Kruger's best view sites
You get a beautiful view over the mixed bushveld of the southern Kruger from this lookout.
You have a good chance of spotting one of the Big Five.
There are lots of places to admire the view in the Kruger National Park, and
Jan Momberg from Westdene likes them all – he visits the park three times a year.
These are his top five lookout points.
Shirimantanga Koppie
You get a beautiful view over the mixed bushveld of the southern Kruger from this lookout. At the foot of the koppie there’s a plaque in memory of James Stevenson-Hamilton and his wife Hilda, who made a giant contribution to nature conservation in the early 1900s. Skukuza Camp is named after him; “Skukuza” comes from the nickname “he who sweeps clean”, given because of his efforts to prevent poaching and change things around.
Where? 14 km south of Skukuza on the S114.
Nkumbe lookout
This lookout with its thatched roof on Nkumbe Hill is considered one of the best in the Kruger National Park. Be sure to have your binoculars handy, because it offers an unforgettable view of the grassy plains. After good summer rains there are often water pans and you have a good chance of spotting one of the Big Five.
Where? 15 km south of the Tshokwane picnic site on the H1.
Mopani deck
There’s a restaurant and bar with a wooden deck in the modern Mopani Rest Camp. The camp looks out on the Pioneer Dam, and the deck offers views of the dam and the surrounding tree-covered koppies.
There are buffalo, waterbuck and elephant at the dam just about every day, and you’ll see lots of waterfowl. Have something to eat or sip a sundowner while you’re game watching.
Where? Mopani Rest Camp, northern Kruger.
Tshanga lookout
This point is near the Tshanga River on a steep hill, far from busy roads. It offers a breathtaking view of the mopane veld for which the northern Kruger is known. There are only two benches, a stone table and two old-fashioned toilets. This is elephant and buffalo country, and you are just about guaranteed a sighting of one of these two big ones.
Where? 35 km south-west of Shingwedzi on the Red Rocks Loop.
SANParks 012 428 9111; www.sanparks.org
Olifants lookout platform
This view site at Olifants Rest Camp is on a hill that towers high above the Olifants River. You’re highly likely to see elephants, hippos and crocodiles down by the river.
The presence of water and the varied vegetation also attract several bird species. The lookout is high enough so you can see raptors in action.
Where? Olifants Camp, central Kruger.
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Submitted on 24 September 2010 | 08:26:04
My choice would exclude Mopani and Olifants because there are too many people about and very commercial. To replace them I would select N'wanetsi and the lookout on the Biyamiti Road (S139)
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