Map of Kruger National Park

About Kruger National Park

Quick facts about Kruger National Park

• Location: South Africa

• Area: 19,485² km (7,523² mi)

• Established: May 1926 to tourists (official establish date 1898)

• Annual visitors: More than 1.4 million

• Total roads: 3,500km

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Geography

The Kruger National Park is one of the largest national parks in Africa, with a surface area equivalent to the size of Wales or Israel. It is situated in the very northeast of South Africa and lies on the eastern limits of the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. The entire eastern edge of the park is also the international border with Mozambique, while the northern boundary is the international border with Zimbabwe. At Crooks’ Corner in the far north-east of the park, you can effectively stand on the convergence of all three countries.

The Limpopo River makes up the northern border and the Crocodile River acts as the southern boundary. The Sabie, Sand, Letaba, Olifants and Luvuvhu Rivers are the other major waterways flowing through the park, while the non-perennial Shingwedzi becomes a large river during the rainy season. There are a plethora of smaller streams and drainage lines throughout the park that are mostly seasonal (only flow in the rainy season) and converge with the larger rivers.

​All of Kruger's large rivers flow from the higher Drakensberg Mountain plateau in the west, towards the Indian Ocean in the east. Most of the eastern border of Kruger rises up towards the Lebombo Mountain range, most of which is over the border in Mozambique. This ridge is at its highest between the Luvuvhu and Letaba Rivers, which explains why there are no major rivers in the roughly 150km of land between these.

The Kruger National Park remains at a relatively constant altitude, which averages about 200m above sea level. The southwest near Berg-en-Dal Camp becomes more varied in altitude and the highest point in the park can be found here – Khandzalive hill at 840m.

The park is approximately 350km north-to-south and roughly 60km wide. The road network within Kruger now encompasses some 3,500km of tarred or gravel roads. While that might seem like a lot to cover, it is but a small glimpse into the park's true scale. Even traversing every road would only reveal a mere 3-4% of this great wilderness.

Kruger's Climate

Kruger National Park basks in a subtropical climate, though its vast expanse harbors variations. The far north whispers hints of tropical warmth. From November to March, the summer rains paint the park with sunshine, greenery as well as some incredible thunderstorms, while winter months embrace cooler, drier days. Regardless of the season, Kruger beckons visitors with thrilling game viewing opportunities. Even during peak rainy season, showers rarely dominate entire days, allowing for year-round wildlife encounters.

For some, September and October might strike the perfect balance. Drier weather entices animals to waterholes, while the cooler temperatures reignites their daytime activity levels. But remember, Kruger's charm transcends these ideal months.

Between November and March, migratory birds flock to the park, drawn by the abundant water, food and respite from harsh northern winters. December signals the start of lambing season, and June and July offer the year's coolest temperatures. In essence, each season has unique advantages for those seeking unforgettable encounters.

Kruger's Tapestry: Woven Through Time

The story of Kruger National Park is as untamed and diverse as its resident wildlife. For millennia, humans danced with the rhythms of the area, leaving evidence of their presence in ancient settlements and trading hubs like Thulamela. Tsonga (Shangaan as you may also hear it called) communities thrived along the Sabie and Letaba rivers for generations.

However, the 19th century brought shadows of over-hunting, casting a veil over the land's vibrant tapestry. It was then that visionary voices rose, pleading for a haven for Kruger's majestic creatures. In 1895, the seeds of protection were sown, with the establishment of a Game Reserve between the Crocodile and Sabie Rivers. Fuelled by the tenacious spirit of Game Warden James Stevenson-Hamilton, this reserve blossomed into a true National Park in 1926, bearing the name of President Paul Kruger, despite his initial hesitations.

Kruger's evolution mirrored the changing tides of the 20th century. Early tourists ventured into the uncharted wilderness via newly built roads, their first glimpse of a lion's mane or a herd of elephants etching itself onto their souls. Over time, a network of maintained roads has been established within the park, strategically connecting rest camps and facilitating the exploration of its diverse ecosystems.

In addition, World War II cast a shadow across Kruger, forcing wartime closures and hindering supplies. But the resilience of the park emerged triumphant. Post-war years saw a surge in visitors, eager to lose themselves in the parks wilderness. Rhinos, both white and black, were ushered back to their rightful domains, returning ancient species to their old stomping grounds.

The latter half of the 20th century witnessed fences rise around the park's borders, forming a shield against poachers and safeguarding the delicate balance of life within. Meanwhile, wilderness trails opened their arms to adventurous souls, allowing visitors the opportunity to experience Kruger on foot.

The new millennium dawned with exciting changes. Fences fell, forging alliances with neighboring lands (referred to as the Greater Kruger as well as Transfrontier parks) expanding the protected area into the vast tapestry of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park. Yet, challenges emerged from within. Rising visitor numbers brought new developments, some sparking controversy in their wake. The allure of tourism was in a fine balance with the need for conservation, reminding us of the delicate balance inherent in this extraordinary park.

Through it all, one constant remains: the unwavering magic of Kruger National Park. From the challenges of its past to the technological echoes of the present, it continues to enchant visitors from around the globe. As we move forward, may the lessons woven into Kruger's proverbial cloth guide us in protecting its breathtaking beauty and the symphony of life it shelters for generations to come.