Kruger: The World’s Best National Park?

Friday, April 24, 2009

Kruger National Park, the massive, 7,332-square-mile reserve in northeastern South Africa, is home to 517 species of birds and 147 species of mammals, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and the rhino).

The best part? Don’t expect Kruger to be some sort of South Africa-Disneyland: “Kruger is not a glorified tourist trap, but a classical conservation showcase – there has been no need to invent Disney-type cartoon-mouse attractions here. Within its fences, ecosystems function much as they always have, with a little human tinkering here and there.”

No offense Yellowstone, but last time I was there I saw some geysers and a couple of buffalo. You’re going to have to do a little better than that to compete with Kruger. (Yes, I understand, this is not a competition.)

According to the park’s official site, the best time to go is surprisingly enough, during their winter (July to September): “This period is very dry in the bush with very cold night temperatures and therefore chilly during the early morning and late afternoon game drives. Game viewing is generally fantastic as the visibility is good and the game is concentrated around any water source.”

For a chance to really get away, there’s even some job openings there. And you thought your time spent in your cubicle was exciting.