Kruger National Park

Elephant Count 2006

The 2006 census revealed that there are 12,427 elephants in the Kruger Park, up from 7,000 since culling stopped, but 40 lower than last year.

Lion Count

Researchers have just completed the first park-wide census of lions in the Kruger Park and they estimate ther are about 1600 lions in the reserve. Lion density is related to the number of animals available to eat, which depends on the amount of vegetation available, which in turn depends on the soil and rainfall. 98% of the lions were in good condition, and the sex and age ratios are the same as those recoded in the 1970's before bovine tuberculosis is believed to have entered the park.

More lions were found on the richer basaltic soils and in the south of the park where there is higher rainfall. A good reason to stay at Khumbula iAfrica when visiting the Kruger Park, as it is by far the most cost effective, high-quality accommodation bordering the Southern Kruger Park.

Tree and plant resources

September in the Kruger Park

September is spring in the Kruger Park. The mornings are fresh and the days warm, even hot. Nights can still be cool though.  Temperatures range between 13 deg Celsius overnight to 29 deg Celsius during the day. Occasional showers can be expected. Average rainfall in September is around 26mm.

Tree wisteria (bolusanthus speciosus)

Tree wisteria is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree, usually with multiple stems occurring on heavy alkaline soils. Its dark grey bark is rough and deeply fissured longitudinally. Its pale blue to violet flowers occur in loose hanging bunches from August through January. It can be confused with the invasive Argentinian Jacaranda. In spring, the flowers can sometimes be white.

Weeping boer-bean (Schotia braschypetala)

The weeping boer-bean (aka tree fuchsia or African walnut) is a medium-sized semi-deciduous tree with rough grey or brown bark that is often found along river banks, streams or on old termite mounds. In frost-free areas it tends to be evergreen.

The weeping boer-bean flowers from August to November and the flowers are deep red, occurring in densely branched heads on the old wood. Weeping boer-beans do not all flower simultaneously, which extends the feeding season for nectar feeding birds.

August in the Kruger Park

August is late winter in the Kruger Park. The mornings are cool and the evenings can get quite cold. The days are mild as temperatures and humidity rise. August is a windy month. The wind and increasing moisture are sure signs that spring is on its way.

Knob Thorn (Acacia nigrescens)

The Knob Thorn is a medium to large deciduous tree occurring in bushveld often on heavy soils. The trunk is usually covered in persistent thorns arising from raised knobs, particularly in young trees. Their flowers take the form of elongated yellowish white spikes. Our lodge is home to a loverly example of a Knob Thorn.

Sjambok Pod (Cassia abbreviata)

Sjambok pods are small to medium-sized trees occurring in the bushveld, frequently associated with termites nests. Their trunks are usually single, straight and clean and their flowers take the form of large, loose sprays of yellow.

Mopane (Colophospermum mopane)

The Mopane is a shrub or medium to tall semi-deciduous to deciduous tree that can have one or  multiple stems. Its bark is thick and fibrous, dark grey and deeply fissured longitudinally. Mopane occurs in almost pure stands in hot, low-lying areas, often on alluvial or lime-rich soils.