Game Drives (Self-Driving), Kruger National Park

The striking pattern of stripes in savannah zebras is different in each animal. Therefore the members of a family can recognise each other by their stripes. Although the stripes are extremely visible at close range, they make a good camouflage from far away and provide protection against predators. Lions in particular like to prey on zebras.

The best time for travelling the Kruger Park are the dry winter months from the end of May to the beginning of October. The vegetation is low then and enables you to view lots of game, mostly at the waterholes. These waterholes are fed by windmills that pump a continuous supply of water.

It is not very often that you get to see both the front and rear ends of an animal at the same time!

Although there were the odd small herd of Wildebeest within the Kruger National Park, I was a little dissapointed thatwe did not see this odd looking animal in huge numbers. Maybe next time?

The total driving experience within Kruger is excellent. Both tarred and gravelroads are in excellent condition, with fantastic maps available that will point you to all the attraction, including waterholes that are placedat strategic locations. These waterhles are pumped by windmills to compensate for the diminished rivers feeding the park, due to irrigation upstream.

The speed limit on the tarred roads within the park is 50 km/h with a limit of 40km/h on gravel roads and 20km/h while driving within the restcamps. An average speed of 30km/h on tourist roads is recommended for maximum safety and enjoyment.
Wildlife in this park is prolific and can be found easily from the safety of the tared roads.

I would recommend a self drive safari as a definite way to see Kruger. The roads are excellent, even the gravel, and the facilities of the park are fantastic. If you take your time and enjoy the park at a leisurely pace you will be amazed at the amount of wildlife you will see.

The Salitje Road (S30) is a beautiful drive off of the main Lower Sabie Road (H4-1) which tends to see a high volume of vehicles. From the H12 bridge that goes over the Sabie River turn right onto the S30. It follows the river on the north side. The riverien forest is quite stunning. This territory is definitely leopard domain. There were many sightings of a mother and two cubs along this stretch of road. Even if you don’t see any animals the scenery is beautiful and it is away from the congested main road on the other side.
Continue on to the S29 and have a rest at the newly renovated Mlondozi Dam Picnic Area.

The20 kms of S50 that runs from Shingwedzi rest camp to the Dipene historical site is one of the nicest drives in the north. The riverine forest along the Shingwedzi River is increadibly beautiful with huge fig trees hanging out over the river. There are huge herds of elephants in the region that like the maponi forest located away from the riverine forest. Baboons, vervet monkeys, as well as crocs and hippos also like to hang out along the river. Cats are here too. In the four days I spent in and around Shingwedzi I saw, lion, leopard, large spotted genet, and African wild cats with young. The Kanniedood Dam provides plenty of water for crocs and hippo as well as frolicking elephants. The Mashagazdzi hide is a good place to watch birds on the dam and stretch your legs.