The Bushveld Frontier.
The Kruger is a tapestry of biodiversity woven onto two distinct geological foundations: ancient granite to the west and volcanic basalt to the east.
In the Kruger, geology is destiny. The **Granite plains** in the west produce sandy, nutrient-poor soil where broad-leafed trees like Combretum dominate. Conversely, the **Basalt plains** in the east are rich in clay and minerals, supporting highly nutritious grasses and fine-leafed Acacias. This chemical divide determines exactly where herds of buffalo or solitary leopards choose to live.
Elephant Engineering
The structure of the Bushveld is constantly modified by the **African Elephant**. By uprooting trees and stripping bark, elephants prevent the savanna from closing up into a thick woodland. This "destructive" behavior is actually a vital service, as it creates sunlight gaps for grasses to grow and maintains the open visibility required by high-speed predators like cheetahs.
[Image: Comparison of Granite vs Basalt soil profiles and associated vegetation types]The Riparian Arteries
Because the Bushveld experiences prolonged dry periods, life is tethered to the major rivers like the Sabie and the Olifants. These **Riparian zones** act as permanent corridors of green, providing a sanctuary for crocodiles and hippos while serving as the primary source of life for the terrestrial mammals that trek miles through the heat for a single drink.