The country's finest national park - and the first in Africa , established in 1898 - Kruger National Park occupies a surface area of more than 20,000 square kilometres i.e. the size of Wales, along the border with neighbouring Mozambique. Being so established and with such well-developed infrastructure, it's the easiest national park in Africa to do a self-drive trip - although nothing can match a game drive conducted by a well-informed ranger in an open-top vehicle. The unparalleled variety of accommodation extends from luxury lodges and bush camps to simple resthouses and campsites, while along its western border several private reserves offer exclusivity. Unrivalled in its biodiversity, Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals including the so-called Big Five - buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhino; and it's also possible to see how humans have lived in the Lowveld over the ages through the bushman rock paintings and archaeological sites.

A typical day in the bush - In the early morning (5am), you wake up to coffee & tea before you set out on a fascinating Game drive in specially designed game viewing vehicles with an experienced Ranger and Tracker. An unforgettable safari tour exploring the wilderness, spotting different species of wild animals and learning about Africa's wildlife. Return to your lodge (10am) for breakfast or some lodges may offer breakfast during the game drive where you will be spoilt with a luxurious breakfast completely in the open of the South African wild bush. Whiles the day is still cool, do not miss the walking Safari with an armed Game Range, an option for those wanting a closer encounter with nature. Lunch is served (14.00)and the rest of the afternoon is yours to relax, read a book, catch a nap or simply enjoy the sounds of the African bush. As the sun sets it's time for sundowners in the bush before heading off for a night drive in search of nocturnal predators, eyes are captured by the tracker's spotlight and the chances of spotting the large cats are high. The bush at night has a life of its own. Return to the Lodge in time to freshen up before dinner (20.00)