Kruger National Park - Short History.
The Kruger National Park, primarily through the efforts of then President of the Transvaal Republic (1883-1904) Paul Kruger and initially named the Sabi Game Reserve in the south and the Shingwedzi Game Reserve in the north, finally received it's present name in 1926 and opened to the public in 1927.
It is the largest single wildlife sanctuary in Africa and stretches for three hundred and sixty kilometres from North to South and 60-90 kilometres from East to West. Parts of Mozambique and Zimbabwe are currently being incorporated into the greater Kruger Park and subject to the establishment of public facilities will soon be open to visitors.
The Manyeleti, Sabi Sand and Timbavati reserves on the Western fringes of the Park have removed all fences enabling wild life to move freely between the Park and these internationally acclaimed "Big 5" Private Wildlife Reserves.
The large concentrations of wildlife in the Kruger Park, particularly in the southern section, are easily viewed from the comfort and safety of our vehicles. We traverse an extensive network of tar and gravel roads where we explore all the well used waterholes and river beds in search of the "Big 5".
Our vehicles are fitted with 2-way radios in order to monitor up to date reports of wild life sightings.
Photo-gallery.
All photographs featured on this website have been taken by George while on safari with guests. Unfortunately we don't have sufficient space on this website to include the many photographs taken by guests while on safari with us.
Bob and Sherry Shepardson of the U.S.A. were on tour with us in 2007 and again in October 2008 and took more than 14,000 photos on one trip alone! Get a load of some fantastic close up photos (including an encounter between a Duiker and an African Rock Python) on their website: http://www.bobswildlifephotos.com.
Facilities, Safaris & Activities. Rest Camps:
The Kruger Park has become increasingly popular over the years! Please book early to give us a good chance of securing the best available accommodation within the Park. Preferred rest camps are Skukuza, Lower Sabie, Berg en Dal & Crocodile Bridge in the south and Satara & Olifants in the central area.
Most rest camps have electricity, shopping facilities, a first aid centre, laundromat, restaurant and self-service cafeteria, public telephones and a petrol station. Skukuza & Berg en Dal have internet facilities.
"Premium" Safari Accommodation. Bungalows:
Thatched, air-conditioned bungalows have one room with 2 or 3 beds plus a bathroom - shower, toilet and basin. Some units have their own kitchens with cooking facilities with crockery and cutlery etc. The units are serviced daily with bedding, towels & soap provided.
Cottages & Guest Houses:
Thatched cottages and guest houses have two to three en-suite bedrooms each with 2 or 3 beds and are separated by a large lounge and fully equipped kitchen. These air-conditioned units are usually located along the perimeter of the camps with excellent views of the bush or river.
"Economy" Safari Accommodation. Tents & Huts:
These comfortable units are equipped with 2 to 4 beds, a cupboard, table and chairs, fridge and electric fan (huts have air-con). Units are serviced daily with clean bedding, towels and soap while clean communal ablution facilities are provided nearby.
N.B. A minimum of 4 persons must book for an economy safari.
Kruger Park economy accommodation is very popular and not always available at short notice. It is advisable to plan an economy safari to the Kruger Park at least six(6) months in advance !
Activities & Adventure:
Open vehicle game drives: Guests are offered a complimentary night game drive in an open-sided safari vehicle. Every outing holds its own surprises and you can expect to see much more than just the 'Big Five'.
The Park is home to a massive array of wild life (mammals and reptiles). Bird life is prolific throughout the Park ranging from water birds to land dwellers. Summer attracts a host of migrant birds from Europe including Russia.
Additional night drives can be booked in advance or while on safari @ R 150 p.p. During the night drives you get a different view of wild life in the Park using powerful spotlights. It is also an opportunity to spot the many nocturnal animals which use the cover of darkness to hunt.
Walking safaris with Kruger Park rangers. (Duration - 3 hours): For those with "healthy hearts" ...and who think they can outrun a lion... walking safaris are available @ R270 p.p. and should be booked in advance.
Additional activities: Quad Biking (R 450), Horse Riding (R 300), Hot Air Ballooning (R 2 400), White Water Rafting (R 450), Cultural Village Experience (R 550) and Drakensberg Mountain tour (R 650).
To include any of the above activities extra day/s must be booked with accommodation at a guest house outside the Park on a DBB. basis @ R 1 600 p.p. excluding activity.
All prices are per person sharing. N.B. Itineraries will vary slightly as a result of seasonal and gate time changes, game movements, weather pattern & availability of accommodation etc.
Helpful information to assist in planning your Kruger Park safari.
Meals: All Kruger Park Premium safaris are DBB, while the Economy safari is BB. A variety of sit-down and on-the-go meals (priced from R40) are available at the cafeterias. Buffet dinners at R190 are available at the camp's main restaurant.
Your guide is happy to prepare a truly South African BBQ if requested.
Travel and Location: The Southern entrances to the Kruger Park (Paul Kruger, Phabeni & Numbi gates) are approximately 500 km from Johannesburg. Malelane gate is a further 80 kms with Crocodile Bridge gate a further 40 kms but is a pleasant and scenic drive.
Climate: The Mpumalanga/Limpopo provinces have a subtropical climate with hot summers and warm, dry winters. Winter mornings & evenings can be slightly cold. It is advisable to bring a warm top for the early morning game drives. The region receives summer rains which fall between November and March so be prepared and bring a light waterproof top.
We Are Committed To Making Your Safari A Safe, Exciting & Enjoyable Experience!
Malaria Warning
MALARIA PROPHYLACTICS ARE ESSENTIAL ESPECIALLY DURING THE RAINY SEASON. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR FOR MEDICATION. MALARIA HELP LINE: +27 82 234 1800
Preventative measures: The malaria contact time is mostly early evening to early morning when the mosquito's are most active. Keep doors, windows and insect netting closed, use a good insect repellent, especially around the ankles and wear clothing that covers open skin areas.
If you develop flue like symptoms within 3 weeks from visiting a Malaria area visit your doctor and mention that you have been in a Malaria region.
A flashlight is essential as there are dark areas within the rest camps. There are also occasional black outs. . Don't forget to bring camera and binoculars.
To avoid disturbing other visitors and to enjoy the wilderness sounds there are no television sets (except in ultra-luxury units) or radios in the rest camps.
We Are Committed To Making Your Safari A Safe, Exciting & Enjoyable Experience!
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