Kruger National Park Things to Do Tips by kzngirl

Creatures Great and Small! other wildlife Review

It’s easy to get disappointed if you arrive at the park with the expectation that you will see all of the Big 5 during your stay. The park is HUGE! You may be very lucky and get to se all of the big five, but there is SO much more to see than just the lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant!

There are birds, monkeys, baboons, snakes, dung-beetles, butterflies, cheetahs, duiker, wild dog, lizards, mongoose, zebras, warthogs, porcupines, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, turtles, fish eagles, vultures, hyenas, eiland, nyalas, frogs and terrapins…The list is endless!

During our drives throughout the park, we will often switch off the car engine and just sit for half an hour. It is amazing what you see and hear when you take a minute to pause and listen.

Enjoy being in Africa and make the most of your experience by taking note of all the creatures that cross your path: great and small!

Pack a Snack! picnic areas Review

Picnic Spots – The park maps clearly point out where you can exit your vehicle and have lunch / sundowners / braai (BBQ). These spots are usually at scenic points overlooking a river or open savannah. At each designated picnic spots, you leave your vehicle at your own risk.

More often than not, braai’s (BBQ’s) are provided as are ablutions. Some picnic spots even have small cafes from which you can buy everything from toasted sandwhiches to tea and scones.

A word of warning however, there tend to be a vast amount of bees hanging around such places due to the sugary drinks, sweet food and jam left or spilt on the outdoor tables. Take care not to be stung.

While I enjoy getting out of the car and stretching my legs after a few hours of game viewing, I must admit that the designated picnic sites are usually hugely populated with fellow tourists and so our lunch/refreshment breaks don't usually involve sitting in the peace and quiet of the park, listening to the sounds of nature!

More often than not, rather than the warble of birds and scuffles of beasts, your ears resound with the buzz of bees, interesting dialects, foreign tongues and the laughter of kiddies! Not a bad way to spend a rest break, but if you are hoping for peace and quiet, these might not be the best places to pause...eat your lunch and then head to a waterhole or hide for your P&Q in nature's playground!

Directions: The Kruger Park maps clearly designate the picnic areas.

Take a walk on the wildside! Walking safari Review

Game Walks – There is nothing more thrilling than walking through the African veld at dawn. The sun is just rising – the air is dusted with gold and all about you the birds are singing. The earth still smells damp and pungent.

The best time for game walks are first thing in the morning or late afternoon. These can be booked at the reception within each of the camps you are staying. They do fill up quickly, so make sure you book as soon as you check in.

Make sure you wear a decent pair of walking boots, or failing that, a good pair of trainers. It is recommend your walking boots or trainers cover your ankle (use a pair of thick socks if your shoes don’t ride that high). This is an extra precaution against snake-bites.

You walk with a qualified, experienced game guard. They generally have a rifle that they carry with them. As you walk through the flora and fauna, they share with you a wealth of information not only about the animals you find, but also plants you walk through and the insects and birds you see and hear.

Reminder: take along your hat and some sunscreen. Many a time I've returned from a morning walk with a roasted nose and stinging shoulders!

Don't forget to check for ticks on your legs and shoes when you return.

Cheers! picnic areas Review

Sundowners – One of my favourite pastimes in a game park is to pack a cooler bag with a gin and tonic, a lemon, a packet of lightly salted crisps and a bag of pistachios, climb into the car and head out for a late afternoon drive.

We usually plan our route to include a pit stop at a picnic site – preferably one that overlooks a river or water hole. Tucking into our nibbles we scan the horizon with our binoculars taking in all the African afternoon has to offer. You will be amazed at how much you see if you just sit still and wait. Patience is the greatest virtue while on safari!

Pay special attention to the far side of the river bank as you sip your tipple, often game can be spotted grazing in the distance...look out for moving logs: crocs! Bird life is usually prolific around river banks so if you are a bird lover, this is definitely for you!

Self Drive Game Drives (Self-Driving) Review

Kruger Park is a self-drive game park (unless you are staying in some of the private lodges or going on a morning/night drive). Easy to read, clearly illustrated maps are sold at every entrance to the park. Take some time before you leave the car park, to look at the map and navigate your route.

I have often found that it is best to spend a few hours driving around the park before checking in on your first day. Head into your camp just after lunch, check in, unpack and then throw a few snacks together before heading out to a nearby water hole for some sundowners as the sun slips over the savannah.

Take note of the speed limit and keep to it! There are often speed traps (believe it or not) throughout the park.