Kruger Park

Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa, and became the countries first national park in 1926. It is truly a transformative experience that will take you into a world that will stimulate all of your senses.Getting there: Once you arrive in Johannesburg and are able to survive the ordeal of passing customs you have two options. The first is connecting in JNB with a direct flight to one of the regional airports. Note however that upon our arrival it took almost 2 hours to clear the airport so plan accordingly for connecting flights as you must clear customs and retrieve your baggage to re-check for local routing. The second option is renting a car and if you are heading to the southern region of the park it is approximately a 4.5-5 hour drive on well paved roads. Where we stayed: We decided to forgo the pricy reserves that could cost upwards of several thousands of dollars per night and went with the up- and-coming holiday town and gated community of Marloth Park. We searched airbnb for local listings with high ratings, plenty of reviews, and proximity to the main park gates of Kruger national park. This resulted in booking the Nora Wa Hina house . Located approximately 20 minutes from the park entrance the residence is managed by Hillary and a local caretaker. If interested simply run a search filter on airbnb Marloth park region under the name of Noro Wa Hina ( or our dream) or follow this link http://abnb.me/EVmg/Bj9laEXkGzNoro Wa Hina: The residence was a self catering home so there is no live in staff or kitchen services. It had a common area, with a good sized kitchen, and living room. The lower level had one bedroom and a large outdoor sitting area that had a mid sized pool, and an amazing area for brai (traditional BBQ). The upstairs had 2 bedrooms and an amazing outdoor deck with views deep into the bush. All bedrooms had their own ensuite bathrooms. Unfortunately internet was a Vodacon 3G router that you had to purchase data on. The home was frequented by animals during the day and overall this residence was an amazing deal. The caretaker arranged most of our safari days and helped with our day to day logistical issues. Where you can get supplies: If you are staying in a self catering residence within the gated community of Marloth park you have a few very simple grocery stores nearby. For a more comprehensive shopping list you will have to drive to a the nearest town where you will find a fully stocked SPAR market for all of your needs. Kruger National Park: Hands down you cannot come to South Africa and not spend at least a few days in this park. If you are looking for the big 5 you will find them! More importantly the terrain, the air and the raw excitement of nature will leave you in awe. There are an array of amazing safari tours. We opted for full day tours because the price variation for half day and full day was negligible. Full day tours start with a pick up at your local residence at 5 am and a planned return between 4pm and 7pm depending on the company. Each tour will have at least two stops for the day one for breakfast and one for lunch. Try to convince your guide to stop at the skukuza rest area at least once for lunch.  The other stops are usually in one of the parks main camp sites and you will find coffee shops and a couple of sub-par restaurants. Check with your tour company as some prepare breakfast for you. Regardless packing some sandwiches and snacks is highly recommended. That being said keep your bags without you at all times as monkeys will also find your snacks equally delicious. Always remember to bring water and stay hydrated! As a side we did not opt to do a self drive and or a night tour as we did not hear great things about either in our research. What to wear: It is usually quite chilly in the morning so a long sleeve shirt, pants and light scarf will be useful. It does warm up quickly so plan to have layers to remove. On overcast or rainy days we even needed a light jacket.  Overall even at the peak heat of the day there is a nice dry breeze while you are in your safari vehicle. Always apply sunblock at the start of the day and remember when possible switch seating sides so that you don't end up with a lovely one sided tan. Sunglasses are also highly recommended. Your technological needs: Note that sometimes animals may be at a bit of a distance and having a good visual is critical. Buy a pair of decent binoculars which will make your viewing pleasure infinitely more enjoyable. Additionally while point and shoot cameras will be ok renting more heavy zoom capable equipment for the trip is a great idea and can get you some amazing shots.  The Animals: Words cannot describe the beauty of nature as it unfolds before you in the park. There are a wide array of animals in the park. A few noted sittings are below but there is even more to be discovered.  Here is just a flavor of the animals we were able to see over a few day period: Lions, male and female, giraffes, wildebeest, two cheetahs, Impalas, wart hogs , African buffalo, baboons, hyenas and their cubs, hippos, crocodiles, vultures, eagles, elephants, kudu, vervet monkey, dwarf mongoose, ostriches rhinoceros, dwarf mongoose, and plenty of zebras, yellow hornbill, bush buck antelope, franklin bird, dung beetles.  Highlights of our safari: we stumbled upon a lion that approached our vehicle within a few feet and walked along the road with us marking his territory every few meters it was breathtaking. We also had the unique opportunity to find a cheetah at the side of the road that had just killed an impala and was on guard allowing her cubs to feast on the kill. We also came across a lions kill of a poor elephant and watched as the vultures gathered in the trees waiting for a safe moment to swoop in and finish off an abundant meal. Overall even in the moments of quiet and calm driving through the bush you can find the most amazing sense of peace. Final thoughts: Anyone coming to South Africa should find themselves at Kruger national park if even for a few days. You will not regret one moment of your journey deep into the bush, book early and do your research as space tends to fill up both at lodges as well as on the safari tours.