Kruger National Park & Drakensberg Escarpment

After two wonderful days exploring Johannesburg, my tour officially commenced on day three. It was with lots of excitement that I set off on my South Africa Highlights tour towards Kruger National Park. However, before I arrived there I was treated to some of the most spectacular scenery on the drive.

It was a five hour drive, including a couple of comfort stops along the way, to reach the Drakensberg Escarpment and the Blyde River Gorge in Graskop. Initially, we five travellers plus our tour guide, drove through large flat tracts of farmland.

But eventually, the landscape changed and we were in much greener and hillier terrain. We drove through the high-altitude picturesque village of Dullstroom. This area is renowned for fly-fishing and attracts many tourists escaping the summer heat.

Drakensberg Escarpment

Eventually, we reached what is aptly called the “panorama route”, where the road twisted and turned as it climbed to elevation. In several spots we started getting glimpses of the Blyde River Canyon with the backdrop of the Drakensberg Mountains in the distance.

Our first stop on the “panorama route” was at the Blyde River Canyon. Officially known as the Motlatse Canyon, it is one of the largest canyons in the world. There are impressive views over the edges of the canyon from several viewpoints dropping 800 metres into the riverbed. It is covered in lush green vegetation, that also makes it one of the world’s ‘greenest’ canyons.

Here you can also witness the spectacle of the “Three Rondavels” or three sisters, that are huge spirals of dolomite rock protruding out from the wall of the Blyde River canyon. In addition you can observe “The Pinnacle” – a single quartzite column rising out of the deep canyon. 

Continuing along the Blyde River Canyon we arrived at the “Bourke’s Luck Potholes”, the meeting point of the Blyde River (river of joy) and the Treur River (river of sorrow). Here we witnessed a geological phenomenon, where water erosion has created strange cylindrical sculptures carved by swirling water. The smooth red and yellow rocks contrast with the dark pools of water.

Our last stop before driving to Kruger National Park, was at “God’s Window”, a breathtaking viewpoint just 10 kilometres from the town of Graskop. It is so called for the panoramic view from the majestic cliffs over the Lowveld that plunges more than 900 metres down into a vast lush green vegetated ravine.

Kruger National Park

It was dark by the time we arrived at our hotel in Hazyview, located just outside Kruger National Park. We were all exhausted after the long drive and also by some of the long hikes that we had embarked on at Blyde River Canyon. Enjoying a hearty meal at the buffet restaurant at the hotel, we then had an early night. Our starting time in the morning for our first game drive was 4.45am.

After a quick cup of tea or coffee, we set off in our mini-van with our breakfast boxes in hand, to the entrance of Kruger National Park and our game drive. It was still dark when we arrived and were met by our driver and guide for the two days – Nico.

After a lengthy wait, for our paperwork to be in order, we eventually departed in our open sided 4WD vehicle. It was absolutely freezing, but fortunately there were rugs provided. As we entered the game reserve the sun was starting to rise above the horizon that was a magnificent sight to behold. We didn’t drive too far before we sighted four giraffes. It looked like a family of four with Mum, Dad and the two kids. They were playing chasey in the early morning glow through the savannah vegetation.

It was exciting to see these elegant long-necked animals in the wild. We were soon treated to many herds of impala. The joke was “JAFI” – just another f***ing impala! As we saw literally hundreds of them during the two-day game drive.

Our day unfolded like an African wildlife fantasy with many sightings of different animals and a variety of birds. Some were so close to the road, or even on the road, so we got up close and personal to a few of the animals. We saw many herds of elephants with young ones; Impala by the hundreds – but also other antelope species such as: waterbuck, kudu, nyala, steenbok and klipspringer; zebras, giraffes, big herds of buffaloes, hippos basking on the banks of the river, hyenas and their pups, warthogs, mongooses, crocodiles, wildebeest, monkeys and a lone leopard in the long grass; Plus a large variety of vibrant coloured birdlife and raptors (including a vulture).

We spent much of our time on dirt tracks and following the Sabie River to see what we could discover. Stopping sometimes to stalk animals, as if we were the hunters of prey. It was thrilling and around every corner we would encounter a new animal.

Our vehicle drove us to a high rocky outcrop, Mathekanyane Lookout overlooking the entire national park, where we were treated to 360 degree views.

Both days on our safari included a mid-morning stop at a cafe with restrooms, where we could buy a coffee and eat our packed breakfasts. We also lunched at two different restaurants: the Skukuza Golf Club, overlooking the golf course and river; and Kruger Station where we lunched inside an old train carriage. Both restaurants were top notch.

Kruger National Park Facts

• It’s one of Africa’s largest and most popular game reserves.
• Located in north-eastern South Africa it covers a vast area of 19,485 km².
• The terrain varies from mountains, savannahs, bush plains and tropical forests.
• It is known for having the highest population density of the Big 5 – Elephant, Rhinoceros, Lion, Buffalo and Leopard, in South Africa.
• There are over 500 species of birds in the park.
• The best time to visit is during the dry season or winter, from May to September.
• There are luxury safari lodges within the park.
• You can play a round of golf at the wildest golf course in the world at the Skukuza Golf Club.
• The park has six different river systems: Crocodile, Sabie, Olifants, Letaba, Luvuvhu and Limpopo rivers.
• There are rest camps within the park with restaurants, cafes, shopping and camping facilities.
• Private game reserves within Kruger National Park offer unique and luxury experiences to encounter wildlife.

Hazyview

Our accommodation for three nights was at Hotel Numbi & Garden Suites. The hotel is spread out over 10 hectares of tropical gardens and features a swimming pool, two restaurants, a caravan park, a wedding chapel and an outdoor events arena. On our third night here we were treated to a traditional Zulu dance performance and a large outdoor BBQ and buffet dinner.

Hazyview is ideally located about 13 kilometres from one of the entrances to Kruger National Park, so is very handy to the animal safaris. It has a large shopping mall, markets and many accommodation options to suit all budgets.

The town of Hazyview is renowned as an adventure playground, because in addition to game drives, you can seek some excitement with: River rafting, quad biking, zip-lining, caving, horse riding and wildlife experiences. A day trip out to Blyde River Canyon is also highly recommended.

White River

On our return trip to Johannesburg we drove through vast pine forests, orchards and plantations of oranges, bananas and macadamia nuts. White River area is one of the most fertile in the province and the plantations go for as far as the eye can see.

The charming town of White River is located in the Crocodile River valley and isn’t too far from the border to Kruger National Park. So is a great location to stay during your visit here.

We stopped for a comfort break at Joubert en Seuns farm stall in Schoemanskloof. Here the farm fresh produce was plentiful and we also discovered there were vendors on the roadside selling macadamia nuts.

My impressions of Kruger National Park and this part of north-eastern South Africa, will be etched in my memory as one of my best ever experiences. It was never as I imagined it, and I guess this is what is remarkable about travelling to different places. Although, there are knockers saying that Kruger National Park isn’t as good as other African wildlife parks, I thought it was incredible. The sheer magnitude and variety of African animals in their natural habitat was awe-inspiring. I felt like I was in the “true Africa” and loved every moment of my three days here.