Kruger National Park is one of the world's most well-known wildlife sanctuaries and also the oldest in Africa, therefore providing an idea for a great exotic vacation getaway. It is internationally applauded for conservation and is a model for ecological tourism, which it successfully uses to fund conservation.



The park covers an area of almost two million hectares (7332 sq miles) with its western limits flanked by luxury camps and private reserves which are some of the most high-priced and exotic International tourist attractions in South Africa with its very luxurious bush accommodations housing all the required conveniences to pamper guests.

Despite this, the park still receives thousands of visitors every year. Some are day-trippers, others spending any amount of nights at the 21 more low-budget yet comfortable and well-equipped camps. The Park has 8 main gates, which allow visitors access to the Park.

The park offers various different ecosystems since it covers such a immense area and therefore attracts many different animal species that gravitates naturally towards these areas. Therefore it is a good idea to consult with the Park rangers if you want to see specific animals since they can be found in certain areas of the Park.

Being the meeting place of six major ecosystems that support a extraordinary density and assortment of animals, reptiles and insects, the far northern areas are maybe the most ecologically interesting. Be sure to allow enough time to explore all the different options on your next great vacation getaway.

Because the vegetation cover is low and animals gather in larger numbers on the river banks and around watering holes, game viewing is best in wintertime in Kruger National Park. But then again in summertime the bush really comes to life with new growth, many young animals and 517 species of birds.

The biggest attraction at Kruger National Park is of course the big five: elephant, rhino, leopard, buffalo and lion. Figures vary but in 2006 there were approximately 13500 elephants recorded.

Apart from all the different available safaris (some even at night), hiking trips can be undertaken into the bush. Accompanied by park rangers and rifles of course! These hikes can be very educational since the rangers really go out of there way to teach tourists about the ecological systems in place in the Park and point things out that most people would miss or just walk right over.

Marked by the enormous baobab trees that are so typical of the African bush, the Kruger National Park is something to put on your list for "exotic vacations". You have to be there to experience the sound of a lion roaring or the trumpet of an elephant while sitting next to a campfire with the sun setting like a ball of fire.