Bordering Mozambique's Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, the eastern edge of South Africa's Kruger Park is formed by the Lebombo Mountain Range. The Crocodile, Sabie, Olifants, Letaba, Shingwedzi, Luvuvhu and Limpopo rivers run west to east through Kruger Park, some flowing constantly and others only seasonally anymore.
The southern part of the 345-kilometre long park has denser vegetation, so while the rhinos may prefer this area, it is not conducive for game viewing. The park's northern area vegetation is mopane-veld for the most part, good for elephant, buffalo and antelope viewing. The park's central region is one of grasslands, shrubs, game and predators.
The so-called Big Five, namely lion, leopard, buffalo, rhinoceros and elephant, are the animals that hunters consider the most dangerous. When driving through Kruger Park in a 4x4, however, shots are made by camera and excitement is the game. Spotting any animal in the park is fun. The camp gates open at 6 a.m. and the first car in line has the best chance of seeing lions still snoozing on the warm, paved roads.
© Elizabeth Willoughby 2012
