The northern region is sheltered from all but the most intrepid of travellers due to its remoteness. The area was home to Kruger's "Magnificent Seven" - the record-breaking big tuskers of the past. The area north fo the Levuvhu River provides some of the best birding opportunities in southern Africa; game however can appear sparse. Historically, the areas is fascinating - bushmen- (San), stone- and iron age sites abound. This is the driest region within the park yet mopane, gnarled fig, syringas, resilient bush-willow and baobab trees swathe the landscape. The birdlife is abundant, and the avian cacaphony among the trees is but matched by that of vervet monkeys. The riverine ecosystem of the Shingwedzi and Mphongolo rivers provide refuge and food for hippos, a host of bird species, leopards and the occasional nyala. The southern Makahanje and Gumbandevu hills murmur stories of bygone chiefdoms, and the ancient crumbling stones of the Thulamela iron age site (1250 - 1670) awaken the historian and anthropologist within you. 

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. 

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, Roan antelope, Sable antelope, Bat-eared Fox, honey badger, procupine, rhebok, aardvark, aardwolf, civet, caracal, serval, suni, antbear, pangolin, dassie  

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.