Kruger National Park

Kruger (the tiny portion I saw) has large numbers of animals and is a photographer's heaven. Terrain is hilly bushveldt. Huge rivers (Sabie and Sands rivers) are full of hippos and crocodiles (I saw both but only at a distance). There can been traffic, but if you go with someone familar with Kruger, you can find recondite little places that are away from the crowds and it might be just you, your guide, and that leopard.

Differences between Kruger and the adjacent private game reserve are that Kruger closes promptly at 6pm (reserves permit night driving for watching predators), requires vehicles to remain on paved or rocked roads (reserves allow off-road driving); requires roofed vehicles with side doors (reserves allow open body safari vehicles); and of course, Kruger has more traffic. Kruger also has lots more animals because it is so much bigger than all the private reserves combined. I hope to go back to the Sabie River country. I selected a small, family-operated safari company with a bush camp inside Sabi Sands and their main camp just outside of the reserve, about fifteen minutes from the Paul Kruger Gate. The bushveldt is simply fascinating for a photographer, and especially at sunset.

Kruger - The rewarding NP

The Kruger National Park is unlike any other park I have ever been to. Having been to many National Parks, Nature Reserves and Game Farms throughout Southern Africa my idea of the ‘bush’ consists of long, dusty roads that rattle your car apart (Which has happened to me on several occasions), ablution blocks that consist of a whole in the ground for you to do your business and a bucket full of holes to be used as a shower if anything! These for me all make up part of the overall experience, which is why I was so surprised to find tarred roads, supermarkets and fully equipped ablution blocks (you can even do your laundry there!) in the Kruger NP and for those willing to spend a little extra there is luxury accommodation to be enjoyed. At first I wasn’t sure if I liked this about the park because this meant that every guy and his dog (Pets aren’t allowed) could drive through in their tiny little car causing traffic jams at every sighting of a lion or leopard or any other members of the ‘BIG 5’. However that is exactly what is so great about the park; it is one of the very few places you can drive though by yourself and see the ‘BIG 5’ on your first day. I often hear people talking about Kruger and boasting about how early in the day they had seen the entire big 5. That’s just the ‘BIG 5’ that everyone has built a hype around, the park offers way more of just about anything, being a birder the Kruger is a great place to see over 550 species of birds thanks to the large diversity of habitat, it is hard to leave the park without a photo of the beautiful Bateleur or Lilac-breatsted Roller. Overall I was able to overlook the traffic jams and commercial traits because the park always delivers.

A beautiful animal, bird or view round every corner.

I have been to quite a few locations round the world in pursuit of my hobby of wild-life photography. Nowhere else is the abundance of wild-life so available. The 'big five' are wonderful to see but so is the profusion of smaller things - birds, reptiles, butterflies etc. and I came away with a great portfolio of photographs.
I had great help from my guides, both English for photography and South African for bushcraft. The standard of accommodation was good at the various camps we stayed at and most notable was the friendliness and helpfulness of the camp staff everywhere. I'll be back as soon as I can!

The most amazing experience of my life so far

It was wonderful to see the abundant wild life thriving in their natural environment unworried by the presence of humans. The weather was fabulous and our safari guide was excellent, very committed and seemed to relish her job as a privilege. the lodge we stayed at was very comfortable and the staff welcoming, and we had fresh cooked meals every day. However the wild life was the highlight of our visit.

The classic.

South Africa's flagship with much to offer. Can be too crowded though, people speed on the roads and too many lodges and buildings inside the park - a future killer. Honor to recycling breakthroughs lately.

Take a lot of time, drive carefully and follow strongly all the rules. Enyoj the largest game reserve in South Africa. May you will see the big five?

I didn't spend too long at Kruger, and dind't see a lot either. I am not a big fan of all the traffic, but you will see a lot of animals. Very good place for birding.

The best of it all is the Kruger: good restaurant, excellent facilities and dedicated knowledgeable staff.

A magical holiday

We have been to South Africa a few times and on three occasions have spent time in Kruger National Park. On our last trip in 2014 we booked a cottage in Marloth Park for 10 days and spent each day in Kruger driving ourselves around. We saw many and varied animals and the thrill of the day was searching out new animals. We normally travel in the cooler months as it is more pleasant and comfortable being in the car and the animals are more active. We also find that the dry foliage also makes it easier to spot the animals. Although most of the eating areas have been taken over by commercial businesses, there is no trouble finding a place to eat (it had more atmosphere before when run by smaller businesses). A lot of people may feel safer travelling with a guide, but we have always enjoyed driving ourselves around without any problems. You just have to be aware that there are wild animals about and be alert and not get too close to them, so that they feel threatened. It is a magical trip - one that everyone should strive to do at least once in a lifetime.