5 best routes in southern and central Kruger
The route you use in the Kruger can often determine the quality of game viewing you enjoy. Which are the best routes?
When in the Kruger National Park, most people usually choose a route because of the beauty of the landscape, the likelihood of good game viewing and birding activity.
The following are of the best wildlife viewing areas in the park:
The S100 and other routes around Satara
The Satara region offers good lion sightings due to the abundance of game and water. The S100 follows the N’wanetsi River with ideal stopovers at the Shibotwana and Nsasane waterholes before reaching the Gudzani Road (S41).
Both N’wanetsi and Sweni on the S37 are very good spots where you are able to get out of your vehicle, stretch your legs and admire the beautiful views of the Lebomba Mountains in the east.
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The River Road from Lower Sabie to Skukuza (H4-1)
To get from Lower Sabie to Skukuza, one takes the H4-1 all along the Sabie River and it is said that this riverine bush has more leopards per square kilometre than anywhere else in South Africa.
The terraced banks of the Nkuhlu Picnic Site provide excellent views of the river and its resident hippo and croc populations. For large herds of grazers, the N’watimhiri Causeway is a good detour off the main road. Birders should start at Sunset Dam, which is one of the best places in the area to see water birds.
This road passes through two eco-zones, allowing for an interesting mix of grazers and browsers, and baboons and vervet monkeys can be found in and under the tamboti and fig trees that line the riverbanks.
Although the distance between the two camps is only 43 kilometres, the drive should take at least two and a half hours due to the numerous game viewing opportunities along the way.
Lower Sabie to Berg-En-Dal via the S108 along the Crocodile River
Between Lower Sabie and Berg-en-Dal, one can take the road less travelled and enjoy the beauty along the Crocodile River. Low hills with rough and sandy soil on the hilltops define this region. Sweet grass grows best on darker clay soil on lower slopes, so it’s best to keep an eye out for game along the streams and rivers.
Klipspringer can be found on rocky outcrops, and elephants in riverine areas with leadwood, jackal-berries, sycamore figs, and sausage trees. The sable antelope, the largest of the antelope species, is another unusual animal that lives in this area.
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The Doispane Road from Phabeni to Skukuza (S1)
The best way to get into Skukuza is through Phabeni Gate, which facilitates entry via Hazyview. Phabeni is frequently blessed with excellent game viewing opportunities.
The Albisini ruins and the remains of Joao Albasini’s trading store from 1846 are only 100 metres from the entrance. This is a good spot to get out of the car, stretch your legs, and take in the scenery.
A detour from Orpen gate to Satara via the S36
After passing through Orpen Gate in Kruger National Park, along the long road south towards Tshokwane (S36), the open grasslands are home to some of the largest herds of herbivores.
This road leads south through bushwillow woodland for two and a half hours to Tshokwane.
This landscape does not have a lot of wildlife because it is mostly sourveld, but there may be sightings of buffalos, zebras, kudus, and giraffes. This is an excellent road for spotting bateleurs and other raptors.
Route planning is an important step in order to enjoy the best moments in the Kruger. The routes listed above should be considered.
WATCH: Leopard plays on tee box in Skukuza
