A true heavyweight among Africa's parks and reserves and weighing in at a shade under 20 000 km², the Kruger National Park is roughly the size of Israel or Wales and spans two of South Africa's provinces. The park itself is however just one of the four elements that make up the Greater Kruger National Park, and travellers planning their Kruger safari should be familiar with the physical make-up of this extraordinary destination.
Panorama Route: stunning scenery & self-drive safaris
An extravagantly scenic region to the west of the Kruger National Park, the Panorama Route is rugged, mountainous country, scored with deep gorges and breathtaking views but is well served by easy roads and small, friendly towns. There are many places of interest throughout the Panorama Route - highlights include the Blyde River Canyon and Bourke's Luck Potholes, God's Window and the traditional village of Pilgrim's Rest.
It's where to go for a day or two of pure relaxation after all those crack-of-dawn starts in the Kruger and you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes down for somewhere to stay: accommodation on the Panorama Route ranges from world-class spas and luxurious retreats to family-friendly lodges and safari lodges. And if you do have energy left over from your safari, the Panorama Route is famous for its wealth of sporting and adventure activities - golf, cultural tours, horse-riding and quad biking are among the most popular.