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South Africa's first national park - Kruger became South Africa's first national park in 1926. It's named after Paul Kruger, President of the South African Republic (or Transvaal) from 1883 to 1900.

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Kruger National Park - Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa, covering an area of 19,485 sq km (7,523 sq mi).

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UNESCO biosphere reserve - The territory is part of the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere, an area designated as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO.

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Sabi Sand Game Reserve - Kruger's Sabi Sand is synonymous with upscale accommodation options and some of Southern Africa's most luxurious safari lodges are located within the borders of the reserve.

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Sabi Sands Game Reserve - The plush Arathusa Safari Lodge typifies the upscale guest amenities available to those seeking a luxury safari experience.(Photo: Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0)

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Sabi Sands Game Reserve - A leopard patrols its territory within the area of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 3.0)

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Giraffe - In 2010 the tallest living terrestrial animal was assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN. By 2016 however, the organization reclassified this iconic beast as Vulnerable, and it remains so today.

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Olifants River - The wide, snaking Olifants River is a tributary of the Limpopo River.

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Olifants River - The river rises between Breyten and Bethal in South Africa's Mpumalanga Province. A tributary of the Limpopo River, the Olifants flows through Mozambique to meet the Indian Ocean at Xai-Xai, north of Maputo.

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Limpopo River - A grey heron perches on the back of an unconcerned yawning hippo cooling off in the Limpopo River, which borders Kruger National Park.

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Lanner Gorge - A landmark geological feature located in the far north of the Kruger National Park, the gorge was carved by the Luvuvhu River and at some points drops more than 150 m (492 ft).

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Ostrich - A male and female common ostrich wander across the road with all the time in the world, much to the delight of a passing safari group. 

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Rhinoceros - South Africa's 22,000 white and black rhinos represent some 93% of these species' world population, 12,000 of which are found in Kruger. Pictured is a southern white rhino. The black rhino is critically endangered.

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Leopard -

A lone leopard plods nonchalantly across a track, oblivious it seems to the parked jeep and its excited occupants. The big cat is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. 

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Headliners - A red-billed oxpecker rests on the head of an impala. The birds are so named for the habit of perching on large animals and feasting on ticks and other annoying insects. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 4.0)

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Elephant - A herd of elephants gather along the banks of the Olifants River for a mid-afternoon drink. 

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Ngala Private Game Reserve - This exclusive area of pristine wilderness lies between Timbavati Nature Reserve and the Kruger National Park. The luxury Ngala Safari Lodge boasts 21 thatched cottages that are designed and decorated in a classic safari style.

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Ngala Private Game Reserve - Beautifully appointed, the cottages—17 standard, three family, and one private family cottage—feature a range of upscale facilities. Complementing the lodge is the Ngala Tented Camp.

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Night safari - Venturing out after dark on a night safari provides a totally different perspective on Kruger and its wildlife.

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Night safari - Three Cape buffalo gather at their favorite watering hole as dusk dissolves into night.

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Impala - Impala number around 120,000 within the park's boundaries. 

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Kruger by foot - One way of exploring the park is by bush trek. These hikes are led by expert guides and allow visitors a "feet on the ground" safari experience. At no other time should tourists venture into the bush on foot.

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Crocodile Bridge - There are nine entrances, or gates, to the park. The well-known Crocodile Bridge marks one of the southern entrances.

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Cheetah - This sleek predator is the fastest land animal on earth. It can reach speeds of up to 112 km/h (70 mph). But it's probably just as exhausting rearing five hungry youngsters, as this proud mum is doing.

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The big five vs the big six - Visitors on a safari are always looking to tick off the "big five"—lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo. But did you know that there's also the "big six?" There are half a dozen bird species out there you must see: martial eagle (pictured), lappet-faced vulture, saddle-billed stork, kori bustard, ground hornbill, and the reclusive Pel's fishing owl. Kruger has them all!

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African wild dog - Kruger serves as a haven for packs of the endangered African wild dog, of which there are thought to be only about 400 in the whole of South Africa.

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Timbavati Private Nature Reserve -

Set in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Kings Camp faces a savanna plain with a waterhole, which is frequented by a wide variety of wildlife both day and night. The camp features luxury and family suites, and two romantic Honeymoon Suites. 

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Timbavati Private Nature Reserve - A number of luxury lodges in Kruger's Timabavati region feature infinity pools with an outlook across the bush. This elephant probably sees this pool as another waterhole to investigate.

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Crooks Corner - Crooks Corner marks not only the confluence of the Luvuvhu and Limpopo Rivers, but also the historic meeting place of Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa. The destination is named for the smugglers that once met here to share contraband and very often spill blood.

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Skukuza - Skukuza is the administrative headquarters and "capital city" of the Kruger National Park. It's also the location of the park's largest rest camp. Skukuza is located at the confluence of the N'waswitshaka and Sabie rivers in Mpumalanga. Pictured: the old train bridge over the Sabie River. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 3.0)

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Best of the rest -

For the more economical traveler, Kruger's rest camp options are ideal for families and groups seeking self-catering accommodation. Camps offer chalets, bungalows, and cottages with basic amenities. Most also offer communal camp sites with electric power.

See also: The best safari destinations in Africa. 

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