Help me plan a Kruger Park trip

[Ancalagon]

Hey guys,

Are there any seasoned veterans of the KNP on this board?

I want some advice on a proposed trip to the Kruger park next year end of August/early September. The trip would be for myself and a few friends - all adults, no children.

I've been to the park a few times, but a lot of the guys coming with haven't really. I'd like to create a trip that allows us to cover a lot of the park while seeing the best bits of it.

Goals are:
Spend at least half the time in the South of the park, where the game is
If possible, spend at least a little bit of time in the North of the park. I've never been there and neither have my friends. I know the game viewing will be worse, but I want to experience the North at least once. Can it be done in one trip?
Not move camps too often
Not have to drive between camps that are too far apart. For example, you could theoretically drive from Satara to Shingwedzi in one day, but I wouldn't want to have to drive that far in one day.

My proposed plan is as follows:
Enter at Crocodile bridge gate
2 nights in Lower Sabie
2 nights in Satara
1 night in Letaba or Mopani
1 night in Shingwedzi
1 night in Punda Maria
Exit via Pafuri Gate

The plan satisfies the requirements, but actually I'd want to spend 2 nights in Shingwedzi because I've heard it is one of the best camps.

Any suggestions?

 

[Cray]

Nice itinerary - travelling distances look fine, wouldn't recommend Satara to Shingwedzi in one day either. Letaba is a very pretty camp with views of a massive river bed which frequently has lots of game down by the water. Mopani is a decent camp and has nice views of a dam but I prefer Letaba. Haven't stayed in Shingwedzi for a while, but again a very nice camp with a nice view of a big river bed, also recommended

Lots of game around Satara - savannah, big cats etc. Lower Sabie is also very good too but there are hectic amounts of cars around there so if you see anything you will have to put up with loads of other people jostling for position.

Never been as far north as Punda Maria, apparently it is worth it for a one of experience but game viewing is very hit and miss.

You might want to go via Olifants camp on your way from Satara to Letaba, even if you don't stay there it has some stunning views.

 

[Ancalagon]

Thanks.

I've stayed in Lower Sabie, Satara and Letaba before. I liked Letaba but it did frustrate me a bit that there wasn't much to see.

Yeah, I expect things to be busy around Lower Sabie and to some extent Satara too. We won't be going in school holidays, but even so, its going to be busy.

I read an article (in Getaway actually) in which the guy said he stayed in the South of the park first, so that you see all the game and then are more relaxed in the North of the park - because you've already seen everything. Makes sense to me. So maybe by the time we get to Letaba etc, we will have seen hopefully at least a few decent sightings, and be more relaxed. Shingwedzi is apparently extremely good for game too.

EDIT: Well maybe we could stop in Olifants for lunch on the way from Satara to Letaba, and stop in Mopani on the way to Shingwedzi?

EDIT 2: Its quite exciting to be taking people who have never been, or who haven't been in years. I love the KNP!

 

[Cray]

I've stayed in Lower Sabie, Satara and Letaba before. I liked Letaba but it did frustrate me a bit that there wasn't much to see.

True, if you like Elephants though then it most certainly is the place...

I read an article (in Getaway actually) in which the guy said he stayed in the South of the park first, so that you see all the game and then are more relaxed in the North of the park - because you've already seen everything. Makes sense to me. So maybe by the time we get to Letaba etc, we will have seen hopefully at least a few decent sightings, and be more relaxed. Shingwedzi is apparently extremely good for game too..

Not a bad idea, my last KNP trip was in July and we did the North first, loads of elephant but we where quite desperate to see cats and the like by the time we got South (we went with some first timers so they had a list of things they wanted to see). All worked out but South first does sound like a better way to do it..

EDIT: Well maybe we could stop in Olifants for lunch on the way from Satara to Letaba, and stop in Mopani on the way to Shingwedzi?

Yup. that will work well, lunch at Olifants overlooking the river is very cool.

EDIT 2: Its quite exciting to be taking people who have never been, or who haven't been in years. I love the KNP!

KNP is an awesome place, especially nice to be out in the park with no cell phone signal

 

[Ancalagon]

Not a bad idea, my last KNP trip was in July and we did the North first, loads of elephant but we where quite desperate to see cats and the like by the time we got South (we went with some first timers so they had a list of things they wanted to see). All worked out but South first does sound like a better way to do it..

That's what we did last year April (sort of). Two nights in Letaba (beautiful view overlooking the river), two nights in Satara, then two nights in Lower Sabie. We saw by far the most game around Lower Sabie, even though one or two of those occasions were swarmed with cars. I remember one sighting of lions where there must have been 15 cars watching these poor things! And this was even after Easter!

We won't be going around public holidays or school holidays, which I'm hoping will make a small difference.

The things we did wrong last time (I think) were that we started in the North of the park. I didn't think it would frustrate me not seeing anything, but it did. I don't know why. The other problem was that we thought we would see more game if we did early morning drives. So, often we would be out the gate at 6AM. Never saw anything interesting that early - I think we saw a jackal once. The problem with waking up so early is that you don't feel relaxed. So, next time, the earliest we will leave the gate is 8AM. That being said, with so many people, probably not even then!

Yup. that will work well, lunch at Olifants overlooking the river is very cool.

I've had lunch there before - the view is great.

KNP is an awesome place, especially nice to be out in the park with no cell phone signal

I just love the whole experience. The chalets, the camps, the driving around, the game, the braais, etc etc.

 

[tcofran]

2 nights in Lower Sabie - stay in the Safari Tents

 

[bokdrol]

Nice itinerary. Enjoy. I am truly envious, I love the KNP but haven't been for years. Got malaria and ended up in hospital (my own fault) the last time I was there, so hubby is a bit paranoid and doesn't want to go anymore.

 

[Kayoss]

Hey guys,

Are there any seasoned veterans of the KNP on this board?

I want some advice on a proposed trip to the Kruger park next year end of August/early September. The trip would be for myself and a few friends - all adults, no children.

I've been to the park a few times, but a lot of the guys coming with haven't really. I'd like to create a trip that allows us to cover a lot of the park while seeing the best bits of it.

Goals are:
Spend at least half the time in the South of the park, where the game is
If possible, spend at least a little bit of time in the North of the park. I've never been there and neither have my friends. I know the game viewing will be worse, but I want to experience the North at least once. Can it be done in one trip?
Not move camps too often
Not have to drive between camps that are too far apart. For example, you could theoretically drive from Satara to Shingwedzi in one day, but I wouldn't want to have to drive that far in one day.

My proposed plan is as follows:
Enter at Crocodile bridge gate
2 nights in Lower Sabie
2 nights in Satara
1 night in Letaba or Mopani
1 night in Shingwedzi
1 night in Punda Maria
Exit via Pafuri Gate

The plan satisfies the requirements, but actually I'd want to spend 2 nights in Shingwedzi because I've heard it is one of the best camps.

Any suggestions?

"Not move camps too often"? You're suggesting 5 different camps in 7 nights?

If I were to suggest anything, and you may not like this, it would be to scratch the south of the park altogether. I know "that's where the game is", but it's also where all the traffic is, and where the grass is thickest. I'd recommend spending more time in the central region (satara) where things are a bit more open, and the sightings are great. Personally, I've had my best sightings in that region of the park.

Have you considered Tamboti? It is one of my favorite camps in the park! You really feel like you're in the bush there, and it's in a really good game viewing area.

If you do go north, be sure to go past crook's corner!

I'd recommend:

4 nights at Satara/Tamboti
2 nights at Mopani (quite a drive, but definitely ok)
1 night at Punda (also quite a drive) - go past crook's corner, and exit at Pafuri.

I find it far more enjoyable to stay at one place longer, than to keep moving around..

 

[Ancalagon]

I've never taken anti malaria pills and never got malaria. I always cover myself in mozzie spray and it seems to work.

But next year will be a longer trip, will have to decide if it is worth the risk.

 

[Cray]

I've never taken anti malaria pills and never got malaria. I always cover myself in mozzie spray and it seems to work.

But next year will be a longer trip, will have to decide if it is worth the risk.

Anti-Malaria pills are hands down the worst tasting pills in the world.

 

[Ancalagon]

Anti-Malaria pills are hands down the worst tasting pills in world.

I've never taken them, my brother and his wife always do. Maybe it isn't worth the risk.

"Not move camps too often"? You're suggesting 5 different camps in 7 nights?

Yeah, I know. I don't quite know how to balance it. I'm finding it difficult to come up with a plan that ticks all of the boxes.

If I were to suggest anything, and you may not like this, it would be to scratch the south of the park altogether. I know "that's where the game is", but it's also where all the traffic is, and where the grass is thickest. I'd recommend spending more time in the central region (satara) where things are a bit more open, and the sightings are great. Personally, I've had my best sightings in that region of the park.

I do like Satara, but I'm thinking of both Lower Sabie and Satara because the South is renowned for the game viewing. My experience bears that out. But yeah, traffic is more of an issue in the South than the Central region.

Have you considered Tamboti? It is one of my favorite camps in the park! You really feel like you're in the bush there, and it's in a really good game viewing area.

I've never stayed there. I don't it would work because my friends (some of them) would prefer more amenities.

I'd recommend:

4 nights at Satara/Tamboti
2 nights at Mopani (quite a drive, but definitely ok)
1 night at Punda (also quite a drive) - go past crook's corner, and exit at Pafuri.

I find it far more enjoyable to stay at one place longer, than to keep moving around..

I'd rather squeeze in Shingwedzi because everyone says it is up there with the best camps.

Do you guys think that having too many people in a group would detract from the experience?

 

[Cray]

I've never taken them, my brother and his wife always do. Maybe it isn't worth the risk.

I understand time of year is a factor, July there was hardly a mosquito in sight and I didn't take medication.

Previously when I was growing up we always went in December, which is apparently the worst time so we always took medication.

I do like Satara, but I'm thinking of both Lower Sabie and Satara because the South is renowned for the game viewing. My experience bears that out. But yeah, traffic is more of an issue in the South than the Central region.

Satara and Lower Sabie have always been my favourites for game viewing. Have had very good results on the S-100 going East from Satara.

Do you guys think that having too many people in a group would detract from the experience?

It very much depends on how many cars you will have - everyone will be on holiday, people like to do different things. Some people like to leave the gate at first late and back at the gate closing (myself). Others like go out early and then chill during the heat of the day. The bigger the group the harder it will be to please everyone, if you have more cars then it's easier to accommodate people.

 

[supersunbird]

Anti-Malaria pills are hands down the worst tasting pills in the world.

http://www.medcoat.com/products.htm

I bought this at Dischem, makes the malaria pills bearable.

 

[Ancalagon]

I understand time of year is a factor, July there was hardly a mosquito in sight and I didn't take medication.

Previously when I was growing up we always went in December, which is apparently the worst time so we always took medication.

Early September there won't have been much rain, so I'm thinking the mozzies won't have bred that much yet.

Satara and Lower Sabie have always been my favourites for game viewing. Have had very good results on the S-100 going East from Satara.

I've stayed in Satara twice and Lower Sabie once - they are awesome for game viewing. Also had good results on the S-100. Had my best sighting of cheetah near there. 4 cheetah were walking on the road, with no other cars in sight. We followed them for a bit (not off the road).

It very much depends on how many cars you will have - everyone will be on holiday, people like to do different things. Some people like to leave the gate at first late and back at the gate closing (myself). Others like go out early and then chill during the heat of the day. The bigger the group the harder it will be to please everyone, if you have more cars then it's easier to accommodate people.

We will probably have a car per couple, or something close to that. I think that is the only way it can work, because its quite a long trip (8 days). Nobody has a car big enough for 4 people plus luggage plus food. So, having each pair of adults in charge of their own packing and food will probably work out best.

Man I really hope it comes together - people have indicated they are keen, but nothing concrete yet.

 

[3WA]

Start north, move south. That way you have a better chance of seeing the big 5 later in the trip, and leave on a high. Otherwise, if you see all the cool stuff early, you'll be p1ssed off while watching ducks at Pafuri.

 

[Ancalagon]

Start north, move south. That way you have a better chance of seeing the big 5 later in the trip, and leave on a high. Otherwise, if you see all the cool stuff early, you'll be p1ssed off while watching ducks at Pafuri.

I disagree, having done North to South last year. It frustrates you not seeing anything.

 

[Kayoss]

I've never taken them, my brother and his wife always do. Maybe it isn't worth the risk.

I generally don't take malaria pills when I go. It also depends where you're going, and for how long. If you go in winter/before the rains, then it probably isn't necessary. In saying that, I know a guy that got cerebral malaria when he stayed at letaba, in the middle of winter..

If you're even contemplating it, then take the pills. Get Malanil. Yes, they are the most expensive, but they are by far the best. It's 1 pill a day (1 day before leaving, and 7 days after returning). Doxycycline is very cheap but makes you sensitive to the sun, and needs to be taken for 4 weeks after returning (and I speak from experience when I say it can make you sick). Mefliam is quite cheap, effective, and only take once a week, but it can also make you quite sick (even cause nightmares).

Yeah, I know. I don't quite know how to balance it. I'm finding it difficult to come up with a plan that ticks all of the boxes.

I think you'd really appreciate spending several nights at the same place, as opposed to one night here and there. It affects your whole plan as you can't go on a long morning drive if you need to check out of that place before 10am. So if you decide leave in the morning and start your journey to the next camp, then you have to pack before your morning drive.

I do like Satara, but I'm thinking of both Lower Sabie and Satara because the South is renowned for the game viewing. My experience bears that out. But yeah, traffic is more of an issue in the South than the Central region.

Lower Sabie does indeed have a high abundance of animals, and it is a really camp.. However, the H4-1/H4-2 road is a highway when it comes to traffic and heaven forbid there's a leopard sighting there. Heavy traffic, coupled with thick bush, makes it quite hard to get good sightings. Are you in a 4x4? If you do the organised game drives at the camp then it tends to sort out both of those issues.

I've never stayed there. I don't it would work because my friends (some of them) would prefer more amenities.

The luxury tents are, in my opinion, far better than the bungalows at any of the major camps. The only issue is that you get fans and not aircon, but in August that shouldn't be too big of a problem at night. Each safari tent has its own spot overlooking the river, and is shielded from by bushes from the next tent. There's lots of lions in the area so you'll hear them all night long, and because there's no light pollution, you'll get an amazing view of the stars. It's really special, just watch out for them honey badgers!

I'd rather squeeze in Shingwedzi because everyone says it is up there with the best camps.

Eh, I like shingwedzi, but it really depends what you're going for.. Bungalows or camping? The camping there is nice.. I prefer Mopani when it comes to the bungalows. I guess it's all just a personal opinion..

The truth is that 7 days is not enough to do a south-north kruger trip. If you do that, it's going to be riddled with compromises, and won't really feel like a holiday. You'll just be stressing about packing, and moving from one place to the next.

You need to decide what it is you want from your trip..

Birds? Go to Punda.
Lions? Go to Satara/Tamboti/Talamati.
Leopards? Go to Skukuza.
Rhino? Go to Berg-en-Dal.
Big 5? Go to Lower Sabie.

Truthfully though, I may sound like I'm against Lower Sabie/Skukuza, but I'd still much rather be there than JHB!

 

[Ancalagon]

I think that is what worries me - that trying to cram the entire Kruger into 7 nights will end up in a sub-par trip.

The problem I have is that Letaba and Mopani seem to be boring as far as game goes. Satara and Olifants are great, and Shingwedzi is (reportedly) great. But getting from Satara to Shingwedzi is the problem.

Thanks I'll have a look at the luxury tents. I would also like to stay in some of the more private camps, if possible.

Lower Sabie does indeed have a high abundance of animals, and it is a really camp.. However, the H4-1/H4-2 road is a highway when it comes to traffic and heaven forbid there's a leopard sighting there. Heavy traffic, coupled with thick bush, makes it quite hard to get good sightings. Are you in a 4x4? If you do the organised game drives at the camp then it tends to sort out both of those issues.

Just to respond to this specifically.

Nope, no 4x4s. Probably 2-4 small passenger cars. Planning on getting a walkie talkie set for communication (or even multiple sets).

I think to give the newbies... well the most authentic park experience, it would have to include something like Lower Sabie, even if it is really busy.

We will definitely do one or two organised drives - I love the night drives myself.

 

[Kayoss]

I think that is what worries me - that trying to cram the entire Kruger into 7 nights will end up in a sub-par trip.

The problem I have is that Letaba and Mopani seem to be boring as far as game goes. Satara and Olifants are great, and Shingwedzi is (reportedly) great. But getting from Satara to Shingwedzi is the problem.

Thanks I'll have a look at the luxury tents. I would also like to stay in some of the more private camps, if possible.



Just to respond to this specifically.

Nope, no 4x4s. Probably 2-4 small passenger cars. Planning on getting a walkie talkie set for communication (or even multiple sets).

I think to give the newbies... well the most authentic park experience, it would have to include something like Lower Sabie, even if it is really busy.

We will definitely do one or two organised drives - I love the night drives myself.

I think you may be a little mistaken about Shingwedzi.. If you're looking for rare antelope, then it's one of the best camps. If you're looking for big tuskers or huge herds of buffalo, then yes, it's great!

If however, you're looking for cats or the big 5, then you're far better off staying below Olifants. Once you go above Letaba, the amount of game decreases significantly.

 

[Cray]

http://www.medcoat.com/products.htm

I bought this at Dischem, makes the malaria pills bearable.

Awesome!