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Best months
for viewing National Parks
Private Game Parks
Kruger National Park
More links
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Most visitors wish
to visit at least one of the country’s protected wilderness areas, so they
can experience, first hand, the wonder of nature. The country is one
of the best places in Africa for seeing the “Big Five” – elephant, lion,
rhino (black & white), leopard and buffalo, in addition to cheetah,
giraffe, zebra, numerous antelope types, hippo and crocodile. South Africa has
one of the greatest diversities of bird and plant
species in the world.
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Types of Parks and Game Reserves
South Africa’s wildlife
sanctuaries fall into three main categories; nature parks, private game reserves
and national reserves.
Nature parks are not so much noted for their wildlife as their scenic beauty,
walking and hiking trails.
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National Parks
National game reserves are generally
explored by tourists in their own vehicles or hired car (although game
drives are organised by some) and generally involve self-catering (again
there are exceptions). However escorted tours can be arranged in most parks,
particularly Kruger. Specialist ground handlers will make all arrangements,
including catering.
While many visitors will opt for a
private game reserve, it is a god idea to explore one or two of the National
Parks. Tourists generally stay in rest camps, usually cottages or chalets.
Most have kitchens and bathrooms/showers. It is best to buy food outside the
park, although some camps have grocery shops for basic requirements and
occasionally restaurants.
Reservations should therefore be
made well in advance. Accommodation ranges from large, fully self-contained
camps to bushveld and private camps. Ranger guided day and night safaris in
open vehicles are a new and popular feature. |
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Private Game Parks
Private game
reserves appeal especially to the international visitor and are frequently
featured in the programmes of tour operators.
The highly-personalised service offered ensures the best of game viewing
opportunities – while the ambience in the lodges and camps, often furnished
to luxurious standards, is relaxed and enjoyable. Games drives in
open-topped vehicles are operated by experienced rangers who take guests
“off the beaten track” and into the bush.
Walking safaris may also be offered. Many private game reserves have
swimming pools, where guest can cool off during the day, and most offer
well-stocked bars. Meals, morning coffee and afternoon tea are provided
while evening braais (barbecues) often take place around a campfire in an
open, circular, reed enclosure called a “boma”.
The majority of
private game reserves are located on the western border of the Kruger
National Park and there are others in northern KwaZulu Natal and the Eastern
Cape. To really enjoy the wildlife experience , it’s best to spend at least
two or three nights at each camp.
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Kruger National Park
The Kruger National Park is
located in the North East part of South Africa, on the Mozambique
border. The Kruger National Park was created as a game sanctuary in 1898 and
became a National Park in 1926, named for Pres. Paul Kruger.
The Kruger
National Park covers an area of 7,523 sq mi (19,485 sq km) and contains six
rivers. From North to South a wide variety of ecosystems occur, creating
different habitats for the animals to be found in the Kruger National Park.
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More
links
Follow these links to many resources on
this subject in South Africa
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