Among the interesting facts about Kruger National Park is its wide range of birds. The park is a home to more than 320 bird species, ranging from the white-tailed eagle to the tawny eagle. Besides these birds, the park is also a refuge for hundreds of mammals. Hence, it is one of the biggest game reserves in Africa.

History

Until the early twentieth century, the area was inhabited by various indigenous tribes, such as the Tsonga and Nguni. European explorers started arriving in the area in the 19th century. They discovered amazing wildlife. Some individuals promoted the idea of creating a protected area. However, the House of Assembly rejected the proposal.

In 1884, President S.J.P. Kruger suggested that a nature reserve be created. He also declared the area as a game sanctuary. This was the beginning of the history of Kruger National Park.

The first white man to visit the park was Dutchman Francois de Cuiper. His company, East Holland, was exploring trade opportunities in the area. In 1725, Delagoa Bay was in Dutch hands. It was later renamed Maputo. When the Dutch arrived, the area was part of Lourenco Marques.

The South African government decided to ban hunting in the region in 1898. This law was a major step in making the park a wildlife sanctuary. The government also set up a system of fences to keep poachers out of the park.

Animals

Known as 'the savannahs of Africa,' Kruger National Park is home to a number of animals. These include large mammals, cats, reptiles and birds. Among the species are leopards, lions, hyaenas, elephants, black rhinos and Cape buffalo.

African elephants are among the largest land animals in the world. They are opportunistic hunters and prey on large antelope. They also demonstrate a deep bond within their herds. The largest of the species can weigh as much as 11,000 pounds.

These large predators are found in the southern region of the park. They are usually seen with a pride of lions. They are extremely aggressive. The males are larger than the females. Their horns are generally longer.

Another popular animal in Kruger is the zebra. These animals have excellent eyesight. They live in large herds, relying on numbers to keep them safe. They can be difficult to spot, especially in the dense vegetation of the park during the rainy season.

Road network

Using the road network in Kruger National Park is an excellent way of exploring the flora and fauna of the area. Although it is possible to travel on the roads without a car, a 2-wheel drive vehicle will give you the best chances of spotting wildlife.

The park's road system is also an important management tool. There are over 1,700km of roads in the park, including main tar routes, secondary gravel roads, adventure routes and even dirt roads.

Some of the roads are used by tourists and visitors to the park for daily transportation and goods. The traffic volume on these tar roads is five times greater than on the dirt roads.

A number of the dirt roads are not accessible for non-safari vehicles. However, they provide excellent backroads for viewing wildlife that may be difficult to find on the main routes.

The S3 Sabie river road is a good birding and game viewing route. It starts at the S1 Doispane road junction and heads east towards the H11 Paul Kruger gate.

Lodge safaris

During your lodge safaris in Kruger National Park, you can expect to experience excellent game viewing. There are several types of safaris available, from a guided game drive to a walking safari. All of these are designed to provide guests with a unique experience in Africa's wild.

A number of 5-star lodges in Kruger offer the ultimate in luxury. Some of these luxurious lodges feature private butler services, gyms, and tranquil health spas. You can also expect a gourmet meal prepared by a private chef. All of these features are included in your all-inclusive safari.

These lodges are located in the Greater Kruger ecosystem, which is part of South Africa. This area is a bit quieter than the central part of the park. You will not have the same amount of game viewing in this area, but it will be more relaxing.

Singita Lebombo is a luxury safari lodge in the northern part of the Kruger park. It offers 15 loft-style suites. You can enjoy bush walks, fishing, archery, and culinary experiences. The lodge is also the perfect base camp for your game drives in the Kruger National Park. You can even get a private land rover for your game drives.

Getting Kruger National Park excursions with a guide is a great way to get an up-close-and-personal look at wildlife. Guides know exactly where to find animals and what time of day is best for viewing them. This allows tourists to focus on the game rather than worrying about driving.

During a guided safari, guests are transported in a safari vehicle with higher seats and minimal supports. The guide will also provide information on plant life and other wildlife.

These tours are conducted by armed professional rangers who are trained to recognize animals and shoot them if necessary. They are also able to interpret the sounds and sights of the bush. These guides ensure safety in the park.

Kruger Park open vehicle safaris are a budget-friendly option for those interested in wildlife viewing. These tours include guided nature walks, overnight accommodations, and campfires to enjoy at night.

These tours are available from several tour operators. Generally, you are responsible for the cost of fuel. If you want a private transfer to the entrance of the park, you will need to book this beforehand.

You will need a valid international driver's license to drive a car through Kruger. You will need to follow the road rules and speed limits. You can drive on the left side of the road. You will need to pay an additional fee to your driver for driving through the park.

You can choose between a full-day or a half-day safari. The full-day safari takes about eight hours. The first part of the day will involve two compulsory stops. You will then begin the second part of the tour after breakfast.