SANParks.org Forums

A very warm welcome to you Bud I do hope that we can answer all your questions here.

I agree with Duco about his thoughts and observations.

Generally, its a lovely time of the year. The grass is still very high, so it is sometimes difficult to see game, but the weather is great. I also find the scenery very gentle on the eyes.

In terms of price, I find the tented accomodation really good value. These are to be found in Croc Bridge, Letaba, Skukuza, Lower Sabie, Tambotie and Punda. Lower Sabie and Punda have only the more luxury tents, but what a gem in terms of ambiance and position.

Another well priced option, in fact the best kept secret in Kruger are the huts at Balule. They are actually rather spacious and it is such a beautiful little camp that you will not be disappointed. With these slightly lower priced options you might be able to spend more on sunset/night drives.

I have stayed in all the tented areas except for Punda. Punda is still on my wish list. If you love Africa and the bush, it gives you all the benfits of the closeness and adventure of camping without the hassle.

One of the major advantages of self-drive is choice. You choose where to go, you choose when to stop and your choose how long to stop for. And you also get to choose your travelling companions. And the thrill, the shear excitement of spotting an animal on your own, without being taken and shown, cannot be bettered and will stay with you a lifetime. On our first visit we had no idea what we were doing, we just bought a map in the shop and drove around, looking. Everything was new and exciting and we were happy to see anything. You don't have to be an expert to enjoy yourself.

Having said all that, when we first started going to the park 7 years ago we learnt a lot by taking the guided sunset and morning drives from the camps. We were very, very lucky and had drives with one of the top guides in SANParks and the lessons I learnt from him I still put into practice now.

Self-drive can also be a cheap option as you have to self-cater. The cafes and restaurants are relatively cheap and in places like Satara, Lower Sabie and Letaba you can carry on your game watching from the restaurant. If you feel like cooking most accommodation units have a small kitchenette and an assortment of utensils. If they haven't then there will be a communal kitchen nearby and you can "rent" a box of utensils for a nominal fee from reception. And all units have a braai (barbecue) stand and a fridge. The shops sell basics or you could pick up supplies from supermarkets outside the park.

I normally recommend that new visitors to the park don't go further north than Olifants/Letaba as the game viewing is quieter and can be discouraging. Plus a week to go from top to bottom, you could end up filling rushed. But if you are coming in from that area it should be doable and the north is fantastic.

There's so much information on the forum it can be overwhelming but keep reading and you will pick up loads of information without realising you are doing it. The trip reports especially are a great source of information about what to see and where to go from the various camps.

Hope you enjoy your trip and if you have any other questions, someone on here will know the answer or have an opinion. Happy travels.

@ Safarigal, those are the most popular units being the perimeter ones and as Lower Sabie is a very busy camp they most often do get booked out quickly especially in the holiday season.
Have you tried looking at the Safari tents there, they are en suite and also very nice and if you are lucky you can get one near the fence as well.

@ BOOB, I have not stayed in the safari tents at CB myself but from what I have heard and read are perfectedly fine.
It will more than likely be hot but they do have ceiling fans.
I think if I remember correctly # 7 is the best one to try and get.
Have a read through This Thread sure you be able to pick up some good advice.

Hi Justjo

If privacy and a bit of comfort is a priority, the bushcamps are wonderful. The only downside for some is that there is no shop on site. The sites for the bushcamps are well chosed and you can be sure of a good location from almost every cottage/tent. Just to be aware that some bush camps only have fans, not air cons.

Bushcamps are as safe as any camp in Kruger. Some, like Tambotie keep their gates open until gate closing time, but there has been no serious incident due to this. I think that the bigest danger in Kruger might well be snakes and given the amount of tourists visiting, there have been suprisingly few incidents.

Biyamiti, Talamati and Tambotie are possibly the most popular bush camp in the areas you are visiting. All are firm favourites with our forum members.

Hi JustJo,

Just to echo what everyone else has said, the bush camps are a wonderful experience. Another plus for me is that most of them have roads that are only supposed to be used by residents of the camp and are really quiet. Even the camps without this are so remote that the roads around are in effect private for the first and last hours of the day. Whichever you choose I'm sure you will enjoy it. But they are popular and are limited in number so book as soon as you can.

Hi ossendryver,
the Wells GH is not on the fence and is most probably within easy walking distance to the web cam water hole.

Look here for the map of the camp.

I am planning a trip for August 2011, and we want to stay for 3nights at Boulders camp.
I know the basics - private, take the whole camp, built on stilts and no fences.

But what else can people who have stayed there tell me about the experience?
Are there good opportunities to enjoy bird-life? Animals?
What kind of a waterhole is it overlooking?
What are the accommodations like?
What kind of drives are in the area?
Anything else I should think about?
What is the comfort level (safety, relaxation, isolation, cooking facilities, etc)?

Is staying for 3nights appropriate? We are staying a night at Shipandani hide, 3nights at Mopani, 1 night at Satara, 4nights at Skukuza, 4nights at Byamiti. 3 adults from US, self-drive in a kombi.

Thanks in advance!
-ljr.

Hi Schoemanskloof, not having had the pleasure of staying there myself but hope to be able to do so one day, all I can do is give you This Link where I am sure you will find some pics and lots of good info and advice on this wonderful bush camp.

I am sure you are going to have a fantastic time, please do remember to come back and let us know how you enjoyed it.

Spargish, why don't you give the reservations office in Jhb. a call to confirm when payment needs to be made even if it just serves to settle any worries.

Greetings all,
I would like a few questions answered:

Are there still guided tours at the Masorini Site?

The movies that are shown in camp, what are their times?

What time can a person arrive at a picnic site? (We have always gotten there
at about brunch time)

Is the Elephant Museum open over Christmas time?

Only 13 Sleeps before entering at Phalaborwa Gate

Thanx

Hi Graeme & Nicky and a very warm welcome to the forum.

I am pretty sure the guides there do still take guests on a walk around, certainly the case in Feb.
Scipio or Sprocky would know for sure.

The movies will be shown as soon as it gets dark enough, not sure exactly what time that is.

You can arrive at the picnic site as early/late as you like, as long as its within the time the camp/park gates are open and you allow time to get back in the afternoon.
The sites that have shops and or attendants will have certain hours, but if you are self catering without the need for a skottel then there is no problem.

I am sure the Elephant museum will be open over Christmas.

Wishing you a wonderful time in the park and many great sightings.

Hi Blackswift,

I can't think of any reason why those 2 camps would not give you all you require, both excellent camps.

I would recommend you try and get one of the river facing units in Lower Sabie, BD3U or one of the safari tents with a great view over the fence onto the river. LST2U
They are all en suite with a kitchen and braai.

Berg & Dal, I would go for one of the dam facing or perimeter units. BA3U
Lots of great roads for sightings in both locations.

Enjoy!

Hi Riaan,

We stayed in one of these in Jan. The one we stayed in had the code BG2E so I assume the E is Enclosed. But beware, although the bottom part is mesh, the top is glass and they can get very hot. Really nice in winter but a bit stifling in summer. And you lose a lot of the "night sounds".

Satara has them as well, not glass, just the mesh enclosing the veranda.

BD3E

good evening
we are 2 adults and a child of 1 year old, internet booking can't add child in reservation. now I have a reservation only for two adults, what should I do?