This national park’s website describes Kruger as the “real Africa”. While those who are associated with Africa’s other wildlife sanctuaries might disagree, there’s no doubt that Kruger – one of eight game sanctuaries in the country – embodies perfectly the South African wildlife experience. But here, it’s more than just about the wildlife; a visit to Kruger is a visit back to a time when man first roamed the bush.

A Lion cub at the Kruger National Park
A Lion cub at the Kruger National Park

As iconic a game reserve as any in this magnificent continent, Kruger National Park is also one of Africa’s largest. With a total area of nearly two million hectares, Kruger extends 360km (224m) from north to south, while from east to west it averages a distance of 65km (40m) – at its widest, it measures 90km (56m). These facts testify to the size of the national park, but also more than hint at the variety of wildlife that one can expect to encounter here. Overall, Kruger makes for a magical and unforgettable experience.

At 147 species, Kruger has the maximum number of large animals than anywhere else on the continent. So if you’re looking to immerse yourself completely in a wildlife experience, there are few better game reserves than Kruger National Park in which to do so. There’s a mind-boggling diversity of animals (and birds) here – this place is paradise for the lover of wildlife. And the presence of knowledgeable guides will make your safari an even more memorable one. One can also spot wildlife by availing of guided walks, an altogether more exhilarating experience. (After a game drive or walking safari, treat yourself to some grilled meats at a bush braai, a barbecue that’s uniquely South African!)

Kruger National Park Landscape
Kruger National Park Landscape

Summers here are usually very hot, with temperatures touching 40C, and humid. The rainy season extends from spring to autumn (September to May), with rainfall particularly heavy during summers. The best time to visit Kruger is during the southern hemisphere winter, from late May to mid-September, when temperatures are comparably cooler (nights can be cold). During these months, there is less chance of contracting malaria – and the drier conditions lead to a decrease in green cover, which means big game can be seen near watering holes every morning and evening. For birding, however, the ideal time to be in Kruger is during the rainy season, when you’ll find masses of migratory birds making the most of the verdant surrounds.

Find out more about Kruger National Park.

The term “Big Five” has become synonymous with African wildlife. It refers to the African Lion, Leopard, Rhinoceros, Elephant and Cape Buffalo. Out of these the Lion and the Elephant are classified as Endangered. The Leopard and the white Rhinoceros are categorized as Near Threatened. The black Rhinoceros is Critically Endangered; hence it cannot be hunted at all. The conservation status of the Cape Buffalo is Least Concern, thus making it the most popular to hunt.

Africa's Big Five (Clockwise from left - African Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo, Elephant and Rhino)
Africa’s Big Five (Clockwise from left – African Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo, Elephant and Rhino)

A lot of people could wonder as to why only these 5, why not the Cheetah or the Hippopotamus? The bitter truth is that this term was originally coined by big game hunters (while hunting on foot) and referred to the level of difficultly in bagging these large animals, primarily owing to their ferocity and defense mechanisms when cornered and also the amount of danger involved in direct contacts with these animals.

Afterwards the term was acquired by Safari tour operators for marketing purposes. The Rand banknotes released in South Africa in 1990 and later feature big-five animals on each denomination.

Big-Five Rand Banknotes Image Credits: bdlive.co.za/markets
Big Five Rand Banknotes
Image Credits: bdlive.co.za/markets

Uganda, South Africa, Tanzania, Botswana, Malawi, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Kenya and Democratic Republic of the Congo are the countries where all the members of the big five can be found.

To read more about Africa’s Wildlife check out these destinations:
Kruger National Park – South AfricaMaasai Mara National Park – KenyaOkavango Delta – Botswana, Serengeti National Park – Tanzania

For trips log on to www.adventurenation.com

 

“Adventures don’t come calling like unexpected cousins. You have to go looking for them.” — Unknown

You need not look too far as we at Adventure Nation not only offer adventure travel activities and opportunities but also strive to guide you in choosing the best locations every month. Here is our list of the best that the month of December has to offer:

  1. Kamshet – Paragliding

Kamshet (original name “Karmakshetra”, which means “the land of your karma”) is a small township located off the old Mumbai-Pune highway (NH-4).

Paragliding in Kamshet Image Credits: Image Credits:
Paragliding in Kamshet
Image Credits: thelongwayback.canalblog.com
  1. Jim Corbett National Park

The first National Park to be established in mainland Asia (1936), CorbettNational Park has captured the imagination of many with the diverse wildlife and the natural uniqueness of the area. It is situated in the town of Ramanagar in the Nainital district of Uttrakhand. Covering an area of 521 sq km, it offers a remarkable variety of landscapes formed by the streams, rivers and many ridges crisscrossing the terrain.

CorbettNational Park is home to a varied species of plants, birds and land animals. Among the birds Crested Serpent Eagle, Red Jungle Fowl, Blossom-headed Parakeet are commonly seen. Kalagarh dam located in the south west of the wildlife sanctuary is considered to be the best place for birding.

Tiger spotting at Jim Corbett
Jeep Safari at Jim Corbett National Park
Image Credits: tempotravellerindelhi.in

Mountains, beaches, deserts and the colorful festivals, India has it all. Offering activities like Mountaineering, Kayaking, Cruising, Birding, Wildlife and Desert Safaris, Outdoor Photography and more – India is a popular travel destination.

Here are some glimpses of this diverse landscape –

Mountaineering in India
Kayaking in the Ganges
Rock Climbing near Gurgaon
Safdarjang, New Delhi
Safdarjang, New Delhi
Image Credits: facebook.com/PhotographyByManoo/

“Winter is coming,” is a phrase made popular by the characters of a widely popular TV series – except, in the series they say the words in fear, while we in India say them with cheer!

Winter, the time to get out and explore, to ski, sail and more!

Here is our pick of some of the most beautiful places to visit in India in the month of November – the official beginning of the winter season:

  1. Andaman (Andaman and Nicobar Islands) – The apotheosis of beauty, the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago is unlike any other place in India. This collection of 572 islands in the Bay of Bengal has so much to see and explore that any number of days you decide to spend here would seem too little.
    Natural Coral Bridge – Andaman
    Image Credits: https://www.facebook.com/anandkshitij/media_set

    You can choose from thrilling water-based activities like scuba diving and snorkeling, historical sites like the Cellular Jail, and also beautiful islands (Havelock, Neil, and Baratang) that boast of some of the most stunning beaches around. This cluster of islands is also home to the Onge and the Jarawa, tribes that are many centuries old but whose populations are dwindling.
    For trip details click Here

Howdy outdoorsy folks!

It’s Monday again, and our animal friends from Corbett National Park are here to add cheer to your week.

The Beautiful Beast!
The Beautiful Beast!
Herd of Elephants
Herd of Elephants
Spotted Deer
Image Credits: weareholidays.co.in
Red-Whiskered-Bulbul Image Credits: walkthewilderness.net
Red-Whiskered-Bulbul
Image Credits: walkthewilderness.net
Hanuman Langur Image Credits: walkthewilderness.net
Hanuman Langur
Image Credits: walkthewilderness.net

Howdy, outdoorsy folks! A new week is here and with that it’s time to talk about new things, new places and new adventures. This time we bring to you The African Adventures in Tanzania. From national parks and wildlife safaris to the continent’s highest mountain peak, this East African nation has it all. Here’s our pick of the top 10:

  1. Serengeti National Park – Wildlife/Jeep Safari, Photography
Cheetah readies for the day!

The Serengeti National Park has the perfect African safari setting. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Tanzania and is well known for its annual wildlife migration of wildebeest and zebra. The month of May is one of the best times to visit the park, when the grass is dry and the wildebeest and zebra start to gather in huge armies, presenting an amazing wildlife show. Meanwhile, the vast spread of grasslands make the Serengeti ideal for witnessing lion kills – one can see the whole spectacle clearly!

With its rich history and culture, 37 World Heritage sites, beaches, snow-capped mountains, the most modern cities and most picturesque villages, France is, statistically, the most popular tourist destination in the world.

The French climate varies from moderate in the northwest to Mediterranean in the southeast. Across different regions, one witnesses extreme rainfall, plentiful sunshine and freezing temperatures, making France a favorable destination for a variety of adventure activities and holidays.