The Kruger Park is a natural gem spanning over 20,000 km² (roughly the size of Veneto or Lombardy), featuring savannas, perennial waterways, low hills, and endless bushland (acacias, marula, mopane, wild willows, baobabs), home to an impressive and continually growing variety of animal species. It stands out not only as the flagship of South African parks but also of the entire continent.
Naturalists and rangers have recorded some 147 mammal species in recent years (including those South Africans call the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo); 500 bird species; and 114 reptile species. It’s also important to remember that Kruger is connected to a series of smaller natural areas, bringing the total protected area to 35,000 km².
The Kruger National Park features a subtropical climate, with hot and humid summers and temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius; rainfall is also concentrated in the summer months. Despite its vast size, the South African National Park is very accessible thanks to a network of over 2,200 km of well-maintained and signposted paved roads and dirt tracks.
Of course, during a safari in South Africa, it’s rare to be so lucky as to see all the animal species you wish in a single safari, starting with the Big Five. But with a little patience and, above all, repeat visits, it’s possible to come home with a great collection of photos, images, and memorable experiences.
