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About Southernstar-Africa Hi, thanks for dropping by! We are a school project organization that aims to educate children about the history of South Africa. Our focus is on the people who shaped the country's past and present. Our team consists of passionate educators who are dedicated to providing the best learning experience for the children. We provide various services such as interactive workshops, field trips, and educational materials. Join us in exploring the rich history of Southernstar-Africa. Join us Radio SAM Broadcaster Germany Information about the radio We built ‘Radio SAM Broadcaster Germany’ for YOU…….. For you to NEVER miss that amazing event. We strive to, at all times, try to take the hassle out of finding out where that favourite artist is performing, have a look at some other artists also performing, and at what venue it is going to be held, at what time, and maybe it will be the end of life as you know it. We love radio! Radio SAM Broadcaster Germany makes life a little easier for everyone who feels the same way. We offer you the opportunity to listen to internet radio from all over the world in a particularly uncomplicated manner and free of charge. With the push of a button, you can also record it very easily thanks to Radio SAM Broadcaster Germany. Don't you ever want to miss your favorite internet radio radio again? Our tools make it possible! You can put together your own program in the Radio SAM Broadcaster Germany player, in the app and directly on our website. This is then conveniently recorded and saved for you. If you just want to listen to your favorite online radio stations, you can of course do so here: You can click through the music genres or topics you want and you will find enough material to stream continuously for days! Here, the many German channels are just a few clicks away from the small regional channel from Italy. Thanks to the radio cloud, you don't even have to turn on your computer or smartphone to record, you don't even have to be at home. The scheduled shows are simply saved in the cloud, where you can easily stream them or download them for later use. Radio programs and tips - radio plays and more That's all well and good, but you don't even know what you want to hear in the wide landscape of internet radio? No wonder, after all, there are many of programs on all sorts of genres. Our editorial team therefore studies the radio program every week and always has a few tips ready to make your choice easier: There is also something for the little listeners on a separate page for children. Do you want to let off steam in the wide world of internet radio? Radio SAM Broadcaster Germany makes this particularly easy for you. You can listern completely free of charge and without obligation. In your own account under “Radio SAM Broadcaster Germany” you can start immediately, put together your own program and use the free radio cloud storage of two hours. In the download area you will find the Radio SAM Broadcaster Germany players for PC and Mac and the app is available for free download in the app store for iOS, Android or Windows Phone. Radio contacts Address:Steedener Weg 65594 Site:radio-sam-broadcaster-germany.page.tl Email:a.dezius@gmail.com Facebook:@Radio-SAM-Broadcaster-Germany-109034484821095 Twitter:@RadioSAMBroadc1 https://radiosambroadcastingstereo.page.tl/Radio-Station.htm https://adezius.wixsite.com/radio-sam-broadcasti/home https://radio-sam-broadcaster.de.tl/ https://radiosambroadcastingstudios.blogspot.com/ https://zeno.fm/radio/radio-sam-broadcaster-germany4xqvqt35p48uv/ https://zeno.fm/radio/radio-sam-germany-master-input-station/ https://radioafrikaansstereo.page.tl/TUIS.htm https://radio-sam-music.de.tl/Our-Radio-Stations-on-SAM.htm ENTER MY WEBSITE ABOUT MYSELF Pictures of South Africa Translate Company Gestbook Riseingsouthernstar-Africa Radio Eendrag .......... riseingsouthernstar africa THE RISEING SOUTHERNSTAR OF AFRICA Home MY Profile Our Site Map South African History The Nine Provinces Wild Life South Africa South African Culture Genocide South Africa Our Top List South Africa Maps Our Petitions Site Weskaap AWB Radio Stations Sam-South African Music MY Profile I Was Born On the 15 November 1960 in Germany and was Brought up in South Africa,Have Three of my Own Children and One child that I brought up as my Own Child,Two staying In South Africa and Two Staying with me in Germany. My Nick Name is Andy,and have a Profile on Facebook My Face book Profile Andy Willi Dezius | Create your badge I Speach - English / German and Africans , and also read and wright the 3 Languages , I am at the moment a Truck Driver in Germany. To my Profiles , here are a few things to tell you about me , I was Born in Germany, and was brought up in South Africa. My Homepages are about South Africa and South African Music, I have had Goodtimes and also Bad times when I lived in South Africa. I created this Homepage to Remember me , of my life , and the Wonderfull things I got to see in my Life . And to share it with people and friends on the Internet , So I say thankyou to Homepage-Baukasten in Germany, and people who supported me to with my Homepage, the southernstar-africa.de.tl..... MY WEBSITES Welcome to the,website of riseing-motor-classics The website shares information and about , Pick-up Trucks and Classic Chevys & Ford and Truck Pictures This Link will take you to our other Homepage,just click on the Red Riseing -Motor-classic Banner ,or just click on the link... http://riseing-motor-classics.de.tl/Home.htm ENTER WEBSITE THE WONDERFULL LIFE OF THE WOLVES WE WELCOME OUR FRIENDS TO HELP US SHARE THE WONDERFULL LIFE OF THE WOLVES & ADVERTISE THE WILDLIFE AND INFORMATION: This Homepage was created to save the Wolves in our WorldWelcome to a the German /South Africa Homepage http://www.the-wolf-clan.de.tl . The website provides information about the Wolves and was made for Private use and school projects,and Information about the Wolves . (the-wolf-clan) the Homepage was Created by Andy Dezius, To Share the Information of the Life of the wolves and help to support in always to keep them alive. Start Now South African Homepage Welcome to a the German /SouthAfrican Homepage http://www.southernstar-africa.de.tl . The website provides information about South Africa for Private use and school projects,and Information about South Africa . (Southernstar-Africa) the Homepage was Created by Andy Dezius, To Share the Information of the Life in South Africa. ENTER WEBSITE Staan-Saam Die Boere word nou verstrooi en geskiedenis herskryf. Waardevolle Boere Erfenis, kultuur en histories gedenkwaardighede, word verander, herallokeer, vernietig, verlore, verdwyn en vergete ...... Ons erfenis, standbeelde, monumente, museums, boeke, geskrifte, kuns, musiek, landkaarte, seels, wapens, munte, meubels, ens. van geskiedkundige belang in verband met die Boerevolk https://staan-saam.page.tl/Home.htm ENTER WEBSITE Die Geloftevolk Republikeine 1. in God die Almagtige,- Skepper van hemel en aarde; 2. in die Wet van God as riglyn om gelykvormig te word aan Sy Seun; 3. en bely dat die God van Abraham, Isak en Jakob, ons God is en dat Sy Seun vir ons sondes gesterf het, sodat ons vir ewig kan lewe in liggaam en dan in gees; 4. dat ons die reg het om ons God, ons volk en ons kultuur binne ons eie vaderland te dien en oor onsself te regeer; 5. en ons ag onsself gebonde aan die Gelofte van Jan van Riebeeck, van Bloedrivier en van Paardekraal wat deur ons voorvaders afgelê is; 6. dat ons volk in Suid Afrika se veelvolkige verkiesings net van een gevolg seker is – naamlik dat daar nie eens die geringste kans is om te wen, sodat ons volk se belange kan voorrang geniet nie; 7. dat ons onsself moet voorberei teen die dreigende en toenemende aanslae op die lewens van ons Boere volksgenote en ons Boervolk se voortbestaan, sodat ons onsself kan verdedig in die Naam van ons God; 8. dat die verlede bewys het dat ons, die Boervolk, in staat is om oor onsself te regeer in ‘n soewereine staat en dat slegs die vernietiging drang en die hebsug van die huidige regering, in ons pad staan om ‘n eie vaderland te verkry; 9. dat ons geroepe is om ons Boervolk uit te lei uit die misdaad nes waarin die Boervolk homself bevind; 10.dat ons krag in die eerste instansie in ons Skepper lê en dat slegs ‘n gesamentlike poging van al ons volksgenote om ons Boervolk te bevry (van die juk van die vreemde volke onder wie se heerskappy ons staan), ons vryheid kan bewerkstellig; View Website PROFILE I Speach - English / German and Africans , and also read and wright the 3 Languages . I am at the moment a Truck Driver in Germany. To my Profiles , here are a few things to tell you about me . My Homepage is about Music . I created this Homepage to share it with people and friends on the Internet and around the World, So I say thankyou to Homepage-Baukasten in Germany, and people who supported me to with my Homepage, the http://south-african-music.de.tl/HOME.htm ..... MY LIKES AND DISLIKES Me,myself and I in 150 questions! by Andy name: Andreas nickname: Andy birthday: 15.11.1960 height: 188 weight: 120 Kg hair: Light Brown eyes: Green / Brown any piercings?: Its his own thing what he or she does with their body tattoos?: Yes ,the White Wolf any siblings?: No,not at all what do you like to wear?: Jeans and Anything that is Easy to Wear and I Feel good in it. *favourite...* book?: The Rise and Fall of Hitler, South African Law ,Wildlife,Born Free and Living Free. color?: Red / Maroon / Royal Blue movie?: Action / Historical / Thillers and Science Fiction celebrity?: place?: South Africa and Germany ,and Maybe NewZealand Australia or USA food?: Braais s and Barberques dessert?: Ice-Crean and Strawberrys alcoholic drink?: Beer,Whiskey and Rum non-alcoholic drink?: day of the week?: Friday and Saturday number?: 15 / 22 / 11 / 10 / 3 / 25 month?: November city?: Pretoria ,Johannesburg, Cape town and Durban and Frankfurt and now in Limburg country?: South Africa and Germany animal?: Dogs ,Wolves and Lions time of the day?: smell?: tv channel?: South African News ,BBC, RTL and Pro 7 song at the moment?: Bok Van Blerk,Steve Hofmeyr, Theuns Jordaan friend?: All around the World *worst* place to be?: time of the day?: day of the week?: song/music gender?: animal to you?: drink?: food?: Vegtables *have u ever...* been so drunk that you cant remember?: Yes ,on Carneval 2009 in Germany cheated: No Never ,been always right ,and Truely and Loyal towards the partner I have in a Relassion been cheated on?: Yes I have in the Past been in love?: Yes been on TV?: No Never on Tv been on stage?: passed out?: Yes ,but on a party had a surgery?: Yes Plenty broke the law intentionally?: Yes many years ago in my tean age life had a friend pass away?: Yes a very good friend been lied?: been dumped?: Yes plenty of times *do you...* do drugs?: Never ,I do not believe in such thing get drunk?: dance?: Love Dancing party?: Plenty in my Lifetime sing?: play an instrument?: I use to play a trumpet and play the drums get along with your parents?: Yes I do think you are attractive?: I dont no , You must find out swear?: smoke?: Yes i do smoke get motion sickness?: wear contacts/glasses?: get good marks?: watch cartoon?: drink milk :3 ?: write poems/stories?: take a particular medicine?: go to psycholog?: have a pet?: Yes had plenty of Dogs in South Africa. German Shepard and Rodweilers are you allergic to something?: play an online rpg?: get online on msn a lot?: google a lot?: Yes ,most of the time have fights?: read magazines?: read comics?: how many hours do you sleep?: how frequently do you go to hairdresser?: get along with your teachers?: *music* What's your preferred genre of music?: All-time favorite band/artist?: All-time favorite song?: How many CDs or MP3s of your favorite band/artist do you have?: What's your favorite radio station?: FFH AND RADIO EENDRAG Afrikaans Music?: rock?: YES IT IS GREAT MUSIC blues/jazz?: classical?: rap?: pop?: country?: LOVE COUNTRY MUSIC emo/screamo?: heavy metal?: techno?: reggae?: r&b?: Boere Music?: *last...* time you cried?: YES I cry alot ,if I think of my Past Life in South Africa and my Children that are still living in South Africa movie you watched?: person you talked on the phone?: cigarette?: song played?: thing you ate?: time you took a bubble bath?: time you got drunk?: time you read a book?: email you get?: person you got a fight?: time you hugged someone?: time you kissed someone?: time you met someone new?: time you went for a date?: *do you believe in...* God?: Yes I believe in God ,he is the creator of Heaven and Earth, and everythibg he made for us, He gave his only Son to forgive our Sins. religions?: Yes I do ,but dont talk about it aliens?: ghosts?: Yes I do ,If you have seen One you will believe it too afterlife?: yourself?: I beleave and fight for the rights of the white people in south africa,to stop the Genocide and stop murdering white south african farmers and people and ask the world for your support . astrology?: Scorpion karma?: magic?: *in a girl/boy* hair: Light Brown eyes: hobbies: style of clothing: Were Any thing ,that suite me ,dont worry what others think , Cool and Easy kiss on first date?: Can not remember love at first sight?: *random* who do you wanna slap?: Nobody,The Wheel Turns , and His or Her Day Will Come. who do you wanna kill?: Nobody,The Wheel Turns ,and His or Her Day Will Come. your dream: Yes do you want to get married?: Yes ,I think it is time after so many years for the children and that I have found the future person I life ,were I can get old to gether with. love?: Yes I love the partner that i am with ,She gives me support in my life i wanna be: all you need is: identy yourself with 3 words:: Loyal , Pride , Honor, Brotherhood and Stand Together and fight for you rights what is your worst characteristic?: what are your fears?: what is your weakness?: favourite quote?: cartman or kenny?: shoes you weared last time?: what is your aim for this year?:To Go to South Africa and to Visit my Children and Friends ,if God Spears me And If I Can Aford it . 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Grow With Partners Riseingsouthernstar-africa | Website Templates Free CSS Templates | HpBk-TemplateWorld | KRUGER NATIONAL PARK | THE FIRST SETTLERS | THE NINE PROVINCES | THE BATTLE OF BLOOD RIVER | THE GREAT TREK | THE VOORTREKKER MONUMENT | HIGHLIGHT SOUTH AFRICA | WHITE GENOCIDE SOUTH AFRICA | OUR LINK PAGE | THE WHITE WOLFS | DIE NUWE SUID AFRIKA | RISEING-MOTOR-CLASSICS | OUR BLOGGER SOUTHERNSTAR AFRICA | SOUTH AFRICAN JOKES | SOUTH AFRICA DUSK NATURE | EUGENE TERRE BLANCHE | OUR PETITION SITE | | Klick mich! Partner Links Use this website to find other interesting web sites related to South Africa and the subject matter of this Homepage. Additional useful links to web sites of interest are listed in sections on pages where they are relevant. Should you choose one of these links you will be leaving the Southernstar - Africa Homepage. Southernstar-Africa is not responsible for the content or reliability of web sites linked from this site, and does not necessarily endorse the views expressed within them. We cannot guarantee that these links will work all of the time, and we have no control over the availability of linked pages. You are Welcome to copy pictures of the Wild Life Animals.Please do not Copy the codes,of this website of my Gest book ,it is copyright 2024,Designed by A Dezius,what the Picture Grafics and colour layouts concirns. Post a Link to Your Home Page on both Riseingsouthernstar-africa.de.tl Free-For-All Links Pages! Promote Your Web Site! Place as many Links to You as possible, around the Web! Below are a couple of good opportunities to get you going! Don't miss any chance of investing on increasing traffic to Your Home Page! Remember that Web Site Promotion usually constitutes a long term investiment. To place Your Link on each of these two pages, just click on the respective button below: riseingsouthern-star.de.tl Link Banners View, or Post a Link to Your Home Page, on both HomePage. riseingsouthern-africa.de.tl Links Pages, above! You can click above and in no time have a riseingsouthernstar-africa.de.tl Links Page on Your Web Site, just like either of the two in which you have just left Links to Your Home Page! This is one more good way of developing traffic for your Home Page, you should not forget! This sort of addition to your Home Page allows you, moreover, to offer your Guests a more dynamic Web Site, where they feel they can participate, besides enjoying all the good stuff that you already offer them on line. No need to know html language, in order to have a riseingsouthernstar-africa.de.tl Links Page like one of the two you have visited above. Either of these two riseingsouthernstar-africa.de.tl Links Page is not only easy to maintain, but also simple to configure. In just a few minutes you can have your riseingsouthernstar-africa.de.tl Links Page going! Just click on the link of your choice, above or what you find in our homepage, and then get ready to enjoy the benefits this sort of addition can bring to your Web Site!:) Inside Out Body Sense is revolutionizing the Soap & Oil for allround Health of your skin. In this fast paced world we all need some off time, as we can't go on holiday as often as we want. With a full range of health skin care products to aid in beauty, relaxing and all round skin health. Life can be so stress full at times. So what about one of the following: You Can Contact Me under My Homepage bella@iobs.co.za Homepage Builders Link Pages to Share Spenden Sie online auf Daktari Wildlife Orphanage South Africa Share this page: Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how... Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it? Click on the HTML link code below. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable. Guide to South Africa Tours and South Africa Travel and Tourism Our Homepages and Partner Links. South Africa Link and Partner Link Pages Diving Dive Sites: South Africa , World Valley Bushveld Safaris Professional Hunter and Safari Outfitter. An affordable and unforgettable hunting experience, which will remain with you for the rest of your life. We offer the hunter an opportunity to hunt a wide selection of game species. We cater for those hunters who want to rough it out in the African bush or those who need a relaxing getaway. CampsBayGlen - Camps Bay accommodation Campsbayglen is not only unique because of its incredible position on the edge of a glen and nature reserve. Also because of its natural river & waterfalls running through the garden fresh from the misty peaks of Table Mountain. Its also special because its simple, rustic and down to earth & affordable at our Camps Bay guest house in Cape Town. Stop Crime In South Africa Stop Farm Killing in South Africa Die Tuis Blad South African Boere Links Stay Alive in South Africa The South African Awb Leader Culture in South Africa The Flags of South Africa South African Foods South African Arts South African Guide The South African Nine Provinces South Africa Information South Africa's Independence is Tarnished by Apartheid Jan Christiaan Smuts brought the nation into World War II on the Allied side against Nationalist opposition, and South Africa became a charter member of the United Nations in 1945, but he refused to sign the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Apartheid—racial separation—dominated domestic politics as the Nationalists gained power and imposed greater restrictions on Bantus (black Africans), Asians, and Coloreds (in South Africa the term meant any nonwhite person). Black voters were removed from the voter rolls in 1936. Over the next half-century, the nonwhite population of South Africa was forced out of designated white areas. The Group Areas Acts of 1950 and 1986 forced about 1.5 million Africans to move from cities to rural townships, where they lived in abject poverty under repressive laws. South Africa declared itself a republic in 1961 and severed its ties with the Commonwealth, which strongly objected to the country's racist policies. The white supremacist National Party, which had first come to power in 1948, would continue its rule for the next three decades. In 1960, 70 black protesters were killed during a peaceful demonstration in Sharpesville. The African National Congress (ANC), the principal antiapartheid organization, was banned that year, and in 1964 its leader, Nelson Mandela, was sentenced to life imprisonment. Black protests against apartheid grew stronger and more violent. In 1976, an uprising in the black township of Soweto spread to other black townships and left 600 dead. Beginning in the 1960s, international opposition to apartheid intensified. The UN imposed sanctions, and many countries divested their South African holdings. Apartheid's grip on South Africa began to give way when F. W. de Klerk replaced P. W. Botha as president in 1989. De Klerk removed the ban on the ANC and released its leader, Nelson Mandela, after 27 years of imprisonment. The Inkatha Freedom Party, a black opposition group led by Mangosuthu Buthelezi, which was seen as collaborating with the apartheid system, frequently clashed with the ANC during this period. Apartheid is Abolished; Mandela Becomes President In 1991, a multiracial forum led by de Klerk and Mandela, the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA), began working on a new constitution. In 1993, an interim constitution was passed, which dismantled apartheid and provided for a multiracial democracy with majority rule. The peaceful transition of South Africa from one of the world's most repressive societies into a democracy is one of the 20th century's most remarkable success stories. Mandela and de Klerk were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.The 1994 election, the country's first multiracial one, resulted in a massive victory for Mandela and his ANC. The new government included six ministers from the National Party and three from the Inkatha Freedom Party. A new national constitution was approved and adopted in May 1996. In 1997 the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, chaired by Desmond Tutu, began hearings regarding human rights violations between 1960 and 1993. The commission promised amnesty to those who confessed their crimes under the apartheid system. In 1998, F. W. de Klerk, P.W. Botha, and leaders of the ANC appeared before the commission, and the nation continued to grapple with its enlightened but often painful and divisive process of national recovery. Mbeki Takes Over From Mandela Nelson Mandela, whose term as president cemented his reputation as one of the world's most farsighted and magnanimous statesmen, retired in 1999. On June 2, 1999, Thabo Mbeki, the pragmatic deputy president and leader of the ANC, was elected president in a landslide, having already assumed many of Mandela's governing responsibilities. In his first term, Mbeki wrestled with a slumping economy and a skyrocketing crime rate. South Africa, the country with the highest number of HIV-positive people in the world (6.5 million in 2005), has been hampered in fighting the epidemic by its president's highly controversial views. Mbeki has denied the link between HIV and AIDS and claimed that the West has exaggerated the epidemic to boost drug profits. The international community as well as most South African leaders, including Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, have condemned Mbeki's stance. In 2006, 60 international scientists called the government's policies “disastrous and pseudo-scientific.” As expected, on April 15, 2004, the African National Congress won South Africa's general election in a landslide, taking about 70% of the vote, and Thabo Mbeki was sworn in for a second term. In December 2007, African National Committee delegates chose Jacob Zuma as their leader, ousting Mbeki, who had been in control of the party for the last ten years. Zuma was acquitted of rape charges in 2006. In late December, prosecutors reopened corruption charges against Zuma and ordered him to face trial for "various counts of racketeering, money laundering, corruption, and fraud." He was accused of accepting more than $440,000 in bribes in exchange for helping a friend, Schabir Shaik, secure $5 billion in an arms deal and other government contracts. Zuma's lawyers accused Mbeki of trying to sabotage Zuma's political career. A High Court judge dismissed the corruption charges against Zuma in September 2008, saying the government mishandled the prosecution. The judge also criticized President Mbeki for attempting to influence the prosecution of Zuma. Motlanthe Serves as "Interim" President; Opposition to the ANC Grows Under pressure from leaders the African National Congress (ANC), Mbeki announced he would step down just days after Zuma was cleared. While party leader's cited Mbeki's alleged interference in the corruption case against Zuma, Mbeki's resignation culminated several years of bitter infighting between Zuma and Mbeki, which led to discord in the ANC. On Sep. 25, Parliament elected Kgalema Motlanthe, a labor leader who was imprisoned during apartheid, as president. Zuma must be a member of Parliament before he can be elected president. Parliamentary elections are expected in early 2009. On his first day as president, Motlanthe acted to move beyond Mbeki's resistance to using modern and effective methods, such as antirretroviral medicines, to tackle its AIDS crisis by replacing South Africa's health minister, Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, who has suggested that garlic, lemon juice, and beetroot could cure AIDS, with Barbara Hogan. "The era of denialism is over," she said. More than 5.7 million South Africans are HIV-positive, the highest number of any country in the world. In November, about 6,400 dissident members of the ANC held a convention in Johannesburg and decided to form a new party that will challenge the leadership of the ANC. The delegates, many of whom supported former president Mbeki, expressed dissatisfaction with the leadership of the party, calling it corrupt, authoritarian, and "rotting." In December, the new party, the Congress of the People (COPE), selected former defense minister Mosiuoa Lekota as its president. Zuma Assumes the Presidency South African's Supreme Court reinstated corruption charges against Zuma in January 2009, saying that a lower court had "overstepped" its authority in dismissing the charges. However, the country's prosecuting authority dropped all charges against Zuma in April, about two weeks before national elections, citing “intolerable abuse” by investigators who were loyal to former president Mbeki. In April's general election, the ruling party, the African National Congress, won overwhelming support, taking 65.9% of the vote, just shy of a two-thirds majority, which is required to change the constitution. Parliament elected Zuma president in May. South Africa Government Online Services for residents Birth Pregnancy - Paternity test | Pregnancy test | Prenatal care | Postnatal Care | Terminate Pregnancy Birth documents - Register birth | Late birth registration Parenting Child care - Child Immunisation | Child support grant | Register ECD partial care facilities | ECD programme certificate | Foster child grant | Care dependency grant | Protect arrested children | Consult Family Advocate Adopt a child - Apply for national adoption | Consent to adoption | Register adoption | Withdraw adoption order | Adopt a child in a convention country | Adopt a child in a non-convention country | Apply for intercountry adoption with local element | Apply for local adoption with intercountry element | Apply for intercountry family adoption | Applying Foster care Child maintenance - Maintenance order | Pay maintenance | Change maintenance amount Health Application for admission into a mental health Institution Communicable diseases Prevent and control communicable diseases Social benefits Child support grant Disability grant Foster child grant Care dependency grant Disability grant Apply for social relief of distress Enrol soon on new Grant payment system Re-register as a grant beneficiary International social services War veterans grant Old age pension Admission to old age home Grant in aid Education and training Application for admission to a public school - 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Tourist Links Great! South Africa is home to some of the most amazing wildlife in the world. From the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) to the smaller creatures like meerkats and pangolins, there is so much to discover. Whether're planning a safari or just want to learn more about these incredible, we've got you covered. Let explore the wild side of South Africa together! Travel and tourism - link to websites on travel and tourism visitor information centres visa requirements About SA - information about South Africa Click Here Flight Schedule Please view our domestic and regional flight schedule. For any assistance call us on … https://www.flyairlink.com/flightschedule Car Rental Rentalcars.com is the world’s biggest online car rental service. Working with local companies, they offer the best prices and service, while at the same time, giving you the best protection and flexibility for booking terms that only a big international company can guarantee. 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Whether you are looking for an off the beaten path experience in Rome or an unforgettable winter activity in Iceland , or some of the best attractions in Vegas , you will find plenty of choices on GetYourGuide. We book almost guided tours and excursions for our own trips via this website – their prices are the same as anywhere else (and sometimes better), but the cancelation policy and customer support are second to none. Safari Tours Links South Africa is home to some of the most breathtaking wildlife and landscapes in the world. Embark on a safari tour and witness the majestic lions, elephants, and rhinos in their natural habitat. Our experienced guides will take you on an unforgettable journey through the African wilderness. Book your safari tour today and create memories that will last a lifetime South African Tourist Links South African Hotels South Africa is a country of diverse landscapes, cultures, and experiences. From the bustling cities to the serene countryside, there is something for everyone. When it comes accommodation, South African hotels offer a wide range of options suit any budget and preference. Whether you're looking for a luxurious stay or a cozy guesthouse, you'll find it here. Book your stay today and experience the beauty of South Africa. South African Camping South Africa is a beautiful country with diverse landscapes and a rich cultural heritage. Camping is a popular way to explore the country's natural beauty and experience its unique wildlife. From the rugged coastline to the majestic mountains, there are countless camping spots to choose from. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a first-timer, South Africa offers an unforgettable outdoor adventure. South African Site Seeings South Africa is a country with a rich history and diverse culture, making it a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. From the stunning of Cape Town to the wildlife reserves of Kruger National Park, there is no shortage amazing sights to see. Take a trip to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for years, or explore vibrant city of Johannesburg. Whatever your interests, South Africa has something for everyone. Places to Visit in South Africa South Africa is a country with a rich history and diverse culture, offering a wide range of experiences for travelers. Some of the best places to visit include Cape Town, known for its stunning beaches and iconic Table Mountain; Kruger National Park, where you can spot Big Five on safari; and the scenic Garden Route, which offers breathtaking views of the coastline. Other must-see destinations include Johannesburg, Durban, and the wine regions of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Travel tips & planning  info Related links Mpumalanga Tourism Western Cape Tourism Free State Tourism KwaZulu-Natal Tourism Eastern Cape Tourism Northern Cape Tourism South-North Tourism Route Automobile Association of South Africa SA Places Hotel Bookings Links in South Africa Welcome to our hotel booking page for South Africa! We offer a wide range of accommodations to suit your needs, from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly options. With our easy-to-use booking system, you can find the perfect place to stay for your upcoming trip. Book now and get ready to experience the beauty and hospitality of South Africa! This site provides you with all the essential information you need to plan your trip, and stay busy while you are here; as well as teaching you a bit more about this wonderful country. https://www.exploresouthafrica.net/ Travel Resources If you want to get the most of every trip without breaking the bank, you need good travel resources. This page features the best travel brands, products, and services that we personally use to find the best travel deals and plan our trips. Take a look! Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission if you make a qualifying purchase. We recommend the companies and products listed below because we use them ourselves. They are the best out there and have made our travel planning simpler and our trips – better. For more information please read our privacy policy & terms and conditions . Accommodation Booking.com is our first (and usually the only) resource when planning a trip and booking hotels and other accommodations. They have one of the biggest selections of hotels and privately rented holiday accommodations worldwide, low rates, and free cancellation on most bookings. It’s my favorite website to search for accommodation because it is extremely easy to use and has lots of searching and filtering options. Nowadays, we book 99,99% of all our vacation stays via Booking. Alternatively, if you want to find all the best deals for accommodations for your upcoming holiday and compare them all in one place, check out the map below. Simply insert your vacation destination, travel dates, and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for all the available hotels, apartments, and short-term rentals for your stay. Check it out! Place Links to Visit in 9 Provinces in South Africa South Africa is a country full of natural beauty and diverse cultures. Each of its nine provinces has something unique to offer to tourists. In Gauteng, you can visit the Cradle of Humankind, while in KwaZulu-Natal, you can explore Drakensberg Mountains. The Western Cape is home to the famous Table Mountain, and the Eastern Cape boasts the Addo Elephant National Park. In Mpumanga, you can visit the Blyde River Canyon, and in Limp, you can explore the Kruger National Park. The North West province is home to the City Resort, and in the Free State, you can visit the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. With so much to see and do, South Africa is a must-visit destination for any traveler. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g293740-Activities-South_Africa.html https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/south-africa-saf.htm https://www.lonelyplanet.com/south-africa Things to do in South Africa Links South Africa is a great destination for families looking for adventure and fun. From exploring the wildlife in Kruger National Park to enjoying the beaches in Cape Town, there's something for everyone. Take a trip the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg to learn about the country's history or visit V&A Waterfront for shopping and entertainment. Whatever your family's interests, South Africa has plenty to offer. South African Culture South Africa is a country rich in culture and diversity. With 11 official languages, it's a pot of different traditions and customs. From the vibrant Zulu dance to the colorful Ndebele art, South African culture is a feast for the senses Whether you're exploring the bustling cities or the breathtaking landscapes, you'll find a unique blend of history, heritage, and hospitality that will leave you enchanted. Become Partners and Advertise your Website on South Africa Great news! We are excited to announce that we have partnered with Southern Africa, a leading company in the industry. This partnership will allow us to expand our reach and provide even better services to our customers. Stay tuned for more updates on how this partnership will benefit you! Contact Us Address Steedener weg 65594 Dehrn Germany Contact Opening Hours Mon - Fri 8:00 am – 19:00 pm a.dezius@gmail.com Saturday 0:00 am – 0:00 pm Sunday 0:00 am – 0:00 pm BACK TO TOP

Stop Poachers Stop Wildlife Poachers in South Africa: South Africa is home to of the most diverse on the planet. From majestic lions and elephants to playful meerkats and penguins, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're a nature lover or just looking for a unique adventure, a trip to South Africa is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Click Here IRF works with local partner, Stop Rhino Poaching (SRP), to protect and grow the population of black and white rhinos through monitoring, anti-poaching efforts, and community involvement. South Africa accounts for about half of the total black rhino population on the African continent and is also home to the world’s largest population of white rhinos. Currently, 2,056 black rhinos and 12,968 white rhinos are estimated to remain for a total of more than 15,000. Poaching remains the largest threat to South Africa’s rhinos. In the first half of 2023, 231 rhino deaths were attributed to poaching. This is an 11% decrease from the first half of 2022, but there is still at least one rhino killed every single day in South Africa. Due to its large population of rhinos, expansive size (making it challenging to protect), a shared border with Mozambique and being surrounded by poor, heavily populated local communities, the Kruger National Park has been targeted by poachers since the current poaching crisis began in 2008. More recently though, poaching syndicates have increasingly shifted to other state, provincial and private reserves, especially in the KwaZulu-Natal province where the majority of rhinos have been killed this year. This could be because of the significant population declines reported for black and white rhinos in Kruger last year. Fewer rhinos makes poaching more difficult. That, combined with ongoing anti-poaching efforts and wide-scale dehorning in the Greater Kruger area, has led poachers to shift to hunting in other regions. View More Poaching of wildlife Since 2007, poaching of wildlife and in particular the poaching of White Rhinos, Black Rhinos and African Elephants, has been at the forefront of the conservation battle in southern Africa. The combination of increasing demand for rhino horn and ivory as well as high black market prices in Asian markets (especially Vietnam and China) has fuelled increase in poaching (Ferreira et al. 2014). South Africa has by far the largest population of rhinos in the world and is an incredibly important country for rhino conservation. From 2007–2014 South Africa experienced an exponential rise in rhino poaching — a growth of over 9,000%! Rhino horn has been used in traditional Asian medicine as a perceived cure for everything from cancer to hangovers, however the recent spike in demand has been driven by an increasing desire for rhino horn as a status symbol in Vietnam. Global education campaigns by WildAid in both China and Vietnam have been used in an attempt to educate those purchasing rhino horn and reduce demand. However the illegal trade in rhino horn continues to persist. In South Africa, around a quarter of the total population of rhino are found on private land. The owners of these reserves and game farms are increasingly hiring specialized companies that focus on the protection of wildlife and the apprehension of poachers Most illegal activity occurs in the Kruger National Park (KNP), which is 19,485 km2 (almost 2 million hectares) in size and lies on South Africa’s north-eastern border with Mozambique (Ferreira et al. 2014). The Kruger National Park consistently suffered heavy poaching loses, and so in the last few years the South African government and international donors have channelled ever more funding and resources into securing the Park. © Kirstin Scholtz The Kruger National Park is divided into three zones in terms of rhino concentration: The far north has the smallest population, which makes up approximately 26% of the total, south of the Olifants River. The majority of the rhino population is concentrated in the southern part of the Park. Sadly, since elephant poaching has started to escalate in the northern part of the Park, in addition to the rhino crisis in the southern part, the rangers are facing a huge challenge as response times to poaching incidents are critical. Poaching methods Snares The snares are mainly made of wire and tied to branches. A loop of the wire is positioned in such a way that if the animal walks on the game path, it will get its head caught in the loop, which tightens as it is pulled. The poacher sets snares at different levels and sizes depending on the animal’s size and species which he wishes to catch. However, when the snare is old or has fallen to the ground, it remains in the game path and can snare anything from a small steenbok to an animal as large as a giraffe. Predators such as lions, hyenas and leopards also get caught in snares. Poaching with dogs This form of poaching is a successful method, and very difficult to monitor. Those very experienced poachers tend to make use of the full moon to infiltrate farms whilst hunting with dogs. The poachers’ dogs are very well trained, moving silently and obediently through the bush. Poachers often walk with two sticks, tapping them in various ways to give orders to the dogs. The game caught is mainly warthogs. The poachers often build fires in the entrance to the warthog holes to smoke the animals out and then the dogs are trained to bring the warthog to the ground. During winter, the dogs are also used to chase bigger game (such as kudu, wildebeest, zebra) until exhaustion sets in. The game is weaker during this time because of the poor nutrient quality of the grass. Military style poaching of rhinos/elephants In recent decades, the poaching of rhinos and elephants has been executed with almost military style precision. Poachers are armed and dangerous and animals are usually killed with a gun or rifle, the horn or ivory is cut off, and it is rare that any other body parts are taken. Although the majority of poaching occurs during the night, there are also incidents happening during the day. Despite specific tendencies regarding poaching, such as that it sometimes happens more frequently during weekends and during the full moon, poachers adapt when there are operations during full moon and then focus their poaching activities during dark moon phases. Poachers adapt easily to changing circumstances. Skulls of poached rhinos Current rhino poaching figures (Department of Environmental Affairs 2017) In 2016, figures show a dip in poaching in South Africa for the second year in a row, indicating that increased protection efforts are paying off. Although it is encouraging to see South Africa’s poaching levels fall, the losses are still extremely high. A rise in incidents outside Kruger National Park also points to the growing sophistication of poaching gangs that are gaining a wider geographical coverage and, it would seem, expanding their operations across borders. Rhino poaching was declared a National Priority Crime in 2014 and the issue continues to receive the highest level of attention from the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), the country’s law-enforcement authorities, and the prosecution service (Department of Environmental Affairs 2017). A total of 414 alleged poachers have been arrested in South Africa since 1 January 2016 — of which 177 were in the KNP and 237 for the rest of the country. A total of 94 firearms have been seized inside the KNP between 1 January and 31 August 2016 (Department of Environmental Affairs 2017). Between January and the end of August 2016, a total number of 458 poached rhino carcasses were found in the KNP, compared to 557 in the same period in 2015. This represents a 17.8% decline in the number of rhino carcasses. Poaching rates, i.e. the number of carcasses as a percentage of the number of live rhinos estimated the previous September for each year, reduced by 15.5% compared between the same periods in 2015 (9.6% poaching rate) and 2016 (7.9% poaching rate). These figures come amidst a 27.87 % increase in the number of illegal incursions into the KNP — a staggering 2115 illegal incursions for the first eight months of 2016. Nationally, 702 rhino were poached since the beginning of 2016 whereas between January and July 2015, a total of 796 rhinos were poached. There may be indications however that the success of anti-poaching efforts in the KNP has led to poaching syndicates shifting operations to other provinces. In the period under review, the number of rhino poached has increased in a number of other provinces in comparison to the same period in 2015, such as KwaZulu-Natal, Free State Province and the Northern Cape Province. However, despite these increases there is still a downward trend in the number of rhino poached. It is also of concern that we have begun experiencing an increase in elephant poaching, despite the vigorous and determined efforts by game rangers, the police and soldiers on the ground. Since January 2016, 36 elephants have been poached in the KNP. The combined efforts of DEA, law-enforcement and the conservation agencies — with the support of international partners and donors, are slowly but steadily making a dent in the rhino poaching numbers. Figure 1 Rhino poaching figures for 2007–2016 (Department of Environmental Affairs 2017) Local communities must be involved in the fight against poaching It has become clear throughout Africa and the rest of the world that in order for conservation efforts to succeed local communities living in or near protected areas must and should be involved in conservation management decisions. Local communities must benefit from conservation. There is a passive involvement from the communities who are staying or operating in the surrounding areas of the Kruger, since they will often not report poachers to the authorities. The reason for this is that the money that is derived from poaching plays a vital role in the poor communities. The fact that the KNP does not really add value to the communities also plays a big role in their passivity — having a vast piece of land which is used for nature conservation neither benefits nor makes sense to them. A Committee of Inquiry (CoI) as appointed by the Minister of Environmental Affairs presented a report on rhino poaching at the 2016 CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) COP17 conference The CoI agreed there was an urgent need to improve both socio-economic conditions of rural communities neighbouring protected areas and their relationships with agencies managing protected areas, to develop a conducive environment for strong mutual partnerships around natural resource management and beneficiation. The CoI suggested the following minimum requirements to effectively address community empowerment: Functional municipalities around key protected areas to provide water, waste, sanitation, energy, roads, transport, education and health services through joint engagement by communities and conservation agencies with all relevant government departments; A Champion to be appointed to oversee Community Empowerment, in a permanent position with multi-departmental influence and funding, to develop and implement a Community Empowerment plan addressing these requirements which acknowledges past errors associated with protected area policies; Increased access to education and capacity building opportunities in these communities, specifically through a targeted Mentorship Programme to provide qualifications and develop advanced skills in conservation and protected area management for community members and entry into protected area management opportunities; In order to create real opportunities for local communities in the conservation and wildlife management space, and thus ensuring that they are less vulnerable to exploitation by poachers, the following steps need to be taken (and in some cases already are) (Department of Environmental Affairs 2013): Develop a reward or incentives system that supports the development of small businesses in communities to discourage them from becoming involved in poaching Capacity building within communities Identify and implement suitable community wildlife management projects Raise funding for the implementation of community-based programmes; Identify and support legitimate Rhino awareness campaigns Anti-poaching methods There is probably no single piece of technology that will be a game changer, but every item forms part of the solution. Rangers on the ground are still the most effective anti-poaching method, but what about the following: Rangers training at the South African Wildlife College Is rhino dehorning effective? Rhino dehorning has been used historically as a tool to reduce the threat of poaching in parts of southern Africa, and continues to be employed on a large-scale in Zimbabwe. Dehorning is contentious due to uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of the method at reducing poaching, and due to potential veterinary impacts and adverse effects on the behavioural ecology of rhinos. Historical and current use of dehorning (Endangered Wildlife Trust 2012) Rhino dehorning was first practiced in Namibia, in Damaraland and part of Etosha National Park, and was undertaken in the country from 1989 until 1995. In South Africa, dehorning appears to be practiced to an increasing extent in the private sector, and has been undertaken in provincial parks in Mpumalanga Province and in Rietvlei Dam Nature Reserve in Gauteng. Dehorning is not undertaken in the South African National Parks (SANParks, which includes Kruger) or in any other provincial reserves in South Africa. The positives of dehorning (Endangered Wildlife Trust 2012) In Mpumalanga, tentative insights from the dehorning programme in the provincial parks suggest that dehorning has caused a reduction in poaching losses. Mpumalanga has 1,071 rhinos (excluding those in Kruger) of which 347 have been dehorned. Mpumalanga province started dehorning in August 2010, though several private owners started well before then. In 2009, 2010 and 2011 (up to the end of August) 6, 17 and 10 rhinos were poached respectively, of which one was dehorned. In the Hoedspruit area, following the widespread dehorning of rhinos in mid- 2011, information was received by private landowners that a poaching group had decided to focus efforts on other areas where rhinos still retained their horns. However, rhino owners in that area acknowledge that it is too early to assess the efficacy of the dehorning programme. Most (71.7%) experts felt that dehorning can be an effective means of dissuading poachers from targeting a particular reserve, but 52.6% felt that once a poacher was in a reserve, he would be no less likely to shoot a dehorned rhino if such an animal was encountered, than a horned individual. The negatives of dehorning (Endangered Wildlife Trust 2012) In Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, dehorning of White Rhinos in the early 1990s failed to protect them (as the majority of horned and dehorned rhinos were killed by poachers) due to a complete lapse in security for a period of six months 12–18 months after the rhinos were dehorned. In South Africa, at least five incidents have been recorded of dehorned rhinos being killed by poachers since 2008. In one incident, a horned rhino was wounded by poachers, and then dehorned by management and placed in a boma, where poachers returned to kill the animal despite clearly being able to see that the animal was dehorned (F. Coetzee, pers. comm.). These experiences clearly highlight that dehorning in the absence of intensive security is likely to be ineffective, and stresses that horn stumps are still valuable to poachers. Dehorning partially transfers the risk of horn possession from rhinos to the land manager, and creates administrative burdens and costs through the time and effort needed to acquire permits, transport and storage of horns. The permitting system for possessing, transporting and storing horn is considered by private rhino owners to be onerous and to impose security risks by providing a conduit for leakage of information on the whereabouts of horns or on planned transportation of horns. © Shannon Wild The effectiveness of remotely piloted aircraft systems in the fight against poaching A study by Mulero-Pazmany et al. (2014) assessed the use of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) to monitor for poaching activities. They performed 20 flights with 3 types of cameras: visual photo, HD video and thermal video, to test the ability of the systems to detect (a) rhinos, (b) people acting as poachers and © to do fence surveillance. The targets were better detected at the lowest altitudes, but to operate the plane safely and in a discreet way, altitudes between 100 and 180 m were the most convenient. Open areas facilitated target detection, while forest habitats complicated it. Detectability using visual cameras was higher at morning and midday, but the thermal camera provided the best images in the morning and at night. Considering not only the technical capabilities of the systems but also the poachers’ modus operandi and the current control methods, Mulero-Pazmany et al. (2014) proposed RPAS usage as a tool for surveillance of sensitive areas, for supporting field anti-poaching operations, as a deterrent tool for poachers and as a complementary method for rhino ecology research. Low cost RPAS can be useful for rhino stakeholders for field control procedures. There are, however, important practical limitations that should be considered for their successful and realistic integration in the anti-poaching battle. Anti-poaching Units The game rangers and anti-poaching units that patrol the Greater Kruger area spend most of their time out in the field, in harm’s way and away from home and their families. Their families do not always know when they will get to see them again. The rangers’ stress levels are high and, as one can imagine, it is not always easy for their families. Anti-poaching units in the Hoedspruit area The Black Mambas The Black Mambas are all-women anti-poaching unit. They are all young women from local communities, and they patrol inside the Greater Kruger national park unarmed. Billed as the first all-female unit of its kind in the world, they are not just challenging poachers, but the status quo. The Black Mamba anti-poaching unit is a great example of utilising people from the local communities, getting them involved in conservation, providing them with employment, and upliftment. The Black Mamba anti-poaching unit was founded in 2013 by Transfrontier Africa and created to protect the Olifants West Region of Balule Nature Reserve and has since expanded to cover the entire Balule area, 400km². The private reserve’s scientists and managers have had to become warriors, employing teams of game guards to protect not only the rhinos but lions, giraffes, and many other species targeted by poaching syndicates. The Mambas are the reserve’s eyes and ears on the ground. The anti-poaching statistics for the area suggest the Black Mamba approach works. During the last 10 months of 2014 and the start of 2015 the Balule Nature Reserve had not lost a single rhino, while a neighbouring reserve lost 23. Snare poaching has also by dropped 90%. ProTrack Anti-Poaching Unit Protrack Anti-Poaching Unit was established in 1992 as one of the first private anti-poaching units in South Africa. They provide anti-poaching training and recruitment in the Hoedspruit area. They also provide specialist rural security services to farms and nature reserves. Rhino Revolution Rhino Revolution was started by the concerned citizens of Hoedspruit, including conservationists and private nature reserve owners, who came together to try and reduce the escalating poaching crisis in this critically important rhino conservation area. They started as a community based action group, under the auspices of founder Trevor Jordan. Rhino Revolution is now an internationally recognised Non-Profit Organization. Rhino Revolution supports rhino conservation through rigorous anti-poaching activities, conservation awareness programmes and the provision of a world class rhino orphanage (situated within the Blue Canyon Conservancy, with electric fencing, lighting, intruder alarm systems and watch towers with 24 hour armed guards.). Rhino Revolution’s anti-poaching efforts: Rhino Revolution has provided night vision equipment for Hoedspruit Farm Watch, provided a new anti-poaching vehicle for the Blue Canyon Anti-Poaching Unit together with radios, weapons and ammunition and, installed solar power at the Essem Scout Camp. Rhino Revolution also funds dehorning of rhino. Rhino Revolution uses retired racehorses for anti-poaching patrols, as the mounted guards can reach areas inaccessible to vehicles, quickly and silently, and efficiently look out for any signs of criminal intent from the elevated field of vision that horseback patrols offer. Key factors in rhino security The following components are essential for effective anti-poaching security for rhinos (Endangered Wildlife Trust 2012): Undertake a thorough threat analysis of property: Evaluate all possible threats (e.g. know the most likely entry and exit points, know the locations of rhinos [see field monitoring below]). Prepare response plans for as many eventualities as possible. Secure the property: Electrified fencing that is monitored and maintained. Control entry points onto property with guarded boom gates. Field protection: Rangers must be well trained in weapons, anti-poaching tactics and drills. Rangers must be well equipped, with: assault rifles (AK47 or equivalent) Handheld radios, spare batteries Backpacks, water bottles, rations Maps, GPS devices, binoculars Rangers must be authorised and empowered to aggressively respond to and engage poachers when necessary and have indemnity against legal proceedings in the same way that police do. Rangers should be adequately paid and rewarded to maintain motivation (and avoid collusion with poachers). But, the reward system must be sustainable. Ranger density should be: minimum of 1 ranger for every 20 km2 but under conditions of high poaching threat: 1 ranger for every 10 km2 is recommended. In large reserves: concentrate Rangers where rhinos occur. In large reserves (>200 km2) there should be a mobile anti-poaching reaction unit with rapid deployment capabilities — set up in picket camps situated in peripheral high risk areas. There should be routine patrols around fences and buffer zones for the early detection of poacher incursions, as well as at sites where poachers will focus attention (e.g. water points, vantage points good for surveillance). Field monitoring: auxiliary staff well trained in tracking and identifying rhinos (to allow rapid detection of poaching) should be deployed. Monitoring of rhinos should proceed with the use of standardised field recording booklets and a density of at least 1 ranger per 20 rhinos Rhinos should be ear-notched to facilitate individual identification and to provide accurate and unbiased population estimates of population performance Africa is home to the world's most wildlife. It’s a grim and all too common sight for rangers at some of Africa’s nature reserves: the bullet-riddled carcass of an elephant, its tusks removed by poachers. African elephant populations have fallen by about 30% since 2006 . Poaching has driven the decline. Some reserves, like Garamba in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Selous in Tanzania, have lost hundreds of elephants to poachers over the last decade. But others, like Etosha National Park in Namibia, have been targeted far less. What might explain this difference? That’s what we set out to explore in our new paper . We investigated why poaching rates vary so widely across Africa and what this might reveal about what drives, motivates and facilitates poaching. To do this, we used a statistical model to relate poaching levels from 64 African sites to various socio-economic factors. These included a country’s quality of governance and the level of human development in the area surrounding a park. Our findings suggest that poaching rates are lower where there is strong national governance and where local levels of human development – especially wealth and health – are relatively high. Strong site-level law enforcement and reduced global ivory prices also keep poaching levels down. Understanding these dynamics is crucial. The illegal wildlife trade is one of the highest value illicit trade sectors globally , worth several billion dollars each year. It poses a major threat to biodiversity and ecosystems, which are the bedrock of human well-being . And elephants are more than just a culturally significant icon. They are “ecosystem engineers ” that can boost forest carbon stocks and diversify habitats through their feeding. Their presence in national parks and reserves also has economic benefits, bringing in valuable tourism revenues . The deaths of both poachers and rangers in the continent’s violent biodiversity “war” also underscores our findings: when elephants lose, we all lose. Data collection We developed a statistical model using 19 years of data on 10,286 poached elephants at 64 sites in 30 African countries. These data were collected, mostly by wildlife rangers, as part of the global programme for Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE) , administered by the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Rangers are the real champions of this research, working under difficult conditions to protect elephants and other biodiversity. Photo: Tim Kuiper. We then linked the poaching data to key socio-economic data related to areas around the parks, individual countries and global markets. Poaching of high-value species like elephants and rhinos is driven primarily by sophisticated criminal syndicates . So we used criminology theory and evidence from the scientific literature to generate hypotheses about factors that might drive, facilitate or motivate the decisions of these syndicates and the local hunters they recruited. We then identified datasets representing these factors, such as the Uppsala Armed Conflict Dataset and the Global Data Lab’s Subnational Human Development index . Elephant Poachers Take Aim at South Africa’s Famed Refuge Recent elephant killings in Kruger National Park raise fears that South Africa is now in the crosshairs of the illegal ivory trade. After years of being regarded as an unassailable haven for wildlife, South Africa’s iconic Kruger National Park has been hit by elephant poaching. In May 2014, the first killing of an elephant for its tusks in ten years was reported in the park. By mid-October 2015, 19 Kruger elephants had been killed for ivory. Twelve of those were killed in September and October alone. This prompted several prominent conservationists to warn that South Africa’s parks are at high risk of being targeted for ivory in the near future. “South Africa can expect elephant poaching to increase dramatically in the Kruger Park,” said wildlife filmmaker and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Dereck Joubert. Has the elephant poaching epidemic that has plagued other African countries in recent years now overtaken South Africa? South Africa can expect elephant poaching to increase dramatically in the Kruger Park. Dereck Joubert, conservationist Since 2008, Kruger has been a target for rhino poachers, who mainly come from across the border in Mozambique. Some 800 rhinos were killed in South Africa for their horns between January and September of this year, bringing the total to 4,635 rhinos killed since 2007. That’s nearly a fifth of the continent-wide population. Kruger had some 17,000 elephants in 2014, according to Sam Ferreira, the park’s large mammal ecologist. Most of the elephants killed this year have been in the northern Pafuri area, bordering Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Elephant populations in both countries have experienced heavy casualties of late. Mozambique has lost half its elephants during the past five years, according to recent data from the ongoing Great Elephant Census , an observation study funded by Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen's investment company, Vulcan Inc., to count more than 90 percent of the world's elephants. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe is reeling from a spate of macabre elephant poisonings by cyanide. According to a recent genetic study , most of the poached ivory has been coming from Tanzania, northern Mozambique, and central Africa. With elephants becoming scarcer in these countries, the poaching scourge has nowhere to go but south. South African authorities have anticipated that elephant poaching was going to “hit us like an avalanche as early as January next year,” Hector Magome, of conservation services at South African National Parks (SANparks), told Business Day last year. “Given what is going on in the rest of Africa, it is inevitable that South Africa’s elephants will eventually be targeted.” Poachers shot this rhino in Kruger in November 2013. More than 4,600 rhinos have been killed in South Africa for their horns since 2007, and only about 25,000 of the animals are left in the wild in Africa. Photograph by Alet Pretorius, Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Making matters worse is the fact that the ivory trade “appears to be professionalising fast, with heavy involvement of police, border guard and political criminal networks,” according to a report published last year by the animal advocacy group Born Free USA. “Given the ease of rhino poaching in South Africa,” the report says, “fears of serious, professionalised ivory poaching in the Kruger Park are well founded.” Referring to the elephant poaching epidemic elsewhere in the continent, William Mabasa, a Kruger spokesman, said, “We cannot allow this destabilization of our keystone species to continue further.” Heads in the Sand? Not everyone agrees that elephant poaching is going to be a serious problem for Kruger, but if the rhino situation is any indicator, things need to be monitored closely. Mabasa says he’s “confident that the dedication and efforts which our rangers and partners in the security sector have displayed towards the fight against rhino will prevail over this latest problem.” Zimbabwe is reeling from macabre elephant poisonings by cyanide. South Africa’s environment minister Edna Molewa hasn’t expressed much concern about elephant poaching. Last year, she said, “We did an ivory once-off sale, and elephant poaching has not been a problem since.” The sale occurred in July 2008, when China and Japan were given permission by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the international organization that regulates the wildlife trade, to buy 108 tons of ivory from four southern African countries. In those countries—Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa—elephant populations were regarded as relatively healthy and well managed. Contrary to the minister’s views, it is widely held that the sale has fueled the current poaching crisis. A 2008 report by the Environmental Investigation Agency, a nonprofit headquartered in London, showed that demand for ivory increased every year after an earlier experimental sale, in 1999, to Japan—and that it spiked after the 2008 sale. At the 2008 sale, China and Japan paid an average of $71 per pound ($157 per kilo) from the southern African states. Since then, the price of ivory China sells from its legal stockpile has increased almost tenfold, to $681 per pound ($1,500 per kilo). Michelle Henley, principal researcher for Elephants Alive, a research group that has collected data on Kruger’s elephant populations for more than two decades, said that until now poachers have targeted the “higher value of rhino horn compared to ivory, which seems to have lulled many into a false sense of security.” She said her research team had predicted that “it would be only a matter of time before poachers would turn to elephants for ivory.” Slide Title This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content. BACK TO TOP

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South African Endangered Wildlife Wild Life South Africa BIG FIVE OF SOUTH AFRICA Kruger National Park Wildlife Animal History The phrase Big Five game was coined by white hunters and refers to the five most difficult animals in Africa Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa. It covers an area of 19,485 square kilometres 7,523 sq mi in the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga in northeastern South Africa, and extends 360 kilometres 220 mi from north to south and 65 kilometres 40 mi from east to west. Areas of the park were first protected by the government of the South African Republic in 1898, and it became South Africa's first national park in 1926. To the west and south of the Kruger National Park are the two South African provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. In the north is Zimbabwe, and to the east is Mozambique. It is now part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, a peace park that links Kruger National Park with the Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe, and with the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique. The park is part of the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere, an area designated by the United Nations Educational,Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO as anInternational Man and Biosphere Reserve the Biosphere.The park has 9 main gates that allow entrance to the different camps.The park is the site of the popular eyewitness viral video Battle at Kruger. Sabi Game Reserve 1898 - 1926 In 1895, Jakob Louis van Wyk introduced in the Volksraad of the old South African Republic, a motion to create the game reserve which would become the Kruger National Park. That motion, introduced together with another Volksraad member by the name of R.K.Loveday, and accepted for discussion in September 1895 by a majority of one vote, resulted in the proclamation by Paul Kruger president of the Transvaal Republic, on 26 March 1898,of a Government Wildlife Park.This park would later be known as the Sabi Game Reserve and was expanded into the Kruger National Park in 1926.The park was initially created to control hunting and protect the diminished number of animals in the park.James Stevenson Hamilton became the first warden of the reserve in 1902. The reserve was located in the southern one-third of the modern park. Shingwedzi Reserve, named after the Shingwedzi River and now in northern Kruger National Park, was proclaimed in 1903. In 1926, Sabie Game Reserve, the adjacent Shingwedzi Game Reserve, and farms were combined to create Kruger National Park.During 1923, the first large groups of tourists started visiting the Sabie Game Reserve, but only as part of the South African Railways' popular "Round in Nine" tours. The tourist trains used the Selati railway line between Komatipoort on the Mozambican border and Tzaneen in Limpopo Province. The tour included an overnight stop at Sabie Bridge now Skukuza and a short walk, escorted by armed rangers, into the bush. It soon became a highlight of the tour and it gave valuable support for the campaign to proclaim the Sabie Game Reserve as a national park 1926 - 1946 After the proclamation of the Kruger National Park in 1926, the first three tourist cars entered the park in 1927, jumping to 180 cars in 1928 and 850 cars in 1929. Warden James Stevenson Hamilton retired on 30 April 1946, after 44 years as warden of the Kruger Park and its predecessor, the Sabi Game Reserve. 1946 - 1994 1994 - present In 1996 the Makuleke tribe submitted a land claim for 19,842 hectares 198.42 km in the northern part of the Kruger National Park. The land was given back to the Makuleke people, however, they chose not to resettle on the land but to engage with the private sector to invest in tourism, thus resulting in the building of several game lodges.In 2002, Kruger National Park, Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe, and Limpopo National Park in Mozambique were incorporated into a peace park, the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park The park lies in the north-east of South Africa, in the eastern parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. Phalaborwa, Limpopo is the only town in South Africa that borders the Kruger National Park. It is one of the largest national parks in the world, with an area of 19,485 square kilometres 7,523 sq mi The park is approximately 360 kilometres 220 mi long, and has an average width of 65 kilometres 40 mi. At its widest point, the park is 90 kilometres 56 mi wide from east to west. To the north and south of the park two rivers, the Limpopo and the Crocodile respectively, act as its natural boundaries. To the east the Lebombo Mountains separate it from Mozambique. Its western boundary runs parallel with this range, roughly 65 km distant. The park varies in altitude between 200 m in the east and 840 m in the south-west near Berg-en-Dal. The highest point in the park is here, a hill called Khandzalive. Several rivers run through the park from west to east, including the Sabie, Olifants, Crocodile, Letaba, Luvuvhu and Limpopo Rivers. Geography The park lies in the north-east of South Africa,in the eastern parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. Phalaborwa, Limpopo is the only town in South Africa that borders the Kruger National Park. It is one of the largest national parks in the world, with an area of 19,485 square kilometres (7,523 sq mi) The park is approximately 360 kilometres (220 mi) long,and has an average width of 65 kilometres (40 mi).At its widest point, the park is 90 kilometres (56 mi) wide from east to west. To the north and south of the park two rivers, the Limpopo and the Crocodile respectively, act as its natural boundaries. To the east the Lebombo Mountains separate it from Mozambique. Its western boundary runs parallel with this range, roughly 65 km distant. The park varies in altitude between 200 m in the east and 840 m in the south-west near Berg-en-Dal. The highest point in the park is here, a hill called Khandzalive. Several rivers run through the park from west to east, including the Sabie, Olifants, Crocodile, Letaba, Luvuvhu and Limpopo rivers. Climate The climate of the Kruger National Park and Lowveld is subtropical. Summer days are humid and hot with temperatures often soaring to above 38 °C (100 °F). The rainy season is from September until May. The dry winter season is the ideal time to visit this region for various reasons. There is less chance of contracting malaria and the days are milder. Viewing wildlife is more rewarding as the vegetation is more sparse and animals are drawn to the waterholes to drink every morning and evening. Flora and fauna Vegetation Plant life in the park consists of four main areas: Thorn Trees and Red Bush-willow veld,This area lies between the western boundary and roughly the centre of the park south of the Olifants River. Combretums, such as the red bush-willow (Combretum apiculatum), and Acacia species predominate while there are a great number of marula trees (Sclerocarya caffra). The Acacias are dominant along the rivers and streams, the very dense Nwatimhiri bush along the Sabie River between Skukuza and Lower Sabie being a very good example.Knob-thorn and Marula Veld,South of the Olifants River in the eastern half of the park, this area provides the most important grazing-land. Species such as red grass (Themeda triandra) and buffalo grass (Panicum maximum) predominate while the knob-thorn (Acacia nigrescens), leadwood (Combretum imberbe) and marula (Sclerocarya caffra) are the main tree species. Red Bush-willow and Mopane Veld This area lies in the western half of the park, north of the Olifants River. The two most prominent species here are the red bush-willow (Combretum apiculatum) and the mopane tree (Colophospernum mopane)Shrub Mopane Veld Shrub mopane covers almost the entire north-eastern part of the park.There are a number of smaller areas in the park which carry distinctive vegetation such as Pretoriuskop where the sickle bush and the silver cluster-leaf Terminalia sericae are prominent. The sandveld,communities near Punda Maria are equally definitive, with a wide variety of unique species. Birds Out of the 517 species of birds found at Kruger, 253 are residents, 117 non-breeding migrants, and 147 nomads.MammalsAll the Big Five game animals are found at Kruger National Park, which has more species of large mammals than any other African Game Reserve (at 147 species). There are webcams set up to observe the wildlife.The park stopped culling elephants in 1989 and tried translocating them, but by 2004 the population had increased to 11,670 elephants, by 2006 to approximately 13,500 and by 2009 to 11,672. The park's habitats can only sustain about 8,000 elephants. The park started using annual contraception in 1995, but has stopped that due to problems with delivering the contraceptives and upsetting the herds. Kruger supports packs of the endangered African Wild Dog, of which there are thought to be only about 400 in the whole of South Africa.Kruger National Park holds over 48 tons of ivory in storage. According to Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES), it is allowed to sell 30 tons.Following approval by CITES, 47 metric tons of stockpiled ivory from Kruger were auctioned on November 6, 2008. The sale fetched approximately US$6.7 million which will be used towards increasing anti-poaching activity. The average price for the 63 lots on auction was US$142/kg. In 2002, Kruger National Park,The park is the site of the popular eyewitness viral video Battle at Kruger. South African Endangered Wildlife South Africa’s Kingdom: Protecting Endangered Species, Improving Lives in one of the World’s Most Wildlife Regions.... Our ancestors viewed the Earth as rich and bountiful, which it is. Many people in the past also saw nature as inexhaustibly sustainable, which we now know is the case only if we care for it. It is not difficult to forgive destruction in the past which resulted from ignorance. Today, however, we have access to more information, and it is essential that we re-examine ethically what we have inherited, what we are responsible for, and what we will pass on to coming generations. Our marvels of science and technology are matched if not outweighed by many current tragedies, including human starvation in some parts of the world, and the extinction of other life-forms. The exploration of space takes place at the same time as the Earth's own oceans, seas, and fresh water areas grow increasingly polluted. Many of the Earth's habitats, animals, plants, insects, and even micro-organisms that we know as rare may not be known at all by future generations. We have the capability, and the responsibility. We must act before it is too late. THE BLACK RHINO The black rhino weighs 800 - 1400 kg (1760 - 3080 lb). Its height varies from 1.3 - 1.8 m (4.3 - 5.9'). The black rhino has 2 horns. Its skin is dark yellow-brown to dark brown or dark gray. The black rhino occurs in a wide variety of habitats, from desert areas in Namibia to wetter forested areas in the highlands of Kenya, to savannas and bushveld areas where the highest densities of black rhino occur. The black rhino is a browser. It prefers leaves, twigs and branches from small acacia’s and other woody shrubs and small trees as well as herbs and legumes. When the weather is hot, the black rhino drinks water daily and must be within walking distance of water. In cooler temperatures it can go without drinking water for up to 5 days if its food is moist. The black rhino’s eyesight is poor, but its hearing is good. Its sense of smell is well developed and is probably the most important of its senses Although its belligerence has been exaggerated, the black rhino is unpredictable and can be a dangerous animal, sometimes charging a disturbing sound or smell. Black rhinos are predominantly solitary, the most commonly observed groups being lone males or adult females with young. Black rhinos that share a part or all or their range exhibit a familiarity with one another instead of the aggression that they exhibit to total strangers. Although at times several bulls may court a female simultaneously without apparent antagonism, serious fights and frequent deaths result from conflicts between males over estrous females. A premating bond develops between the bull and the cow, and the pair remain together during resting and feeding. They sleep in contact with each other. The black rhino was formerly found in suitable habitat over most of Africa south of the Sahara, from southwestern Angola across the Cape Province up to East Africa and north, avoiding the Congo Basin and its rain forests, to Somalia and southwestern Ethiopia, then westward along a strip between the Sahara and the Congo and Nigerian forests to the region of Lake Chad. The black rhino population suffered an enormous reduction from a probable several hundred thousand at the start of the 20th century to less than 2,500 by the early 1990s. However, since 1995, black rhino numbers at a continental level have started increasing again. Hunting and clearance of land for settlement and agriculture were the major reasons for the decline of black rhino populations in the 20th century. The situation facing the black rhino is still critical. The demand for rhino horn from Asia for traditional medicines and from the Middle East for dagger handles persists, and the threat of a return to large-scale poaching is still present. The rhino is being hunted into extinction and could disappear forever unless we act now. Shocking new statistics show 440 rhinos were brutally killed last year in South Africa alone a massive increase on five years ago when just 13 had their horns hacked off. European nations could lead the world to a new plan to save these amazing creatures but they need to hear from us first! Fueling this devastation is a huge spike in demand for rhino horns, used for bogus cancer cures, hangover remedies and good luck charms in China and Vietnam. Protests from South Africa have so far been ignored by the authorities, but Europe has the power to change this by calling for a ban on all rhino trade -- from anywhere, to anywhere when countries meet at the next crucial international wildlife trade summit in July. The situation is so dire that the threat has even spread into British zoos who are on red-alert for rhino killing gangs! Let’s raise a giant outcry and urge Europe to push for new protections to save rhinos from extinction. When we reach 100,000 signers, our call will be delivered in Brussels, the decision-making heart of Europe, with a crash of cardboard rhinos. Every 50,000 signatures will add a rhino to the crash bringing the size of our movement right to the door of EU delegates as they decide their position. Sign the petition on the right then spread this campaign widely. ENDANGERED SPECIES 1. The giraffe is common in both eastern and southern Africa. 2. The umbrella thorn is one of the most widespread trees in seasonally dry areas of Africa. 3. The Dama gazelle inhabits all of the Sahara from east to west and the Sudan. 4. The schimitar-horned oryx is confined to a narrow strip between Mauritania and the Red Sea. 5. The cheetah was once found all over Africa, but it is now endangered in most of its former ranges. 6. The spotted hyena was historically found throughout Africa, south of the Sahara Desert. 7. The lion now survives in greatest number where humans are sparse. 8. The demoiselle crane is found in north east Africa. The future for these birds is more secure than for many cranes, since they are so numerous and adaptable. 9. The mandrill lives in parts of west Africa.Its habitat, tropical forests, are being destroyed at such a high rate. 10. The potto is found in central and west Africa. The primary threat to the survival of the potto is habitat destruction. 11. The chimpanzee is found in west and central Africa. The populations have been reduced and fragmented by human encroachment into their habitats. 12. The bongo lives in parts of west Africa, Zaire, southern Sudan, Kenya, and the Congo. Habitat destruction, poaching and illegal trapping are leading to its endangerment. 13. The gray parrot is one of the few parrots found in Africa. 14. The gorilla lives in the mountain ranges between Rwanda, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda where it is hunted by poachers for its meat and menaced by intense logging. 15. The umbrella thorn is the dominant tree in many savanna communities and provides an important source of shade for both wild and domesticated animals. 16. The leopard orchid is a species from South Africa. This orchid is named for the bold brown markings that spot the yellow blossoms. 17. The African elephant’s natural habitat is forested savanna. Poaching for ivory is the primary cause of its endangered status. 18. The false mufuti occurs in the north and east of Zimbabwe. 19. The zebra is found in southeastern Africa. Zebras have been hunted both for their hides and for food. 20. The southern ground hornbill can be found from South Africa to Kenya. 21. The leopard’s habitat ranges across most of the African continent, with the exception of the Sahara Desert region. 22. The sable antelope can be found in south eastern Kenya, Angola, and South Africa. Urgent action is needed to keep this animal off the extinction list. 23. The king protea is the national flower of South Africa 24. The southern double-collared sunbird lives in South Africa. 25. The Erica junonia is blooming African plant. 26. The bontebok is classified as vulnerable. It lives in the grasslands and coastal plains in the southwestern tip of South Africa. 27. The cape scarab beetle can be found in South Africa. 28. The cape mole rat is a subterranean rodent who is found in southern Africa. 29. The geometric tortoise’s habitat is in Western Cape of South Africa. The endangered wild dog in the kruger national park The Wild Dog is one of Africa's most endangered mammal species and can be spotted at the award-winning Sabi Sabi private game lodge in the Kruger National Park. The main contributory factor to the decline in population numbers is persecution by humankind, until recently even within conservation areas. Other factors are diseases like rabies and distemper, where Wild Dogs are in contact with domestic animals. Genetic inbreeding may be the possible cause of the Kruger National Park Wild Dog's life expectancy of only six years On Kruger Park Safari's you should be lucky enough to spot these rare creatures. Males are slightly larger than females and weigh 20-30 kg as adults. Each individual has a blotchy yellow, black and white unique coat pattern, which makes it possible to identify every individual in a population with certainty. Wild Dogs prey mainly on small to medium sized animals, of which the Impala is the favourite prey. In East Africa, they stand recorded as having hunted prey as large as Wildebeest and Zebra. Wild Dogs hunt in packs, and all individuals collaborate in a team effort to chase and wear out pursued prey to exhaustion. Once brought to a standstill: the prey is killed by all the dogs tearing it apart at once - you could even be lucky enough to see this on your Kruger Park safari. Endangered African Animals - Three Categories The spotted hyena The spotted hyena , also known as the laughing hyena or tiger wolf,is a species of hyena native to Sub-Saharan Africa. It is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN on account of its widespread range and large numbers estimated between 27,000 and 47,000 individuals.The species is however experiencing declines outside of protected areas due to habitat loss and poaching.The species may have originated in Asia, and once ranged throughout Europe for at least one million years until the end of the Late Pleistocene. The spotted hyena is the largest member of the Hyaenidae, and is further physically distinguished from other species by its vaguely bear like build, its rounded ears,its less prominent mane, its spotted pelt, its more dual purposed dentition,its fewer nipples and the presence of a pseudo-penis in the female. It is the only mammalian species to lack an external vaginal opening. The spotted hyena is the most social of the Carnivora in that it has the largest group sizes and most complex social behaviours. Its social organisation is unlike that of any other Carnivore, bearing closer resemblance to that of cercopithecineprimates, baboons and macaques with respect to group-size, hierarchical structure, and frequency of social interaction among both kin and unrelated group-mates. However, the social system of the spotted hyena is openly competitive rather than cooperative, with access to kills, mating opportunities and the time of dispersal for males depending on the ability to dominate other clan-members. Females provide only for their own cubs rather than assist each other, and males display no paternal care. Spotted hyena society is matriarchal; females are larger than males, and dominate them. The spotted hyena is a highly successful animal, being the most common large carnivore in Africa. Its success is due in part to its adaptability and opportunism; it is both an efficient hunter and a scavenger, with the capacity to eat and digest skin, bone and other animal waste. In functional terms, the spotted hyena makes the most efficient use of animal matter of all African carnivores. The spotted hyena displays greater plasticity in its hunting and foraging behaviour than other African carnivores; it hunts alone, in small parties of 2–5 individuals or in large groups. During a hunt, spotted hyenas often run through ungulate herds in order to select an individual to attack. Once selected, their prey is chased over long distance, often several kilometres, at speeds of up to 60 km/h.The spotted hyena has a long history of interaction with humanity; depictions of the species exist from the Upper Paleolithic period, with carvings and paintings from the Lascaux and Chauvet Caves. The species has a largely negative reputation in both Western culture and African folklore. In the former, the species is mostly regarded as ugly and cowardly, while in the latter, it is viewed as greedy, gluttonous, stupid, and foolish, yet powerful and potentially dangerous. The majority of Western perceptions on the species can be found in the writings of Aristotle and Pliny the Elder, though in relatively unjudgemental form. Explicit, negative judgements occur in the Physiologus, where the animal is depicted as a hermaphrodite and grave robber.The IUCN's hyena specialist group identifies the spotted hyena's negative reputation as detrimental to the species' continued survival, both in captivity and the wild Cape mole rats Cape mole rats closely resemble other African mole rats in physical appearance. They have cylindrical bodies with short limbs, and large feet with leathery soles. The head is large and rounded, and the tail is short, with only a few sparse hairs. As with other mole rats, the eyes are very small, and external ears are absent. Adults are around 16 centimetres (6.3 in) in head-body length, with a 2 centimetres (0.79 in) tail, and weigh around 180 grams (6.3 oz). Females have three pairs of teats. Cape mole rats can most easily be distinguished from other species of mole rat by their fur. This is russet in colour over most of the body, with clearly distinct, silvery-white underparts. The head is darker, sometimes even a charcoal grey shade, with prominent white markings around the ears and eyes, and a smaller amount of white fur on the muzzle. The hair on the feet is also white. Unlike the related Damaraland mole rats, Cape mole rats have no guard hairs, although there are slightly longer stiff hairs around the mouth and feet, and the animals do have stubby whiskers. Lacking guard hairs, the fur is thick and woolly in texture Zebras Zebras are several species of Africanequids (horse family) united by their distinctive black and white stripes. Their stripes come in different patterns, unique to each individual. They are generally social animals that live in small harems to large herds. Unlike their closest relatives, horses and asses, zebras have never been truly domesticated.There are three species of zebras: the plains zebra, the Grévy's zebra and the mountain zebra. The plains zebra and the mountain zebra belong to the subgenus Hippotigris, but Grévy's zebra is the sole species of subgenus Dolichohippus. The latter resembles an ass, to which it is closely related, while the former two are more horse Like. All three belong to the genus Equus, along with other living equids. The unique stripes of zebras make them one of the animals most familiar to people. They occur in a variety of habitats, such as grasslands, savannas, woodlands, thorny scrublands, mountains, and coastal hills. However, various anthropogenic factors have had a severe impact on zebra populations, in particular hunting for skins and habitat destruction. Grévy's zebra and the mountain zebra are endangered. While plains zebras are much more plentiful, one subspecies, the quagga, became extinct in the late 19th century - though there is currently a plan, called the Quagga Project, that aims to breed zebras that are phenotypically similar to the quagga in a process called breeding back. The giant sable The giant sable antelope is evaluated as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List.The giant sable antelope, Hippotragus niger variani, also known in Portuguese as the palanca negra gigante, is a large, rare subspecies of sable antelope native and endemic to the region between the Cuango and Luando Rivers in Angola.There was a great degree of uncertainty regarding the number of animals that survived during the Angolan civil war. In January 2004, a group from the Centro de Estudos e Investigação Científica of the Catholic University of Angola, led by Dr. Pedro vaz Pinto, was able to obtain photographic evidence of one of the remaining herds from a series of trap cameras installed in the Cangandala National Park, south of Malanje.The giant sable antelope is the national symbol of Angola, and is held in a great regard by its people. This was perhaps one of the reasons the animals survived the long civil war. In African mythology, just like other antelopes, they symbolize vivacity, velocity, beauty and visual sharpness.Both sexes have horns, which can reach 1.5 meters in length. Males and females are very similar in appearance until they reach three years of age, when the males become darker and develop majestic horns. The male antelope weighs an average of 238 kg (520 lb) with a height of 116–142 cm (46–56 in). Females weigh 220 kg and are slightly shorter than males. The horns are massive and more curved in males, reaching lengths of 81–165 cm (32–65 in), while females' horns are only 61–102 cm (24–40 in) in length. Coloration in bulls is black, while females and young are chestnut, except in southern populations, where females turn brown-black. Most sable antelopes have white "eyebrows", their rostra are sectioned into cheek stripes, and their bellies and rump patches are white. Young under two months old typically are light brown and have slight markings. The bontebok The bontebok is an antelope found in South Africa and Lesotho. The bontebok has two subspecies; the endangered bontebok , occurring naturally in the Fynbos and Renosterveld areas of the Western Cape, and the blesbok occurring in the highveld.The bontebok is a tall, medium-sized antelope. They typically stand 80 to 100 cm (31 to 39 in) high at the shoulder and measure 120 to 210 cm (47 to 83 in) along the head and body. The tail can range from 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 in). Body mass can vary from 50 to 155 kg (110 to 340 lb). Males are slightly larger and noticeably heavier than females. The bontebok is a chocolate brown colour, with a white underside and a white stripe from the forehead to the tip of the nose, although there is a brown stripe across the white near the eyes in most blesbok. The bontebok also has a distinctive white patch around its tail , while this patch is light brown tan in blesbok. The horns of bontebok are lyre shaped and clearly ringed. They are found in both sexes and can reach a length of half a metre. Blesbok live in highveld, where they eat short grasses, while bontebok are restricted to coastal Fynbos and Renosterveld.They are diurnal, though they rest during the heat of the day. Herds contain only males, only females, or are mixed, and do not exceed 40 animals for bonteboks or 70 for blesboks.Bontebok are not good jumpers, but they are very good at crawling under things. Mature males form territories and face down other males in displays and occasionally combat.Bontebok were once extensively killed as pests, and were reduced to a wild population of just 17 animals, but the species has since recovered. Blesbok are extinct in their natural habitat, but they have increased in population to the point where they are now very abundant and avidly farmed, because they are popular quarry for hunters and are easy to sustain. The leopard The leopard , is a member of the Felidae family and the smallest of the four "big cats" in the genus Panthera, the other three being the tiger, lion, and jaguar. The leopard was once distributed across eastern and southern Asia and Africa, from Siberia to South Africa, but its range of distribution has decreased radically because of hunting and loss of habitat. It is now chiefly found in sub-Saharan Africa; there are also fragmented populations in the Indian subcontinent, Sri Lanka, Indochina, Malaysia, Indonesia, and China. Because of its declining range and population, it is listed as a "Near Threatened" species on the IUCN Red List.Compared to other members of the Felidae family, the leopard has relatively short legs and a long body with a large skull. It is similar in appearance to the jaguar, but is smaller and more slightly built. Its fur is marked with rosettes similar to those of the jaguar, but the leopard's rosettes are smaller and more densely packed, and do not usually have central spots as the jaguars do. Both leopards and jaguars that are melanistic are known as black panthers. The species' success in the wild is in part due to its opportunistic hunting behavior, its adaptability to habitats, its ability to run at speeds approaching 58 kilometres per hour (36 mph), its unequaled ability to climb trees even when carrying a heavy carcass,and its notorious ability for stealth. The leopard consumes virtually any animal that it can hunt down and catch. Its habitat ranges from rainforest to desert terrains.Leopards are agile and stealthy predators. Although they are smaller than other members of the Panthera genus, they are able to take large prey due to their massive skulls that facilitate powerful jaw muscles. Head and body length is usually between 90 and 165 cm (35 and 65 in). The tail reaches 60 to 110 cm (24 to 43 in) long, around the same length as the tiger's tail and relatively the longest tail in the Panthera genus (though snow leopards and the much smaller marbled cats are relatively longer tailed).Shoulder height is from 45 to 80 cm (18 to 31 in). The muscles attached to the scapula are exceptionally strong, which enhance their ability to climb trees. They are very diverse in size. Males are about 30% larger than females, weighing 30 to 91 kg (66 to 200 lb) compared to 23 to 60 kg (51 to 130 lb) for females. Large males of up to 91 kg (200 lb) have been documented in Kruger National Park in South Africa; however, males in South Africa's coastal mountains average 31 kg (68 lb) and the females from the desert-edge in Somalia average 23 to 27 kg (51 to 60 lb). This wide variation in size is thought to result from the quality and availability of prey found in each habitat. The most diminutive leopard subspecies overall is the Arabian leopard (P. p. nimr), from deserts of the Middle East, with adult females of this race weighing as little as 17 kg (37 lb). The phrase Big Five game was coined by white hunters and refers to the five most difficult animals in Africa to hunt on foot.The term is still used in most tourist and wildlife guides that discuss African wildlife safaris. The collection consists of the lion, African elephant, cape buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros.The members of the Big Five were chosen for the difficulty in hunting them and the degree of danger involved, rather than their size. The big five are among the most dangerous, yet most popular species for big game hunters to hunt.Safari Club International, an organization dedicated to trophy hunters, offers a trophy for hunting all five species, called the "African Big Five Grand Slam," along with 14 other Grand Slams for other species, and a total of more than 40 different awards.The 1990 and later releases of South African rand banknotes feature a different Big Five animal on each denomination. African elephant African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana) The African elephant (Loxodonta africana) is a very large herbivore having thick, almost hairless skin, a long, flexible, prehensile trunk, upper incisors forming long curved tusks of ivory, and large, fan-shaped ears. There are two distinct species of African elephant: African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis) and the African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana). The elephants are difficult because despite their large size, they are able to hide in tall grass and are more likely to charge than the other species.African elephants (also known as savanna elephants) are the species of elephants in the genus Loxodonta (Greek for 'oblique-sided tooth), one of the two existing genera in Elephantidae. Although it is commonly believed that the genus was named by Georges Cuvier in 1825, Cuvier spelled it Loxodonte. An anonymous author romanized the spelling to Loxodonta and the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) recognizes this as the proper authority.Fossil members of Loxodonta have only been found in Africa, where they developed in the middle Pliocene. The African elephant is the largest living terrestrial animal. Its thickset body rests on stocky legs and it has a concave back.Its large ears enable heat loss.Its upper lip and nose forms a trunk. The trunk acts as a fifth limb, a sound amplifier and an important method of touch. The African elephant's trunk ends in two opposing lips,whereas the Asian elephant trunk ends in a single lip. African elephants are bigger than Asian elephants. Males stand 3.2–4.0 m (10–13 ft) tall at the shoulder and weigh 4,700–6,048 kg (10,000–13,330 lb), while females stand 2.2–2.6 m (7.2–8.5 ft) tall and weigh 2,160–3,232 kg (4,800–7,130 lb). The largest individual recorded stood four metres to the shoulders and weighed ten tonnes.A male African bush elephant in NamibiaElephants have four molars; each weighs about 5 kg (11 lb) and measures about 30 cm (12 in) long. As the front pair wears down and drops out in pieces, the back pair shifts forward, and two new molars emerge in the back of the mouth. Elephants replace their teeth six times. At about 40 to 60 years of age, the elephant no longer has teeth and will likely die of starvation, a common cause of death. Their tusks are firm teeth; the second set of incisors become the tusks. They are used for digging for roots and stripping the bark off trees for food, for fighting each other during mating season, and for defending themselves against predators. The tusks weigh from 23–45 kg (51–99 lb) and can be from 1.5–2.4 m (5–8 ft) long. Unlike Asian elephants, both male and female African elephants have tusks.They are curved forward and continue to grow throughout the elephant's lifetime. The enamel plates of the molars are fewer in number than in Asian elephants. Black rhinoceros Black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) The black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) is a large, thick-skinned herbivore having one or two upright horns on the nasal bridge. Rhinoceros may refer to either black or white rhinoceros. Among Big Five game hunters, the black rhinoceros is preferred, although it is now critically endangered.The Black Rhinoceros or Hook-lipped Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis), is a species of rhinoceros, native to the eastern and central areas of Africa including Kenya, Tanzania, Cameroon, South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Angola. Although the Rhino was referred to as black, it is actually more of a grey/brown/white color in appearance.The other African rhinoceros is the White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum). These common names are misleading, as those two species are not really distinguishable by color. The word white in the name "White Rhinoceros" is a mistranslation of the Dutch word wijd for wide, referring to its square upper lip, as opposed to the pointed or hooked lip of the Black Rhinoceros. These species are now sometimes referred to as the Square-lipped (for White) or Hook-lipped (for Black) Rhinoceros. An adult Black Rhinoceros stands 132–180 cm (52–71 in) high at the shoulder and is 2.8–3.8 m (9.2–12 ft) in length, plus a tail of about 60 cm (24 in) in length.An adult typically weighs from 800 to 1,400 kg (1,800 to 3,100 lb), however unusually large male specimens have been reported at up to 2,199–2,896 kg (4,850–6,380 lb).The females are smaller than the males. Two horns on the skull are made of keratin with the larger front horn typically 50 cm (20 in) long, exceptionally up to 140 cm (55 in).The longest known horn measured nearly 1.5 m (4.9 ft) in length.Sometimes, a third smaller horn may develop. These horns are used for defense, intimidation, and digging up roots and breaking branches during feeding. Skin color depends more on local soil conditions and the rhinoceros' wallowing behavior than anything else, so many black rhinos are typically not truly black in color. The Black Rhino is smaller than the White Rhino, and has a long, pointed, and prehensile upper lip, which it uses to grasp leaves and twigs when feeding.White Rhinoceros have square lips used for eating grass.The Black Rhinoceros can also be distinguished from the White Rhinoceros by its smaller skull and ears.Their thick layered skin protects the rhino from thorns and sharp grasses. Their skin harbors external parasites, such as mites and ticks, which are eaten by oxpeckers and egrets that live with the rhino. Such behaviour was originally thought to be an example of mutualism, but recent evidence suggests that oxpeckers may be parasites instead, feeding on rhino blood.Black rhinos have poor eyesight, relying more on hearing and smell. Their ears possess a relatively wide rotational range to detect sounds. An excellent sense of smell alerts rhinos to the presence of predators. Cape buffalo African cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer) The African or cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer) is a large horned bovid. Buffalo are sometimes reported to kill more people in Africa than any other animal, although the same claim is also made of hippos and crocodiles.It is considered the most dangerous of the Big Five, reportedly causing the most hunter deaths,with wounded animals reported to ambush and attack pursuers. Lion Lion (Panthera leo) The lion (Panthera leo) is a large carnivorous feline of Africa and northwest India, having a short, tawny coat, a tufted tail, and, in the male, a heavy mane around the neck and shoulders. Lions are desirable to hunters because of the very real danger involved. A lion may attack without provocation, and is considered by many to be the best of the Big Five.Lion hunting is challenging because of the habitat and temperament of the lion. Lions live in the savanna where tall grasses, shrubs and bushes obscure and provide them cover and camouflage. This thick undergrowth is commonly referred to as jess. As lions are ambush hunters, they use this natural cover to stalk close as possible before making a final charge to catch their prey. Lions do not generally avoid confrontation, but will usually face the challenger. Lions are unpredictable and may charge when sufficiently annoyed or confronted by danger. These factors together make lion hunting a challenge to hunters.Lions are hunted by three methods: baiting, stalking and hounding. The hunting method is dependent on firstly the law, then the number of lions in a given area, terrain, the professional hunter or concession owner or the hunting outfitter, their expertise and the client.Baiting involves the hunter lying in wait in a natural or constructed blind. Prior to the lion hunt, a prey species is hunted beforehand for use as bait. The bait is then secured to a tree or secure structure in an area which is known to be frequented by lions; usually this will be close to a watering hole. The bait is checked regularly until there are signs the carcass has been visited by a lion. Then a blind is constructed, usually 30–50 yd (27–46 m) from the bait where the hunting party can remain concealed, usually from early evening until early morning the next day.Stalking involves driving along trails in areas where lions are known to inhabit. Once fresh faeces are sighted, the hunting party (which includes trackers) dismounts. The trackers follow tracks and spoor signs while scanning for the lion. When the lion is spotted, the professional hunter and the client will stalk in close until they reach a good shooting position. Hunting lions by stalking is conducted in daylight hours when there is sufficient light to spot the lion, which would usually be resting. Night stalking using electric light sources is banned in most countries. Lions hunted with lights may not be listed as trophies by Safari Club International.Hounding, the least used method today, uses dogs, and may include a fighting pack and a tracking pack. The hunting party will drive in known lion territory until fresh spoor is spotted, at which time the dogs are released. The pack follows the scent trail of the lion. Once the lion is encountered, the pack attempts to hold the lion at bay until the hunting party arrives to dispatch the lion. Like stalking, hounding is usually conducted during daylight hours. The lion will usually stand and fight rather than flee.Many concessions in Africa have been known to release captive lions into enclosed areas where they may be hunted with or without the client's approval and/or knowledge. Sometimes the lion is drugged to slow it down, making it an easier target. Many hunters and hunting organizations consider this unethical and an affront to fair chase practices of the hunt. The lion has thin skin and does not require the use of a big bore rifle. Furthermore, lions are evidently susceptible to hydrostatic shock when impact velocities are above 3,000 ft/s (910 m/s). Lion require at a minimum a .300 Winchester Magnum. However, certain jurisdictions require a minimum a .375 H&H Magnum or a 9.3x62mm Mauser as a minimum caliber. A few professional hunters are known to carry 12-gauge semiautomatic shotguns loaded with buckshot as a back-up weapon when hunting lion. Leopard Leopard (Panthera pardus) The leopard (Panthera pardus) is a large, carnivorous feline having either tawny fur with dark rosette-like markings or black fur. Of the Big Five, it is most difficult to acquire hunting licenses for leopards. The leopard is sometimes considered the most difficult of the Big Five to hunt because of their nocturnal and secretive nature. They are wary of humans and will take flight in the face of danger. The leopard is solitary by nature, and is most active between sunset and sunrise, although it may hunt during the day in some areas. Leopards can be found in the savanna grasslands, brush land and forested areas in Africa. Leopard hunting uses the same methods as hunting for lions. Baiting, hounding and stalking are the most common methods used today to hunt the cat.Baiting is the method most often used to hunt leopard. This requires the finding and then following of spoor in an area known to be frequented by a leopard. Once a suitable area is located, a prey species is hunted and used as bait. Because of the nocturnal nature of the cat, the blind needs to be constructed close to the bait, as shooting will more than likely be during the night. The client and the professional hunter will spend the night in the blind waiting for the leopard to come to the carcass.Hounding with dogs to hunt leopard requires the hunting party to locate an area where a leopard has been recently active, as in the baiting method. Once such an area is located, the dogs (usually bloodhounds or ridgebacks) are released. The dogs attempt to pick up the scent and follow it to the leopard. The leopard will usually flee from the loudly baying dogs and take refuge in a tree or in an area out of their reach. The dogs will hold the leopard at bay in this manner until the hunting party arrives to dispatch the leopard.Stalking is rarely used to hunt leopard, as it is extremely time-consuming, tedious and has a very low success rate. A month-long hunt using the spot and stalk method may not be successful at even sighting a leopard.The male leopard is less than half the size of a male lion. The leopard is the smallest of the big cats, and rarely exceeds 200 lb (91 kg).There is a concerted effort to stop the hunting of the leopard due to the rarity of it and any subsequent big cat. Airports & Travel Malaria & Health Safari Packing Guide Day at a Game Lodge Wildlife Conservation Airports & Travel Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) operates this country’s ten principal airports, including O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg as well as Cape Town and Durban International Airports. The others are domestic airports in Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth, East London, George, Kimberley, Upington and Pilanesberg Airport. For more information, contact ACSA Information desk: website: www.acsa.co.za. Airport Contact Details: Johannesburg: OR Tambo International Airport Cape Town: Cape Town International Airport Durban: Durban International Airport Kruger Park: Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport Other National Airports: Bloemfontein, East London, George, Kimberley, Pilanesberg, Port Elizabeth and Upington South African Airways (SAA) - Online Bookings Flysaa.com is the South African Airways travel portal offering everything one needs to travel to, from and within South Africa. The site provides a comprehensive range of interactive online services and useful information for local and international travellers. Over 1 million people visit the site every month and a high percentage of SAA ticket sales are booked directly on flysaa.com. Charter Companies Omni Charters is based at Rand Airport in the heart of the City of Gold, and is an established air charter company providing the convenience of charter flights to boundless destinations throughout Africa. General Travel in South Africa Languages: There are 11 official languages in South Africa, but most people speak English. Standard time: South African standard time is two hours in advance of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT + 2), one hour in advance of central European winter time and seven hours in advance of United States eastern standard time throughout the year. There are no time zone differences within the country. Electricity: 220/230 volts AC at 50 cycles per second. Three pronged plugs are universal, so take an adapter. Most hotel rooms have 110 volt outlets for electric shavers and small appliances. Banking, currency and money: The South African unit of currency is called the Rand and it is divided into 100 cents. Coins come in denominations of 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, R1, R2 and R5, and notes in denominations of R10, R20, R50, R100 and R200. South Africa has a very sophisticated banking sector and automatic teller machines (ATM’s) are widely available in the main cities and towns, although only a R1000-00 at a time may be drawn at an ATM. Credit Cards are widely accepted, except at gas stations. Traveller’s cheques (American and Visa) and credit cards (American Express, Visa and Master Card) are widely recognised and accepted. Road Travel: There is a well-maintained network of roads and motorways in populous regions. Traffic drives on the left. In non-residential areas, speed limits are 120kph, and 60kph in urban areas. Petrol stations are usually open all week, 07h00 to 19h00, and some are open 24 hours. Petrol must be paid for in cash. Wearing of seat belts is compulsory, and driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offence. It is required that you carry a valid driver's license at all times whilst driving. Malaria & Health Malaria Many of the main tourist areas in South Africa are malaria-free, however, the Kruger National Park, the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, and the northern part of KwaZulu-Natal do pose a malaria risk in the summer months. Health care professionals recommend you take malaria prophylaxis. Consult your doctor for advice concerning malaria prophylaxis, and remember that the treatment requirements differ for different areas. A simple blood test can determine if you have malaria or not. Get tested when you get home. It’s just a pinprick and a drop of blood gets examined under a microscope. It will cut out the possibility of symptoms developing months later, and the faster you catch it, the better. The most important and most effective way of preventing Malaria is to prevent mosquito bites. The following preventative measures can be taken: always use mosquito repellent wear long pants, closed shoes and light long-sleeved shirts in the evenings and at night sleep under a mosquito net in endemic areas use insect repellent containing di-ethyl toluamide or DEET thin clothing should be sprayed with repellent, especially around the elbow and ankles apply insect repellents to exposed skin areas every 4-6 hours screened mosquito proof windows and doors guard against mosquitos entering your room. General Health Medical facilities: South African medical facilities are good in urban areas and in the vicinity of game parks, but they may be limited elsewhere. Pharmacies are well-stocked and equivalents to most American medicines are available. South Africa has some of the best doctors and hospitals in the world. Make sure you get travel insurance since quality healthcare is not cheap. Drinking water: South Africa’s tap (faucet) water is of a high quality and is both palatable and safe to drink straight from the tap. It is treated so as to be free of harmful micro-organisms, except in informal or shack settlements. In some areas, the water is mineral-rich, and you may experience a bit of gastric distress for a day or two. Bottled mineral water is readily available. Drinking water straight from rivers and streams could put you at risk of waterborne diseases, especially downstream of human settlements. Sun exposure: The African sun can be harsh, and you should wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat whenever you are out of doors, particularly between 10am and 4pm, regardless of whether there is cloud cover or not. Immunizations and vaccinations: You will need to make an appointment with your personal physician or travel clinic at least one month prior to departure to review pertinent health precautions including necessary vaccinations and medications. Make sure your doctor knows you are travelling to South Africa, not just Africa, so he can prescribe the right medication. Safari Packing Guide Equipment, Personal Care, Safari Clothing & Documentation Equipment: Binoculars Video camera Bird and animal check lists Camera in a dust resistant case, with a zoom, plenty of film, memory sticks, batteries etc Personal Care: Sunscreen / block Insect repellent Moisturizer Lip balm Water bottle Sunglasses A small first aid kit, for personal use, possibly containing a mild pain killer for headaches, Immodium for diarrhea, topical antibiotic for cuts, bites or sores, adhesive pads for blisters, a sufficient supply of any prescription medication you are on, etc A small bag to carry these essentials with you whilst on a game drive / walk Safari Clothing: Safari hat with a brim Long and short sleeved cotton shirts T-shirts Cotton shorts Cotton long trousers Jeans Sweater, jersey, pullover, safari jacket or windbreaker for the evenings Down jacket if you are susceptible to the cold Skirts, dresses, slacks for elegant eveningwear Swimwear Bandannas or handkerchiefs Woollen gloves Underwear and socks Walking boots, safari-type shoes, trainers, sandals and / or rubber thongs Neutral colours such as khaki, beige, olive, green and brown are the preferred colours to wear on safari, as you are less conspicuous to the animals, and therefore less threatening to them. Non-synthetic, comfortably fitting, cotton clothing breathes more easily, keeping you cooler under the hot African sun. Shorts and T-shirts are normally the order of the day, and are replaced with long sleeved shirts and trousers at night for warmth and protection from insect bites. Documentation: Valid passport Valid visa ID photo (eg driver's licence) Air tickets Expense money Travel insurance Recommended innoculations / Valid international Health Certificates. Travellers entering South Africa from countries where yellow fever is endemic are often required to present their yellow World Health Organization (WHO) vaccination record or other proof of inoculation. Photocopies of the above documentation, carried in a place separate to the original documents For up to date information on entry requirements and assistance with applying for visas, please visit the South African Department of Home Affairs website. A Typical Day At A Private Game Lodge Luxury game lodges provide a host of activities for you to enjoy on your safari, such as game drives, hiking, fishing, bird watching, canoeing, swimming, reading in the library, going to the gym or indulging yourself at the health spa. Many of the luxury safari lodges also offer adventure filled activities and various safari packages such as balloon safaris, tent camp-outs, area tours, quad biking, micro-light trips, golf, star gazing, horse riding, fly fishing, deep-sea fishing, 4 x 4 trails, children’s wildlife educationals, bush walks, helicopter trips, visits to traditional cultural villages, and then of course, more game viewing. In the mornings... In the mornings and evenings, open-topped vehicles will transport you on game drives accompanied by professional rangers and trackers. Morning game drives or walks start at dawn, after a quick snack, to catch the animals when they are most active and visible. Daily walking safaris, accompanied by rangers and trackers, are also normally offered. In the heat of the day... After your early morning game drive, you can look forward to a late breakfast or brunch, followed by some time for relaxation during the heat of the day. The animals become inactive during this part of the day and you won't be missing out on any action whilst relaxing at the lodge. Later in the afternoon / evening, it will become time for another game drive or walk, after which you can spend a magnificent African evening under the stars enjoying a sundowner on the deck of your game lodge. Just relaxing... And if none of this is on your personal agenda for the day, you may simply spend the day working out at the gymnasium, reading in the library or relaxing beside the swimming pool. Or spend the day indulging yourself at the health spa. Magical evenings... The tranquil surroundings of the African bushveld after an evening safari will give you a healthy appetite for the sumptuous cuisine being prepared for the evening meal. The day's eventful sightings will probably be the main topic of conversation as everyone unwinds in front of warm log fires at night, watching tribal dancers displaying their rhythm and dance. And before you know it, you will be preparing for bed to be well rested for when you wake up to another day of African adventure and enchantment. Wildlife Conservation The natural surroundings you will be visiting are home to our magnificent animal kingdom, and their environment needs to be respected. The lives of the animals depend on the health of their land. The animals themselves need to be respected and treated in a manner which does not frighten or disturb them: Animals do not like new and unexpected noises, and when you call or shout loudly, they become nervous and feel threatened. They will run for cover, robbing you of the enjoyment of watching them. Do not disturb their natural activities, such as hunting for food. To them It means danger in one form or another, and means that they may become aggressive towards you to protect themselves. They may especially become fierce when protecting their young ones. Do not tease, corner, or throw objects at the animals, as once again, they may feel threatened and attempt to protect themselves, at your expense. Don't shine bright lights on the animals at night, as this frightens them, disrupts their nocturnal activities, and causes them to become disorientated. Don't litter the environment. The animals might attempt to eat what you threw away, and it might choke or poison them. The environment is extremely sensitive, and off-road driving causes erosion and other problems that the animals then have to live with, adapt to, or move away from in search of new homes. Please remember that the dry African bush ignites easily, and a fire can kill many animals. Please refrain from smoking on game drives. Wildlife Animal History SPRINGBOK / SPRINGBUCK The springbok (Afrikaans and Dutch: spring = jump; bok = antelope or goat) (Antidorcas marsupialis) is a medium-sized brown and white gazelle that stands about 70 to 90 cm (28 to 35 in) high. Springbok males weigh between 33 and 50 kg (73 and 110 lb) and the females between 25 and 40 kg (55 and 88 lb). They can reach running speeds of up to 90 km/h (56 mph),to 96 km/h (60 mph) and can leap 4 m(13 feet) into the air and can long jump of up to 15 m (50 feet). Springbok inhabit the dry inland areas of south and southwestern Africa. Their range extends from the northwestern part of South Africa through the Kalahari desert into Namibia and Botswana. Springbok occur in numbers of up to 2,500,000 in South Africa;it is the most plentiful antelope. They used to be very common, forming some of the largest herds of mammals ever documented, but their numbers have diminished significantly since the 19th century due to hunting and fences from farms blocking their migratory routes. In South Africa springbok inhabit the vast grasslands of the Free State and the open shrublands of the greater and smaller Karoo. They inhabit most of Namibia ; the grasslands of the south, the Kalahari desert to the east,the dry riverbeds of the northern bushveld of the Windhoek region as well as the harsh Namib Desert on the West Coast. In Botswana they mostly live in the Kalahari Desert in the southwestern and central parts of the country. KUDU Greater kudus have a narrow body with long legs, and their coats can range from brown/bluish-grey to reddish-brown. They possess between 4–12 vertical white stripes along their torso. The head tends to be darker in colour than the rest of the body, and exhibits a small white chevron which runs between the eyes. Male greater kudus tend to be much larger than the females, and vocalize much more, utilizing low grunts, clucks, humming, and gasping. The males also have large manes running along their throats, and large horns with two and a half twists, which, were they to be straightened, would reach an average length of 120 cm (47 in), with the record being 187.64 cm (73.87 in). They diverge slightly as they slant back from the head. The horns do not begin to grow until the male is between the age of 6–12 months, twisting once at around 2 years of age, and not reaching the full two and a half twists until they are 6 years old; occasionally they may even have 3 full turns. Males weigh 190–270 kg (420–600 lb), with a maximum of 315 kg (690 lb), and stand about 180 cm (71 in) tall at the shoulder. The body length is 185–245 cm (6.07–8.04 ft). The tail is 30–55 cm (12–22 in) long. The ears of the greater kudu are large and round. Females weigh 120–210 kg (260–460 lb) and on average stand 120 cm (47 in) tall at the shoulder; they are hornless, without a beard or nose markings. ELAND Giant eland are typically between 220–290 cm (7.2–9.5 ft) in length, stand approximately 150 to 175 cm (4.9 to 5.74 ft) at the shoulder, and weigh 440–900 kg (970–2,000 lb). Despite its common name, it is of very similar size to the common eland. The smooth coat is reddish-brown to chestnut, usually darker in males than females, with several well-defined vertical white stripes on the torso. A crest of short black hair extends down the neck to the middle of the back, and is especially prominent on the shoulders. The slender legs are slightly lighter on their inner surfaces, with black and white markings just above the hooves. There are large black spots on the upper forelegs. The bridge of the nose is charcoal black, and there is a thin, indistinct tan-coloured chevron between the eyes. The lips are white, along with several dots along the jaw-line. A pendulous dewlap, larger in males then females, originates from between the jowls and hangs to the upper chest, with a fringe of hair on its edge. The tail is long, and ends with a dark tuft of hair. Both sexes have tightly spiralled horns, which are relatively straight. In males the horns form a wide "V" and can grow to 120 cm (3.9 ft) in length, slightly longer than on females. HYENAS Hyenas or Hyaenas are the animals of the family of suborder feliforms of the Carnivora. It is the fourth smallest biological family in the Carnivora (consisting of four species), and one of the smallest in the mammalia. Despite their low diversity, hyenas are unique and vital components to most African and some Asian ecosystems. Although phylogenetically close to felines and viverrids, hyenas are behaviourally and morphologically similar to canines in several aspects (see Convergent evolution); both hyenas and canines are non-arboreal, cursorial hunters that catch prey with their teeth rather than claws. Both eat food quickly and may store it, and their calloused feet with large, blunt, non-retractable nails are adapted for running and making sharp turns. However, the hyenas' grooming, scent marking, defecating habits, mating and parental behaviour are consistent with the behaviour of other feliforms.Although long reputed to be cowardly scavengers, hyenas, especially spotted hyenas, kill as much as 95% of the food they eat, and have been known to drive off leopards or lionesses from their kills. Hyenas are primarily nocturnal animals, but may venture from their lairs in the early morning hours. With the exception of the highly social spotted hyena, hyenas are generally not gregarious animals, though they may live in family groups and congregate at kills. Hyenas first arose in Eurasia during the Miocene period from viverrid-like ancestors, and developed into two distinct branches; the lightly built dog-like hyenas and the robust bone-crushing hyenas. Although the dog-like hyenas thrived 15 million years ago (with one taxon having colonised North America), they died out after a change in climate along with the arrival of canids into Eurasia. Of the dog-like hyena lineage, only the insectivorous aardwolf survived, while the bone-crushing hyenas (whose extant members are the spotted, brown and striped hyena) became the undisputed top scavengers of Eurasia and Africa. Hyenas feature prominently in the folklore and mythology of human cultures with which they are sympatric. Hyenas are mostly viewed with fear and contempt, as well as being associated with witchcraft, as their body parts are used as ingredients in traditional medicine. Among the beliefs held by some cultures, hyenas are thought to influence people’s spirits, rob graves, and steal livestock and children BLUE WILDE BEEST The blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus), also called the common wildebeest or the white-bearded wildebeest, is a large antelope and one of two species of wildebeest. It grows to 115–145 cm shoulder height and attains a body mass of 168–274 kg. They range the open plains, bushveld, and dry woodlands of Southern and East Africa, living for more than twenty years. The male is highly territorial, using scent markings and other devices to protect his domain. The largest population is in the Serengeti, numbering over one million animals. They are a major prey item for lions, hyenas, and crocodiles. It has a beefy muscular front-heavy appearance with a distinctive robust muzzle, it strides with relatively slender legs and moves gracefully and quietly most of the time, belying the reputation for stampeding in herds; however the stampeding characteristic may sometimes be observed. Blue wildebeest are found in open and bush-covered savanna in south and east Africa, thriving in areas that are neither too wet nor too arid. They can be found in places that vary from overgrazed areas with dense bush to open woodland floodplains. Wildebeests prefer the bushveld and grasslands of the southern savanna.The terrestrial biome designations for these preferred habitats are savanna, grassland, open forest and scrub forest. PLAINS ZEBRA The plains zebra (Equus quagga, formerly Equus burchelli), also known as the common zebra or Burchell's zebra, is the most common and geographically widespread species of zebra.It ranges from the south of Ethiopia through East Africa to as far south as Angola and eastern South Africa. The plains zebra remains common in game reserves, but is threatened by human activities such as hunting for its meat and hide, as well as competition with livestock and encroachment by farming on much of its habitat. The Plains zebra and perhaps the mountain zebra belong to the subgenus Hippotigris, but Grévy's zebra is the sole species of subgenus Dolichohippus. The latter resembles an ass, while the former two are more horse-like. All three belong to the genus Equus along with other living equids. Recent phylogenetic evidence suggests that Grévy's zebras (and perhaps also mountain zebras) are with asses and donkeys in a separate lineage from the Plains zebra. In areas where Plains zebras are sympatric with Grévy's zebras, it is not unusual to find them in the same herds and fertile hybrids occur. In captivity, Plains zebras have been crossed with mountain zebras. The hybrid foals lacked a dewlap and resembled the plains zebra apart from their larger ears and their hindquarters pattern. CHEETAH The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is a large-sized feline (family Felidae) inhabiting most of Africa and parts of the Middle East. It is the only extant member of the genus Acinonyx. The cheetah achieves by far the fastest land speed of any living animal—between 112 and 120 km/h (70 and 75 mph) in short bursts covering distances up to 500 m (1,600 ft), and has the ability to accelerate from 0 to over 100 km/h (62 mph) in three seconds. This cat is also notable for modifications in the species' paws. It is one of the only felids with semi-retractable claws, and with pads that, by their scope, disallow gripping.Thus, cheetahs cannot climb upright trees, although they are generally capable of reaching easily accessible branches. The cheetah has unusually low genetic variability. This is accompanied by a very low sperm count, motility, and deformed flagella.Skin grafts between unrelated cheetahs illustrate the former point in that there is no rejection of the donor skin. It is thought that the species went through a prolonged period of inbreeding following a genetic bottleneck during the last ice age. This suggests that genetic monomorphism did not prevent the cheetah from flourishing across two continents for thousands of years. The cheetah likely evolved in Africa during the Miocene epoch (26 million to 7.5 million years ago), before migrating to Asia. Recent research has placed the last common ancestor of all existing populations as living in Asia 11 million years ago, which may lead to revision and refinement of existing ideas about cheetah evolution. IMPALA Impala range between 75 and 95 cm (30 and 37 in) tall. Average mass for a male impala is 40 to 80 kg (88 to 180 lb), while females weigh about 30 to 50 kg (66 to 110 lb). They are normally reddish-brown in color (hence the Afrikaans name of "Rooibok"), have lighter flanks and white underbellies with a characteristic "M" marking on the rear. Males, referred to as rams, have lyre-shaped horns, which can reach up to 90 centimeters in length. Females, referred to as ewes, have no horns. The black impala, found in very few places in Africa, is an extremely rare type. A recessive gene causes the black colouration in these animals. Impalas are an ecotone species "living in light woodland with little undergrowth and grassland of low to medium height". They have an irregular distribution due to dependence relatively flat lands with good soil drainage and water.While they stay to water in the dry season, they can go weeks without drinking if there is enough green fodder. Impalas are adaptable foragers. They usually switch between grazing and browsing depending on the season. During wet seasons when grasses are freshthey graze. During dry seasons it browses foliage, shoots, forbs and seeds. It may switch between grazing and browsing depending on the habitat. Leopards, cheetahs, lions and wild dogs prey on impala. Impala, as well as other small- to medium-sized African antelopes, have a special dental arrangement on the front lower jaw similar to the toothcomb seen in strepsirrhine primates, which is used during grooming to comb the fur and remove ectoparasites. LIONS The lion (Panthera leo) is one of the four big cats in the genus Panthera, and a member of the family Felidae. With some males exceeding 250 kg (550 lb) in weight, it is the second-largest living cat after the tiger. Wild lions currently exist in Sub-Saharan Africa and in Asia with an endangered remnant population in Gir Forest National Park in India, having disappeared from North Africa and Southwest Asia in historic times. Until the late Pleistocene, about 10,000 years ago, the lion was the most widespread large land mammal after humans. They were found in most of Africa, across Eurasia from western Europe to India, and in the Americas from the Yukon to Peru.The lion is a vulnerable species, having seen a possibly irreversible population decline of thirty to fifty percent over the past two decades in its African range. Lion populations are untenable outside designated reserves and national parks. Although the cause of the decline is not fully understood, habitat loss and conflicts with humans are currently the greatest causes of concern. Within Africa, the West African lion population is particularly endangered. Lions live for ten to fourteen years in the wild, while in captivity they can live longer than twenty years. In the wild, males seldom live longer than ten years, as injuries sustained from continual fighting with rival males greatly reduce their longevity. They typically inhabit savanna and grassland, although they may take to bush and forest. Lions are unusually social compared to other cats. A pride of lions consists of related females and offspring and a small number of adult males. Groups of female lions typically hunt together, preying mostly on large ungulates. Lions are apex and keystone predators, although they scavenge as opportunity allows. While lions do not typically hunt humans, some have been known to do so. AFRICAN ELEPHANT The African elephant is the largest living terrestrial animal. Its thickset body rests on stocky legs and it has a concave back.Its large ears enable heat loss. Its upper lip and nose forms a trunk. The trunk acts as a fifth limb, a sound amplifier and an important method of touch. The African elephant's trunk ends in two opposing lips, whereas the Asian elephant trunk ends in a single lip. African elephants are bigger than Asian elephants. Males stand 3.2–4.0 m (10–13 ft) tall at the shoulder and weigh 4,700–6,048 kg (10,000–13,330 lb), while females stand 2.2–2.6 m (7.2–8.5 ft) tall and weigh 2,160–3,232 kg (4,800–7,130 lb). The largest individual recorded stood four metres to the shoulders and weighed ten tonnes Elephants have four molars; each weighs about 5 kg (11 lb) and measures about 30 cm (12 in) long. As the front pair wears down and drops out in pieces, the back pair shifts forward, and two new molars emerge in the back of the mouth. Elephants replace their teeth six times. At about 40 to 60 years of age, the elephant no longer has teeth and will likely die of starvation, a common cause of death. Their tusks are firm teeth; the second set of incisors become the tusks. They are used for digging for roots and stripping the bark off trees for food, for fighting each other during mating season, and for defending themselves against predators. The tusks weigh from 23–45 kg (51–99 lb) and can be from 1.5–2.4 m (5–8 ft) long. Unlike Asian elephants, both male and female African elephants have tusks. They are curved forward and continue to grow throughout the elephant's lifetime. The enamel plates of the molars are fewer in number than in Asian elephants. WHITE RHINOS There are two subspecies of white rhinos; as of 2005, South Africa has the most of the first subspecies, the southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum). The population of southern white rhinos is about 14,500, making them the most abundant subspecies of rhino in the world. However, the population of the second subspecies, the critically endangered northern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum cottoni), is down to as few as four individuals in the wild, with the possibility of complete extinction in the wild having been noted since June 2008.Six are known to be held in captivity, two of which reside in a zoo in San Diego. There are currently four born in a zoo in the Czech Republic which were transferred to a wildlife refuge in Kenya in December 2009, in an effort to have the animals reproduce and save the subspecies. The rhino receives its name not from its colour, but from the Dutch settlers that gave it the name "whyde", meaning wide referring to the animals square mouth. Confusion in translation then led to the to the name "white" being adopted The white rhino has an immense body and large head, a short neck and broad chest. This rhino can exceed 3,500 kg (7,700 lb), have a head-and-body length of 3.5–4.6 m (11–15 ft) and a shoulder height of 1.8–2 m (5.9–6.6 ft). The record-sized white rhinoceros was about 4,500 kg (10,000 lb). On its snout it has two horns. The front horn is larger than the other horn and averages 90 cm (35 in) in length and can reach 150 cm (59 in). The white rhinoceros also has a prominent muscular hump that supports its relatively large head. The colour of this animal can range from yellowish brown to slate grey. Most of its body hair is found on the ear fringes and tail bristles with the rest distributed rather sparsely over the rest of the body. White rhinos have the distinctive flat broad mouth which is used for grazing. BLACK RHINOS The name black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) was chosen to distinguish this species from the white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum). This can be confusing, as those two species are not really distinguishable by color. There are four subspecies of black rhino: South-central (Diceros bicornis minor), the most numerous, which once ranged from central Tanzania south through Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique to northern and eastern South Africa; South-western (Diceros bicornis bicornis) which are better adapted to the arid and semi-arid savannas of Namibia, southern Angola, western Botswana and western South Africa; East African (Diceros bicornis michaeli), primarily in Tanzania; and West African (Diceros bicornis longipes) which was declared extinct in November 2011. The native Tswanan name Keitloa is used to describe a South African variation of the black rhino in which the posterior horn is equal to or longer than the anterior horn. An adult black rhinoceros stands 150–175 cm (59–69 in) high at the shoulder and is 3.5–3.9 m (11–13 ft) in length. An adult weighs from 850 to 1,600 kg (1,900 to 3,500 lb), exceptionally to 1,800 kg (4,000 lb), with the females being smaller than the males. Two horns on the skull are made of keratin with the larger front horn typically 50 cm long, exceptionally up to 140 cm. Sometimes, a third smaller horn may develop. The black rhino is much smaller than the white rhino, and has a pointed mouth, which they use to grasp leaves and twigs when feeding. During the latter half of the 20th century their numbers were severely reduced from an estimated 70,000 in the late 1960s to only 2,410 in 1995 BLACK BACKED JACKAL The black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas), also known as the silver-backed or red jackal,is a species of jackal which inhabits two areas of the African continent separated by roughly 900 km. One region includes the southern-most tip of the continent, including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. The other area is along the eastern coastline, including Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia. It is listed by the IUCN as least concern, due to its widespread range and adaptability, although it is still persecuted as a livestock predator and rabies vector. The fossil record indicates the species is the oldest extant member of the genus Canis. Although the most lightly built of jackals, it is the most aggressive, having been observed to singly kill animals many times its own size, and its intrapack relationships are more quarrelsome. Black-backed jackals are small, foxlike canids which measure 38–48 cm in shoulder height and 68-74.5 cm in length. The tail measures 30–38 cm in length. Weight varies according to location; East African jackals weigh 7-13.8 kg (15-30 lb). Male jackals in Zimbabwe weigh 6.8-9.5 kg (15-21 lb), while females weigh 5.4–10 kg (12-22 lb). Their skulls are elongated, with pear-shaped braincases and narrow rostra.The black-backed jackal's skull is similar to that of the side-striped jackal, but is less flat, and has a shorter, broader rostrum. Its sagittal crest and zygomatic arches are also heavier in build. Its carnassials are also larger than those of its more omnivorous cousin. Black-backed jackals are taller and longer than golden jackals, but have smaller heads. HIPPOPOTAMAS The hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius), or hippo, from the ancient Greek for "river horse" (ἱπποπόταμος), is a large, mostly herbivorous mammal in sub-Saharan Africa, and one of only two extant species in the family Hippopotamidae (the other is the Pygmy Hippopotamus.) After the elephant and rhinoceros, the hippopotamus is the third largest land mammal and the heaviest extant artiodactyl. The hippopotamus is semi-aquatic, inhabiting rivers, lakes and mangrove swamps, where territorial bulls preside over a stretch of river and groups of 5 to 30 females and young. During the day they remain cool by staying in the water or mud; reproduction and childbirth both occur in water. They emerge at dusk to graze on grass. While hippopotamuses rest near each other in the water, grazing is a solitary activity and hippos are not territorial on land. Despite their physical resemblance to pigs and other terrestrial even-toed ungulates, their closest living relatives are cetaceans (whales, porpoises, etc.) from which they diverged about million years ago.The common ancestor of whales and hippos split from other even-toed ungulates around million years ago]The earliest known hippopotamus fossils, belonging to the genus Kenyapotamus in Africa, date to around million years ago. The hippopotamus is recognizable by its barrel-shaped torso, enormous mouth and teeth, nearly hairless body, stubby legs and tremendous size. It is the third largest land mammal by weight (between 1½ and 3 tonnes), behind the white rhinoceros (1½ to 3½ tonnes) and the three species of elephant (3 to 9 tonnes). The hippopotamus is one of the largest quadrupeds (four legged mammals) and despite its stocky shape and short legs, it can easily outrun a human. Hippos have been clocked at 30 km/h (19 mph) over short distances. The hippopotamus is one of the most aggressive creatures in the world and is often regarded as one of the most dangerous animals in Africa. There are an estimated 125,000 to 150,000 hippos throughout Sub-Saharan Africa; Zambia (40,000) and Tanzania (20,000–30,000) possess the largest populations CROCODILE A crocodile is any species belonging to the family Crocodylidae (sometimes classified instead as the subfamily Crocodylinae). The term can also be used more loosely to include all extant members of the order Crocodilia: i.e. the true crocodiles, the alligators and caimans (family Alligatoridae) and the gharials (family Gavialidae), as well as the Crocodylomorpha, which include prehistoric crocodile relatives and ancestors. Member species of the family Crocodylidae are large aquatic reptiles that live throughout the tropics in Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australia. Crocodiles tend to congregate in freshwater habitats such as rivers, lakes, wetlands and sometimes in brackish water. They feed mostly on vertebrates - fish, reptiles, and mammals, and sometimes on invertebrates - molluscs and crustaceans, depending on species. They first appeared during the Eocene epoch, about 55 million years ago Size greatly varies between species, from the dwarf crocodile to the saltwater crocodile. Species of Palaeosuchus and Osteolaemus grow to an adult size of just 1 metre (3.3 ft) to 1.5 metres (4.9 ft). Larger species can reach over 4.85 metres (15.9 ft) long and weigh well over 1,200 kilograms (2,600 lb). Crocodilians show pronounced sexual dimorphism, with males growing much larger and more rapidly than females.Despite their large adult sizes, crocodiles start their lives at around 20 centimetres (7.9 in) long. The largest species of crocodile is the saltwater crocodile, found in eastern India, northern Australia, throughout South-east Asia, and in the surrounding waters. Two larger certifiable records are both of 6.2 metres (20 ft) crocodiles. The first was shot in the Mary River in the Northern Territory of Australia in 1974 by poachers, and measured by wildlife rangers. The second crocodile was killed in 1983 in the Fly River, Papua New Guinea. In the case of the second crocodile it was actually the skin that was measured by zoologist Jerome Montague, and as skins are known to underestimate the size of the actual animal, it is possible this crocodile was at least another 10 cm longer MEERKAT The meerkat or suricate, Suricata suricatta, is a small mammal belonging to the mongoose family. Meerkats live in all parts of the Kalahari Desert in Botswana, in much of the Namib Desert in Namibia and southwestern Angola, and in South Africa. A group of meerkats is called a "mob", "gang" or "clan". A meerkat clan often contains about 20 meerkats, but some super-families have 50 or more members. In captivity, meerkats have an average life span of 12–14 years, and about half this in the wild. The meerkat is a small diurnal herpestid (mongoose) weighing on average about 731 grams (1.61 lb) for males and 720 grams (1.6 lb) for females. Its long slender body and limbs give it a body length of 25 to 35 centimetres (9.8 to 14 in) and an added tail length of 17 to 25 centimetres (6.7 to 9.8 in). Its tail is not bushy like all other mongoose species, but is rather long and thin and tapers to a black or reddish colored pointed tip. The meerkat uses its tail to balance when standing upright, as well as for signaling. Its face tapers, coming to a point at the nose, which is brown. The eyes always have black patches around them and it has small black crescent-shaped ears that can close to exclude soil when digging. Like cats, meerkats have binocular vision, a large peripheral range, depth perception, and eyes on the front of their faces. LEOPARD The leopard , Panthera pardus, is a member of the Felidae family and the smallest of the four "big cats" in the genus Panthera, the other three being the tiger, lion, and jaguar. The leopard was once distributed across eastern and southern Asia and Africa, from Siberia to South Africa, but its range of distribution has decreased radically because of hunting and loss of habitat. It is now chiefly found in sub-Saharan Africa; there are also fragmented populations in the Indian subcontinent, Sri Lanka, Indochina, Malaysia, Indonesia, and China. Because of its declining range and population, it is listed as a "Near Threatened" species on the IUCN Red List. Compared to other members of the Felidae family, the leopard has relatively short legs and a long body with a large skull. It is similar in appearance to the jaguar, but is smaller and more slightly built. Its fur is marked with rosettes similar to those of the jaguar, but the leopard's rosettes are smaller and more densely packed, and do not usually have central spots as the jaguars do. Both leopards and jaguars that are melanistic (completely black or very dark) are known as black panthers. The species' success in the wild is in part due to its opportunistic hunting behavior, its adaptability to habitats, its ability to run at speeds approaching 58 kilometres per hour (36 mph), its unequaled ability to climb trees even when carrying a heavy carcass, and its notorious ability for stealth. The leopard consumes virtually any animal that it can hunt down and catch. Its habitat ranges from rainforest to desert terrains. Baboons are African and Arabian Old World monkeys belonging to the genus Papio, part of the subfamily Cercopithecinae. The five species are some of the largest nonhominoid members of the primate order; only the mandrill and the drill are larger. Previously, the closely related gelada (genus Theropithecus) and the two species (mandrill and drill) of genus Mandrillus were grouped in the same genus, and these Old World monkeys are still often referred to as baboons in everyday speech. They range in size and weight depending on species. The Guinea baboon is 50 cm (20 in) and weighs only 14 kg (30 lb) while the largest chacma baboon can be 120 cm (47 in) and weigh 40 kg (90 lb). monkey is a apes . There are about 260 known living species of monkey. Many are arboreal, although there are species that live primarily on the ground, such as baboons. Monkeys are generally considered to be intelligent. Unlike apes, monkeys usually have tails. Tailless monkeys may be called "apes", incorrectly according to modern usage; thus the tailless Barbary macaque is called the "Barbary ape". The New World monkeys are classified within the parvorder of Platyrrhini, whereas the Old World monkeys (superfamily Cercopithecoidea) form part of the parvorder Catarrhini, which also includes the hominoids (apes, including humans). Thus, as Old World monkeys are more closely related to hominoids than they are to New World monkeys, the monkeys are not a unitary (monophyletic) group. Chimpanzee, sometimes colloquially chimp, is the common name for the two extant species of apes in the genus Pan. The Congo River forms the boundary between the native habitats of the two species: Common chimpanzee, Pan troglodytes (West and Central Africa) Bonobo, Pan paniscus (forests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo) Chimpanzees are members of the Hominidae family, along with gorillas, humans, and orangutans. Chimpanzees split from the human branch of the family about four to six million years ago. The two chimpanzee species are the closest living relatives to humans, all being members of the Hominini tribe (along with extinct species of Hominina subtribe). Chimpanzees are the only known members of the Panina subtribe. The two Pan species split only about one million years ago. Lycaon pictus is a canid found only in Africa, especially in savannas and lightly wooded areas. It is variously called the African wild dog, African hunting dog, Cape hunting dog, painted dog, painted wolf, painted hunting dog, spotted dog, or ornate wolf.The African wild dog is an endangered species due to habitat loss and predator control killing. It uses very large territories (and so can persist only in large wildlife protected areas), and it is strongly affected by competition with larger carnivores that rely on the same prey base, particularly the lion and the Spotted Hyena. While the adult wild dogs can usually outrun the larger predators, lions often will kill as many wild dogs and cubs at the brooding site as they can but do not eat them. One on one the hyena is much more powerful than the wild dog but a large group of wild dogs can successfully chase off a small number of hyenas because of their teamwork The Warthog or Common Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) is a wild member of the pig family that lives in grassland, savanna, and woodland in Sub-Saharan Africa. In the past it was commonly treated as a subspecies of P. aethiopicus, but today that scientific name is restricted to the Desert Warthog of northern Kenya, Somalia, and eastern Ethiopia. The common name comes from the four large, wart-like protrusions found on the head of the warthog, which serve as a fat reserve and are used for defense when males fight. Afrikaans-speaking people call the animal "vlakvark", meaning "pig of the plains". The Warthog is medium-sized as a wild suid species. The head-and-body length ranges in size from 0.9 to 1.5 m (3.0 to 4.9 ft) in length and shoulder height is from 63.5 to 85 cm (25.0 to 33 in). Females, at 45 to 75 kg (99 to 170 lb), are typically a bit smaller and lighter than males, at 60 to 150 kg (130 to 330 lb). A warthog is identifiable by the two pairs of tusks protruding from the mouth and curving upwards. The lower pair, which is far shorter than the upper pair, becomes razor sharp by rubbing against the upper pair every time the mouth is opened and closed. The upper canine teeth can grow to 25.5 cm (10.0 in) long, and are of a squashed circle shape in cross section, almost rectangular, being about 4.5 cm (1.8 in) deep and 2.5 cm (0.98 in) wide. A tusk will curve 90 degrees or more from the root, and will not lie flat on a table, as it curves somewhat backwards as it grows. The tusks are used for digging, for combat with other hogs, and in defense against predators the lower set can inflict severe wounds. The African buffalo, affalo, nyati, mbogo or Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer), is a large African bovine. It is not closely related to the slightly larger wild Asian water buffalo, but its ancestry remains unclear. Owing to its unpredictable nature, which makes it highly dangerous to humans, it has not been domesticated unlike its Asian counterpart the domestic Asian water buffalo. Contrary to popular belief, the African buffalo is not the ancestor of domestic cattle, and is only distantly related to other larger bovines. The African buffalo is a very robust species. Its shoulder height can range from 1 to 1.7 m (3.3 to 5.6 ft) and its head-and-body length can range from 1.7 to 3.4 m (5.6 to 11 ft). Compared with other large bovids, it has a long but stocky body (the body length can exceed the Wild water buffalo, which is rather heavier and taller) and short but thickset legs, resulting in a relatively short standing height. The tail can range from 70 to 110 cm (28 to 43 in) long. Savannah-type buffaloes weigh 500 to 910 kg (1,100 to 2,000 lb), with males normally larger than females, reaching the upper weight range. In comparison, forest-type buffaloes, at 250 to 455 kg (550 to 1,000 lb), are only half that size. Its head is carried low; its top is located below the backline. The front hooves of the buffalo are wider than the rear, which is associated with the need to support the weight of the front part of the body, which is heavier and more powerful than the back. The giraffe is an African even-toed ungulate mammal, the tallest living terrestrial animal and the largest ruminant. Its species name refers to its camel-like appearance and the patches of color on its fur. Its chief distinguishing characteristics are its extremely long neck and legs, its horn-like ossicones and its distinctive coat patterns. It stands 5–6 m (16–20 ft) tall and has an average weight of 1,600 kg (3,500 lb) for males and 830 kg (1,800 lb) for females. It is classified under the family Giraffidae, along with its closest extant relative, the okapi. There are nine subspecies, which are distinguished by their coat patterns.Fully grown giraffes stand 5–6 m (16–20 ft) tall, with males taller than females.The average weight is 1,600 kg (3,500 lb) for an adult male and 830 kg (1,800 lb) for an adult female. Despite its long neck and legs, the giraffe's body is relatively short. Located at both sides of the head, the giraffe's large, bulging eyes give it good all round vision from its great height. Giraffes see in color and their senses of hearing and smell are also sharp.The animal can close its muscular nostrils to protect against sandstorms and ants.The giraffe's prehensile tongue is about 50 cm (20 in) long. It is purplish-black in color, perhaps to protect against sunburn, and is useful for grasping foliage as well as for grooming and cleaning the animal's nose. The upper lip of the giraffe is also prehensile and useful when foraging. The lips, tongue and inside of the mouth are covered in papillae to protect against thorns. The phrase Big Five game was coined by white hunters and refers to the five most difficult animals in Africa to hunt on foot.The term is still used in most tourist and wildlife guides that discuss African wildlife safaris. The collection consists of the lion, African elephant, cape buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros.The members of the Big Five were chosen for the difficulty in hunting them and the degree of danger involved, rather than their size. The big five are among the most dangerous, yet most popular species for big game hunters to hunt.Safari Club International, an organization dedicated to trophy hunters, offers a trophy for hunting all five species, called the "African Big Five Grand Slam," along with 14 other Grand Slams for other species, and a total of more than 40 different awards.The 1990 and later releases of South African rand banknotes feature a different Big Five animal on each denomination. African Big Five Game Species African elephant African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana) The African elephant (Loxodonta africana) is a very large herbivore having thick, almost hairless skin, a long, flexible, prehensile trunk, upper incisors forming long curved tusks of ivory, and large, fan-shaped ears. There are two distinct species of African elephant: African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis) and the African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana). The elephants are difficult because despite their large size, they are able to hide in tall grass and are more likely to charge than the other species.African elephants (also known as savanna elephants) are the species of elephants in the genus Loxodonta (Greek for 'oblique-sided tooth), one of the two existing genera in Elephantidae. Although it is commonly believed that the genus was named by Georges Cuvier in 1825, Cuvier spelled it Loxodonte. An anonymous author romanized the spelling to Loxodonta and the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) recognizes this as the proper authority.Fossil members of Loxodonta have only been found in Africa, where they developed in the middle Pliocene. The African elephant is the largest living terrestrial animal. Its thickset body rests on stocky legs and it has a concave back.Its large ears enable heat loss.Its upper lip and nose forms a trunk. The trunk acts as a fifth limb, a sound amplifier and an important method of touch. The African elephant's trunk ends in two opposing lips,whereas the Asian elephant trunk ends in a single lip. African elephants are bigger than Asian elephants. Males stand 3.2–4.0 m (10–13 ft) tall at the shoulder and weigh 4,700–6,048 kg (10,000–13,330 lb), while females stand 2.2–2.6 m (7.2–8.5 ft) tall and weigh 2,160–3,232 kg (4,800–7,130 lb). The largest individual recorded stood four metres to the shoulders and weighed ten tonnes.A male African bush elephant in NamibiaElephants have four molars; each weighs about 5 kg (11 lb) and measures about 30 cm (12 in) long. As the front pair wears down and drops out in pieces, the back pair shifts forward, and two new molars emerge in the back of the mouth. Elephants replace their teeth six times. At about 40 to 60 years of age, the elephant no longer has teeth and will likely die of starvation, a common cause of death. Their tusks are firm teeth; the second set of incisors become the tusks. They are used for digging for roots and stripping the bark off trees for food, for fighting each other during mating season, and for defending themselves against predators. The tusks weigh from 23–45 kg (51–99 lb) and can be from 1.5–2.4 m (5–8 ft) long. Unlike Asian elephants, both male and female African elephants have tusks.They are curved forward and continue to grow throughout the elephant's lifetime. The enamel plates of the molars are fewer in number than in Asian elephants. Black rhinoceros Black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) The black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) is a large, thick-skinned herbivore having one or two upright horns on the nasal bridge. Rhinoceros may refer to either black or white rhinoceros. Among Big Five game hunters, the black rhinoceros is preferred, although it is now critically endangered.The Black Rhinoceros or Hook-lipped Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis), is a species of rhinoceros, native to the eastern and central areas of Africa including Kenya, Tanzania, Cameroon, South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Angola. Although the Rhino was referred to as black, it is actually more of a grey/brown/white color in appearance.The other African rhinoceros is the White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum). These common names are misleading, as those two species are not really distinguishable by color. The word white in the name "White Rhinoceros" is a mistranslation of the Dutch word wijd for wide, referring to its square upper lip, as opposed to the pointed or hooked lip of the Black Rhinoceros. These species are now sometimes referred to as the Square-lipped (for White) or Hook-lipped (for Black) Rhinoceros. An adult Black Rhinoceros stands 132–180 cm (52–71 in) high at the shoulder and is 2.8–3.8 m (9.2–12 ft) in length, plus a tail of about 60 cm (24 in) in length.An adult typically weighs from 800 to 1,400 kg (1,800 to 3,100 lb), however unusually large male specimens have been reported at up to 2,199–2,896 kg (4,850–6,380 lb).The females are smaller than the males. Two horns on the skull are made of keratin with the larger front horn typically 50 cm (20 in) long, exceptionally up to 140 cm (55 in).The longest known horn measured nearly 1.5 m (4.9 ft) in length.Sometimes, a third smaller horn may develop. These horns are used for defense, intimidation, and digging up roots and breaking branches during feeding. Skin color depends more on local soil conditions and the rhinoceros' wallowing behavior than anything else, so many black rhinos are typically not truly black in color. The Black Rhino is smaller than the White Rhino, and has a long, pointed, and prehensile upper lip, which it uses to grasp leaves and twigs when feeding.White Rhinoceros have square lips used for eating grass.The Black Rhinoceros can also be distinguished from the White Rhinoceros by its smaller skull and ears.Their thick layered skin protects the rhino from thorns and sharp grasses. Their skin harbors external parasites, such as mites and ticks, which are eaten by oxpeckers and egrets that live with the rhino. Such behaviour was originally thought to be an example of mutualism, but recent evidence suggests that oxpeckers may be parasites instead, feeding on rhino blood.Black rhinos have poor eyesight, relying more on hearing and smell. Their ears possess a relatively wide rotational range to detect sounds. An excellent sense of smell alerts rhinos to the presence of predators. Cape buffalo African cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer) The African or cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer) is a large horned bovid. Buffalo are sometimes reported to kill more people in Africa than any other animal, although the same claim is also made of hippos and crocodiles.It is considered the most dangerous of the Big Five, reportedly causing the most hunter deaths,with wounded animals reported to ambush and attack pursuers. Lion Lion (Panthera leo) The lion (Panthera leo) is a large carnivorous feline of Africa and northwest India, having a short, tawny coat, a tufted tail, and, in the male, a heavy mane around the neck and shoulders. Lions are desirable to hunters because of the very real danger involved. A lion may attack without provocation, and is considered by many to be the best of the Big Five.Lion hunting is challenging because of the habitat and temperament of the lion. Lions live in the savanna where tall grasses, shrubs and bushes obscure and provide them cover and camouflage. This thick undergrowth is commonly referred to as jess. As lions are ambush hunters, they use this natural cover to stalk close as possible before making a final charge to catch their prey. Lions do not generally avoid confrontation, but will usually face the challenger. Lions are unpredictable and may charge when sufficiently annoyed or confronted by danger. These factors together make lion hunting a challenge to hunters.Lions are hunted by three methods: baiting, stalking and hounding. The hunting method is dependent on firstly the law, then the number of lions in a given area, terrain, the professional hunter or concession owner or the hunting outfitter, their expertise and the client.Baiting involves the hunter lying in wait in a natural or constructed blind. Prior to the lion hunt, a prey species is hunted beforehand for use as bait. The bait is then secured to a tree or secure structure in an area which is known to be frequented by lions; usually this will be close to a watering hole. The bait is checked regularly until there are signs the carcass has been visited by a lion. Then a blind is constructed, usually 30–50 yd (27–46 m) from the bait where the hunting party can remain concealed, usually from early evening until early morning the next day.Stalking involves driving along trails in areas where lions are known to inhabit. Once fresh faeces are sighted, the hunting party (which includes trackers) dismounts. The trackers follow tracks and spoor signs while scanning for the lion. When the lion is spotted, the professional hunter and the client will stalk in close until they reach a good shooting position. Hunting lions by stalking is conducted in daylight hours when there is sufficient light to spot the lion, which would usually be resting. Night stalking using electric light sources is banned in most countries. Lions hunted with lights may not be listed as trophies by Safari Club International.Hounding, the least used method today, uses dogs, and may include a fighting pack and a tracking pack. The hunting party will drive in known lion territory until fresh spoor is spotted, at which time the dogs are released. The pack follows the scent trail of the lion. Once the lion is encountered, the pack attempts to hold the lion at bay until the hunting party arrives to dispatch the lion. Like stalking, hounding is usually conducted during daylight hours. The lion will usually stand and fight rather than flee.Many concessions in Africa have been known to release captive lions into enclosed areas where they may be hunted with or without the client's approval and/or knowledge. Sometimes the lion is drugged to slow it down, making it an easier target. Many hunters and hunting organizations consider this unethical and an affront to fair chase practices of the hunt. The lion has thin skin and does not require the use of a big bore rifle. Furthermore, lions are evidently susceptible to hydrostatic shock when impact velocities are above 3,000 ft/s (910 m/s). Lion require at a minimum a .300 Winchester Magnum. However, certain jurisdictions require a minimum a .375 H&H Magnum or a 9.3x62mm Mauser as a minimum caliber. A few professional hunters are known to carry 12-gauge semiautomatic shotguns loaded with buckshot as a back-up weapon when hunting lion. Leopard Leopard (Panthera pardus) The leopard (Panthera pardus) is a large, carnivorous feline having either tawny fur with dark rosette-like markings or black fur. Of the Big Five, it is most difficult to acquire hunting licenses for leopards. The leopard is sometimes considered the most difficult of the Big Five to hunt because of their nocturnal and secretive nature. They are wary of humans and will take flight in the face of danger. The leopard is solitary by nature, and is most active between sunset and sunrise, although it may hunt during the day in some areas. Leopards can be found in the savanna grasslands, brush land and forested areas in Africa. Leopard hunting uses the same methods as hunting for lions. Baiting, hounding and stalking are the most common methods used today to hunt the cat.Baiting is the method most often used to hunt leopard. This requires the finding and then following of spoor in an area known to be frequented by a leopard. Once a suitable area is located, a prey species is hunted and used as bait. Because of the nocturnal nature of the cat, the blind needs to be constructed close to the bait, as shooting will more than likely be during the night. The client and the professional hunter will spend the night in the blind waiting for the leopard to come to the carcass.Hounding with dogs to hunt leopard requires the hunting party to locate an area where a leopard has been recently active, as in the baiting method. Once such an area is located, the dogs (usually bloodhounds or ridgebacks) are released. The dogs attempt to pick up the scent and follow it to the leopard. The leopard will usually flee from the loudly baying dogs and take refuge in a tree or in an area out of their reach. The dogs will hold the leopard at bay in this manner until the hunting party arrives to dispatch the leopard.Stalking is rarely used to hunt leopard, as it is extremely time-consuming, tedious and has a very low success rate. A month-long hunt using the spot and stalk method may not be successful at even sighting a leopard.The male leopard is less than half the size of a male lion. The leopard is the smallest of the big cats, and rarely exceeds 200 lb (91 kg).There is a concerted effort to stop the hunting of the leopard due to the rarity of it and any subsequent big cat. History of the Kruger National Park Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa. It covers 19,485 square kilometres (7,523 sq mi) and extends 360 kilometres (220 mi) from north to south and 65 kilometres (40 mi) from east to west.To the west and south of the Kruger National Park are the two South African provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. In the north is Zimbabwe, and to the east is Mozambique. It is now part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, a peace park that links Kruger National Park with the Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe, and with the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique.The park is part of the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere, an area designated by the United Nations Education and Scientific Organisation (UNESCO) as an International Man and Biosphere Reserve (the "Biosphere"). Sabi Game Reserve (1898 - 1926) In 1895, Jakob Louis van Wyk introduced in the Volksraad of the old South African Republic, a motion to create the game reserve which would become the Kruger National Park. That motion, introduced together with another Volksraad member by the name of R. K. Loveday, and accepted for discussion in September 1895 by a majority of one vote, resulted in the proclamation by Paul Kruger president of the Transvaal Republic, on March 26, 1898, of a “Government Wildlife Park.” This park would later be known as the Sabi Game Reserve and was expanded into the Kruger National Park in 1926.The park was initially created to control hunting.and protect the diminished number of animals in the park. James Stevenson Hamilton became the first warden of the reserve in 1902. The reserve was located in the southern one-third of the modern park.Shingwedzi Reserve, now in northern Kruger National Park, was proclaimed in 1903.In 1926, Sabie Game Reserve, the adjacent Shingwedzi Game Reserve, and farms were combined to create Kruger National Park.During 1923, the first large groups of tourists started visiting the Sabie Game Reserve, but only as part of the South African Railways' popular "Round in Nine" tours. The tourist trains used the Selati railway line between Komatipoort on the Mozambican border and Tzaneen in Limpopo Province. The tour included an overnight stop at Sabie Bridge (now Skukuza) and a short walk, escorted by armed rangers, into the bush. It soon became a highlight of the tour and it gave valuable support for the campaign to proclaim the Sabie Game Reserve as a national park. 1926 - 1946 After the proclamation of the Kruger National Park in 1926, the first three tourist cars entered the park in 1927, jumping to 180 cars in 1928 and 850 cars in 1929.Warden James Stevenson-Hamilton retired on the 30th April 1946, after 44 years as warden of the Kruger Park and its predecessor, the Sabi Game Reserve.1946 - 1994 He was replaced by Colonel J. A. B. Sandenburg of the South African Air Force.During 1959, work commenced to completely fence the park boundaries. Work started on the southern boundary along the Crocodile River and in 1960 the western and northern boundaries were fenced, followed by the eastern boundary with Mozambique. The purpose of the fence was to curb the spread of diseases, facilitate border patrolling and inhibit the movement of poachers.The Makuleke area in the northern part of the park was forcibly taken from the Makuleke people by the government in 1969 and about 1500 of them were relocated to land to the South so that their original tribal areas could be integrated into the greater Kruger National Park. In 1996 the Makuleke tribe submitted a land claim for 19,842 hectares (198.42 km) in the northern park of the Kruger National Park.The land was given back to the Makuleke people, however, they chose not to resettle on the land but to engage with the private sector to invest in tourism, thus resulting in the building of several game lodges.Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe, and Limpopo National Park in Mozambique were incorporated into the a peace park, the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park. Geography The park lies in the north-east of South Africa,in the eastern parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. Phalaborwa, Limpopo is the only town in South Africa that borders the Kruger National Park. It is one of the largest national parks in the world, with an area of 19,485 square kilometres (7,523 sq mi) The park is approximately 360 kilometres (220 mi) long,and has an average width of 65 kilometres (40 mi).At its widest point, the park is 90 kilometres (56 mi) wide from east to west. To the north and south of the park two rivers, the Limpopo and the Crocodile respectively, act as its natural boundaries. To the east the Lebombo Mountains separate it from Mozambique. Its western boundary runs parallel with this range, roughly 65 km distant. The park varies in altitude between 200 m in the east and 840 m in the south-west near Berg-en-Dal. The highest point in the park is here, a hill called Khandzalive. Several rivers run through the park from west to east, including the Sabie, Olifants, Crocodile, Letaba, Luvuvhu and Limpopo rivers. Climate The climate of the Kruger National Park and Lowveld is subtropical. Summer days are humid and hot with temperatures often soaring to above 38 °C (100 °F). The rainy season is from September until May. The dry winter season is the ideal time to visit this region for various reasons. There is less chance of contracting malaria and the days are milder. Viewing wildlife is more rewarding as the vegetation is more sparse and animals are drawn to the waterholes to drink every morning and evening. Flora and fauna Vegetation Plant life in the park consists of four main areas: Thorn Trees and Red Bush-willow veld,This area lies between the western boundary and roughly the centre of the park south of the Olifants River. Combretums, such as the red bush-willow (Combretum apiculatum), and Acacia species predominate while there are a great number of marula trees (Sclerocarya caffra). The Acacias are dominant along the rivers and streams, the very dense Nwatimhiri bush along the Sabie River between Skukuza and Lower Sabie being a very good example.Knob-thorn and Marula Veld,South of the Olifants River in the eastern half of the park, this area provides the most important grazing-land. Species such as red grass (Themeda triandra) and buffalo grass (Panicum maximum) predominate while the knob-thorn (Acacia nigrescens), leadwood (Combretum imberbe) and marula (Sclerocarya caffra) are the main tree species. Red Bush-willow and Mopane Veld This area lies in the western half of the park, north of the Olifants River. The two most prominent species here are the red bush-willow (Combretum apiculatum) and the mopane tree (Colophospernum mopane)Shrub Mopane Veld Shrub mopane covers almost the entire north-eastern part of the park.There are a number of smaller areas in the park which carry distinctive vegetation such as Pretoriuskop where the sickle bush and the silver cluster-leaf Terminalia sericae are prominent. The sandveld,communities near Punda Maria are equally definitive, with a wide variety of unique species. Birds Out of the 517 species of birds found at Kruger, 253 are residents, 117 non-breeding migrants, and 147 nomads.MammalsAll the Big Five game animals are found at Kruger National Park, which has more species of large mammals than any other African Game Reserve (at 147 species). There are webcams set up to observe the wildlife.The park stopped culling elephants in 1989 and tried translocating them, but by 2004 the population had increased to 11,670 elephants, by 2006 to approximately 13,500 and by 2009 to 11,672. The park's habitats can only sustain about 8,000 elephants. The park started using annual contraception in 1995, but has stopped that due to problems with delivering the contraceptives and upsetting the herds. Kruger supports packs of the endangered African Wild Dog, of which there are thought to be only about 400 in the whole of South Africa.Kruger National Park holds over 48 tons of ivory in storage. According to Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES), it is allowed to sell 30 tons.Following approval by CITES, 47 metric tons of stockpiled ivory from Kruger were auctioned on November 6, 2008. The sale fetched approximately US$6.7 million which will be used towards increasing anti-poaching activity. The average price for the 63 lots on auction was US$142/kg. In 2002, Kruger National Park,The park is the site of the popular eyewitness viral video Battle at Kruger. BACK TO TOP

WELCOME South Africa, officially known as the Republic of South Africa, is a great place to visit for a first-time safari. One of the country's main attractions is the African scenery: golden savannah, great gaping gorges, and hauntingly beautiful deserts, as well as an awe-inspiring cast of African creatures – and, as a bonus – all the creature comforts. Ask anyone and they’ll tell you, South Africa boasts amazing tourist attractions that are worth visiting more than once. But where does one even start? Here’s a list of top attractions that you should tick off your “to-do” list. Apart from the big-name game parks of Kruger and the Kgalagadi (Kalahari) Transfrontier Park, South Africa is home to some of the world's most luxurious private game reserves and lodges. Wildlife lovers come here from all corners of the globe in search of the "Big Five": lion, buffalo, leopard, rhino, and elephant, and often they find it, and so much more. Exploring coral reefs and dragon-backed mountain ranges, white-water rafting, and enjoying golden beaches lapped by legendary surf breaks are some of the most popular things to do in South Africa. Traveling around this vast land and touring the vibrant cities, you can learn about the nation's turbulent history – in Cape Town, one of the world's most beautiful cities; in Durban, a melting pot of cultures and cuisines; at the poignant museums and galleries in Johannesburg; and in Soweto, birthplace of Nelson Mandela, who helped birth democracy here. Discover the best places to visit in this diverse nation with our list of the top tourist attractions in South Africa. 1. Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces 2. Cape Town, Western Cape 3. The Garden Route 4. Kgalagadi (Kalahari) Transfrontier Park, Northern Cape 5. Stellenbosch, Western Cape 6. The Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal 7. Pilanesberg National Park 8. iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal 9. Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga 10. Robben Island, Western Cape 11. Durban's Golden Mile, KwaZulu-Natal 12. Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Mpumalunga 13. Boulders Penguin Colony, Simon's Town, Western Cape 14. Wild Coast, Eastern Cape 15. Addo Elephant National Park, Eastern Cape 16. Madikwe Game Reserve, North West Province 17. Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape 18. Cape Agulhas, Western Cape 19. Johannesburg and Pretoria, Gauteng 20. Cage Dive with Great White Sharks Frequently Asked Questions When is the best time to visit South Africa? Why Visit South Africa? Breathtaking Beaches Cape Town arguably has the best urban beaches in the world, from fashionable Camps Bay (close to the city centre) to Boulders Beach, with its comical colony of endangered African penguins which waddle about. All the way along South Africa’s Garden Route and KwaZulu-Natal’s Indian Ocean coastline, you’ll find long stretches of pristine soft sand lapped by waves that become warmer and warmer the further north you go. There are even tropical coral reefs and excellent diving and snorkelling spots to discover when visiting South Africa. Activities in Abundance With plenty of sunshine, mountains, sea and rivers, South Africans tend to treat their country like a massive playground. For a taste of the great outdoors, hike to the top of Table Mountain; horse ride in the Drakensberg; watch whales in Hermanus; discover South Africa’s urban culture on a guided walking tour of Johannesburg; paraglide over Cape Town’s beaches; take a walking safari in the Kruger; cycle through the Cape Winelands; explore the forest canopy in the Garden Route; enjoy a round on one of the many world-class golf courses… You’ll never have a dull moment when you visit South Africa! Friendly People & Local Cultures Visitors often comment on the fact that South Africans smile a lot… yes, we are a friendly bunch! We love to meet new people and passionately recommend our favourite places and things to do. We are a melting pot of many fascinating cultures forming one nation, so you’ll hear several distinct accents in our English, notice many different faces, and taste a rich fusion of flavours in our cuisine. In Cape Town, you can learn to cook traditional Malay curries while in Johannesburg, you can visit Nelson Mandela’s house and walk in the footsteps of our history in Soweto. The Best Big 5 Sightings in Africa South Africa is one of the very few places on Earth where you’re able to tick off all of the Big 5 (elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion and leopard) in one day – arguably one of the best reasons to visit South Africa. The country is one of the world’s finest Big 5 safari destinations thanks to its outstanding conservation areas and national parks such as: Kruger National Park and its private game reserves like Sabi Sands, Thornybush, Londolozi, MalaMala, Lion Sands and Dulini Madikwe Game Reserve Phinda Game Reserve Pilanesberg National Park Addo Elephant National Park Superb Food & Wine If you’re looking for fantastic culinary delights at unbeatable value for money, look no further than South Africa. When visiting South Africa’s Mother City, Cape Town, we highly recommend spending time in the Cape Winelands, the country’s undisputed ‘gourmet capital’. Explore the beautiful estates, sample award-winning wines in cool cellars and on vine-covered patios, and relish some of the world’s finest cuisine in its incredible restaurants. On the country’s eastern seaboard, indulge in a gourmet getaway in the lush hills of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, fortifying yourself for a comfortable hike in the foothills of the magnificent Drakensberg Mountains. Cape Town is South Africa’s oldest ‘foodie’ destination, but Johannesburg is catching up fast ! Both are hubs for craft beer, great coffee, exciting markets and inspiring restaurants that meld local flavours with international trends, all dished up with typical South African hospitality. Near-perfect Weather If you’re a business, talk about how you started and share your professional journey. Explain your core values, your commitment to customers and how you stand out from the crowd. Add a photo, gallery or video for even more engagement. Did you know that Durban, Ballito and the beaches of the KwaZulu-Natal Coast average over 300 days of sunshine a year? Even the December to March ‘rainy season’ over the Kruger is actually quite sunny: rainfall generally consists of short-lived thundershowers in the late afternoons, leaving the air washed clean of dust and making for bright, crisp photographs. South Africa is blessed with a generally temperate climate, meaning sensational summers and mild winters. Enjoying great weather is vital for a memorable vacation and for many travellers (especially from the northern hemisphere), this is one of the top reasons to visit South Africa. Choosing the best time to visit South Africa depends entirely on what you want to see and do: Excellent Value for Money for Any Type of Traveller When you visit South Africa, it’s easy to find a cosy guesthouse or family-run lodge that offers that extra bit of holiday pampering plus great value for money. What’s more, eating out in South Africa is affordable, so you can generally enjoy a great meal and local vintage without the bitter aftertaste of an unreasonable bill. In addition to being value for money, a safari can often be all-inclusive so you know exactly what you’re in for, upfront. Ask your Africa Safari Expert to create a tailor-made itinerary around your budget that is as inclusive as possible. Getting Around is Easy South Africa welcomes a steady flow of international airlines at international airports around the country. Also, once here, you’ll find a network of national highway roads criss-crossing big sky Karoo landscapes, winding through farmlands, nipping along coastlines and over magnificent mountain passes. Beautiful South Africa is one of only two countries in Africa where we recommend a self-drive holiday – one of the best reasons to visit South Africa if you’re an independent traveller. In additon, Wi-Fi is widely accessible, the mobile phone network is excellent, ATMs are readily available and self-drivers will never be far from a full-service petrol (gas) station. It’s a Family Favourite Your kids will love it! Beautiful South Africa has plenty of child-friendly accommodation and loads of great options for a family holiday. Cape Town and the Garden Route are particularly popular for a beach break. For a family safari in Africa, we recommend the Pilanesberg, Madikwe or one of the Eastern Cape reserves – all malaria-free with superb game viewing. For loud, unrestrained whoops of joy, try thrill-a-minute Sun City, a holiday resort that even has a sandy ‘beach’ and ‘ocean’ built in the middle of the bush, less than a 2-hour drive from Johannesburg. If you are bringing young children on safari for the first time, ask your Africa Safari Expert to find you a lodge that is geared for kids: many have amazing junior rangers’ programmes, shorter game drives, educational games and special play areas with trained babysitters. Long game drives can be tough on little ones but gentle nature walks with trained guides that teach them about bugs, birds and blooms can be very exciting. Rich in History How far back do you want to go when visiting South Africa? We have the Cradle of Humankind, where the 2.3-million-year-old fossil nicknamed Mrs. Ples was found – along with numerous other (and some of the oldest) hominin fossils. For a taste of more recent history, we highly recommend the KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields. Excellent guides bring to life the world of 1875, when bravery, victory and defeat played out in the bloody battles between British soldiers, Boer commandos and Zulu warriors. South Africa’s remarkable modern history is perhaps best illustrated in a visit to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years of his incarceration alongside other political prisoners. Cape Town is our oldest city, the Constantia Winelands date back over 300 years and San Bushmen can teach you more about their desert lifestyle that remained largely unchanged for thousands of years. Cultural travellers thoroughly enjoy the country’s plethora of ideas, customs and social behaviours, which is why it makes our list of top reasons to visit South Africa. Top Luxury Lodges & Camps in Kruger National Park: Londolozi Private Granite Suite Elegant and stylish, Londolozi Private Granite Suite sets the gold standard for an ultra-luxury safari getaway. The suite blends granite rocks with a palette of silver, charcoal and elephant grey to create a light and airy contemporary look that screams opulence. It’s the ideal space for discerning travellers who want to be in the thick of nature while still having the comforts of a 5-star hotel. Tailored services ensure that guests’ every need is met, while the location in Kruger’s popular Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve guarantees an intimate stay with fantastic game viewing, allowing you to tick off all those bucket-list activities when visiting South Africa. Highlights: Ultra-luxury lodge in the private Sabi Sands Game Reserve Set within the famed Kruger National Park Spectacular views of the Sand River Superb tailored service Best for… Honeymooners or small groups celebrating a special occasion. Royal Malewane Complete privacy, tailored service and exceptional game viewing are all guaranteed when staying at the exclusive old-world haven, Royal Malewane. True to its name, you’ll feel like nobility when you’re greeted by your butler and served gourmet meals prepared by a personal chef. Everything here is top-tier, from the king-sized beds made up with Ralph Lauren linen to the award-winning spa – one of the best in South Africa. The luxurious, 5-star Royal Malewane will leave you wanting for nothing. Highlights: Home to the best safari spa in South Africa Scenic helicopter & hot-air balloon flights Cruise through the Blyde River Canyon Golf & horseriding Best for… Family getaways. Singita Boulders Lodge Explore one of Kruger’s game-rich private concessions, Sabi Sands, from the lap of luxury. Taking its name from the boulder-strewn banks of the Sand River, Singita’s Boulders Lodge takes inspiration from the surroundings. High thatch ceilings and raised wooden decks overlooking the glistening river incorporate nature into every inch of the space. The calming atmosphere is enhanced with authentic African décor made of granite and stone, while stylish, contemporary furnishings blend to create an opulent, open front that invites outside in. Highlights: Bike rides, stargazing & photographic editing suite Fantastic game viewing in Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve Reliable leopard sightings Fine dining & award-winning wine cellar Personal butler service Best for… Family getaways. Cape Winelands Cape Winelands Holiday Framed by sun-splashed vineyards and craggy mountain peaks, the picturesque valleys of the Cape Winelands are famous for their grand old estates, pretty little towns, award-winning restaurants and – of course – for their wine. An easy hour’s drive from Cape Town , a Cape Winelands holiday perfectly complements a stay in one of the world’s favourite cities. There are more than 20 wine-growing regions surrounding Cape Town but the term Cape Winelands generally refers to the three most popular: Franschhoek , Stellenbosch and Paarl, each set in rolling countryside with spectacular Alpine-style views. Wander the oak-lined streets of Stellenbosch, stopping in at art galleries and quaint coffee shops, or take your pick from the many excellent restaurants in Franschhoek – South Africa’s undisputed culinary capital. A handful of these highlights are included on our Cape Winelands day tours but with so much to see and do in the area, we’d recommend a longer stay. Luxurious manor houses and secluded boutique hotels make the Cape Winelands an obvious choice for a honeymoon, place to get engaged or romantic break but it may surprise you to learn that kids love the Winelands too. There’s a wide selection of family-friendly accommodation, outdoor activities such as mountain biking, horse riding and quad biking, and many wine estates boast large picnic-perfect lawns. Browse our range of popular Cape Winelands holidays, most of which start with a few days in Cape Town and end on the beaches of the world-renowned Garden Route . Alternatively, simply contact one of our Africa Safari Experts and they’ll tailor-make a Winelands escape that best suits your tastes and budget. Best Beaches in Cape Town Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula have two glittering coastlines with a beach to suit every mood and moment. Whether you're after buzzing beachside bars, secluded coves, safe swimming beaches or a romantic spot for a sunset picnic, our guide to Cape Town’s best beaches will point you in the right direction. And if you're looking for seaside accommodation, our list of Cape Town's best beach hotels will place you right where you want to be – a few steps from the sand. Clifton Beaches 1-4 Situated in one of Cape Town’s most sought-after and affluent suburbs, Clifton’s beaches are a favourite of locals and tourists alike and are arguably some of the best in the country. Ten minutes from the city centre and comprising four beach coves separated by giant boulders that protect against Cape Town’s unruly ‘south-easter’ wind, the soft white sand and majestic blue water of each of the four beaches are an unofficial playground for those looking to take advantage of those hot summer days and jovial holiday atmosphere. Unoriginally named first, second, third and fourth beach, each cove has a personality of its own, attracting eclectic groups of people of all ages: 1st Beach: frequented by locals and vacationers staying in the adjacent luxury apartments, the off-leash dog-friendly beach is the perfect place to escape the crowd for a peaceful day by the seaside. If you’re in the mood for a bit of body or board surfing, the current is just strong enough to delight your inner surfer. 2nd Beach: this little slice of heaven sees a lot of traffic from a laidback younger crowd, particularly students. The more active beachgoer can enjoy a day of volleyball, beach bats and tossing around a frisbee in this secluded cove. 3rd Beach: Clifton’s gay beach is a popular rendezvous spot for gay men, but is open to everyone. The atmosphere is buzzy and merry, the beach is not as crowded as its more popular neighbour, and the weather conditions are always perfect for catching a tan. 4th Beach: the biggest and most popular of the four beaches, 4th beach is commonly frequented by trendy people tanning their toned bodies and wholesome families building sandcastles. A classic Cape Town beach with a great holiday atmosphere, there’s no better place to while away your days than on this soft sandy bay, watching the yachts bob on the water as you soak up the sunshine. Fourth beach also holds Blue Flag status, an international award given to beaches that are clean, safe, offer great amenities and implement environmentally conscious initiatives. Although Clifton’s beaches aren’t ideal for swimming, with water temperatures averaging 10°C (50°F), this doesn’t deter from their world-class quality; besides, diving into the icy sea doesn’t seem so bad on those exceptionally hot summer days. Step onto the soft, warm sand and hire an umbrella and chairs before making yourself comfortable near the sea, watching as the tide rolls in and out on the shore. Feeling a little too hot while tanning in the sun? Grab a cold drink or ice lolly (ice pop) from one of the roaming vendors. And when you’re feeling a little peckish, tuck into your packed picnic lunch or pop back up the stairs to the Bungalow Restaurant, located next to the 4th beach parking lot and a quick walk from the other beaches. On balmy summer evenings, locals love to round off the day with a sunset picnic on a Clifton beach. Head down in the late afternoon and you’ll find a festive atmosphere with blankets spread out on the sand, baskets stuffed with deli-bought goodies and candles ready to burn late into the night. Just be warned: it’s illegal to drink alcohol on Cape Town’s beaches (the popular beaches are policed) and you’ll have to carry all your stuff down from the car park – and back up again – via a long series of steep stairs, so pack light. TIP: Clifton is a popular spot during the summer and parking is scarce. If you’re planning on travelling by car, be sure to arrive extra early to secure a spot in the small parking area near 4th beach or along Victoria Road. We’d recommend using Uber to avoid the headache of finding parking. And remember to pack light as all the beaches are only accessible via stepped pathways and winding, narrow staircases. Camps Bay Just down the road from Clifton, you’ll find the gently curving crescent of Camps Bay – the best-known beach on the Cape Town coast. Both locals and visitors flock to this palm-lined strip for people-watching, to play beach bats or volleyball, walk their dogs or catch a tan while gazing up at the dramatic peaks of the Twelve Apostles range, part of Table Mountain. If the wind picks up, hop onto the Camps Bay strip to one of many trendy restaurants, cafes or fashionable bars where Cape Town’s beautiful people dine on seafood or sip chilled local wine. On peak summer days these restaurants spill out onto the pavements, creating a wonderfully laid-back Mediterranean ambience. TIP: During Cape Town’s peak summer season (December and January), Camps Bay’s main beach can get a little busy. Head in the direction of Clifton for just under a kilometre to discover the more secluded and locally loved Glen Beach. Best for: Family fun, sunbathing, beach volleyball and sunset cocktails – it’s an easy transition from the broad beach to the buzzing cafes on the Camps Bay strip. Muizenberg Muizenberg is probably Cape Town’s ultimate family-friendly beach, with its warmer water, Blue Flag status, and quaint and colourful Victorian bathing boxes. This beautiful stretch of coastline is popular with families, dog walkers and surfers. If you want to get some surfing lessons while on vacation in Cape Town, then this is the place. There are various companies operating from Muizenberg beach that offer surf lessons as well as surfboard and wetsuit rentals. 10 Best Places to Visit in South Africa The ideal destination for any adventurous traveler, South Africa has so many amazing experiences on offer, from off-roading on a safari to diving with great white sharks. With its wonderful array of wildlife, beautiful beaches, divine vineyards, and magnificent mountains, there’s no doubt that this is a land of diversity. The southern tip of Africa may have left the years of apartheid behind, but much of the nation still struggles with poverty and there remains a vast disparity between wealth and race. The country offers numerous chances to learn about its tumultuous history, land and peoples, with museums and trips to Robben Island or a visit to a Township. Leave the cities behind, grab yourself some wheels, and head off on a road trip through the varied landscapes of the Garden Route. Make sure to stop off at Hermanus, known for its opportunities to spot southern right whales from the shoreline. Take a walk on the wild side in the Kruger National Park, where lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalos roam free, and leap into the unknown as you take in the views from the top of Table Mountain. It’s hard to name another holiday destination that offers as much variety. Here’s a look at the best places to visit in South Africa. 10. Blyde River Canyon Tangled in subtropical foliage, the Blyde River Canyon is the largest green canyon on the planet, and one of the deepest natural canyons on Earth. Located along a sensational tourist drive known as the Panorama Route, the canyon is dotted with sensational hotspots – from waterfalls to unusual geology. One such highlight is Bourke’s Luck Potholes – a series of giant potholes that have been spun into the riverbed by the movement of swirling water where the Blyde and Treue rivers meet. With its lush valleys, mountain scenery like the Three Rondavels, and astonishing viewpoints like the appropriately named God’s Window, the Blyde River Canyon is understandably a popular spot for exploring by car, on foot, or horseback. Keep an eye out for a variety of wildlife along the way, such as hippos, crocodiles, and Samango monkeys, as well as Cape vulture, African fish eagle, and Knysna lourie. It’s one of the best bird-watching spots in Mpumalanga . 9. Cape Winelands If you’re a wine connoisseur, you’ll be in your element in South Africa’s extraordinary Cape Winelands. Located just a 45-minute drive from Cape Town, it’s one of the most picturesque wine-producing regions in the world, with undulating vineyards and spectacular mountain views from just about anywhere. The exact region you pick depends totally on you, but Franschhoek and Stellenbosch are two of the most popular. Here, you can enjoy the unique offerings of hundreds of wine estates with everything from wine and cheese or biltong platters (South Africa’s famous dried meat) to outdoor picnics with a bottle of estate wine surrounded by row upon row of vineyards. Head further afield to towns like Montagu to enjoy the hot springs after a sensational day of wine tasting, or Tulbagh to enjoy wine tasting sessions by bike. 8. Addo Elephant National Park With humble beginnings as a small elephant sanctuary established to protect just 11 reddish-colored Addo elephants in the 1930s, Addo Elephant National Park is now one of South Africa’s largest national parks – and possibly one of the best for spotting these gentle giants. As the park has swelled and expanded over the years, it now consists of five different sections, each offering its own unique characteristics. The Colchester section is the main game reserve. Here, you can enjoy exhilarating self-drives or camp-run game drives to view the massive populations of elephants, zebras, and antelopes in the park. The Darlington section is home to a dam that attracts some great wildlife, while the Kabouga section is available only to four-wheel-drive vehicles. If you prefer to explore on foot, the Zuurberg and Woody Cape sections have some wonderful trails. Spotting the Big Seven (South Africa’s famous Big Five as well as southern right whales and great white sharks along the coast) is one of the major highlights here. Safari-goers won’t go home disappointed. 7. Hermanus The once-sleepy, now touristy town of Hermanus in the Western Cape is the whale watching capital of South Africa – and for good reason. Every year, southern right whales come to this corner of Walker Bay to give birth to their young. While boat trips are touted daily, whale watching from the cliffs is just as phenomenal, if not better. A 10 km (6 mile) long cliff-side walk with built-in telescopes and benches offers visitors plenty of opportunities to view these social animals – particularly during the Hermanus Whale Festival in September. Encompassed by glorious mountains and the aquamarine water of the Atlantic, Hermanus is home to idyllic little beaches and the Hemel en Aarde Wine Valley with its decadent wine-filled experiences. Even the name itself means Heaven and Earth. Spend your days hiking to waterfalls, fishing in the lagoons or ocean, and horseback riding on the beach. Hermanus has it all. 6. Durban While often overshadowed by bigger sisters Cape Town and Joburg, the port city of Durban (South Africa’s busiest) has plenty to offer all of its own – particularly if you are visiting during the southern hemisphere winter. With average temperatures in the mid-20s from June to July, winter simply doesn’t exist here! Luckily, all that great weather doesn’t go to waste, as Durban is home to a glorious stretch of coastline with some popular sandy beaches lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Spend your days surfing the waves on the east coast of South Africa or exploring life beneath the waves with a snorkel or dive. Back on land, Durbs (as it’s affectionately called) is known for its excellent curry. Interestingly, the city is home to the largest Indian population outside of India! Tucking into a traditional bunny chow (curry served in a half loaf of bread) isn’t just encouraged here, it’s a rite of passage. 5. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park Reaching out into both South Africa and neighboring Botswana, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (meaning ‘Great Thirst’) is a desert wilderness with terrain that’s totally unique. Amidst the salt pans, bushveld, and rust-red dunes of the Kalahari are hordes of plains game, such as wildebeest, springbok (South Africa’s national animal), and gemsbok (its original namesake) that are hunted in turn by predators like lions, cheetah, and leopards. Surrounded by nothing but barren wilderness, the game viewing here is simply astounding. The Kgalagadi was once split in two: South Africa’s Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa and Botswana’s Gemsbok National Park were combined to form one official park in 1999. Due to its vast expanse, part of the Kgalagadi is inaccessible without a four-wheel-vehicle – and even then, it’s an adventure. Many visitors prefer to stay at one of the park’s camps and enjoy one of the included game drives or bush walks to spot the park’s phenomenal wildlife. If you prefer to explore on your own, though, you can follow one of the many routes along the riverbeds of the Nossob and Auob on the South African side. Named after the Kgalagadi tribes who formerly lived in this corner of the desert, some of the descendants of the original communities can still be found here today, such as the Mier Community and the Khoe-speaking Khomani Community, so make sure you include a visit! 4. Garden Route One of the most beautiful drives in the world, the Garden Route meanders past seaside villages, game reserves, forests, lagoons, and white sandy beaches, with the brilliant blues of the Indian Ocean right alongside you. Stretching from Mossel Bay to St. Francis, this tourist route is what lures most international visitors to South Africa. There’s so much to see along the Garden Route that it’s hard not to stop every five minutes; you’ll need at least five days, if not longer, to make the most of it. Explore the quaint village of Wilderness with its tranquil beach, bungee jump off the highest commercial bridge bungee in Storms River, and get up close to African elephants at Knysna Elephant Park. Plettenberg Bay, besides beaches, offers a host of wildlife watching opportunities and hiking trails in the sea-facing Robberg Nature Reserve. A short drive away, you can spot tropical birds in one of the world’s largest free-flying aviaries at Birds of Eden, or walk through the forest surrounded by squirrel monkeys and capuchins at Monkeyland. 3. Drakensberg The Drakensberg is a mountain range in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province. Often shortened to just ‘The Berg’ by locals, the Drakensberg means ‘Mountains of the Dragon.’ The meaning of such a dramatic name isn’t lost on you when you see the might and majesty of these mountains. Forming part of the Great Escarpment, the area is home to a mix of waterfalls and hiking trails split into the northern and southern reaches. The Northern Drakensberg tempts visitors for its warm climate ideal for hiking. This side gets hardly any snowfall. Enjoy a one or two-day hike to the Amphitheater and explore UKhahlamba Drakensberg Park and the Royal Natal National Park, home to Tugela Falls, the second-highest waterfall in the world. The Southern Drakensberg is for adventurers. Take the blood-curdling drive up the Sani Pass that leads to landlocked Lesotho, via the highest pub in Africa, or sign up for challenging trekking and mountaineering tours. 2. Kruger National Park One of South Africa’s most famous and accessible game reserves, the Kruger National Park is a wildlife lover’s dream. Located in the north-east of the country , Kruger covers an enormous stretch of ecosystems that support all kinds of wildlife – from grasslands and dense forests to thickets and dry riverbeds. While it was established as far back as 1898, it was only in the 1920s that the park opened to the public. Since then, Kruger has been a tick off the bucket list for locals and tourists alike hoping to spot one of the renowned Big Five. Highlights include hippo and croc spotting from the Crocodile River viewpoint and a visit to the reconstructed Iron Age ruins of Masorini village. While park-run game drives are available regularly, Kruger is a fantastic game reserve to explore on a self-drive. Follow the Sabie and Crocodile rivers and keep your eyes peeled for lions, rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, and leopards lurking amongst the undergrowth. Kruger is also a birding paradise, so don’t forget your binoculars! 1. Cape Town The Mother City, with its gorgeous beaches, majestic mountain views, and friendly people, is a highlight on any South African bucket list. It may only be the second-largest city in the country, but it’s easily one of the most recognizable cities in the world. Located on the southwest tip of South Africa’s Western Cape Province, Cape Town enjoys a mild, Mediterranean climate and a spectacular natural setting. Flanked by Table Mountain and overlooking infamous Robben Island, Cape Town has a bit of everything – history, nature, culture – you name it, Cape Town’s got it. 20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in South Africa South Africa, officially known as the Republic of South Africa, is a great place to visit for a first-time safari. One of the country's main attractions is the African scenery: golden savannah, great gaping gorges, and hauntingly beautiful deserts, as well as an awe-inspiring cast of African creatures – and, as a bonus – all the creature comforts. Giraffes in Kruger National Park at sunset Apart from the big-name game parks of Kruger and the Kgalagadi (Kalahari) Transfrontier Park, South Africa is home to some of the world's most luxurious private game reserves and lodges . Wildlife lovers come here from all corners of the globe in search of the "Big Five": lion, buffalo, leopard, rhino, and elephant, and often they find it, and so much more. Exploring coral reefs and dragon-backed mountain ranges, white-water rafting, and enjoying golden beaches lapped by legendary surf breaks are some of the most popular things to do in South Africa. Traveling around this vast land and touring the vibrant cities, you can learn about the nation's turbulent history – in Cape Town, one of the world's most beautiful cities; in Durban, a melting pot of cultures and cuisines; at the poignant museums and galleries in Johannesburg; and in Soweto, birthplace of Nelson Mandela, who helped birth democracy here. Discover the best places to visit in this diverse nation with our list of the top tourist attractions in South Africa. 1. Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces Kruger National Park is one of the best game reserves in Africa , and one of the oldest in South Africa. If you're a wildlife lover, this famous park definitely needs to be on your South Africa itinerary. The park lies about a 3.5- to 4.5-hour drive from Johannesburg and offers visitors the chance to see the "Big Five": lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino, as well as an astounding diversity of other wildlife. It's also home to San (bushman) rock paintings and archaeological sites. You can explore Kruger National Park on the large network of sealed roads; organize a walking safari; or soar over the vast grasslands, gallery forests, and river systems in a hot air balloon. One of the best things about Kruger National Park is that the accommodation caters to all budgets – you can stay in basic campsites, book a thatched bungalow, or relax in a luxury lodge. 2. Cape Town, Western Cape Cape Town, Western Cape Cape Town, South Africa is one of the planet's most breathtaking cities . Nature surrounds this multicultural city, which nuzzles between a rugged range of mountains and the sea. One of the top things to do in Cape Town is visit Table Mountain, the flat-topped peak presiding over the city. For a spectacular overview, hike to the summit, or glide up on the cableway. The hour-long hike up Lion's Head also provides panoramic city vistas. On Table Mountain's eastern slopes, the magnificent Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens lie within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cape Town's coast is also full of natural wonders. Strolling along the waterfront boardwalk, you might see whales spouting from the harbor. Penguins waddle along the golden beaches in False Bay, and south of the city, Cape Point is home to abundant wildlife and diverse botanical beauty. Cape Town is also known for its beautiful boulder-flanked beaches. Camp's Bay is a favorite, with plenty of chic shops and cafés nearby. Cape Town residents love their coast so much that at sunset, they stake a spot along spectacular Chapman's Peak Drive to toast the sunset in a dusk ritual known as "sundowners." Celebrating nature's beauty in this way is one of the unique things to do in South Africa, and something you might encounter on your travels at various locations around the country. Another one of Cape Town's top tourist attractions to visit the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, reminiscent of Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. Here, you can shop, dine, and enjoy the many entertainment venues, including Two Ocean's Aquarium. 3. The Garden Route Aloes blooming at the Garden Route National Park Along the country's southeast coast, the Garden Route runs for about 200 kilometers through some of South Africa's most breathtaking coastal scenery. The route stretches along the Indian Ocean from Mossel Bay, in the Western Cape , to the Storms River, in the Eastern Cape . This popular driving route passes through rolling green hills, pretty coastal towns, lagoons, lakes, and coastal cliffs. Highlights of the Garden Route include the charming town of Knysna, snuggled between dense forests and a sparkling lagoon; the beautiful Garden Route National Park, with its gorges, tidal pools, and thick forests; Oudtshoorn's ostrich farms and Cango Caves; and the seal colony of the Robberg Nature Reserve in Plettenberg Bay. Adventures along the way run the gamut, from elephant experiences and whale watching trips to bungee jumping and tree canopy tours. 4. Kgalagadi (Kalahari) Transfrontier Park, Northern Cape Black-maned lion in the Kgalagadi (Kalahari) Transfrontier Park, Northern Cape A merger of South Africa's Kalahari Gemsbok National Park and Botswana's Gemsbok National Park, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is one of the largest wilderness areas in the world. Established in 2000, it is Africa's first officially declared transfrontier park and one of the top places to visit in South Africa's Northern Cape . Gnarled camel thorn trees, red sands, golden grasslands, and deep blue skies provide a bold backdrop for photographs and game viewing. Among the huge diversity of wildlife, this vast conservation area is home to the famous black-maned Kalahari lion; stately gemsbok, with their V-shaped horns; the sprawling nests of sociable weavers; meerkats; and many birds of prey. Other predators such as leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas are also found here. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for some of the minor rugged roads or for those venturing into Botswana. 5. Stellenbosch, Western Cape Stellenbosch, Western Cape Stellenbosch is one of the most picturesque towns in South Africa. A mosaic of farms, old oak trees, and white-washed Cape Dutch dwellings, it's one of the best preserved towns from the era of the Dutch East India Company. Today, it's a university town, with a vibrant feel and fantastic scenery. Foodies will love it here. Stellenbosch is home to some of South Africa's best restaurants, as well as many sidewalk cafés. History buffs can take a walk back in time at The Stellenbosch Village Museum, a group of four restored houses and gardens dating from 1709 to 1850. Rupert Museum displays important works by South African artists, and strolling around the Botanic Garden at the University of Stellenbosch is another top thing to do here. In the surrounding area, nature buffs can hike and bike on the wilderness trails in the breathtaking Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. 6. The Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal The Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal The spectacular Drakensberg, meaning "Dragon Mountains," is one of the top places to visit in KwaZulu-Natal and a popular vacation destination for South Africans. It's also home to the country's highest peaks. The region encompasses the World Heritage-listed uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, a region of jaw-dropping beauty, with jagged basalt buttresses and San rock art, and Royal Natal National Park, home to the awe-inspiring Amphitheatre, a magnificent cliff face and source of South Africa's main rivers. The Giant's Castle Game Reserve in the region protects large herds of eland. Dense forests flourish in the sheltered valleys, and the area is home to more than 800 different species of flowering plants, as well as a rich diversity of wildlife. In the summer, the mountain landscapes are lush and fertile, with gushing waterfalls and crystal-clear streams. In the winter, snow cloaks the dramatic peaks. Visitors flock here to hike and bike the scenic mountain trails, fish for trout, rock climb, abseil, parasail, and raft the waters of the fast-flowing rivers. Hot air balloon rides are a great way to appreciate the dramatic topography. 7. Pilanesberg National Park African wild dogs, Pilanesberg National Park Are you short on time but want to see Africa's Big 5? Pilanesberg National Park is home to prolific wildlife and a dazzling diversity of birds about 2.5 hours away from Johannesburg and Pretoria. Easily accessible from these major cities, it makes a great day trip or multi-day stay. It's much smaller than massive Kruger National Park but as a consequence, it has a higher concentration of game. Pilanesberg lies in a transition zone, between the parched Kalahari Desert and the rain-soaked lowveld, which means you can see a rich variety of animals here. Besides most of the Big 5 (elephant, rhino, leopard, lion, and buffalo), you have the chance to spot African wild dogs, herds of zebra, the magnificent sable and roan antelope, giraffes, and more than 350 species of birds. Accommodation caters to different budgets. Choose from permanent safari tents, self-catering units, bed and breakfasts, or luxury guest lodges. Best of all, this park is malaria free, making it a great choice for family safaris. Official site: https://www.pilanesbergnationalpark.org/ 8. iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal iSimangaliso means "miracle and wonder" in the Zulu language, and it's a fitting name for this World Heritage Area, home to Africa's largest estuarine system. Formerly the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, iSimangaliso lies on the northeastern coast of Kwazulu Natal and connects eight interwoven ecosystems, including coral reefs, croc-filled rivers, lakes, towering coastal dunes, swamplands, and savanna. Not surprisingly, the area supports an incredible variety of wildlife. More than 526 species of birds inhabit the reserve, as well as leatherback and loggerhead turtles, leopards, rhinos, and Africa's highest concentration of hippos and crocodiles. This unique wilderness area offers you the chance to combine a classic safari experience with coastal adventures in the marine reserve, such as kayaking, fishing, diving, and snorkeling. Official site: http://isimangaliso.com/ 9. Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga Beautiful Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve (also called Motlatse River Canyon) is a favorite stop on the drive between Johannesburg and Kruger National Park. The park is home to Africa's second largest canyon, as well as a rich diversity of wildlife and plants. Lush subtropical foliage, waterfalls, glistening rivers, and lichen-covered rock formations create a striking canvas of color and texture. Game viewing can be particularly rewarding, with all the common species of South African primates and many hippos and crocodiles. The best way to explore this spectacular park is via the scenic driving routes or by hiking the extensive trails. Panoramic viewpoints include Three Rondavels and the aptly named God's Window. Boat trips and whitewater rafting are also available on the rivers. 10. Robben Island, Western Cape Robben Island, Western Cape In Table Bay, World-Heritage-listed Robben Island is a haunting reminder of the horrors of apartheid. Nelson Mandela spent 18 years imprisoned in a tiny cell here along with other political dissidents and social misfits. Perhaps the best part about this experience is that ex-prisoners are usually the guides, sharing poignant first-hand accounts of the atrocities they endured. Tours to the island begin with multimedia exhibits in the museum at the Nelson Mandela Gateway in the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Sightseers then board boats to Robben Island, often braving rough swells on the 30- to 45-minute ride. Be sure to book early, as the tours can fill up fast. 11. Durban's Golden Mile, KwaZulu-Natal Durban's Golden Mile, KwaZulu-Natal The sweeping waterfront promenade called the Golden Mile is a legendary Durban tourist attraction and a great starting point for a tour of the city. Long blond beaches lure swimmers, surfers, and anglers, while the bustling promenade feels like Miami Beach with its high-rise hotels, shops, restaurants, and flashy entertainment complexes. You can stroll along the promenade or rent a bike or Segway. Besides the beach scene, top attractions along this stretch include uShaka Marine World, a wonderland of sea-themed attractions; Moses Mabhida Stadium; and Mini Town, a tiny replica of Durban with a miniature rail network, airport, and harbor scene. 12. Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Mpumalunga Leopard in Sabi Sands For one of South Africa's most luxurious safari experiences pay a visit to Sabi Sands Game Reserve, which is adjacent to Kruger National Park. The private reserve hosts dozens of top-end lodges, including Singita Sabi Sand. The five-star lodge has three types of sleeping experiences on 45,00 acres of land and is known for its frequent leopard sightings. The different lodging options at Singita Sabi Sand include Singita Boulders Lodge , Singita Ebony Lodge , and Singita Castleton . One of the perks of staying in a private reserve versus the national park is the ability for game drives to get closer to the animals because they don't have to stick to designated roads. The animals themselves can roam freely between Kruger and Sabi Sands, and the lodges here all employ expert guides and trackers to take guests into the heat of the action, be this watching a pride of lions on the hunt or getting up close to a rhino. 13. Boulders Penguin Colony, Simon's Town, Western Cape Boulders Penguin Colony in Simon's Town If you have a love of penguins, then you'll want to head to Simon's Town, about an hour from Cape Town. Here, you'll find three pretty beaches that are home to the Boulders Penguin Colony. The colony of charismatic black-and-white endangered African penguins is about 2,000 strong. You'll find the birds lounging on the sand and surrounding granite boulders, as well as taking a dip in the bay. The water here is very clear and calm and because the boulders shelter it from winds and currents, it is also a good swimming spot if you can brave the icy temps of the water. To enter the beach area where the penguins are, you'll need to pay a conservation fee to the Table Mountain National Marine Protected Area, which helps preserve their habitat. The best penguin viewing sites are seen from a boardwalk at Foxy Beach. After getting your fill of penguins, head into Simon's Town for lunch. The town is also home to South Africa'a largest naval base. 14. Wild Coast, Eastern Cape Coffee Bay, Wild Coast, South Africa Some of South Africa's most beautiful coastline runs between East London and Chintsa in the Eastern Cape. Known as the Wild Coast, the landscape here is a mesmerizing melange of craggy cliffs, deep blue ocean, gold sand, green hills, and subtropical forests. The ancestral home of the Xhosa people, whose villages still cover the hillsides, this region was part of the Transkei during the apartheid era and was one of four territories declared independent from South Africa at the time. After apartheid ended, it joined the Eastern Cape province in 1994. Today you can drive the route, which is a similar concept to the Garden Route, with small towns like Port St. Johns, Coffee Bay, and Chintsa strung out along the highway and serving as anchors for further exploration. The best way to experience the Wild Coast, however, is either with a 4WD vehicle that lets you get off the pavement, or via foot. Many of the local villages are connected by walking tracks. Popular activities include surfing, horseback riding, and looking for animals in Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve. Hole in the Wall, which is a natural arch that has been carved by the omnipresent and furious ocean, is another must-see. Chintsa, which is at the very edge of the route, is our favorite place to stay. Surrounded by rolling green hills and forests, it has a beautiful stretch of beach backed by windswept dunes, a handful of small hotels, and a few restaurants in the two villages on either side of the Chintsa River. 15. Addo Elephant National Park, Eastern Cape Addo Elephant National Park South Africa's third largest national park, Addo Elephant National Park was founded in 1931 in an effort to save the country's last 11 bush elephants from extinction. Located in the Eastern Cape around 72 kilometers north of Port Elizabeth, it is home to more than 600 elephants today. The ecosystem of this national park, which stretches from the Karoo to the coast, is also intriguing. And besides elephants, the park is home to large breeding populations of African penguins and Cape gannets. The park is also home to two offshore islands, and claims it is the only national park on the planet to protect the Big 7, which counts great white sharks and southern right whales along with the traditional Big 5 (elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, and Cape buffalo). Book a guided day or night game drive to hopefully see all these animals, as well as lots of bird species, zebras, antelope, and nocturnal creatures, from bush pigs to porcupines. You can also participate in horseback riding safaris and even hikes. Many people visit just for a day, but if you want to stay overnight, you can reserve accommodation in huts or a two-story cottage. Official site: http://www.sanparks.org/parks/addo/default.php 16. Madikwe Game Reserve, North West Province White rhino in the Madikwe Game Reserve Less well known and crowded than many of South Africa's top parks, Madikwe Game Reserve is located in the North West Province near the border with Botswana. The park is located at the edge of the Kalahari Desert and features beautiful scenery. It is also teeming with animals. South Africa's fifth largest reserve, the park is just a four-hour drive north from Johannesburg and also accessible by bush plane. There are a number of safari lodges inside its fences, ranging from mid-range to ultra luxe, like Jamala Madikwe . All offer opportunities to see the Big 5, along with rarer animals like the African wild dog. There are less than 5,000 wild dogs left in the wild, but Madikwe has a good-sized pack that can often be spotted on wildlife drives. 17. Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape Surfer at Jeffreys Bay Surfers flock to Jeffreys Bay between May and September to try to hang 10 at South Africa's most famous break, Supertubes. J-Bay, as the town is often referred to, is one of the top surfing spots in the world and hosts major competitions. The right-hand point break can run for more than 300 meters during a good swell. It is known not only for its length and fast tubing formation (hence the name) but also for its consistency. Jefferys Bay is in the Eastern Cape, about 77 kilometers southwest of Port Elizabeth. In summer, between December and February, when the winds die down and the Indian Ocean waters warm up, the beach here is also great for swimming and body boarding. J-Bay is a top vacation spot in summer for South Africans, who come to relax on the beach, dine on fresh fish and stay in one of many hotels, guesthouses, or hostels around the laid-back town. 18. Cape Agulhas, Western Cape The southernmost tip of the African Continent at Cape Agulhas Cape Agulhas marks the African continent's southernmost point and is where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. It is often overlooked for a visit to Cape Point, which is closer to Cape Town and has a more dramatic coastline. That said, Cape Point is South Africa's most southwesterly point, but to say you've stood at the very tip of Africa, you'll need to make the 220-kilometer drive from the Mother City to Cape Agulhas. The place where the two oceans meet is marked only by a small cobalt blue sign and is well worth a photo for the bucket list tick off. Translated to mean "Cape of Needles," the name's exact origin is still unknown. Some say it references the Portuguese navigators' compass needles that pointed due north here. Others say it was named for the needle-sharp reefs off the coastline here. Also in the vicinity is South Africa's second oldest lighthouse. It was built in 1848 and today serves as a museum. 19. Johannesburg and Pretoria, Gauteng Johannesburg and Pretoria, Gauteng Johannesburg, also known as Jo'burg, is the largest city in South Africa by population and a gateway for many travelers on safari. Named the "City of Gold" for its rich deposits of the precious metal, it's also the economic engine and vibrant heart of the country. Top things to do in Johannesburg include visiting the Apartheid Museum, a poignant look at the oppression of apartheid to the birth of democracy; Constitution Hill; and Gold Reef City, which traces the region's history through mining-themed attractions. If Johannesburg is the heart of South Africa, the shanty towns of Soweto, are its soul. An abbreviation for "southwestern townships," Soweto birthed the freedom movement, which created South Africa's new democratic constitution. One of the popular things to do in Johannesburg is take a guided tour of the townships, which often includes a visit to the Mandela House, now a national monument. Close in distance, but a world away in feel, Pretoria is the administrative capital of South Africa. It's a city of parks and gardens, and home to popular attractions like the Voortrekker Monument and Heritage Site and the highly-lauded Freedom Park. 20. Cage Dive with Great White Sharks Cage Dive with Great White Sharks Climb into a thick iron cage, plunge into the ocean, and come face-to-face with a great white shark. Believe it or not, this is one of South Africa's top attractions – for thrill seekers. The sport has become so popular that new tour operators keep sprouting up every year. The best time to try the dive is April through October, but great whites swim these waters throughout the year thanks to healthy populations of seals and fish. Cape Town tour operators organize shark cage dives to areas such as Simon's Town, Seal Island, Dyer Island, Mossel Bay, and Gansbaai, the self-proclaimed "Great White Shark Capital of the World." Trips can also be arranged out of Durban and Rocky Bay. Since divers are enclosed in the custom-designed cages, no diving certification is required. For a little less excitement, it's also possible to watch the action from the boat. South Africa’s top 10 incredible attractions Ask anyone and they’ll tell you, South Africa boasts amazing tourist attractions that are worth visiting more than once. But where does one even start? Here’s a list of top 10 attractions that you should tick off your “to-do” list. Table Mountain Sitting at 1,085m above sea level, you’re guaranteed incredible sunset views of Cape Town and surrounds on the new 7 Wonders of the World – the magnificent Table Mountain . Sprawling with indigenous plants such as the Protea and wildlife including adorable Dassies (rock badgers), Table Mountain is the ideal spot to witness nature at its best. Get a bird’s eye view of the city below from the Table Mountain Cable Way . Cradle of Mankind Imagine what life was like in South Africa millions of years ago. Now you can when you visit the Cradle of Mankind in Gauteng, just northwest of Johannesburg. This World Heritage Site is a treasure trove of fossilised history, and home to the remains of our ancestors – the Hominids. Go back in time and discover an ancient world of dinosaur fossils, hominid skeletons and evidence of their existence at the Maropeng Visitor Centre and the Sterkfontein Caves. Robben Island Of course, a visit to the Cape Town (The Mother City) is not complete without a boat trip to Robben Island . One can almost feel the spirit of legendary Tata Madiba - Nelson Mandela on the island, where he spent 27 years in incarceration. Take a tour of his former prison cell and learn more about his years spent on the island with other struggle fighters. The Cape Winelands Who doesn’t like to swirl and sip delicious and award-winning wines? Even if you’re not a wine connoisseur, everyone can appreciate a good glass of wine. There’s no doubt South Africa, particularly the Western Cape is gateway to incredible wines that’s made in centuries old vineyards across the province. From Stellenbosch to Franschoek , drive along the wine route and enjoy wine tasting along with food pairing to tickle your palate. The Drakensberg Mountains Did You Know? The Golden Gate Highlands National Park is 2200 metres above sea level? Reaching a whopping 3482 metres above sea level, the Drakensberg Mountains covers a distance of over 1000 kilometres. Thabana Ntlenyana is its highest peak and can be found around the area bordering Lesotho. The Kruger National Park Expect to see the 'King of the Jungle' in its natural domain, ruling over the savannah... and the roads. The Kruger National Park is a gateway into the wild, where visitors get to see the Big Five including lions and other fierce cats in their prime. Things To Do in Pretoria Located on the northern slopes of Klapperkop in Groenkloof, Pretoria, Jan Cilliers Park is one of the oldest parks in the city. Also known as Protea Park, it is famous for its numerous native plants, trees and shrubs and excellent views of the Union Buildings and the city. 20. Loftus Versfeld Stadium 1 km from city center 20 out of 27 Things To Do in Pretoria The famous home stadium of the rugby team Blue Bulls, and also hosted 5 games during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. 21. Roodeplaat Dam Provincial Nature Reserve 13 km from city center 21 out of 27 Things To Do in Pretoria The Roodeplaat Dam Provincial Nature Reserve, originally called Pienaars Rivier Dam, is located northeast of Pretoria on the shores of the Roodeplaat Dam. It is also an outdoor recreation facility popular for several water activities alongside its wildlife. Over 250 species of birds, including Black herons, Hammerkops and Ospreys, can be seen here, making it ideal for bird watching. Magnolia Dell 2 km from city center 22 out of 27 Things To Do in Pretoria One of the most beautiful parks in Pretoria, Magnolia Dell is located in Bailey's Muckleneuk between Queen Wilhelmina, over Mahomed Street. It is known for its lush greenery consisting of over 250 magnolia trees and colourful flowers. The Walkerspruit creek inside the park has a statue of Peter Pan. Hedianga Farm 10 km from city center 23 out of 27 Things To Do in Pretoria Hedianga Farm is a predominantly rocky region comprising different challenging trails perfect for walking, hiking and mountain biking. It is situated on the Bronberg side of the Magaliesberg mountain in the eastern part of Pretoria. It is a great location to watch the sunset and take photographs. Centurion Society of Model Engineers 14 km from city center 24 out of 27 Things To Do in Pretoria The Centurion Society of Model Engineers is a beautiful green space in the residential suburb of Zwartkop. Formerly known as Meerpark, it is known for its train rides. It has a 2km long train track ideal for small steam trains designed mainly for children. The train passes by a serene lake, through tunnels and over bridges. Buffelsdrift Trail Park 9 km from city center 25 out of 27 Things To Do in Pretoria Located 15km north of Pretoria on the western side of Dinokeng, the Buffelsdrift Trail Park lies within the Buffelsdrift Nature Conservancy. The trail park is well-known for its wildlife, lush greenery and numerous trails. It boasts 10 main mountain biking routes, including Buffel, Nguni, Kudu and Rabbit, that are of different difficulty levels. Grove Ice Rink 10 km from city center 26 out of 27 Things To Do in Pretoria The Grove Ice Rink is located at the Grove Shopping Mall in the Lynwood Ride suburb of Pretoria and is a famous yet small ice skating rink. It is ideal for children and adults alike. It offers early morning sessions, public sessions and also academy lessons for those who want to learn to ice skate. National Zoological Gardens of South Africa 4 km from city center 3 out of 27 Things To Do in Pretoria National Zoological Gardens of South Africa is South Africa's largest zoo, spread across a sprawling 210 acres and is home to about 9000 animals of more than 700 species. There is a river bank inside ideal for a picnic, and a cable car connects the top of the hills to the entrance at the bottom. The chargeable cable car provides amazing views of the entire zoo and all its enclosures. Rietvlei Nature Reserve 15 km from city center 4 out of 27 Things To Do in Pretoria About 18 km from the centre of Pretoria, the Rietvlei Nature Reserve is a sprawling area of grasslands, home to various endangered flora and fauna. Drives through the grassland reserve are a famous tourist activity, as the park offers brilliant picnic spots and the opportunity to view more than 1500 animals. The scenic Rietvlei Dam is also situated in the park. Pretoria Travel Packages Compare quotes from upto 3 travel agents for free Union Buildings 2 km from city center 5 out of 27 Things To Do in Pretoria Union Buildings is the seat of the government of South Africa and one of the most iconic heritage sites of the country. The architecture of the building is striking, with the twin towers sitting at the front building representing the English and Afrikaans languages. Unfortunately, only the gardens are accessible to the public. Since the building is located at the highest point of the city, these terraced gardens offer great views of the city. Freedom Park Pretoria 5 km from city center 6 out of 27 Things To Do in Pretoria Freedom Park is a monument and historical landmark that spans 56 acres on Salvokop in Pretoria. A memorial called Isivivane, a symbolic resting place for all who lost their lives in the struggle for independence is located within the park. 4 km from city center 7 out of 27 Things To Do in Pretoria The Ditsong National Museum of Cultural History is located on Visagie Street in Old Mint. It is often called a centre for living culture as it focuses on the country’s history and the lives of its people. It has objects, documents, manuscripts, records, publications and photographs of South African history. There are guided tours held both day and night. Melrose House 4 km from city center 8 out of 27 Things To Do in Pretoria The Melrose House Museum is housed in a stately Burgers Park Pretoria mansion. It was used as a military headquarters during the Second Boer War and is where the Peace Treaty of Vereeniging was signed. It still houses the table on which it was signed and has a copy of the treaty. Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve 6 km from city center 9 out of 27 Things To Do in Pretoria The Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve is famous for its diverse flora, fauna, and magnificent views. It is situated in the eastern part of Pretoria in Gauteng. It is an excellent place for bird watching, hiking and conducting photoshoots. Picnicking, dog walking, guided hikes, group activities etc., are not permitted at the reserve. Kruger House Museum 5 km from city center 10 out of 27 Things To Do in Pretoria The last house of Paul Kruger, president of South Africa, which today is a museum displaying life during the days he stayed in this house. Horseback Africa 39 km from city center 11 out of 27 Things To Do in Pretoria Horse riding in South Africa is one of the most popular sports. Colin's Horseback Africa is the most popular in the area. Based in a private game park, it provides an exclusive tour, with zebras and giraffes among the many animals you will view from up and close. You can also take a walk and play with lion cubs! Groenkloof Nature Reserve 6 km from city center 12 out of 27 Things To Do in Pretoria 5 km south of the city, the Groenkloof Nature Reserve was South Africa's first nature reserve, established in 1895 and is one of Gauteng's top game reserves. It has several hiking and mountain biking trails and great 4x4 trails for off-road car lovers. It is also a great place for bird watchers, with a huge variety of local birds frequenting the area. Discover More About Sightseeing & Tourist Attractions in Pretoria Adventure 13 Hiking Trails in Pretoria for a Fun Expedition Nightlife 15 Best Bars in Pretoria for a Rocking Night Out Adventure Skydiving in Pretoria - A Comprehensive Guide Sightseeing Gardens in Pretoria Food & Drink 15 Romantic Restaurants in Pretoria for the Perfect Date 13. Hennops Hiking Trail 13 km from city center 13 out of 27 Things To Do in Pretoria Hennops Hiking Trail refers to many hiking, driving and biking trails from Haeda camp along the Hennops River and into the surrounding mountains. The routes are popular for historical sites, rich wild and plant life, and unique river crossings. You may cross with a suspension bridge or a cable car. 14. Hazel Food Market 10 km from city center 14 out of 27 Things To Do in Pretoria Hazel Food Market offers delicious and authentic food, from freshly baked bread to sophisticated wines. It is located in Pretoria High School Old Boys Club in Queen’s Crescent every Saturday. The Market is a melting pot of cultures with Dutch, Indian, Polish, Greek and Italian cuisines available here. 15. Pretoria Art Museum 2 km from city center 15 out of 27 Things To Do in Pretoria Pretoria Art Museum, located in Arcadia, is renowned for its collection of South African art. The City Council has curated this collection since 1930. They collect, document and conserve South African art and host international and national travelling exhibitions and educational sessions. 16. Faerie Glen Nature Reserve 8 km from city center 16 out of 27 Things To Do in Pretoria The Faerie Glen Nature Reserve is a wildlife sanctuary situated east of Pretoria. It is famous for hiking, dog walking (a permit is required), picnicking (only picnic baskets are permitted) and photography. Bird watching is popular, with over 150 bird species found here. There are two wooden lookout points for the same. 17. Mandela Statue 4 km from city center 17 out of 27 Things To Do in Pretoria The Nelson Mandela statue was erected in honour of the anti-apartheid activist and first President of South Africa. It is located on the Union Building Grounds in Pretoria. Standing 9 metres tall, it is the tallest statue of Nelson Mandela in the world. Jan Smuts House Museum 16 km from city center 18 out of 27 Things To Do in Pretoria Jan Smuts House is the preserved home of the former Prime Minister of South Africa, Jan Smuts. It is located in Irene, about halfway between Pretoria and Johannesburg. The house has conserved the life of Jan Smuts through pictures, furniture and artefacts. Jan Cilliers Park 3 km from city center 19 out of 27 Things To Do in Pretoria Located on the northern slopes of Klapperkop in Groenkloof, Pretoria, Jan Cilliers Park is one of the oldest parks in the city. Also known as Protea Park, it is famous for its numerous native plants, trees and shrubs and excellent views of the Union Buildings and the city. 20. Loftus Versfeld Stadium 1 km from city center 20 out of 27 Things To Do in Pretoria The famous home stadium of the rugby team Blue Bulls, and also hosted 5 games during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. 21. Roodeplaat Dam Provincial Nature Reserve 13 km from city center 21 out of 27 Things To Do in Pretoria The Roodeplaat Dam Provincial Nature Reserve, originally called Pienaars Rivier Dam, is located northeast of Pretoria on the shores of the Roodeplaat Dam. It is also an outdoor recreation facility popular for several water activities alongside its wildlife. Over 250 species of birds, including Black herons, Hammerkops and Ospreys, can be seen here, making it ideal for bird watching. Magnolia Dell 2 km from city center 22 out of 27 Things To Do in Pretoria One of the most beautiful parks in Pretoria, Magnolia Dell is located in Bailey's Muckleneuk between Queen Wilhelmina, over Mahomed Street. It is known for its lush greenery consisting of over 250 magnolia trees and colourful flowers. The Walkerspruit creek inside the park has a statue of Peter Pan. Hedianga Farm 10 km from city center 23 out of 27 Things To Do in Pretoria Hedianga Farm is a predominantly rocky region comprising different challenging trails perfect for walking, hiking and mountain biking. It is situated on the Bronberg side of the Magaliesberg mountain in the eastern part of Pretoria. It is a great location to watch the sunset and take photographs. Centurion Society of Model Engineers 14 km from city center 24 out of 27 Things To Do in Pretoria The Centurion Society of Model Engineers is a beautiful green space in the residential suburb of Zwartkop. Formerly known as Meerpark, it is known for its train rides. It has a 2km long train track ideal for small steam trains designed mainly for children. The train passes by a serene lake, through tunnels and over bridges. Buffelsdrift Trail Park 9 km from city center 25 out of 27 Things To Do in Pretoria Located 15km north of Pretoria on the western side of Dinokeng, the Buffelsdrift Trail Park lies within the Buffelsdrift Nature Conservancy. The trail park is well-known for its wildlife, lush greenery and numerous trails. It boasts 10 main mountain biking routes, including Buffel, Nguni, Kudu and Rabbit, that are of different difficulty levels. Grove Ice Rink 10 km from city center 26 out of 27 Things To Do in Pretoria The Grove Ice Rink is located at the Grove Shopping Mall in the Lynwood Ride suburb of Pretoria and is a famous yet small ice skating rink. It is ideal for children and adults alike. It offers early morning sessions, public sessions and also academy lessons for those who want to learn to ice skate. Zita Park 8 km from city center 27 out of 27 Things To Do in Pretoria Zita Park is a public park located on Zita Street in Garsfontein, Pretoria. It has sprawling lawns surrounded by trees, ideal for walking and picnics. There is a playground for children with jungle gyms, slides and other equipment. The Trans Karoo Express , or simply Trans Karoo, was a South African express passenger train service which travelled an approximately 1,600-kilometre (990 mi) journey between Johannesburg and Cape Town . It operated daily in each direction, meaning that there were in fact two Trans Karoos - they passed each other during the night, heading in opposite directions. The service was operated by Spoornet , the national railway company. The Trans Karoo was named from the Great Karoo scrubland, one of the most extensive geographical features of southern Africa, across which the train operated. The route was identical to that operated by the Blue Train . However, the Blue Train is an exclusively 1st-class luxury service, on which a considerable premium is payable. The Trans Karoo conveyed 3rd class, 2nd class, and 'ordinary' 1st class passengers. Those travelling 1st class on the Trans Karoo had private sleeping compartments (converted to seating accommodation during the day) with washing facilities, plus shared showers and lavatories in each carriage. There was also a dining and lounge car on the train, where meals could be taken in comfort. The lounge car was only for the use of 1st class passengers, while both 1st and 2nd class passengers could take meals in the dining car. 2nd class was similar to 1st class, sleeping 6 passengers in each compartment and 3 in each couple, where 1st class slept 4 and 2 respectively. Early and mid steel bodied 2nd class carriages had no shower facilities, however subsequent generations of 2nd class carriages introduced in the 1980s did. 3rd class slept 6 per compartment in rather spartan conditions, with minimal padding on the seats and bunks, and while each 1st and 2nd class compartment had two windows, 3rd class compartments only had one. Coupes in all three classes had a single window. Heating in the carriages was provided by steam radiators, so in the winter months Vapor Clarkson steam generator wagons would be coupled between the locomotives and the rest of the train on the sections where the motive power was diesel or electric. After anti-apartheid sanctions were lifted in 1990, South Africa became a popular destination for railfans as Spoornet was still using many steam locomotives . In 1991, Spoornet began to operate the Trans Karoo Express with steam for part of its journey. A pair of 25NC class locomotives hauled the train between Johannesburg and Klerksdorp on Saturdays, returning on Sundays. This ended in March 1997. The Blue Train travels an approximately 1,600-kilometre (990 mi) journey in South Africa between Pretoria and Cape Town . It is one of the most luxurious train journeys in the world. It boasts butler service, two lounge cars (smoking and non-smoking), an observation car , and carriages with gold-tinted picture windows, in soundproofed , fully carpeted compartments, each featuring its own en-suite (many of which are equipped with a full-sized bathtub).[1] The service is promoted as a "magnificent moving five-star hotel " by its operators, who note that kings and presidents have travelled on it. The train runs through South Africa diagonally with an average travel duration of 27 hours. History The Blue Train's origins date back to 1923, when the Union Express commenced between Johannesburg and Cape Town , it was named the Union Limited in the reverse direction. The Union Express introduced luxury features such as a dining saloon in 1933 and air-conditioned carriages from Metro-Cammell in 1939 After being withdrawn in 1942 due to World War II , the service returned in 1946. With the reintroduction of the train, the colloquial "blue train" moniker, a reference to the blue-painted steel carriages introduced in 1937, was formally adopted as the new name. In 1955 it began to be hauled by 3E electric locomotives between Cape Town and Touws River . In 1959 a Wegmann & Co built air-conditioned dining and kitchen car was inserted into each set.In September 1972, two 16 carriage sets built by Union Carriage & Wagon were introduced. In 1997 it was refurbished and relaunched. In 2015, Class 20Es 20-031 and 20-032 were assigned to the train replacing Class 18Es . Notable past passengers include Nelson Mandela, Quincy Jones, Paul Simon, Mia Farrow, Margaret Thatcher and Kylie Minogue. Route The Blue Train operated on four distinct routes prior to 2002: the main Pretoria-Cape Town service the scenic "Garden Route" from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth to Hoedspruit, along the western edge of Kruger National Park to Zimbabwe 's Victoria Falls By 2004 the last two routes had been suspended, the former due to lack of patronage, the latter due to erratic rail rates being charged for access to the network of financially strapped Zimbabwe. As of 2007 the only regular route in operation was Pretoria-Cape Town; however special package tours were offered to Durban or the Bakubung Game Lodge.[14] Other variations on the route have been offered. Shosholoza Meyl , the long-distance train division of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa , operates trains on the same Pretoria to Cape Town route. One train per day runs in each direction, but this not a 'luxury' service. As of 2009, the Blue Train is operated by Luxrail, a division of Transnet Freight Rail . Operations require two Blue Trains in operation: one operates in the northern direction and the other in the southern direction, allowing for daily departures from both ends of the route. The first train accommodates 74 guests in 37 suites. The second accommodates 58 guests in 29 suites and features a conference or observation car at the back of the train. The trains travel at a speed of up to 90 kilometres per hour (56 mph). nly pivots inwards for a short distance. The original windows slid downwards into the side of the carriage, and opened fully, allowing passengers a much better view of the passing countryside. BACK TO TOP

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Kruger National Park Where nearly 2 million hectares of unrivaled diversity of life forms fuses with historical and archaeological sights – this is real Africa. The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. Truly the flagship of the South African National Parks, this enormous and magnificent park is one of the most popular public-entry game parks in the world. Few visitors leave South Africa without visiting the Kruger National Park or one of the private reserves along its borders but it is also frequented by locals in their own vehicles, as you can drive yourself around and stay overnight in one of the many public rest camps . There are also a few exclusive private lodges that have been granted concessions within the Kruger National Park. Kruger has 12 main rest camps, 5 bushveld camps, 2 bush lodges and 4 satellite camps. The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. Established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the South African Lowveld, this national park is unrivalled in the diversity of its life forms and a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies. Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. Man’s interaction with the lowveld environment over many centuries – from bushman rock paintings to majestic archaeological sites like Masorini and Thulamela – is very evident in the Kruger National Park. These treasures represent the cultures, persons and events that played a role in the history of the Kruger National Park and are conserved along with the park’s natural assets. Kruger National Park is a South African National Park and one of the largest game reserves in Africa . It covers an area of 19,623 km2 (7,576 sq mi) in the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga in northeastern South Africa , and extends 360 km (220 mi) from north to south and 65 km (40 mi) from east to west. The administrative headquarters are in Skukuza . Areas of the park were first protected by the government of the South African Republic in 1898, and it became South Africa's first national park in 1926. To the west and south of the Kruger National Park are the two South African provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga , respectively. To the north is Zimbabwe and to the east is Mozambique . It is now part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park , a peace park that links Kruger National Park with the Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe, and with the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique. The park is part of the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere , an area designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as an International Man and Biosphere Reserve. The park has nine main gates allowing entrance to the different camps. History Main article: History of the Kruger National Park Sabi Game Reserve (1898–1926) Sabi Game Reserve was initially created to control hunting and to protect the diminishing number of animals in the area. The reserve was located in the southern one-third of the modern park. James Stevenson-Hamilton became the first warden of the reserve in 1902. Singwitsi Reserve , named after the Shingwedzi River and now in northern Kruger National Park, was proclaimed in 1903. During the following decades all the native tribes were removed from the reserve and during the 1960s the last were removed at Makuleke in the Pafuri triangle. In 1926, Sabi Game Reserve, the adjacent Shingwedzi Game Reserve, and farms were combined to create Kruger National Park. During 1923, the first large groups of tourists started visiting the Sabi Game Reserve, but only as part of the South African Railways ' popular "Round in Nine" tours. The tourist trains travelled the Selati railway line between Komatipoort on the Mozambican border and Tzaneen in the then northern Transvaal. Kruger National Park Plaque in the park. Now and then people do get killed; however, this is extremely rare. Kruger National Park was proclaimed in 1918. Warden James Stevenson-Hamilton retired on 30 April 1946, after 44 years as warden of the Kruger Park. He was replaced by Colonel J. A. B. Sandenbergh of the South African Air Force .In 1959, work commenced to completely fence the park's boundaries. Work started on the southern boundary along the Crocodile River and in 1960 the western and northern boundaries were fenced, followed by the eastern boundary with Mozambique. The purpose of the fence was to curb the spread of diseases, facilitate border patrolling and inhibit the movement of poachers . The Makuleke area in the northern part of the park was forcibly taken from the Makuleke people by the government in 1969 and about 1500 of them were relocated to land to the south so that their original tribal areas could be integrated into the greater Kruger National Park. Pride of lions on a tourist road In 1996 the Makuleke tribe submitted a land claim for 198.42 km2 (19,842 ha), namely the Pafuri or Makuleke region in the northernmost part of the park. The land was given back to the Makuleke people, however, they chose not to resettle on the land but to engage with the private sector to invest in tourism. This resulted in the building of several game lodges from which they earn royalties. In the late 1990s, the fences between the Kruger Park and Klaserie Game Reserve, Olifants Game Reserve, and Balule Game Reserve were dropped and incorporated into the Greater Kruger Park with 400,000 ha (4,000 km2) added to the Reserve. In 2002, Kruger National Park, Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe , and Limpopo National Park in Mozambique were incorporated into a peace park , the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park . Location and geography Geography of the Kruger National Park Olifants River Luvuvhu and Limpopo Rivers at Crookes Corner in Makuleke The park lies in the northeast of South Africa,in the eastern parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. Phalaborwa , Limpopo is the only town in South Africa that borders the Kruger National Park. It is one of the largest national parks in the world, with an area of 19,485 km2 (7,523 sq mi). The park is approximately 360 km (220 mi) long,and has an average width of 65 km (40 mi). At its widest point, the park is 90 km (56 mi) wide from east to west. To the north and south of the park two rivers, the Limpopo River and the Crocodile respectively, act as their natural boundaries. To the east, the Lebombo Mountains separate it from Mozambique. Its western boundary runs parallel with this range, roughly 65 km (40 mi) distant. The park varies in altitude between 200 m (660 ft) in the east and 840 m (2,760 ft) in the south-west near Berg-en-Dal. The highest point in the park is here, a hill called Khandzalive. Several rivers run through the park from west to east, including the Sabie , Olifants , Crocodile, Letaba , Luvuvhu and Limpopo Rivers. Wildlife Species South-central black rhinoceros Blue wildebeest Plains zebra Bushbuck Common eland African bush elephant Giraffe Greater kudu Hippopotamus Impala Hartebeest Mountain reedbuck Nyala –300300 Roan antelope Sable antelope Common warthog Waterbuck 5, Southern white rhinoceros African wild dog Cheetah Nile crocodile – Leopard Lion Spotted hyena Kruger National Park Wildlife – All about the Animals in the Reserve Discover the incredible variety of Kruger National Park wildlife. There are over a hundred animal species! Watching Kruger National Park animals interact with their natural environment can be time consuming, but is definitely rewarding. Take an animal checklist with you on your safari to see all the mammals you could see in the park. If you own or can borrow a pair of binoculars, they’ll help you scan the bush for game and to identify birds. Plus you’ll find out if that distant rock is really a rock or an animal! On a visit to the park, people aim to see the big 5 . The big 5 were traditionally the most sought after hunting trophies: Lions Elephants Buffalos Rhinos Leopards Other common animals you’re bound to run into are: Baboons Crocodiles Giraffes Hippos Monkeys Warthogs Wildebeest Zebras Less common animals: Cheetahs Hyenas Jackals Mongooses Porcupines Wild dogs Nocturnal animals, all sightings of which are less common: Bushbabies Civets Genets Honey badgers Servals Spring hares Did you know, there is also a little five ? Antlions Eastern rock elephant shrews Leopard tortoises Red-billed buffalo weavers Rhino beetles On top of the little five, there are other little creatures to see in the park including: Dung beetles Mopani worms There are over 500 types of Kruger National Park birds ! The southern and central regions of the park have a higher concentration of animals. The northern region is dryer so fewer animals live there. Kruger National Park Wildlife What are the Big 5 in Africa? The Big 5 wildlife refers to the Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and Buffalo. These are often the most in-demand animals to see while on an African safari. By 1896 white rhino were extinct in the Lowveld, while elsewhere a relic 50 animals survived between the White and Black Umfolozi rivers in Zululand. Successful conservation measures made it possible to re-introduce 337 rhino from 1961 onwards, and the Kruger Park now safeguards the world's largest population. White rhino require a reliable supply of water, both for drinking (every two to three days). In Kruger National Park, 85 per cent of the white rhino population occurs in the Southern Region, where rainfall is higher than average and water holes are evenly distributed. Their senses of smell and hearing are good, but their eyesight is poor. A white rhino bull marks his territory by spray-urinating along its boundaries. Only territorial males do this; subordinate males are allowed to live within the territory so long as they remain submissive. Females are free to wander across the territories of several males. White rhino coat their hides in mud to reduce bites from irritating flies, and during the hot summer months mud wallows help to regulate body temperature. With a considerable body mass of up to 2 300 kilograms, and a vast surface area that is increased by folds of skin, white rhino can remove large quantities of mud from a wallow with each visit. Over the decades this has the effect of excavating significant depressions in the veld, which are rapidly filled during the rainy season to form pans. An elephant drinks from a pool in the Mphongolo River that still holds water during winter months. An elephant can draw 17 litres of water at a time. During winter, elephant are usually concentrated within six kilometres of water and drink on average every two days, consuming between 180 and 400 litres per visit.Two young elephants play on the soft, cool sandy bed of the Mphongolo River. Elephants live in well-ordered family groups that are usually led by the oldest female, the matriarch. In addition to the matriarch, the group consists of her older female calves, related females and their offspring. Males leave the herd from the age of 12 years.The elephant with its dexterous trunk, which is composed of 50 000 muscles, is able to carefully select leaves from among the thorny branches of a thicket of Delagoa thorns (Acacia delagoensis). Young buffalo depend on the structure of the herd for protection. Buffalo are almost exclusively grazers, and half the Kruger population occurs on the open savannas of the Central Region. These bovids consume large quantities of grass of a moderate quality, and in doing so play a valuable role in the ecosystem by reducing tall grasslands and opening up areas for the antelope that feed only on short grasses. As an adult can weigh more than 750 kilograms, buffalo comprise a quarter of Kruger's total biomass, or live weight of animals. Although lion working together can overpower an adult bull, the availability of sufficient grass is the most important limiting factor on herd size. Unlike most antelope species, male buffalo voluntarily leave the breeding herd and rejoin at a later stage. A herd does not occupy a fixed territory, and its favoured home range includes certain areas that are utilised during winter, and an expanded range that is used during summer. Typically, old bulls eventually become permanently separated from the herd to live a solitary existence, or form small bachelor groups. In winter, buffalo in Kruger National Park concentrate within eight kilometres of permanent water, especially along the Sabie, Olifants, Letaba and Shingwedzi rivers, and the sight of a herd of several hundred buffalo raising clouds of red dust as they trek to water is one of the most memorable that the Park can offer.A dominant buffalo bull asserts his position by holding his head high while pointing his nose towards the ground. Head-tossing and a hooking motion of the horns are also used. If this fails, the bull will batter his solid horn boss against that of his rival until he gives in.Under favourable conditions, when game concentrates around water holes and there is a steady supply of prey, a lioness can give birth to a litter of one to five cubs every two years. Within a pride most cubs are born at the same time, mostly between February and April when young prey animals are abundant.Since the establishment of the Park in 1898, lion have increased proportionately to a significant increase in their prey species. In the 1920s Stevenson-Hamilton counted 600 lion in the Park. Today, Kruger supports about 2 000, representing one of the largest populations in Africa.The mane of a dominant pride lion protects the head and neck from injury and deters rival males by making the lion appear more formidable. In East Africa the Maasai people have copied this mask, and warriors wear feathered headdresses to appear taller and more menacing.Lion keep a close watch on descending vultures in the hope of locating a potential meal. Lion are opportunistic predators that will also scavenge food from other predators, and in this instance were able to locate the vultures and the remains of a kill in less than 20 minutes.Although lion spend much of the day resting, a charging lion dispels any doubts about their strength, speed and agility. Most chases are short and do not exceed 200 metres, but a lion can attain a speed of 60 kilometres an hour in a final burst of speed before bringing down prey.Play activities within the safety of the pride prepare lion cubs for hunting success in adulthood. Young cubs display a pattern of brown spots and rosettes that is similar to the patterning on the coat of leopard, and may be useful as camouflage.A large male leopard can weigh as much as 70 kilograms, but females are much lighter at about 30 kilograms. Impala comprise 78 per cent of the leopard's diet in Kruger. An adult leopard requires prey equivalent to about 20 impala per year, so leopard predation is not a major limiting factor on impala numbers.As leopard are primarily nocturnal and active when lion and hyaena are about, these powerful cats have to face strong competition. In the Kruger Park they prey mainly on impala and aggressively defend their kills against rival predators. Essentially ground dwelling, leopard readily climb trees to escape from danger and to store their kills safely out of the reach of other predators.Long believed to be very scarce, in the 1970s an American researcher captured a surprising number of leopard within a few kilometres of Skukuza, and the estimate of the total number in the Park was revised to about 1 000. The number is believed to have remained relatively unchanged up to the present. This is because - barring major habitat changes and human interference - leopard populations tend to remain stable, kept in balance by the availability of prey species and the corresponding size of each leopard's territory. The Kruger National Park is home to many different species of antelopes, from Eland to small antelope such as Duiker and Steenbok. Impala are the most common antelope in the park with Kudu being the second most common. If you are lucky, you may see rare antelope such as Sable and Eland which are revered in many African cultures. During the rut, which takes place between April and June, adult impala males establish territories, which they defend by chasing away rival males. Guttural roars followed by protracted snorts can be heard throughout the day and night, as the dominant male defends his territory against intrusions by neighbouring males. If territorial displays are not effective in fending off rivals, the males resort to horn-clashing duels to determine dominance. A herd of impala approaches water. For impala, gathering together in a herd has many advantages: many pairs of eyes and ears are constantly alert to danger, and the chances of being caught by a predator are greatly reduced. In the Kruger Park there are approximately 10 000 impala herds with an average herd size of 11 animals. Impala gather at a water hole in acacia country near Lower Sabie. They have a marked preference for areas where there is a regular supply of water, short grass and dense thickets of shrubs and trees. These conditions are normally encountered near rivers where a concentration of larger animals, such as elephant and buffalo, further improves the habitat for impala. Impala are prolific breeders and are the most abundant mammal in Kruger, but these medium-sized antelope drink less than one quarter of the water consumed by the Elephants in Kruger National Park. Kudu are nonselective browsers and feed on no less than 150 species of trees and shrubs. They avoid trees with a high tannin content in their leaves, and favour acacia and combretum species. Although they prefer the same trees that are sought after by giraffe, competition between the two species is minimised by feeding at different heights. This beautiful large antelope is the most widely distributed of 20 antelope species in Kruger Park, but is most common in the Central Region where its favourite food plants are found in abundance. Although Kudu drink when water is available, in times of drought they are more susceptible to a lack of adequate browse than they are to a lack of drinking water. The female weighs about 160 kilograms, but males are much larger and weigh on average 250 kilograms. A kudu bull displays the longest horns of all the antelope that occur in Kruger. At the age of nine months a male kudu sports two short horns, which begin to grow and curve with age to form the corkscrew shape typical of mature bulls. The record length of 181 centimetres is more than twice that recorded for a close relative, the nyala. There have been several observations of jousting kudu bulls interlocking their spiral horns and being unable to disengage. Unable to disentangle their horns or flee, the helpless contestants soon fall prey to predators. Herds of female waterbuck and their young occupy a home range that coincides with the territories of several males. Relative to their small population size, more waterbuck are killed by Lion than any other antelope in Kruger, and 60 to 80 per cent of deaths can be attributed to these predators. Waterbuck are uncommon throughout their range in South Africa and currently number a modest 1 400 in Kruger. They favour open woodland near water.Of the 77 species of African antelope, only the waterbuck has a distinctive white ring around the rump. Grasses of a high nutritional quality and a regular supply of water are both essential habitat requirements for these animals. Cattle egrets, the only members of their family that are not closely dependent on water, feed on grasshoppers and other insects disturbed by large antelope. The regal sable, arguably the most beautiful antelope in the Park, has specific habitat requirements that include tall grassland and open woodland. An increase in zebra herds and prolonged drought has caused a considerable decline in sable in recent years. Blue wildebeest favour short grasses and need to drink less than other grazers such as zebra and buffalo. Although wildebeest are dependent on water, the severe drought of 1992/93 had little effect on their population, currently estimated at about 13 000. A blue wildebeest bull maintains his dominance by means of ritual displays intended to intimidate any intruder. When another bull approaches, the territorial bull's rocking-horse gait and swishing tail are meant to dissuade his competitor.If this display fails, the bull drops to his knees and engages in horn-clashing sparring (opposite below). No injuries result from these contests as the impact is absorbed by the bull's solid horn bosses. One of the bulls eventually surrenders and is chased off the territory by the victor. Males are territorial and even where herds migrate over long distances, temporary territories are established.In the Kruger Park bushbuck are associated with dense riverine bush, and the road between Skukuza and Lower Sabie offers the best sightings. They are solitary antelope and occupy home ranges that often overlap. Unlike most antelope species, bushbuck are exceptionally tolerant of each other and territorial displays are a rare phenomenon.The smallest of the antelope most commonly seen in Kruger, steenbok show a marked preference for the open plains in the eastern region of the Park, formed on volcanic basalt. There is some sexual dimorphism, with only male steenbok having horns, and the females being slightly larger than the males.A nyala male displays the stripes and horn shape typical of this antelope family. Nyala occur mainly north of the Letaba River, especially along the Shingwedzi and Luvuvhu rivers. Only males have horns. Females are a reddish ochre in colour and can be confused with young kudu.The roan antelope is classified as an endangered species in South Africa. Following the harsh drought of 1992/93, roan antelope nearly became extinct in the Park, and the population fell from 452 in 1986 to 44. Kruger mostly contains habitats that are marginal to their requirements, as roan survive better on wetter savannas. They occur only in open woodland with a well-developed cover of tall grass. Many animals, especially predators like the small spotted genet and even antelope such as bushbuck and grey duiker, are active mainly at night and depend on their keen senses of smell and hearing to locate food. A tree felled by an elephant provides a perfect vantage point for two cheetah males searching for suitable prey. Although they are ill-equipped for climbing, cheetah will climb trees with sloping trunks to survey the surroundings. Male cheetah, usually brothers, form co-operative associations that may last for years.A female cheetah rests after successfully catching and feeding on an impala, this cat's principal prey in Kruger. Cheetah hunt mostly in the early morning or late afternoon, but will also hunt at night when the moon is full. After bringing down an impala, cheetah feed quickly while keeping constant watch for rival predators, and even the arrival of vultures will dislodge them from a kill.Cheetah are usually solitary, but family parties of a mother and two subadult cubs are common. The cubs are always from the same litter, and leave the mother when about 18 months old and before the next litter is born. Cheetah occupy large home ranges and, despite an abundance of their favourite prey, in no region of the Park does their density exceed one cheetah to every 45 square kilometres.A cheetah and her two young cubs near Duke water hole south of Lower Sabie. Mother cheetah give birth in tall grass or dense cover. The cubs are carefully hidden for the first few weeks, and the mother moves them frequently to new hiding places to avoid detection by other predators. While the cubs are small, the mother is vulnerable as she has to remain and hunt within a confined area, and is thus less able to avoid attacks from lion.Members of a wild dog pack spare no time in devouring an impala that they have just caught. Aware of hyaena howling nearby, these dogs consumed their kill in under three minutes, and by the time the hyaena arrived on the scene there was no sign of the kill. Competition from other predators, and direct attacks by lion on both adults and cubs, reduces wild dog numbers even within optimum habitat.A complex social arrangement governs wild dog and they are able to live in large packs with few signs of conflict. Wild dog travel over vast distances, but are sedentary for a three month period when the pups are raised in an underground den. Some adult members of the pack leave the den site daily in search of prey. Here, the 'baby-sitters' encourage a returning hunter to regurgitate food, which is done for both the pups and their minders.The Kruger Park is a stronghold for the endangered wild dog, although nowhere can it be considered common. Researchers have identified 27 packs with an estimated total population of 360 for the entire park. Wild dog have a highly developed social system and produce large numbers of pups, but remain rare even in areas where their favoured prey animals are abundant.While diseases and lion predation are major limiting factors, research has shown that there is a lack of genetic variability in the Kruger population and this may have resulted in inbreeding.A wild dog pup displays some of the distinct markings that make it possible to identify individuals. Only one female usually breeds in a pack, but litters of up to 21 pups have been recorded. The pups are raised in an old aardvark or warthog burrow in a termite mound, and are carefully cared for by adults in the pack.Wild dog pups are born after a gestation period of about 70 days, and are suckled by the dominant female for three months, either in the den or near its entrance. Other adult members of the pack take an active part in cleaning the pups, and will return strays to the den. The pups begin to beg for meat from the age of 14 days, and when old enough are led by the adult dogs in search of prey.Juvenile wild dogs playfully interact at a den site south of Lower Sabie. Fighting among pack members is rare, and a relaxed tail indicates a dog's playful mood. The pups are boisterous, and the mother disciplines them by holding them down on the ground by their necks.The spotted hyaena's powerful jaws can crush bones and slice through thick hides, useful for a scavenger that often feeds on a carcass that has had the tender meat removed by lion. The hyaena's skull is shaped to accommodate the strong muscles that operate the lower jaw.A young spotted hyaena rests at a roadside den. Hyaena are largely nocturnal, and form clans dominated by females. Dominant females always feed first at a carcass and return to the den to suckle their pups, which rely on their mother's milk for the first nine months. A hierarchy also exists amongst males, but the highest ranked male is considered inferior to the lowest ranked female.Hyaena have learned to use the culverts under the main roads in Kruger as dens to raise their young. During the heat of the day, especially in summer, these concrete tunnels can become exceptionally hot and the cubs may emerge to rest near the entrance.Interesting comparisons have been drawn between the numbers of predators in Kruger and the hoofed animals on which they prey. In the Central Region, the ratio of lion to prey is 1:110, which is exceptionally high when compared to 1:1 000 in Tanzania's Serengeti. Lion in Kruger sometimes change their prey preferences during wet and dry cycles.During wet cycles it is easier to stalk and catch zebra and wildebeest, while in times of drought they tend to kill more buffalo, often animals that would anyway have perished from lack of food. Most predators are small in comparison to the mass of their prey. In Kruger, the combined biomass of the major predators is equal to just one per cent of their prey species. This is because between each feeding level in the food chain there is substantial loss of energy, so a 60-kilogram hyaena is dependent on 6 000 kilograms of hoofed animals, equivalent to a herd of 105 impala. The fate of all predators is therefore intricately interwoven with that of their prey.Young hyaena often rest outside their roadside dens. Hyaena clans are dominated by females, and a female pup inherits her mother's social status. Litters consist of one or two cubs, and if two females are born then one will invariably kill the other.A large Nile crocodile emerges from the water to feed on a hippo calf that had died in Sunset Dam. Crocodiles prefer fresh food, however, and catfish form the major portion of their diet. They perform an important ecological function in keeping the numbers of these hardy fish in check. During periods of above-average rainfall, crocodiles colonise dams up to 45 kilometres from perennial rivers.The black-backed jackal is a scavenger that is often seen on the fringes of a lion or cheetah kill, where it will wait for the opportunity to steal a morsel. An unusual behaviour pattern that has been observed is their tendency to follow larger predators, especially leopard, while emitting a repetitive yapping call that alerts other jackal to the possibility of a kill.A serval listens attentively for rodents scurrying through the dense grassland of a vlei near Orpen Dam. Serval prey mainly on rodents, especially vlei rats, and show a marked preference for tall grassland habitat situated near water.Many animals, especially predators like the small spotted genet and even antelope such as bushbuck and grey duiker, are active mainly at night and depend on their keen senses of smell and hearing to locate food. There is more action at night in Kruger than during the day. Hunters take advantage of the cover of darkness to stalk their prey, while grazers and browsers often feed actively at night because they experience less energy loss than during the day. Above: Terminalia at Dawn Late Afternoon Lions become restless; mothers play with cubs; pride energy levels rise in preparation for the night hunt; hyaenas emerge from their lairs; leopard get up from their day's rest; cheetah often hunt; wild dogs very active; impala move to the most open terrain around them; warthogs head for their burrows; baboons go to their roosts for the night; zebras seek a sleeping spot with minimal risk of ambush; rhinos become more active. Evening Lion and leopards begin hunting; hyaena hunt or scavenge; caracal are at their most active; cheetah settle down for the night; hippos emerge from rivers, often walking several kilometres away from water to graze, giraffe settle down to ruminate; impala rest as far from thick bush as possible; many antelope continue feeding; zebras settle down to sleep with one staying awake to watch out for predators; elephants browse; genets and civets do most of their hunting before midnight. Late Night Lion and hyaena hunt; cheetah and wild dogs usually asleep; impala get up for a late-night feed; bushbabies very noisy, zebra sleep; elephant often sleep at this time, sometimes standing up; lots of animals often feed, including buffalo, wildebeest and kudu. Pre-Dawn Lions often seen drinking at water holes or feeding on a kill; hyaena scavenge; prime hunting time for wild dog; cheetah - the most diurnal of the cats - get up to hunt; active time for serval which are also diurnal; impala rest. Daybreak Lions feed on the night's kill; hyaenas return to their dens; leopard often active for the first few hours of daylight before finding a good branch to rest on; impala feel safe enough to move back into wooded areas; hippos return to rivers to socialise and digest the night's food; cheetah hunt before the day's heat sets in; baboons wake up late. The Cheetah's body is built for speed. It's legs are relatively long compared to its greyhound-like body; it has a big heart and lungs and wide nasal passages. It is the fastest land animal, timed running at speeds of up to 114km/h. While the lion and the leopard rely on getting close to their intended prey before breaking cover, the cheetah's speed gives it an advantage in the more open savanna. Cheetahs are slightly taller than leopards but not as bulky, probably weighing between 40kg and 60kg. Can Cheetahs climb trees? Although cheetahs are members of the cat family, they have dog-like non-retractable claws. This limits cheetahs tree-climbing ability but gives them a speed advantage when charging. Typically, a cheetah will start a charge 60m to 100m from an antelope and, within seconds, will be racing at full tilt. If the buck is alerted in time, it will attempt to throw the cheetah off its trail by zigzagging and dodging between trees and shrubs. Using its long, heavy tail as a stabiliser, the cheetah will single-mindedly pursue its intended prey, trying to anticipate which way it will turn. How do Cheetahs kill their prey? At the right moment, the cheetah will knock the antelope off balance and grab it by the throat as it falls. Because of the relatively small jaws and teeth, cheetahs are not as effective in killing their prey as quickly as lions or leopards, and it can take between five and 25 minutes for its prey to die. The element of surprise in hunting is as important for cheetahs as it is for other big predators. While its speed gives it an edge, the cheetah's vulnerable point is its stamina. It will manage to run at top speed for only about 250m before it needs to catch its breath. After a high-speed chase, the cheetah desperately needs to rest for about half-an-hour - even before it eats its prey. This is when cheetahs are at their most vulnerable. They are often robbed of their kill by lions or hyaenas during this recovery spell. If the cheetah is unmolested, it normally devours its prey at the kill site. What do Cheetahs eat? A cheetah's food tastes are not as broad as that of the leopard, and it concentrates mostly on small and medium antelope. The cheetah's diet, comprises of the young of larger animals, as well as warthog, ground birds, porcupines and hares, as well as the smaller antelope. The cheetah's kill rate is hard to determine, but the consensus is that each cheetah kills between 30 and 150 animals a year, depending on its size, hunting frequency and the condition of the area. Experts believe a single cheetah ideally needs between one and three kilograms of meat a day to stay in shape. There has been some scientific discussion as to whether they should be classified as part of the dog family because of their non-retractable claws, but they exhibit too many cat-like features, including the ability to purr loudly. Cheetahs cannot roar but can growl and spit like a cat and sometimes they make a peculiar chirping noise. Unlike lions and leopards, cheetah don't define a territory to defend. They have a home range which they mark with urine, but will not actively fight off other cheetahs. Socially, cheetahs are somewhere on the scale between lions and leopards. They do not form prides as lions do but small groups of between four and six cheetahs can be common, particularly groupings of brothers. Cheetah probably live for between 12 and 15 years in the wild. Unlike most other major carnivores, they hunt during the day. Are Cheetahs dangerous? Can a Cheetah kill a human? Cheetahs are the most timid of the big cats and there is no record in southern Africa of a cheetah ever having attacked a human. The hyena is a shaggy, untidy and opportunistic carnivore with a distinctive, sloping back. It is a member of the dog family, weighing around 60kg (males can be heavier) and standing at about 80cm at the shoulder. Almost all hyenas in Kruger are the spotted hyaena. They are found throughout Kruger and the best places to see them are south-west Okavango, Savuti and Linyanti. The brown hyaena found in southern Africa's more arid environments. What do Hyenas do at night? The spotted hyaena hunts and scavenges by night and is closely connected in African folklore with the supernatural world. Anyone who has heard the sound of hyaenas in full cry around midnight would understand the animal's association with the dark arts. As a general rule, hyenas hunt more when they are the dominant carnivores in any particular habitat and tend towards scavenging when there are lots of other predators around. They are chancers of note, often taking great risks to snatch meat away from lions, and often being mauled to death in the process. Unlike the honest, authoritarian roar of the lion which resonates with purity and strength, the "laughing" hyena's utterances are hysterical and mocking, an eerie human-like giggling shriek that would not be out of place in a mental asylum. It's body parts command a premium price on the local muthi market, particularly the tail, ears, whiskers, lips and genitals. How do Hyenas hunt? Although hyenas sometimes hunt alone, they mostly hunt in packs. They have an almost uncanny ability to seek out the most vulnerable animal in a herd and isolate it from the others. Hyaenas are designed for the long haul and, as Kruger mammal expert Heike Schutze says, "they are high-stamina hunters relentless in the pursuit of their prey once they have tasted blood". Hyenas are mostly social, living in clans of between 10 and 40 animals, led by a dominant female. Social structures can be quite loose, however, with clan members shifting allegiances, breaking up and reforming. They are territorial, marking their hunting ground through communal defecation. Their territories vary in size depending on the amount of prey in the vicinity as well as the number of competing clans. The territory itself is not vigorously defended, but hyena clans will respond aggressively to other predators moving into their area. Hyenas are capable of short charges of up to 50km/h and can maintain a steady, fast pace in pursuing prey over several kilometres. Their prey usually succumbs to exhaustion and is pulled down and disembowelled by the pack. What do Hyenas eat? In packs, hyenas go for big game - wildebeest, zebra and kudu and, very occasionally, buffalo. When they hunt alone, they go for smaller animals such as baboons, guinea fowls, ostriches, snakes and tortoises. There is no love lost between lions and hyenas. Each will attack and kill the other's cubs, or elderly or sick individuals. Hyenas seem far less intimidated by lionesses than by lions, and are occasionally bold enough to try to bully lionesses off a kill if there are no males around. Are Hyenas smarter than lions? Hyenas are known for their cunning. They reputedly watch the skies for circling vultures to help them locate kills. They follow the path of least resistance in getting food and, as a result, have become quite ingenious - they've been seen trying to scoop out fish at drying water holes during times of drought. Spotted hyenas have the reputation of being scavengers, but studies have shown that, in Kruger, they tend to hunt more than they steal. Indeed, they are the second major group of predators in the Park after lion, probably accounting for more animal kills than leopard and cheetah combined. Hyena have tremendously powerful jaws, capable of crushing the thigh bone of a buffalo in one movement. If they are hungry, they will gorge themselves, eating up to a third of their own weight (15kg) at a single sitting! One of Africa's most unforgettable experiences is hearing the roar of a lion at night. When Ingonyama (Swazi) or Nghala (Shangaan) announces his presence with a deep roar that reverberates through the dark bush, everything within a five-kilometre radius pauses to take note. A thousand years ago, they roamed as far afield as southern Europe, the Middle East and Asia, but they are now found mainly in Africa and are generally restricted to the bigger game reserves. Lions have always had an association with royalty and leadership. Their power is reflected in their impressive size and the fact that their lifestyles allow them to sleep a lot - up to 18 hours a day. They are awesome animals, with males weighing up to 225kg and females up to 150kg. The lion's average lifespan in the bush is probably around 15 years. Lions are the biggest, and most social, of the African cats, living communally in prides. Pride leadership often shifts between several individual animals - male and female - but the social structure of the pride hinges around the bond between related lionesses, who collaborate in all tasks, from raising cubs to hunting. Male lions come and go - often in spectacular battles over territory or individual dominance - but the pride cohesion remains unaffected, firmly under female control. Lions favour open woodlands and thick scrub, the type of landscape that allows them to get as close to their prey as possible without being seen. In Kruger, the best chance of lion sightings is where the big game herds are. When do Lions hunt? As a rule, lions hunt mostly at night and rest during the day but are often active at dawn and dusk and on cooler days. During the day they rest in thorn thickets, often near water holes. How Often Does a Lion Hunt? How often do Lions eat? Lions are believed to feed every three or four days, and need on average between 5kg and 7kg of meat a day. How long can a Lion go without eating? Lions can go without food for more than a week and then tear into prey, eating up to 50kg of meat at a time - that's almost a quarter of the animal's body weight. How do lions hunt? Lions hunt either collaboratively or by themselves. Collaborative hunting usually involves the males approaching the intended prey upwind with the intention of driving it towards lionesses hiding in the bush downwind. Lions are not as fast as most of their prey so they rely heavily on the element of surprise when hunting. They will attempt to get to within 30m of their prey before charging. They don't have the inclination for a long chase and will not pursue their prey very far if the first attack fails. How do Lions kill their prey? In a successful hunt, the prey is knocked off balance, dragged down and then killed with a bite to the back of the neck or the throat. In some cases, a kill can be a bloody, drawn out procedure. Buffalo have been known to fend off lion attacks for hours before succumbing to loss of blood and energy. The strongest male lion will eat first, followed by other members of the pride. Lionesses will feed themselves first, with cubs getting the scraps. Ever wondered what animal can kill a lion? Lions sometimes become the victims of their intended prey. There have been instances in which lions have been killed by giraffe, buffalo, kudu, snakes and even porcupines. What Do Lions Eat? What does a Lion eat? The short answer is quite a lot. In Kruger, lions have a broad diet with 37 animal species on the menu, including ostriches, quelea nestlings, tortoises and small crocodiles. Their preference is for buffalo, giraffe, zebra and wildebeest among the bigger animals, and porcupine and warthog as smaller game. Natural history artist Charles Astley Maberly - who rode through the Park on his bicycle sketching the wildlife in the 1920s - said that, in his experience, lions had a particular preference for waterbuck. This was confirmed by a 1960s study by former Kruger Chief Ranger Tol Pienaar who measured the kill rate of lions in the Park against the relative abundance of particular prey. What Do Lions Hunt? He found that, although lion killed relatively few giraffe, giraffe meat accounted for almost a third of the average lion's diet. His study also found that, contrary to popular belief, lions are not so fond of impala. Kruger researchers suggest male and female lions may also have different prey preferences, with males being more disposed towards hunting buffalo, while lionesses prefer zebra or wildebeest. Another lion fact not commonly appreciated is that lions are not just hunters, but scavengers as well, often chasing smaller predators - like cheetah - off their kills. In some instances, up to 50% of a lion's diet can come from scavenging rather than hunting live prey. Lions on a Killing Spree During periods of drought, lions sometimes go on a killing spree when they come across herds of weak animals. During the particularly bad drought of 1964, a pride of lions killed 15 buffalo near Punda Maria - far more than they could have eaten. The territorial behaviour of lions is complicated because prides split up and re-unite, and hunting grounds shift as the seasons change and the game moves around. At any one time, a pride's territory in Kruger measures approximately 10 square kilometres. Territories may be defended vigorously by both males and females, but there are instances when prides share the same overlapping hunting zone yet deliberately avoid confrontation. Clashes occur between prides when game migrations force lions to move beyond their territories in search of food, or when nomadic males challenge pride hierarchies. Fights can take the form of symbolic aggression displays and/or ferocious physical clashes that often result in the death of one or more participants. If the challengers win, the defeated males are expelled and, in turn, become nomads themselves. The lionesses accept the new regime. Usually the conquering males kill all the cubs of the conquered pride. Within days of this infanticide the females come into oestrus and are ready to raise a new litter of the conquerer's cubs. Scientists believe that territorial challenges are good for the survival of the species - they ensure diversity in the gene pool and dominance of the strongest genetic characteristics. Lion Cubs Lionesses typically give birth to litters of between two and four cubs. They are kept hidden in the bush for about six weeks. During this time, the lioness hunts exclusively for her cubs. Males provide no help. By the time they are two years old, cubs will have learnt to hunt for themselves. At this time, male cubs are expelled from the pride while females are nurtured within it. These young males often form groupings of nomadic bachelors and either find new territories or challenge males in existing prides, and so the cyclical struggle for dominance goes on. How Do Lions Attack Their Prey? Lions hunt either alone or in prides. In collaborative hunts, it is usually the lioness who initiates the kill. Lions stalk their prey and, when close enough, attempt a short charge on their prey, trying either to pounce on their target or knock it over. How does a Lion kill its prey? Lions kill their prey by breaking its neck or suffocating it by clamping their jaws around its throat. The stomach is usually the easiest point of entry into the carcass, and this is the route most often taken by lions. It also gives them direct access to some of the most nutritious parts of the body, such as the kidneys and liver of the prey. Lions usually rest after an initial feed, lying a short way away from the carcass so that they can still defend their kill against scavengers. In a short time vultures are certain to begin to arrive. The first are usually the white-backed vultures and then come the lappet-faced and others. Scavengers like hyaenas and jackals will be attracted by the vulture activity and will patiently wait at a safe distance until the lions have had their fill. It can take over 24 hours before lions abandon their carcass and spectacular fights may occur among scavengers for the last scraps of food. Leopards are the least social - and perhaps the most beautiful - of the African big cats. They usually keep to themselves, lurking in dense riverine bush or around rocky koppies, emerging to hunt late in the afternoon or at night. How big is a Leopard? The leopard is a graceful animal with an elongated body, relatively short legs and a long tail. After the lion, the leopard is the next-biggest African cat with an average body mass of between 60kg and 70kg, standing about two-thirds of a metre tall at the shoulder. How long do Leopards live? Leopards in the wild may live up to 15 years. Unlike the lion, the leopard is a silent creature, only occasionally emitting a cough-like call. How do Leopards hunt? The leopard's hunting technique is to either ambush its prey or to stalk it. In either instance, it tries to get as close as possible to its target. It then makes a brief and explosive charge (up to 60km/h), pouncing on its prey and dispatching it with a bite to the neck. Leopards do not have the aptitude to chase their quarry over any kind of distance and will give up if the initial element of surprise is lost and the intended victim gets away. ©Robert Hofmeyr Leopard in a tree. What Does a Leopard Eat? Leopards eat a variety of food, from wildebeest to fish, but most of their diet comes in the form of antelope. How much weight can a Leopard carry up a tree? Leopards are capable of carrying animals heavier than themselves and will often drag their prey into the fork of a tree several metres off the ground. This tree "lardering" protects the carcass against scavengers and allows a few days of undisturbed feeding. Researchers believe that each individual leopard accounts for approximately 20 kills a year. Leopards eat on average about a third of the carcass of the animal they kill and this works out at roughly 400kg of meat per leopard each year. This means that leopards probably need just over a kilogram of meat a day. A leopard will often lick the fur off the carcass of its prey before it feeds, starting with the thighs or the chest. Leopard at night. Leopard Facts Leopards are highly adaptable creatures, capable of living in semi-desert conditions as well as dense subtropical bush. Their territories can also vary in size from 10 square kilometres, to several hundred square kilometres. Leopards scratch trees and use urine to mark their turf. A male leopard will defend his territory against other males, but will share territory with females. Baboons and leopards appear to be ancient enemies. Leopards will often stalk baboons sleeping in the trees at night, and try to carry off one of the troop. There has been a case recorded in which a leopard that tried to attack a baboon in broad daylight was torn to pieces by the rest of the troop, which quickly came to the shrieking primate's defence. Male and female leopards spend only a brief time together while they are mating and then go their separate ways. The female will then raise the cubs on her own. Leopards can survive for long periods without drinking, satisfying all their moisture needs from their prey. Ever wondered what eats Leopards? On occasion, Lions have been known to hunt and kill leopards. Name Side-striped Jackal [Canis adustus] Appearance The Side Striped Jackal (Canis adustus) is a nocturnal, dog-like carnivore, with a head and body length of 650-800 mm and tail length of 300-400 mm. Shoulder height 400- 500 mm, mass 7-12 kg. Timid and rarely seen the Side-striped Jackal is larger than the more common Black-backed Jackal. Grey to buff coloured body and with a darker back, the sides are marked with a white stripe with black lower margins. The dark tail is almost always tipped with white, whereas the ears are a dark buff colour. Diet The success of this omnivorous species can be attributed to its ability to live off a wide variety of food, changing its diet in response to environmental conditions. Diet includes small mammals, carrion, fruits, maize, reptiles, eggs and birds. The Side-striped Jackal is less predatory than the Black-backed Jackal. ©Roger de la Harpe Breeding Mating normally occurs during June-July, but some mating may take place throughout the year. After a gestation period of 57-64 days, four to six pups are born during August to November. Assistance with the rearing of pups is rendered by the previous year's offspring. Excavated termitaria and old Aardvark burrows are commonly used as dens. Both parents assist with rearing the young after weaning. They bring food to the pups in the mouth or regurgitate it at two to three hour intervals throughout the night. Behaviour During the breeding season a pair remains in close proximity. It is a highly territorial species, and each territory is held by a monogamous pair and their recent offspring. Offspring will eventually disperse and find their own territories. The Side Striped Jackal inhabits open plains. Where Side-striped Jackal Are Found In South Africa the Side-striped Jackal distributions stretches from Northern KwaZulu-Natal to Mpumalanga, the Northern Province and Swaziland. Field Notes The Side-striped Jackal feeds exclusively on fruit in season and will often dedicate its diet to availability during particular seasons. The Side-striped Jackal seldom targets large prey and as such does not pose a threat to stock farmers that the Black-backed Jackal does. African reptiles guide to the reptile species found in Kruger National Park. This Africa Reptiles guide includes information and photographs on: Snakes Lizards Tortoise Crocodiles Wahlbergs Velvet Gecko A large Wahlbergs Velvet Gecko . The back is light to dark grey-brown, usually with irregular pale and dark crossbars. Wahlbergs Velvet Gecko diet consists of large insects, termites and millipedes... Variable Skink A medium-sized Variable Skink with a rounded snout and a window in each lower lid. Colouration is variable; the back may be blackish, olive, pale brown or red-brown, with or without black spots... Vine Snake This extremely thin snake has a lance-shaped head and large eyes with keyhole-shaped pupils. The body scales of a Vine Snake are feebly keeled, in 19 oblique rows at midbody. The tail is very long... Striped Skink This medium-sized Striped Skink has a window in each of the lower eyelids. The ear openings are lobed. Colouration differs between the subspecies... Spotted Thick Toed Gecko A Spotted Thick Toed Gecko is a small, gentle gecko with a fat body and a rounded snout. The back is grey to greyish-brown, with 4 rows of elongated, blackish spots that are not white-edged and occasionally fuse into irregular... Spekes Hinged Tortoise A medium-sized tortoise with a smooth, depressed carapace with a well developed hinge. The shell of a juvenile Spekes Hinged Tortoise has a zonary pattern with concentric light and dark zones... Southern Tree Agama A Southern Tree Agama is a very large agama with a broad head. Breeding males have a dull blue to bluish back, with bright blue (anteriorly) to straw-yellow (posteriorly) spines and a bright cobalt-blue head... Serrated Hinged Terrapin The largest hinged terrapin is the Serrated Hinged Terrapin . The carapace and bridge are uniform black in colour. The plastron is yellow-centered, with a sharply defined, black, angular pattern around the edge... Rough Scaled Plated Lizard A large, stout lizard, with a short head and large eyes. The Rough Scaled Plated Lizard back is straw- coloured to light brown. The chin and throat are light straw to cream, and the belly is smoky-grey to light brown... Puff Adder The thick, heavily built Puff Adder has a large, flattened, triangular head and large nostrils which point vertically upwards. The body is yellow-brown to light brown, with black, pale-edged chevrons... Pan Hinged Terrapin A small Pan Hinged Terrapin with a rounded, smooth shell and a small plastral hinge; no axillary. The head is large, with a blunt snout and smooth beak; there are usually 2 tentacles under the chin... Ornate Sandveld Lizard A large Ornate Sandveld Lizard with a blotched pattern in adults. Juveniles are blackish-brown on the back with 3 white longitudinal stripes. Adults are brown dorsally with irregular black blotches... Olive Grass Snake An Olive Grass Snake is a large, robust snake with a non-flattened snout and a long tail. The back is olive-brown (paler towards the tail), sometimes with black-edged scales, forming thin black lines or with scattered... Leopard Tortoise A Leopard Tortoise may exceed 700 mm in length and 40 kg in weight. The carapace is domed and not hinged, with scutes only faintly raised. The nuchal is absent. The beak is sometimes hooked... Red Lipped Snake A small snake with a broad, obvious head and a short tail. The scales are in 19 rows at midbody and are dull; the head is iridescent when the skin is freshly shed. The back of the Red Lipped Snake is olive... Giant Plated Lizard A large lizard with a flattened head and body, an adult Giant Plated Lizard back is dark brown to black. The throat is dirty white, and the belly is light brown. Juveniles are black... Flap Neck Chameleon A large chameleon with a continuous crest of small, white, triangular tubercles on the throat and belly. The Flap Neck Chameleon colouration varies, from pale yellow through green shades to brown. The belly crest... Rainbow Skink A large, beautifully coloured skink with a small, transparent window in each lower eyelid. The relatively long forelimbs and hind limbs overlap when pressed against the body. The colouration of the Rainbow Skink is varied, depending on its sex and age... Cape Wolf Snake A small snake that grows larger in the southern part of its range, the Cape Wolf Snake has a flattened head. Colouration is usually uniform dark brown to black, sometimes with each scale white-tipped... Brown House Snake A large Brown House Snake has an obvious head and small body scales. It is uniform red-brown in colour. Large, old snakes are darker, almost black. There are 2 pale yellow streaks on the side of the head... Boomslang A large snake with a distinct head, and very large eyes with round pupils. Colouration of the Boomslang is very variable. They may be leaf-green, bright green or black with dark grey, black-edged belly scales, or brick-red to rust-red... Black Lined Plated Lizard A large, thick-bodied Black Lined Plated Lizard has a large, robust head. The back is reddish-brown with well-defined, black-edged, yellow dorsolateral stripes, and often with yellow streaks down the backbone... Black Mamba A large, streamlined snake with a narrow, coffin-shaped head and smooth scales. The back is uniform gunmetal to olive-brown but, despite its name, a Black Mamba is never really black. The belly is pale grey-green, sometimes... African Rock Python Africa's largest snake is the African Rock Python . There is a large spearhead mark on the crown of the head; dark and light bands radiating from eye to lip. The body is grey-green/-brown, with dark-brown, black-edged bars and blotches on top... Crocodile Given the wide distribution range, a number of population differences between Crocodiles have been observed, and several subspecies proposed. These are rarely differentiated in the literature, however, and they are... Vegetation Vegetation Plant life consists of four main areas, which correspond roughly to the four quadrants of the park. The main veld types are determined by the rainfall gradient (400 to 750 mm per annum) and geological substrates. Shrub mopane veld Shrub mopane covers almost the entire northeastern part of the park. Red bush-willow and mopane veld This area lies in the park's western half, north of the Olifants River. The two most prominent species here are the red bush-willow (Combretum apiculatum ) and the mopane tree (Colophospermum mopane ). Thorn trees and red bush-willow veld This area lies between the western boundary and roughly the centre of the park south of the Olifants River. Combretums , such as the red bush-willow (Combretum apiculatum ), and Acacia species predominate while there are a great number of marula trees (Sclerocarya caffra ). The Acacias are dominant along the rivers and streams, the very dense Nwatimhiri bush along the Sabie River between Skukuza and Lower Sabie being a very good example. Knob-thorn and marula veld South of the Olifants River in the park's eastern half, this area provides the most important grazing land. Species such as red grass (Themeda triandra ) and buffalo grass (Panicum maximum ) predominate while the knob-thorn (Acacia nigrescens ), leadwood (Combretum imberbe ) and marula (Sclerocarya caffra) are the main tree species. Local vegetation communities Several smaller areas in the park carry distinctive vegetation. The Pretoriuskop sourveld and Malelane mountain bushveld receive relatively high rainfall. Here sickle bush and silver cluster-leaf (Terminalia sericea ) are prominent. The sandveld communities northeast of Punda Maria are equally distinctive, with a wide variety of unique plant species. The bush-clad hills along the Levuvhu River also shelter an interesting floral diversity and some near-endemic species. Mammals Mammals Male lion African leopard South African cheetah African bush elephant crossing a road A pair of Southern white rhinoceros All the big five game animals are found at Kruger National Park, which has more species of large mammals than any other African game reserve (at 147 species). There are webcams set up to observe the wildlife. Kruger supports packs of the endangered African wild dog , of which there are thought to be only about 400 in the whole of South Africa. Birds Birds Harlequin quails (C. delegorguei) are irruptive migrants and late summer breeders in the grassy plains. They are plentiful nomads after good rains, but almost absent during dry years. Yellow-billed oxpeckers (B. africanus) are obligatory symbionts of large mammal herbivores. After an absence of over 80 years, they made an unaided comeback starting in 1979. A fairly uniform aggregate of bird species is present from the southern to central areas of the park, but a decline in diversity is noticeable in the mopane -dominated flats northwards of the Olifants . Most species breed in summer when rains sustain most vegetable and animal food, but the larger birds of prey conversely breed during the dry winter, when their prey is most exposed. Out of the 517 species of birds found at Kruger, 253 are residents, 117 non-breeding migrants, and 147 are nomads. Constituting the southern lowveld , the park's avifaunal affinities are mainly with the tropical north. Some representatives of this group are the African openbill , hooded vulture , Dickinson's kestrel , white-crowned lapwing , brown-necked parrot , Senegal coucal , broad-billed roller , trumpeter hornbill , Böhm's spinetail , tropical boubou , Meves's starling and scarlet-chested sunbird . Some 30 waterbird and wader species are dependent on the rivers or associated dams, including the African finfoot , white-backed night heron , white-crowned lapwing and water thick-knee . Other species are limited to riparian thicket or forest, including African goshawk , crested guineafowl , Natal spurfowl , Narina trogon , Pel's fishing owl , bearded scrub robin , terrestrial brownbul and black-throated wattle-eye . This habitat is often reduced by drought[ or floods or the understorey is opened up by elephant. Some of the larger birds require large territories or are sensitive to habitat degradation. Six of these birds, which are by and large restricted to Kruger and other extensive conservation areas, have been assigned to a fanciful grouping called the "Big Six Birds". They are the lappet-faced vulture , martial eagle , saddle-billed stork , kori bustard , ground hornbill and the reclusive Pel's fishing owl , which is localized and seldom seen. The 2011 aerial survey found 22 martial eagle nest sites, the 2015 survey an additional 17, while the 2020 survey found 70 nest locations in all, though the activity of these has yet to be determined. There are 25 to 30 breeding pairs of saddle-billed storks in the park, besides a handful of non-breeding individuals. In 2012 178 family groups of ground hornbills roamed the park and 78 nests were known, of which 50% were active. A 2013 study estimated that 904 pairs of white-backed vulture , 78 pairs of lappet-faced vulture and 60 pairs of white-headed vulture breed in the park. Other vertebrates Kruger is inhabited by 126 species of reptile, including black mambas , African rock pythons , and 3,000 Nile crocodiles . As yet, knowledge of the densities and distributions of the reptiles, especially on smaller spatial scales, is limited by sampling bias and a strong dependence on the park's public infrastructure is evident. Thirty-three species of amphibians are found in the park, as well as 50 fish species. A Zambesi shark, Carcharhinus leucas, also known as the bull shark , was caught at the confluence of the Limpopo and Luvuvhu Rivers in July 1950. Zambezi sharks tolerate fresh water and can travel far up rivers like the Limpopo. Invertebrates A seasonally fluctuating biomass of arthropods is observed in response to the summer rainfall regime and the mostly deciduous vegetation, as shown by sampling during 11 months in grassland near Satara Camp. 219 species of butterfly and skipper are native to the park. The fastest and most robust of these belong to the genus Charaxes , of which 12 species have been recorded. Genera Papilio and Acraea are also well-represented, with about 10 and 15 species respectively. The total number of Lepidoptera species in the park is unknown but could be in the order of 7,000, many of which range widely in African savanna . The mopane moth in the northern half of the park is one of the best known, and communities outside the park have at times been given permits to harvest their caterpillars. The park has a high diversity of termites and 22 genera are known to occur, including the mound-building genera Macrotermes , Cubitermes , Amitermes , Odontotermes and Trinervitermes . A new species of woodlouse , Ctenorillo meyeri, has been discovered inside termite nests , east of Phalaborwa and near Mopani Rest Camp. It is the first instance of a termitophilous species from the family Armadillidae . Many species of mosquito occur in the park, including the Culex , Aedes and Anopheles genera which target mammals. A. arabiensis is the most prevalent of the 9 or more Anopheles species in the park, and their females transmit malaria . As of 2018, 350 species of arachnids , excluding ticks and mites, are known from Kruger. These are mostly true spiders , including 7 species of baboon spider , but also 9 scorpion and 7 pseudoscorpion species, 18 solifugid species (sun and roman spiders), 2 species of harvestmen and 1 species of tailless whip scorpion . There are 54 species of snakes found in Kruger Park, only nine of which are deadly poisonous. Although the black mamba is often portrayed as the most dangerous snake in Africa, 90% of bites to humans are actually by the Mozambique spitting cobra and the puff adder.The largest African snake - the python - is fairly common, but difficult to see. It can grow up to five metres in length and kills its prey by wrapping its body around the victim and crushing it. It's very rare to come across snakes in Kruger, even during the guided wilderness walks. Snakes tend to shy away from humans and only attack if they're caught by surprise. Nonetheless, one should be cautious at camps and lookout points. If you come across a snake in a camp, please alert the camp staff immediately. The Killer Snakes of Kruger African Rock Python (Python sebae) Characteristics Largest snake in Africa - up to 5m long; crushes its prey to death; generally nocturnal but seen during the day Prey Dassies, hares, cane rats, birds; has been known to take impala and young antelope and warthogs Habitat Mixed woodlands near water; very good tree climbers Egyptian Cobra (Naja haje) Characteristics Largest cobra, approx 1,5m long; when disturbed it rears up and displays a broad hood; very fast moving striker with toxic venom Prey Small mammals, birds and their eggs, frogs Habitat Mixed woodlands near water Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) Characteristics One of the most poisonous snakes in Africa; about 2m long; very fast strikers and can slither at speeds of up to 15km/h Prey Birds, rodents, dassies and other small animals Habitat Dry lowveld bush; lives in abandoned termite hills, animal holes and among rocks; loves basking in the sun Puff Adder (Bitis arietans) Characteristics Responsible for more human bites than all other African snakes combined - most attacks are because it is trodden on; front fangs make venom delivery extremely effective; sluggish, fat snake about 1,5m long Prey Rodents, birds, other snakes; a puff adder has once been recorded killing a tortoise Habitat Very fond of lying in the sun; found in all Kruger habitats - one of the most widely distributed snakes in Africa Mozambique Spitting Cobra (Naja mossambica peters) Characteristics One of the most poisonous snakes in Africa; rears up two-thirds of its body length when disturbed, displays hood and spits venom with amazing accuracy (they can spit venom into the eyes of an aggressor three metres away);average length approximately 1m Prey Birds' eggs, small mammals and reptiles Habitat Mixed savanna woodland; favours hollow trees and abandoned burrows near water Twig Snake (Thelotornis capensis) Characteristics Slender, fast-moving tree snake about 1,3m long; can stay motionless for long periods of time; well camouflaged and very poisonous Prey Birds and their nestlings and eggs Habitat Mixed woodland near water Boomslang (Dispholidus typus) Characteristics Highly venomous, greenish tree snake, about 1,5m long Prey Birds' eggs, small mammals and reptiles Habitat Thick woodlands near water Other notable reptiles in Kruger are two species of monitor lizards (leguaans), the water and the rock monitors. The water leguaan can be up to two metres long and is found at permanent water sources in Kruger. It feeds mainly on fish, crabs, mussels, small animals and birds. Rock monitors can be found quite far from water in rocky outcrops and crevices. They grow up to 1,5m and feed on small mammals, birds, eggs, other reptiles and insects. Illustration: Chris Snaddon Africa Snake Guide African Rock Python The African Rock Python is Africa's largest snake. There is a large spearhead mark on the crown of the head; dark and light bands radiating ...more Black Mamba A large, streamlined snake with a narrow, coffin-shaped head and smooth scales. The back is uniform gunmetal to olive-brown, but never real...more Brown House Snake Brown House Snake [Lamprophis capensis]. A large house snake with an obvious head and small body scales. It is uniform red-brown in colour....more Cape Wolf Snake The Cape Wolf Snake is a small snake that grows larger in the southern part of its range. It has a flattened head. Colouration is usually un...more Egyptian Cobra Egyptian Cobras may be a uniform light brown, black, or a light yellowish brown colour. The Egyptian Cobra is found throughout North Africa ...more Olive Grass Snake The Olive Grass Snake is a large, robust snake with a non-flattened snout and a long tail. The back is olive-brown (paler towards the tail),...more Puff Adder Puff Adder [Bitis arietans]. The Puff Adder is an aggressive snake and is known to attack with little warning. Puff Adder venom is cytotoxic...more Red Lipped Snake The Red Lipped Snake is a small snake with a broad, obvious head and a short tail. The scales are in 19 rows at midbody and are dull; the he...more Rhombic Egg Eater The Rhombic Egg-Eater is a slender, solid snake with a small, rounded head. The tail is short; males have shorter tails. The back is slate-g...more Spotted Bush Snake Spotted Bush Snake [Philothamnus semivariegatus]. A very slender snake with a flat, distinct head and a long tail. The body is bright green...more Vine Snake Southern Vine Snake, Twig Snake, Bird Snake [Thelotornis capensis capensis]. This extremely thin snake has a lance-shaped head and large eye. An extraordinary and colourful history of the Kruger National Park including the San people, Voortrekkers and various gold prospectors.The first explorer to set foot in the region was the Dutchman François de Cuiper who led a Dutch East India Company expedition to explore. However, the expedition was attacked and driven by local tribes-people near Gomondwane. Only around 1838 Voortrekker expeditions led by Lous Trichardt and Hans van Rensburg were able to successfully establish forward outposts.Hundreds of Europeans and farmers came to the Lowveld lured by rumours of gold and the great quantity of valuable commodities such as ivory and skins. This caused the number of game to dramatically decrease due to hunting and trading of animal skins and horns.President Paul Kruger was told about the rapid destruction of wildlife in the area by hunters, after which he succeeded to persuade the Transvaal parliament to establish a protected area for wildlife in the Lowveld region.The very first ranger in the reserve was Paul Bester who made his residence in a rustic rondavel (hut) which is now the site of the headquarters camp, Skukuza. Documents concerning the History of the Kruger National Park can be viewed at the Skukuza Library.Half a million years ago, the first stone age hunters roamed the plains in search of game. Later the plains were inhabited by modern day bush men who have left fascinating rock paintings all over the Republic of South Africa. The Kruger National Park contains over one hundred sites of these paintings. The Kruger National Park is a living memorial to President Paul Kruger and those who have upheld his vision of a protected wilderness reserve which will forever remind us of that which we are so dangerously close to losing. Learn more about the fascinating history of Kruger National Park. Ancient Kruger Park History Kruger National Park embodies not only the spirit of wild Africa but is a window into the world that gave birth to humanity itself. Learn more about the Ancient Kruger Park History . History and Geography Kruger National Park is South Africa's largest and second oldest safari park, spanning over 19 455 square kilometres. Find out more about the History and Geography of Kruger Park . Historical Landmarks History enthusiasts are spoilt for choice with a number of monuments, memorials and gravesites throughout the park that dates back to the 19th century. Explore Kruger Park Historical Landmarks . Forefathers of Kruger Park Explore this overview of some of the early Forefathers of Kruger Park including Paul Kruger who first proclaimed the National Park while he was president and James Stevenson Hamilton, the park's first warden. Vintage Ranger Journals After the majestic Big 5, the Vintage Kruger Park Ranger Journals are the true treasures of the Kruger National Park. Read more about Vintage Kruger National Park Ranger Journals . African Culture Southern Africa is a land of old tales and vibrant history. Kruger Park visitors can learn about local people who made their home in South Africa. Find out all you need to know about African Culture . Threats The park's ecosystem is subject to several threats, including intensive poaching, urban development at its borders, global warming and droughts, animal overpopulation, and mining projects. Light pollution produced by rest camps and nearby towns affects the biodiversity of Kruger National Park. In particular, it alters the composition of nocturnal wildlife and the hunting behaviour of predators. In 2022 it was announced that Nkosi City, an R8 billion development is planned near the western border of the park. Floods or raising of the walls of the Massingir and Corumana dams in Mozambique could potentially damage, by silting, the pristine gorges of the Olifants and Sabie rivers respectively. The Olifants River Gorge has a deep, single thread, pool-rapid structure which is home to many crocodiles, besides hippos and fish. The fish population of the Olifants has already been diminished by hundreds of dams in its upper reaches. Anti-poaching measures See also: Rhinoceros poaching in Southern Africa Kruger is not exempt from the threat of poaching that many other African countries have faced. Many poachers are in search of ivory from elephant tusks or rhino horns, which are similar in composition to human fingernails. The park's anti-poaching unit consists of 650 SANParks game rangers , assisted by the SAPS and the SANDF (including the SAAF ). As of 2013, the park is equipped with two drones borrowed from Denel and two Aérospatiale Gazelle helicopters, donated by the RAF to augment its air space presence. Automated movement sensors relay intrusions along the Mozambique border to a control center, and a specialist dog unit has been introduced. Buffer zones have been established along the border with Mozambique, from where many poachers have infiltrated the park, as an alternative to costly new fences. The original 150 km long fences were dropped in 2002 to establish the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park .The national anti-poaching committee oversees all activities and coordinates interested parties. Poachers Kruger's big game poachers operate with night vision instruments and large caliber rifles, fitted with suppressors and sophisticated telescopic sights .They are mostly Mozambique citizens that initiate their carefully planned incursions from the border region of South Africa and Mozambique. In 2012 some 200 poachers were apprehended, while about 30 were killed in skirmishes In July 2012, a Kruger game ranger and policeman were the first to die in an anti-poaching operation, while other employees reported intimidation by poachers. A Kruger personnel strike affected some anti-poaching operations, and some employees have been directly implicated. Rangers in and around the park have been pressured or blackmailed by poaching syndiates o provide intelligence on the whereabouts of rhinos and anti-poaching operations. In December 2012, Kruger started using a Seeker II drone against rhino poachers. The drone was loaned to the South African National Parks authority by its manufacturer Denel Dynamics , South Africa. In June 2019, a Helix surveillance aircraft system was deployed on night missions in the park, and apprehended half a dozen suspected poachers. Other threats to poachers include the dangerous nature of the park itself. In February 2018, a poacher was believed to have been trampled by elephants and then eaten by lions, leaving rangers to later find only a human skull and a pair of trousers, alongside a loaded hunting rifle. In December 2021, two accused poachers were arrested in the Kruger National Park's Skukuza after they were discovered in possession of unauthorized rifles and ammunition. Rhino Poachers make no distinction between white and black rhinos, but losses of black rhinos are low due to their reclusive and aggressive nature. Rhino horn fetches between $66,000 and $82,000 per kilogram, and the CITES ban has proved largely ineffectual against the trade in rhino horn. The second horn is sometimes also hacked from the skull to obtain about 100 ml of moisture that is sold locally as traditional medicine . Poaching rhino horn escalated in the 21st century, with 949 rhinos killed in Kruger in the first 12 years, and more than 520 in 2013 alone. A memorandum of agreement is seen as a necessary milestone in stemming the tide between South Africa and Vietnam, in addition to the one with China, while negotiations have not yet started with Thailand. The amount of rhino horn held in storage is not publicly known.Since 2009, some Kruger rhinos have been fitted with invisible tracing devices in their bodies and horns which enable officials to locate their carcasses and to track the smuggled horns by satellite. South Africa's 22,000 white and black rhinos represent some 93% of these species' world population, 12,000 of which are found in Kruger. Elephant Kruger experienced significant elephant poaching in the 1980s. Due to international and national efforts, including a worldwide ban on ivory sales beginning in 1989, the poaching was abated for many years, but a sharp rise in 2014 has continued and the numbers of elephants poached per year in the park is growing at an alarming rate. Following approval by CITES, 47 tonnes of stockpiled ivory from Kruger were auctioned on 6 November 2008. The sale fetched approximately US$6.7 million which was allocated to increased anti-poaching measures. The intention was to flood the market, crash prices and make poaching less profitable. But instead, the legal sale was followed by "an abrupt, significant, permanent, robust and geographically widespread increase" in elephant poaching, as subsequent research showed. The latest Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES), summit voted down proposals for further one-off ivory sales from stockpiles for having led to increases in poaching across the continent. Across the continent the African elephant population decreased 30% in the period between 2007 and 2014. Other It is foreseen that the placement of wire traps to procure meat would eventually become the most challenging form of poaching. A scheme has been proposed to reward adjacent communities with the proceeds of game sales in return for their cooperation in game preservation.The larger communities include Bosbokrand, Acornhoek, Hazyview, Hoedspruit, Komatipoort, Malelane, Marloth Park, Nelspruit and Phalaborwa. Communities along the northern boundary have complained about a number of issues that affect them, including livestock killed by escaped predators. In 2021 and 2022 there were cases of poisoning of carcasses near Punda Maria, evidently to obtain the body parts of scavengers. Gates to the Kruger Park North & South Gates Kruger National Park Pafuri Gate (northernmost entrance to the park) Punda Maria Gate (another northern entrance) Crocodile Bridge (a southeastern entrance to the park) Phabeni Gate (a southwestern entrance to the park) The Kruger Park has the following gates: NameRoadFrom TownCoordinates Crocodile Bridge Gateon the extension of Rissik Streetfrom Komatipoort 25°21′30″S 31°53′37″E Malelane Gateon the R570 off the N4 near Malelane 25°27′43″S 31°31′59″E Numbi Gateon the R569 roadfrom Hazyview 25°9′19″S 31°11′51″E Phabeni Gateon the road off the R536 from Hazyview 25°01′30″S 31°14′29″E Paul Kruger Gateon the R536 road from Hazyview 24°58′53″S 31°29′7″E Orpen Gateon the R531 road from Klaserie24°28′33″S 31°23′27″E Phalaborwa Gateon the R71 roadfrom Phalaborwa 23°56′44″S 31°9′54″E Punda Maria Gateon the R524 road from Thohoyandou 22°44′18″S 31°0′33″E Pafuri Gateon the R525 road from Musina 22°24′1″S 31°2′29″ Rainy Season (October to March) The subtropical climate has hot rainy summers starting in October and ending around March. The summer rains transform the arid park into a lush flowering paradise, but the increased foliage does make animals harder to see. Dry Season (April to September) The winter months from April to September are extremely pleasant with warm dry days and cold nights. Traditionally, the best game viewing is in the winter as the vegetation becomes sparse and water is restricted to rivers and water holes. Visitors going on night-drives will require warm clothing. Sighting the “Big Five” has become something of a quest for many people when on safari, and the Kruger National Park has more than its fair share of these, with an estimated 1,500 lion, 17,000 elephant, 48,000 buffalo and 1,000 leopards. It should certainly not be a pre-requisite of a safari to see these or even a priority, as there are plenty of other fascinating animals and birds in the African bush. Kruger is one of the premier game-watching destinations in the world. Approximately 147 mammal species occur in the park. It is possible to see all the classical African big game, including elephant (KNP Elephant Census Summary), black and white rhino, hippopotamus, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, warthog and many antelope species. Large carnivores include lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog and spotted hyena. There are also many smaller mammals equally enticing species. Kruger National Park is best known for its big game sitings and large expanses of wilderness; however, Kruger has a unique cultural and historical landscape and diversity, with well over 255 recorded archaeological sites ranging from early Stone Age (roughly 1 million years ago) to various Iron Age settlements and recent historical buildings and sites. Many of these sites hold cultural and spiritual importance, while others reveal an exciting and romantic history of the area. Conservation of these sites is imperative due to their cultural and spiritual value and the historical importance. As national stewards of the conservation of the area we are legally bound to protect these sites. Sites that are currently open to the public are: Albasini Ruins Masorini Ruins Thulamela IWildlife South Africa Albasini Ruins The remains of the 19th century trading post of the famous Portuguese trader, Joao Albasini is found at the new Phabeni Gate, 10 km from Hazyview. Over the ages trading activity has taken place in the south-eastern region of Africa. Lourenco Marques, now known as Maputo (Mozambique) would have been the starting point (or end point) of many of the ancient trading routes that criss-crossed the countryside. When Albasini arrived in the, then Portuguese occupied, port in the early 1800’s, he began setting up his trading business. He set up a network of trading routes that reached the inland as far as the Lowveld and by 1845 he had established a trading post at Magashula’s Kraal (now known as Albasini Ruins). This trading post was conveniently positioned along two of these ancient trade routes. It is popular belief that Albasini’s settlement at Magashula’s Kraal was the first European settlement in the disease ridden Lowveld. He only stayed here for a short time and moved to the growing town of Ohrigstad, where he married 18year old Gertina Maria Petronella Janse van Rensburg. Shortly after, they moved to the new town at the foot of the Soutpansberg Mountains, Schoemansdal. Here Albasini established himself on the farm “Goedewensch” which proved to be a very prosperous time him and his family. In 1858 he was appointed vice-consul of Portugal in the ZAR as well as a superintendent of the Native tribes in and around the Schoemansdal area. His election as vice-consul made it necessary for a postal service to run from Goedewensch to Lourenco Marques every month by a Portuguese soldier, the Boer government was offered the to make use of the opportunity. He remained in service as vice-consul until 1872. Albasini most probably inherited his adventurous spirit and business sense from his father, who was an ivory trader under the Portuguese flag. When Albasini was 17 years old he accompanied his father on one of his trading journeys to Brazil and Lourenco Marques. According to legend their ship was stranded on the east coast of Africa and Albasini, with the help of his father and his determination began setting up his own trade business. His father left for Lisbon shortly afterwards never again to see his son. Under the difficult conditions of poor trade and threat of the deadly diseases, such as malaria and tsetse fly, Albasini was determined to make a success of his career. He began trading the merchandise his father left him and annually, during the safer winter months, he would take clothes, beads, knives and mirrors along the ancient trade routes into the interior of the sub-continent and exchange them for ivory. He would return laidened, when the dangerous summer months began approaching. This ivory was then traded with visiting ships for ammunition, merchandise and foodstuffs. On his first trip to the newly established Boer (Afrikaans) town, Ohrigstad, Albasini bought some land from the Kutswe chief Magashula for 22 head of cattle. Here he established his first mentioned trading post. This post was conveniently positioned along two ancient trade routes and offered wonderful opportunities of trade with both the local black people and the Boers. He would transport goods from Lourenco Marques through the tsetse fly area to Magashula’s kraal for the Boers, who would then travel down the escarpment to collect their goods. Albasini also appointed two headmen to run two other posts, one at the foot of Manugukop (just south of Pretoriuskop), which was run by Manugu, after whom the koppie was named. The other was run by Josekhulu near Ship Mountain (along the Voortrekker Road). Albasini only stayed at Magashula’s Kraal for two years, as he was drawn by the growing settlements on the escarpment. In 1847 he bought a farm outside Ohrigstad and opened a shop there. Magashula’s Kraal was renowned for its fine white bread, which was made from grain grown at the post Albasini was born to an Italian father and Spanish mother in Lisbon in May 1813. He enjoyed his childhood with his parents and brother and sister in Lisbon. In 1830 at the age of 17 years he arrived on the East Coast of Africa. He had a strong personality, sharp intellect and determination and due to this he became a personage in the Portuguese Port of Lourenco Marques (Mozambique). He played an important role in establishing this port as the gateway to the seas for the Zuid Afrikanshe Rebuliek (ZAR) and was the first Portuguese to trade with the Boers (Afrikaners) in Ohrigstad. Masorini Ruins This late Iron Age site can be found on a prominent hillside just 12 km from the Phalaborwa gate on the tar road to Letaba rest camp (39km from Letaba on the Phalaborwa road). The site was inhabited by the Sotho speaking BaPhalaborwa during 1800’s, who developed an advanced and sophisticated industry of mining, smelting iron ore and trading in these iron products. Dome shaped clay furnaces found on the site were used to smelt the iron ore. Skin bags attached to the end of clay piping were used as bellows. These clay pipes led into the dome furnaces through 2-3 openings. The ore would flow into the middle of the furnace due to the inward sloping floors and once cooled would be removed and stored. When there was enough smelted ore for production it would be reheated, beaten (to remove impurities) and moulded into the desired products such as spears, arrowheads and simple agricultural implements. For over a thousand years trading was an integral part of life on the sub-continent with trade taking place inland between different groups and along the coast with Arab and Chinese merchants. Due to this various trade routes were established, with an important one bypassing Phalaborwa where metal was worked and traded for glass beads, ivory, animal products and food. Trade between the BaPhalaborwa at Masorini and the Venda in the North and the Portuguese on the east coast increased smelting and ensured a greater independence for them. Through archaeological and ethnographic investigations the site has been reconstructed as truthfully as possible. The huts have recently been renovated by local BaPhalaborwa people living on the borders of the park. There is a site museum and picnic area at the foot of the hill and guided tours to the top where the reconstructed huts and furnace can be seen. Thulamela Thulamela is a stone walled site is situated in the Far North region of the Park and dates back to approximately 450 – 500 years before present (BP). This late Iron Age site forms part of what is called the Zimbabwe culture which is believed to have started at Mapungubwe. Mapungubwe’s decline coincided with the increase of Great Zimbabwe’s importance. When Great Zimbabwe was abandoned about 300 years later, possibly due to political break down, several groups moved south across the Limpopo river into the North Eastern areas of South Africa (and Northern Kruger) and established new smaller chiefdoms such as Thulamela. Sacred Leadership It is believed that the notion and system of sacred leadership developed both from an increase in trade along the east coast and in the interior as well as from an increase in population at Mapungubwe. According to oral histories the Nyai division of the Shona – speaking Lembethu occupied Thulamela and believed that there was a mystical relationship between their leader and the land. They believed that the ancestors of the leader (or Khosi) would intercede on behalf of the nation. The Khosi, who was an elusive figure and could only be seen by certain individuals, lived in a secluded hilltop palace in view of the commoners as an indication of his sacredness. The Khosi had a number of officials working for him, some of the most important included: The Messenger – a close and trusted confident who kept the chief informed of all court proceedings and visitors Personal Diviner and Herbalist – safeguarded the Chief’s health and scrutinized the intention of the visitors Makhadzi (ritual sister) – the chief ruled together with her. Her function was that of national advisor and had to be kept informed of all decisions taken by the council. She was also instrumental in the appointment of a new chief. Khotsimunene (brother) – legal expert in charge of the public court. If a commoner wished to meet the Khosi he would go to a special chamber with two entrances (one from the Khosi’s hut which he would use and the other for the visitor). The chamber was divided probably by a central wall separating the visitor from the Khosi and so emphasis the Khosi’s sacredness. Trade at Thulamela Trade was an integral part of life at Thulamela and trade networks extended though the interior of the continent to include Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Central Africa (evidence given by the iron gong on the site) At the time that Thulamela was occupied trade on the Indian Ocean was dominated by Muslim Traders which facilitated movement of goods from the Middle East, India, South East Asia and China. Ivory and gold were often traded along the east coast (possibly at Sofala, present day Biera) for glass beads, clothe and glazed ceramics. Thulamela Trail Cost: R240 per person payable at Punda Maria camp. Booking: It is advisable to make a prior booking at least one week in advance. Age group: 12 years and above. Group size: minimum of 2, maximum of 8. Pick-up point: Punda Maria and Pafuri picnic sites. Departure time: 07:00 Transport: Provided in the form of a ten-seater open safari vehicle. Own transport is also allowed. Refreshments: No food or drinks are available. Requirements: Water bottle, cap and camouflaged clothing. Safety boots are preferable. Food and Farming The site was most probably chosen due to the fertile soils of the area where various kinds of sorghum and millets were farmed. The grains from these crops would be ground to be used for porridge and beer. Clay spindle wheels would suggest that cotton was also cultivated for making cloth. The spindles were used to spin the thread by the women while men would weave the thread on low flat looms fixed to the ground. While the Khosi lived in a stone walled palace on top of a hillside, the commoners most probably lived near their fields The numerous potshards found on the site are the remains of discarded clay pots made by the women at Thulamela for cooking, eating and drinking. The pots were of various shapes and sizes, and often decorated. Graves During the excavations 2 graves were found beneath hut floors. Graves offer information about individuals of the past by reflecting belief systems from the burial itself, technology from the grave objects and from the bones diet, health, stature, sex and age. he first skeleton was that of a female and dates to around AD 1600. The person was aged between 45 -60 years and was + 1.73m tall. The roughly oval shaped grave had been dug through a hut in the wives area and the person was laid on her side. The second skeleton was that of a male which dated to around AD 1450, which could suggest that the person never lived at Thulamela. The skeleton was also broken and packed in a square shape, suggesting that the person did not die on the site. Start Now Experience a Kruger Park Safari of a Lifetime It doesn’t get much better than a Kruger Park safari. Home to the widest diversity of wildlife in South Africa and delivering some of the finest game viewing in the world, Kruger offers award-winning accommodation, smooth-running logistics and some of Africa’s best trackers and guides, ready to take you on Big 5 game drives and thrilling walking safaris. Among the World’s Very Best Big 5 Sightings If ticking off seeing the Big 5 – leopard, lion, elephant, rhino and buffalo – is on your bucket list, then choose a Kruger safari. It’s not unusual to see all five in one day. As one of the oldest conservation areas in Africa, Kruger regularly delivers fantastic wildlife sightings with healthy populations of sought-after species like cheetah and wild dog plus excellent birding. Up-close, reliable Big 5 sightings all year round Tracker-and-guide teams work together to find sightings No crowds at sightings (private reserves only) Few fences so wildlife can roam freely Show me the Big 5 A Safari for Every Traveller Kruger is ideal because of its excellent infrastructure, good travel network, professional guides and superb service. If you need creature comforts like Wi-Fi, air conditioning, exclusive-use vehicles or private plunge pools, then Kruger’s accommodation offers plenty to choose from. If you love being active on vacation, then Kruger’s lodges offer a wide variety of activities such as archery, wine tasting, star gazing, tennis, cooking lessons, yoga and specialist photography courses. Experience the Big 5 on a Kruger National Park family safari Ideal for first-time travellers Well-suited for wheelchair-friendly safaris Fall in love with Kruger on a honeymoon safari Build memories on a Kruger luxury safari Well-catered for kosher and halal-friendly safaris Find your safari Great Destination for Celebrations Just as Kruger is ideal for every type of traveller, it also lends itself to celebrations. Honeymooners will love the star beds and romantic sundowners while multi-generational families with children will feel safe and secure in fenced lodges with kids’ clubs. Whether it’s a marriage, an anniversary, a graduation or a family reunion, Kruger has enough accommodation and budget options to suit every occasion. Plus, there is much to do outside Kruger such as playing golf, going hot-air ballooning, visiting animal sanctuaries and hiking natural beauty spots. Plan your dream honeymoon with private plunge pools, romantic dining and couple’s spa treatments. Celebrate your children’s graduation at a family-friendly lodge. Mark your loved-one’s birthday with special sundowners in the bush. Experience a romantic Kruger safari for your anniversary. Celebrated a Significant Birthday in Kruger Go2Africa recently crafted a wonderful package in the Kruger and Mozambique for me and my partner to celebrate a significant birthday. Every detail was carefully taken into consideration. A safari & beach resort experience dreams are made of. - Fiona Proctor Read more reviews► Kruger Is Perfect for Walking and Guided Safaris The Kruger offers top-notch classic safaris where expert guides and trackers go in search of the Big 5 in customised 4×4 vehicles. For the truly adventurous, lodges like Rhino Post in the national park, Africa on Foot in Klaserie and Ngala Safari Lodge in Timbavati offer walking safaris, where your game drives can be replaced by venturing out on your own steam with a guide to discover Kruger’s fascinating ecosystem. Classic 4×4 safaris with tracker-and-guide teams. Adventurous walking safaris allow you to discover the smaller fauna and flora. Walk with an armed ranger through big game territory. Birders will enjoy ticking off almost 520 recorded species on game drives or walks. Private Reserves = Fewer Crowds For genuine exclusivity, low visitor numbers and sensational game viewing, we recommend a safari in Kruger’s private reserves including the Sabi Sands , Thornybush and Singita’s concessions. Leading the way in luxury safaris, these exclusive-use conservation areas are world famous for their virtually guaranteed Big 5 sightings. Other benefits and highlights of private reserve: Private off-road guided game drives Vehicle limit at wildlife sightings Luxurious lodges: star beds, spas, Wi-Fi and private pools Best safari food in Africa (award-winning chefs) High concentration of leopards Area known for seeing all the Big 5 in a single day Convenient Travel Logistics & Easily Combined with Other Destinations The Greater Kruger area is one of the most easily reachable wildlife areas in Africa. After jetting into the main hub of OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, you can either take a short-haul flight onto one of the three airports outside Kruger or be driven in air-conditioned comfort. Once you’re there, moving between lodges is by vehicle, which doubles as a game drive. The private reserves are compact and transfer times are comparatively short, meaning you spend more time on safari and less time travelling. The plethora of air connections allow you to easily merge your Kruger safari with other destinations. Easily combined with island holidays: Mozambique and Mauritius Easily accessible to: Cape Town and Victoria Falls OR Tambo to Kruger about 450 kilometres / 280 miles by road (we will arrange a qualified driver-guide) Best Kruger Tours & Safaris Apart from its breathtaking scenery and amazing wildlife, the beauty of the Kruger National Park is that it’s so accessible. Just a few hours drive from Johannesburg and boasting its own international airport for easy connections to Cape Town and Mozambique’s Indian Ocean coast, Kruger offers exceptional Big 5 game viewing and luxurious accommodation without being too far off the beaten track. Moreover, a safari in the Kruger can be whatever you want it to be. Enjoy a romantic and decadent escape in one of Kruger’s legendary private reserves while enjoying a Kruger Park honeymoon safari or revel in the thrills of a guided walking safari and track big game on foot. Our selection of Kruger Park tours and safaris also includes fly-in safaris for those who have less time to spare, affordable self-drive vacations for the independently-minded, and Kruger Park family safari complete with tailored kids activities. Why not combine your Kruger safari with a few days in Cape Town, a beach break in Mozambique or an adventure at Victoria Falls? If you can’t find the combination itinerary you want in our range of Kruger holidays, simply contact us and one of our African Safari Experts will tailor-make a trip to your interests, budget and specifications. Prolific Big 5 Game Viewing Encountering Africa’s iconic Big 5 (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo) is a major item on any safari goer’s bucket list. Kruger National Park is one of the very few places on earth where you’re able to tick off all five in one day. Our Top 3 South African National Parks for Winter Game Viewing As the South African winter air falls upon our mountains and fills our valleys, the once vibrant wilderness transforms ever so subtly. Crisp morning air embracing your skin, filling your senses with natural aromas and a tranquility like no other. The rich African sky is decorated with fine mist that promises to lift later on in the morning, raising the curtain on a new day and a new adventure. It is here, amidst the silence, that the soul of the South African outdoors begins to reveal itself in a unique, breathtaking way. The first hints of sunlight pierce through the frosty air, casting a pale gold hue on the frost-kissed grass. In its stillness, though the cold, the landscape begins to come alive. Each blade of grass glistens in the morning light — a glimmer of hope that temperatures are rising soon. As the croaking of the nearby army of frogs quiets down, the polite chatter of a pair of Scarlet-chested Sunbirds can be heard in the distance. You’ve just woken up in the Kruger National Park, the largest national park on the continent and the oldest in South Africa. It’s one of the most popular parks to view our big five, and it’s in your very own backyard. Winter in the South African National Parks is a captivating spectacle, a time when the parks display a different side, a side that is calm, tranquil, and yet strikingly beautiful. Brush the frost off your boots, and let’s set out on a journey across three of our hand-picked national parks that are perfect for winter game viewing experiences. Let’s explore Kruger National Park , Addo Elephant National Park , and Marakele National Park . Winter Game Viewing Delight in Kruger National Park Kruger National Park is a vast wilderness situated in the north-eastern corner of South Africa, offering a pure African bush experience for all those who are lucky enough to grace the park with their presence. The park spans across the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces and borders Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Wildlife to Expect: Kruger is renowned for its abundant wildlife, which becomes even more visible in winter. The reduction in natural bushveld owed to a drop in seasonal rainfall, along with the dry weather lure animals to the waterholes, providing excellent game viewing opportunities. All members of the Big Five — the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo — can be found here. Cheetahs, wild dogs, and a host of herbivores, including Impala, zebra, and giraffe, can be seen roaming the wilderness. The little five also adorn the park’s grounds. These are the Buffalo Weaver, Elephant Shrew, Leopard Tortoise, Ant Lion, and Rhino Beetle. Additionally, over 500 common, rare, and endemic bird species inhabit the park. The big six of the birding world to look out for are the Ground Hornbill, Kori Bustard, Lappet-faced Vulture, Martial Eagle, Pel’s Fishing Owl, and Saddle-bill Stork. Other Winter Experiences: Kruger National Park presents a variety of winter experiences. Game drives are a staple, with both day and night drives offering unique wildlife viewing opportunities, with warmth to be found beneath blankets atop of land cruiser vehicles and hot chocolate the reward at the end of your safari. The cooler temperatures make bush walks particularly enjoyable, providing the opportunity to get up close with nature. For a different perspective, consider taking a hot air balloon ride over the park at sunrise. Kruger National Park also offers 4×4 Trails and 4×4 Eco Trails , Mountain Biking , Birding , and golf . For the curious, the Elephant Hall at Letaba Rest Camp is a great place to learn more about our incredible South African giants. The Honoured Big 7 at Addo Elephant National Park Located in the Eastern Cape, Addo Elephant National Park is the third-largest national park in South Africa and stretches from the semi-arid Karoo area in the north around Darlington Dam, over the Zuurberg Mountains, through the Sundays River Valley, and down to the coast between Sundays River Mouth and Bushmans River Mouth. Wildlife to Expect: True to its name, Addo Elephant National Park is home to hundreds of elephants, offering ample opportunities to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat. It’s also one of the few places where you can see the Big Seven — the Big Five, along with Southern Right Whale and Great White shark off the coast of Algoa Bay. The winter months provide excellent viewing opportunities as animals gather near water sources, and the park’s diverse landscapes make it a hotspot for a wide variety of bird species. With up to 450 bird species inhabiting the park, bird watchers will be in their element. Other Winter Experiences: For those seeking adventure, the Bedrogfontein 4×4 Trail presents a combination of breathtaking views and historical relevance. This 45km trail is situated between the Kabouga and Darlington areas of the park and offers an unforgettable journey through areas of significant Anglo-Boer War battles and sites of ancient rock art. Nature walks and hikes are another fantastic way to explore the park’s distinct biomes, each home to unique flora and fauna. The Alexandria Hiking Trail , a two-day circular trail stretching over 32km, provides an immersive experience of the park’s landscapes. Marine enthusiasts will appreciate the park’s coastal section between Sundays River Mouth and Bushmans River Mouth. Here, you can bask in the sun on one of the warmer winter days, relax on the sandy shores and enjoy a picnic. Alternatively, book a chartered cruise from the Port Elizabeth harbour and go in search of marine wildlife such as the Southern Right Whale and Great White Shark. The Bird and St. Croix islands in Algoa Bay are vital breeding areas for marine birds like Cape gannets, African penguins, and rare roseate terns. The Sanctuary that is Marakele National Park Marakele National Park is situated approximately a 2.5 hour drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria, making it the ideal reserve to visit if you are not wanting to drive too far for a weekend getaway. In Tswana, Marakele means ‘a place of sanctuary’, and Marakele National Park offers just this. Located in the heart of the Waterberg Mountains, summer weather conditions offer a hot summer’s day without the stifling humidity that can be expected of lower lying regions in South Africa. Winter offers cool, crisp mornings and evenings with very pleasant daytime temperatures – making Marakele the ideal mind-winter break destination. Make a day trip to Marakele and enjoy the spectacular scenery from the viewtop at the top of the mountain, alongside the Cape Vulture Colony. Wildlife to Expect: In winter, expect to encounter a host of mammals such as elephants, Black and White rhinos, leopards, lions, brown hyenas, and a vibrant antelope population. Sable, Kudu, Eland, Impala, Waterbuck, Tsessebe, and smaller species all occur in the park. Moreover, Marakele forms part of the world’s largest colony of the endangered Cape vulture, so keep your binoculars at the ready for these magnificent birds. Other Winter Experiences: Aside from game drives and bird watching, Marakele also offers morning and sunset bush walks and a two-night 4×4 eco trail . For a breathtaking sunrise, a drive to the Lenong viewpoint on top of the Waterberg Mountains is a must. Some information to note before we set off on our winter exploration… Handy Information Winter game viewing in South Africa’s National Parks can be a thrilling experience, but it’s not your typical beach holiday. It’s crucial to come prepared so your adventure can be comfortable, enjoyable, and safe. First things first: pack warm clothing. South African winter days can be sunny, but temperatures can plummet in the early mornings and late afternoons, especially on game drives. Pack jackets, beanies, scarves, and gloves. Don’t shy away from layering — it is your best friend in the South African winter. Remember, the colour of your clothing can affect game viewing, so opting for natural tones will help you blend in with the surroundings. Green, brown, khaki, and olive are perfect for blending in with the environment. Essential items to pack include a camera, binoculars, a torch, sunblock, sunglasses, hiking shoes, and any personal items necessary for your comfort. South Africa’s national parks offer a range of dining options. The restaurants at our National Parks serve a variety of dishes, including South African cuisine. Whether you want a hearty breakfast to start your day, a quick lunch between game drives, or a relaxing dinner under the stars, you will be well catered for. At Kruger Park, ample cafeterias and restaurants are available for casual dining throughout the park. For a truly unique dining experience, consider booking a Boma or Bush braai at any of the rest camps. View a list of restaurants . Addo Elephant National Park also offers a variety of restaurants, including a Cattle Baron Grill & Bistro . Unlike Kruger National Park and Addo Elephant National Park, Marakele National Park doesn’t have on-site shops, restaurants, or fuel stations, so be sure to pack in any supplies you might need or buy them in Thabazimbi before nightfall. Despite this, you can cater for yourself with the braai facilities . Game viewing experiences across the various South African National Parks offer the opportunity to truly immerse yourself in nature, rejuvenating your soul, reviving your mind and relaxing your physical senses. Wintertime is one of the best times of year to truly experience the beauty of our majestic landscapes, and get the very best game viewing experiences. Malaria As of late September 2017 we have noticed an increase in the amount of Malaria diagnoses in Kruger National Park. We therefore advise all travellers to cover themselves by taking chemoprophylaxis whilst visiting the Park. Your family physician will be able to advise you on the most suitable medication. The risk of contracting malaria is often a concern when visiting the Kruger National Park. The Kruger is one of the two South African National Parks that are situated in malaria risk areas. The other park is Mapungubwe National Park. It is important to note that the risk of malaria in both of these parks is usually low, even in the summer months. Malaria is mosquito borne disease transmitted exclusively through the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito. The highest risk period is between November and April – the end of the summer rainy season. Following the bite of an infected mosquito, an individual may remain asymptomatic for 12 – 35 days, depending on the species of malaria. This is known as the incubation period. Malaria should be suspected in patients with any unexplained fever after visiting an area where malaria is endemic. The symptoms of malaria include: Fever Chills Sweating Headaches Body aches Tiredness Stomach problems – These can include: Loss of appetite Nausea and vomiting Belly pain Diarrhoea Skin that looks yellow – This is called “jaundice” Cough Fast heart rate or breathing When malaria becomes severe, it can cause symptoms such as: Confusion Hallucinations Seizures Dark or bloody urine Most types of mosquito that are encountered will not carry the malaria parasite and if an individual is bitten it does not mean that they will contract malaria. The risk of malaria can be reduced by preventing mosquito bites. Mosquitoes most often bite between dusk and dawn. People are advised to stay indoors during this period, or cover exposed skin with light clothing or insect repellents. Remember to spray one’s ankles. Burning anti-mosquito coils and ensuring netted screens are kept closed will significantly reduce your risk for contracting insect bites. All of the accommodation available in Kruger is fitted with netted screens. Malaria prophylactic drugs can be taken that will further decrease the chances of contracting malaria. It is a difficult decision whether or not to take malaria prophylactics when visiting the Kruger National Park. The risk of contracting malaria needs to be weighed up against the side effects of the malaria prophylactic medication, and all the drugs available have various side effects. The choice of the appropriate drug that an individual should use is a decision that should be made in consultation with a medical doctor. There are three types of malaria prophylactic medications available for the strains of malaria occurring in South Africa, namely Doxycycline, Atovaquone/Proguanil and Mefloquine. It is also important to know that taking malaria prophylaxis does not guarantee that an individual will not contract malaria, it decreases the risk of contracting the disease. Malaria should be excluded in anyone who presents with unexplained fever within 12 to 35 days after entering a malaria area. A blood test is the most accurate, although rapid tests are available that are also very accurate. GPS Waypoints Select a park to view the GPS Waypoints: |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park Addo Elephant National Park Agulhas National Park Augrabies Falls National Park Bontebok National Park Camdeboo National Park Garden Route National Park Golden Gate Highlands National Park Karoo National Park Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park Kruger National Park Mapungubwe National Park Marakele National Park Mokala National Park Mountain Zebra National Park Namaqua National Park Table Mountain National Park Tankwa Karoo National Park West Coast National Park Location of the park (red area) in South Africa LocationLimpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, South Africa Nearest cityMbombela (southern) Phalaborwa (central) Coordinates24°0′41″S 31°29′7″E Area19,623 km2 (7,576 sq mi)[1] [2] [3] Established31 May 1926[4] Visitors1,659,793 (1,277,397 day visitors, 382,396 overnight)[5] (in 2014–15 FY) Governing bodySouth African National Parks www.sanparks.org.za/parks/kruger/ Road Conditions Please take care when travelling to/from our Parks. Below are links to websites and Twitter feeds that will provide you with information regarding national road conditions, for your convenience. Websites Trans African Concessions (TRAC) N4 – For visitors travelling to the Kruger National Park via the N4 Toll Route AA – Road Conditions & Distance Calculator SANRAL – The South African National Roads Agency Twitter @netstartraffic – Provides traffic information on Gauteng, Durban and Cape Town. @TomTom_SA – Road/traffic information and updates, provided by TomTom SA. @N3Route – The N3 Toll Route from Cedara (Hilton) to Heidelberg, SA. Traffic updates, road safety and more. @TRACN4route – TRAC operates the N4 toll route between Pretoria in SA and Maputo in Mozambique. For help, info and traffic updates. @EWNTraffic – Eyewitness News’ traffic feed (Gauteng). @itrafficgp – SANRAL traffic updates (Gauteng) BACK TO TOP

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