The Kruger National Park, rich in biodiversity, was established in 1898 and stretches for 350 km from south to north along the Mozambican border before meeting up with the Zimbabwean border. A paradise for the wildlife enthusiast, with close to 150 mammals to be on the look-out for, amongst them six cat species, the park also has more than 500 species of birds and over 300 species of trees for the visitor to identify.

With its subtropical climate, the large habitat variety and a surface area of 19 633 km2, the park is home to a spectacular array of fauna and flora and is undoubtedly the world leader in dynamic environmental management techniques and policies based on experience gained over more than a century.

At the ranger’s signal, everybody freezes. What has he seen? As he points, all heads slowly turn. A stone throw away, expertly camouflaged by a thick stand of lala palms, is a huge elephant bull. As the magnificent animal peacefully feeds, everybody holds their breath. After what seems like ages, the massive head lifts and gently flapping its ears, the bull slowly lumbers away into the dense bush. Such an exceptional encounter can befall those who make a booking to venture forth on one of the Kruger National Park’s wilderness trails.

Seven trails, chosen for their unique scenic beauty and diverse fauna and flora and each with its own special features, provide an unforgettable experience for the more adventurous traveller.

Armed trail rangers accompany groups of no more than eight on an exploration of the African bush lasting three nights and two days. Set out daily from your trail’s base camp and return at night to a crackling campfire and a wholesome meal. Wash off the dust and fatigue in a reed-walled shower and fall asleep in a rustic hut to the sounds of the bush. This is Africa at her best.

In the Kruger National Park alone, there are a large number of known cultural heritage sites, including several recorded rock art sites. In the northernmost part of this park, at Thulamela, archaeologists have uncovered a prehistoric site, inhabited from the 15th to mid-17th century.

Gold beads, clay spindle whorls, ostrich shell-beads and other artefacts as well as stone ruins were discovered and are probably the remains of a Late Iron Age settlement. The stone-walled settlement has been reconstructed and was officially declared a cultural site museum on 24 September 1996.

The picturesque Masorini Hill site, near the Phalaborwa entrance gate, tells the story of a society that produced and traded iron artefacts during the Late Iron Age era. Although not as old as Thulamela, the site museum offers a glimpse of a unique metalworking and farming culture and the close relationship which once existed between man and nature.

Learn about the secrets of the African bush during a three hour leisurely day walk in the Kruger National Park. Accompanied by two armed guides, who will happily unveil its wonders, you can experience this flagship park’s wonderfully diverse fauna and flora at first hand.