Kruger National Park
The Kruger National Park is a favourite amongst tourists
Kruger National Park is the ultimate game reserve experience in South Africa. It is also the largest one in the country covering an area of almost 19,000 square kilometers of land and water. It was established as a national park in 1926 earning it another first as being the first national park of South Africa. Last 2002, it became part of a larger park now known as the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park.
It is bordered naturally by Limpopo and Crocodile Rivers and Lebombo Mountains. On the south and west are Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces. To its east is Mozambique while Zimbabwe is on its north border. It is linked to Zimbabwe’s Gonarezhou National Park and the Limpopo National Park. The highest point in the Khandzalive hill and has an altitude that ranges from 200 to 8490 meters.
The best time to visit this South Africa tourist attraction is during wintertime because animals are easier to spot and there is less chance of getting malaria. Also, during hot months, the temperature can drop to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit and it becomes very humid to walk around.
Not too long ago, Kruger National Park authorities installed webcams and CCTV cameras around the park to help them monitor the animals, plants, and catch tourists abusing the park with trash, threatening the animals or destroying plant life. Being the park that has the most number of mammal species, it isn’t surprising that the park receives thousands of tourists monthly.
While there are 9 designated tourist trails in the park, it isn’t uncommon to find more. These are temporary trails created by the animals as they move about. Tourists are advised not to wander away from the main trails.
Kruger National Park has implemented anti-poaching laws which were not completely effective because of the area that had to be covered. As such aside from the webcams and CCTVs that were installed, the park authorities solicited and got help from different private and government agencies to borrow 2 drones and received 2 helicopters as a donation, install sensors and new fences, animal tracking devices, and acquire a dog unit capable of patrolling the area. Despite these supplements SA authorities will have to continually innovate to prevent poaching.
The problem with poachers is that they too have upgraded their equipment with night vision gear, telescopes, and high end rifles with the latest gadgets in suppressors. Around 200 were caught last year, 2012 and about 30 more were killed because they engaged the authorities in gun fights. The poachers also use intimidation tactics and try to corrupt park employees to allow them to continue with their sport.
One of the most coveted game prizes for poachers is the rhino horn which can sell for as much as US$82,000 per kilo. Any existing ban is disregarded by poachers and they are willing to gamble their lives for the money. The horns are also sold for the liquid that is found inside the horn which is used for native medicines.
Camps and Accommodations
Tourists can pick from any of the 21 camps, 2 private lodges, and 15 safari lodges if they want to stay in Kruger National Park for a few days. Many of these camps offer packages that include safaris and activities that can be done while in the park. It has also become a popular choice to go camping since no special permit is required by the park.