The Kruger National Park is generally flat to gently undulating, with average height of 260 metres (853 feet) above sea level, with its most mountainous areas being along the eastern boundary, formed by the Lebombo Mountains.
Sixteen distinct landscapes detailed below, provide a multitude of habitats for the Kruger Park's inhabitants.
Weather
the Southern Hemisphere, the Kruger Park has its share of rain and hot weather. During the summer months (September-April), the Park experiences sporadic rainfall in the form of quick thunder showers. April through August represent the winter months in Southern Africa which in turn means very little rain.
The temperatures average from 30 C (86 F) in January (summer) to 23 C (73 F) in July (winter). Please be aware that the maximum temperature can reach 47 C (117 F) (January) and 35 C (95 F) (July).
It is highly advisable to wear 'breathable' clothes to avoid heat exhaustion or stroke during the day, drink plenty of water and ensure that appropriate clothing is available in the often cold nights.
Vegetation Zones
The varying climatic conditions impact on the type of vegetation in the ecosystem that can survive and flourish in each vegetation zone.
Vegetation Zones 1
The area in the North of the Olifants River to the Limpopo River is a the hottest and most arid of regions in the Kruger National Park. The Ecosystem's vegetation is dominated by the medium-sized Mopane Tree. The Mopane tree is untroubled by the poor, alkaline soil and erratic rainfall of the region. Nature has sensibly adapted the Mopane for such conditions: when the heat becomes unbearable, the leaves fold along the mid-rib.
Vegetation Zones 2
This area has a higher rainfall and therefore has more fertile soil than the area north of the Olifants river. Its sweettasting grasses offer excellent grazing and supports a high population of animals. It is the home of great herds of Impala, Zebra, Wildebeest, Buffalo and Giraffe.
Vegetation Zones 3
This ecosystem area also has sweet grazing and is a parkland inhabited by many Antelope. The Red Bush Willow Tree, Combretum Apiculatum, flourishes here.
Vegetation Zones 4
the Kruger Park between the Sabie and Crocodile Rivers receives approximately 760mm of rain a year and is thickly wooded with sour-tasting grass, less favoured by Antelope. Combretums grow in large numbers and there are giant Sycamore Fig, Mkuhlu, Maroela, Kiaat and spectacular flowering trees such as the White Pear and the red and orange Kaffirboom
Vegetation Zones 5
The smallest area in the Kruger Park lies in the valleys of the Luvuvhu and Limpopo rivers, along the Kruger Park's northern boundary. This is an area of tropical, riverine forest consisting of huge Wild Fig, Spectral Fever Tree, Ebony, Mahogany, Ironwood, Wild Seringa and many Boabab.
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