South Africa is home to one of the largest game reserves in Africa, the Kruger National Park. It is also the largest game reserve in Southern Africa. The Park itself is one of many reasons to visit SA, but why would you want to visit the Park?
We’ve made a list of must-see things to do in the Kruger Park that ensures adventure and sightseeing. And if you add these to your itinerary when you visit, you will be guaranteed to have one of the best Kruger Park Trips ever!
1. Wilderness trails
This is the best way to explore and investigate the Kruger. With 7 different trails to choose from, you can select the area that you want to explore. You are out in the wild for 3 nights and during the 2 days in between, you will walk around in the field with qualified and armed guides who will make sure you have the ultimate wildlife experience. You will sleep in huts or tents with ablution facilities and your meals are included in the package. Remember to have the right gear, comfortable clothing and footwear. Don’t forget your camera, binoculars, walking stick, sunscreen and torch as there is no electricity.
2. Mountain Biking
Another adventurous way to explore the Kruger National Park. You can either hire a bicycle or bring your own. You will be supplied with a backpack, water bottle, bicycle helmet, snacks and a juice. You will be accompanied by 2 qualified and armed field guides. Depending on the route taken, your outing can be 3 to 4 hours. For the more experienced cyclists there is also a full day trail available. Remember to pack your neutral colour clothing for your excursion, as well as insect repellent, binoculars, camera, comfortable shoes, hat, sunblock as well as any personal medication. The guides will have a first aid kit, should you sustain any injuries.
3. Morning, Sunset or Night Drive
This activity is one of the most popular ways to explore the Kruger. You will experience the Park’s fauna up close in an open vehicle. The duration of the drive can be anything between 2 and 3.5 hours, depending on the time of day. Experienced guides will explain the interesting facts of the fauna and flora around you as well as wildlife that you will see on route. This activity is a definite must see on your Kruger National Park safari.
4. Guided Walks
If sleeping in the bush is just one step too far for your adventure level, you also have the option of only a guided walk in the Park. You have the options of early morning or afternoon walks where you will explore the surrounding areas adjacent to the camp. Your 2 experienced and armed guides will focus on the interesting things that you will usually not see from a vehicle. Remember your comfortable shoes and camera to capture your experience.
5. 4×4 Trails
Get off the beaten track and explore the rarely seen areas in the Kruger. These adventure trails are not gravelled and the 4×4 vehicles minimize the environmental damage. These trails are self-drive and driven at your own risk. There are also no facilities on route, and it is recommended to take a GPS on your trip.
6. Spa Treatments
When you visit the Kruger Park you can be guaranteed that it will be one of the most relaxing breakaways that you will ever experience. Just to take your relaxation to the next level or to kick-start your tranquillity you can book a spa treatment at one of the luxurious lodges in the Kruger. The spas are located in some of the most beautiful settings where you can indulge yourself in the beauty and tranquillity of the wilderness.
7. Elephant Hall at Letaba Camp
At Letaba’s elephant hall you will learn everything you need to know about elephants. You can learn more about the elephant evolution, their behaviour and biology. You can also see the ivory of eight of Kruger’s greatest tuskers. There are games for the kids and interesting facts for educators.
8. Overnight Hides
Another ultimate wilderness experience is where you will overnight in a unique hide. The hide is fully self-catering without any electricity. There are 2 sleepover hides in the Kruger Park that are well suited for those looking for an indigenous, close-to-nature, bushveld experience.
9. Picnic Spots
There are more or less 15 picnic spots that you can stop at along the route of your safari in the Kruger. Some of them have shops and at others you can pack your picnic basket, hire a gas “skottel” and make your own breakfast or lunch. Some of the spots have the most spectacular views where you can spot wildlife on their way to the waterhole.
10. Bird Hides
There are 11 bird hides throughout the Park, excluding the hides that are based inside the camps. The Kruger is home to around 500 different bird species and you can be assured to spot some of them at the hides. You might even be lucky and see hippos playing around in the water, releasing an occasional conversational grunt, or wildlife coming for their daily water break.
