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Central Kruger travel info The central region consists of extensive grassy plains that are interrupted by lush riverine vegetation along the Olifants and Letaba rivers. The area has several dams and birdhides, providing excellent bird and wildlife viewing opportunities. A look out point near the Olifants River is breathtaking in its vista.
Characteristic knobthorn acacias dot the open landscape, and marula trees provide nourishment to a range of herbivores, including elephants, giraffes and mischievous baboons - all of which have been observed to become slightly inebriated from the tempting marula fruit as it ferments. Along the scenic Olifants and Letaba rivers, you can revel in the site of hippos honking their dominance or observe crocodiles lazing on sandbanks in steely anticipation of an impala.
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, Roan antelope, Sable antelope, Bat-eared Fox, rhino, honey badger, porcupine, rhebok, aardvark, aardwolf, civet, caracal, serval, suni, pangolin, Rock Dassie, Scrub Hare, bushpig, African Civet, mongoose, Cape Clawless Otter, striped polecat
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.
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