Kruger National Park

Tusker Masbambela Dies

A giant has fallen.

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.

Tragic Fire in 2001: Who was to blame?

On 4 September 2001, a fire raged through the Pretoriuskop area of the Kruger Park tragically killing 23 people and injuring 11 others. The final report of the commission of inquiry into the fire has been released.

Rangers to get Help Against Poachers

According to SABC News (October 13, 2006) rangers have enlisted a powerful four-legged ally. Grant, a four-year-old Border collie, has been trained to detect wildlife products by their scent. His handler, police Inspector Oosie Oosthuizen, says Grant will find what he is looking for, even if it is stashed inside a car or hidden underground. Grant will be helping Kruger National Park staff and traffic officials in their dogged fight against poaching.

Alternative to Elephant Culling in Kruger Park

Between 1966 to 1994 Kruger National Park culled more than 16,000 elephants before a moratorium was put into effect.

Mpumalanga gets New Park

September 2006 marks the declaration of the 54,000-hectare Blyde River National Park, which will combine the existing Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve with state-owned commercial and indigenous forests on the Drakensberg escarpment in Mpumalanga.

Blyde River National Park will offer accommodation and various tourism activities such as a cableway and a luxury hiking trail. There will also be facilities for various adventure sports.

Blyde River National Park will be home to about 2,000 plant species, which is more than the Kruger National Park. It will also be home to about 335 bird species as well as some rare fish species.

Dullstroom Arts Festival

Traveling to the Kruger National Park in mid December 2006?

Consider visiting the Dullstroom Arts Festival from 16 to 18 December.

Dullstroom, only three hours drive from Johannesburg, is South Africa's premier fly-fishing destination. The festival features music, visual and performing arts and the Dullstroom Bird of Prey and Rehabilitation Centre offers educational talks.

Two of the towns dams will be open to all, which means entry, fly-fishing, and fly-casting sessions will all be FREE!

Accommodation goes fast...so book now!

For festival accommodation and info, contact +27 13 254 0254 / +27 13 254 0020.