What to Do and See in Kruger Park South

Phalaborwa

Because of its location two kilometres from the most central entrance to the Kruger National Park, Phalaborwa is known as a gateway rather than a destination in its own right. This is misleading.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find the variety of activities here a respite from chasing after the Big Five. There is a highly rated golf course at the Hans Merensky Club, horse-riding and microlighting, mine tours and sunset cruises on the Olifants River.

Foskor Development Trust Craft Centre in Phalaborwa

This commercial training centre has crafters in residence working on pottery, weaving, woodcutting, bead work and screen printing. Their creations find an outlet at the Phalaborwa Gate of the Kruger but here you can watch the artists at work and buy direct.

Kruger Park Wilderness Trails

The south of the park has a number of two-day, three-night guided walking trails. The Bushman Trail near the Berg-en-Dal rest camp in the far south affords insights into the distant past. Ancient San rock art daubs granite hills that are reminiscent of the more famous Matobos in Zimbabwe.

Also in the south, there is the Napi trail between Skukuza and Pretoriuskop, the Metsi-Metsi trail at Skukuza and the Wolhuter Trail between Berg-en-Dal and Pretoriuskop, deep in the heart of rhino country. A little further north the Sweni savannah trail starts from Satara rest camp which is accessed through the Orpen Gate.

In the centre of the Kruger, the Olifants trail near Letaba rest camp follows the Letaba river which bulges with hippo and ripples with crocs. The foothills of the Lebombo are home to roaming herds of elephant and buffalo.

Kruger Park Bundu Trails

Why walk when you can ride? This 4x4 version of the popular wilderness walk is fully catered and equipped, complete with specialist guide. Tented accommodation is provided for the three-day, two-night excursion currently offered by Orpen rest camp in the centre of the park but other camps will soon follow suit.

There are numerous 4x4 trails throughout the vast expanse of bush and if you bring your own vehicle, bedding and provisions, National Parks will provide the guide whose specialist knowledge will animate the rivers and gorges, baobab forests and hills of one of the world's best known game reserves. As a matter of course, sundowner and night drives are offered at all the camps.

Skukuza Golf Course, Kruger National Park South, South Africa

If you've finally got camera-clickers finger, a nine hole golf course at the Parks headquarters and largest camp will provide the cure. As it is not fenced in, concentrating on your swing as a giraffe looks down on your technique, is the ultimate test of the dedicated golfer. And you don't want to have to play from the rough. Who knows what may be lurking in the bush.

Masorini Heritage Site

In the centre of the park, 15 kilometres from the Phalaborwa gate on the road to Letaba rest camp, the huts among the boulders bear testimony to the earlier inhabitants of these scenic hills. Archaeologists have found evidence of occupation by stone age hunter gatherers as well as ironworkers of 400AD. Guided tours of the reconstructed village and on-site museum are available.