Fun things to do in Kruger National Park

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Impalas jump. High and quite a lot. When they become frightened or startled the whole herd starts leaping around in order to confuse their predators. They are able to jump distances more than 9 meters (30 feet) high and 2.5 meters (8 feet) high. Unfortunately for them the following animals like to eat them: leopards, cheetahs, nile crocodiles, lions, and wild dogs. Females give birth after 7 months, but can hold off birth for a month if they feel conditions are not good for a newborn.

Buy a “Wild” Card and Save Money
The Wild Card program has been recently introduced in the South African National Park system to make the parks more affordable for those making multiple entries. The card has a small computer chip in it that stores and process information. South African residence may buy a card specific to one region or “clusters”. For instance the Bushveld Cluster would include Golden Gate, Kruger, Mapungubwe, and Marakele National Parks. International tourist pay the same no matter what. The price is good for one year no matter how many parks or how many times you visit.

For all parks South African Residence pay R195 for individual, R335 for a couple, and R440 for a Family.

For International tourist the card is R795 for individual, R1395 for a couple, and R1795 for a family.

Other benefits like 5% cash back on accommodation, car rental, refreshments, etc. may also be available with the card.

Kruger and Kgalagadi Parks costs R120 a day per person. Other parks are less expensive, but if you are planning to spend a lot of time in the South African national Parks, absolutely get the card.

we usually Braai, you meet so many new people and each share their experiences of the day.... and then we go through the photos of the day, and there are many, if more than one of us has a camera we share our shots.
Usually if you are a wild life lover you are so filled by thoughts of the day , you want to re live each moment and hope you never forget it.

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These monkeys can only have one baby at a time. They live for about 7-9 years and are very fast. Vervets are amazing animals to watch as they are swift, curious and will come very very close to you. Unfortunately their numbers are dwindling massively. As late as 1940 they were observed in families of up to 120 members. Today they are only in groups of 20-30 and their overall numbers have decreased dramatically. This is due to lose of habitats, being killed by farmers and moving into urban areas in search of food. They are wrongfully perceived as destroying crops which they actually do not. They also are attracted to urban areas by litter. They will happily eat just about anything, which is why they should never be feed by humans.


Please read my warnings and dangers tips on these rascals.

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These poor animals stand out against any background and must taste good as well. Carnivores eat them all the time. They are fast, but Lions get them anyway. They never stand still so it is harder to get a good picture of them than you think.

On a somewhat serious note:
There are 3 species of Zebra, but they are all wearing black and white fur. Ever Zebra has its own distinctive patters of stripes and it is believed they are able to recognise each other from the differences. They live in herds headed up by a single Stallion (adult male). Mr. Luck lives with a group of females and his kids.

Their main predators are lions and hyenas. When one is attacked they do the exact opposite of what you would expect. They gather round and try and run the killer(s) off. The hyenas who hunt in groups must love this.

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Well, there is not much else to do in Kruger than shoot animals with your camera. This is very rewarding endeavour considering that the place is teeming with animals and birds of any size. Naturally the biggest are the most interesting to the outsider including elephants, rhinos, wildebeests, hippos, all sorts if antelopes, giraffes and so on. Despite claims that the best time to spot animals are the mornings and late afternoons, one can see creatures all day long and the temperature during the day increases considerably making viewing way more pleasant experience.

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It took us about 3 days to spot all of the famous "Big Five" The leopard proved to be the most elusive. Arrive in the park very early, about sunrise, and you will spot animals at drinking holes. Early morning birdcalls fill the air. There is a very special feeling in the park, early in the day.As the day wears on,and the heat rises, the animals find shelter under bushes, trees and scrub. Their camouflage makes it quite difficult to spot them., which is why it is a good idea to stop the vehicle that you are in, and just look and wait. There is always something to see. We had this one amazing moment, while waiting to see some giraffes, a HUGE male elephant wandered straight in front of the car.Very calmly he made his way across the road, and gave us a look of total disdain. I wonder what they are thinking, the animals. Them, watching us, watching them.
The Big Five are : Elephant - Leopard - Lion - Rhino - Buffalo. We saw the most other animals too.

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Bush walks can be done daily ( 4 hours approx) No Children under 12. There is an armed guide, who will explain the fine art of tracking, while pointing out things that are easily missed whilest in a vehicle. Guests are collected at the Crocodile Bridge entrance gate, also at Ngwenya Main Gate. This walk can be booked in advance. The walks are done early morning and late afternoon, which are coolest times. Carry extra water on the walk to avoid dehydration. (The walking groups are usually about 8-10 people.)
This Bush walk is a good opportunity to see smaller animals, birds and flora.You may be lucky and spot those other majestic animals, Giraffes. They stand WAY above everything else!

IMPORTANT: Wear a hat -wear sunscreen, and wear comfortable walking boots.Carry extra water. And don't forget the camera and Binoculars. Dark colored clothing is prefarable.