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In the early 1890s, President Paul Kruger became increasingly alarmed by the dwindling herds of buffalo in South Africa's Lowveld and declared his intention for a game reserve for 'nature'. His vision laid the foundations of conservation in South Africa, and by the turn of the century the first game reserves - Pongola, Umfolozi, Hluhluwe and Sabie - had been established. It took another 30 years, however, until the National Parks Act was passed in parliament and conservation of land in South Africa was entrenched by national law. At the same time Sabie was renamed Kruger in honour of the man who had put the whole process in motion. If Paul Kruger were around today, I'm sure he would be surprised. There are now 20 major parks in the country, covering an area of nearly two million hectares and representing various ecosystems, formations and cultural landmarks. Their diversity is enormous, ranging from the Knysna National Lakes Area and the wind-battered Cape Peninsula National Park to the arid Karoo and the rocky Golden Gate Highlands National Park. By far the largest - and most successful - is still Kruger. It covers more than 19,000km2 (roughly the same size as Wales) and is run from Skukuza - a veritable 'city' of scientists in the heart of the old park (there's no talk of sleeping in tents as they did in the old days). With 3000km of roads, 24 rest camps and a host of excellent picnic sites, walking trails, 4x4 routes, hides and massive dams, you won't find better facilities in a game reserve anywhere in Africa. Every year about a million visitors come to appreciate the tally of 520 bird, 114 reptile and 146 mammal species - and nearly half stay for the night, generating substantial funds for the country's conservation coffers. In 1999 tourism in Kruger generated more than R200 million in turnover, with a net profit of about R10 million. Currently, South African National Parks has an annual budget of R400 million, of which R50 million is funded by the taxpayer. Staying profitable is central to conservation, and in some areas private operators are being invited to tender for certain non-core operations. | 
