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S.LAM Photography
A Park Everyone Should Visit At Least Once In Their Lifetime
I visited Kruger National Park in September 2015. As this was a lifelong dream, I can honestly say I was not disappointed with my experience. I booked with Themba Lodge Tours (who were absolutely excellent) and they were more than accommodating. Their guides were very knowledgable and we were able to see 4 out of the big 5 safari animals.
I was disappointed that we did not get to see lions, but the abundance of other wildlife in which we saw most definitely made up for that. Some of the animals I remember seeing are: water buffalo, elephant, leopard, rhino, cheetah, baboon, zebra, giraffe, antelope, monkeys, many different bird species, plus more.
As for scenery, I took it for what it was: the African bush. A lot of flatlands as far as the eye can stretch. It was a bit baron as I expected a few more high up viewpoints for it being a National Park, but I guess I didn't know what to expect really.
All in all, I would highly recommend going to Kruger National Park at least once in a lifetime. An absolute destination.
A magical experience
The Kruger National Park is a modern remnant of the Africa of old. Wild animals continue to roam and live freely in the area, and the entire cycle of life is on display for the visitor to see. The diversity of the scenery, fauna and flora is incredible. One can experience dramatic changes when travelling from the northern, arid mopane landscapes to the greener south. The roads are well maintained as are the rest camps. Key to maintaining places such as Kruger are the people working there, and as a South African used to mediocre service levels, I was very impressed by the friendliness and professionalism displayed by all the staff I had dealings with. Every time I return to Kruger I am reminded just how special this place is, and what an asset it is to not only the country, but to every person who has a love for the great outdoors.
Ian_in_Melbourne
AU
Visited:
August 2015
Reviewed: Dec 30, 2015
Email Ian_in_Melbourne | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The reality far outweighed the expectation.
Self guided is the way to go in my opinion. You can go where you choose for as long as you choose (within park rules). Guided tours tend to attract other tours and can limit viewing possibilities.
Kruger National Park landscape changes frequently which in effect changes the wildlife you are likely to encounter. Be patient, the wildlife is there. Sometimes it can be hard to see, other times it will be right in front of you.
The accomamodations were basic but comfortable to suit everyone. People always helpful.
Overall an experience I want again.
Michael Jansen
DE
Visited:
November 2012
Reviewed: Dec 29, 2015
Email Michael Jansen | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The "Big Five" within 4 hours
We kept on driving and encountered a big male elephant wearing a radio collar. The bull was in the musth and he discharged temporin from the temporal ducts on the sides of the head. After he left the scenery we drove on towards Voortrekker Road towards Numbi Gate. Within the next 30 minutes we saw a male and a few female lions as well as a single black rhino and a group of white rhinos. Moreover a huge buffalo herd appeared, joining the white rhinos for grazing.
Our guide told us that other people will need to return three times to Kruger Park to accomplish the "Big 5" mission, and we just reached that goal on a single afternoon game drive. We were so lucky.
This
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was approved by the next full day game drive. It was considerably hotter than the day before, so the animals stayed in the shadows most of the day. Nevertheless we encountered a few sleeping lions, some elephants, several antelopes, hippos and lots of baboons.On our sundowner game drive we had the rare opportunity to spot a male cheetah. It began to rain and the cheetah climbed on a big tree to observe the surrounding area. I was aware of tree climbing leopards, but a cheetah? This was new to me and a truly unique experience.
Great park experience
Amazing park, many animals, excellent facilities, especially Skukuza. Different landscapes.
Michael Potts
NL
Visited:
October 2015
Reviewed: Dec 29, 2015
Email Michael Potts | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great, but often has too many people, and there can be too many cars at good sightings.
Will Sweet
US
Visited:
November 2015
Reviewed: Dec 18, 2015
Email Will Sweet | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Visting Kruger National Park was the best experience of my life
Staying in both Punda Maria and Skukuza, I was able to get a huge diversity of landscape and wildlife. Although I was on a private research program, I was able to see more wildlife than I could have imagined. I saw over 200 species of birds in the Kruger and numerous other animals. I saw 8 leopards, elephants every day, numerous rhinos, giraffe every day, multiple lion prides, and many other incredible sightings. The food and acomodations were equally wonderful. Punda Maria was great as was Skukuza.
A bit lacking in atmosphere.
Staying in one of the larger lodges with lots of other people around & driving on tarmac roads a fair amount of the time with a number of private vehicles on the roads then I did think the actual safari experience was a bit lacking. (Private concessions & smaller lodges would be completely different). You do get close to the animals - closer than in a lot of places as they are used to the vehicles so it really depends what you go for. Having only spent a couple of days in one area then again it would make sense to go to different areas for slightly different experiences (although obviously if you drive down the same road an hour later you might see different things). Guides & vehicles are good. Weather wasn't particularly good when I was there - so this probably tempers the review !
We were captivated by the pulse of the bush and variety of wildlife encountered.
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per kilometre travelled. This trip has certainly put the unique African bush & wildlife in our hearts & we can't wait to return in the near future.
piazzi1969
DE
Visited:
November 2015
Reviewed: Dec 5, 2015
Email piazzi1969 | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Good views of Leopard, lion, elephants, many white rhino, honey badgers, wild dogs and the highlight was a cheetah and a fair number of birds although less than in Sabi Sands.
We stayed at Lukimbi in South Krüger. To sum things up: Friendly, good guide, good food, nice lodge with a nice room (number 9, without a nice view though), many mammals seen and some nice bird species such as Ground Hornbill and Secretary Bird.