The Kruger surrounds comprise game reserves that lie in the savannah regions bordering the Kruger National Park to the west. The lowveld, as this ecosystem is called, is home to a dazzling variety of species, ranging from the massive African elephant to the diminutive pygmy mouse. Lodges and camps range from elegantly charming accommodation to the more rustic and authentic lodging. The Kruger surrounds form part of the Kruger National Park ecosystem - the very wildlife-rich South African savannah lowveld. A number of the game reserves have taken down the fences on the land bordering the Kruger Park - this area, a conservation initiative consisting of public and private land, is known as the "Greater Kruger Park". The reserves are collectively termed the Association of Private Nature Reserves (APNR) and are managed in conjunction with the Kruger National Park. Wildlife can move unhindered from reserve to reserve in search for requisite resources such as food, shelter and water, while tourists enjoy increased access to the game. 

Seasons: The best time to see game is during the winter months (April - September), as water is restricted to rivers and waterholes, where the wildlife congregates. Visibility is also good as the vegetation is less dense. Summer (October to March) is lovely due to the rains - everything is lush and green, and the birding is excellent. November and December are the calving months. 

Wildife: You should see: elephant, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, warthog, lion, spotted hyaena, baboon, hippo, Impala, Kudu, Vervet monkey, waterbuck, tsessebe, wildbeest, bushbaby, bats, mongooses, duiker, steenbok, klipspringer, genet, vultures, owls, bee-eaters, rollers, eagles, bustards, hornbills, starlings, shrikes You may see: Leopard, wild dog, cheetah, Bat-eared Fox, rhino, honey badger, porcupine, rhebok, aardvark, aardwolf, civet, caracal, serval and suni. 

Precautions: Malaria area - minimize mosquito bites by wearing light, long sleeved clothing and using effective insect repellents (containing Diethyltoluamide DEET) on exposed skin. Sleep under treated mosquito netting or ensure that the doors and windows of your accommodation are screened against mosquitoes. Having a fan or air-conditioner on at night will further suppress mosquito activity. Currently, the three effective anti-malaria tablets are Mefloquine (Lariam or Mefliam), Doxycycline and Malarone (Malanil). It is still possible to contract malaria while on malaria prophylaxis. Note that Lariam may present serious side-effects - please test before you depart.