Africa is the home of the natural wildlife. So many wild animals are living there, and most of them are protected. Therefore, we can find many National Park and resever in Africa such as Bostwana Central Kalahari Game Reserve at Botswana, Maasai Mara Natural Reserve at Kenya, and The Kruger Nationaal Park at South Africa.
The Kruger National Park was established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the South African Lowveld. Located in north east South Africa, it is over 2 million hectares in size.
As far as tourist destinations go, the Kruger National Park is the most popular in South Africa and probably one of the most famous in the world. People come to South Africa for no other reason than to visit this world class game reserve. You can see South Africa’s “Big 5”, which include the lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and the black rhino, as well as 142 other types of mammals and 517 different species of birds. The Kruger Park is brimming with sights to see, rock paintings, archaeological sites and, of course, the majesty of the animal kingdom.
Kruger National Park is the largest game reserve in South Africa. It covers 18,989 square km (7,332 sq mi) and extends 350 km (217 mi) from north to south and 60 km (37 mi) from east to west.
To the west and south of the Kruger National Park are the two South African provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. In the north is Zimbabwe, and to the east is Mozambique. It is now part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, a peace park that links Kruger National Park with the Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe, and with the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique.
Lion in Kruger National Park
The park is part of the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere, an area designated by the United Nations Education and Scientific Organisation (UNESCO) as an International Man and Biosphere Reserve (the “Biosphere”).
The park is almost 2 million hectares in size, with a large variety of accommodation to suit all types. There are 21 rest camps available, 7 private lodges and 11 designer private safari lodges. The park is the largest game reserves in South Africa and, if it can be believed, larger than the country of Israel. The park extends between the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga and has recently been included in the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, which joins it with game reserves in Zimbabwe and Mozabique, bringing the total size of the combined parks to a staggering 35 000 square kilometers.
What to Do Whilst in the Kruger Park
Game Drives
Game drives are what the Kruger National Park is all about. If you’re on a kruger park safari then the highlight to any day is venturing out on the back of an off-road vehicle, binoculars clutched in one hand whilst the other hangs on for all you’re worth to the constantly rolling vehicle as it makes its way through the bush in hot pursuit of the latest pride of lions, sighted feeding on a kill just over the rise.
Bush Walks
Nothing can possibly beat the heart stopping excitement of tracking rhino, elephant and lion on foot through the heat of the bush. But it’s also one of the most incredible ways to learn about the fragility of the ecosystems of the Kruger Park and to see the smaller, but in no way less exciting, animals and insects of the park like termites, spiders, snakes and plants that tend to be ignored when on the more fast paced game drives. Bush walks can last up to four hours and stops are made to allow replenishment and a chance to take in the beauty of an area. In the Kruger Park it’s advisable to take your own snacks and sunscreen and most of the camps do morning and afternoon walks.
Foot Safaris:
Foot Safaris in the Kruger National Park - Time spent on foot in a Wilderness area is the very embodiment of a memorable safari experience. And this experience can be appreciated at Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge. Tony and his team value the essence of a Foot Safari and are privileged to be able to share the Bush with their guests. To see the full article and get extra info please see: Foot Safaris in Kruger National Park.
Wilderness trails
There are a few incredible wilderness trails in the Kruger National Park, some in areas virtually untouched by humans, with names like Metsi-Metsi, Napi, Massingir and the Sweni Wilderness. Most of these trails are about 2 days with 3 overnights in rustic huts with basic ablution in reed-walled showers and flush toilets, but on the whole, they’re in such demand that they’re booked out way in advance. These are aimed at smaller groups than bush walks and one needs to have a reasonable level of fitness as one averages 20 kilometres a day, although this is at a leisurely pace.
The Lebombo overland trail
This incredible five-day 'wilderness experience on wheels' takes you from Crocodile Bridge to Pafuri, and deserves a mention here. It’s an eco trail that takes you along the eastern boundary of the Kruger National Park along the Lebombo hills (hence the name) from the extreme south to the farthest northern edge.
Blog : Family Safari – Great Kruger National Park – July 2009
“How many more sleeps?” this became our sons wake up call as the days neared for his first ‘safari’ to the Greater Kruger National Park.
We made our way the following morning, not too far away to the Manyaleti Reserve and Honeyguide Khoka Moya. I LOVE tented camps, so for me this really was a treat and although a rather cold evening – the beds were more than warm and inviting!! A great touch are the hot water bottles, not only in your bed, but on the evening and early morning game drives. Very geared up for children, with kids meals on request (although the grown up food was much appreciated by Xavier), activities for kids around camp and guides who really do know how to talk to smaller first time safaris goers. Thanks again to another Richard for keeping up the breaking of the leopard hoodoo – a fine sighting of a female feasting in a tree after a kill (which we just missed)!
Again with just the one night, we really were lucky to see Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard, amazing birds as well as plains game in abundance around the main dam. For me Honeyguide Khoka Moya has that real ’safari feel to it – I guess it’s the tents!. For those not wanting to take the kids with – Honeyguide Mantobeni is no under 12’s – so an option for everyone in this wonderful community based reserve.
The Sabi Sand is sometimes referred to as the ‘Hollywood of the bush’ – although the 5 star lodges have just about every convenience you can think of and rarely do you leave without seeing the Big Five – it really is a special place. We were lucky enough to have a night at Chitwa Chitwa and were totally spoilt with our night in the new Chitwa House! WOW what a great place for the family to just sit back, chill and relax. The lodge had most of the public areas destroyed by fire earlier this year and although incredibly heartbreaking, what has risen from the ashes is nothing short of ’stunning’. If you want a bit of luxury in your life, just that once, do yourself a favor and have a night or two (if not three) here.
We were fortunate enough to be able to take a private vehicle out and Dean made the drive well worth it. With James very much the photographer of the family, he was able to concentrate on not only stills, but video for some great moments. Xavier thoroughly enjoyed a shorter drive, but that was nothing compared to the boma dinner and his only private fire for roasting marshmallows!
The northern Sabi Sand lodges work together nicely and most have very good ‘off road’ traversing rights, so is it all ‘Tinsel Town’? … not really and lets face it – who ever didn’t dream of living it up just a little!!
Our longest drive would take us from the Sabi Sand to one of the furthest lodges in the Timbavati Reserve. This has long been a favorite reserve of mine and it was great to touch base with the lodges here. Often not considered by many travellers, the reserve boasts the Big Five, great birding and lodges that offer a real ‘wildlife’ experience. Motswari being no exception to this. It has been ‘in the family’ for so long that when you arrive as a repeat guest, you feel like a long lost cousin who is popping in after time away – you catch up where you left off.
Even though the lodge was full and we were unable to secure a family room (with two bedrooms) the room we had for the three of us was more than ideal. If only travelling with one small child, the elephant room right at the end is a great option! Although like most of the camps we stayed at, unfenced, Xavier amused himself on our stoep and even braved listening to the elephants come past that night and of course the curious warthog the next morning.
For that little bit extra a private vehicle and guide can be arranged (especially if there aren’t a lot of young child families in residence) and Chad made sure we had one of the best drives for our time away! What a breathtaking sight to watch 4 herds of elephant come together at the dam; I’m not sure who was more curious us of them, or the young bulls of us in are Landrover! We were also lucky to see one of the huge male lions that roam the reserve; he even posed for a couple of photos!
We also visited Gomo Gomo Game Lodge, which has recently relocated from one side of the Timbavati to the other (now very close to the Klaserie reserve). Their main areas overlook a wonderful dam and Xavier and I passed on the afternoon game drive to relax and take in the sights and sounds. Family rooms are more than spacious (with two bedrooms), but just watch the gas geysers – if the pilot light goes out and you don’t notice you could end up with one full cold bath!! But I think we really did save ‘the best’ till last. Being on safari and the choice of lodge that one stays in really is just that a personal ‘choice’. We have always been a big supporter of Umlani Bush Camp and what we encountered summed up why. With no electricity and their fire as the hub of their camp – it really was a back to basics wilderness, bush experience. Don’t get me wrong though, the donkey boiler showers are hot – and there’s something about an outdoor shower that gets you feeling like you are on safari. The meals are without a doubt some of the best we had encountered and the ambiance and bib of the lodge as a whole takes some beating.
Lion Cubs in Kruger National Park
Quite often it is the people that make a place and Umlani has some of the happiest, most knowledgeable, welcoming people working for it – a real credit to the local community. This was also Xavier’s favorite place – he was fascinated that the fire could be the ‘life’ of the lodge and all that it was capable of doing – starting the boilers, making the hot water for the morning coffee and of course cooking our fine supper.
Travelling with small ones can often be tiring and exhausting for parents, but a safari into what lies on our doorstep really need not be this. There is so much to see, do learn and experience. Xavier has nothing but fond memories of his first safari and an album of pictures to prove it. The only problem now…..
“How many more sleeps till we next go to Kruger Park??”
Photos of Kruger National Park
Leopard in Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park Map Location
Kruger monument in front of the Paul Kruger Gate.
Watch Hotel Hamiltons Tented Camp in Kruger National Park / National Park / South video
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar