| The Kruger National Park is one of the world's | | | | animals, reptiles and insects, the far northern |
| most famous wildlife sanctuaries and also the | | | | areas are maybe the most ecologically interesting. |
| oldest in Africa, therefore providing an idea for a | | | | Be sure to allow enough time to explore all the |
| great exotic vacation getaway. It is internationally | | | | different options on your next great vacation |
| acclaimed for conservation and is a model for | | | | getaway. |
| ecological tourism, which it successfully used to | | | | Wintertime is best for game viewing in Kruger |
| fund conservation. | | | | National Park, since the vegetation cover is low |
| The park covers an area of almost two million | | | | and animals tend to gather in larger numbers |
| hectares (7332 sq miles) with its western | | | | around artificial watering holes and along the |
| boundaries flanked by luxury camps and private | | | | riverbanks. But then again in summertime the |
| reserves which are some of the most expensive | | | | bush really comes to life with new growth, many |
| and exotic International tourist attractions in South | | | | young animals and 517 species of birds. |
| Africa with its very luxurious bush | | | | The biggest attraction at Kruger National Park is |
| accommodations housing all the necessary | | | | of course the big five: elephant, rhino, leopard, |
| conveniences to pamper guests. | | | | buffalo and lion. Figures vary but in 2006 there |
| Despite this, the park still receives thousands of | | | | were approximately 13500 elephants recorded. |
| visitors every year. Some are day-trippers, | | | | Apart from all the different available safaris (some |
| others spending any amount of nights at the 21 | | | | even at night), hiking trips can be undertaken into |
| more affordable yet comfortable and | | | | the bush. Accompanied by park rangers and rifles |
| well-equipped camps. The Park has 8 main gates, | | | | of course! These hikes can be very educational |
| which allow visitors access to the Park. | | | | since the rangers really go out of there way |
| The park offers various different ecosystems | | | | teaching tourists about the ecological systems in |
| since it covers such a vast area and therefore | | | | place in the Park and point things out that most |
| attracts many different animal species that | | | | people would miss or just walk right over. |
| gravitates naturally towards these areas. | | | | Marked by the massive baobab trees that are so |
| Therefore it is a good idea to consult with the | | | | typical of the African bush, the Kruger National |
| Park rangers if you want to see specific animals | | | | Park is something to put on your list for "exotic |
| since they can be found in certain areas of the | | | | vacations". You have to be there to experience |
| Park. | | | | the sound of a lion roaring or the trumpet of an |
| Being the meeting place of six major ecosystems | | | | elephant while sitting next to a campfire with the |
| that support a remarkable density and variety of | | | | sun setting like a ball of fire. |