Safari Odyssey

It is not without reason that the iconic Kruger National park in South Africa has become renowned as possibly the best wildlife preservation area in the world.

It’s sheer size, it’s spectacular beauty, the fact that it is probably the best place to see the ‘big 5’ – Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and Buffalo, it’s excellent infrastructure, catering to the masses and those who like to go off the beaten track and of course, excellent accommodations, all contribute to its well-deserved reputation.

Little wonder then, that when our international tourists speak of a visit to Africa we tell them the one place you simply have to visit is Kruger National Park – the ultimate African safari destination!

Interesting facts

A park to protect the wildlife of South Africa was the vision of the Kruger’s namesake Paul Kruger who was the President of the Transvaal republic in the late nineteen hundreds. Only in 1926 though, the National Parks Act was proclaimed and the Sabie and Shingwedzi Game Reserves were combined to form the Kruger National Park.

With a land mass of over 20,000 sq. Kilometres (7,500 sq. miles), the size of Israel and only slightly smaller than Belgium, the Kruger Park is one of the largest in Africa and proves that size does matter, as the extent of its wildlife and bird populations is staggering.

The wildlife

507 birds, 336 trees, 147 mammals, 114 reptiles, 49 fish and 34 amphibians make up its incredible flora and fauna population and this has made it one of the most popular public entry game parks in the world. It is one of the easiest places to achieve the coveted prize of having spotted the ‘Big 5,’and is a Photographer’s Nirvana, but there is more to this experience than just facts and figures.

You could actually witness a Lion kill, or is you’re too late to catch the action, you could see the battle that ensues for the carcass amongst the scavengers – Wild dogs and Hyenas. You could witness an entire Elephant heard trundling down to the watering to take a communal family bath. They join all manner of creatures drinking their ‘sundowners’ whilst they keep a wary eye on a crocodile on the embankment nearby, a threat to their young.

This is what makes the Kruger Park so special – just the myriad of sightings that await the African safari visitor.

Exciting experiences

One can go off the beaten track and arrange to take a guided safari bush walk. Get up close and personal with some of the inhabitants and enjoy some of the smaller creatures and insects that are to be found on the ground.

Take to the skies in a helicopter flip or better still enjoy a hot air balloon ride – a magnificent way to view game from above. Another great tour is, for those who have a genuine interest in wildlife preservation, to the endangered species centre: Here you’d have the opportunity to see Rhinos who are sadly greatly endangered and so not so easily seen in the park,

Kruger National park also has a rich cultural history, so visits to Letaba Elephant Museum, Jock of the Bushveld Route, Albasini Ruins, Masorini Ruins, Stevenson Hamilton Memorial Library and Thulamela are all recommended.

Gourmet safaris, golf safaris, train safaris and of course photographic safaris are all favourites and can be experienced as exciting extras!

Camps and lodges

The Kruger Park has a massive range of accommodations from basic public camps to five star luxury African safari lodges. Just a few we recommend are: Lebombo lodge; Lukimbi safari lodge; Rhino post safari lodge and The outpost.

We at Safari Odyssey offer personalised service and the best rates for luxury safari lodges, not only at the Kruger Park, but at the many destinations we service.

Kruger National Park is the ultimate African safari experience, but Africa has more …so much more. Contact us today because your African journey starts right here!