What to do in the Kruger

If you’re planning a safari in South Africa (Or even if you aren’t) it’s highly likely that you’ve come across Kruger National Park, South Africa’s largest national park. Picture The Lion King sunrises, kilometers of elephants roaming freely and evenings spent under a blanket of dazzling stars as far as the eye can see. You can expect all this and more at the Kruger. With one of the highest densities and biggest diversity of wildlife in a national park worldwide it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most popular tours in South Africa. Although a game drive in Kruger is the most popular activity, there are many other non-conventional Kruger Park activities such as bushwalks, backpacking trails, and even golf, depending on your taste.

A game drive in Kruger gives you the opportunity to cross out a few things from your bucket list such as seeing “The Big Five” – lions, leopards, buffalo, elephants and Rhino. Did you know, white hunters coined the term “The Big Five” decades ago for animals that are the most dangerous to hunt? By going game viewing in South Africa, you can see these animals live and in the flesh! The variety is huge and you might even catch a peak of giraffes or grazing impala. A popular area to do a game drive is near Phalaborwa gate, where you can expect to see any of these animals and many more.

You might find yourself at a crossroad (no pun intended) when deciding whether to self-drive or take a guided tour. Although self driving gives you the opportunity to explore at your own pace, choosing to do a guided tour will allow you to see animals you would otherwise miss on a self drive and also gives you the full safari experience. Remember to pack warm clothes for your guided tour (It gets very cold in the open vehicle especially during sunrise/sunset game drives in Kruger).

If you’re an avid bird watcher, Kruger National Park won’t disappoint. The area is home to hundreds of species of birds and you can expect to see anything from a Saddle-bill Stork to a Lappet-faced Vulture or even a couple different species of Eagle. Binoculars would come in handy for this as well as a good quality camera to capture these once in a lifetime sightings that you’ll only experience during safaris in South Africa.

Although this might seem contrary to what you would think, a night game drive in Kruger is a way to see things you might not otherwise see during the day. You will most likely get to see nocturnal animals such as hyenas and you also get to hear the real sounds of the bush because there wont be too many vehicles out. Another highlight to look forward to is the view of the stars you get from the Kruger, which is unlike what you would see in the city

Fitness enthusiasts and avid hikers will appreciate the opportunities to hike that the Kruger has to offer. The Balule Game Reserve offers a walking safari that lets you get up close and personal with the animals. On the easy 3 hour guided walk you’ll learn about the flora and fauna in the area as well as discover any animals that happen to be near the route. The route passes the Oliphants River, which tends to be filled with hippos and crocodiles.

Don’t let a life-changing trip like a safari in Kruger pass you by. If you want to experience the wilder side of life in the easiest and most convenient way, consider taking this 3 Day Kruger Classic Tour which includes all the highlights that Kruger National Park has to offer.