Kruger National Park in Africa is one of the largest game preserves on the continent. Located in the northeastern part of South Africa, it covers more than 7,500 square miles. There are nine gates to the reserve which allow access to the flora and fauna in the area. However, what really draws visitors to the park are the big five Kruger Park animals: the White or Black Rhinoceros, African Leopard, Cape Buffalo, African Elephant, and the African Lion.
Black Rhino bulls are smaller than their White Rhino relatives, but weigh in at a significant 1,200 kg. These vegetarians prefer to browse on herbs, bushes, and tree leaves, but will eat grass when resources run low. Courtship can get fairly violent, with the males often butting females with their horns. Black rhinos are seriously threatened but a small population does roam the park with the ever present threat of poaching due the trade in rhino horns.
Tourists who get the chance to see an African leopard for the first time when they visit the big five Kruger Park animals are awed by their natural beauty. It surprises most people to learn that lions, leopards, and cheetahs often live in the same area. Leopards are most often found in the riverine woodlands, but can be seen anywhere in the park at any time of the day.
One of the best ways to see the Cape Buffalo is to sign up for a guided safari or stay in one of the camps and head out to the watering holes. These members oof the bovine family spend much of their time grazing in the grasslands, but are never more than 12 miles from a watering hole. They live in herds which are impressive to view. However, they can be quite dangerous when alarmed, so it is always best to keep your distance.
The African Lion is the most famous member of the cat family and roams freely throughout the entire park. Lions are noted for their aggression during the kill, which is why visitors to the park should always keep their windows to their cars rolled up. While the government of South Africa technically owns the park, it is the African lion that rules it as the primary predator. They roam freely and can be seen anywhere in the park.
Finally, the African elephant is the largest land mammal in the world and is flourishing in Kruger Park. Some have lived for 70 years and the largest top seven tons. They are found in the open grasslands and will charge when threatened.
Learn more about the Kruger Park from the official Kruger Park and South African Parks Website.