Local Area Information

There is so much to see and do if you can pull yourself away from the sanctity and beauty of the lodge!
Kruger National Park is the largest national park in South Africa, covering nearly 20,000 square kilometers (7,722 square miles) in the northeast corner of the country. It is located in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, west of the Lebombo Mountains on the Mozambique border. Established in part in 1898, the park was named in 1926 for Paul Kruger, former president of the South African Republic (the Transvaal) and builder of the Afrikaner nation.
The park is home to an impressive variety of wildlife, including 145 mammal species and 500 bird species. Some of the most popular animals to see in the park include:

The Big Five:
African Elephant
African Lion
African Leopard
African Buffalo
Black Rhinoceros
Other mammals:
Cheetahs
Wild Dogs
Giraffes
Zebras
Hippos
Crocodiles
Hyenas
Antelopes (Impalas, Kudus, Elands, etc.)
Warthogs
Baboons
Monkeys
Birds:
Kingfishers
Eagles
Vultures
Storks
Owls
Hornbills
Bee-eaters
Weavers
Reptiles:
Nile Crocodiles
Snakes (Puff Adders, Cobras, etc.)
Lizards (Monitor Lizards, Skinks, etc.)
Tortoises

It is important to note that the animals in the Kruger National Park are wild and unpredictable, and sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, the park offers amazing opportunities to see a wide variety of wildlife in their natural habitat.
A very useful piece of Kruger National Park travel information to know is the distances and time it takes to travel between rest camps and gates!

Whilst the Kruger National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa, there are several local attractions near the park that are definitely worth a visit. Here are some of the top attractions:

Blyde River Canyon: Located about an hour and a half drive from Kruger National Park, Blyde River Canyon is one of the largest canyons in the world and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Bourke's Luck Potholes: These natural geological formations are located near Blyde River Canyon and are caused by thousands of years of water erosion. The potholes are a popular spot for tourists to take photos and explore the unique rock formations.

Panorama Route: This scenic drive takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in South Africa, including Blyde River Canyon and Bourke's Luck Potholes. The route is dotted with several other attractions such as waterfalls, viewpoints, and historical sites.

Graskop Gorge Lift Company: This new attraction near Blyde River Canyon offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty of the gorge from a unique perspective via a glass elevator that descends 51 meters into the gorge.

Three Rondavels: These three towering peaks are located in the Blyde River Canyon area and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The peaks are named after traditional round African huts, which they resemble in shape.

God's Window: This viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the Lowveld region, including Kruger National Park, and is a popular spot for tourists to take in the stunning scenery.

Overall, the Kruger National Park and its surrounding areas offer a wide variety of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you're interested in wildlife, natural beauty, or history and culture, there's something for everyone in this part of South Africa.

Other:

Skukuza Golf Club is described as 'the wildest course in the world'. located in the Kruger National Park in South Africa. It is one of the few golf courses in the world located within a wildlife sanctuary. The course was originally built in 1972 and has recently been redesigned and upgraded.

The golf course is an 18-hole, par 72 course that measures 5,950 meters for men and 5,059 meters for women. It is surrounded by beautiful scenery, including views of the Sabie River. The course is designed to provide a unique and challenging golfing experience, with narrow fairways, water hazards, and bunkers strategically placed throughout the course.

One of the unique features of Skukuza Golf Club is that there is no fence and the wildlife can enter and be seen on the course. It is not uncommon for golfers to encounter animals such as impala, warthogs, and baboons while playing a round of golf. The course is designed to coexist with the wildlife, and special measures have been taken to ensure the safety of both the animals and the golfers.

Skukuza Golf Club is open to the public, and visitors to the Kruger National Park can book a round of golf at the course. The club also offers golf cart and equipment rentals, as well as lessons and clinics for golfers of all skill levels.

In addition to golfing, Skukuza Golf Club also offers a restaurant and bar where visitors can enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the beautiful surroundings. Just note the times that the Paul Kruger Gate closes (6 or 6.30pm depending on the time of year and light).