SANParks.org Forums

Hi there

Both Camps are great.

From lots of experience at both, I would have to choose Bateleur.

Overall is well laid out, units are well spaced apart, and the whole atmosphere is that of being in the "Bush".
Also it is smaller camp, and lots of quiet roads to drive undisturbed, plus a great hide over a waterhole, which is floodlit. The game viewing is awesome, especially in Winter months...

But Sirheni is a worthy "second"....

I think the Bushveld camp with the least "atmosphere" and badly laid out (you might as well be in Lower Sabie) is Shimuweni... lovely area, but camp is last on my list... sorry.

I am sure you will enjoy whatever you choose, and have a great time.

I'm going to be staying at Sirheni in July and have booked a GC6 Cottage. From looking at the camp map, the only GC6 is #14. Does this mean I'm unable to stay at a GC6D?

If thats the case, anyone ever stay at #14 or perhaps able to share some insight...

Hi 1wnature
The D stands for Double bed. One of the rooms in those units have a double bed. But I don't think it will be an issue if you ask them to be placed in a GC6D. Just phone the camp and request another unit.
I am not sure about the view at no 14. We have stayed in No 2 and it was WONDERFUL. We had the best view on the river! The telephone number there is 013 735 6860.

ENJOY!

Hi Everyone! We will be visiting Sirheni for the first time this June and after reading this thread I'm even more excited!

We will be staying in a CO4 cottage - ie number 8, 11 or 13. Is there one of these cottages you would recommend? And if so - who should I contact to ask for a specific number unit?

Hi bushbuddies,
Sirheni is my favourite camp we normally ask for cottage no.7
unrestricted views of the dam,although never stopped at this time of year we have always seen the resident leopard drinking at the dam without having to leave our veranda
Have a great trip with plenty of great sightings
if you fax the reception at Sirheni with a request for a certain number cottage about a week beforehand they usually try to accommodate.

I was in no 15 (the last one)... magnificent... superb...
twice a herd of Elephants, one crossed the water just in front of me and the second come from the left side along the fence

No 8 has the best view and privacy. We requested it, but got no 13 instead. No 13 is also nice, the bird hide is right in front of it.



The bird hide

Back from a lovely KNP holiday!
Just to let you all know - Sirheni was lovely and will now be amongst one of my favourite camps! It really is true that all the chalets are nice and have views.
In my opinion the first 2-3 chalets (nr 1,2 and 3) had very good views as well as the last one - nr 15.
But it really doesn't matter which one you get - it will be lovely and it's a great camp!

We also had the privilege to stay in Sirheni for 1 night last year.
It was also our first stay at any of the bushveld camps.
It was AMAZING!
We did not see any "magnificent" sightings while we were there (although we saw lots of lovely general sightings) - but the atmosphere of this camp was magnificent in its own right.
I can only agree with what Shi said...

Since visiting one Bushveld camp - it has now become my wish to visit all the others as well.
And after trying for many years - we finally got our chance to go and visit Biyamiti later this month!

Goronto - you need not to prepare anything, or do anything to make the most of Sirheni.
Just go there, relax and absorb nature - it will be a magical experience!

Last year we stayed two days at Sirheni and as soon as we left we were wondering why we didn't stay there longer.
The bungalows are very nice with great views over the river.
There are also two look-out points that are very nice.
We had the feeling the resident leopard could turn up any second which made it more exciting, no luck though.
During the day we only saw general game in the Sirheni area, may be worthwhile sitting on your veranda looking over the river.
We had booked a night drive which was a good choice and recommend this to every one.
We where the only three people on the drive so it was a private safari
We had a male lion scenting for about 15 min, he was just walking in front of the 4x4 and also 2 black backed jackals stalking two common duikers.( nothing happened though.
It was a great night drive.
Sirheni is a great place during day and night, I'm sure you will enjoy your stay.

I got one facts a bit wrong it was a sunset drive.
But it did leave from Sirheni, they come and pick you up right in front of your own cottage ( nice service )
I do recommend if you want to have a guided tour from Sirheni that you book it in advance.
We did it which was lucky because their own guide was on holiday.
This gave them time to hire a guide from Punda maria.

Hi there to all the Sirheni Fans....
We leave from Kruger in 19 days ( ) and will be spending 2 nights at Sirheni.
We have never been to this camp, although we firmly love and return to Shimuwini year after year.
This time round I am taking my parents along who have not been in the park for over 30 years.
I foresee them wanting to sit on the "stoep" just to take it all in as opposed to doing too much driving.
And now that I have gone through this thread carefully I am trying to choose a good cottage to request.
We will have a 6 bed unit and it will be high season towards the end of June.
I have seen a number of references to No.2 being good, but as I don't know the camp I have been wondering about the water levels in front of No.2 in the dry season and also the possible effect of the camp generator. Can anybody comment on this please.
Can anybody also provide some second and third options regarding bungalow numbers and also some advice on whether it is best to phone / fax or email a request.

Hi Waterbuck
You will not be disappointed at Sirheni.
We've stayed in number 2 in May and absolutely loved it.
We had no problems with the noises of the generator.
You can look at some of our photo's in the Accommodation Photo thread.

Shi stayed in number 1 and you can also view her photo's HERE.
It looks like number 1 also has great views.

Sirheni is one of the quietest camps in Kruger I think. Your parents will love it.

I haven't been in Sirheni in November so can't help with the birding question.
the general feeling of the camp.is so peaceful.
You really get the bush feeling.
Sitting on your veranda watching all the beasties come by.
If you are really lucky you might even see the resident leopard.

I was there (in March-April 2011). The camp is fantastic, all the bungalows (I'm nearly sure) have a spectacular view, there is a local Leopard who make appareance sometime behind the bungalows (no, no, not around... behind the fence ) and for me, one of the most beautiful dirty road : S56 and nothing disturb you to go to Pafuri... again a superb place... for birding
Go and enjoy