Be it a romantic getaway, a family trip or a quick break from city life – the Kruger National Park has something to offer for everyone and every age group. Besides spending time inside the incredible Kruger Park, you could also go on a road trip to experience the surrounding beauty and activities. From God’s Window along the Panorama Route through the gateway towns of Lydenberg and White River, to the Mac Mac Falls which have a rich (literally!) history rooted in the alluvial gold found there in 1873 – there is something for everyone. To help you get started, the Kruger Gate Hotel has shared a couple of favourites for your travel itinerary. Let’s go:
- Get adventurous at Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve
The third largest canyon in the world, covering 29 000ha of exquisite views and waterfalls, The Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve is in the Drakensberg escarpment region of eastern Mpumalanga, and forms part of the scenic Panorama Route. It is home to God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes (named after Tom Bourke who discovered alluvial gold in the formations created by the swirling river water), The Three Rondavels and Pinnacle Rock.
Things to do: From beautiful hikes to white water rafting and kloofing, horse riding to biking, and fly-fishing to hot-air ballooning, this is the perfect playground for adventure seekers.
2. Go underground at Sudwala Caves
Dating back 240 million years, these are the oldest known caves in the world. The Sudwala Caves are formed by natural acid in the groundwater below seeping through fault lines in the dolomite rocks. You will also see fossils dating back 2 000 million years, as well as horseshoe bats that live throughout the cave system.
Things to do: The fascinating Crystal Tour is a must and will take you 2 000m into the caves where you will enter the crystal chamber filled with sparkling aragonite crystals. You could also step outside into the Sudwala Butterfly Effect Nature Garden to see some incredible butterfly species, or experience the Unity Labyrinth. Pop into the Dinosaur Park, a museum displaying life size models of prehistoric dinosaurs; the Jane Goodall Institute Chimpanzee Eden which is home to dozens of rescued chimpanzees; or the beautiful Lowveld Botanical Gardens which grows “magically” where the Crocodile and Nels Rivers meet.
3.Magical animal encounters
If you have a soft spot for eco-preservation and animal rescue, visit Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, which offers guided tours and education programs on SA’s endangered species – and is also home to lions, leopards, and wild dogs.
For a beautiful, interactive experience with some of nature’s gentle giants, visit Elephant Whispers, situated in the Sandford Conservancy on the banks of the Sabie River in Hazyview. This safe haven for five elephants will connect visitors with these incredible animals, from walking with the herd to memorable experiences engaging with these trusting elephants.
Another option is to visit the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre which works to rehabilitate cheetahs, rhinos, leopards, vultures, and other endangered animals. Families can enjoy fun and informative tours as well as specialised excursions.
