The Kruger and Mpumalanga

About The Kruger and Mpumalanga

Situated in the east of South Africa bordering Mozambique, the world-renowned Kruger National Park, along with neighbouring private game reserves, offers arguably the country’s best game viewing. There is an immense variety of animal life including the big five, many species of antelope and other game and abundant bird life. There is a wide choice of accommodation from tented camps to some seriously luxurious safari lodges and, in addition to seeking out the wonderful wildlife on open game vehicles with an expert guide, there is the chance to have some unforgettable experiences such as walking safaris and treetop sleepouts. 

Outside the reserves, Mpumalanga province is well known for its scenic beauty and is a rich cultural heartland of the local Ndebele and Swazi cultures. The popular Panorama Route is a scenic meander taking in beautiful views, mountains, waterfalls and the spectacular Blyde River Canyon and the area’s many attractions and activities include hot air balloon trips, walking with elephants, helicopter flights and the pretty gold-mining town of Pilgrim’s Rest which has been reconstructed as a living museum.

For more information, why not speak to one of our experts on +44 (0) 20 7843 3500 or email info@africatravel.co.uk

Seasons

• Summer (November to February) - Very warm and can be prone to heavy afternoon thundershowers which clear the air out and make for wonderful afternoon safaris
• Autumn (March to May) - Cooler days with lighter rains, good game viewing as animals stay out longer
• Winter (June to August) - Shorter, cooler and drier days make for best game viewing season in the Kruger. Bush thins out and limited water make for extraordinary animal sightings
• Spring (September to October) - Days longer and warmer, the first rains of the new season arrive giving the bush a lush, verdant look to it. Excellent game viewing

Wildlife

Giraffes can run as fast as 35 miles per hour

Leopards can see seven times better in the dark than humans

Lions spend 16-20 hours of the day sleeping or resting

A group of Bush Pigs is called sounders

African elephants can currently be found in 37 African countries

At birth, baby rhinos weigh between 88-140 pounds

The scientific name for the African Wild dog means “painted wolf”

In The Know

• Travelling in the South African Winter (June to August) allows you to take advantage of better prices at many lodges and is a superb time of year for game viewing
• Why not combine your safari with a trip to Victoria Falls – there is a flight from Kruger Mpumalanga Airport to Livingstone 3 times a week and this allows you to easily combine 2 of the iconic highlights of Southern Africa
• A guided tour of the Panorama Route will allow you to see more of the highlights of the region as well as learn more about how important the area was to the development of South Africa as a nation
• For keen golfers, we can arrange a round of golf at the ultra-exclusive Leopard Creek Country Club when staying at a selection of the nearby lodges