Kruger National Park is, with nearly 20.000 km square, South Africa’s largest and most famous national park located in the northeast of the country.
The Northern section is most attractive to those travellers that want to avoid the crowds, and can appreciate a remote area of great natural beauty. The North is the area of Kruger where one finds hundreds of giant baobabs amongst rocky boulders, and old growth forests along the river courses. It is situated in the transition zone between ‘tropical’ and ‘subtropical’, which is the reason why the landscape and animal diversity is so different from the rest of Kruger. Although the big 5 do occur in The North, the frequency of seeing these is a little less than further south. The region it is mostly famous for sightings of more rare animals, such as the African Wild dog, roan antelope, sable antelope and Sharpe’s grysbok. On game drives, expect to have fewer sightings than one would have in the Southern part of Kruger. But when you have a sighting, it is usually a special one, and you’ll have it for yourself without any other tourist vehicle around. Serious birdwatchers know that ‘The North’ is THE place in Kruger for bird watching and getting those specials like Racket-tailed roller, Black-throated wattle-eye or the elusive Pel’s fishing owl and so much more!
Activities available in the park include guided game drives, guided bush walks, guided bird walks, and night drives.
In short, first time travellers will probably prefer the southern areas of Kruger. Lots of animals make for the best and easiest game viewing, but it is also busier with other tourists. Central Kruger is lion country, with a high density of predators. Landscape is less impressive, but there are fewer tourists here, which is for many people a bonus. More experienced travellers that can appreciate fewer sightings, but more ‘special ones’, as well as those travellers that don’t want to see to many other tourists, will love Northern Kruger.
The Northern section is most attractive to those travellers that want to avoid the crowds, and can appreciate a remote area of great natural beauty. The North is the area of Kruger where one finds hundreds of giant baobabs amongst rocky boulders, and old growth forests along the river courses. It is situated in the transition zone between ‘tropical’ and ‘subtropical’, which is the reason why the landscape and animal diversity is so different from the rest of Kruger. Although the big 5 do occur in The North, the frequency of seeing these is a little less than further south. The region it is mostly famous for sightings of more rare animals, such as the African Wild dog, roan antelope, sable antelope and Sharpe’s grysbok. On game drives, expect to have fewer sightings than one would have in the Southern part of Kruger. But when you have a sighting, it is usually a special one, and you’ll have it for yourself without any other tourist vehicle around. Serious birdwatchers know that ‘The North’ is THE place in Kruger for bird watching and getting those specials like Racket-tailed roller, Black-throated wattle-eye or the elusive Pel’s fishing owl and so much more!
Activities available in the park include guided game drives, guided bush walks, guided bird walks, and night drives.
In short, first time travellers will probably prefer the southern areas of Kruger. Lots of animals make for the best and easiest game viewing, but it is also busier with other tourists. Central Kruger is lion country, with a high density of predators. Landscape is less impressive, but there are fewer tourists here, which is for many people a bonus. More experienced travellers that can appreciate fewer sightings, but more ‘special ones’, as well as those travellers that don’t want to see to many other tourists, will love Northern Kruger.
SANParks
South African National Parks, also called SANParks, offer several accommodation options in various locations throughout the park. In the northern area of Kruger National Park, you can choose to stay at Punda Maria Rest Camp with is often described as ‘the botanical garden’ with all plant species unique to the area around the camp. Shingwedzi Rest Camp is a rustic camp and lays along the Shingwedzi River. Letaba Rest Camp is a more idyllic camp situated on the bend of the Letaba River and Mopani Rest Camp is the newest of all the rest camps, named after the mopane veld that surrounds the camp. The accommodations are self-catering, most have restaurant facilities, a shop and swimming pool. All comfortable camps are very popular amongst visitors to Kruger National Park therefore it is advisable to book your trip well in advance, especially during the South African school holidays. Children of all ages are welcome at the SANParks accommodations.
Awelani Lodge
Awelani Lodge is located just outside Kruger National Park, in a 1000 ha Eco-Park and offers self catering accommodations of both chalets and campsites. The Awelani Lodge is ideally situated for day visitors to the northern part of Kruger, transboundary travellers and guests who would like to visit the northern part of the Limpopo province. The lodge offers guests ideal opportunities to hike or to mountain bike through the lovely area, surrounded by baobab trees and many other flora and fauna of the Limpopo area. Each chalet is provided with the best comfort. The facilities of this 3-star lodge consist of a pool, WiFi over the entire property and an outstanding restaurant preparing delicious meals. Children of all ages are welcome at Awelani Lodge.
Pafuri River Camp
The unique Pafuri River Camp is one of the memorable bush experiences when visiting the Kruger National Park. Pafuri River Camp is famous for its peace, serenity and excellent service in a friendly informal atmosphere. Each camp features a fully equipped kitchen, BBQ facilities and a shower with toilet. You will not find any electricity on the campsite, but guests can use the paraffin lamps for light or camp fires. Pafuri River Camp is a camp situated in one of the most important bird areas of South Africa, on the banks of the Pafuri River. This offers guests exceptional bird watching with of course a bird guide who will share his knowledge with you.
