The Kruger National Park has sixteen diverse eco-zones, and the plant and animal life of each area is characterized by both the geological formations common to that area, as well as the climate, especially rainfall. There are certain parts of the Granite rock strata found in the western regions of this ancient terrain which are around 3500 million years old, while comparatively younger, at around 200 million years, are the Basalt and Rhyolite geological formations.
The Great Waterways
The Southern sections of the Park are home to two of the largest rivers in the area, the Sabie and the Crocodile. These rivers run parallel to each other, flowing from west to east. There are numerous small tributaries feeding them, which are often no more than dry, sandy beds, even during the rainy season.
The vegetation in this area of gentle, undulating hills is fairly dense and woody, perfectly suited to browsers such as Kudu, and those that hunt them, namely Lion and Hyena. Also common to this area, especially around Pretoriuskop Camp, is the Silver Cluster-Leaf Tree, with its characteristic silvery-blue foliage. The flat topped Paperbark Thorn and the Weeping Wattle with its sprays of bright yellow flowers are also widespread in this area.
To the South-West
The Southern Plains, to the West of Orpen Dam, are home to the Marula and Knob Thorn Acacia, and because of the flatness of the area, there is little run-off, and thus no great rivers. Instead, the water forms large pools, which afford drinking stations for the great Zebra herds, accompanied by Wildebeest, which traverse these plains. Even further south, in the Malelane area, is the home of the White Rhino.
Vegetation here is often unique, as this area has the highest rainfall. This is the area of the Park with the largest diversity of trees, dressed in bright pastels in spring, rich, lush greens in summer or deep russet red in autumn and winter. At home throughout the Park is the magnificent, glowing Fever Tree, arguably the most beautiful of all the Acacias. Most often found near water, especially underground water, the green glow of the bark is attributed to the presence of chlorophyll, which in most other trees is found in the foliage.
Another water lover is the majestic Sycamore Fig, commonly home to the Lesser Bushbaby, Wahlberg’s epauletted Fruit Bat, Purple-crested Loeries, Green Pigeons and Brown-headed Parrots, as well as hosts of baboons and vervets. This majestic giant has a highly complex and unique relationship with a wasp, upon which it relies for pollination.
The Eastern Biomes
The Eastern section of the Park is bordered by Mozambique, and the North by the Limpopo River. Home to the countless species of birds are the many Fig, Bushwillow, Jackalberry, and Mahogany trees. Trees have been called the lifeblood of the Transvaal Lowveld (Malcom Funston), and indeed, life-sustaining they are. They line the seven rivers in this vast and wonderful place, offering shade, shelter and food to many of the creatures which call the Kruger Park home, and indeed, they are of the utmost magnificence and importance.
The Dry Veld
The Northern part of the park, upwards from the Olifants River, is Baobab and Mopane territory. These giants dominate the horizon, a cooling respite against the hot, dry, Bushveld heat. The forbidding black Basalt boulders which overlook this landscape exude a rather stark and sinister feeling, especially in the dry winter months, although even then, the views of the mighty river from the many vantage points are breath-taking.
Another essentially African tree is the ubiquitous Umbrella Thorn, immensely representative of the Bushveld. This beautiful and enigmatic tree characterizes Africa in so many ways, and is common to most parts of the continent, from the Natal coastline and upwards, towards and beyond the Serengeti and its teeming herds of wildlife.
The Haunting and Unforgettable Far North
The alluvial plains formed by the rich soil deposits left by the Shingwedzi and Luvuvhu Rivers encourage a huge diversity of game. These flat plains are home to lush and abundant vegetation, such as the strange Mustard Tree, which is specific to this area, and is favoured by Nyala and Impala.
Unusual for Kruger, especially this area, is the high rainfall common to the Sandstone Hills near to Punda Maria. These ridges, or hills, are home to the majestic Pod Mahogany, and here the splendid Mopane reaches tremendous heights, and is home to a variety of rare and unusual birds.
Transfrontier Parks – a Breakthrough
An incredible new initiative which embraces and epitomizes the spirit of freedom enjoyed by all South Africans today, are the two great Pan-African Transfrontier Parks, namely the Limpopo National Park bordering Mozambique, and the Gonarezhou, which borders Zimbabwe. These fenceless borders allow the ancient migratory routes of the animals to once more open up, especially important for the magnificent elephant herds which have traversed these invisible roads since time immemorial.
