 |
|
|
The Park: Sections - The North Advisory | Exploration | Map | Restcamps | Sections | Statistics | The Park Because they are more remote, the mopane plains of the north are less often frequented by visitors. Those who have travelled through the north will agree without any doubt however, that if offers some of the most interesting areas to be found anywhere within the Kruger National Park. Northern Kruger National Park is the driest, most remote part but its mopane expanses are roamed by elephant and buffalo, and a huge variety of birdlife and animal life alike occur in the pocket of subtropical forest in the northern area at Luvuvhu. The restcamps that are open for the general public in the northern section are the Punda Maria and Shingwedzi restcamps. One of the recommended routes in the north is the Mahonie loop. A rewarding drive around of twenty six kilometres takes one through the park's most westerly public roads in an area where lavender, knobbly fig and wild syringa trees thrive on sandveld soils. Maritube Dam is a perfect place to photograph an abundance of birdlife and animal life. But be aware that the dam dries up in winter. Kudu, nyala, the rare wild dog and other animals may be seen around Witsand and Matukwala dams. A bird hideout is planned for latter to improve viewing and make it easier for photographers. So that they will have guaranteed good sighting in the late afternoon. The road passes a giant pod mahogany tree (peulmahonie in Afrikaans) which gave the drive its distinctive name. There is also a beautiful marula tree, protected from elephants by a bed of foot-piercing stones. Two hills in the direct area had significance for the former inhabitants. According to legend, Chief Gumbandevu's daughter was a rainmaker. In times of severe drought farmers would bring her sacrificial animals and gifts. Bearing these offerings, she would go up Gumbandevu Hill to summon rain clouds. At nearby Makahanje Hill is a ruin that was once occupied by a ruler of the same name who, it is told, threw people from this hill into the crocodile infested waters below as punishment for even the most trivial crimes. Makahanje's deeds soon reached the ears of his half-brother, paramount chief of the are, who had him killed. The most exciting area in the north is the Luvuvhu River valley, although it involves a long drive, it is well worth a visit. Of special interest as well is the Thulamela Iron Age site (1250-1670) situated south of the Luvuvhu river. The stone structures have been recovered and resemble Great Zimbabwe remarkably.
|
 |
|
