saw four of the big five (missed a cheetah) but my lasting memory will be the two male kudus fighting for territory or a female on the other side of the river as we relaxed at the end of the day. A large herd of elephants crossing the same river the day before is also a lasting memory. On day two we had a young, solitary, bull elephant diplomatically tell us to back up was a bit of a wake up call that perhaps we shouldn't have lingered as long as we did taking his picture. I guess he didn't like paparazzi. These are the memories we went looking for and we found them.

I'm not much of a birder, but after you've photographed the big game, you start looking for something different. If you're a birder there's plenty there. The hornbill sifting through elephant feces remains my favorite from the first trip.

It's difficult for me to be enamored with the scenery at Kruger because I've been to places that are much more scenic. You don't really go to Kruger for the scenery, you go to see wildlife. The topography is unremarkable when compared to other parts of Mpumalanga Province.

Lastly, we had the opportunity to engage with other tourists and we found several who had a similar mindset and outlook about the pace as we did. In fact, everyone we spoke to was pleasant, relaxed, and willing to engage. You will meet people from all over the world there, and there's a reason for that, it's simply worth going to see.

Impressive

It is difficult for me to evaluate the Kruger Park alone because my trip is to spend two weeks including three other safaris.
The fact of traveling in 4x4 of 6-8 people is appreciable, the diversity and the landscapes there are an asset for who want to have fun with his camera. Indeed, we had the great chance to see the Big Five (Twice on two safaris .... incredible !!!).
What sets it apart is the immensity of the park as you can stay away from the wildlife by driving long distances, or take the cross-roads to get close to it. Each species takes ownership of its geographical area, you can also target the ones you want to see by contacting the Rangers who keep each other informed of their migrations, and their knowledge is a wealth of information.
If this is your first safari, this is the must-see park and it will be necessary to devote at least two days to fill up memories.

Balance sheet:
A true happiness, this park is immense, truly immense; so it all depends on how long you stayed there, or the luck you have.
Trust the Rangers to understand and learn.
This park is necessary for the preservation of wildlife.
Little more, the month of January is calmer.
One thing is for sure, I would go back someday.

It's easy to spot the animals. I saw several endangered species incl the Big 5.

The area is very clean which is nice.

Nature untamed and in all its glory

We stayed at the Kruger Park Lodge Golf Club and the accommodation and service was excellent. Its close proximity to the Kruger National Park meant we could take several days to explore its fantastic scenery and magnificent wildlife. We did several day trips by ourselves and then opted for a guided tour. The guide picked us up early in the morning and we started yet another adventure. The guides are brilliant and often talk to each other to find out where the best animals are able to be found. Fantastic and well worth the cost. We even managed to see the big 5. Amazing and would love to go again

Check off the Big 5 bucketlist

I took part in a long game drive from morning to afternoon and then two shorter game drives in the morning and then the afternoon. The park is expansive. In January, the landscape is green but you can still spot the wildlife. Ample impala sightings everywhere! The prize of the long day was a leopard sighting. The roads are well paved and comfortable. You never seem too far away from amenities even though the park is so expansive. Other rare sightings included African wild dogs. A great experience!

The wildlife is abundant and amazing, the camps are comfortable and have a range of accommodation to suit all budgets, the facilities at the camps - shops etc are first rate.

Plenty of wild life in the park. Relatively easy to spot the big five.
All elephants have tusks, kudos to South African conservancy programs.

too many cars to enjoy the quietness we expect when observing animals

If you want to see the "Big Five" up close, this is the place! We saw them all, plus so much more.