Tranquility in Kruger- A Guide for Beginners

 



First thing you need to know about me: I enjoy my solitude. Quiet mornings alone listening to the bush come alive is my idea of heaven on earth. One might think it odd then, given how busy Kruger is these days- not complaining- that it is one of my favourite local destinations. However, all it takes to find peace and freedom in the park is a little planning and willingness to drive a bit. If, like me, you enjoy your own company and contemplative silence, this article is for you.



1) Plan your trips for off peak periods


This may seem obvious, but it really does make one hell of a difference. Late Winter/early Spring is a harsh but magical time in the far North-Eastern parts of the country. It’s hot, dry and any rain that does fall usually brings with it some pretty spectacular cloud formations. The bush is as sparse as it’ll get all year- good visibility- and best of all, kids are back to school locally and overseas. It’s heaven. Oh, mosquito populations are also arguably at their lowest, for those who worry about Malaria. 


(A view fit for a King... or Queen)

2) Be smart about where you enter


 One of the tricks to a relaxing stay is where you enter. There’s nothing worse than long queues and traffic on your first day, even if you do have ample supplies of coffee and rusks on hand! As such, I’d suggest limiting your entries to the following gates for maximum satisfaction: Malelane, Phabeni, Phalaborwa and Punda Maria- in order from south to north. Each of these are quiet, the staff are wonderful and the gates are fairly easy to access. If possible, try to avoid entering the park on weekends to miss the day visitors -thank me later.

(Dusk and Dawn, both times to contemplate)

3) Keep it rustic, keep it clean 


Most of the accommodation in our more popular parks is geared toward the average Joe/Jane and their kids. I’m not complaining, it’s the right move, but it does mean that you need to be a little more selective about where you stay if peace and quiet are a priority. With that in mind, the jewel of the park is in the north. Shingwedzi and up, for the most part. Especially if you’re staying in the main camps. Once you’ve made it through the majority of the monotonous mopani, you’re greeted by the land of endless riverbanks and ancient trees. That said, we can’t all make it up there and if you are going to be further south, keep it to the rustic camps (Balule, Tamboti, Marula) or where you have to stay in the main camps, try and stay in the safari tents. Whatever you do, avoid Skakuza, Lower Sabi and Crocodile Bridge like the plague. Just no. If you’re a camper, spend as much time as can at Tsendze.

(Pretorius Kop Hut)
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Ch2XfdcjHdk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

 4) Take the road less traveled


 I finally managed to do the 4x4 trails in the main part of the Kruger and they were absolutely worth it. Not for the game you see- I didn’t see much- but the views and solitude are absolutely worth the effort. I’d be willing to guess that you could get away with a 2x4 with decent clearance, but I won’t recommend it. I spent an entire day doing those roads and in those 10 hours- I drive slowly- I saw 6 cars. Another must is the road between Shingwedzi and Mopani that travels along the Mozi border. I’ve never seen so many elephants in one day and the roan and tsessebe were a nice surprise. There are also 2 incredible water holes along that road that one needs to visit.

(The road less traveled... sort of)

5) Keep it simple and enjoy the picnic spots


 The Pafuri picnic site isn’t just the best spot in the park, it’s one of the best picnic spots I’ve been to, period. In fact, the majority of the picnic spots in the park are exquisite and a great place to stop for a spot of lunch and a beer. Clean, picturesque and comfortable, the staff really do an outstanding job of keeping things together. I usually keep lunches really simple- cold meats, lettuce and a tomato salad. It’s easy, filling and the freshness of the produce is awesome on those hot days.

(Keeping it simple- Pafuri Picnic Spot)

Bonus tip 


The wildcard is worth it. Well, for most people. If you only spend a long weekend a year in one of our awesome parks, it’s not for you. However, for those of us who do these trips religiously, the wildcard offers you savings on day fees that are hard to beat. Ask the staff at the receptions if you need more information! 

(When the tree was there first)

 Our national parks are a gift open to us all and there are opportunities for adventure around every turn. But for those looking for a more chilled time, there’s opportunities for that too. Embrace your national parks, make the most of them- it’s how we can help conserve our awesome biodiversity. 






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