"A taste of South African Splendour" - Kruger National Park & Blyde River Canyon
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
“A taste of South African Splendour” – Kruger National Park & Blyde River Canyon
It is time to experience one of the largest National Parks in the world and the majesty of the
Blyde River Canyon
Sunday 25th to the Thursday the 29th of August 2019
The Kruger National Park is the largest game reserve in South Africa. It is larger than Israel. Nearly 2
million hectares of land that stretch for 352 kilometres (20 000 square kilometres) from north to south
along the Mozambique border, is given over to an almost indescribable wildlife experience. Certainly, it
ranks with the best in Africa and is the flagship of the country’s national parks - rated as the ultimate
safari experience. The Kruger park itself was established in 1898, following a twelve-year crusade to
conserve the Lowveld wildlife by Paul Kruger, from whom the park takes its name. Lying in the heart of
the Lowveld is a wildlife sanctuary like no other, its atmosphere so unique that it allows those who
enter its vastness to immerse themselves in the unpredictability and endless wilderness that is the true
quality of Africa.
The Kruger National Park lies across the provinces of Mpumalanga and Limpopo in the north of South Africa, just south of Zimbabwe and west of
Mozambique. It now forms part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park - a peace park that links
Kruger National Park with game parks in Zimbabwe and Mozambique, and fences are already
coming down to allow game to freely roam in much the way it would have in the time before
man’s intervention. When complete, the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park will extend across 35
000 square kilometres, 58% of it South African, 24% Mozambican and 18% Zimbabwean territory.
This is the land of baobabs, fever trees, knob thorns, marula and mopane trees underneath which
lurk the Big Five, the Little Five (buffalo weaver, elephant shrew, leopard tortoise, ant lion and
rhino beetle), the birding Big Six (ground hornbill, kori bustard, lappet-faced vulture, martial eagle,
pel’s fishing owl and saddle-bill stork) and more species of mammals than any other African Game
Reserve. The Kruger Park is a self-drive destination, although there are guided tour operators, with
an excellent infrastructure that includes picnic sites, rest camps, waterholes and hides. The
Kruger Park is a remarkable reserve offering an incredible experience of Africa at its most
wild. Very broadly speaking, the Kruger National Park is flat with a few gentle hills, and
people tend to classify the bushveld of the Kruger as unvaried and dry, which is rather like
saying South Africa is sunny - it conceals an amazingly rich diversity.
The Kruger National Park is divided into no fewer than six ecosystems - baobab sandveld,
Lebombo knobthorn-marula bushveld, mixed acacia thicket, combretun-silver clusterleaf,
woodland on granite, and riverine forest.
THE SOUTHERN KRUGER PARK REGION – where we will be visiting…
Bounded by the Crocodile River in the south and the Sabie River in the north, the southern region is also host to the jagged ridge of the Lebombo
Mountains along the border with Mozambique, and the highest point in the park, Khandzalive, in the southwestern corner - almost in counterpoint to
Pretoriuskop that lies in the west of the southern region of the Kruger National Park. The valleys are home to trees rarely found in other parts of the Kruger
park, such as the Cape chestnut, coral tree and lavender fever-berry; and granite lies beneath most of the region, producing distinctive smoothed koppies at
irregular intervals, which are typically surrounded by rock figs and form ideal locations for rock dassies or hyrax, baboon and klipspringer, not to mention
the odd leopard.
This is the region where you’re almost sure of seeing a white rhino as most of them occur here, particularly around Pretoriuskop, Mbyamiti River and south
of lower Sabie. On the whole, there is more game purported to exist in the southern part of the park, so if you don’t make it to the northern reaches of the
Kruger National Park, you won’t miss out.
This part of the Kruger park is to some extent shrouded in history. Around Pretoriuskop,
known for its profusion of trees, is Ship Mountain, its hull-shape the site of an old wagon
trail that crosses a stream marking the birthplace of Jock of the Bushveld. The combretum
woodlands, also part of this region, attract reasonable herds of kudu, impala, giraffe,
buffalo, zebra, white rhino and elephant, and the scarcity of lion in this part of the park,
makes way for the cheetah and wild dog.
Where we will be staying in the Kruger National Park
(Subject to change depending on availability)
Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp
The buildings in Berg en Dal Rest Camp, Kruger National Park are set within natural bush and the
gardens planted with flowering shrubs and aloes, leaving much of the natural habitat unchanged within
the camp. Berg en Dal is one of the newest camps in the Kruger National Park and offers visitors
outstanding accommodation and lodging facilities. Berg en Dal was opened in 1984, meaning 'mountain
and dale' aptly named for its superb location. Great care has been taken to preserve the natural
vegetation in the camp area, which comprises
Malelane Mountain Bushveld (woodland), attracting a variety of grazers. The area hosts White Rhino,
Kudu, Impala, Giraffe, some Elephant, Reedbuck, Klipspringer, Grey Rhebok and warthog. Leopard and
Wild Dog are regularly seen in the region. Lion are usually found in the lower plains on the roads to
Skukuza and Crocodile Bridge. Bird watchers will find the appeal of Berg en Dal Rest Camp irresistible
as a wide variety of birds species can be seen here. San (Bushman) paintings, the only remnants of the
traditional San (Bushmen) people who once lived and hunted in this area, can be viewed in the
surrounding hill shelters along the Bushman trail. The camp comprises of bungalows, safari tents and
camping sites. Amenities include a laundromat, grocery shop and liquor store.
Olifants Rest Camp
Guests to Olifants Rest Camp will be exposed to an unforgettable window of Africa at their Kruger Park
accommodation and lodging. The Olifants Camp is situated on top of a hill towering several hundred feet
over the river of the same name. Sightseeing views from the lookout platforms allow a person to observe
the river below. The camp is warm and welcoming and will win many staunch supporters for Kruger Park
accommodation. The 2, 3 and 4 single-roomed thatched bungalows fitted with en-suite facilities and
kitchenettes afford panoramic views across the surrounding bushveld. Because Olifants Camp is situated in
a transitional zone, 2 distinct types of vegetation can be found, offering a wide range of game. In the north,
the low-lying Mopane trees provide cover for Zebra, Impala, Kudu and Elephant. To the south, rolling plains
are dotted with Buffalo, Giraffe and Kudu. While along the Olifants River, wildlife such as Lion, Crocodiles
and Hippopotamus can be viewed on game viewing and sightseeing excursions in Kruger Park, as well as an
abundance of birdlife such as Owls, Storks and Eagles. Game viewing is possible from Olifants Rest Camp
where a shaded lookout platform is positioned. Here you are sure to spot Hippopotamus, Crocodiles in the
Olifants River. Around the Olifants River, guided game walks are the perfect way to learn more about the
bush from close up. 'Olifants' is the Afrikaans word for Elephants, which are commonly found in the area.
Skukuza Rest Camp
Skukuza Rest Camp is a popular rest camp situated in the heart of Big Five territory and is easily
accessed by road and by air. The myriad of birds and wild game in the area is easily spotted by going
on bush walks and game drives. Wildlife documentaries are shown in an outdoor amphitheater. The
camp was originally known as Sabie Bridge or simply Reserve, the name was changed in 1936.
Skukuza Rest Camp is named after the Tsonga name for James Stevenson-Hamilton, the first warden
of the park. Literally translated it means 'he who sweeps clean', a reference to his removal of all the
local people to make way for the
establishment of the Park. The Stevenson-Hamilton Memorial Museum houses many interesting
artifacts - very well-known is the knife ranger Harry Wolhuter used to single-handedly slay a
Lion and save his own life. Skukuza is the Kruger National Park's largest rest camp and
administrative headquarters. It is situated on the southern banks of the Sabie River and is home
to some interesting birds and amazing plant life. Activities, attractions and facilities are diverse,
as are the animals and plants found both within Skukuza Rest Camp and the surrounding area.
Skukuza Camp is an excellent rest camp from which to pursue the Big Five and birds in the
vicinity. Lion are frequently spotted along this route. At night, look for the Fruit Bat that hangs
under the eaves of the shop, and the Thick-tailed Bush Baby climbing the trees in search of gum.
THE BLYDE RIVER CANYON
The Blyde River Canyon Reserve extends along the Blyde River Canyon's winding path, which at every
turn offers more and more impressive views over sheer edges dropping 800m into the riverbed. The
Blyde River Canyon (now officially known as the Motlatse Canyon) is considered one of the largest
canyons on Earth and may be the largest ‘green canyon’ - it has a particularly lush subtropical
covering. The fresh mountain scenery and panoramic views over the Klein Drakensberg escarpment
are quite spectacular and give the area its name of 'Panorama Route'. Viewpoints are named for the
spectacle they offer, and God's Window and Wonder View hint at the magnitude of the scenery. The
'Pinnacle' is a single quartzite column rising out of the deep wooded canyon and the ‘Three
Rondavels' (also called 'Three Sisters’) are three huge spirals of dolomite rock rising out of the far wall
of the Blyde River canyon. Their domed heads are iced in green and their sides are stained with fiery orange lichen. From the 'Three Rondavels' you can see
the extensive Swadini Dam in the far distance, which marks the end of the reserve. At the meeting point of the Blyde River (river of joy) and the Treur River
(river of sorrow) water erosion has created one of the most phenomenal geological phenomena in South Africa. The ‘Bourke’s Luck Potholes’ have taken
thousands of years to form strange cylindrical sculptures carved by swirling water. The smooth red and
yellow rocks contrast with the dark pools.
The geology and climate of this high rainfall plateau results in masses of waterfalls, beautiful to look at
and many of which you can visit. Others are hidden deep within some of the largest man-made
forestry plantations in the world, with row upon row of pine and eucalyptus trees. The rich and varied
plant life is influenced by extreme climate, a range of altitudes and various soil conditions. This variety
of plant life supports an equally rich and varied fauna. klipspringer and dassies find food and shelter in
rocky areas. The grassland supports grey rhebuck and the rare oribi as well as rodents, reptiles, seed-
eating birds and plenty of insects. Kudu prefer the cover of wooded bushveld and bushbuck and
bushpig move amongst the luxuriant growth on the riverbanks.
All five of South Africa's primates can be seen in the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve. The somango monkey, nocturnal greater and lesser bushbabies,
chacma baboons and vervet monkeys are all present. Hippopotamus and crocodile live in and around the rivers and wetlands of Swadini Dam, as do
waterbirds and otters. Almost every type of habitat that attracts birds is found in the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve and all three South African species
of Loerie can be found in the reserve.
5 Day Schedule for Kruger National Park and Blyde River Canyon…
Day Date Activity Overnight
1 25th August 2019 Pick up from Ponto do Ouro and cross the boarder into South Africa on Berg en Dal Rest Camp
our way to the Kruger National Park. Game viewing on the way.
Afternoon/Evening game drive.
2 26th August 2019 After breakfast, you will leave with packed lunch and be on an all-day Skukuza Rest Camp
Game drive before checking into our next accommodation for the
evening.
3 27th August 2019 Once we have returned from our morning game drive and have finished Olifants Rest Camp
breakfast, we will leave Skukuza Camp and travel to our last camp in
the park, while enjoying some amazing game viewing on our way.
4 28th August 2019 After breakfast, we leave the Kruger National Park to the stunning Old Joe’ Kaia
Blyde River Canyon and its famous features of God’s Window, Three
Rondawels, Bourkes Luck Potholes, Lisbon and Berlin Waterfalls,
before arriving for our last evening at Old Joe’s Kaia B&B.
5 29th August 2019 After breakfast we will back on the road towards Johannesburg to O. R. Tambo International Airport
collect our flights home.
OLD JOE'S KAIA is a unique and small family owned and
managed vegan venue destination situated in the
magnificent malaria-free Schoemanskloof Valley. It
specialises in hosting small groups 12-18 guests. This is a
little oasis full of surprises. Expect fresh and unpolluted
mountain air, fabulous scenery, prolific birdsong, and a
wonderful relaxing, homely atmosphere. Known for its
excellent vegan cuisine and fabulous wines.
SOUTH AFRICA HOLIDAY PACKAGE PRICE
This holiday package price is Euros € 1,450 per person single or € 1,300 per person sharing. To secure your place book no later than the 22nd April 2019.
THE PACKAGE INCLUDES:
• Collection from Ponta do Oura to the Kruger
National Park
• Transfer to the airport
• Accommodation each night
• All meals throughout the holiday
• Government taxes where applicable
• Park Fees
• Professional Game Driver and Guide
THE PACKAGE EXCLUDES:
• Any extension to this package
• Expenses and other items that are purely of personal nature
• Drinks and gratuity tips
•
PLEASE NOTE: To book this holiday and for any questions and payment please contact Anthony or Rhys from Endless Summer Tours quoting ‘South Africa
Holiday Package’.
Anthony or Rhys
Endless Summer Tours
anthony@endlesssummertours.co.za or rhys@endlesssummertours.co.za
+24 (0)84 548 4066 (Cell)
+24 (0)87 8089095 (Office)
www.endlesssummertours.co.za
You can also read
