The far south of Africa has an appeal like no other destination on earth. It is a land of mystery and discovery, promising boundless territory teeming with the biggest collection of wildlife treasures found anywhere on our bountiful planet.
Nestled in this colourful kingdom of contrast, endowed with a wealthy tapestry of culture and thrilling adventure at every turn, is "The Land of the rising sun" - Mpumalanga. This is where you will find the key to one of Africa's best kept treasure troves, the Kruger National Park and this is where you will find one of our planets last wildernesses, where time instantly slows down and South African Safari is born.
Established well over a century ago and planted in the far northern reaches of Southern Africa, the Kruger Park borders the magnificent Mozambique and also forms part of the colossal peace park that unites the prolific areas of the Limpopo National Park and Gonarezhou National Park in the bordering country of Zimbabwe. There are no borders internally within this enormous 35000 square kilometre Park, allowing the wild animals to move unobstructed on their ancient primordial migration routes. The park covers an extensive vast area that sustains 6 distinct ecosystems, from wide-open plains to riverine forests and scrub land. The excellent framework of roads that weave through the park from east to west and north to south, allow visitors the perfect opportunity of meeting the animals face to face.
The Kruger National Park offers its visitors a wonderful selection of accommodation, from basic rustic campsites, huts and bungalows to the exclusive luxury tents and suites of the private safari lodges, assuring you of a comfortable Kruger Safari adventure. All of the exclusive luxury safari lodges are found in the extensive sections of territory that have become private concessions in the Kruger Park. They are meticulously designed in true traditional African style and they all offer extravagant comfort in pristine wilderness settings.
Large, spacious accommodation with en-suite bathrooms and private outside showers, African trading store's, game viewing decks, open Land Rover game drives and safari walking tours, refreshing splash pools, fine dining and luxuriant spas are just some of the amenities that epitomise the elegance and luxury of these private safari lodges in the Kruger Parks private concessions.
Safari in the Kruger National Park is guaranteed to be a sensational adventure, where you will experience the breath-taking beauty of the African landscapes and wild creatures for yourself. The most sought after attraction at the Kruger National Park is indeed the celebrated and highly acclaimed group of five - Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Rhino and Leopard.
Hear the mighty thunderous roar of the regal lion, king of all the beasts, observe the hulking mass of an African elephant herd (with over 13500 elephants recorded in 2006) or tread cautiously around the cantankerous rhinoceros. There is also so much more to seek on a Kruger Safari adventure other than the famous Big 5. African wildlife comes in many shapes and sizes, from the graceful pyjama-striped zebra or comical hyena, to the wallowing hippopotamus or elegant long necked giraffe. There is an astounding assortment of beautifully marked antelope in the Kruger Park, from the habitual impala families to the very rare and sparse tsessebe, roan and sable antelopes.
For those who delight in a challenge, seeking out and spotting the Little 5 is a must on their great Kruger Safari adventure: the mouse-like inquisitive elephant shrew, the untidiest nest makers - Africa buffalo weaver birds, the exquisite shell markings of the ancient leopard tortoise, the notorious dung loving rhino beetle and its rhino-like horn or the deceptive ant lions which burrow funnel holes in the sandy soil to snare ants and other insect delicacies.
Other exceptionally rare sightings to undoubtedly make your Kruger Safari adventure an unforgettable experience of a lifetime would involve spotting a pack of wild dogs, the most endangered predators on the continent or Africa's fastest cat, the cheetah and being entertained by the cute antics of the furry little creatures like the meerkats. For the birding enthusiasts, there is no better place than to sight the Big 6: martial eagle, ground hornbill, lappet-faced vulture, saddle-bill stork, kori bustard and the elusive Pels fishing owl.
This notable wildlife sanctuary is a true jewel shining in South Africa's crown.