SOUTH AFRICA TRAVEL SOUTH AFRICA

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World famous: the Kruger National Park. It was founded as early as 1898 at the suggestion of the President of South Africa, Paul Kruger.

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Vast areas of the park are completely untouched. Although it is very well developed for tourism with its 2,300 km network of roads and many camps, the extremely varied animal population can be observed living in the wild. Large herds of antelopes live in the heart of the park and they attract predators such as lions and cheetahs. In the drier north, you often see enormous herds of elephants and buffalo, leopards and Nyala antelopes. Hippopotamuses, elephants, crocodiles, buffalo and giraffes above all bustle about around the rivers and pools.

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The National Park extends from Crocodile River in the south to Limpopo in the north, covering a total area of 20,000 square kilometres. There is no comparison to the rich variety of animals in the park. Many of them are nocturnal. Yet what you can see between sunrise and sunset is still enough to give you an unforgettable experience - here is a herd of impalas.

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Apart from organised night trips, it’s only possible to observe the animals in the park between sunrise and sunset. The best time of day is before 10 o’clock and in the late afternoon. The winter months of July and August are the best time for travel to the Kruger National Park. Then the grass is short, the trees and bushes only have a few leaves on them and allow you a clear view. A dense network of safari camps is available in the park for longer excursions.

The Sabie Rivie is the lifeline of the Kruger National Park. Lush vegetation grows on its banks. Here you’ll see wild animals coming to drink all around. A tip: It’s often worthwhile waiting a bit longer for the animals at a water-hole instead of more or less driving behind them in a car. …

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As well as the lion, leopard, buffalo and elephant, the rhinoceros is one of the Big Five and in former times, all big game hunters had to have one hanging over their fireplace. Today, extensive international conservation programmes guarantee the survival of these unique animals, which are still in danger of extinction. Around the beginning of the 20th century, 1 million animals lived world-wide, there were still 9,000 in 1984, today the figure is down to around only 2,000…
Rhinos are solitary animals by nature. They only group together at water-holes and on ground that contains minerals. Care should be taken with females with young. An angry, galloping cow can easily reach a speed of 50 km/h. The speed limit for drivers in the park is 40 km/h. .

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Rhinoceros bulls grow to a shoulder height of 1.80 m and a weight of around 400 kg.

More than 500 varieties of birds are at home in South Africa and in addition to these, millions of migratory birds from European regions flock to the Cape of Good Hope every year. Wading birds and curlews are very frequently found, as well as all types of songbirds. So it’s very possible that you’ll come across old acquaintances from your own neighbourhood.

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South Africa is home to the prettiest varieties of antelopes in Africa. An adult Nyala antelope for example reaches a respectable shoulder height of 1.30 m and a length of 2 metres. Their markings are exceptional and fur hangs down in long, soft fringes on their necks and under their stomachs. You come across Nyalas in dry savannah landscapes.

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The yellowbilled hornbill belongs to the lilac-breasted roller family and is therefore closely related to the hoppoe. Along with hornbills, you’ll find colourful toucans, many varieties of cranes and proud examples of birds of prey in the Kruger National Park.

Although there are a lot of similarities between them, the spotted hyena is not related to the dog or jackal but to the civet family. Along with many species of vultures and jackals, hyenas ensure the complete disposal of everything that lions, leopards and other carnivores leave behind. If you give yourself enough time, with a bit of luck you might be able to observe a complete life-cycle.

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When the shadows get longer, the heat of the day abates. Now, the bush begins its chorus of a million sounds and very soon you’ll see the first animals coming to drink. This is the nicest time for watching the animals; many species flock closely together before going their own way again.

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Sightseeing from your own vehicle is possible in the Kruger National Park during the official opening hours. The park officially closes at nightfall. For special tours outside of normal hours, professional scouts are available at any time and they can take you on shortcuts to very special places.

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You can’t say that elephants are curious by nature. But surprising encounters take place in the park again and again because the animals have got used to the presence of humans.

Just open your eyes and you’ll discover the most varied types of animals here in the Kruger Park. In this paradise, it’s abundantly clear to observers what evolution really means. Adjustment to the specific conditions of the environment - that’s how species have survived and that’s how they go on developing.

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Hardly any other country on this earth is so very blessed by nature as South Africa. It’s no wonder then that those interested in geology will find something at every turn - stone that is possibly more than 3 billion years old, for example.

Not all zebras are the same. There are 4 varieties in South Africa alone. Above: The Hartmann’s Mountain zebra.

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South Africa is proud of its rich natural heritage. More than 300 species of mammals, 500 types of birds and 100 species of reptiles have found a home here. Many of them live in the Kruger Park. The bee eater, a colourful example of its kind and a close relative of the kingfisher.

Like all cats, lions love snoozing too. They go hunting only after a good afternoon nap. It’s mainly the females who hunt in packs.

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