Of all the Big Five, by far the easiest to see at Kruger National Park is the elephant. They are everywhere. We were told that Kruger has an elephant population twice as big as it should be, given its size. Uprooted trees everywhere are testament to the elephants running amok, but any talk of removal or, even worse, culling the herd is most likely off the table. In the meantime, we can be happy knowing that what will become the largest protected game area in southern Africa is, at some level, working really well.
Visitors are allowed to drive on their own during daylight hours, but must be either out of the park, or behind closed gates at one of the camps, before sundown. You are never allowed to leave your car, unless you’re in a protected camp area. Violators face huge fines. We saw a guy get out of his car to take a leak. A park ranger slapped him with an immediate 2,500 rand fine (about $350 US), and he faced another 500 rand ($70) for every half hour he was late getting to a camp gate.
While most of the wildlife is active near dawn and dusk, and usually around watering holes, you never know what you’ll find crossing the road in front of you.
