The Kruger National Park is one of very few places in South Africa where the animals rule and the humans have to be careful of where they tread. It is also a fascinating place and there are few quirks and interesting facts that visitors may or may not know about the park…
- The Kruger National Park is the size of a small country
Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s largest game reserves and spans a massive 19 485 km² – which is the size of Wales. The reserve is so huge, it borders Zimbabwe and Mozambique, and stretches over two provinces – Mpumalanga and Limpopo.
- Park named after Paul Kruger
The park is named after President Paul Kruger who served in this position from 1883 to 1900. It was declared a national park to reduce hunting in the reserve after hunters decimated the game in an uncontrolled and unregulated manner for decades.
ALSO READ: You can’t kelp but love the underwater forests of SA
- Opened to the public in 1927
The national park was officially opened to the public in 1927 and it was totally underwhelming. Only three cars visited in the whole year. That soon changed, as 3 600 kilometres of roads were built and accommodation followed to bring in more visitors.
- The oldest Park in Africa
The park was declared a no-hunting zone by the Transvaal Republic government in 1898 and proclaimed a national Park in 1926 – making it the oldest national park in all of Africa.
- It’s completely untame
The biggest drawcard for Kruger National Park visitors is how raw and untame the park is. Everything that happens in the park is real – there is no petting, feeding or staged performances. What you see is what you get – and if you are lucky enough to witness a kill, it’ll be an experience you’ll never forget.
- Ten entrances to the park
There are ten ways to enter and exit the Kruger National Park, these include:
- Crocodile Bridge
- Malelane
- Numbi
- Phabeni
- Paul Kruger
- Orpen
- Phalaborwa
- Punda Maria
- Pafuri
- Giriyondo
- Highest mammal species in Africa
The highest concentration of mammals in all of African can be found in the Kruger National Park. Besides the majestic Big 5, there are large mammal species that include antelope, warthogs, ostriches, zebra, wildebeest, hyena, cheetah, wild dogs and many smaller animals like otters, mongeese and shrews.
