Destination introduction
The Greater Kruger National Park, comprising the Kruger National Park, its private concessions and the bordering private reserves, literally teems with game and represents Africa that most visitors come to experience. This area, covering more than 20,000 sqkms, is South Africa's premier game sanctuary which, due to it's sheer size, remains unspoilt.
This beautiful region is a land of marvellous diversity from forest mantled massifs and high buttresses, sculpted peaks and deep ravines, to crystal streams, delicate waterfalls and green valleys. Historic towns, scenic panoramas and arguably the richest game reserves in the world, make it easy to understand why this area is a must-see for most visitors to South Africa.
The Blyde River Canyon is one of Africa's natural wonders - a massive, majestic red sandstone gorge with sheer cliffs that plunge into the water below. At the top of the canyon, are easily accessible view sites, the most impressive being God's Window and the Three Rondawels. Attractive waterfalls to visit include the Bridal Veil, Lone Creek, Horseshoe, Berlin, Lisbon and Mac Mac Falls. Another highlight in this area is the Bourke's Luck Potholes, an intriguing fantasia of water-eroded rocks sculpted into a surreal landscape.
Mpumalanga is a magnificent province rich in natural wonders, historical treasures and prolific big game. Visitors tend to rush through the Mpumalanga Lowveld in their hurry to reach the Kruger National Park - which is a pity as there is so much to see and enjoy in this area, besides the world-famous park Mpumalanga, a summer rainfall region, is very hot in summer, with short thunderstorms in the late afternoon. Winters are dry and sunny though very cold in the early mornings and after the sun has set.
Private game reserves are to be found sprawled along the western boundary of the national park. The fences between the private reserves and the national park have been removed allowing for free movement of wildlife and an enhanced experience for visitors. The Timbavati, Manyeleti and Sabi Sands reserve are three of the world’s largest private game sanctuaries, and home to a number of luxury lodges.
Malaria is prevalent in the region all year round, but especially in the warmer, wetter summer months from September to April. Visitors are advised to use insect repellent after dark, and to take a course of prophylactic tablets, which are readily available.
All forms of life - mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, trees, shrubs and grasses, insects and micro-organisms - found in the park combine to create a wonderful coherent habitat, a system of gene pools in perfect, though fragile balance, in which the cycle of life is sustained by collective dependence.