What makes kruger national park special

Shrub mopane covers almost the entire north-eastern part of the Park. There are a number of smaller areas in the Park which carry distinctive vegetation such as Pretoriuskop where the sickle bush and the silver cluster-leaf Terminalia sericea are prominent. The sandveld communities near Punda Maria are equally definitive, with a wide variety of unique species. There are between 25 and 30 breeding pairs of saddle-billed storks in the Park, besides a handful of non-breeding individuals.

Pafuri and Punda Maria in the far north of the Park are regarded as one of the birding hotspots of the world. There are a number of species in the Kruger National Park that are not found anywhere else in the world. The rest camps in the Park are where birds often see some of the best birds, particularly those bushveld camps that are situated on one of the main rivers.

The comical hornbills and glossy starlings have made the rest camps their home, with easy pickings from picnic scraps and family barbeques. The many dams scattered around the Kruger National Park are excellent birding spots, with the African Fish Eagle being a prize sighting.

Its signature call is an absolute delight. Let us take a look at the few bird routes in the Kruger National Park that attract avid birders to the region.

This is a popular birding route in the southern part of the Park which is a sub-tropical area with a lot of open bushland. Typical species of trees in the area include the acacia, leadwood, marula and tamboti trees.

Common species found in the area include the African scops-owl, bateleur, crested francolin, lilac-breasted roller, southern ground hornbill and white-crested helmet shrike. Some of the sought-after and rare birds found in this route include the martial eagle, narina trogon and southern bald ibis. This route falls within the northern region of the Kruger National Park and is part of the Greater Limpopo birding route which extends beyond the borders of the Park through Mapungubwe National Park, the Soutpansberg mountain range and Venda.

Punda Maria is known for sightings of the crowned hornbill, eastern yellow-spotted nicator and mosque swallow. This route incorporates parts of northern Kruger National Park and big sections of the central region. The Big 5 was the collective term given by hunters to five of the most dangerous animals to hunt on foot. With hunting now strictly prohibited in the Park, the Big 5 is a tourism term that attracts animal enthusiasts to the Park.

The Big 5 includes elephants, the Transvaal lion, the Cape buffalo, the rhino and leopard. All five species are endangered to some extent and under threat of extinction from rampant poaching that continues despite earnest anti-poaching programmes. The Kruger National Park can only sustain a population of 8 elephants but by last count in had close to 17 elephants. The Park suffered from extensive elephant poaching in the s which has since abated. It holds over 48 tons of ivory in storage and, according to the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna CITES , has been allowed to sell 30 tons to raise much-needed revenue for anti-poaching measures.

Kruger is home to at least 12 rhinos. Rampant poaching is the scourge of game reserves in South Africa but the Kruger National Park is particularly vulnerable as its western boundary lies on the border of Mozambique, a country ravaged by civil war and one of the poorest in southern Africa.

Asian criminal syndicates have captured the heads of poor villages, luring desperate men into their trap with promises of extreme wealth. Anti-poaching units consist of SANParks game rangers who are assisted by the state police and defence force. The Asian crime syndicates have equipped the poachers with state-of-the-art equipment like night vision googles and large calibre rifles fitted with suppressors and sophisticated rifles.

The rhino population of the Kruger National Park is most vulnerable during the Full Moon when the night sky is illuminated. Most private game reserves in southern Africa have implemented de-horning programme to reduce the incidences of poaching but the Kruger National Park has not taken this route. Some Kruger rhinos have been fitted with invisible tracing devices in their bodies and horns which help the anti-poaching teams keep track of them via satellite systems.

The Transvaal lion is the southern-most African lion most commonly seen in the Kruger National Park, living in the savannah, grasslands and hilly regions of the Park.

There are more than 2 lions of this protected subspecies in the Kruger National Park and one of the more famous Big 5 that visitors delight in sighting. They are majestic animals, with males weighing up to kilograms and females up to kilograms.

The average lifespan of a lion in the bush is about 15 years. They tend to live in prides although males lions come and go, and pride leadership often shifts between several individual males.

The intimate social structure depends heavily on related lionesses that are the primary hunters and jointly rear young cubs. Intense battles over territory and individual dominance occur between the male lions but the pride is usually led by the dominant females.

Lions will follow the big game herds and hunt mostly at night, resting for long periods of time during the hot daylight hours.

The best time to view lions is between dawn and dusk when they are most active but a sighting of a resting pride is just as exciting, particularly if it is a pride with young cubs.

Lionesses usually give birth to litters of between two and four cubs. They are kept well hidden in the bush for about six weeks and then brought out to mingle with the rest of the pride. Lionesses hunt exclusively for their cubs and will have taught their young offspring to hunt by the time they are two years old. At around this age, male cubs are kicked out of the pride and form groupings of nomadic bachelors.

They will either find new territories or return to their pride and challenge the aging male in spectacular fashion. Buffalo herds are very important for the ecological health of the bushveld.

They are known as bulk grazers and are responsible for converting long grasslands into short grassy environments that are suitable for other browsers. Female cows are pregnant for days and usually give birth to a single calf in the months between January and April. Herds can consist of up to several hundred buffalo although a herd might break up into smaller groups during dry, arid seasons.

Lions are the greatest threat for buffalo and a herd will aggressively defend one of its own if taken down by a lioness. As an angry, defensive group, buffalos can hold off an attack by a whole pride of lions. A wounded buffalo is probably the single-most dangerous animal you will encounter in the bush, a trait that gave rise to the original term the Big 5 most dangerous animals to hunt on foot in Africa.

The Cape buffalo is a carrier of viruses that are fatal for domestic livestock. Breeding programmes in the Eastern Cape have been implemented to breed up a stock of virus-resistant bovines.

These buffalo sell on auctions for ridiculously high prices. Leopards live a solitary existence in the bush and will only spend a brief time together with a mating companion. A male leopard will aggressively defend his territory against other males but will share his space with females. Leopards usually spend a restful day in dense riverine bush or in deep crags on rocky outcrops, coming out late afternoon or early evening to hunt.

Unlike lion, they are silent creatures and you may only be aware of its presence when it gives a soft cough-like call. With an average body mass of between kilograms, this graceful cat has an elongated body, fairly short legs and a long tail. Leopards have often been spotted in the trees when only the white tip of their long tail has given them away. They also live up to 15 years, like their cousin the lion. Much like the domestic cat, a leopard will either ambush its prey or stalk it.

It needs to get as close as possible to its prey before it makes a short and explosive charge. It is heavier than a cheetah and lacks the speed to chase down a panicked meal on legs. A leopard can carry animals much heavier than its own weight and will usually drag its prey up a tall tree and lodge it in a fork in the branches several metres off the ground. Once ensconced up a tree with its prey, it will take its time to feed without having to worry about other scavengers.

This majestic big cat will eat anything from wildebeest and antelope to fish and baboons. If you hear blood-curdling screaming in the Park, it is usually a group of panicked baboons who have spotted a leopard lurking in the area. A leopard will approach a group of baboons cautiously because one leopard does not stand a chance against an attack by a number of angry male baboons and their lethal fangs.

A leopard will lick the fur off its prey before it feeds, starting with the thighs and chest. They get most of the moisture they need from their prey and can survive long periods without drinking water from riverbeds and streams. The heavily-poached rhino population receives the most attention as a highly-threatened species in the Kruger National Park, but there are many Red Data severely endangered species in the Park — including a number of bird species.

The status of the African wild dog, affectionately known as the painted wild dog, is actually far more perilous. The Kruger National Park is home to the only viable pack of wild dogs in South Africa and without protection, their future looks bleak. There are about wild dogs left in the whole of South Africa. The wild dog has been brought to the brink of extinction due to persecution by humans they were viewed as pests , genetic inbreeding and diseases like rabies and distemper that they contract from domesticated dogs in the rural areas.

A continent-wide programme has been established by the The Wildlife Conservation Society and Zoological Society in London, and the group is rolling out plans to save this precious species.

On the birding list, there are a number of species that are endangered and being monitored by conservation groups. These include the Baleleur and southern-ground hornbill, aswell as the lappet-faced vulture, martial eagle, kori bustard and grey-headed parrot. These bird species are relatively well-protected in the Park but they are under threat from poaching and poisoning in areas outside of the Kruger National Park.

The Kruger National Park offers nine different wilderness trails; some of them are in the deep bush and virtually untouched by humans. Game rangers take groups on trails made by the animals, and armed with a rifle in case they run into something wild and hungry.

Groups stay in rustic, fairly primitive accommodation and the aim is for guest to experience an authentic wilderness experience with game viewing being a secondary attraction. Trails offer the more adventurous tourists complete isolation, tranquillity and peace. A walking trail generally lasts between three and four days, and you are accompanied by a highly-experienced armed ranger. Guides who take walking safaris in the Kruger National Park have to complete a series of rigorous assessments and must renew their advanced rifle-handling certificate every two years.

There are walking trails designed for an extreme wilderness experience and others that cater for those who want a less rustic experience. The Mphongolo Trail in an area that is completely remote, no tourist roads currently run through this area of the park, and tourists are equipped with the bare essentials.

Everything you need is carried on your back. The Lonely Bull Trail takes you along the Letaba River or you can opt for the Olifants Backpack Trail ; both are for the more adventurous and fit tourist, with the Olifants trail being probably the toughest.

There are seven trails that are run by the Kruger National Park that provided catered meals, and sleeping quarters that are simple but comfortable. Wilderness Safaris run the Pafuri Walking Trail, which is located in the far north of Kruger in the private Makuleke concession. For a five-star option, Tanda Tula has a field camp that is immersed in the bush but offers tourists delicious meals, all your home comforts and comfortable accommodation in luxury tents.

Typically you have the choice of the following:. Camping: most sites for caravans and tents have an electrical point, with a few camping sites dotted around the Park that offer the more intrepid traveller a rustic experience with no electricity.

Rest camp huts: these single room units are remnants of the early tourism days and add to the character of the Park. Visitors share communal kitchen and ablution facilities. Safari tents: permanent canvas tents have been erected on platforms, where visitors share communal kitchen and ablution facilities while some tents are fully equipped with bathroom and kitchenettes and have more luxurious trimmings.

Bungalow: single bedroom units with a bathroom, and visitors share communal ablutions. Have a choice between basic bungalows or more luxurious types that are situated on the river banks. Family cottage: 2- or 3- bedroomed units with a living room, bathroom and kitchen. Guest cottage: 3- to 4- bedroomed units with at least 2 bathrooms, of which one is en-suite, and a fully-equipped kitchen.

The main rest camps are all self-catering but each one has a good restaurant on site if you feel like a few days break away from the stove.

The rest camps have purposely been kept humble and there is nothing flash about them. Staying at one of the main camps is reminiscent of the early days, where accommodation is relatively basic in rondavels round houses that were part of the early character of the Park. The Matjulu Spruit runs through the rest camp so the gardens are usually kept green and lush, and there is a path that follows the perimeter of the fence which is popular for evening strolls or a quick jog.

Berg en Dal is a great spot if you own a caravan or prefer to camp, and has all the usual facilities. It has two guesthouses, a selection of bungalows and a six-bed family cottage. Caravan and camping sites have their own braai facility and a power outlet. This is the ideal rest camp if you want to get away from the crowds and prefer a smaller, more intimate camp. There is no restaurant at this camp but there is a small shop that stocks the basics and takeaways.

The camp has a choice of accommodation including camping facilities, and there is a picnic spot for day visitors. Morning and night game drives can be booked, aswell as bush walks with an armed ranger. The spectacular views over the Letaba River make this one of the most beautiful rest camps in the Kruger National Park. Letaba Rest Camp has a variety of accommodation from the typical rondavals to bungalows, guest houses and cottages.

It also has a charming site for caravans and camping. Lower Sabie is ideally situated in the central region of the Park and is popular because of the large variety of animals in the area.

The Sabie River flows past the camp and you can see just as much game from the camp as you can see on a game drive. The chalets and safari tents positioned on the river bank offer visitors fantastic views and excellent game viewing.

Lower Sabie Rest Camp boasts one of the best restaurants in the Park with a spectacular view. Visitors have the choice of secluded safari tents that are positioned away from the camping site.

Mopani Rest Camp is situated on the banks of one of the original dams, which means visitors sometimes prefer to remain in the camp for excellent game viewing. The Pioneer Dam is fed by the Tsende River, and the surrounding bush is lush and green for most of the year. The camp is named after the Mopani tree that is a dominant species in the area. Mopani Rest Camp lies very close to the Tropic of Capricorn, and in fact there is a drive called the Tropic of Capricorn loop which allows you to drive along the parallel of latitude.

Mopani Rest Camp offers a variety of accommodation from budget-friendly cottages to more luxurious guesthouses.

Dine in a beautiful setting at Tindlovu restaurant, or enjoy a sundowner at Pioneer Dam. This is a four-day trail that crosses the divide between the Mingerhout Dam and the low-water Letaba Bridge.

This is one of the more prestigious camps in the Park with a rich history. A fully-equipped shop and a good restaurant sits perched higher above the gorge with sweeping panoramic views. Chalets on the river frontage are booked way in advance because they are so popular. A real treat is an authentic African bush braai. There are also two huts available that are wheel-chair friendly. This is a smaller camp situated close to the Orpen gate. All the bungalows face onto a watering hole that is illuminated at night.

Honey badgers, hyena and leopard are often spotted on night drives, aswell as the white-tailed mongoose. There is a small shop that sells the basic necessities and there is a nice pool for hot summer days. There is no restaurant at the camp so accommodation is completely self-catering.

Your accommodation at Orpen Rest Camp is a choice of two- or three-bed thatched cottage, but there are also guest cottages offering room for six people. The Orpen game was named in honour of the Orpen family who donated land and boreholes at a time when the Park had only recently opened up to visitors. A white hut in the camp acts as a museum to JH Orpen and his wife, Eileen. It stands in the exact spot where the original gate in the Kruger National Park used to be.

This rest camp has huge sentimental value for those that know the history of the Park and is the oldest rest camp. It was named after Willem Pretorius, a pioneering developer in its early days. The rest camp has a spectacular pool, built around a massive granite rock. There is a restaurant on site but it offers simple food without all the bells and whistles of other camp restaurants. It is one of the more convenient rest camps for local South Africans as it is less than 10 kilometres from Numbi Gate closest gate to White River.

It offers visitors a wilder, more remote experience. The area is most popular for birding, with game viewing being a bit leaner than the southern regions. The park rangers understand the variety of animals, beautiful aesthetics, and isolation from developments is the pull to this park in particular.

The Big Five are a large part of the African culture as well. The conservation of these animals is an important aspect in keeping Kruger National Park alive. These keystone species create habitats for new animals and fertilize the grounds, which keep the park ever changing and constantly full of new environments.

South Africa is known for its beauty and extensive wildlife making the preservation of animals and upkeep of the park a high priority. Kruger is a vast area of undeveloped land, which attracts tourists and conservationists.

Besides visiting Kruger to see the amazing wildlife, the park is used for educational purposes as well. It is a major research and conservation center used to study the mass amounts of animals and wildlife, and how they interact with one another. The untouched beauty of the park has enabled exotic species to be found and has kept the animals in their natural habitat. Elephant poaching and the hunting of animals is another reason why Kruger National Park has been significant in preserving the wildlife.

The demand for ivory has been an important issue throughout the continent and it has cut the African elephant population in half. Here are our top 5 facts about the park. The Kruger National Park is home to over 12, elephants, 27, African Buffalo, 1, leopards and lots of other wonderful wildlife. Actually, your base on our volunteer programme will be in the Greater Kruger National Park, so who knows what wonderful wildlife you will encounter when relaxing after a days work.

Has this quick guide ignited an interest in heading the Kruger National Park? Find out what great projects you can be getting up to and where you will be living, you're sure to have an amazing experience! Got any questions?