Is it possible to see the Big 5 in just one day?
At the beginning of this post, it is important to note that Kruger Park is not a zoo. The animals are not always to be found in the same place. On the contrary: Surprises, unexpected observations but also disappointments are part of a nature experience of this kind.
With this in mind however, it is also true that many animals have preferred habitats and often also territories. In addition, there are certain activity times and typical behaviors. If you have this knowledge, you can significantly increase the chances of great observations.
The Big 5 are elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo. The compilation is controversial, since it is a seemingly random collection that was mainly created with hunting aspects in mind. But because of their dangerousness and wildness and their claim to huge wildlife reserves and national parks, they still inspire us today.
Let’s plan a trip through Kruger Park to see all 5 in just one day: Our journey begins at Kruger Eden Lodge at 5:00 am: About 15 minutes later we are at the Gate Corcodile Bridge. Depending on the time of year, entry would be at 05:30, for example. We fill out the forms and are in the park before sunrise. Shortly after the gate there is the Shishangeni lion pride on the right. However, the area is a concession and may not be freely navigated. With a bit of luck, the lions will come further west and can then be found near the gate. There are also rhinos there, but you see them even more rarely. However, night safaris are offered on this route. If we’re not lucky during the day, we’ll make a note of it. We stay on the paved H4-2 towards Lower Sabie. We will almost certainly see elephants on the route.
Elephants will be found on any day visit to Kruger Park. However, their frequency does not diminish the incredible fascination that these animals exert on us. While some say there are too many elephants, if that is the case, eventually the balance will be restored. Either through diseases or through lions where they are on the menu, e.g. in Botswana.
After about 45 minutes we drive past Camp Lower Sabie onto the H4-1 towards Nkuhlu. There is a very good chance of lions on this route in the morning.
The Lions in Kruger Park are world famous. Almost everyone knows the photos when they are lounging on the street and the traffic is backing up. You rarely see them alone, but mostly in packs. Sometimes they are so close that you only have to reach out to touch them. However, this must and should be strictly avoided. You also must be early for them because when sun starts heating they seek shade and disapear.
As we drive along the Sabie River, there are always great views of the river. In addition to elephants, Cape buffalo are often found by the water.
Sometimes you can see huge herds of over 100 Cape buffalos, but also small groups of male animals called “dagger groups”. Buffalos are impressive. It is said that they scowl, as if they are owed money. Large buffalo are particularly feared and are responsible for around 200 deaths per year in Africa.
After about 1.5 hours we are in Skukuza and take a break. Of course we could have done that in Lower Sabie or Nkuhlu. But we wanted to be diligent. Leopards are also sighted daily along the route travelled.
Leopards are the most successful big cats. They have a huge range and are highly adaptable and incredibly fast and athletic. Leopards are the only Big 5 animal that will never allow themselves to be locked in or out of a wildlife sanctuary. They can appear almost anywhere. Outside of the reserves, however, they are very secretive and cautious and are almost never seen. Not so in the Kruger Park. They like to lounge lazily in trees along the road during the day, much to the delight of visitors.
From Skukuza we take the H1-1 towards Malelane Gate and then continue on the H3. Just before Jock Safari Lodge we turn left onto the gravel road of the S112 and drive the Biyamiti Loop via the S23 and the H2-2 back to the H3. Leopards are often spotted here, rhinos too.
There are white Rhinos and black rhinos in Kruger Park. The latter are very rare and hard to find. The former could actually be found anywhere if they weren’t ruthlessly poached. This is a tragedy and catastrophe. In desperation, the park management even started to saw off the horns of the animals. White rhinos like to use fixed places as toilets. Long before the animals themselves, you see these spots where baboons like to dig for giant dung beetle larvae.
Back on the H3 we drive back a little and take a break in Afsaal. There we strengthen ourselves with some Roosterkoek, a delicious bread on its own or for lunch. Then it’s back on the H3 heading south. We turn right onto the 120 onto the Steilberg loop. It gets a bit bumpy, but you can meet all the representatives of the Big 5 here. Then turn right onto the 110 and back via Berg En Dal towards Malelane Gate. This time turn left onto the H3 heading north and then turn right onto the S114 and then stay on the S25. All representatives of the Big 5 are also possible on this route.
You haven’t seen all the Big 5 despite all the effort, diligence and long distance? Never mind, now a night safari at the Crocodile Bridge Gate and the next day the tour again! Because even without the Big 5, the Kruger Park is a dream. We saw the magical giraffes everywhere, the loud hippos, the graceful impalas, the elegant kudus, the beautiful zebras, the rustic wildebeests, the gnarled crocodiles and countless other wonderful animals on land, in the air and in the water. To be observed in a unique paradise that one can hardly imagine in this size and beauty.
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