Kruger National Park

　　    Kruger National Park is the largest wildlife reserve in South Africa. It was established in 1898 by Paul Kruger, the last president of the former South African Republic. The park is located in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa, west of the Lebombo Mountains, bordering Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

　　    The park stretches approximately 360 kilometers from north to south and about 65 kilometers from east to west, covering an area of around 7,523 square kilometers. Kruger is home to an exceptionally diverse and abundant range of wildlife, boasting the highest number and variety of species in the world. According to the latest data, the park is inhabited by 147 species of mammals, 114 reptile species, 507 bird species, 49 fish species, and 336 plant species. The antelope population exceeds 140,000, the highest in Africa. Other notable animals include 20,000 buffalo, 20,000 zebras, 7,000 African elephants, 1,200 lions, and 2,500 rhinos. The park also hosts significant numbers of leopards, giraffes, crocodiles, hippos, and ostriches.

　　    Among South Africa’s 18 national parks, Kruger ranks first. It also leads the world in wildlife breeding, ecotourism, and environmental protection technologies and research. The dry season from June to September is the best time to visit the park for wildlife viewing. With an average annual visitor count exceeding 250,000, it is one of South Africa’s premier tourist destinations.

　　    Kruger National Park     Must-visit reason: Largest wildlife reserve in South Africa     Continent: Africa     Country/Region: South Africa     Province/State: Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces