Human beings are at a pivotal point in our history. The earth is changing at an incredibly rapid rate, increased populations are putting pressure on ecological systems and affecting the climate in ways we never imagined. The relationship we have with nature and the animals that inhabit it is volatile as we seek a balanced state of existence for our mutual communities in the spaces we share. More than ever, we need to focus on conservation solutions that will help communities develop a sustainable relationship with their environment. Two South Africans have set out to cross the continent in the tracks of giants to do just that. Read the rest of this entry »

One might say South Africa is quite above par when it comes to legendary golf courses. What makes a great course? It’s a mixture of grounds that are scenic and enjoyable but challenging enough to keep you chipping when you’re in the rough. A good course also has unique or interesting terrain, and if it manages to include a variety of features and types of vegetation, it’s pretty much a hole-in-one.  With the 2012 Players Championship about to kick off in the States, we’ve been discussing the best courses all over South Africa and picked our favourites. Can you guess which course came out tops? Read the rest of this entry »

Many an elephant has been spotted ambling through the mopane woods of the Kruger National Park, but did you know that other planets have ellies too? Scientists have spotted what is the strange image of an elephant on Mars. The image was captured by the HiRISE camera of NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter earlier this month. The rounded forehead, wrinkled trunk and even angular hint of an ear-flap all go together to make up the uncanny profile of an elephant (complete with a realistically positioned eye). Read the rest of this entry »

That embarrassing moment when, desperate to spot an animal in the Kruger National Park, any animal, you point into the distance and exclaim to the other members of your safari drive, including the ranger – “LION!”. Of course, what you’ve actually pointed at is a tree-stump lying at an odd angle with a really convincing tuft of grass swaying about just enough to pass as a tail. The ranger (or, in my case, a particularly observant German tourist) will inform you of this, much to the bemusement of all the other safari-goers and your reputation as a competent game-spotter will forever be in question. You can forget holding the light on night drives, it’s over for you. Read the rest of this entry »

Painted on the rocky outcrops and caves of South Africa are approximately 15000 known rock art sites. Experts say there might be twice as many of these in existence in South Africa, and are found in all manner of habitats – from the Highveld’s kopjes to the granite caves of the Eastern Cape. It’s incredible to think that the artworks we see today were the representation of the rich spiritual beliefs of the San people who painted them as long as three thousand years ago. Take a closer look at three of South Africa’s most intriguing rock art sites. Read the rest of this entry »

South African National Parks has recruited the expertise of a very special anti-poaching unit. But the new help hasn’t come in the form of any high-tech gadgets, law-enforcement officials, or even humans. Instead, the new face of counter-poaching has 12 legs and three wagging tails altogether. Three little foxhounds – Kombi, Jetta and Chico – are the expert trackers who will be responsible for sniffing out would-be poachers in the Kruger National Park. Read the rest of this entry »

How often have you gotten home from a vacation and been even more exhausted than you were before you left? In our modern, speed-obsessed society, the pleasure of the journey is all too often lost to the anticipation of arrival. But more and more people are beginning to advocate Slow Travel – an approach to tourism which suggests that, instead of trying to cram in as much as possible, you take time to really experience the place you’re in. If you’ve ever felt like you needed a holiday from your holiday, Slow Travel may be the solution. Read the rest of this entry »

Following our call to KrugerPark.com fans for wildlife photographs that we could use as the new banner on our Facebook page, we had the very difficult task of selecting a winner from the hundreds of entries submitted on our Facebook wall and via email. First of all, we want to say a huge ‘thanks’ to everyone who submitted a photograph – your response really blew us away and made us so proud to be involved with such a special community of wildlife enthusiasts. So, thank you!
 
Because we received so many special photographs, the task of choosing just a single pic for the banner and the profile photo was almost impossible. After settling on a profile picture, we decided to choose a Top 10 for the banner, which we will change every month for the next couple of months. So instead of just one winner, we now have ten. Without further ado, let’s meet them! Read the rest of this entry »

The Wilderness Foundation and the Shamwari Group are running a fantastic offer that combines travel and conservation. From March to September 2012, if you book a stay at any of Shamwari’s lodges, including the fabulous Jock Safari Lodge in the Kruger National Park, you’ll be helping to save the rhino. All Shamwari asks is that you contribute just R100 to the Wilderness Foundation to help with their conservation fight, and you’ll get a special discounted accommodation rate of just R3500 pp/n, sharing. But there’s more – Read the rest of this entry »

Krugerpark.com is getting a Facebook makeover! With the recent changes in Facebook’s timeline format, our page is going to look a little different soon, and we want your help…
 

Lion biting mirror, by Tracey Webber

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