Kruger Park: Skukuza and Surrounds
Self-drive Safari - Skukuza Area

Skukuza and Surrounds

Skukuza and Surrounds

The Skukuza area is dominated by the Sabie and Sand river systems, which support an abundance of wildlife. Because the Sabie usually flows all year round it is the most dependable source of water for the animals of southern Kruger. The area consists mostly of acacia thorn thickets along the lower contours of the landscape, and mixed marula, knob-thorn and bushwillow woodlands on the upper slopes.

Map to Skukuza

In summer the lush vegetation can get very thick, and game spotting can be difficult. Some of the finest riverine forest in Kruger is to be found along the banks of the Sabie, which has a high leopard population. The riverine bush to the west of Skukuza – in the Tinga concession – is much thicker than the bush along the river to the east.

In the Skukuza area watch for:
Animals
Lions
Hyaenas
Thick-tailed bushbaby
Warthog
White rhino

Birds
Purple-crested turaco
African green-pigeon
Hamerkop
African fish-eagle
Black cuckoo-shrike

Bushbuck and even nyala are found in the thicker bush. The Sabie and Sand River loops to the east of Skukuza camp are among the best places for seeing lion and hyaena in Kruger. Buffalo and elephant are regularly seen from the camp itself. South of Skukuza there are a series of granite inselbergs stretching across the veld.

Habitat Pointers

Thorn thicketsalong the Sabie River valley

Mixed woodlands with granite koppies south of Skukuza

Established riverine forest along the Sabie River banks

Mixed marula, bushwillow and acacia woodlands between Skukuza and Tshokwane

Look out for klipspringer on these rocks and rhino and giraffe in the surrounding woodlands. The area is excellent for bird-watching, particularly in Skukuza camp (beneath the large trees along the river walkway), the nearby Lake Panic bird hide and Skukuza nursery.

Best Drive around Skukuza

Skukuza to Lower Sabie: Drive slowly along the Sabie River which is prime lion and leopard territory, stop off for a meal at Nkuhlu and bird-watching at Sunset Dam.
The drive includes riverine bush, thorn thickets and open grassland. This road has a wide variety of animals that are constantly coming to the river to drink.
Allow for three-and-a-half hours, including stops.